Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

This is The Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C., Canada.
This was once an old quarry and dumping ground. They cleaned
it out and made one of the most beautiful gardens in the world!
That's what God does for a sinful soul!

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.
Isaiah 1:18

GOD'S FLOWER BED
Some people like to be an orchid,
In the flower bed of like,
The center of attention,
Amid the storm and strife.

Others prefer to be a daisy,
With brightness that would cheer,
Always reflecting upon others,
Who happened to be near.

Doing random deeds of kindness,
Like writing cheery notes,
And other deeds by hundreds,
To all different kind of folks.

Passing through this life softly,
As foot-prints lightly tread,
Scattering deeds of kindness,
In God's flower bed.

Freda Fullerton
April 30, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
The children in this picture are now in their twenties.

 How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good
news! Romans 10:15

HEAVEN'S BIBLE SCHOOL
I wonder if the crown of life
That Bible teachers are sure to wear,
Will have an apple all engraved,
On the crown somewhere?

When they get to heaven,
They can sing with Noah about his ark,
And I'm sure, somewhere up there,
Will be a picnic in the park.

They can listen to old Jonah,
And his tale about the belly of the whale.
And talk to Paul and Silas,
About the time they spent in jail.

Daniel's sure to tell them
All about the lion's den,
Joseph will relate how his brothers sold him,
And what a fix that he was in.

Oh, it will be exciting up in heaven,
In that by-and-by,
When the flannel board and poster people,
Come alive, in the classroom in the sky!

Freda Fullerton
April 29, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my garden!

This is me in my neighbor's garden.

Quote: I'm not fully dressed until I adorn myself with
a smile.
Scripture:
For the Joy of the Lord is my strength. Nehemiah. 8:10

SUNFLOWERS
The tall yellow sunflowers
Turn their faces to the sun.
Their countenance speaks of joy,
Like children having fun.

May I be like the sunflowers
And forever raise my eyes,
To sing a song of joy,
That reaches to the skies.

May I never look town-trodden,
Knowing Jesus leads the way.
May I lift my eyes to heaven,
As the sunflower does today.

Freda Fullerton
April 28, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my garden:

BLACK-EYED SUSAN

I had rather be a black-eyed susan
Growing wild and free,
Than to be a hybrid rose,
With palace walls surrounding me.

I'd rather grow out in a meadow,
Where God's nature doth abound,
Than to be all pruned and pampered,
In a city or a town.

I'd choose wide open spaces,
With blues skies overhead,
Sunshine in the morning
And soft clover for a bed.

I would never grace a crystal vase,
On a table fair,
But I would brighten up the way,
For a weary traveler.

Freda Fullerton
April 27, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

I have posted all the poems about the death burial
and resurrection of Jesus, but before we leave Israel
I have one more poem to share with you. It is about
how God takes disappointment and turns it into joy.
When we visited the River Jordan, our guide told us
that the proposed site of the baptism of Jesus had been
moved. During the six day war in 1967 with the Arabs.
The Israelis occupied the Gaza Strip and a fence
was built with a strip of land between them called
"no man's land." And the probable site was there.
It was after sundown when we arrived and my camera
did not have a strong enough light setting to take any
pictures. There was a crowd milling around with a circus
like  atmosphere. Vendors were hawking souvenirs and
in a roped off shallow area they were baptizing people by
pouring water over their heads.
I walked off down the river by myself and found a large rock
that jetted out over the river. Across the river all you could see
were tall reeds. It was as if I was all alone. I sat down and  prayed
and sang a song and as I was looking down at the water I saw the
reflection of a bird glide, not across the river, but up the river. As I
watched the reflection I thought of the dove the descended on Jesus
after his baptism. It was a wonderful experience and I was inspired

to write the following poem.

JORDAN RIVER
I found a quiet place ,
On the Jordan's banks to pray
Away from the crowd,
And the hustle of the day.

As the evening shadows gathered,
I saw a reflection from the sky,
I watched the reflection of a graceful bird
As it went gliding by.

I could picture in my mind,
The baptism of the Nazarene,
As the dove descended on Him,
I could almost see the scene.

As I travel down life's pathway,
I shall never forget the day,
That I sat down by the River Jordan,
To sing and to pray.

