Freda's Garden:

Welcome t my Garden!
This postcard card makes you shiver, you can almost feel the cold.
We have been having some very gloomy, cold weather. It looks
more like "May-gray" or "June-gloom," but we can have sunshine
inside if we follow Jesus!

HOWEVER COLD THE WINTER
However cold the winter,
Spring brings warmth to you.
You may shiver in the icy winds,
But smile when skies are blue.

However cold the winter,
Spring brings a new start
And the beauty of its blossoms
Will warm your chilled heart.

However cold the winter,
When frost is in the air,
Know that very soon
You'll be seeing spring everywhere.

However cold the winter,
All your pain will pass,
When spring brings you sunshine
Winter trials will be gone at last!

Freda Fullerton
March 31, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!

This is our middle grandson, Russell, when he was small. I do not know
whose cat he is holding, but I know it did no belong to them, as his dad
was allergic to cats. The cat was so relaxed, he/she certainly trusted
Russell.

THE ENEMY OF TRUST
The enemy of trust,
Is distrust and suspicion;
We fail to see clearly,
It distorts our vision.

The enemy of trust,
Is a lack of faith,
We need facts and figures
Or we can't relate.

The enemy of trust,
Is hope's waning view;
We lose our dreams
And expectations are few.

The enemy of trust,
Is that we fail to see
The power and the glory
Of the Man from Galilee!

Freda Fullerton
March 30, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
We took the time out of our ordinary days to "stop and see"visit
the Grand Canyon, with our family. I'm in the middle, holding
our granddaughter, Katie, Jim is beside me and next to Jim is our
son, John. On the other side of me is our daughter-in-law Chris.
The rest of our party was Chris' mom and dad and her aunt and
uncle. This trip holds very special memories as Chris' mom is no
longer with us. "Stop and See" Make memories while you can!

STOP AND SEE
Stop and see
Family and friends,
For all too soon
The opportunity ends.

Take the time...
To stop and see
Those less fortunate
Than thee...

Take the time...
To stop and praise
God above...
For His loving ways.

Take the time...
To stop and say
"I am grateful
For this day!"

Take the time...
To know those next door
Stop and see...
Those that are poor.

Stop and see..
A world that's lost
Tell them, Jesus died
For them, upon a cross!

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is an entertainer on the waterfront on the Mississippi River,
in New Orleans. This was before Katrina. The residents of this city
certainly had to "simplify" after Katrina.

SIMPLIFY
Simplify your life,
Get rid of unneeded things,
Free your life...
Of the headache this brings.

Simplify your days
Of all the busy bustle,
That causes so much stress
As you scramble and hustle.

Simplify your job,
Organize your day,
Do all the unwanted things first
This is the best way.

Simplify your calendar,
Learn to say no...
So you will have time for God,
As through this world you go!

Freda Fullerton
March 28, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
I got this off FB from Phyllis Leonard. Do you see the
hands in the sky? Awesome!

GOOD MORNING GOD
"Good morning God,
What can I do for you today?
I know this is a surprise,
For it is usually the other way.

I'm always asking You
For things I want my way
And I fail to ask,
What would You like today?

Good morning God,
Use me as You see fit.
Know, I'm Your servant
This must shock you, a bit?

For I am usually full of myself,
When I come to You in prayer
And fail to thank You God,
For always being there!"

Freda Fullerton
March 27, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is one of our Thursday pot-lucks in the past and this
is a picture of the birthday people. Glenda Tillotson is on
the left, of me then Vicki Bearden and Ester Luny. Dan and Glenda
have moved to Ojai, CA and David and Vicki have moved to
St. Louis, MO. Ester has gone home to be with the Lord.
Glenda has recently had surgery for breast cancer. Last Friday
she was told that there was no cure for the kind of cancer she
has. Aggressive treatment would only slow it down. Glenda has
made the courageous decision not to have any more treatment.
Please keep Glenda and her family in prayer.

COURAGEOUS LIVING
One that's survived cancer
And still sees a blessing,
One who lives with pain,
That's courageous living.

One who keeps faith,
When life knocks them down,
One who faces failures,
With a smile and no frown.

One who bears hardships
And says not, "why me?"
Courageous living,
That's what I see.

