Beulah Acres …and the Lord God planted a garden.

The triple digits have taken position and don’t seem inclined to budge anytime soon.  In spite of the heat and drought, work continues in the Prayer Garden.  We have completed the pathways that connect the tribes, added a stone footbridge between Asher and Naphtali, and topped the pillars in Issachar with a compass rose and sundial representing the tribe’s understanding of time and direction.  We continue to prepare bedding areas in anticipation of cooler temperatures in the fall.  In the meantime, the garden crew stays busy pulling weeds, changing out expired annuals, deadheading spent flowers, and monitoring the water needs of each area.

One simple pleasure of tending the garden is enjoying the animal visitors.  Birds of all kinds, including a family of Eastern Bluebirds, frequent the bird feeders and water features throughout the day.  It’s not unusual to see a mockingbird chase a squirrel through Ephraim or catch a glimpse of a rabbit foraging for food.  The Boat-tailed Grackles often wash their food off in the water features of Manasseh.  The Blue Jays chase each other through the vitex trees, oblivious to the humans pulling weeds just a few feet away.  What a gift it is to be surrounded by such life and joy in spite of the heat!

Here is a visual update for you to enjoy.  I’ll post more later!