Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This is a little creek running  behind the property that
our daughter Janet and husband Richard owned in
Jamestown, RI.

A WONDERFUL LORD
You are a wonderful Lord.
And You, I want to obey.
Your, Word gives us light,
Light, to guide our way.

Lest I let them slip,
Direct my footsteps.
Teach me Your ways,
May I follow Your precepts.

Redeem me from sin.
For Your mercy I plea.
Make me Your servant today.
May Your face Shine on me.

Taken from Psalm 119: 129-136
Freda Fullerton
June 30, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This picture was made at a TOPS Tea, with two dear friends
Elizabeth Wakeham, on the left and Laurie Barbee in the
middle and me on the right. TOPS is a weight management
program, that I've been a part of since 2000. I'm still working
on weight management and I suppose I shall always be. The
following poem is about our spiritual management. We will
always be in God's workroom!

GOD'S WORKROOM
This world is just a workroom,
For our heavenly life,
Where there is no sin, no sorrow,
And there is no strife.

God is not so concerned,
With the blunders that we make,
If we're sincerely trying
To live for His sake.

He sees us not as sinners,
Christ shields us, in every way.
We truly have been pardoned,
As we walk along today.

We are still... and ever growing,
We've been trimmed by our heavenly groom,
And if you do not know it...
You're still in God's workroom!

Freda Fullerton
June 29, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This is a calendar picture, but it goes so well
with the following poem. It seems I've posted
this before, but I did not have a picture with it.

LIFE ON WINGS
Our soul was made to soar,
As wing's of eagles on some heavenly flight.
The life hid in Jesus,
Is encircled by His heavenly light.

As eagles are free to soar,
Through clouds, to heights unknown,
Our soul is 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 we take them to our Lord in prayer.

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

For how can He free our soul
To take this spiritual flight,
If our wings are tethered,
To doubt and fear, as black as night?

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

Freda Fullerton
June 28, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This is one of my favorite pictures of our two oldest
grandsons, Rich and Russ, Walker. It was taken at
Knotts Berryfarm in 1982. It inspired the following
poem:

A CHILD'S IMAGINATION
A child's imagination,
Is a wondrous thing.
He lives in a world of make-believe
Of what each day will bring.

One day a handsome, prince,
In a palace grand,
Fighting off some dragon,
With play-sword in hand.

Or part of some scene,
In the old wild west,
Where his courage...
Is sure to be put to the test.

Or he may be a pioneer,
Out in the western plains,
Looking out for buffalo,
Or other dangerous things.

Some days a fireman,
In a big, big, truck of red,
Saving all the people,
Trapped in their bed.

He may play at being an out-law,
Bank-robbers and such...
But when it comes to bedtime,
He wants mama's loving touch!

Freda Fullerton
June 27, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This is my husband Jim and me.
Two hearts rejoice not only in the Lord, but each other.

HEARTS REJOICE
Give thanks to the Lord,
For the victory He has won.
Make know to the nation,
The marvelous things He has done.

Hearts will rejoice...
Those who seek His Name.
In Him there is strength
He is forever the same.

He aids the oppressed,
Sets His people free,
For He has kept His promise,
His promise, to you and me.

His people will rejoice,
Rejoice,  with uplifted hand
And shout the glad tidings,
To all in the land.

Taken from Psalm 105
Freda Fullerton
June 26, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
I think this picture was made in Arkansas. I just love a country road,
especially one I've not traveled before. I always wonder what is around
the next bend?

A COUNTRY ROAD
I love a country road,
One I've not traveled down before,
A shaded winding path,
I would love to explore.

It might lead to a lovely cottage,
In a lonely glen,
Or a quaint, small village,
Where I'll meet a new friend.

I might find a robin's nest,
Or wildflowers in a field,
Or see some grazing sheep,
On a distant hill.

I might even spot a deer,
Standing by a small, stream.
To walk a country road,
Is a recurring dream.

Freda Fullerton
June 25, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This picture was taken in the bay off Oahu, Hawaii.
You can see Diamond Head behind the sailboat.

SAIL THE RIGHT COLORS
If the waters are muddy
And your colors are gray,
You may find you are sailing
In dangerous waters today.

Though navigation is easy
And the way seems so right,
No obstacles before you,
No storm clouds in sight.

It may be your sailing,
An ocean of ease,
Trying so hard,
The whole world to please.

Stand up and be counted,
Jesus would say,
Fly the flag of integrity
And honor today.

Then you won't be ashamed,
Of the colors you sail,
You will be sailing with Jesus
And you know you can't fail!

