January Blooms

We've learned to love January in the Pacific Northwest. Our eyes are opened to the winter blooms that cheer up the grey days. We even get a chance to plant this time of year in our southern exposure Mediterranean garden. Below are some of the lovely blooms. The first two are under our old huge cedar and the winter rains and the combination of low Southern light, brings forth leaves and blooms not seen since last winter.

This is not to discourage those who are in parts of the world where winter is harsh upon you. It is to share a bright day that brightened ours and  give hope of spring to come.

Cyclamen coum "silver fir tree" under our huge old cedar tree 

a new planting to join the others

Violets, protected under the cedar tree, peek their heads out mid January.

The rock wall , which we had Dave build several years ago, retains heat from the low winter sun. This usually dry, protected spot, loves the torrents of rain that arrive this time of year. This is when the cyclamen leaves start to appear under the cover of dropped brown cedar needles.

Lonicera x Purpusii  Honeysuckle by our garage with fragrance

Hellebores outside in a pot so we can move to show it off year round.

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent (the beauty in winter flowers) think about such things." Philippians 4:8 NIV

Metaphor in Winter Snow

Rose after snow storm still blooming

Palm fared well

Bird bath frozen for now

Bench in front of the cottage temorarily unuseful

Porch where we sit in summer now with drifting snow

Potager in winter wait

A year and a half fighting cancer with chemotherapy, bilateral mastectomy and radiation, our daughter-in-law was pronounced cancer free according to the CAT scan taken this month.. All who have been praying and even those who haven't are praising God!

About halfway into her treatment, seeing her suffer and our son and grandson's concern, I asked Jesus, "What would it take for Tomoko to be healed?' It was like He said, "How much are you willing to do on your part?" I said, "Whatever it takes, I am willing, Lord."
I only remembered this after I was diagnosed with breast cancer maybe 9 months after that. The diagnosis based on the biopsy and mammogram showed it to be similar to what our daughter-in-law was initially diagnosed with. Trusting God's sovereignty,I had peace. Nothing happens without His knowledge. Are we willing to be with the suffering, take on suffering, take up the burden for others, to walk with them in the valleys? Are we willing to become like those we pray for? If this is the only way and God calls us why not?

Jesus became human to dwell among us, suffering all things in our behalf so that we, tainted as we are, might be set free and finally be able to connect to a Holy God. Might He call us to do the same, dwell and suffer with others, wait in the winter wait in love, so they might be set free?

It may seem like a huge winter storm in your life where everything is put on hold for a while, but hope comes in the morning and we look at life in a new way.

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have." I Peter 3:15

Hope is the rosebush with blossoms in winter

January rose amongst Melianthus major

The garden is fairly forlorn this time of year. The galianthus snowdrops have not appeared yet, but the red rose still clings to the vine even though it is January.
The very miniature rose, rescued and bought about 5 years ago from Bert’s Red Apple grocery store in Madison Park area of Seattle,  a discard, out on the sidewalk in a 4” pot with a “For Sale 50 cents” sign, was too lovely to leave. I planted  it in our Island hot (south facing) border, the large pocket of soil between an extensive rock wall background and a small rock wall sitting area. I didn’t think it would make it, but put it out for the summer to at least enjoy for a while,  Each year it grows more profuse. We both love it there.

rose in hotel room brings cheer

During October when I had a mammogram and biopsy and a diagnosis of breast cancer, we came back to the island and noticed the rose blooming. Before we left the island again for both my husband’s surgery(pacemaker) and mine a week later (bilateral mastectomy), I cut the buds and put them in a silver vase and placed it in the car and brought it wherever I went, scans, biopsies, surgeries for two weeks. Here it is in the hotel room I stayed in while my husband was in the hospital  then in the car to transport it so it was with me to cheer wherever I went.

Hope is the rosebush which blooms in winter

 despite disease, dropping temps and no one noticing

"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them -" Psalm 146:5-6 
My hope comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth  and created all things (including roses) for His purpose.

Where do you need hope? Ask the Lord to open your eyes to see what He has placed right in front of your steps.

Plaque on the wall at Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle

Last month diagnosed with a new primary cancer, I visited a lot of doctors with testing and surgery.
The Lord gave me peace and the message "Do not concern yourself with tomorrow for today has enough troubles of it's own." I was prepared to hear the worst, but since I believe in a sovereign God who has a purpose for those who know Him, I was willing to go the route if needed. The tumor, "angry and large" according to the biopsy reports, when fully removed in mastectomy surgery became small and no other involvement. I praise God for healing and His grace. Praise Him with me.

At Christmas, God gave us the most incredible gift. He sent His son, Jesus, part of the triune God, three in one, to earth to become one of us, like us in every way except He did not sin. It was the most wonderful gift because we are fallen beings, needing hope, joy, peace, a transformation and healing. There was no other way to experience this but for this babe, God/man, to come to earth to be like us, and unlike us, to sacrifice all for our benefit. He took on our transgressions, and for those who  believe, granted us benefits of peace, joy, transformation and healing so we might come to know God and live the life we were created to live. Celebrate with us the real meaning of this season.

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him my help and my God." Psalm 42:11

"The LORD will comfort Israel again and make her deserts blossom. Her barren wilderness will become as beautiful as Eden - the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found there. Lovely songs of thanksgiving will fill the air." Isaiah 51:3

You, Oh LORD, take those places of hurt and pain that affect all our living and you alone bring hope and new beginnings and beauty. Can there ever be joy and gladness again? You promise and your promises will not be broken. Help us to sing again.