Bracing for Butterfly Season

Butterfly Weed has long-lasting orange flowers. Mine are bracing for the arrival of monarchs and related butterflies.

One reason to avoid news channels is the constant, vague statement that an area is bracing for an upcoming event. I am curious to find out how a region can brace.

I am bracing for the butterfly season - seriously. That was a Kardashian emphatic statement, reason enough to avoid them.

Butterflies are another matter. People notice them most of all, because they are relatively rare, perhaps because grass is not on their menu.

How do I brace for the butterfly season? 

The season starts a year or two early with planting butterfly loving vegetation in a sunny location. That starts slowly and builds steadily.

I have planted - for the butterflies:

Butterfly Weed - a reliable orange flower that attracts the monarch family.

Monarch butterfly plants - There are a number of them, closely related. I kept ordering them until they took over the entire width of the front patio.

Joe Pye Weed - lavender and musk fragrances, flowers with hundreds of tempting places to feed from the flowers. It may reach higher than 9 feet this summer.

Clethra - Summer Sweet, or Cinnabon Shrub - sugar and cinnamon fragrances, tiny little bottle brush flowers, very slow to grow. People brace for the aroma and light up - "What is that?." Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds line up for sensory overload.

Various mints - bee balm, cat mint, mountain mint. Plants with tiny flowers attract delicate butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Pokeweed - a real feeder - flowers and fruit for butterflies, birds, and bees. They do not need to be bought or planted. Birds plant them, with fertilizer, through God's air express facilities. The birds' favorite plant (no equal) is Poke, and they cheerfully enjoy the berry. They jettison the berries and add some fertilizer. 

 If God manages butterfly plants so well - like this Joe Pye Weed - how much more will He do for those who believe in Jesus Christ, the Lord of Creation?

More Books from Alec Satin's Lutheran LIbrary Publishing Ministry

 

The Lutheran Library is an artesian well of classic Lutheran and Christian books.

Newsletter from The Lutheran Library Publishing Ministry

In This Issue

The Evangelical Review Vol. 4, William M Reynolds, Editor The Man Who Was Sure by Joseph Hocking In His Footsteps: Studies for Edification from the Life of Christ by Richard C. H. Lenski The Sword of the Lord: The Time of Martin Luther by Joseph Hocking The Evangelical Review Vol. 1, William M Reynolds, Editor

Featured

The Evangelical Review Vol. 4, William M Reynolds, Editor This issue includes “Apostolic Fathers” by James Allen Brown, “The Lutheran Cultus” by Matthias Loy, “John Arndt” by John Gottlieb Morris, “The Bible is a Perfect Book” by Charles Porterfield Krauth, and others. The Evangelical Review was edited by William M Reynolds, Professor in Pennsylvania College and assisted by John G Morris, H I Schmidt, Charles W Schaeffer, and Emanuel Greenwald. Many faithful and prominent Lutheran scholars and ministers are featured in the magazine. The first issue was published in 1849 in Gettysburg. Special Collection The Evangelical Review is one of the special collections being restored and re-released by the Lutheran Library. Currently available volumes Master index Contents of Volume 4 (Links to facsimile PDF. Check here for other downloads.) Vol 4. No. 13. July 1852 1 The Necessity And Obligation Of Confessions Of Faith. The Rev. J. A. Seiss 2 Ancient Egypt, Its Literature And People. 3 Strictures Upon Apostolic Tradition. 4 The Delegation Of The Missouri Synod In Germany, Being A Visit To That Country In The Winter Of 1851-52. 5 A Contribution To The Christology Of The Church. 6 The Bible A Perfect Book. “The Law Of The Lord Is Perfect.” Rev. C. Porterfield Krauth 7 German Hymn. God’s Wonders In The Deep. Translated H. Mills, D. D 8 Notices Of New Publications. Vol 4. No. 14. October 1852 1 Beneficiary Education. 2 Journal Of A Voyage From Philadelphia To Ebenezer, In Georgia, &c., In The Years 1774 And 1775, Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, D.D 3 Oeuvres De Bourdaloue. 3 Vols. Sve. Pidot Frires. Paris, 1849. H. W. Therpe 4 John Arndt. John G. Morris 5 Notes On Prophecy. Daniel 7th Chap. Rev. J. Oswald 6 Obituary Addresses, Delivered On The Occasion Of The Death Of Augustus Neander. Translated From The German, The Rev. H. M. Harman 7 Exegesis. 1 Tim. 3:16-17. Translated From The Recent Commentary On The Pastoral Epistles, Dr. John E. Huther 8 Literary Intelligence. 9 Notices Of New Publications. Vol. 4. No. 15. January 1853 1 Symbolism Not Opposed To Evangelical Religion, J. L. Schock 2 Elemental Contrast Of The Religion Of Forms And Of The Spirit, As Exemplified In Puseyism And Popery On The One Hand, And Genuine Protestantism On The Other. S. S. Schmucker 3 Apostolic Fathers. James Allen Brown 4 Notes On Prophecy. Notes On The Kingdom Referred To In Verse Fifth Of Daniel, Seventh Chapter. Rev. J. Oswald 5 Contributions To The Christology Of The Church. 6 The Church And Her Ministry. 7 Notices Of New Publications. Vol. 4. No. 16. April 1853 1 Collegiate Education. 2 Grounds Of Difficulty And Success In The Study Of Theology—introductory Lecture: Rev. L. Kichelberger 3 Lectures On The Principal Doctrines And Practices Of The Catholic Church, Etc., Etc. ; By Cardinal Wiseman. Rev. W. Jul. Mann 4 Contributions To The Christology Of The Church. Dr. G. Thomasius 5 The Lutheran Cultus. Matthias Loy 6 The Delegation Of The Missouri Synod In Germany, Being A Visit To That. Countr Y, In The Winter Of 1851-52. (continued.) 7 Notes On Prophecy. Notes On The Kingdom Referred To In Verse Seventh Of Daniel, Seventh Chapter. Rev. J. Oswald 8 Literary Intelligence. 9 Notices Of New Publications. Index To Vol. 4. Download the eBook Care to encourage the Lutheran Librarian? Facsimile PDF (large file) This book is only available in PDF format. Publication Information Lutheran Library edition first published: 2023 Copyright: CC BY 4.0 Read more