As soon as Jesus was baptized he saw the
Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting
on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is
my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."
Matthew 3:16-17

Freda Fullerton
April 26, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

After the resurrection and Jesus had appeared before
all the apostles, they were still confused. They must
have still been traumatized by the crucifixion and
even though they were happy to see Jesus alive, they
did not realize the full significance of it until the day
of Pentecost. Like all of us when we're troubled, we fall
back on what is familiar and comforting, Some of us
go shopping, some eat comfort food, some go running,
Peter, James and John went fishing. Jesus took this time
to prepare  a breakfast for them on the shore of the Sea
of Galilee. We spent a night in a Kibbutz in Tiberias, on the
on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Some of us woman had
a 5:00 Am wake-up call and went done on the shore of the
lake to watch the sun come up. We read the account of Jesus
fixing breakfast for the disciples. We watched a lone fishing boat
come in from a night of fishing and it looked so old, that I could

imagine it being there during Peter's day!
I was inspired to write the following poem:

GALILEE
Today, I watched the sun come up
Over Galilee,
I thought of all the things that Jesus did,
Around this very sea.

I saw a lone fishing boat,
In the early dawn.
I thought of how He had called to them,
Peter, James  and John.

How He had prepared a meal for them,
On this very shore,
Declared that He had died for them,
And would live forevermore!

I cast my eyes upon the water
And remembered, He walked on this very sea.
And He called unto Peter,
"Come walk with Me."

He stilled the raging waters,
With the words, "peace be still,"
And drove the demons in the swine,
Just on that distant Hill.

As I watched the sun come up,
Over Galilee...
All His words and deeds
Came alive for me!

"I'm going fishing,"Simon Peter told them
and they said, "We'll go with you. So they
went out and after a night of fishing they
caught nothing. Early in the morning Jesus
stood on the shore, but the disciples did not
realize it was Jesus. He asked them, "Friends
did you catch any fish? " "No," they answered.
He said "Throw the net on the other side."
When they did, they were unable to haul in the net
because of the large number of fish. Jesus said, "Bring
some of the fish you have just caught."
Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast."
John 21: 2-11

Freda Fullerton
April 25, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
I hope you're very blessed this Easter Sunday!

As we said yesterday, Roman soldiers and sealed

tombs could not keep him sealed away. This picture
is the garden tomb. As we all gathered inside the empty
tomb, we all sang"Up From The Grave He Arose,"
led by John Free.  It was very moving and inspired
the following poem

THE GARDEN TOMB
They say the garden tomb
Was not where they laid my Lord,
That the facts of history,
Are not of one accord.

But as I walked  in that peaceful garden
And stood within the tomb,
I could feel his presence there,
His Glory filled the room.

I know that he has risen
And lives today, you see,
That's way it's not important,
To know just where his tomb would be.

Freda Fullerton
April 24, 2011

The young man, dressed in white said,
"Don't be alarmed. You are looking for
Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.
He has risen! He is not here. See the
place where they laid him. Mark 16:5-6

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

After the crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea asked
Pilate for the body of Jesus and since it was Preparation Day,
They  hurried with the burial. They poured spices around his
body and wrapped it in linen and laid him in a borrowed tomb.
The tomb was within a garden as was the custom of that  day.

This is a picture of the gardens that surround the Garden tomb.
It is so quiet and peaceful you can imagine  the women coming
through the garden to the tomb, to care for the body of Jesus.
The day we visited, the gardeners were cutting back the plants. They
gave us each a sprig of rosemary and since I never throw any thing
away, I still have mine!

JESUS IN THE TOMB
They took his body down,
That was nailed upon a tree.
They prepared him for burial,
His friends and family.

He had no place to lay his head,
In a borrowed tomb was laid,
They bartered for his clothes,
The soldiers... unafraid.

They hurried through the burial,
It was Preparation Day,
The soldiers sealed the tomb,
Where the Savior lay.

But sealed tombs and Roman soldiers,
Could not keep him sealed away,
For he arose from the dead
On that first Resurrection Day!

Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for Jesus' body.
Then he took it down and wrapped in linen cloth
and laid it in a tomb, cut in the rock, one in which
no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day
and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women
that had come with Jesus, followed Joseph to see
the tomb where he was laid.  Luke 23:51-55

Freda Fullerton
April 23, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

This picture is a picture of what is known as
Gordon's Calvary. It was so named for  British
General Gordon. In 1882 General Gordon was
the leading advocate of this being the probable
site of the crucifixion. It is just outside the
Damascus gate and just behind the Garden Tomb.
It is called the,"hill of the scull," and historians
do not agree with Gordon. After having walked the
Via Dolorosa, (The Way) where there is a church

over every site, I can imagine this being Calvary much better

SIX HOURS ONE FRIDAY

In six hours one Friday,
Just an ordinary day.
The people of Jerusalem
Went about their way.