Freda Fullerton
June 24, 2011
Written May 1, 1997
At the Pepperdine Lectureship

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This is a picture of our daughter's two little Bichon's
Cash and Chloe. God takes care of every living thing,
even little doggies.

I EXALT YOU, O LORD
I exalt you, O Lord.
Your name I will forever praise.
Great are You Lord.
A glad anthem to You I raise.

I will tell of Your power.
I will proclaim Your awesome deeds.
I will sing, joyfully of You,
That You meet all my needs.

Lord, You are gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger, filled with love,
Fulfilling all Your promises
From heaven above.

With loving hands,
You care for every living thing.
You are near to all who call
And I praise Your Holy Name!

Taken from Psalm 145
Freda Fullerton
June 23, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This is a picture of my mom, feeding her chickens on
our farm... way back when! Since this is the second day
of summer, I thought my poem "Summer On The Farm,"
very appropriate.


SUMMER ON THE FARM
Summer on the farm
Holds special memories for me.
Fireflies, twinkling at dusk,
A whippoorwill calling from some distant tree.

Hollyhocks by the door,
Standing straight and tall.
Old Bossie, mooing in the lot,
For her baby in the stall.

Blackberries in the thicket,
A delicious, pie to make.
We picked them cautiously,
Looking for a snake.

If we did not check ourselves,
With berry-picking done,
Ticks and chiggers, we found out,
Were not part of the fun!

After working in the field all day,
In the summers heat,
It was always so much fun
To go swimming in the creek.

Daddy grew tomatoes,
Would now be a sure fair winner,
And every Saturday afternoon,
I picked some for Sunday dinner.

When I picked a bucket full,
I found a shaded spot
And I sat right down
And ate the biggest of the lot.

I can see my mama yet,
Sunbonnet on her head,
Working in her garden,
Weeding her precious lettuce bed.

Those youthful days have gone
And many summer-times have passed,
But I am thankful to the Lord,
Those memories will last.

Freda Fullerton
June 22, 2011
Written Summer 1985

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This is our great-grandson, Sawyer, learning to ski
Today is his sixth birthday.

LITTLE BOYS ARE
Little boys are:
Bloody noses
And skinned shins,
Dirty hands
And toothless grins.

Little boys are:
Baseball caps,
Tennis shoes,
Eyes of brown
And eyes of blue.

Little boys are:
Ragged jeans
And muddy feet,
Sometimes words,
You can't repeat.

Little boys are:
Angels only,
In their sleep.
In repose, their sweetness
Can't be beat.

Little boys are:
Joy and exasperation
And one of...
God's best Creation!

Freda Fullerton
June 21, 2011
Written November 9, 2003

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This is a picture of Bryant Jay Free born June 18
His parents are Alisha and Darren Free. Alisha's
birthday was yesterday, what a great birthday present.
This baby boy was much anticipated and welcomed
by not only his physical family, but his church family
as well. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all babies were
as anticipated and loved as he is? The miracle of birth
is one of God's greatest blessings and that is why I'm
a pro-life advocate!

GOD'S CREATION
I am Your Creation.
You knit me in a secret place.
Your knowledge is too wonderful,
As is Your unending grace.

Your eyes saw my unformed body,
Knit in the womb of my mother.
All my days, you have ordained,
As those of each sister and brother.

I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
You were there the moment of my birth.
My frame was not hidden from you.
I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea,
Your hand will be my guide.
You, Lord, will look after me!

Taken from Psalm 139
Freda Fullerton
June 20, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
I hope all you fathers have a happy Father's Day!
This is a picture of my husband, Jim, reading to
our granddaughter, Katie, when she was small.
Not only are fathers the face of God, but grandfathers
as well! Written Father's Day 2004

FATHERS ARE THE FACE OF GOD:
Fathers are the face of God,
For each and every child.
They see the face of God
In a father's tender, smile.

How their children view their maker,
Through their growing years,
Will depend upon  their father,
If he can calm their doubts and fears.

If a father has shown mercy,
Tenderness and love,
That will be just how his children,
Will view the Father up above.

Fathers, just remember:
As through this life you trod,
Your children, will not only see an earthly father,
They will see the face of God.

Freda Fullerton,
June 19, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This picture was taken from the top of Mt. Washington in New Hampshire.
They claim to have the worst weather in the world and it's quite possible they
do, for we needed a heavy coat in July! You can certainly see the power of
God in nature, on top of this mountain. When you lift your eyes unto these
magnificent hills, you know who created them and where your help comes
from!

