A Spirit Garden for Janet

As in all my art, I pray as I work; led by the spirit, each component has a spiritual meaning so the completed scene has a theme. Here, the mood is thoughtful , gentle to the eye... a message of love from the Lord.

Flowers, both cultured and simple, grow in a profusion of variety, yet none is more vital to the art than another... just as the Master seeks all manner of regenerated souls for His heavenly bouquet. We know gathering these precious flowers for Him is part of the Great Commission.

The arch is adrape in wisteria and grape vines - wisteria bespeaks the fragrance imparted on our lives by the Holy Spirit while the grapes themselves bring to mind the New Wine given us by Christ. The arch, thus covered, is a place of shelter and safety from the storm... a quite place of repose and sweet communion with our Lord.

A watering can representing the Living Water, is ever at the ready in the path which is still damp from a recent shower, and a small sparrow, so perfectly loved and cared for by the Father, brings comfort and confidence that God will care for us in all things, too... that He is tender and merciful and faithful. He knows and shares each pain.

Carefree butterflies enjoy the garden’s beauty without restraint just as Jesus has told us to abandon worry and simply call on Him, trusting He will do what is best for us.

There is a garden of peace and love placed within each believer by the Holy Spirit. This is how I see your garden. Thanks so much for sharing it with me.

There's a Special Miracle attending this Garden...

I thought the Lord was leading me to make a garden for Jill, one of the ladies in our Women's Bible Study, but as I worked, it just didn't seem to fit... but who am I? A mere mechanic, so I finished the art and prayed for the poetry... It came and I was all the more confused.

Nonetheless I took a printout to give Jill at Bible Study that next morning. I had worked all night on it and even left home half an hour late because I felt compelled to finish the work before going.

Jill was absent that day, and when I arrived only a few ladies were present. In tears, Janet was being prayed for by them. Just minutes before my arrival she had received telephone call about the serious illness of a dear family member. After we prayed, I felt I should read Jill's poem to her.. and as I began... I had only read a stanza or so, I blurted out, "This garden isn't for Jill; it's for you!"

Dear hearts, I had not intended to say that, but the words were true. Think of all God did that night and morning... The Lord knew Janet would receive bad news and He wanted to comfort her in a very special way... just at the time of need...

So, the night before, He prompted me to do the garden... I am sure He knows just how very slow I am, and He timed it so that my arrival with the poem and garden were less than five minutes after she received her sad phone call... Think about that!!!

And He cares just as much for you... I wonder just how many times He has orchestrated things to comfort us or show His special love... and I wonder how often we don't realize what all He's done.