It is really Just Joey?

Names can be deceiving!  If I recall ... the name of this rose is "Just Joey".  I think it is one of my mom's favorite.  Maybe it is because it is fun to say Just Joey ... or maybe because it is so beautiful.  When on the garden tour, I heard her say ... "Look, its a Just Joey."

Nothing in God's world is "just .... anything"

This rose is beautiful ...
As is God's creation.

We are called to care for it ...

God Inspired Patterns

A while ago I learned about labyrinths.  There is one in Holden Village ... marked with stones and reinforced by the walking of humans.  In winter it is maintained ... by snowshoes, by boots, by seekers.  The walls grow higher as the snow continues to fall.

And yet ... one can find forgiveness, reconciliation, renewal and hope walking a labyrinth in the middle of a bustling city ... in the interior of a nave.  There for folks to walk and meditate. To find cleansing in the midst of vaulted ceilings, the sun colored reflections through the windows depicting God's glory, the precision of arches, the seekers kneeling forward praying what only they know.

Labyrinths around the world, on walls of caves, in our hearts and our minds.  In Chartres, France, the hills of Contra Costa, Eagles Point, SF, and here at Grace Cathedral in SF.

So fitting ... a labyrinth ... full of the grace of God ... in Grace Cathedral.

Slow day ... walk ...

Lo I am with you always, says the Lord.

Patterns of God

I went on a garden tour in Oakland today with my mom and sister-in-law. I was amazed at the number of succulents in the many gardens. I have really never been of fan of them ... but the more and more I see them I am fascinated by their patterns and the intricacies. As I opened this on the computer and did a bit of a crop I was even more fascinated by the details and what appears to be little "spikes" at the outer edges of each leaf.

Patterns and repetitions were again to be found in this multi-color plant. The newest "leaves" in the center were lightly colored with yellow and green while the older had a tint of pink. Another creation of God whose imagination is beyond our imagination.

Still later in the day I came across this one. It seemed like a Christmas cactus (it is not) yet the red and green were so vibrant. and consistent. To me this was a happy succulent. Not sure why I think this when I see it ... but it brings a smile to my heart. God again has created patterns, and uses a wonderful palette of colors! What do you think?

Finally this surprise was waiting for us in the front yard of one of the homes. Rather than the circular development of the succulents shown above, the leaves seem to be opening and growing in a twirling pattern. Just as I thought I understood the pattern and was looking for shifts in the color palette, I was again surprised by God.

Take a look around ... find the surprising patterns of

God's delightful creation.

Let's now do our part to take care of it!

Colors abound!

Spring has finally arrived.

It has felt like such a long long winter this year. So much snow. It started early and ended early actually, but this year was a year of many storms on the east coast. I don't know what we would have done had they all com through Rochester. As quickly as the snow started ... it stopped. But then suddenly the rains came and came and came. A new record for the month of April ...

The snow blower has been released of the gas and now it is time to ready the lawn mower. Freshen it with a new spark plub, oil and very expensive gas! The chives that arrive in the middle of the lawn will be enjoyed with potatoes next week. A lone tulip that found its way into the lawn on the otherside of the driveway has opened. Next it will be dang dandelions. The cost of going pesticide free.

Roses have yet to bloom in New York ... but they are at their glory in California. I am in awe of the patterns, the colors, the intricacies of nature. Today there shall be more.