Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

A Hidden Gem

Posted on By jennifer

Happy Hump Day!  It is a wet and chilly day here.  Does not exactly feel like summer (barely like spring) but there is plenty to do inside today.  Here’s to a productive and blessed day.  Thanks to everyone who left a comment on Monday’s post.  It is always interesting (and fun) to find those small things that we have in common with others.  You know, like the disdain for orange juice pulp:)  Community is so important like that!!  That said, I did not have much to post about today but thought I would share a few photos from our day on Saturday.  We spent the afternoon at a park/botanical garden in our area.  Its website describes it as a hidden gem in our county…and they are not kidding.  I have lived here, well forever, and had never heard of these 95 acres of landscaped gardens, paths and simply beautiful spaces.  Ninety-five acres smack in the middle of suburban sprawl!  Interestingly, I only “heard” about this through blogging.  Denise also lives in this crazy Northern Virginia but she has a knack for finding, and sharing, some of the nicest spots in this area.  She has a delightful blog!  She also has very nice photos…so please, no comparing.  I was impressed that I actually used my camera and thought I would share a few pictures with you.  Something about nature photos that just bring me peace.

 

These were in the Korean Bell garden.  Apparently, the bell is a symbol of peace and friendship.  It was large and impressive.

 

There are open spaces.  Manciured beds.  Several ponds and lots of huge koi fish.  I’m now at the age where watching fish swim is as exciting as bird watching.  Finding huge turtles that blend in with the logs was also just a bit too exciting.  There was no shortage of pretty flowers.  Most I recognized.  Some I did not.  And, this one, I know that I know.  But cannot think of its name.  Someone help me out.  Please.

I got all my steps in that day.  And then some.  But it didn’t even feel like exercise:)  We certainly plan to go back.  Would be a lovely spot for a light lunch; however, the entrance signs said “no food or drink.”  There was, supposedly, a food truck there that day but we never saw said truck.  It was well hidden.  Snack or no snack, I will look forward to another visit and just counting the koi fish!!

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Comments (7)

  1. What a lovely day. Been out of touch for a while, a new baby added to the family last night. The pictures are so lovely, I would love to take a walk and count the fish!!
    Have a great week.
    Wanda

  3. What a beautiful area! I couldn’t help but notice also how very blue the sky and water are in your pictures. SO beautiful!

  4. Jennifer, those beautiful yellow flowers remind us that late spring is not only here but is alive and well and flourishing. I am so grateful!

  5. What a beautiful assortment of pictures you shared from your adventure, Jennifer! Hard to believe that is somewhere in NVA! Happy Thursday!

  7. It is always a delight to find somewhere special like those 95 acres of gardens that are so close by and yet never realising they were on your doorstep . Denise does have a lovely blog and it is always fun to see where she has been visiting.

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