Some went to market,
Others tending sheep,
Thousands to the Temple,
With sacrifices there to keep.

While the city bustled,
On this ordinary day,
History was changing
In an extraordinary way.

Within six hours on that Friday
The earth trembled to the core.
The Temple curtain became torn,
From the ceiling to the floor.

All around was darkness,
The sun refused to shine.
People groped about them,
As if they were blind.

On that distant hill,
They heard an eerie cry
From the center figure,
That was about to die.

"My God, My God,
Why have you forsaken Me?"
Came the pleading call,
From the one upon the tree.

In six hours on that Friday
God claimed a victory,
Over death and Satan
On a cross on Calvary.

But not all believe the story,
That it came about this way,
That God works His best miracles
On an ordinary day.

"My God, my God, why have you
forsaken me?"Matthew 27:46

Freda Fullerton
April 22, 2011
 

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

Since Israel was under Roman rule, the
Sanhedrin had no authority to execute
a prisoner. After keeping Jesus up all night,
they brought him to Pilate, the Roman ruler
in Jerusalem. In just a few questions to Jesus,
he knew he was innocent of their accusations
Having heard that Herod was in Jerusalem,
Pilate sent Jesus to see him, thinking he
would be relieved of sentencing an innocent
man. Herod sent him right back to Pilate.
This picture is of the court yard of Fort
Antonia where it is said that Jesus came before
Pilate. Our guide pointed out that in that
stone pavement is carved out games that the
Roman Soldiers played. You can still see them.
This picture is out of the book as well.

PILATE
They brought Jesus before Pilate,
Who felt he should go free,
But he was afraid of the mob,
So it was Herod he should see.

Herod wanted to see a miracle
He treated Jesus like a circus clown,
Put a royal robe upon him,
And an evil, thorny crown.

They mocked and spit upon him,
Laughed and called him king,
Herod sent him back to Pilate,
His judgement for to bring.

Pilate didn't want to keep him,
His wife was warned in a dream,
So he washed his hands before them
And said, "See, here's your king!"

The crowd was very angry,
"Crucify him!" was their shout.
"He is surely an impostor,
And a blasphemer, there's no doubt!"

Pilate gave in to the protesters,
Much too weak to take a stand,
As man has been down through the ages,
Giving sway to Satan's plan!

When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere,
but that instead an uproar was starting, he took
a bowl and washed his hands before the crowd.
"I am innocent of this man's blood, he said. "It
is your responsibility!" Matthew 27:24

Freda Fullerton
April 21, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

After they arrested Jesus they took him to the house
of Caiaphas, the high priest and before the Sanhedrin.
This picture is the courtyard of the house of Caiaphas.
the house is no longer standing. The courtyard was
were Peter was warming himself, when the servant

girl recognized him and he denied knowing Jesus!

A SAVIOR'S EYES
 Peter warmed himself by the fire
On that fatal night,
Remembering all his friends,
Who had scattered in such a fright.

They had arrested Jesus,
How could this be so?
Did he not come to save his people?
This, he would like to know.

While Peter sought an answer
To this scary plight,
A servant girl called out,
"He was with this man tonight!"

Peter, quickly answered,
"This man I do not know!"
Then he remembered the words of Jesus,
"You will deny me before the cock doth crow!"

Peter wept such bitter tears,
For his weakness and his wrong
As they led Jesus out,
Among the angry throng.

When Peter looked at Jesus,
He saw to his surprise,
Only love and forgiveness,
In his Savior's eyes.

He (Peter) denied it again with an oath;
"I do not know this man!"
Matthew 26:72

Freda Fullerton
April 20, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

Jesus had a heavy heart, with thoughts of Judas'
coming betrayal and his coming arrest, mock trial
and painful death, so like all of us, when trouble
comes, he wanted to share his sorrow with his
friends. He wanted to eat one last meal with them.
I didn't get a picture of the "upper room." This
picture is in a book I bought in Jerusalem.
Whether this is the same room or not is a matter

of speculation, but, it was in the general area.

THE UPPER ROOM:
Jesus called the twelve together
In the upper room.
To tell them that he would be betrayed,
And it would be very soon.

They were saddened by the news,
Wondering, just who it could be.
Jesus said, "It is the one,
Who dips in the bowl with me."

Judas hurried from the room,
His wicked deed to fulfill,
For thirty pieces of silver
Jesus' fate he would seal!

