Sunday, February 3, 2013

From the southern floral kingdom

The eastern and western Cape of South Africa are home to one of five plant kingdoms.  There are some varieties of flora that grow only there, and during our recent sojourn to that part of the world, we had the great fortune to see some of these natural beauties.


The first day of our journey took us to Misty Hill in Johannesburg.  While the accommodations in this resort were often in the form of units of four that resembled cabins, each unit was surrounded by natural flora which guaranteed privacy.  Too bad we didn't have that much time to enjoy these units, but then again, having travelled so far, we had far too much to see and to appreciate.

Back home and with a bit of time to sort things out, I've found some inspiring words, couretsy of Today's Parish which are perfect to accompany some of the images of flora from the Southern plant Kingdom.

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When we miss the beauty and joy of earth's goodness, God surprises us again.


When we grow too accustomed to life's busyness, God surprises us again.






When the goodness of others gets lost in the rush, God surprises us again.


When our frailty outruns our strength, God surprises us again.





When the hope in our heart fades away, God surprises us again.


When the call to serve others loses its flavour, God surprises us again.


When we search for the way home, God surprises us again.


When loneliness pursues us, God surprises us again.



When the troubles of others seem more than we can carry, God surprises us again.


As we enjoy the treasures we've found in the field of faith, God walks closely with us.


When it seems the darkness will never give way to the light, God surprises us again.


When even God seems far away from us, God surprises us again.


As we strive to live our lives well, God walks closely with us.


As we journey into unknown territory, God walks closely with us.


As we learn to accept our weaknesses and our strengths, God walks closely with us.


As we open our hearts to the messengers God sends to us, God walks closely with us.

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