Recent Books and Articles Published

The Evangelical Review Vol. 4, William M Reynolds, Editor This issue includes “Apostolic Fathers” by James Allen Brown, “The Lutheran Cultus” by Matthias Loy, “John Arndt” by John Gottlieb Morris, “The Bible is a Perfect Book” by Charles Porterfield Krauth, and others. The Evangelical Review was edited by William M Reynolds, Professor in Pennsylvania College and assisted by John G Morris, H I Schmidt, Charles W Schaeffer, and Emanuel Greenwald. Many faithful and prominent Lutheran scholars and ... Read more The Man Who Was Sure by Joseph Hocking Joseph Hocking is the Lutheran Librarian’s favorite Christian novelist. Though mostly forgotten now, during his lifetime he was widely read and greatly beloved throughout the English speaking world. Most of his books deal in some way with the struggles and conflicts of living as a Christian in the modern world. The Lutheran Library is republishing many of Joseph Hocking’s novels. If you have any of Hocking’s 50 “lost” books, please contact us. Contents 1 The ... Read more In His Footsteps: Studies for Edification from the Life of Christ by Richard C. H. Lenski “In the footsteps of Christ, the Firstborn, we, His brethren, are to follow… The life of Christ is a record of invincible courage and supreme fearlessness… the courage of Christ is of such a nature as to be repeated and wrought in us also, even in the most timid and fearful of human hearts… the fearlessness of Christ alone can implant itself in the hearts of the most timid and shrinking, and give them a boldness as far above mere natural courage as the spiritual is above the fleshly. ... Read more The Sword of the Lord: The Time of Martin Luther by Joseph Hocking Joseph Hocking is the Lutheran Librarian’s favorite Christian novelist. Though mostly forgotten now, during his lifetime he was widely read and greatly beloved throughout the English speaking world. Most of his books deal in some way with the struggles and conflicts of living as a Christian in the modern world. The Lutheran Library is republishing many of Joseph Hocking’s novels. If you have any of Hocking’s 50 “lost” books, please contact us. Contents 1 How ... Read more The Evangelical Review Vol. 1, William M Reynolds, Editor The Evangelical Review was edited by William M Reynolds, Professor in Pennsylvania College and assisted by John G Morris, H I Schmidt, Charles W Schaeffer, and Emanuel Greenwald. Many faithful and prominent Lutheran scholars and ministers are featured in the magazine. This first issue was published in 1849 in Gettysburg. Volume 1 includes “The Gospel in the Old Testament”, “The Relation Of Our Confessions To The Reformation, And The Importance Of Their Study”, ... Read more A Strong Man's Vow by Joseph Hocking Joseph Hocking is the Lutheran Librarian’s favorite Christian novelist. Though mostly forgotten now, during his lifetime he was widely read and greatly beloved throughout the English speaking world. Most of his books deal in some way with the struggles and conflicts of living as a Christian in the modern world. The Lutheran Library is republishing many of Joseph Hocking’s novels. If you have any of Hocking’s 50 “lost” books, please contact us. Contents 1 ... Read more The Modern Crisis in Religion by George C Lorimer “I can only pray that this contribution to the International Pulpit may serve to remind Christians on both sides of the Atlantic that they are confronting similar problems, that they are bound together by a common faith, a common trial, and a common duty; and that if they are true to themselves and their Lord, they may hope soon to exclaim with the Greek poet: ‘Night is past, behold the day!’ " — From the Introduction Level of Difficulty: Primer: No subject matter ... Read more May God cause his face to shine upon you and bring you peace. From Your Lutheran Librarian editor@lutheranlibrary.org