Jesus looked upon the face
Of each treasured friend,
And told them quietly,
That his life soon would end.

He held up the bread and wine,
For each of them to see,
"Will you eat and drink of this?
And please remember me."

"Do this in remembrance of me."
Luke 22:19

Freda Fullerton
April 19, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
After Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, he
 angered the religious leaders by throwing the
money changers out of the temple area.
These columns and the rock paved court area
are all that is left of the temple mount. There is

of course, a Mosque over the dome of the rock.

THE MONEY CHANGERS
Jesus watched the crowd
From the temple court.
He watched the money changers,
As they sold the people short.

They bartered and they wrangled
For the price that each would receive.
Jesus yelled, "This is a house of prayer,
You have made it a den of thieves!"

He overturned the tables,
Let the sheep and doves go free,
He drove out the money changers,
Saying, "This should never be!"

Jesus, angered the religious leaders,
Who had set up this little plot,
They now, reinforced their efforts,
And his, very life they sought.

Jesus had set his eyes toward the city.
And he knew that very soon...
The people who had sought his favor,
Would be calling for his doom!

My house will be called a house of prayer for
all nations. But you have made it a den of
robbers. Mark 11:15

Freda Fullerton
April 18, 2011

Freda's Garden:

"Welcome to my Garden:
Today is what is know as Palm Sunday. The day that Jesus
rode into Jerusalem for the last time. In November of 1984
I had the privilege of visiting Israel. We stayed at a hotel on
Mt. Scopus that over-looked the city. The next morning as
I looked out over the city and thought of Jesus' last entry
I heard a rooster crow and a donkey bray. It gave me chill
bumps! And I wrote the following poem.

This picture of Jerusalem was taken from the Mt. Olives.

JERUSALEM
I gazed upon the city,
That Jesus loved so dear.
I remembered, He called,
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, will you not draw near?"

The city echoed back to Him,
A loud and angry cry,
"You are not the Messiah,
You we shall crucify!"

As I look upon the city fair,
And hear their call to pray,
To send them a Messiah,
To dwell with them today.

I understand the Savior's tears,
For a city that would not hear,
When He cried,
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, will you not draw near?"

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, I longed to gather your children
together, like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings,
but you were not willing." Matthew 23:37

Freda Fullerton
April 17, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This picture is our granddaughter, Katie when
she was little. I made the princess dress for her
birthday and this was her first look at herself.

This is... "Happiness."

HAPPINESS
O! Happiness I sought you in the wind,
That blows gently on my cheeks.
I sought you on the mountains,
With their lofty peaks.

I sought you in the clouds,
That float high up in the sky.
I sought you in the faces
Of the people passing by.

I sought you in the games,
That only people play.
It seemed that I was searching
For you every day.

Then I helped another,
A kindly little deed,
And I started searching
For those who were in need.

O! Happiness I forgot about you,
In my new found glee..
Than I suddenly realized,
That now you found me!

Freda Fullerton
April 16, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
Wildflowers at the
The Grand Teton National Park,
With the Grand Tetons in the background.

WILDFLOWERS
Wildflowers grow
On such a bright array,
Lupines and poppies,
Grow from the desert to the bay.

They never toil or worry.
They are dressed by God you see,
If He cares for the lowly wildflowers,
Will He not care for you and me?

He has said, each hair is numbered,
And for each man there is a plan,
He knew it before he formed us,
With His everlasting hand.

Freda Fullerton
April 15, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

I can do everything through him (Christ)
who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST
I can do all things through Christ,
   who gives me strength.
If I put my trust in this One,
   who calmed the sea.
If I truly ask,
   I truly shall receive,
If in His divine power,
   I really do believe.
I can move all mountains
   of fear, hate and doubt,
If in my daily life,
   I don't leave the Savior out.
I shall receive the power,
   through His Holy name,
To tell the world His story
   all His power proclaim.
For He lives forever,
   and He reigns today, you see,
That's why I can do all things,
   through Him who strengthens me.

Freda Fullerton
April 14, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself
and pick up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

COME FOLLOW ME
"Come, follow in my footsteps."
Is Jesus' earnest plea.
"Take up the cross of pain and sorrow,
Come, follow me.

The path is sometimes rocky,
Sometimes the way you cannot see,
But remember, I will always guide you,
Come, follow me.

There is danger on the journey,
You must cross the storm-tossed sea,
But there will be no night there,
Come, follow me.

There is rest for your journey,
When your work is done, you see,
There will be no night there,
Come, follow me.

