Dirt beneath the nails is a badge of honor in my family.
Back in the ’40s, my great-grandmother, Fannie Reece, was known for her dinner plate-sized dahlias. She lived in a mill town where houses circled the block. Behind the houses was a field where her flowers grew. From Grandmother Reece’s back stoop, the top of the field was quite steep, accessible only by large field stones carved into the landscape.
I remember climbing those stones as a young girl. Dahlias and chrysanthemums of all colors and sizes spread across the land like a brightly-colored quilt.
Grandmother Reece must’ve handed down her green thumb to my grandmother, Elsie Knighton. On the window sills of her back porch, plants lined up with torn pieces of tin-foil cupping the bottoms to prevent spillage onto the corn-colored linoleum floors.
And my other grandmother, Alberta Scott, was a charter member of her local Garden Club. Large southern Gardenia shrubs lined one side of her home. Their perfumed petals welcomed guests long before MaMa had time to greet them at the door with a smile and a full-on hug.
MaMa (Alberta Scott, on far left) with two of her best friends and fellow Garden Club Members, Reba Crow and Catherine Edwards, (whom I was named after!)
But there’s more to gardening than the size of a flower or the perfume it carries.
God could’ve chosen to place man anywhere and He chose a garden.
When I catch a whiff of fragrant shrubs or touch the red clay of the Carolinas, I feel an undeniable tug toward heaven, and it’s for this reason I wrote A Tiny Prayer Garden for new subscribers. Creating a prayer garden doesn’t have to be fancy, cost a lot of money, or sap our last ounce of energy. It’s simply an intentional place to meet with God among His glory-filled creation.
The introduction to A Tiny Prayer Garden:
Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. Genesis 2:8 NIV
“It’s no coincidence that life began in a garden. Trees invite us to find respite beneath their branches, the scent of flowers lingers mid-air, and the choruses of birds praise their Maker. If you feel at home in a garden, it’s not surprising, because, in a way, you are.
My grandmother was a charter member of her local Garden Club. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in her enamel-clad kitchen. A journal decorated in flowers sat on her smooth speckled kitchen counter by the stove. On the cover was written: “One is nearer to God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth.” – Dorothy Frances Gurney
To create a prayer garden is to set apart a quiet place for you to meet with God. The moment you step outside, your senses engage, inviting you to enter a quiet, thoughtful place. God meets with you in the garden, or anywhere else. He is only a breath away. But there is something to be said for creating a place to talk with, and listen to, God.
So, why a tiny prayer garden? Because many today are choosing to live on a smaller scale whether through downsizing, minimizing, or simplifying. Regardless of where we live, most of us long for a small, private, and dare I say, manageable, place to step away from the hectic culture in order to embrace the quiet. And in doing so, we’re in good company.
After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. Matthew 14:23
When a prayer garden is kept tiny, it simplifies everything— the design, required tools, time and energy. It’s possible to create a meaningful place for soul refreshment without depleting your resources. Prayer gardens can be simple, elaborate, or anything in between. There’s no right or wrong. They can also vary in size because the word tiny is subjective.
It’s not about a space in the yard, but rather, a place in the heart that brings the prayer garden to life. And finally, you’ll find sensory tips at the bottom of each section. Planning with your senses in mind adds a layer of thoughtfulness that you’re sure to appreciate for years to come.”
In addition to A Tiny Prayer Garden, you’ll also find a bundle of six popular downloads under the NEW Freebies Tab that’s available to new members of the *tiny* community.
But if you’re not ready to join us, that’s okay. There’s still something for you on the Freebies page. 🙂
So what does it mean to become a part of our community? It simply means that you support the ministry of the work that’s shared here @ the Tiny House on the Hill. Not financially, but through prayer, engagement on the blog, and an excitement to share the posts with others in hopes of offering them hope and encouragement.
Members of the THOTH community receive 2-3 blog posts in their inbox each month and a Monthly Letter that includes:
- Behind-the-scenes pictures/videos of our progress on the tiny house.
- First-to-know updates on my books and other happenings at the house.
- First notifications and glimpses of new releases, like A Tiny Prayer Garden.
- Helpful downloads and links created exclusively for subscribers
- And a fun monthly giveaway.
What’s not to love? *smile*
Do you have a garden, or plan to have one in the future? Or do you remember a garden from your past? I’d love to hear about it!
Thank you for taking the time to stop by for a visit at the Tiny House on the Hill.
I’m in the process of creating a small flower garden spot just outside my back door — so excited that our tiller is fixed and I can really dig in and get started! 🙂
That sounds like fun, Connie! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Hi Cathy,
When I first married my ex, I had a window box herb garden that I loved. Tragically, it died on our move to a bigger place in the So. California heat. I’ve not tried again, until recently. Saturday, my youngest and I joined some friends at the Peter Rabbit Festival at a local botanical garden. As a promotion, you could fill a discarded Easter basket and fill it with herbs for $5. On the way home, I stopped and bought soil and long shaped pots to line up my herbs on the front porch. They perked up immediately from being re-potted and watered. In Dollar General, the cashier told me the chairs were going on sale this weekend, and those too will go out there to have an outdoor living space. I’m so excited!
Blessings,
Laurie Epps
You should be, Lori! That sounds wonderful. And what a cool promotion idea with the Easter baskets. I’d love for you to post a pic on FB once your area is completed! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I love the idea of a tiny prayer garden! You’ve inspired me to play in the dirt!
Thanks for a beautiful post!
Have fun, Tammy! I’d love to see pictures of your progress whenever that happens. 🙂 Blessings and thank you for taking the time to share.
Cathy, this is a great idea! I have several gardens. One is enclosed with stones in a circular shape in our front yard where I recently planted a few more flowers for spring and summer. There’s a sweet little Bradford Pear tree in the middle. The second area is a small courtyard at the entry way to our home. A gate opens to the sidewalk leading into a sitting area. A large River Birch tree stands in the corner where two walls meet. I have plants and flowers surrounding the tree and beautiful ivy growing. And hanging baskets on the far wall. It’s like a little paradise.
“It’s no coincidence that life began in a garden.” So good! 🙂
Oh my goodness! It certainly sounds like a little paradise, Karen. I’m not sure which garden I’d visit first. They all sound lovely. 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing! Happy Gardening!
Good afternoon Cathy, I am taking these words with me for my meditation today “God could’ve chosen to meet man anywhere. He chose a garden.” Thank you. Though I am later comer to the Tiny House on the Hill, I signed up to receive updates to learn more and participate as I am able. God bless you and all members of your family.
Welcome! 🙂 I’m delighted to have you as a part of the *tiny* community, Julie. I hope you find it to be a blessing, my friend.
Looking forward, Cathy!
Love this! And, yes. I have a memory and a plan 🙂 My grandma had the green thumb. My mama does, too. I believed my thumb was the proverbial black sheep…until I learned the truth! God is helping me see how His gifts are given and meant to be “discovered”. The day you sent out the THOTH member newsletter, God used a rosebush seedling to spark a new season for me. It’s cool to “discover” a “new” common bond with you, Cathy.
Incredibly cool, Charla. 🙂 I love those kinds of moments. ((( HUGS )))