Bounteous Harvest

It has been a great year for us in the vegetable garden.  We have had fantastic onions, spring onions, potatoes, runner beans, courgettes and sweetcorn.  Also the raspberries and strawberries have been good.  We still have leeks growing well.  We also had carrots, beetroot and peas which didn't do so well but provided a meal or two.

Now comes the work of getting the ground ready for another attempt next year.

In 1976 the Latter Day Saint Prophet, Spencer w Kimball said:

"We encourage you to grow all the food that you feasibly can on your own property. Berry bushes, grapevines, fruit trees-plant them if your climate is right for their growth. Grow vegetables and eat them from your own yard. Even those residing in apartments … can generally grow a little food in pots and planters. Study the best methods of providing your own foods. Make your garden … neat and attractive as well as productive. If there are children in your home, involve them in the process with assigned responsibilities” 

We have tried to follow his counsel and although not all of our crops work out we are able to have the satisfaction of growing them ourselves and the knowledge that all good things come from heaven above. 

This reminds me of standing beside my dad in our village church when I was a child as we sang this Hymn.

We Plough The Fields And Scatter 

We plough the fields and scatter

The good seed on the land,

But it is fed and watered

By God's almighty hand:

He sends the snow in winter,

The warmth to swell the grain,

The breezes and the sunshine,

And soft, refreshing rain.

Refrain:

All good gifts around us

Are sent from heaven above;

Then thank the Lord,

O thank the Lord,

For all his love.

He only is the maker

Of all things near and far;

He paints the wayside flower,

He lights the evening star;

The winds and waves obey him,

By him the birds are fed;

Much more to us, his children,

He gives our daily bread.

We thank thee then, O Father,

For all things bright and good,

The seed time and the harvest,

Our life, our health, our food.

Accept the gifts we offer

For all thy love imparts,

And what thou most desirest,

Our humble, thankful hearts.

Sisters Day at the Temple

What a fantastic time we had at the London Temple.  Cheryl(centre) had never been before and just glowed the whole time, including the journeys.  Sister Crandall was so pleased to be able to leave her area for this special day.  We had 105 sisters there from our Stake over Friday and Saturday.  We were all uplifted and inspired by our visit. 

Thanks to my special friends for their company and to my inlaws who made it possible for me to go. 

Autumn Days

I looked out the other day and saw the sun shining on the trees and there was a golden glow.  Then when I was out walking with Gareth today and we came across these conkers.  I remember spending hours, at this time of year, with my friends along the aptly named "chestnut walk" in Beachamwell.  We would try to knock down and collect as many conkers as possible but many ended up smashed on the road.  The ones we found today had fallen naturally from the tree and were still protected in their cases.

All this made me think of our children.  We keep them safe "on the tree" as long as possible but eventually they will grow and leave the safety of our home.  Hopefully they will have the protective case around them of the things we have taught them and the love we have shown them.