Blessed Blooms - Blog

Influenced by God's love

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

I have been writing only about succulents all these years and when I saw this beautiful marigold plant in between the pots, I thought they deserved a special mention. As seen in the picture of the wilted plant below, the pot had marigold plants that bloomed and then the plants died. The seeds that fell in between the tiles, grew into a beautiful new plant that produced two different coloured flowers on the same plant like unidentical twins. How wonderful is that?

It reminded me that in our journey through life, we are always shaped and transformed by our circumstances and our surroundings. We are constantly influenced by those that we spend most of our time with, an influence that can either build us up or break us down mentally, emotionally and physically if we allow it. Influence has the ability to shape our thoughts, feelings, decisions and our behaviour. In this digital age ,there is no shortage of influencers that can have a direct or indirect impact on our lives. This makes it even more challenging to seperate good from bad, truth from lies and healthy living from unhealthy patterns. God never intended for us to be alike, we are created to be unique, each with a specific plan and purpose on this earth. We are not called to love only those that are perfect, we know that we are all imperfect in many ways.

God's word and His presence should be the guiding influence that can point us in the right direction. Easter reminds us the greatest truth, of God's unfailing love. Jesus gave up His place in heaven and willingly came down to earth sacrificing His life to save us all. Jesus carrying our sins to the cross to save us, is the greatest gift of love. Only through God we can truly love. When we personally experience the unending love, forgiveness and grace of Christ, it becomes easier for us also, to fill our hearts and lives with love, forgiveness, hope, faith and peace.

For me, it has become an intentional decision and a daily commitment to keep Christ at the centre of my life, allowing His influence to shape my thoughts, my actions and the way I see others. How are you reflecting the love of God and making an influence on those around you this Holy Week?

Blessed 2026!

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Headchop for perfect peace

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Did you know that succulents need a head chop as part of their growth and propagation? This process is to cut through the stem so that the cut head can be planted again in the soil. Many new plants can fill the empty space of the cut lower stem. The upper part or the head can be kept for a couple of days without planting and then the stem will ‘callous’ or dry off and this also helps to seal the plant from pests or rot. We need to make sure to have few centimetres of stem below and this can be planted into a succulent potting mix. You can also take a few leaves off and place on top of the soil and this can send out roots to form new plantlets. The pictures below show new plant shoots on the cut part of two different succulents.

Similar to these plants, in our garden of life, we have to cut off certain thoughts, habits or even people that can create a negative impact on our lives. Our thoughts are silent words that we will hear all the time. If we allow it, these repeated thoughts can make a worst case scenario with every situation that we face. This will also make us have assumptions of what other people think and jump into conclusions that we are not able to achieve anything and prosper in life. Then our behaviour changes depending on our feelings and emotions leading to a vicious circle of thoughts and troubles. I have struggled thinking that my life was a big mess, always filled with unexpected detours, disappointments and not the way that I dreamed of. Then asking God the question of why couldn't my life be normal? Feeling more disappointed and angry, isolating myself, unable to share my challenges or sorrows with anyone. A question that came to me was, what is normal? We create that normality when we compare, from what we have experienced or what we have seen. I came to an understanding that my worth and values were not based on other peoples opinion and I do not have to impress anyone. No one else is living my life, they were my personal struggles, my stepping stones to God's plan and HIS purpose.

We will not change our behaviour until we start recognising and changing our thoughts. We cannot leave any wounds of negativity to heal on its own, and wait for new growth and new life to come on to it. The more we dwell on our problems we will be more and more convinced that those troubles are going to be permanent. We have to purposefully change our thinking by identifying that there is a problem, concentrating more on what we enjoy, distracting ourselves, praying, meditating on God's word and this will change our behaviour and our attitude towards life. Choosing to stay more peaceful with our day to day struggles, propels us in the direction of greater freedom from negativity. In the world we are taught to believe what we see, but in God's kingdom we learn to believe first and see God working on it at the perfect time, HIS timing.

Are you determined to have that perfect peace by chopping off those unnecessary thoughts? Trust God fully for you are a unique creation where no one else can fulfill your purpose on this earth.

Blessed 2025!

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Passing variegation tests

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Did you know plants that produce leaves with irregular spots, colours, patches or blotches are called variegated plants? This is derived from the Latin word "variegatus" which means made of various sorts of colours. They become variegated after a genetic mutation, when the plant cannot adapt to their living conditions and so changes the colour. Another reason for this is the uneven distribution of the different pigments. The primary pigment chlorophyll, generally gives the green colour or it can be the absence of chlorophyll giving the lighter shades on the leaves. When other pigments like anthocyanin and carotenoids take over, there can be more variation in colours. This colour change can return to normal when the conditions of growth are ideal. These variegated plants are an obsession for some collectors as they are special, expensive and sought after. So I decided to test this process, to get some variegation on this pot of Haworthia Cooperi as in Photo 1, ignoring the succulent the last few autumn/winter months. I got some changes in colour on the leaves and transferred that plant into a new pot as seen in Photo 2. This variegation may have occurred due to the intensity of changes in the environment- temperature, days of direct sunlight and heavy rains.