MY HELP COMES FROM GOD
I ask, "where does my help come from?"
Unto the hills I lift my eyes,
Maker of heaven and earth,
It is from You, I realize.

You will not let my foot slip.
You, who never slumber, never sleep.
Within Your right hand,
Your servant, You keep.

As the sun shines by day
And the moon beams at night,
You keep me from harm,
I'm always in Your sight.

You watch my going out.
You are standing at my door.
You watch my coming in,
Both now and forevermore!

Taken from Psalm 121
Freda Fullerton
June 18, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This picture is our son, John. He was in the first grade. Today is
his birthday and the poem below was written by John, when he
was in the sixth grade. It was in our church bulletin February 2, 1975

A LITTLE THANK YOU
Dear Lord,
I thank you for your son,
And all that He has done;
I thank you for this earth,
And mothers that give birth.
I thank you for the sky,
And birds that fly so high.
I thank you for the trees,
And the beauty of the seas .
I thank you for all these things,
And my heart will always sing for your love.
John Fullerton

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This is the wedding picture of our daughter, Janet Walker and
her husband, Richard. Today is Richard's birthday and I give
thanks that he became part of our family over 34 years ago.

GIVE THANKS
I give thanks to You O Lord.
I want all to hear,
Of Your wonderful deeds
And that You're  always near.

You choose the appointed time.
It is You who judges us all
It is You who holds us firm
And catches us when we fall.

As for me...
Your love I will declare,
And Your mercy, Your grace,
The blessings on me, You shower!
Taken from Psalm 75

Freda Fullerton
June 16, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
A beautiful beach on Oahu, Hawaii

I WILL SING OF YOUR LOVE
I will sing of Your love, O Lord.
I will make known your decree,
That You established in heaven
To set all men free.

It was You who made the world.
It is You who rules the sea.
The heavens and the stars are Yours,
Yet, You care... for even me!

Your arm is endued with power.
There is strength in Your hand.
Your glory goes before You,
Showing love to the people of the land.

You remember... my life is fleeting.
You see me in my distress.
I rejoice in Your love and mercy.
I rest in Your faithfulness.

Freda Fullerton
June 15, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This is a picture of our daughter, Janet Walker, pinning the Eagle Scout
badge on our grandson, Jeremy, with his dad, Richard, looking on. This
was at his Court of Honor Ceremony. See the flag in the foreground. The
scouts are certainly taught to respect our flag, which is the title of today's
poem. Be sure to fly your flag today, as this is Flag Day.

OUR FLAG
She flies over our nation
With such glory and pride,
She honors the graves
Of those who have died.

She flies over ships
Far out to sea.
She's a symbol of freedom,
For you and for me.

She drapes over the casket,
Of brave, fallen women and men.
She goes into battle,
Through the thick and the thin.

She wears her colors proudly,
Even, when thrown upon the ground.
She's been ripped and been burned
And been tossed all around.

She still flies proud, and stately,
So tried and so true,
Our wondrous flag...
The red, white and Blue.

Freda Fullerton
June 14, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This is a picture of a flowering tree on Oahu, Hawaii
I love flowers. They make me joyful and I think one
of God's greatest creations is color. And isn't it wonderful
that he created color, just for our pleasure!

SHOUT FOR JOY
Shout for joy:
To God... all the earth.
Sing glory to His name,
Give praise for His worth.

Say to God:
"How awesome are Your deeds.
So great is Your power,
Yet, You have met all my needs."

Praise God:
Let the sound of praise be heard.
He has preserved our lives.
He has kept His Word.

Come and listen:
All that fear God, I will tell thee...
I cried out to Him,
And He set me free.

I give glory to God:
He hears my every prayer,
He has not withheld His love,
Or His tender care.

Taken form Psalm 66
Freda Fullerton
June 13, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:

This picture is a California Condor flying
over the Grand Canyon. Look at that wing spread!

LISTEN TO MY PRAYER.
Hear my cry O Lord,
Listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth,
I call by the hour.

Lead me to the rock,
That is higher than I
For You are my refuge,
I pray, always be nigh.

I long to dwell with Thee
And abide under your wings.
You have heard my prayers,
And now, my heart sings.

Taken from Psalm 61
Freda Fullerton
June 12, 2011

Freda's Garden

Welcome to my Garden:
A beautiful small stream in New Hampshire, near Mt. Washington.


BLESSED IS HE
Blessed is he:
Whose sins are forgiven,
Whose sins are covered,
And has assurance of heaven.

Blessed is he:
When God counts not his sin,
Has erased all his transgressions,
And cleansed him within.

