He who is born with a silver spoon in his mouth
is generally considered a fortunate person,
but his good fortune is small compared to that
of the happy mortal who enters the world
with a passion for flowers in his soul.
~Celia Thaxter
Don’t ask yourself what the world needs,
ask yourself what it is that makes you come alive.
And then go do it. Because what the world needs
is people who have come alive.
~Harold Whitman
They come, I see, they conquer! Beauties like the ones in these photos have left me spellbound for as long as I can remember. So it is that I have been blessed with a fire-fanning renewal of the passion of which Thaxter speaks month after month, season after season, year after year for 7 decades now. And as the yearly succession of earth’s flowers has advanced over the years, something in my soul has in fact felt more alive. As a result in the pregnant pauses of my days, over and over again I’ve heard a voice imploring me to make something good out of that passion. M. C. Entyre said that “singers and musicians know the power of the pause, the rest, the soundless beat,” and I’ve come to realize that the spaces between our thoughts or words are dwelling places where things register and then move inward. When we linger in spaces of quietude, we open ourselves to the possibility of an epiphany–the sudden knowing, the flashes of clarity where Christ enters with revelation. In such moments the veil lifts and we are, as Wordsworth put it, “surprised by joy,” the inexpressible joy of coming alive.
I love to think of nature as an
unlimited broadcasting station,
through which God speaks
to us every hour,
if we will only tune in.
~George Washington Carver
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. ~Psalm 19:8 ✝
**Images via Pinterest, collages created by Natalie
All very beautiful.
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Thanks so much, Lee. Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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I love the pics you’ve chosen for this post. They are so pretty, and fit so perfectly with the quotes.
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Thanks, V. I’m glad you liked them and that you thought they fit what thoughts. Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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refreshing
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Thank you, Snigdha. 🙂 ❤
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Wonderful post N. I love the fact that God has granted me the priviledge to do what makes me come alive too. And aren’t those revelations gold?
Love and hugs.
😀💕
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Yes, they are Staci. Thanks for the comment and praise the Lord that you get to do what makes you come alive. Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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Love that GW Carver quote about nature broadcasting God’s messages. And the purple flowed, and feeling alive…and everything else. ❤
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Thanks, JoAnna. I’m glad you liked all those things. ❤ 🙂
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Excellent photographs, dear Natalie. Truly gorgeous! ⭐
… Love and best wishes Aquileana 😉
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Why thanks so much Aquileana! Love’n hugs! 🙂 ❤
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Gorgeous photos and your words are golden, touched by inspiration from your quiet spaces, spiritual faith and passion for nature’s beauty. All things close to my heart too. May we tune to spirit and offer our gifts as blessings!
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Wow your comment is golden too, my friend! Amen and amen! Love’n hugs! 🙂 ❤
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Thanks sweet soulful sister! 🙂
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A truly beautiful reflection 🙂
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Thanks, Julie! I hope you are having a fabulous time! 🙂 ❤
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A breathtaking gallery! 🙂
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Thanks so much, Amy. I’m glad you enjoyed them. Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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A bit of something truly beautiful, I really enjoyed entire photo album.
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Thanks, and I’m so glad you enjoyed all of them, Charlie! 🙂 ❤
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Natalie, I especially enjoyed your own poignant prose in the center of this exquisite bouquet. ❤
Blessings & hugs ~ Wendy
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Thanks so much Wendy. I think you are one of the few who actually read that far. Blessings and hugs to you too, dear Wendy! 🙂 ❤
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Dear Natalie, I purposely seek out the parts you’ve penned yourself. I love the quotes you share, but I adore hearing your voice too. ❤
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Thanks for your personal marvelous posting!
I really enjoyed reading it, you are a great author.
I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will often come back in the future.
I want to encourage yourself to continue your great writing,
have a nice holiday weekend!
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Thanks for the nice comment. Blessings, Natalie 🙂
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You need to be a part of a contest for one of the greatest blogs
on the net. I will highly recommend this blog!
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Wow, thank you so much for this amazing comment! Blessings, Natalie 🙂
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This was so beautiful!
Hugs and Blessings,
Theresa
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Thank you, Theresa! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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Reblogged this on poetrycottage and commented:
Absolutely beautiful …
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