Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
We spent the day at the Aquarium in Connecticut. This
is Jeremy, our grandson, making friends with a chipmunk
mascot. He loved the Aquarium when he was small.

KEEPING THE WONDER
Little children have the ability,
In an ordinary way...
To discover exciting things
In each and every day.

They have so much enthusiasm,
For everything they see...
Moment by moment,
They wonder, "what next shall be?"

God has ask us to be like little children,
The reason could well be...
Because they keep the wonder,
In each day, you see.

So, never lose the wonder
Of what nature brings...
Know it was the hand of God
That created all these things!

Freda Fullerton
May 31, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is maple trees in Rhode Island, If you look closely you
will see the buckets attached to the trees. This was in February
and the sap was running. Every day matters when they're
watching for the sap to run.

 EVERY DAY MATTERS
Every day matters,
Every minute counts,
As life passes by
and the years mount.

Every day matters,
In every thing you do,
Making good memories,
That will bless you.

Every day matters,
When you're in pain,
Every hour you can get through,
You can count as gain.

Every day matters,
In this pattern we call living,
So make each day...
One of loving and of giving!

Freda Fullerton
May 30, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
Come and sit a spell with me!

 KEEP YOUR FACE TO THE SUN
Keep your face to the sun
And your shadows to your back.
Look to the future...
Not to the past.

Leave regrets behind you,
As you keep your face the sun.
Give this day to the Lord Jesus,
Know peace when day is done.

Keep your face to the sun,
Stepping from darkness into light,
Leaving the dark behind you
Following the sunshine bright.

Keep your face to the sun,
It will prepare you for the coming night,
With courage, face the darkness,
For you know tomorrow brings the light

Freda Fullerton
May 29, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This young man is certainly concerned with more than picnics
at the beach and BBQ's on Memorial Day. His perspective is
a little different!
Be sure to fly your flag today and remember those that have paid
such a high price for our freedom.

THE US MILITARY IS AT WAR.
The US Military is at war
They're giving their all,
America is not at war,
America is at the mall.

The US Military is at war,
Laying their lives on the line
Suffering indignities...
That war brings in time.

The US Military is at war,
Putting all their dreams on hold.
Young men and women, being brave
And trying hard to be bold.

The US Military is at war,
Protecting America every day,
But some  Americans are not thankful
For the price theses heroes pay!

Freda Fullerton
May 28, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
I do not always follow my own advice. I love pathways
and roads, that I see, that I've not traveled yet and I always
wonder where they lead? Today's poem is advice to me!

DO NOT FOLLOW A WELL WORN PATH
Do not follow....
A well worn path,
Blaze your own trail,
With imprints that last.

Do not follow...
Roads set by others
Mark out a pathway,
For sisters and brothers.

Do not follow...
the easier road,
But clear your own highway,
Carry your own load.

Do not follow...
the least resistant way,
But stand up and be counted,
Be a trail blazer today!

Freda Fullerton
May 27,  2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This little girl is making a new discovery, that all children make at
one tine or another!

MAKING NEW DISCOVERIES
Wake up each morning
And repeat this line...
"I'll make new discoveries today,"
And everything will be fine.

Greet the day with anticipation,
Say, "It will be the best!"
Satan is very sure,
To put this to the test.

But you must be determined,
You must take a stand,
Make new discoveries today,
And everything will be grand!

Take time to look at nature,
All God created for you to see,
Make new discoveries today
And special delights await thee!

Freda Fullerton
May 26, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is a Mother's Day card I got from Julie and Bo. the inside said,
"Motherhood... is not for sissies!" Well neither is old age and this card
inspired the following poem!

OLD AGE IS NOT FOR WIMPS
Old age is not for wimps,
But for those who endures,
Those who stand up to pain and loss
And do not fold in reclining years.

Old age is not for wimps,
Not for delicate flowers,
But for those toughened by years of toil
And have labored on for many hours.

Old age is not for wimps,
But for those who make do
And have saved, scrimped and sacrificed,
For those they love so true.

Old age is not for wimps,
When beauty and youth have flown away,
But for those who have the courage,
To keep going every day.

Old age is not for wimps,
With many loved ones no longer here
And you've said goodbye to so many,
Those that you hold so dear.

So I'll say it once again...
As the years fly by so fast,
Old age is not for wimps,
But for those tough enough to last!

Freda Fullerton
May 25, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is my "sweet," friend and sister in Christ, Elizabeth Wakeham
and I at some church function. Elizabeth lived here in the park until
she had to move to be closer to her children. I miss her!

FRIENDS MAKE LIFE SWEET
Friends make life sweet;
They boost us on our way.
Life would be so sad, without them,
To cheer us up each day.

Friends make life sweet;
They stand by us when we're blue;
They love us with all our faults;
They are so faithful and so true.