Hebrews - Daily Verses. Chapter Five. "For Every One That Useth Milk Is Unskilful in the Word of Righteousness: For He Is a Babe."

 

KJV Hebrews 5

1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.

4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.

6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.

12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Explanation

Like many difficult passages, this one seems almost opaque at first, but soon resolves into the high place of Jesus Christ the high priest but also the sacrificial lamb.

The typical priest of the old order sacrificed for the sins of the people but also for himself, because earthly priests are also sinful. 

Jesus is the great high priest, after the supreme order of Melchisedec, but different in being appointed by God the Father.

5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.

6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

The priests of today, whether they are Roman, Byzantine, or quasi-Lutheran, are samples of the Old Testament, glorying in their robes and incense, silver and gold vessels, Almy-approved improvements.

The entire Bible emphasizes the Savior as the ultimate priest and sacrificial lamb, whether in Abraham's obedience as a father and his only son (Genesis 22) or the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53. 

Verses 12 and 13 remind the reader to know the Oracles of God, the absolute truths of the Scriptures. They must begin in small steps - milk - and build up to the Word of Righteousness, which the Objective Faithless Justification mob cannot handle after all these years.

Daily Luther Sermon Quote - "Hereby Christ Would Have Christians Aroused And Strengthened in Faith, And Protected Against Unbelief With Its Harmful Fruits..."

Complete Sermon Here -> FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY.

SECOND SERMON: LUKE 5:1-11. 

9. Hereby Christ would have Christians aroused and strengthened in faith, and protected against unbelief with its harmful fruits, such fruits, especially, as covetousness, and anxious cares for the body and the present life. These cling to man by nature like an inborn plague which, together with the lusts of unbelief, moves and rages against the Spirit, as St. Paul teaches in Galatians 5:17. Moreover, the devil seeks to hinder faith by his temptations and suggestions to mistrust and doubt God. This, too, the world does by its hatred, envy and persecution of the righteous, whose goods and honor and life it is after, and whom it would use as mats for its feet. On the other hand (I say), we here perceive both the power and advantage of the faith which holds fast to Christ’s Word and ventures thereon, as Peter does, saying: “Although we have toiled all night and taken nothing, yet at thy word I will let down the nets.” It is this faith that so enlarges the draught of fishes as to fill the two boats; for without this the nets would not have been let down, nor would any fish have been caught.

10. Scripture, however, everywhere shows the harm that is done by the avarice and anxieties of unbelief. For unbelief can by no means obtain anything from God that would benefit, comfort or bless it, but so deprives itself of the divine benediction that it can have no satisfaction or joy in the temporal goods it desires, and can never possess a good and peaceful conscience. Hence it is that Christ, in Matthew 13:22, speaks of all anxiety, with regard to sustenance, as thorns, on account of which the Word of God cannot put forth its strength or its fruits. St. Paul expounds the meaning of the thorns in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, saying: “They that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil; which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

11. Here compare the good things that faith brings and does, with the harm that is done by unbelief. For, in addition to this, that faith has the divine grace and blessing, it also has the promise that it shall be sufficiently supplied with all that it needs. It fills the heart with such goodness, peace and joy that it may well be called the root of all good things. Unbelief, on the other hand, with all its cares and covetousness, shall have this as its reward, that it is not bettered thereby, but must fall into all sorts of snares through many hurtful lusts and desires; and thus it attains to nothing in the end but eternal destruction. It is therefore nothing but the root whence all misfortunes spring.