One who bears loss,
Without complaints or a grumble,
One who sees not their courage,
And is always humble.

One who sees good
In everyone they meet
And lends a helping hand
To everyone they greet!

Freda Fullerton
March 26, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is Sam and Nancy Shewmaker. They have spent most of their
married life as missionaries in Africa. Sam was born in Africa to
missionary parents, They are now living back in the U.S. but
they are still working for the African cause, in fact Sam is now
on a month tour of Africa. Their last post in Africa was in the war
torn country of Rwanda, where I'm sure they did a lot of peacemaking!

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For God they shall see
And as they go through life
They are great company.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they play a vital part
In God's own mission,
They must warm His heart.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
For without them would be,
Quarrels and misunderstandings
And upsets, you see.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
They upset Satan's plan,
To divide all the Christians
Each woman and man.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they're doing God's will,
Spreading good new...
With loving Zeal!

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will
be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9

Freda Fullerton
March 25, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This little guy, standing all by his lonesome, looks like he
may be having his own  pity-party?
This is Oatman Arizona , an old gold town on route 66.
It is now a tourist attraction. These wild donkey's are part
of the attraction. They say they arrive at sunrise and leave
at sunset. You can buy carrots for them in many of the shops

PITY-PARTY
Have a pity-party
If you must,
Just bear it quietly,
Without fuss.

If a pity-party
Comes your way,
Do not let it settle,
Do not let it stay.

If you should find,
You feel sorry for yourself,
Just begin to think
Of someone else.

So, shake that pity-party
Right out the door
And count your blessings
For evermore!

Freda Fullerton
March 24, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
It's been said, "Worry is like a rocking chair; it gives
you something to do, but gets you nowhere!"

WORRY WILL EMPTY TODAY
Worry will empty today
And tomorrow, no promise it holds;
We're filled with dire visions,
As our day unfolds.

Worry will empty today
Of our tranquil peace;
It offers nothing to sooth us
And our fears will not cease.

Worry will empty today,
We fail to see beauty or rest;
It creates tension within us
And robs us of physical zest.

Worry will empty today,
Of our faith and of our hope;
It hinders the wisdom we have,
To solve problems and cope.

Worry will empty today
And only create strife;
It can never solve anything
Or add one hour to life.

"Who of you by worrying can add one single
hour to his life?" Matthew 6:26

Freda Fullerton
March 23, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
Kittens are soft creatures that have the power to melt anger
and soften the heart.

THE POWER OF A SOFT ANSWER
The power of a soft answer
Can never be measured,
Its comfort is good
And is to be treasured.

The power of a soft answer
Will turn away anger
And its explosive effect
And its run-away danger.

The power of a soft answer,
The choice is so wise,
It dilutes all the wrath
Down to manageable size.

The power of a soft answer
Is a God given trait,
It will win over souls
And perhaps change their fate!

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: But
grievous words stir up anger."
Proverbs 15:1 (KJV)

Freda Fullerton
March 22, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is our son, John, in a hospital gown feeding his baby
daughter, Katie. She was born 3 months premature and
spent her first two months in the hospital. It certainly was
not what they had planned, but today, she's a beautiful,
healthy teen and will be 16 next month!

THIS IS NOT WHAT I HAD PLANNED
This is not what I had planned,
You hear so many say,
Pain is not what I would like
In my life today.

This is not what I had planned,
A life that's known divorce.
I had happy-ever-after
As my life choice.

This is not what I had planned,
Teens that have gone astray.
I planned to see them all
Grow up in a different way.

This is not what I had planned,
To lose a job I loved so much,
Or be estranged from family dear,
I meant to keep in touch.

All of these things are part of life,
That we do not expect to see,
But God can take them, every one,
And make a better you and me!

Freda Fullerton
March 21, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is a beautiful, old church in downtown Fullerton. This is not
where I worship, but I love quaint, old churches and this one has
been there for as long as I can remember, and I first came to
Fullerton about seventy-five-years ago.

A PLACE FOR YOU
Do you sometimes feel
There is no place for you,
That you're out of step
In all you say and do?

Do you often feel
You're not at home,
That you're a stranger here
Wherever you may roam?