Similar to this in our spiritual journey, we all go through different versions of testing of our faith. When we go through trials we know who we really are, the true colours can be seen coming out. There were so many times in my life that circumstances made me an emotional wreck. Getting offended really quickly, staying angry and other times sad, down and walking around carrying that dark cloud, depressed. One day could be very different from the next day. Then there were other times, the more I prayed and sought God, the worse I became. This was trying to do something about situations or struggles that I couldn't do anything about, leading to more and more frustrations. I studied the word and understood that I had to give my all, trusting God fully, and handing over the reins of my life to HIM personally to see changes in me.

We know that we are tripart beings with a Spirit, soul and body. We are made up of a Spirit which is the breath of life that God has given us. Holy Spirit as our helper, our comforter that speaks to our conscience to convict us of our sins and convince us of righteousness. A soul that consists of our mind, will and emotions and a body which is the physical part of us. There are many verses in the Bible which mentions that God tests our heart, emotions and thinking powers. Tests do not come in good times, the attitudes of our hearts comes out through our trials when we are under pressure. He will never allow us to be tested beyond our ability, and has promised to be with us always. We should learn to live by faith over our feelings and not to let our emotions control our life. As we go through tests and continue to do what is right even when we do not feel like it, that is developing the character, wisdom, spiritual maturity and being faithful to God. To understand that we are becoming a new creation, as this new plant in the pot with new colours.

Are you on a rollercoaster ride with emotions or ready to work through these tests as your testimonies and opportunities for spiritual growth?

Delete regretful thoughts

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 14:00:00 +0000

In my garden, as I was clearing and fertilising plants in preparation to the cold winter ahead, I found a pot of Zygocactus which I planted sometime last year. I forgot completely about that small leaf that I planted and never checked on its growth afterwards. I felt miserable, finding that pot behind an overgrown plant, that even had a tiny bud on that small plant. If I had taken care, that would have grown bigger, almost similar to the two full grown plant pots on my patio. I should've taken care and that could've or would've become beautiful if I did but..

Similar to this in my journey of life, I was reminded to take away some of these words of regrets like could've, should've, would've, if, but, from my everyday vocabulary. We can waste so much of time blaming others or our circumstances for everything that has or has not happened. Living a life with regrets, are when our thoughts are filled with, if this has not happened this would've been better, or if I had done that this could've been avoided. Also, I should've got that but, they took what was mine and this can go on and on. As we all know, regret is a negative, painful emotion and that is never going to make us better. Sometimes it can be more painful, when the fault is not ours, and we have to take the blame for someone else. We cannot wipe away our past, it is real, and when these thoughts of regrets creep into our memories, our emotions and into our daily conversations, we carry that dark cloud of sorrow, that self pity, wherever we go. I remember blaming God for letting some of those hurtful regrets to happen, that HE could've easily prevented. We have to purposefully change our thinking, resist the temptation of wanting to talk negative and try to maintain a positive, grateful attitude, to make use of those mistakes as stepping stones of life. Bible mentions to repent about regrets. Repenting is knowing what we are regretting about, forgiving ourselves, and giving it to God and letting HIM heal our pain completely.

Are you ready to press the delete button of regrets on purpose, to make every day, every thought, every word new, and to live one day at a time for HIS best plans?

Unbelievable, unbearable chapters of life-Why me?

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Do you know the similarity between these cute emoji succulent pots and our lives? To show the world we can fake perfect, happy emoji faces but deep within, in reality, there may be an emotional wreck. Many of us can relate to this and so I wanted to share a story of a friend, with her permission. She is a living testimony for all of us to see that people experience different versions of struggles and until it is shared with us, we cannot recognise it. She has faith that God loves her, knows her hardships, and hears her prayers. She believes that His plans are always the best. She trusts God and is waiting patiently with the understanding that all things will work together for her good.

As a friend, when I look at her social media pictures and her posts, she has the most amazing, perfect life, that would make anyone jealous in every way. A wonderful career, beautiful house, a loving husband with whom she is celebrating her 15 years of marriage, many holidays with their child, parents, in laws and more. The perfect life! No one sees the hurt behind her beautiful smile because inside those four walls of her house, behind closed doors, her relationship with her husband has drifted apart. There is no explanation why they are emotionally detached. Some of the reasons she recalls are the busyness of life, running around for appointments, kid's extra curricular activities, work life imbalance, illnesses and unresolved problems of their past. He is not willing to talk, share burdens or seek help to find a solution for their separation. Blaming each other without having a proper conversation, and frustrations leading to more verbally abusive behaviour that has a real impact mentally, emotionally and physically.

When doubts filled her mind, when it was taking more time for change to happen, and when somedays were more difficult to move forward, she asked, "why me?" I did not have an answer, like many other unanswered questions in my life. I felt helpless because I could not say that it is okay, God has a plan. Can this be a plan? How could a loving God make few suffer, when everyone that we look at has a wonderful life? I could only say, "Thank you for sharing, I will pray for you." I couldn't help in any other way in her marriage but continue praying for her, knowing that God can heal their wounds and change their hearts. But when? How do you respond to a situation like this? I am sure when troubles come, we all ask the same question, why me? And I thought, why not me? Why her? Why not her? Why me? A sacrifice for God's purpose in that family? God, how do you choose? Who am I and why me?