The tears you've shed are many,
But no more tears shall be,
And no more pain and sorrow,
Come, follow me."

Freda Fullerton
April 13, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

Gossip can cause a lot of damage and just as dandelions
can cause a garden to look ratty, gossip can wilt a
spiritual garden!

DANDELIONS

Dandelions... weeds or flowers?
Perhaps it matters not to you.
Gardeners think of then as weeds,
Flowers are children's view.

They love the sunny color,
Of the dandelion's yellow flower.
They love to blow the ripened head
And watch it by the hour.

As I watch the fluffy heads,
Fall apart and fly away,
It reminds me of gossip,
As they blow about each day.

Caught upon the wind,
Like dandelion's heads have flown,
Never to be retrieved,
By loose tongues they are sown.

Freda Fullerton
April 12, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

GOD'S PROMISE
He says, My little children,
   I shall always be with you.
My hand will always guide you,
   in everything you do.
For the sparrows I do care,
   and the lilies dressed in white,
Will I not be with you,
   through the long and weary night?
I have said, each hair is numbered,
   then you must know, each tear I see.
All your joy, your pain, your sorrow,
   I share it all with thee."

Freda Fullerton
April 11, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!

Our strength is renewed each day. You do not store it up.
God daily give us the strength to meet each days needs.
The Lord is my strength and my shield. Psalm 28:7

STRENGTH FOR TODAY
God give me strength
  to face this day,
And the problems
  that come my way.
I know that I'm weak,
   and fearful too,
But your strength
   will see me through.
Lift me up,
   if I should fall.
Be thou near,
   when I call.
Light the path,
   please lead the way,
Then, I'll have strength,
   to face this day!

Freda Fullerton
April 10, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

Read my "Thought for Today,"
@http://fredasthoughtfortoday.blogspot.com
Do not judge or you too will be judged.
Matthew 7:1

THE MASTER WEAVER
God weaves the threads in the fabric of life,
So judge not what the finish shall be,
For we only see the cloth's underside,
Not what the weaver shall see.

We see the threads, the dark
And the light,
God sees the purpose,
The pattern of life.

Judge not the fabric,
Scoff not at the weaver's plan,
For we cannot see the cut of the cloth,
Or the heart of the man.

We may see knots,
Or threads out of place...
God sees His children...
Saved by His grace.

Freda Fullerton
April 9, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

Ephesians 6: 10-17 tells us to put on "God's Armor,"
in other words our Christian dress, that I describe
in the following poem.

THE CHRISTIAN DRESS

Life on earth is transient,
   here we can never stay.
To the Christian it's just a dressing room,
   for some eternal day.
A place to clothe our souls,
   in the house God loaned us for a time,
And the garment we're to wear,
   should be a very special kind.
First, is the gown of love...
  no other can compare,
Then the robe of faith,
   that we all should wear.
The shoes of steadfastness,
   we should wear upon our feet,
Then the cloak of hope...
   should make our garment most complete.
And when our souls are dressed,
The way God thinks they ought to be,
He simply calls us home...
   to live eternally.

Freda Fullerton
April 8, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
 I found another Psalm among  my poems
and thought I would post it today.
Without hope, this world would be unbearable!

O LORD, IN YOU WE HOPE
The perfect beauty of God shines forth,
As He summons the heavens above,
And gathers a people unto Himself
Consecrated in His great love.

The Lord shall be our portion,
If we quietly bear His yoke,
watching, waiting, patiently,
O Lord, in you we hope!

Freda Fullerton
April, 7, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden

Remember who died on the cross for our sins!

MAY I REMEMBER

When my path is very steep,
And my mountain hard to climb
May I remember that Your promises are true,
And Your love is so sublime.

When pain is my companion,
And my way hard to find,
May I remember your compassion,
May it bring me peace of mind.

When the nights are endless,
And I am filled with fear,
I pray You walk beside me,
Be thou ever near.

When trust in You has faltered,
And my faith seems oh, so small,
May I then remember,
That You gave to me Your all.

When it seems that it is certain
That life holds no victory,
May I have a clear cut vision
Of the cross of calvary.

Freda Fullerton
April 6, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

 But for you who revere my name, the sun of
righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.
Malachi 4:2

LIFE ON WINGS
Our souls were made to soar,
As wings of eagles, to some heavenly flight .
The life hid in Jesus,
Is encircled by His glorious light.

As eagles are free to soar,
Through the clouds to heights unknown,
Our souls shall be free,
To flee to God's very throne.