God sent His Son
To earth, you see,
To establish a place
Just for you and me.

A place, we call church,
A home in a strange land,
For all lonely people
That is God's Holy plan!

Freda Fullerton
March 20, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
An April snow, on Janet and Richard's street, when they lived in Rhode Island.
Troubles, like snow, soon melt away!

TROUBLES DO NOT COME TO STAY
Troubles do not come to stay,
They just come to past.
Weeping last for a night,
With day, it shall not last.

Troubles do not come to stay
They will soon be behind you,
Just keep the faith, you will see,
Gray skies will soon be blue.

Troubles do not come to stay,
They are but for a season,
So keep smiling each day,
Your troubles are for a reason.

Troubles will strengthen your faith
And soften the heart of you,
They will help you sympathize,
With those  who have troubles too!

Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing
comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

Freda Fullerton,
March 19, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is sheep, near Queenstown, New Zealand. Some years ago
we visited there in May, our late spring and their late fall. It seemed
so strange to see the fall leaves turning in May!

THE SOUNDS OF SPRING
The sound of thunder
On a distant hill,
Bringing springtime showers
Beating upon the windowsill.

The cooing of a dove,
Looking for a mate
And to its lonesome call,
Young lovers can relate.

The gurgle of  a running stream,
Winding its way to sea,
Springtime flowers open up,
To the buzz of the honey bee.

Mooing of the baby calves,
The bleating of the sheep,
Clucking of the laying hens,
The newly, hatched chicken's cheep.

Yes, the sounds of spring
Ring out clearly, everywhere,
With the renewal of life
God's plan is very clear!

Freda Fullerton
March 18, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
Laughter always cheer you...
and love always embrace you.
This is the inside of the card.
The card is from Leland and Robbie Rorex.
Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of you!

THE LUCK OF THE IRISH
The luck of the Irish
You hear some say.
Find a four-leaf-clover
And it will make your day.

The luck of the Irish
Is chance or fate...
You live by the draw,
Is how some relate.

But let me tell you,
My dear,  Irish friend...
It is not fate or luck
On which you should depend.

So, whether you are Irish or English
Or whatever your birth...
It is God who leads you
Through this good earth!

Freda Fullerton
March 17, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is a balloon that our granddaughter, Kristen, gave Jim for
his birthday. It brought him sunshine and is still doing so, as it's
right behind his chair.

SUNSHINE
If you bring sunshine
Into the lives of others, you see,
It will be a reflection,
That will shine back on thee.

It opens up the light
And leads the way today.
Loved ones will follow your footsteps
In all you do and say.

If your life reflects...
Goodness, grace and love,
The Father will send sunbeams
From His home up above.

So, get rid of gloomy weather,
Chase all the shadows away,
See only lovely sunshine...
In your life today!

Freda Fullerton
March 16, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
Boohoo! Our kids, Janet and Richard, went home yesterday. We enjoyed them
being here so much, but such a short time!! We're so thankful the Julie and Bo
and John and Chris and some of our grandkids live close by... you can't have
everything in this life!

SAYING GOODBYE
When folks are leaving
That you love so much
It is hard to keep in mind
That you can keep in touch.

You want to feel their presence.
You want a hug each day.
You want a cozy chat.
You want to have your way.

But life does not not always offer that
And sometimes, you must live apart,
But we can keep each other close
Within each and every heart.

Even though it's very hard
When you say goodbye,
We can keep togetherness
If we really try!

Freda Fullerton
March 15, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is our girls at Knotts Berry Farm. This was back
when they had no gate or tickets and everything was free.
We spent the day there, just the three of us.
I've sent this poem out once, but there are some of you who
may have missed it, so I'm sending it again.

MAY I REMEMBER
When the path is very steep
And the mountains hard to climb,
May I remember Your promises are true
And Your love is so sublime.

When pain is my companion
And my way is 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 remember...
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 on Calvary.

And may I see my Savior
As He has risen from the tomb
And know that there is promise
Over death and over gloom!

