Prayers in the Garden

Today has been one of those days...woke up not feeling quite up to par (I think it was something I ate yesterday), but then on top of that we had disturbing news that my husband's cousin Janice, who is a little younger than I, had a very much needed open heart surgery yesterday, but unfortunately she is not doing well at all. Right now we are not too sure that she is going to pull out of this. So please say a prayer for Janice if you will. Thank you.

Today was a day of resting and praying for Janice all throughout the day as the Lord continually brought her to mind.  This picture was taken last year on her birthday, with the pillow gift I made for her.  The front of the pillow was from a vintage embroidered table scarf, that came from some linens that belonged to her grandmother, and I assume was embroidered by her.  It is a picture of a young lady walking her poodle.  Janice used to have poodles, so this just seemed perfect for her, especially because it came from her own grandmother's things.

It was a lovely day today, and I was so thrilled to see that my climbing Don Juan rosebush had four beautiful roses blooming.  What a perfect place to set up a little tea table among the roses...

 Actually I went back inside to drink the tea as it was too warm to sit outside for very long.

I've been watching these roses opening up for the last couple of days...

 This morning there were raindrops on the roses...

I was wishing I could pick them and take them to Janice in the hospital, but she is in ICU and in extremely critical condition, so flowers would not be permitted.  Therefore I have enjoyed them all day with her in my mind and heart, and if roses could be sent by prayers and wishes, Janice could see them and smell them even in her current condition.

Earlier this morning, as the sun was just rising above the mist in the Secret Garden, I wandered around, talking with the Lord and lifting Janice up to Him in prayer...it was a beautiful time with the Lord...

God had truly blessed the morning with His glory... some late blooming wisteria blossoms are climbing over the fence...

The first crepe myrtle blossom has appeared...

 The Rose of Sharon is blooming again in the Memorial Garden...

 And this sweet little rain lily has lifted up its head in praise to our Creator...

It appears as though these dragonflies have bowed their heads and folded their gossamer wings in prayer...perhaps they, too, are saying a prayer...

Romans 8:18-22

18.  "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time 

are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

19.  For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

20.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, 

but because of Him who subjected it in hope;

21.  Because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now..."

Romans 8:28

"For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

We are not giving up hope for Janice, but we are entrusting her into the Lord's care. We know that He knows what is best for her, and if there is healing in His wings for her, then Praise the Lord!

And if her healing will be complete in being carried into His Presence by the angels, then we will still praise the Lord, for we know that He will do exactly what is best for Janice.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers on her behalf.


UPDATE:
June 28, 2018, 7:55 a.m., Janice passed into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ. I'm sure she was welcomed into heaven by her parents, her husband Paul, and her son Quentin.  She will be greatly missed here on earth by her one granddaughter and many other loved ones and friends.  Thank you all for your prayers.