Chris

This a different sort of planting than usual. I have written about new friends. I have written about family. I have written about friends that I have known in recent years, but this is a friend that I have not been in contact with since high school. What I have to tell you will relate to childhood. Chris moved to my school in the fourth grade if I remember correctly, and he just seemed to belong with us. One of the things I remember about Chris is that he was accepting of people, and another is his sense of humor. Chris was a good sport and loved to laugh. One of the memories that will go down in hiss, down in hiss, down in history is the time Chris played the ♪Mayor of the Munchkin City in the county of the land of Oz.♪ I won't go into detail about the incident during dress rehearsal, but it was a testimony to Chris' good sense of humor. I hope that he and our fellow munchkins will be amused by the recollection, unless I only remember because my mom was the seamstress. I remember him being a people person and a good friend to most everyone. Because of time and circumstances I don't really know Chris now, but he was a good childhood friend. Chris, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Tom

I was actually outside working in my flower gardens today! What a beautiful warm, almost spring day! Tomorrow is officially the first day of Spring. Now I am finished outside for the day and it is time for my virtual planting of a friend. Tom is quite knowledgeable about the plant kingdom having a specific fascination with the carnivorous varieties. He's raised many of them in an enormous, impressive terrarium that he built with the help of a friend. He has a heart for children, and has been a big brother to a few boys who were in need of companionship and guidance. He has been a leader and teacher in several children's ministries throughout the years that I have know him; in fact I first met Tom when we were both serving at Vacation Bible School. Above all Tom's love for the Lord and the truth from His word direct every area of his life. I am glad I got to know Tom while he was still living near by. He made a move way out west and we don't have the opportunity to get together much anymore, but friends are friends forever and my family values our visits with Tom. We enjoy geocaching together when he is in the area. The excursions we have shared will long be remembered; from the frightfully cold windy New Year's Eve 2008, to flinging a tennis ball on a string at a lamppost the following December, and crossing the very narrow bridge during the summer in between. Neither will we forget the infamous "crow shooting" the time we went hiking out at Scotia on a Sunday afternoon. Tom, your in my thoughts and prayers tonight. Come visit soon!

Anita

I'm so glad that Anita is growing in My Garden. She is so kind and so much fun. My family met Anita and her husband through our common interest in geocaching http://www.geocaching.com/). As a team they have hidden many enjoyable geocaches that our family has appreciated. One morning a group of geocaching friends got together for breakfast and Anita handed out kazoos for kids of all ages. Outside the restaurant after breakfast some of us played a song together on our our kazoos. Another time our family was hosting an event and she made balloon animals for all of the kids. Anita is a clown of course, and I mean that very seriously, although as a clown she goes by the name of Toot. I encourage you to visit her bright colorful website at http://www.toottheclown.com/. It has been a delight getting acquainted with Anita. She has really brightened our caching community with her playfulness. Thank you Anita! My friends are planted in my garden with prayer, I will be praying for Anita and Toot this evening.

Shannon

Here is a friend who I remember from my early childhood. My cousin Shannon was admired then and is admired now. It's funny how when you are very young four years makes such a difference, but as time passes the gap closes quickly. As a girl of nine or ten it was a big deal to hang out with my cousins who were older than I was. I remember fun filled evenings with a large group of cousins playing kick the can while our parents sang. Visiting with family in Virginia was a highlight of my childhood and fun was always anticipated until one day when we thought we might lose Shannon. He was in a terrible accident and it is only by the grace of God that he recovered and is still with us today. (As I think about that statement it really is true for all of us spiritually, it's just more physically evident in some cases.) It was so traumatic. As he lay in a coma and as he gradually came out of it I believe I prayed like I never had before. As the months passed we were all so thankful that he was coming around, and at the same time I remember being troubled because he just didn't seem "himself" to me. As years passed everything seemed different, but growing up does change things. I soon had the opportunity and privilege to actually get to know him. During my later teenage years we were able to relate to each other as friends like we never really had as children. I remember a few times in particular: hanging out at the bowling alley, getting a bite to eat at the truck stop in Ephrata, going to see Ground Hog Day in the movie theater; just spending time together. I am so glad for those memories. Of course now we are both adults. Praise the Lord, Shannon has recovered from his injuries. It's such a blessing to see him as a husband and a father. I'm so thankful for his faith. I am always amazed by all of the people he knows. I don't think my cousin Shannon has ever met a stranger. At family gatherings I think he makes a point of talking to almost every person there. I admire his outgoing personality, and genuine interest in people. Unfortunately I am not as close to any of my treasured cousins as I once was, but it is nice when I have a chance to reconnect with them. Shannon, I thank God for the life He has given you. You are a blessing!

Melissa

I thought today seemed like a good day to plant Melissa in my garden. I've been thinking about how long I have known her and was surprised to discover that it will only be two years this July. I was so surprised that I searched our geocaching logs (http://www.geocaching.com/) to find the Monster Buck Hunt (the event where we first met) and confirm this information. Melissa became a good friend so quickly that it just seems like we have known each other longer. To illustrate what a sweet personality she has I will share that my mother-in-law met her once for only a few hours at a CITO (Cache In Trash Out) event, and when the event was over she expressed to me what a beautiful person my friend Melissa is both inside and out. Of course I agreed with her!!! It hadn't take either of us very long to reach that conclusion. My whole family has felt so welcome and accepted by Melissa and her family, it's not everyday you meet friends like them. I have never met anyone more devoted to her husband and her children, she is constantly giving of herself. She is a hard worker too; taking care of her family and their home, and recently even adding a job into the mix. Melissa has lived in many different places in the past ten years and I am guessing that there are people all over the country who miss her and wish she could be closer. Melissa, you are a beautiful flower in my garden of friends. My prayer for you is that as you have been a blessing to those around you so also may you be blessed by others. ♥