Surprise it's Jesus

Prayed today. Jesus picked me up as a father carries a sleepy toddler, tucking me into bed, giving me a peck on the cheek while pulling the sheets all the way up to my chin.  Refreshed by a short nap, we sat down at a small round table for conversation and tea. As we were talking two armored soilders appeared with gigantic swords fighting behind Jesus. They weren't invited to the tea party! It was supposed to be Jesus and me. What kind of peace am I to have if a sword fight is going to begin? Clang. Clash. Loud metal racket invaded the scene. I wondered,"Are the fighters here to kill me?" Who are the fighters? Are they angels fighting demons? Exactly what's up with the sword fight?

As I pondered the unexpected scene, one of the swords pierced through towards me, sticking in the back of Jesus. I thought,"Woa that blow is deadly." The words came, "Becky, I've already died for you."

The knife in the back didn't cause concern to Jesus. Jesus nudged his shoulders up deflecting the sword. Ignoring the fighters, he gazed at me as a mother snuggles with her new born baby.

 The clanging swords continued.

A Secret Garden

Psst. I have a secret. Not a bad creepy secret. Its the type of secret you can't wait to tell a best friend. Or better yet a secret you can't wait to have them experience. Thursday I took a hike down to Shenk's Ferry Wildflower Preserve. Every spring, before the tree leaves unfold, the blooms open for a few short weeks giving bursts of varied colors from jungle green, muted pinks, to deep blue. For flower labelers the Trillium, Trout Lilly, Dutchman Breeches, Virginia Bluebells are flourishing. Invitingly beautiful, I sought my hand at clicking the camera. The flower on the left is a Trout Lilly, named for its speckled trout-like leaf. This little flower is easily overlooked due to its varied movement. No it doesn't run away! In the morning and evening the blossom closes tightly. Late morning it begins the show of magenta stamen, sort of like sticking out a red tongue, by afternoon the blossom curls completely backward.

Trout Lilly

Next up are some fiddle head ferns, I've heard black bears enjoy this as  a tasty treat. Basically string bean-ish, I've eaten the less hairy variety or perhaps one could say, I've chewed and chewed on it. Eventually it was swallowed.  

Fiddle Head Ferns

Every time I walk in the Garden new things are learned, for fellow explorers eagerly share, "Did you see the red Trillium by the stream?"

(Nope, never seen red ones, only white.)

"How about the Hepaticus, named due to its liver shaped leaves, by the tree trunk?"

(Yep! I know exactly where to find it.)

At the end of the mile is a tunnel with cool water running just waiting to cool off your feet. The Secret is out.

Dutchman Breeches named for its similarity to pants on a clothes line.

Trillium

Tunnel ending