Friends make life sweet,
When we meet loss and sorrow,
They encourage us to keep going
Reassuring us there is a tomorrow.

Friends make life sweet,
But if you feel you have none,
You are very blessed,
For you surely do have One!

Freda Fullerton
May 24, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
So many times we fail to be present when there is a need, because
we don't know what to say. We should remember our presence
sometimes is worth a thousand words!

YOUR SILENCE
Your silence speaks volumes
To one in despair...
You don't need fluent words,
You just need to be there.

You may feel at a loss,
For something you should say
Know your presence...
Is worth more than words can convey.

People's grief is private,
Words do not always penetrate
Through the vale of tears,
But to your presence they relate.

So, never hesitate...
To offer silent solace in times of grief,
Know that your presence
Will bring comfort and relief!

Freda Fullerton
May 23, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is Green Gables on Prince Edward Island. It was the house
inspired by L.M. Montgomery in the book "Anne of Green Gables."
Lucy Maud Montgomery was certainly a "Person of Interest."

BE A PERSON OF INTEREST
You may hear...
On the evening news, some day
"He is not a suspect...
But a person of interest,"they say.


Jesus was a person of interest,
He was also one of suspect.
The Pharisees were in doubt
And of Him, had no respect.

Jesus did not clamor
For favor of the few,
He had no intention
Of favoring Gentile or Jew.

He went about His Father's business,
Helping both body and soul,
Fulfilling all the prophecy
That the prophets had foretold.

So follow in His footsteps,
Be a person of interest too,
Even if you're criticized
For the things you do!

Freda Fullerton
May 22, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
"Trust Me," There's a star in there! This is Phyllis Leonard,
telling the story of the star in an apple, at a fall children's
party!

TRUST ME
"Trust me," Jesus whispers,
"You may not clearly see the way,
But keep to the path
And I'll be with you today."

"Trust me," Satan whispers,
"Don't listen to what he has to say,
Eat, drink and be merry,
Do things your own way."

"Trust me." God whispers,
I gave my only Son,
On the cross, He died for you
And victory was won!"

Trust me, so many whispers,
Whom shall we believe when day is done?
Remember: Satan never sacrificed
His life for anyone!

Freda Fullerton
May 21, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is the Gretna Green Wedding Chapel, in Las Vegas,
where we were married over 58 years ago. I think it proves
that where you're married or how big or small your wedding
does not matter. What matters is the commitment you put into
the marriage. The Scriptures compares our walk with the Lord
to the commitment to marriage.

A CALL TO COMMITMENT
A call to commitment
Is a call to take a stand,
To have a clear vision
Of God's ordained plan.

A call to commitment
Is a call to keep the faith,
To rise up when you stumble
And accept God's forgiving grace.

A call to commitment
Is to forgive, when you've been betrayed ,
To launch out in the darkness,
Even though you are afraid.

A call to commitment,
Is to smile through the tears,
To continue to be faithful
Through the coming years.

A call to commitment,
Is to have the assurance grand,
That God is always with you,
That He holds on to your hand!

Freda Fullerton
May 20, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is a calendar picture of a brook with a lot of rocks. I love rocks,
I like to collect them, paint them and stick some of them in my cactus
garden.
The rocks we encounter on our journey of life are just as important as
real rocks. They help us grow and strengthen our faith!

IF YOU REMOVED THE ROCKS
If we removed the rocks
The brook would lose its song.
If we removed the thorns
The roses would not be strong.

If we removed the rain
Would we enjoy the sun?
If we removed the labor,
Would we enjoy rest when day is done?

If we removed the rocks
On the pathway of life
And had no struggles,
No sorrow or no strife,

Would we be equipped
When the troubles come
Or fold beneath the pressure,
And spend life on the run?

Freda Fullerton
May 19, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is part of our wonderful family at grandson. Jeremy's Eagle Scout
Ceremony, sometime ago. When you have loved a that has achieved
a milestone in his or her life... be sure to let him or her know how much
you love them and how proud you are of their achievements. Don't
wait for a milestone, "tell them now"

TELL THEM NOW
If you have those you love
Tell them now...
Do not put it off,
Time will not allow.

Do you need to say thank you
To someone today?
Tell them now...
Please do not delay.

Do you need to ask forgiveness
Of someone for some wrong?
Do it today...
Before the day is gone.

Is there someone you love,
That you appreciate?
Tell them now...
Tomorrow may be too late!

Freda Fullerton
May 18, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
Our Granddaughter, Katie, loved these two big, soft teddy bears when she
was small.

HANDLE WITH CARE
Handle with care...
The words that you say
Just remember...
They can't be unsaid today.

Handle with care...
The soul of each child
It may well be...
They're following you, all the while.

Handle with care...
A new babe in Christ
Never be the one...
To add stress in their life.

