31 December, 2015

To the Poppy





I thought you were dying. Your leaves had drooped, and the promising bud had turned yellow. I wanted to take a photo to remember you by, but the day got late.
And sometime during the night the miracle must’ve happened.
I see the fuzzy shells that dropped off to reveal your beauty. I study your delicate peach coloured petals, and yellow tipped stamens, and marvel at the life you add to my view. You’re perfect.
I know you won’t last. But I have hope now: 

There’s another bud.

//

And, seeing as this is the very last day of  2015, I wanted to thank you travelers for all the love and attention you give this little blog. It makes me feel overwhelmingly blessed, and I just want to give you all a hug. Seeing as technology hasn't made that possible, I'll just wish you the very best for 2016, and I hope it's a wonderful year of growth and adventure for each of you. Keep close to the Author of all life, the Giver of all hope, the Lover of all mankind - He's got amazing plans for each of us in 2016. I know it's going to be a good year. And even if things don't work out like we thought, or crumble before they've begun, there will always be more buds. 

Love,
Jessica xx
 
And tell me, have you got plans for 2016? What are you looking forward to most? What are you sad about leaving behind? What does a new year mean to you?



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12 comments:

  1. Anonymous31 December 2015 at 23:57

    Poppies!! I've never actually seen one of these in real life. Apparently they don't grow well in my climate. Nevertheless, I call them my favorite flower. They look so happy and cheery in pictures!
    All the very best for you in 2016 too Jessica! And I'll give you a virtual hug if you like! ;)

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    1. Jessica1 January 2016 at 13:17

      Really?! Wow, they spring up in the garden every year by themselves. And in some places they grow wild on the sides of the road. They're one of my favourite flowers too. :) Maybe you'd be able to grow a poppy plant inside...

      Thanks for the virtual hug, Lydia, and thanks so much for supporting Apples of Gold this year, and being a blessing through your encouraging comments. :)

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  2. anonymous1 January 2016 at 02:27

    Wow, 2015 was sometimes mundane, other times insane. It was hard but rewarding. And I actually feel like I've learnt so much about life and how I should live it this past year, so I'm grateful for that. I'm also thankful for my family and the new little addition, my friends (you!), health, etc. Every year's end makes me a bit sad and nostalgic, though. This afternoon, we were sitting outside and I realised I was watching the last sunset of 2015. Tomorrow morning will be the first sunrise of 2016, though, so HOPE is the word I keep thinking of. Hope brings light in the darkness, joy to those cast down, calm to the stressed.
    The main things I want for this new year are to keep learning and to serve our Creator better than I have been.
    So you have a good year and maybe we'll see each other sometime during 2016, hey? :)

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    1. Jessica1 January 2016 at 14:07

      You've done well to sum up the year; I don't even know where to start. Glad it's been a good year for you though, a year of growth and learning. You'll have to share what you've been learning sometime. :)

      Yes, endings make me nostalgic too, but for some reason I'm really excited about 2016. I think it's because beyond the camp next week, and my violin exam, I have no plans... like anything could happen.

      I really like your words about hope. Hope brings light in the darkness, joy to those cast down, calm to the stressed. It is such a powerful thing, and I guess what keeps us all going.

      I hope you have a super fabulous year too... and we will have to catch up somehow. :) And seeing as I seem to be taking the opportunity to thank my readers, I have to say: thank you so much for always reading and commenting, and just being there. You deserve the credit, because it was you who inspired this blog in the first place. :)

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  3. Riarna Toa1 January 2016 at 11:06

    Thanks for sharing with us Jessica :) You're doing an awesome thing for God. Love your blog, Hope you have the best year ahead too!

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    1. Jessica1 January 2016 at 14:14

      Thanks for your encouragement, Riarna. It means a lot. :) I hope 2016 is wonderful for you as well. xx

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  4. Katie Grace1 January 2016 at 13:39

    I love these pictures. You are so talented. <3
    Happy new year!

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    1. Jessica1 January 2016 at 14:15

      Oh, thank you & all praise to God for making such amazing flowers! Happy 2016 to you too! :)

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  5. Sarah1 January 2016 at 16:42

    Very nice and it was good seeing you lately!!! Have a happy 2016 :)

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    1. Jessica3 January 2016 at 09:39

      Thanks Sarah. :) And yes, it was really nice to catch up last week! You have an excellent year too! :)

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  6. Anna3 January 2016 at 06:29

    Thanks for sharing this Jessica! Thank you all of your support and wonderful comments with my blog! Your blog is an amazing source of inspiration! Keep up the good work!
    ~Anna
    the3musketeerssite.wordpress.com

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    Replies
    1. Jessica3 January 2016 at 10:47

      You're very welcome, Anna - I enjoy reading your blog! Thanks for your sweet comment, and praise God this blog inspires you. :) xx

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