thursday through my lens :: homegrown

I have to admit these photos make me so giddy. I seriously don't know what I did to deserve this huge bounty of homegrown tomatoes this year. I did nothing but plant five wimpy little free tomato plants into an empty space in one of our flower boxes last spring. We didn't fertilize them or anything. I tried to water everyday or have one of the kids do it and the sunshine has been outstanding this summer too so I am sure that has something to do with it, but seriously these tomatoes are to good to be true and they make me so happy.

I have always wanted to grown things but I can hardly keep succulents alive literally - my thumb is far from green. Lately though I have been reminded that we are all a continuous work in progress and there is always room to grown and develop new skills.

As we head into fall and the holiday season right around the corner we are excited to celebrate our third Christmas in this little rental home Jesus blessed us with all those summers ago. I can hardly believe we have welcomed a baby here and now sent our two oldest off to Kindergarten from this very spot. We have painted and nested and planted tomatoes and herbs and met our neighbors and found our way to a new church...in many many ways we still feel like we are in limbo, an in between stage that we never planned on when God chose to turn our lives upside down. But suddenly I realize how tightly I shut my eyes during that season to ward off the pain and fear and denial that was threatening to creep up - I hit the pause button, but life has kept on the way it does.

These simple sweet homegrown tomatoes are reminding me that HE has been doing a good work in our lives weather or not I have been fully aware. He has a plan and has invited us to be a part of that and so tenderly nurtures us into our gifts and desires. He gives good gifts all the time and surprises us with things we never even knew we wanted or needed.

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

So I am once again blown away and so thankful for the goodness that has been given, not just in the tomatoes but in my heart softening to what He has planned for us. And I am overwhelmed with this bounty of yumminess, what should I make with these delicious tomatoes - can't wait to sink my teeth into them!