Tina and I had errands to run Saturday and one was to return some bud vases to a dear friend of ours. She was at her church, so we ran by to see her for a minute. Dean is a member of our rose society and is an ARS certified arrangements judge. She travels the southeast judging rose shows and is a masterful designer in her own right.
She had just finished up the altar flowers for Sunday Services. A member of the Flower Guild of her church for many years, each week this group of ladies produces breathtaking arrangements to be displayed in the church “To the Glory of God”.
I also discovered that for years they have been taking flowers each week to all members who are sick or in nursing homes. In a congregation of several thousand, that is quite a task.
As I stood awestruck at the beauty of the flowers placed on the altar for “The Glory of God”, it resonated with me that this is why we grow roses. This is why we show roses. This is why we share roses. To bring a little joy to someone else’s life. To honor God, by fulfilling His purpose on earth.
If this blog does nothing else, but bring a smile, add a little happiness to someones day, my job is done. Thanks for the reminder Dean……
To God be the Glory, great things He has done…..
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About Chris VanCleave - America's Favorite Rose Gardener
Christopher R. VanCleave – America’s Favorite Rose Gardener
Nicknamed "The Redneck Rosarian”, Chris VanCleave is passionate about gardening and growing roses. He is an active member of the Birmingham chapter of the American Rose Society, serving two terms as President. In 2007, he created the Rose Chat Podcast which has reached over a half a million listeners with news and information on growing on growing the world’s most beloved flower, the rose.
He was a contributor to the 2015 Southern Living Gardening Book, has appeared on P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home television show and was featured in the June 2015 issue of Southern Living Magazine. Locally, Chris serves as Chairman of the Helena Alabama Beautification Board where he has spearheaded efforts to create a sustainable landscape in one of the top one hundred places to live in the United States.
His writing is seen at About.com and on his popular website; RedneckRosarian.com, where he chronicles his gardening adventures and explores an intrinsic mix of life, faith and gardening.
An agent of change with over 20 years’ experience in process innovation, Mr. VanCleave is leading the charge to reinvigorate horticultural societies and helping them to reach their full potential in the social media age.
The Redneck Rosarian 
That is such a nice story. It is great to share the roses.
Elena
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Thank you.
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Pingback: Sunday’s In The South – Altar Flowers | flower gardening | Scoop.it
Your friend has a wonderful talent and a kind heart to share it, as do you. I am sure the roses and other flowers bring a lot of smiles to folks who are going through a hard time.
By the way, I really enjoyed your talk on Thursday!
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Thank you so much. It was awesome to see a familiar face in the crowd… I had a great time… I could talk roses all day long… Dean is a treasure…..
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Very true Chris. My church takes flowers to the nursing homes too. They are so happy to receive them. Brings tears to my eyes. Maybe you could share your lovely roses. 🙂
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I absolutely loved this post, and I like your blog in general. Such beautiful pictures, words, and a great feeling when stopping by your blog. Keep up the great work! I feel the same about flowers in general and roses in particular. 🙂
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We are grateful, and our hearts are glad in it. 🙂 I love good altar flowers. I’m not an artist in flower arranging, but I can sure appreciate it especially for the glory of God. Thanks for the reminder Chris.
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A beautiful reminder of why we grow roses and tend our gardens. Thank you, Chris!
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OH! I SO love this arrangement! It’s so bright and colorful and gosh do I wish I had one like it in my room. I bet it smells amazing!
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