Freda Fullerton
March 14, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is a picture of two of my cousins and me. Fred Harriman
on the left and Marion Johnson on the right. I suppose you could
 add a fourth thing that will never return, "youth," this was made
many moons ago!! ( Note my saddle shoes)

THREE THINGS
Three things in life,
Once gone shall not return.
One is time...
To pace we must learn.

Three things in life,
Number two, words you may say
Shall never be unsaid...
Speak wisely today.

Three things in life,
Three is opportunity,
It may knock only once
You must be ready, you see.

Of the things in life,
Remember these three,
For they may never return
To you and to me!

Freda Fullerton
March 13, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is my handsome soldier. Our grandson, Rich, drew
this portrait for Jim's birthday. It has nothing to do with
today's poem. I just wanted to share it, because I think it's
fabulous!

SEE BEAUTIFUL THINGS
Never lose an opportunity
To see beautiful things;
Look for beauty in arid places
And see what a difference it brings.

Instead of decay and desolation,
Instead of ugliness and blight,
Look for blue skies
And the glorious sun's light.

Instead of war and devastation,
Look for love and peace.
If we would see beautiful things
The strife in this world would cease.

See beautiful things
As through this world you go
And you will find boundless joy
And see less misery and woe!

Freda Fullerton
March 12, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This handsome man is Jim, my husband. Today is his 88 birthday.
And today's poem is dedicated to him.

ONE DAY
One day I met him
Tall, and fair...
That spark of attraction
Was certainly there.

One day...
We were married,
With plans of great joy
One day, we were parents
Of two girls and a boy.

One day...
They grew up, as it should be
And made homes of their own,
Now It's just him and me.

One day...
We grew older, but I still see,
That handsome, young man
That always loved me!

Freda Fullerton
March 11, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This is the Mobile Home Park where we live. It is a senior park
and there are many struggles among seniors, declining health and
the loneliness of living alone. But just as there are blue skies over
the park, God is over us all!

STRUGGLES AND VICTORY
The Bible tells us,
That we will have struggles in life,
We will know defeat,
Sorrow and strife.

People, who do not know Christ,
May hate you and me,
For somehow our faith
Seems a threat... you see.

We may find,
That people do not care,
For integrity and honesty
And the Name that we wear.

But take heart...
All is not lost,
Victory was won
At the foot of the cross.

And all shall one day
Call on His Name
So bear struggles now,
For victory, Christ doth proclaim!

Freda Fullerton
March 10, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!

This is Bonnie Leese, who taught our Ladies Bible Class
for many years. We lost Bonnie a couple of years ago. If
ever anyone fit todays' poem, it was Bonnie. That's my
daughter, Janet, drinking coffee.  She and her husband
Richard arrived safely last night! They will be here almost
a week. I'm not sure I can get everything said in that short
of time!!!

BE A GLAD HEARTED-SERVANT
Be a glad hearted-servant
Serving with a smile.
Be a very good gofer,
That will go that extra mile.

Be a glad-hearted servant
Serving cheerfully,
Showing those about you
How a Christian ought to be.

Be a glad-hearted servant,
With no pity-party view,
Joyfully serving others,
They'll see Jesus in what you do.

Be a glad-hearted servant
For how you live, you see
Will bring others to Jesus,
For what they see in thee!

Freda Fullerton
March 10, 2011

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!

Nothing says, "Spring," like blooming tulips.

SPRING IS BLOOMING
Spring is blooming
All over the place,
Tulips and daffodils and lilies
All in a race.

The mustard is blooming
And the hills are all green,
Poppies are popping up
Over field and stream.

Birds are singing
From hedges and trees,
Flowers have opened up
To the warm breeze

Yes, spring is blooming
And new life will appear
To tell us that nature's
Announcing... "Spring is here!"

Freda Fullerton
March 8, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
Yesterday's poem was "Three Words" Today's poem is
"The Essential Three" The above picture was three essentials
in my life. My dad and my two youngest grandchildren. Jeremy
was about nine and Katie,  just a baby. Look how tiny she was!
She weighed 1 pound and 14 ounces at birth. She will be 16 next
month and Jeremy is in the Army in medical school and dad is no
longer with us. Time really does fly!

THE ESSENTIAL THREE
The essential three
Faith Hope and Love
All bring us great blessings,
From the Father up above.