Blessed is He:
When God hears his prayer,
His songs of deliverance,
And makes him His heir.

Taken from Psalm 32
Freda Fullerton
June 11, 2011

Freda's Garden

Welcome to my Garden:
Trusting little ducks, following their mama down a water pathway
at the Melbourne Zoo. Melbourne, Australia.

Taken from Psalm 25

TEACH ME
Teach me your path.
Show me me Your way.
Guide me to Your truth
And be with me each day.

I know You guide the humble.
You teach them what is right.
You are loving and faithful,
Through the long, weary night.

The one that respects You,
Lord, You forgive their iniquity
And You keep Your promise,
For their prosperity.

You will be gracious to me
And sooth my troubled heart.
You free me from all anguish
And from you, I shall not depart.

Freda Fullerton
June 10, 2011

Freda's Garden

Welcome to my Garden:
This picture is The White House in Washington, D.C.
Now I wonder how it fits today's poem?
Taken from Psalm 14

ONLY A FOOL
Only a fool says,
"There is no God."
There seems a lot of fools,
For their fate, have no regard.

The Lord looks down from heaven
On the sons of men,
To see if there are any
Who will take a stand.

It seems the evil never learn,
That God is on call,
He will frustrate their plans,
And eventually they fall.

But God is a refuge
And a shelter to the sad.
He restores their happiness,
In Him, they shall be glad.

Freda Fullerton
June 9, 2011

Freda's Garden

Welcome to my Garden:
This picture was taken in Washington, D.C. with
the Nation's Capitol in the background. I try
and match the picture with the poem. Now, how
does today's poem fit the picture??
Taken from Psalm 12

LORD HELP ME
Lord help me.
The faithful are no more.
Neighbor lies to neighbor,
Evil is at my door.

Lord, You can:
Stop flattering lips and tongues that boast.
You save the weak and needy,
Those who need You most.

Lord, You keep me safe,
Under your protection.
Refine me in your furnace,
For Your pleasure and perfection.

Freda Fullerton
June 8, 2011

Freda's Garden

Welcome to my Garden:
This picture is on Oahu, Hawaii. We were on our
way to the Polynesian Cultural Center and stopped
at this little beach. Doesn't that little Island look like
a Chinese hat?
Today's poem is taken from Psalm 1

BLESSED IS THE MAN
Blessed is the man
Who does not walk
In the counsel of sinners,
Or with mockers talk.

He delights in the Lord.
He is like a well watered tree
That weathers every season,
Bearing fruit, for all to see.

But the wicked are like chaff
That the wind blows away
And they prosper not,
In their evil way.

The Lord watches over,
Those who do his will,
Catches them when they stumble,
As they climb each mountain and each hill.

Freda Fullerton
June 7, 2011

Freda's Garden

Welcome to my Garden:
This picture is the Lincoln Memorial in
Washington, D.C. I think this man, many
times, asked himself the question in the poem
below.

WHAT WOULD JESUES DO?
What would Jesus do,
If He walked with you to school?
What would He see you do,
Would you obey the Golden Rule?

When friends are tempting you,
To do the things you never should,
Just think, "What would Jesus do?"
If He by your side stood.

Know He is there with you,
Every step that you take.
Every thought is known to Him,
Each decision that you make.

He only asks you to follow Him
And the example He left behind.
If you ask. "What would Jesus do?"
You'll know what's right each time.

Freda Fullerton
June 6, 2011
Written: September 1997

Freda's Garden

Welcome to my Garden:
I have no earthly sisters, but love my spiritual sisters.
The above picture is a tea, with some of my spiritual
sisters. Form the left Eileen Dow (standing, Katherine
McDonough,) me, Jean Neal (standing, Phyllis Goodwin)
and Jean's guest, Lois Taylor. We have lost Katherine,
she has gone home to be with the Lord.

LOVE ONE ANOTHER
What would we give
In exchange for our soul?
Is it fame, is it power,
Or riches untold?

I'm afraid that many times,
It is far less than this...
For the lack of love in our heart,
Heaven we'll miss.

If you have no love in your heart,
For your brother, you see...
God's question is....
"How can you say you love me?"

We may give all that we have,
Our body to burn,
If there's no love in our heart,
Our gifts God will spurn!

We cannot sing praises to God
And curse one another,
Or bring gifts to God's alter,
If we hate our own brother.

The greatest commandment,
Love the God of this Land,
The second to this....
Love fellowman.

Freda Fullerton
June 5, 2011

Freda's Garden

Welcome to my Garden:
This is a picture of my husband, Jim and me near
Bevertail Lighthouse-Jamestown, R.I.