Handle with care..
Those who fall by the way,
Be a good Samaritan..
And pick them up when they stray.

Whether it's a life of a child,
Or a stuffed teddy bear
Be sure to handle...
All things with care!

Freda Fullerton
May 17, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
I'm sometimes like this peacock; I'm disappointed in the
faults of others, when mine are as visible as the plumes
of this beautiful bird!

THE FAULTS OF OTHERS
The faults of others...
Are like head-lights on a car,
They glare much brighter
Than mine, by far.

The faults of others...
Are so easy to see,
I just don't understand
Why they can't be like me?

The faults of others...
Make life hard to bear,
They should know...
I only criticize, because I care.

The faults of others...
Now, I do see...
Are the same faults
That I see in me!

Freda Fullerton
May 16, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
We meet mercy here at the cross, as well as forgiveness
for our sins. I don't think, in our small human minds, we
grasp the total greatness of this!

THE MERCY OF THE LORD
The mercy of the Lord
Is from everlasting to forever
And is wide as the ocean,
As deep as a river.

The mercy of the Lord,
Is a never ending story,
Of love and forgiveness
In redemption's glory.

The mercy of the Lord,
Is there for you today,
Just follow the path,
God will show the way.

The mercy of the Lord
Where shall you meet?
At the "old rugged cross,"
At the Savior's feet!

Freda Fullerton
May 15, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
Making the day count: This is me in a past Vacation Bible School,
doing a demonstration of the pass-over meal!

MAKE TODAY COUNT
Make today count
As if it were your last.
Live today...
Do not linger in the past.

Make today count,
For after all, you see,
Today is all that certain,
So make it as it should be.

Make today count
Tell loved ones that you care,
For our regrets...
Are so very hard to bear.

Make today count
Live it to the minute
Enjoy it as it unfolds
And put your heart right in it!

Freda Fullerton
May 14, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is my mother, a past Mother's Day, holding a Mother's Day flower.
Ironically, she died on Mother's Day, just a couple of months before her
81st birthday. She certainly was a "wounded survivor," she was in pain
for more than 30 years. Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers.

WONDED SURVIVOR
Wounded survivor
In this world of sin,
Those who have suffered
With pain from within.

Wounded survivor
Of words that hurt still,
Flung out before them,
So helpless they feel.

Wounded survivor,
Of traumatic illness, like cancer
Looking for healing
And the right answer.

Wounded survivor
Of betrayal and loss,
Feeling the pain
That living has cost.

A wounded survivor,
Our Savior, was He,
When He went to the cross,
For you and for me

Freda Fullerton
May 13, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is my sweet, friend, and sister in Christ, Marie Depoto
and I. We share a birthday month. And yes, I called her and
wished her a Happy Mother's Day!

IF I CANNOT DO GREAT THINGS
If I cannot do great things,
I'll do small things in a great way.
If I have no great mission,
I'll just be thankful for this day.

If I cannot do great things,
Move mountains of fear or doubt,
I'll see that today,
I'll not leave my Savior out.

If I cannot do great things,
I'll be kind to those I meet,
I'll be sure to smile
At everyone I greet.

If I cannot do great things,
I'll do small things in a great way,
I'll get in touch with an old friend
And I'll be sure not to delay!

Freda Fullerton
May 12, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
You feel refreshed and less weary when you visit one
of our national parks. This is Glacier National Park,
in Montana.

A WORD TO THE WEARY
Are you weary...
With heavy burdens to bear?
Are you filled with stress
And a load of care?

Is the world a barren place,
Where you find no rest?
Are you agitated...
And feel put to the test?

Do you look about you
And think others lives seem to be,
Filled with contentment and comfort
And you want to shout, "Why me?"

A word for the weary,
You're not on the road alone,
Others are walking with you,
Their lives are just as your own.

We all bear so many burdens,
This life is not heaven, you see,
And one day it shall be over,
We'll know peace eternally.

So, hang on to the promise,
That Jesus will return,
Your burdens will be lifted
And you'll live the life you yearn!

Freda Fullerton
May 11, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This, of course id the Statute of Liberty. If is not exactly a
hiding place, but it is a symbol of freedom.
Did you have a hiding place when you were a kid, one
where you could dream, heal and be yourself? As adults,
God should be our hiding place!

BE MY HIDING PLACE
O God, I pray...
Be my hiding place
Help me stay strong,
Help me in this race.

O God, I pray...
That as I walk the valley deep
You'll be there...
And when I climd the mountain steep.

O God, I pray...
When I'm overwhelmed with sorrow
You'll give me hope,
For a brighter tomorrow.

O God, I pray...
Even though I fail miserably,
Be my hiding place,
For all eternity!

Freda Fullerton
May 10, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
God seems closer at the close of a good day!

A CLOSER WALK
A closer walk
With Thee, I pray,
Let it be, dear Lord,
For me today.