The things that come our way,
That seem so hard to bear,
Can be our life on wings,
If taken to our Lord in prayer.

If we take all to him,
Every fret and every care,
Then we must trust Him,
And be sure to leave them there.

For how can He free our souls,
To take this spiritual flight,
If our wings are tethered,
To worry, doubt and fright?

Our will we must surrender
And His will be done in all things,
Then our souls shall know the freedom,
This beautiful life on wings!

Freda Fullerton
April 6, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

If you're day is not going as it should...
reach out and take God's hand!

TAKE GOD'S HAND

If my eyes are focused on my troubles,
Then I will fail to see,
The glory of the blooming flowers,
Or the mountain's majesty.

If my vision's colored,
With my own selfish view,
I shall fail to look to heaven
And see its lovely hue.

I will not enjoy the rainbow,
With its many colored arch,
If I don't believe in God's promises,
Deep within my heart.

I know He wants to help me,
But he only can...
If, and when I'm ready,
To reach out and take His hand.

Freda Fullerton
April 5, 2011
 

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

Today's poem is listed in a devotional I put together
as "Regrets." Our relationships are very fleeting and
we need to visit, phone write and tell those we love
what they mean to us.

GIVE ME FLOWERS TODAY.
Give me flowers while I'm living.
My grandma used to say,
Please do not wait....
To send a funeral bouquet.

Tell me that you love me,
I want to hear it today,
Do not wait to say it
On a funeral bouquet.

Please come for a visit,
Do not wait till I can't hear,
I want a visit...
When I know you are near.

It you are thinking of me,
Write and tell me today,
Do not say, "I'm thinking of you,"
On a funeral bouquet.

Freda Fullerton
April 4, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

Discouragement is one of the devil's greatest tools.
I don't remember when I wrote the poem below or what
inspired it. Perhaps I was feeling discouraged. It has
helped me to reread it and if you're discouraged, I hope
it will help you as well. Blessings on this Lord's Day.

DON'T BE DISCOURAGED

When you're discouraged,
And think all is lost,
Take time to remember
Who died on the cross.
When you are down,
And feeling so blue,
Remember He promised
To be there with you.
When life floods you with trouble,
And you feel washed out to sea,
Just remember the One,
Who hung on the tree.
When you feel, you can't go
Another step of the way,
Just remember, Jesus Christ
Is living today,
And changing the hearts,
Of people, you see...
So don't be discouraged,
He'll not forsake thee.

Freda Fullerton
April 3, 2011

Freda's Garden:

(Welcome to my Garden:
 Forgiveness is a two way street. We forgive others
and God forgives us. " If you do not forgive men their
sins our heavenly Father will not forgive your sins."
(Matthew 6:15) Not an easy thing to do!
Today's poem was taken from
Matthew 18:21-22

FORGIVING OTHERS
Lord, when You were asked about forgiveness
   You said that it would be,
More than seventy-times-seven,
   And You would forgive me.

So Lord, as I make my journey, through this earthly land,
   May this be:
How I treat brothers and sisters,
   And all my fellowman.

You love me when I'm unloving,
   And I fail to look to Thee,
My I also love a brother or a sister,
   When I feel they have failed me.

When others seem unkind,
   Help me to look the other way,
For I may have been unkind,
  Perhaps just yesterday.

If I nurse a hurt...
   A grudge will surely follow it and then,
I've opened up the door,
   For the devil to creep in.

In this human body,
   Perfection will never be,
So help me to forgive others,
   Just as you as you have forgiven me!

Freda Fullerton
April 2, 2011
  

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden.
Also welcome to April! A time to plant. We have out tomatoes
and zucchini squash. It is such fun to watch nature grow.

Our poem today is in the form of a question. "How can I be holy?"
"Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16 is a command from God.
Do we with-draw from this sinful world?  Jesus prayed. ""My prayer is
not that you take them out of the world, but protect them from the evil
one." John 17:15 and another command from God. "Go and make disciples
of all nations." Matthew 28:19 We cannot do that if we with-draw from
the world.

HOW CAN I BE HOLY
Lord, how can I be holy?
Do I set myself apart?
Is it something others see,
Or is it purity of heart?

Lord, how can I be holy?
Must I live my life alone,
Absent from society,
For my sins to atone?

Lord, how can I be holy?
Is it a garment that I wear?
Must I wear a pious countenance,
To show I really care?

Lord, I think it is none of these
That you want from me.
I can never be holy,
Set apart from Thee.

Freda Fullerton
April 1, 2011