TRUST
Lord help me to trust You,
As much in the darkest night,
As I do...
When the sun is shinning bright.

Help me to trust You,
In my deepest sorrow,
And really believe,
That You will be with me tomorrow.

When there is ...
A reason to sing,
Help to always...
Give glory to Your Name.

When things seem hopeless,
And I see no way through,
Help me to remember,
You're there with me too.

Wherever the pathway may lead me
Be it on a mountain high,
Or through a foggy, valley,
I pray that on You, I rely.

Help me to praise Your Name,
When the sea of life is calm,
And not to blame You,
When everything goes wrong.

Help me to remember,
The things that make You Real,
Is my faith in you,
And not how I feel.

Freda Fullerton
June 4, 2011

Freda's Garden

Welcome to my Garden:
This picture is of a bulletin board of a past teacher's appreciation breakfast.
Yesterday we congratulated the 2011 seniors and my poem was a bit of
advice for their future. Children that have been raised in the church, have
not only their parents, but a teacher or teachers to thank for their spiritual
growth. If you have a special Bible teacher, who has been an influence to
you, why not let them know? Bible teachers do not get paid, it is a labor of
love!

BIBLE TEACHERS
Thy word is a light unto my path.
Teachers are light bearers.
And a lamp unto my feet.
Teachers are lamp carriers.

Thy truth shall make you free.
Teachers are truth seekers.
Thy seed is the Word of God.
Teachers are seed reapers.

Jesus Christ is the cornerstone.
Teachers are soul builders.
The sword of the spirit is the Word of God.
Teachers are sword wielders.

I am the way.
Teachers are map readers,
Pointing the way to heaven above,
Teaching them to observe and to love.

Teachers are known,
By all of these names,
Teaching, well knowing,
The warning of James.

That judgment for them,
Ever strict shall be,
But they love God's word,
That sets all men free.

So... with love and courage,
And a faith oh, so bold,
They teach God's great story
To the young and the old.

So... won't you join in our quest,
Put God to the test.
He will give you blessings untold,
In the lives you help mold.

Freda Fullerton
June 3, 2011

Freda's Garden

Welcome to my Garden:
This is a picture of our youngest grandson Jeremy. When he
graduated from high school. He is now in the Army and
medical school. In today's poem I want to honor all the
graduating seniors. The poem was written in June 1992
For our graduating class at church. Ron Stowe was the
youth minister and he asked me to write something for the
class. The graduates were: Tom Anderson, Georgia Crowson
John Lantz and Scott Paden. So, to all who are graduating
this month or have already graduated this is my advice to you.

REACH OUT FOR YOUR DREAM
Reach out for your dream
On your graduating day,
Stay on the right path
Make God's way, your way.

Do not dream of things
This world thinks are grand,
Look to your Savior,
For him make a stand.

Do not measure success
By this world's tarnished rule,
For Proverbs calls
Such a one a fool.

Measure your success
By the golden rule
And things you were taught,
While in Sunday School.

Reach out for your dream,
For your life, have a vision.
Make God's Word your guide,
For each important decision.

Look to the future,
But remember the past,
Seek not life's quick silver,
But things that will last.

Honesty and kindness,
A love that is true,
And all the good things in life,
Will surely come to you.

Freda Fullerton
June 2, 2011

Freda's Garden

Welcome to my Garden:
This is a picture of Jeanne Halberstadt and me with our
granddaughter Katie. Jeanne was my daughter-in-law's mom.
Jeanne is on the left and I'm on the right. It was Grandparents
Day at Katie's school. She was in Kindergarten and fortunate
enough to have Jeanne as an aid in her classroom. Jeanne also
was her Brownie Scout leader and never missed  one of Katie's
soccer games. Jeanne loved my son as I love her daughter and
she left us much too soon! I still miss her! The following poem
was written June 1, 2005

REMEMBERING JEANNE
When you feel your heart is breaking
And your tears flow like rain,
Remember all my joy
And forget all my pain.

See me, when I'm out walking
Remember the funny things I said.
See me, ministering to children,
Not in a hospital bed.

See me, as a loving wife and mother,
A faithful daughter, sister too,
And a granny that will always love you,
Who did so many things with you.

See me, when we were camping,
As a cheering soccer fan.
Remember crafts I have created,
With my own loving hand.

Remember holidays together,
Shopping after Christmas Day,
If this is the me, you remember,
I shall never be away.

Freda Fullerton
June 1, 2011
In loving memory of Jeanne Halberstadt
June 1, 2005