To give up, walk away in search of a better life may be easier, but, she is thinking about the repercussions, the embarrassment and the effect of their separation on their child. Going through this process is painful, but she has made the decision to look beyond that grief, without giving up and to live with the expectation that one day, everything is going to be perfect. The decision to stay there in faith, hanging on to the thread of love that they still have within, and living in that hope that these troubles are temporary and life will be better soon. Satan always tries to destroy the foundation of love and unity in families. He knows exactly when to pull the right strings of strife, doubt, and self pity. He can also fill our minds with distractions of the world, to blame each other without taking responsibility for the situation that they have reached.The Bible mentions that a house divided against itself cannot stand, and we have to be careful not to let that division break up our family.We can waste our valuable time feeling sorry for ourselves and cry over things that we cannot change but, have the willingness to change ourselves understanding God's unconditional love. When unexpected things happen, continue trusting God and live one day at a time, embracing today with confidence.I admire her endurance and I am prayerfully waiting to witness what God has in store for her life.

Repot, Recommit to God

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Did you know that succulents need to be repotted at least once in two to three years for their healthy growth? Some of the reasons to repot are when the plants have overgrown with lots of baby plants or when they are too big for the pot. Also if they are in the same pot for a long time, the soil hardens without proper drainage and that can kill these beautiful plants. The best time to do the repotting is just before their growing season, which is early spring for the summer growing and early autumn for the winter growing succulents.

In our spiritual garden of life, we all should regularly look within ourselves for the overgrown, hardened wounds of anger, pride and unforgiveness. We will always be on a rollercoaster if we live on our emotions. Our happiness, our contentment should come from within, knowing who we are, what and why we are created to be. Staying peaceful in any situation that we face is a decision made on purpose, and not allowing our lives to be controlled by anyone else or their emotions. Pride is stubborn and does not want to make peace. I have read that signs of pride includes an unwillingness to admit fault, or a reluctance to take responsibility for one's actions. Pride wants to do all the talking and none of the listening. Likewise unforgiveness has a negative impact on every part of us. Forgiving the person that has hurt us is again a decision that we have to make for ourselves, not for the person that has offended us. When it is hard to forgive, remember Gods forgiveness, his love and mercy towards us. We may not be able to forget what we have experienced, but we can quickly forgive, as God does for each one of us. Forgiveness is not a feeling, it is an expression of love, and allowing God into those hurtful situations will give us true freedom. We should rebuild our lives with stronger foundation of our faith and not let our current circumstances or struggles to replace our faith. Renewing our mind everyday also makes us understand what is good, acceptable and the perfect will of God.

Are you discouraged by not keeping up with the new year resolutions already? Let us focus more on the "Re" to repent our sins, recommit to our Lord, renew our minds, refocus ourselves to replace our lost hope, restore our faith and rebuild our lives, rejoicing in Him always.

Blessed 2024!

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Spiritual food for growth

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Succulents need nutrients to help them grow healthy and beautiful. For summer growing succulents, spring is the best time to fertilise and autumn for the winter growing plants. They require a different ratio of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) than regular houseplants and these granules or liquid fertilisers are available in all garden centres. Put the fertiliser on the soil and avoid applying directly on the stem or leaves, that can burn and kill the plant. Fertilising is important along with good soil, adequate watering and sufficient sunlight for their growth.

In our garden of life, spending time with God which is prayer, and studying His word, are the two most important nutrients for our spiritual growth. We make so many excuses about not having that time, when all of us have twenty four hours in a day, which is 1,440 minutes and that is 86,400 seconds. We do not think about the amount of time we waste on social media or even gossiping and complaining on unnecessary matters with friends. We always make that extra time to watch our favourite sport or movies but not those few minutes in a day for prayer. I know there were lots of time when life was filled with struggles and disappointments, that I did not feel like or even know what to pray. There were also times when going to God was the last thing on my mind. Later, I understood that I could pray about anything, anytime, anywhere and our Lord hears them all, and is with us all the time. It's not just reading, but studying God's word, my Bible, that made the difference of having that deeper, closer relationship with my heavenly Father. I have heard that prayer should be like our breathing, as we do not count the number of breaths that we take. We can form a habit, if we would make an effort to put prayer as our priority in our daily schedule. I like the five finger prayer adapted by Pope Francis that reminds everyone what to pray. Picture the praying hand and all the five fingers, Thumb- Pray for those closest to us. Index finger (Pointer)- Pray for teachers, preachers, people that point us in the right direction. Middle finger (Tallest)- Pray for people in authority, leaders, President, Prime Minister, decision makers. Fourth finger (weakest)- Pray for those in trouble, sick, suffering and the Little finger (smallest)- Pray for all our needs. The smallest in relation to how big our God is, His greatness.

Are you feeding on junk with many excuses, or want to include good nutrients like prayer and His word for your spiritual growth?