After the Storm

Hurricane Idalia lost its strength by the time it reached my town. During the night, heavy rain and wind reminded me just how fragile and vulnerable we really are in this life. We are at the mercy of the elements really. Thousands upon thousands of years, humans have survived, though. We manage to move from disaster to restoration because we simply have no other choice but to survive. It’s in our soul. No matter how dark the night; no matter how desperate we become, deep within our human souls we look towards a light that burns within us all. We survive against all odds. We fall down; we get back up. Then, we repeat it all.

This morning, I dashed outside after the rain had stopped and saw this pink rain lily that I had planted way back in April. It simply swayed in the breeze, a testament to all that is beautiful in God’s world.

Fear and anxiety have the devastating punch of a storm hurtling towards a coastline with threats of absolute destruction. Fear and anxiety hinder us and rob us of joy, rob us of peace.

I am petrified of rain at night. I am absolutely petrified when it gets intense, like last night.

So, I turned my thoughts to God and His protecting hands. God is always with me no matter how dark the night; God is always with me no matter how strong the wind.

He is always with each of His children.

Life is full of events that cause us to fear. Life hurts.

It’s never easy when the rains come, when night falls and the world shuts into darkness, and the wind roars.

But, I turn towards God and trust that no matter how dark the night he is with me.

And, He is with each of us.

Through all the storms.

Copyright 2023 (photography and writing) Jenny W. Andrews

Little Lizard on a Leaf

By now, you’ve probably figured out that I enjoy photographing creatures in my garden.

I love nature and find peace and joy in simply watching the quiet little world beneath leaves and inside flower buds.

It is calming to just take a few moments to pause and watch these little creatures go about their day.

I often marvel at the intricacies of this earth. Have you ever paused and just wondered about all that this earth contains: the plants, the insects, the land animals, the sky animals, the sea animals, flowers, food crops, natural resources, et cetera and so on?

Without a doubt, God has powerfully and wonderfully designed and blessed His creation.

So, on this Monday afternoon, just take a few moments from the hustle and bustle of your busy life and consider all the beauty that God had made.

Jenny W. Andrews copyright 2023

Raindrops on Pink Crepe Myrtle

A brief reprieve from the crushing heat. A steady drizzle, gray clouds hover and burst, spilling cool raindrops that dangle from the pretty deep pink flower clusters of the crepe myrtle tree in my backyard.

Beauty and joy. These are what nature brings. Of course, there are storms, drought, floods, and an assortment of natural disasters that can befall this ancient earth.

But, deep within the earth’s surface, a riot of roots dig deeply and spread like the limitless hands of God and replenishes us with its fertile bounty.

The earth lives forever because of the seeds that burst forth with life and multiply forever.

This crepe myrtle sprouted from the other crepe myrtles in my yard. Years ago, I’d only planted two crepe myrtles. Now, I have several that have sprouted from those trees.

I have young oak trees that have sprouted from the other oaks, as well.

So, when I see the raindrops dangling from the pretty pink flowers of the crepe myrtle I am reminded of eternity because the rain will water the parched earth and return to the clouds because of the continuous movement of the rain cycle.

God is in control of His beloved earth. He has created the rain, wind, trees, all that is within.

So, when you are despairing of the excessive heat this summer, please just remember that it is just a cycle; the coolness of autumn will come, and so will the chill of winter.

And the cycle will start over again.

Trust in God’s love for his beloved earth and His love for us, his children.

It will rain again.

It will snow again.

And, we will be reminded of God’s power.

It is all, after all, in His loving hands.

Jenny W. Andrews copyright 2023

Lemons and Oranges

Just the other day while putting my groceries away, I put my oranges and lemons in the bowl on the kitchen counter. And, I know that sounds rather mundane, but at the instant the sunlight filtered through the window above my sink and I noticed the intricacies of the colors, yellow and orange. So different, but so beautiful.

It makes me consider all the beauty this world is filled with, all the depths of color that exists. Pale blues, scarlet and cherry reds, lavender and lilac hues of purple, pastel pink and deep fuchsia, bright pearl white and rich ebony shades of onyx.

Yes, the world is filled with such beauty. The earth is God’s masterpiece and He has painted it with brilliant hues that is a gift to us.

Take the time to notice this gift that God has blessed us with.

Seek out the beauty in the simple moments.

And, share with the world.

Have a blessed week ahead.

Jenny W. Andrews copyright 2023

Grasshopper on Zinnia Stem

I’ve finally managed to get a photo of this little grasshopper that has been clinging to the pink zinnia in my back yard. He nestles himself closely to the green stem and attempts to not be seen. Granted, you have to peer very closely to see the little green guy. Earlier, he’d scurried away when I had tried to photograph him; well, I’ve been quietly sneaky and finally photographed him.

I just wanted to share this photograph because of the quiet beauty of this image.

Early morning or late evening it is amazing just how many little creatures you can spy beneath leaves and in the grass. I love nature because it gives me a sense of peace. All is well with the world if you spend time simply enjoying the beautiful world that God has blessed us with.

So, turn off your cell phones and computers this weekend and go outside to enjoy the beauty of the day. Take some time to really look at the nature around you. It is inspiring just how perfectly formed God’s creation is.

Have a beautiful weekend.

Copyright 2023 Jenny W. Andrews

Encouragement: A Quote

While browsing the internet, I came across this really inspirational quote. I would like to share it with you.

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying “I will try again tomorrow.”- Mary Anne Radmacher.

In this hectic and sometimes hostile world it is easy to feel discouraged and succumb to negativity.

But, peace can be found in the silence. Just a few moments without a cell phone and without a computer screen can reduce stress. Being in the silence can do wonders for our souls. In the silence, we can listen to that “quiet voice at the end of the day” that Radmacher is speaking about.

Life, of course, is not easy. Nobody has an easy life. There is always something that could potentially upset our lives. The most effective strategy is to not give into the negativity. Another effective strategy is to have faith that tomorrow is another opportunity to reach your goals. Keep in mind that you are in control of your decisions in life. Choose to look forward to the promise of tomorrow. No matter what is troubling you, remember that with faith and courage you can succeed.

Just never give up.

If you give up, you will never know what might have happened if you had continued working towards your goals.

So, “I will try again tomorrow.” I will have courage no matter how discouraging this world can be. I, after all, am in charge of my decisions.

In order to reach my goals, I must try again tomorrow.

I encourage you, as well, to listen to that quiet voice that tells you to try again tomorrow.

After all, there is always a tomorrow.

Jenny W. Andrews copyright 2023

Periphery

You are.

on the periphery.

Just out of focus.

Miles beyond my scope.

There. I feel you.

There. Your voice whispers in that space

where memory

multiplies

itself

with

you.

Jenny W. Andrews Copyright 2023

I originally wrote this poem in 2015. As I’ve said in my previous posts, I am currently going through my old journals and notebooks in order to organize a collection of poetry. I simply love words and creating images on the page.

Please let me know what you think about my poetry. (But, please, always be kind). Thanks.