GARDENS AND CASTLES

A CROSS TO BEAR  part one

Here in the Upper Midwest Spring is definitely sending out signals to us. Many parts of the country are already exhibiting all sorts of harbingers! With Spring so close within reach, I find myself making plans for this year's 'crosses' in my hybridizing program for this summer. In fact, truth be told, I have been doing a lot of pondering all winter long, so now it is a good idea to make some definite choices.  Choices choices choices! What a dilemma!   

center flower to be used as pollen parent on all surrounding it

For me, as well as for many of you, I am sure, I view things with a Spiritual bent, always. Life goes so much better when I do.

So as in daylilies if we want to see fruitful results of our endeavors, we plan ahead. Why am I so human that making a cross in my DAILY LIFE (A Cross To Bear) it is more difficult? Please read on, maybe we can find the answers together.

Matthew 10:38 & Luke 9:23 & Luke 14:27 all speak of taking up the cross and following Jesus. As the text in the Amplified Bible puts it so well: 

(cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly to My example in living, and if need be, in dying also) 

It sure isn't easy  to die to self. 

   Dying to self is AN EFFORT! 

                             A CONCERTED EFFORT

                             A DOING-NOT A WISHING!

   It's caring for the sick 

                             WHEN YOU DON'T WANT TO

   It's turning the other cheek 

                              WHEN SOMEONE HAS HURT YOU

   It's forgiving 70 x 7 

                               WHEN YOU DON'T THINK      THEY DESERVE FORGIVENESS EVEN ONE TIME 

   

   It's being angry

                               AND NOT SINNING!

   It's hating the sin

                               AND NOT THE SINNER.

THE CROSS MAY SEEM HEAVY-AND IT IS IF YOU CARRY IT ALONE.

BUT WHEN YOU CARRY IT WITH THE DESIRE TO FOLLOW JESUS (in short "What Would Jesus Do?) THE BURDEN IS LIGHT BECAUSE HE IS RIGHT THERE BESIDE US!

As with the daylilies , if I don't MAKE THE EFFORT AND JUST DREAM OF A CROSS, IT IS ONLY A DREAM..A DREAM THAT DISSIPATES, NEVER TO BECOME A REALITY.

Below are a few photos of some of the selected beauties I am planning on using for this summer's crosses. Enjoy! 

        
                                 TO BE CONTINUED