Thursday, April 22, 2010

Azalea Garden At Bryan Park










































Last week, Doug and I spent the afternoon with Savannah at Bryan Park, Richmond, Virginia. We wandered through the azalea gardens. Each color unique. I wondered how many times we run past the beauty of GODS creation? How many times do we take it for granted?

Let's slow down and enjoy all that HE has given us. Let's savor the sweet smell of HIS presence in our lives!

By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace,

Andrea
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57 comments:

  1. Gin HanssonApril 22, 2010 at 12:22 PM

    thanks for always dropping by and leaving inspirable messages.

    Hugs and kisses... God bless

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  2. BLUEBUTTERFLYApril 22, 2010 at 12:35 PM

    Andrea, I love those photos, and, yes...I plan to make today slow.

    Be blessed beyond measure.

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  3. DeniseApril 22, 2010 at 12:48 PM

    Amen, so very beautiful.

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  4. Just Be RealApril 22, 2010 at 12:58 PM

    Andrea this is lovely. At work someone did a devotional on the beauty of the different types of smell. Blessings.

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  5. DianaApril 22, 2010 at 1:02 PM

    They are so beautiful Andrea! I have a red and a pink one! They are a delicious blessing for sure!
    Love Di ♥

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  6. TerryApril 22, 2010 at 1:30 PM

    Howdy Andrea
    Blessings to you sweet lady :)
    What a gorgeous post .
    I love your precious little one checking out those beautiful flowers.
    If only we all stopped along the way each day to enjoy God's gifts the world would be a much happier place.
    Your photos filled my day with abundant joy.
    Thank you so much for sharing.
    My Mom has been really ill this past week ,today she was called back into the Dr's. office for another transfusion.
    I will be really slow on visiting for awhile as I continue to try and help out my parents.
    Remember you are in heart and prayers !
    God bless you and yours today .
    Big hugs from Texas
    Happy Trails

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  7. Girly MuseApril 22, 2010 at 1:31 PM

    Absolutely gorgeous and a wonderful reminder to stop and enjoy the flowers...

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  8. RCUBEsApril 22, 2010 at 2:23 PM

    My mom loved flowers and just could grow anything she wanted to grow, blooming plants especially. This post reminded me of her passion. She is the blooming flower in my life that I miss. Beautiful pics sis and Savannah is so cute! God bless all of you.

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  9. VickieApril 22, 2010 at 2:50 PM

    So so beautiful! thank you for sharing them with us.

    Blessings,
    Vickie

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  10. SamanthaApril 22, 2010 at 2:59 PM

    Such a beautiful post and pictures !
    Savannah is adorable and the flowers are lovely.
    God is so good, hugs and blessings to you dear friend.

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  11. AnonymousApril 22, 2010 at 3:13 PM

    Oh, azaleas... such a beautiful flower and oh, the colors. I miss Virginia for being able to see the beauty of those bushes bedecking yards everywhere. Rhododendrons, too!
    Thank you for sharing your Savannah and the flowers.
    loving you, ~ linda

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  12. Cheesemakin' MammaApril 22, 2010 at 3:38 PM

    I love these types of flowers. Unfortunately, they don't grow very well around here. But thanks for posting these beautiful flowers on here for me to enjoy :)

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  13. One Prayer GirlApril 22, 2010 at 3:42 PM

    These pictures fill my spirit to near bursting. I remember the azaleas, hydrangeas, dogwood, and cherry blossoms of my youth in and around Washington, D.C. I miss those sights so much it nearly breaks my heart. Enjoy every moment for me. Thank you.

    PG

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  14. Heart2HeartApril 22, 2010 at 3:56 PM

    Andrea,

    Well said and I wholeheartily agree with you. Last night I got to enjoy a magical moment as God showed me snow fall last night because I knew in the morning it would be all gone. What a nice way to show me something special. I just needed to take a look and saw a beautiful gift.

    If you get a chance, stop by and participate in some of my giveaways, most of them end this weekend! I'd love to have you join!

