This rainy afternoon makes me so happy- and not just because we’re sitting around watching the Brady Bunch together. Over the weekend, my sister/brother-in-law gave us 5 baby trees. Chuck planted them across our backyard to eventually create some privacy. We’ve been faithfully watering our little additions to the family, but I think they needed a good, hard rain. I believe there’s something really special about the water in the sky that comes straight from God.

I’m also thrilled that our veggie garden is getting a good soak. The lettuce, squash, cilantro, and mint already have sprouts. When I first planted those seeds, I prayed over them and asked God to bless the “fruits” of our labor. I committed our first “fruits” to Him, and I’m already excited about seeing what grows to maturity first, and who He leads us to give it to.

I’ve had a desire for years to try my hand at gardening, and this is finally the year! It’s been surprising how much joy and gratification have come from working to grow our own food. I’ve been absolutely loving all the watering, weeding, tending, and blessing the earth. Gardening has been another avenue to connect me to God in a fresh way. I feel Him when I’m outside. I see Him in the new life coming from the ground, and in the pink splashed across the sky in the evening.

I sure do love summer, and it starts early around here. If you need me, I’ll be outside. 😉