The essential one...
Faith in unseen things,
Relying on God
And the joy it brings.

The essential two...
Hope that dies not
In a hopeless world,
It's comfort is sought.

The greatest of the three is love
And this great love is why
Our God sent to us...
His only Son to die!

And now these three remain:
faith, hope and love. But the
greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

Freda Fullerton
March 7, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This beautiful mountain range is called the Remarkables. They are
near Queenstown, New Zealand, on the south Island. They look somewhat
like our Grand Tetons. Which reminds me of today's poem:

THREE WORDS
Submit to God...
In all you do
And He will be with you
The whole day through.

Submit to God...
When life is hard to bear,
Know He sees you,
Know He does care.

Submit to God...
When life's a song,
Everything is going right
And nothing is wrong.

Submit to God...
In word and prayer
Know He listens,
Know He's there.

And very soon...
It will not be hard
These three words
Submit to God.

Freda Fullerton
March 6, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!

This is the tomb of the unknown soldier in Arlington Cemetery.
I can't think of anyone that displays more courage than our military.
Please be in prayer for their safety.

WHAT IS COURAGE?
Courage is not the absence of fear;
It is the ability to carry on in spite of fear
And to know, with fearful heart,
That your God is near.

What is courage?
It is not plunging foolishly ahead;
It is standing firm...
And doing the things you may dread.

What is courage?
It is standing firm, when all those around
Are sitting against you...
And you know your stand is sound.

What is courage?
It is meeting everyday needs, you see
When you are overwhelmed 
With other's needs for thee.

What is courage?
It is carrying on when you fail,
It is knowing good over evil
Will one day prevail!

Freda Fullerton
March 5, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is a cute valentine sent to us from Leland and Robbie  Rorex
This sweet lady does not only send cards for special occasions,
but in between as well, just to let us know we're remembered.

A NEW HEART
When they transplant a new heart,
So someone can live,
Someone died...
A sacrifice to give.

So it is with Christians,
We learn right from the start,
Jesus was sacrificed,
To give us a new heart.

Jesus willingly died
Upon a cruel cross;
He died so we could live
And never counted it loss.

He came to die,
So we could live...
A new heart for you and me,
He was willing to give!

Freda Fullerton
March 4, 2012

If you need a new heart... go today to see the
Great Physician!

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden:
This is our grandson, Richie when he was small, with his
dad, Richard. Richie is looking for Easter eggs in my livingroom.
The resilience of children is remarkable. One minute they are
crying and the next minute they are smiling. One day they are sick
and the next day, up and going!

RESILIENCE
We need resilience...
If we're to keep stress at bay,
We need a bounce-back attitude
To start each and every day.

We need resilience...
When our plans go astray,
When we're bogged down
In the burdens that come our way.

We need resilience...
When we're overwhelmed with sorrow,
Feeling the loss of a loved one
And that there's no hope for tomorrow.

We need resilience...
When our nights are filled with pain,
When we feel we can't go on
And each day remains the same.

We need resilience...
And how shall it be?
But from God's benevolent hand
As He comforts you and me!  

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is the Grand Tetons. The light certainly shows off the
strength of this magnificent mountain range!

A PRAYER FOR LIGHT AND STRENGTH
A prayer for light
To light my way,
Illuminate my path,
This day I pray.

I pray for strength
To face each sorrow,
For hope and peace
And joy tomorrow.

I pray for light and strength,
To boost my Christian walk,
For grit to trudge along,
May my walk not be just talk.

So Father, if You see fit,
Please bestow on me today,
Strength for what I must face
And light to light my way!

Freda Fullerton
March 2, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
You need to be strong and take heart to teach a son to fish.
This is Jim and John, when John was about nine. This was
taken at Henshaw Lake.

BE STRONG TAKE HEART
Be strong, take heart
Know God is going to be there
And wait for His bidding
And His tender care.

Be strong, take heart,
Be on your guard each day
Know God's working behind you,
To clear your pathway.

Be strong, take heart
When the storms of life hit you,
Know that very soon again
The skies will be blue.

Be strong, take heart,
If your nights filled with sorrow
Know God sees your tears,
And He'll be there tomorrow!

Freda Fullerton
March 1, 2012