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

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  15. LethertonApril 22, 2010 at 4:24 PM

    I stumbled across your blog and wanted to say hi.
    Take a minute an check my blog out
    I have lots of great giveaways going on.
    Thanks :)

    ethertonphotography.blogspot.com

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  16. UnknownApril 22, 2010 at 4:30 PM

    I love this thought: "Let's savor the sweet smell of HIS presence in our lives!" Your pictures of God's creation are beautiful!! God bless!

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  17. David C BrownApril 22, 2010 at 4:37 PM

    These are blessings, and we should enjoy them from the hand of the Creator. Though He has greater blessings for us in Christ!

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  18. KatiaApril 22, 2010 at 4:42 PM

    Amen! Beautiful pictures, I love flowers. Blessed be the name of our Creator who has given us such beauty. May we always take the time to appreciate all He has created.
    Blessings,
    katia

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  19. Sonya Lee ThompsonApril 22, 2010 at 4:48 PM

    This is so true. We can get so busy that we miss out on the beauty of His creation, too!

    Sonya

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  20. Nikki (Sarah)April 22, 2010 at 5:07 PM

    these are amazingly beautiful and Savannah...the prettiest...your words are like fresh water.

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  21. ShelbyApril 22, 2010 at 5:08 PM

    Amen to slowing down and savoring His presence. For far too long I was too busy and for most of the past few weeks I've been in too much of a daze but as things settle, I'm beginning to gain a new appreciation for all that He puts in front of me.

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  22. Dawning InspirationApril 22, 2010 at 7:28 PM

    A fabulous idea - to slow down and NOTICE!

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  23. Debra@CommonGroundApril 22, 2010 at 7:53 PM

    What a precious photo, she's such a little doll. The azaleas are just priceless, I love them but never have been able to get them to thrive. I'm planting challenged at times. It's all just gorgeous, AND Amazing about little Amden, God is at work for sure!!
    hugs,
    Debra

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  24. JoyceApril 22, 2010 at 9:57 PM

    The beds of flowers look so fluffy, soft and beautiful! xo

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  25. He & Me + 3April 22, 2010 at 10:34 PM

    Absolutely beautiful. I love all the colors. It amazes me how some flowers come in so many different colors. I just love this time of year. Stopping to smell the roses and appreciate the creator.

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  26. RitaApril 22, 2010 at 11:37 PM

    We do need to slow down and take in His beautiful creation. I love the picture of Savannah smelling the flowers. May I use it on one of my posts and link back to your blog?

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  27. chocolatecovereddaydreams.blogspot.comApril 23, 2010 at 1:11 AM

    Beautiful azaleas! Plus a great reminder to breathe in the fragrance and beauty of nature.

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  28. travelmomApril 23, 2010 at 4:24 AM

    Thanks for stopping by, Andrea! This is the time of year I am "awakened" again by the striking beauty of our home, and the constant reminder that all creation bears testimony of the designer.

    Blessings,
    Lori

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  29. Old Time CindyApril 23, 2010 at 7:44 AM

    Beautiful words and photos...
    Country Blessings,
    Cindy

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  30. KellyApril 23, 2010 at 10:38 AM

    I have been there many times! It is beautiful. Do they still have the azeala cross? I grew up in that area.

    Savannah is a cutie!

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  31. Jeanette LevellieApril 23, 2010 at 12:20 PM

    I love azealeas!!! This sounds like a wonderful outing. It's great you are teaching your baby to appreciate God's handiwork.

    Love you, dear,
    Jen

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  32. NancyApril 23, 2010 at 12:37 PM

    Gorgeous pictures of azaleas. Such varied colors. I recall so many walks through flower gardens when I was young. God is such a wonderful creator.

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  33. Debby@Just BreatheApril 23, 2010 at 12:53 PM

    I love azalea when they are in bloom. Have a blessed weekend.

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  34. Danae HudsonApril 23, 2010 at 1:47 PM

    Thank you so much for your words. I can't even explain to you how much they meant to me. :)

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  35. Beth E.April 23, 2010 at 2:19 PM

    Gorgeous! I miss Bryan Park so much. We used to go there almost every weekend when we lived in Mechanicsville. The Azalea Garden was the highlight of Spring for us! :-)

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  36. DonnaApril 23, 2010 at 3:26 PM

    Andrea,

    I too live in Richmond! I have never been to Bryan Park though. I will need to go by there. Thanks for the reminder that we need to "slow down and enjoy all the HE has given us." He truly has given me so very much!

