“Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.”
Genesis 2:1-3
I’m sitting at my computer, next to an open window, enjoying what promises to be a beautiful, almost-spring day. Right now, at 8:24 in the morning, the temperature is 56 degrees, the sky is clear, and the winds are out of the southeast at fourteen miles per hour. Thankfully, the humidity is much higher today than it was yesterday when the drier air and gusting winds stirred up grass fires in the little town of Rhome just southwest of us. It is a lovely Sabbath!
You may wonder how I can observe Shabbat by writing an entry in my blog. The primary requirement for observing the Sabbath is to rest from one’s regular work (Leviticus 23:3). Since my “regular work” revolves around the needs of my home, family, and church, then writing about the garden definitely falls into the category of appropriate Sabbath behavior! Talking about, writing about, and working in the garden bring me great joy, and that’s what Shabbat is all about: taking the time out of our busy schedule to truly enjoy God’s abundant blessings.
Now that the garden site is cleaned up, the next step is to lay out the location of the twelve tribes and connect them with pathways. At the same time, we will start planting trees and preparing bedding areas, then select places throughout the garden for seating and arbors. This is the part of the process that requires the most patience for me since I am always so eager to get plants in the ground! But, I’m trying to control myself and not fill my truck up with plants from the nursery before they have a place to call home.
Starting Monday I will be sharing the vision for each tribe’s section of the garden. As I said in my Groundwork post, the Lord first planted the concept for this garden in my heart back in 2007. The first place I went for inspiration was the web site of Neot Kedumim, the Biblical Plant Reserve in Israel. Whenever you have the time, go visit the site and take the virtual tour. One of these days I am going for the actual tour. In the meantime, I’ll be busy in Corinth!
Shabbat shalom.
Posted by Suzanne Harrington on March 12, 2011 at 3:56 pm
I am delighted God is now giving you the desires of your heart that He planted in you so many years ago. It is assuring to see how He is building within us a plan of our fulfillment for our future & our purpose while we don’t even knoW this is happening. Line upon line precept upon precept, here a little, there a little until the plan bursts forth from our supposed barrenness. There is a time & a purpose under heaven!
Excited about being a part of this. Thank you for your vision & hard work. May this place Draw men unto Him by it’s beauty & our love for them!!
Suzanne Harrington
Posted by Dottie Maryott on March 12, 2011 at 4:28 pm
Thank you for continuing to feed our spirits visually. as we wait for warmer temps, and open windows (hopefully patiently). In a day quite filled with paperwork and dealing with clutter, you have offered the delightful possibility of rewarding progress with a late afternoon cup of tea, settled down with a cat in lap to enjoy a website visit to Neot Kedumim. Setting my face like flint at once to reach that goal! Shalom
Posted by LeRoy on March 12, 2011 at 8:07 pm
When you take the onsite tour, some of us might want to go with you!
Posted by Fay Williams on March 13, 2011 at 2:07 am
Pam, I really, really your postings to Beulah Acres. The work you have done thus far has already made a world of difference. The Master, and lady with the desire and degree work wonderfully together. What a team! I plan to visit Neot Kedumim by web also. Thanks for all you do!
Shalom.
Posted by Betty Taylor on March 13, 2011 at 4:27 am
What a breath of fresh air your blog is! It is as pleasurable as the spring weather today has been! There is nothing more therapeutic for me than working in the soil – your blog brings that even though I’m 35 miles away. You’ve fed my spirit visually each day as Dottie mentioned. Thank you. I’m excited to watch (and hope I’ll be able to participate) as this oasis, long planned by the Father, unfolds! I thoroughly enjoyed touring the Neot Kedumim site virtually – I can only imagine how breathtaking it would be to spend time there.
Shalom!
Posted by Dottie Maryott on March 13, 2011 at 11:29 pm
thank you Pam, the visual tour was a special blessing and balm to my heart!