Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Blessings Of The Land

When we moved into our house back in March, this is what our yard looked like. Very depressing, don't you think?First, we had to find better soil to grow grass and plants in. In this picture you can see piles of "bonne terre" (good earth) that was then spread to cover our entire yard as well as a few small plants. I was dreaming of the day Caden could run and play in our yard...
With all the rain we've been having and help of our day guard pulling weeds for us, this is what God has now blessed us with. And yes, my son loves to run all over the yard, as well as my husband!

You can also see in the pictures our three growing trees at that end of the yard. Starting from the left: Frongi Pongi (I think this is the name), Mango, and Banana. The banana tree has impressed us the most with it's huge leaves that seem to appear new every day. Caden loves bananas and we are all looking forward to the day we can simply pick one off our tree to eat.

It wasn't until I looked at all three of these picture together that I realize how much our yard had changed in just four months. I am so thankful for the blessings God gives us through His creation. Sometimes, I sit on the porch in amazement to what God has blessed us with here in Togo. It's the small things like a pretty yard that remind me how much He cares for me and desires to take care of me.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a sigle hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousess, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow ill worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:25-34

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tribute to our God!

Tammie's Thoughts said...

How beautiful! Your own little heaven on earth in a country that can be so harsh and unkind to her people at times. I'm so excited for you!

Anonymous said...

April,
Your yard looks beautiful! With the drought in Mongtomery, many here have dried up. And thanks also for the video on your family site of Caden watercoloring. Sending a big hug1
Arlene