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  37. TeresaApril 23, 2010 at 4:59 PM

    Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!! So beautiful!

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  38. LeeAnn@Encouragement Is ContagiousApril 23, 2010 at 6:10 PM

    Awww Savannah is a beautiful little girl and I love this picture of her smelling the flowers. So precious.

    It is so easy to miss blessings like smelling the flowers when we don't stop long enough from our busy schedule...and God gives us such beautiful things so that we can be refreshed along the way when we do stop and smell the roses.

    Have a great weekend Andrea!

    Lee Ann

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  39. KarenApril 23, 2010 at 6:52 PM

    Beautiful photos...

    Savoring His sweet smell...

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  40. HeidiApril 23, 2010 at 8:03 PM

    Lovely, such pretty colors! Thanks for sharing your outing to the gardens with us!
    Have a great weekend, thanks for visiting the other day, and your sweet comment.
    XO
    Heidi - Heart and Home

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  41. Wanda's WingsApril 23, 2010 at 8:28 PM

    It good to see God's beauty!

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  42. AndreaApril 23, 2010 at 10:54 PM

    Isn't God more than amazing? Thanks for sharing your heart and the beauty of His. And, your Savannah is lovely!

    Andrea

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  43. Simple HomeApril 23, 2010 at 11:36 PM

    Beautiful photos Andrea. I'm catching up on reading, so glad to hear that Amden is doing well. Your post about choices was a wonderful one, although I was sorry to read about how your sister lost her life. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
    Blessings,
    Marcia

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  44. Tea with TiffanyApril 24, 2010 at 1:21 AM

    I never tire of seeing color in nature. I so love flowers. :) I love the Creator of all colorful things.

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  45. koraleeApril 24, 2010 at 9:54 AM

    I pray I can slow down this weekend and enjoy what He has given us. Love being sent your way..xoxo

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  46. JD/ JillApril 24, 2010 at 1:19 PM

    Beautiful photos, and a wonderful blog you have here...thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving the nice comments...Hope you have a wonderful weekend...

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  47. Kathleen April 24, 2010 at 5:59 PM

    How beautiful! Having grown up in the Pac NW, azaleas & rhododendrons were common sights. They make me think of orchids.

    Enjoy your travels amidst all God's creative wonders.

    Kathleen

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  48. VKTApril 24, 2010 at 6:11 PM

    These photos are absolutely beautiful. My azaleas are beginning to lose their blossoms, but I have truly enjoyed them while I could. God has given us so much to be thankful for.

    Blessings precious lady

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  49. Lynda R Young as Elle CardyApril 24, 2010 at 6:59 PM

    Beautiful photos. I love the colourful flowers.

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  50. Becky K.April 24, 2010 at 9:43 PM

    Sweet photos. Lovely flowers and child. We are hoping to get to Winterthur before the Azaleas are done.

    Becky K.

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  51. christy roseApril 25, 2010 at 12:58 AM

    Oh my goodness! So beautiful! the flowers and Savannah!! :)

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  52. ShadowApril 25, 2010 at 4:58 AM

    wow, oceans of colour... stunning!

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  53. Saleslady371April 25, 2010 at 9:15 AM

    Beautiful flowers! I was just visiting the Flower Fields in Carlsbad CA and my heart soared!

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  54. http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/April 25, 2010 at 3:48 PM

    What a perfect day!!

    lso so glad to see the update on mden and how well he is doing. We will keep praying that he outshines every hope and dream for his very precious life.

    Love,
    Sonja

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  55. KarenApril 25, 2010 at 4:01 PM

    SO VERY BEAUTIFUL! What a great time you all must have had in the garden.

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  56. Aine WillisApril 25, 2010 at 7:19 PM

    Beautiful pictures as always. Thank you for always coming to my blog and praying for my niece, Hope. You are a blessing to me. Aine

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  57. BarbaraApril 25, 2010 at 9:07 PM

    What beautiful pictures...I just love spring!

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