See the beautiful arrangement of gardenias? I picked those sweet smelling gems yesterday. My bush is still hanging full. I thought you would enjoy these arrangements I placed in my house.
I am amazed each time I smell a gardenia, magnolia, mimosa, or rose because if God created THESE then WHAT does heaven smell like?
If we can have such luxuries here on earth, then can you imagine heaven?
That is where my mind goes each time.
2 Corinthians 2:15
For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
My parents (and my Dad’s Mom) always had fresh flower arrangements in the spring and summer. Yesterday when I visited my parents, their gardenia bushes and magnolia trees were full of blooms. While I was there I filled their home with 3 or 4 arrangements. They also had a fresh arrangement of hydrangeas. That is a happy part of my childhood that is easily reproduced.
My grandmother K always had roses and gardenias. She even kept gardenias in 
her refrigerator so that the blossoms would last and she could use them later. Smart eh? However, it did change the taste of her food. Ha. That was before plastic bowls & air tight lids. Hmmmm, that might work! (The vase in this last picture belonged to my grandmother.)
On a different note, in case you’re wondering how I’m doing after yesterday’s post … I am still overcoming. The Lord told me yesterday that He is changing old patterns in my life. Ok, that is good ... I can survive this. :o) Interesting how He will use someone controlling and manipulative to push the gunk right out of me (just like squeezing a grape). More gunk was surfacing yesterday.
Isn’t there an old saying that dead (wo)men can’t be offended? Well — I’m thinking my flesh is alive and well. But that is OK. One part of being a Christian is being RESTORED. God sets us free and brings healing.
God loves me and I love Him. Even in this season I am excited. Yes, I might whine when I see some old stuff try to surface, but I’d rather know it is there so some holy excavation can take place!
Have a super blessed Tuesday everyone!
Your arrangments are beautiful, Beth! I, too, have been fighting the urge to throw myself on the floor and cry lately, much like my 3 year old! Being a parent is stressful enough, I couldn't imagine being the primary caregiver for two adults as well. God bless you along your journey!
Lou
Thank you so much for your encouragement, prayers, love, and support!
Blessings,
andrea
Beautiful flowers and they do smell wonderful!! I have two vases of hydrangeas in my kitchen now. I'm going to share the pictures tomorrow. God's blessings are all around us!
What could be more lovely than a bouquet of gardenias? I mean really, how wonderful you can grow them. Now I want to plant one! The scent is so pure, maybe heaven has that fragrance.
Beth, I just love your posts, you speak with such honesty and vulnerability and you will see that, that is exactly the time and place where growth happens, I am so excited to hear about your journey, thanks for sharing.
Love the flowers as well, hmmm I've been thinking of growing Gadenias this year, now I really think I should. Have a wonderful Tuesday.
Hi. I came across a mention of your blog on another blog and came for a visit. These flowers are just beautiful. I love having flowers in the house, too. I've heard that white flowers are the most fragrant, and I've found that to be true.
I'm fascinated by the comment that the roses and gardenias changed the flavor of your grandmother's food. I wonder what a gardenia tastes like…
Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful flowers! Nature's air freshener! Dropping by to wish you a great week ahead, remaining strong in the Lord's mighty power!
Such lovely flowers, and I know your house must smell heavenly.
Wow! Lovely flowers! And why wait to enjoy such things! I love using them inside and out of my home! I can only imagine, HEAVEN!! Great post! Check out my blog and feel free to join me there! love to have you along!!
What a great thought, if these flowers smell so wonderful what must it smell like in heaven. I really had to ponder that one. Glad to hear you are being strengthened during your sifting and winnowing time.
Hi Beth,
Beautiful flowers!! So pretty! I love flowers so much.They must smell heavenly!
Thank you for your encouraging words and sharing your heart.Your posts are a blessing.
Hugs.
Love your flower arrangements..nothing beats having fresh flowers in the house!! It does make one wonder how "heavenly" heaven will smell!