Take a Breath – Sweet Selah Time (and a recipe for a refreshing Lime Rickey)
June is one of my favorite months. After a long winter and often slow-starting spring, June brings everything to life. I did the last of my planting today and then stepped back to admire its beauty. My pink peony is blooming; purple chive flowers are vivid and lush, perennials are awake, and my herbs are ready to flourish in their pots by the door. It’s just gorgeous. And it’s my sweet Selah time. Perfect for when I need to take a breath.
It gave me a little taste of when God completed the work of creation and called it good.
Very Good to Take a Breath
Oh yes, it was very good to rest after my labor and take in the beauty. What better way to enjoy it than by spending time on my porch sipping a refreshing lime rickey (recipe below).
After a hard winter, the porch is my haven and happy place. It’s a place of sweet Selah, even if it is only a few minutes.
My pastor once mentioned in a sermon that people long for the lost Garden of Eden, and find peace and contentment by spending time in a garden place. Like being called back to our roots (pun intended). It is true for me. It’s like a balm, especially basking in the scenery after the work of planting. I need it to help me take a breath in a busy world.
My garden is a balm and a sweet rest in a busy world. #PeoniesInBloom Click To Tweet
Ready to Grow
Today felt like that. It was very good. I felt joyful just looking at the happy plants ready to enjoy the growing season. Somehow there is some truth in there for me too. After a long winter, I am ready for some beautiful growth.
Do you have a place where you feel content? #TakeABreath Enjoying my porch views for a sweet #Selah Click To Tweet
I can hardly wait till tomorrow so I can enjoy a cup of tea and my breakfast on the porch. What a way to start the day.
Do you have a place where you feel content? What fruit of your labor have you enjoyed recently?
Jeanne
Here is the recipe for a refreshing lime rickey. Growing up on the South Shore of Massachusetts, we enjoyed a lime rickey made with Za-Rex Syrup. It’s not readily available in stores anymore, so this is my Connecticut conversion. And, from what I understand there is an alcoholic version which I never knew about before I Googled it today. You can order Za-Rex online.
Lime Rickey (non-alcoholic)
In a glass, pour & enjoy:
½ Ocean Spray Cranberry Pomegranate Juice
½ Club Soda
Lime wedge, squeezed and added to your glass with ice
Here is the recipe for a refreshing lime rickey. #SouthShoreMA #Zarex Perfect for sipping on the porch. Click To Tweet
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All photos by Jeanne Doyon
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Oh Jeanne, I can feel the “calm” of your porch.
The peonies, herbs, and flowers are definitely your thing, adding to the beauty. I also love my porch…….a “get away” without leaving the house ! I am enjoying the study of John on Tuesdays.
Thank you……..and back in the 50’s a lime rickey at the soda shop was the best!
Mom, did they make the lime rickey with the Zarex in the soda shop?
Jeanne, You are a woman after my own heart–a garden girl! Loved your post (as I do anything to do with nature, gardening, and outdoors). Spring is such a wonderful time of year to recognize the awesome beauty of God’s Creation, His master plan that allows us to see the Earth awaken again after winter slumber. The bug are so bad in the South that we aren’t able to enjoy our porch much, but an early morning walk is ideal for a chat with my Lord. Lime Rickey sounds yummy. Blessings, my friend.
Thanks for your thoughts, Katherine. Honestly, I enjoy enjoying my garden more than the heavy work of a garden. But I have created something that is easy to maintain and pretty at the same time. LOL It means less stress and more joy.
Jean, I loved your post, and as much as I love the fall and winter months, I do look forward to the summer slowing and some extra Selah time, too. Thanks for sharing, and happy planting! ~ Melanie
Thanks for chiming in, Melanie. I agree. Winter is so long here in Connecticut. But, this spring has been so beautiful. I love, love, love this time of year.