A closer walk,
Let me hold on to You
And let me feel
Your presence too.

A closer walk,
For me each day,
This is the constant
Prayer I pray.

A closer walk,
When day is done,
May I walk with You
Into the setting sun!

Freda Fullerton
May 9, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
Winter on a "long winding road," in Rhode Island.

A LONG WINDING ROAD
A long winding road
Down a shaded lane,
If I should follow it,
Would my travel be in vain?

Would I find a cottage fair,
By a shaded glen?
Would I see a meadow sweet,
In places I've not been?

A long winding road,
That leads to... I don't know where,
But I feel an urge to follow it,
To see what's over there.

When I see a road that's unknown,
I imagine secret places,
Hills and streams and waterfalls
And lots of friendly faces.

Freda Fullerton
May 8, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
These are some singing "Buddy" puppets I made for our preschool
Mr. Bible class, to help them get into the mood to sing. We
may fool preschoolers some of the time, but we can't fool
God anytime!

WE CAN'T FOOL GOD
We can fool man
Right from the start,
But we can't fool God
Who knows each heart.

We can look pious
And follow the rule,
But God sees our nature
And He, we can't fool.

If we hide bitterness
And anger inside,
Then God's Spirit...
With us, will not abide.

So remember...
We may fool ourselves, especially
But we shall never...
Fool God, you see!

Freda Fullerton
May 7, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is "Old Faithful," In Yellowstone National Park.
you have to keep your eyes on it or you'll miss this
act of nature. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus as
well !

KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS
Keep your eyes on Jesus
And your feet on the path,
Know that your burdens
Will not forever last.

Keep your eyes on Jesus
Wen your way is obscure,
Know that His promises
Are true and are sure.

Keep your eyes on Jesus,
When all seems to be lost
Know that victory was His
When He died on the cross.

Keep your eyes on Jesus
Each step of the way,
When you think you can't move,
Know He'll help you today.

Keep your eyes on Jesus
He'll carry you home
Where you'll live forever
And never more be alone!

Freda Fullerton
May 6, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
Satan's temptation may look as pretty as the flowers on this plant,
but look out for the thorns underneath, as there are on this plant!

SATAN'S BEST WEAPON
Satan's best weapon
Is procrastination, I'd say.
He does not mind good thoughts,
If you'd just put them off today.

We can make great plans
If they do not come to pass,
Satan whispers, "do it another day."
His temptation has been cast.

We can have good intentions,
We can say, "I'll do this or that,"
But if we put it off...
Satan's plans are set at last!

He wants you to put it off
He whispers to you, "Wait!"
But we must remember...
Tomorrow may be too late!

Freda Fullerton
May 5, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
The above is the most perfect picture of grace!

PICTURES OF GRACE
Grace is...
A little boy who gives his lunch to another.
Grace is...
One who forgives a sister or a brother.

Grace is...
A mother, still proud of a child with rainbow hair.
Grace is...
One who sees no skin color in his care.

Grace is...
A little girl who stands against bullies for a friend.
Grace is...
One who puts gossip to an end.

Grace is...
Jesus, who still calls His betrayer friend.
And on the cross...
Forgives others to the very end!

Freda Fullerton
May 4, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
God is patiently waiting at the door!

IF YOU'RE NOT CLOSE TO GOD
If you're not close to God
Know He did not walk away,
For He made a promise
That He 'd be here to stay.

If you're feeling kinda lost
And so all alone...
Remember that Jesus died
Your sins to atone.

If you're not close to God,
You must have shut the door,
Open it again...
This I do implore!

For God is waiting there,
He's just beyond the door,
With love, grace and mercy,
For you evermore!

Fred Fullerton
May 3, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This was a visit back home several years ago, getting
together with my cousins. Never lose a chance to get
together with family and friends!

NEVER LOSE A CHANCE
Never lose a chance
To say something kind.
Never lose a chance
To improve your mind.

Never lose a chance
To say, "I love you,"
For it may be...
Your last chance this to do!

Never lose a chance
To do some good deed,
By helping those...
That you see, are in need.

Never lose a chance
To retell the redemption story
How our Savior paid your debt,
So you could live with Him in glory!

Freda Fullerton
May 2, 2012

Freda's Garden:

Welcome to my Garden!
This is a past Christmas shared with family and friends.
God has given me so much, that I can't complain about
the things He does not give me!
Happy May Day!

GOD DOES NOT GIVE ME
God does not give me
More than I can handle, you see,
But I do not always want
The things He thinks should be.

God does not give me
Days to waste in regret
Or give me days...
To murmur and fret.

God  does not give me
A life without affection,
He gives me responsibility,
Purpose and direction.

God does not give me
What I deserve,
But through His mercy,
The love He Has reserved!

Freda Fullerton
May 1, 2012