The last couple of weeks, I have had the most pleasant time exploring my dad’s overgrown camellia garden. It started in early November with the first blooms of the Sasanquas and then the larger Camellias. This garden was built long ago and then passed on to my Dad when he purchased the farm. Now I am faced with the tremendous responsibility of keeping the garden going.
To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48)
One of my favorite hobbies is to find and photograph the different species. It is like finding treasure when I spot a new color or a different bloom. I praise God for all of his beautiful creation and the short time that I will have to care for his garden. What an awesome task and an honor to behold.
It seems like just yesterday, when my last grandmother passed away. She had requested several hymns be sung during her service. However, she passed away during the Summer months and all of the usual soloists at her Church had gone on vacation. So my aunt asked me to sing a few songs. I hesitated for moment and told her that I would. Not sure how I was going to pull it off.
The hymn I remember was “In the Garden” by Ann Murray. Which reminds me of my time in the Camellia garden. Listen to these words of this song and remember the last time that you went to the garden alone and spent time with the Father.
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
I stayed in the garden with Him
Though the night all around me is falling
But He bids me go, through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling
And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known
None other has ever known
Isn’t about time that you went back to the garden alone? To seek out God and to hear his Voice? To know His heart and to feel his Joy!
” Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:9-12
