Tag: fruit

  • Chosen by the Master Gardener

    “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener … I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” — John 15:1, 5.    tomatoes on the vine (Copy)

    The Master Gardener is at work in my life, my actions, and the words that appear on paper. The amount and quality of fruit is in direct correlation to how heavily I lean on the Gardener.

    Much leaning, trust, obedience = much quality product.

    Do you have days where you feel like you’re just going through the motions? Every task feels labor-intense. I cross off two items on my to-do list and add three more. If I go throughout the day in my own strength, my energy wanes before the day is half over. Words and stories spiral around in my head. But if those words do not reach my paper or computer, no one benefits.

    Step back a few steps. Reflect on yesterday … on last week. Can you see a positive pattern in your life when you leaned into the Master Gardener’s plan?    banana peppers on the vine (Copy)

    “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name” — John 15:16.

  • Fried Green tomatoes anyone?

    (Photo by Teresa)

    I eagerly watch as my first green tomato crop grows heartily on the vine. I can almost taste the juicy, red tomato next to a bacon slice surrounded by leafy lettuce all sandwiched between two pieces of toast.

    But patient I must be. The harvest can’t be hurried. However there are things I can do to promote success such as.

    *Faithful watering

    *Adequate sunshine

    *Occasional fertilizing

    The sturdy vine connects to the branches that support the tomato. If for some reason, the branch becomes detached from the vine, the growth process stops. Fruit cannot happen without its source of strength.

    The apostle John talks about how God is the gardener in John 15:1, 4–5. “I am the vine, and my Father is the gardener … remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

    Just like the sturdy vine connects to the branches supporting the tomato, God is the vine of protection. There are certain things I can do in order to strengthen the vine such as:

    *Spending time in prayer and reading the Bible

    *Seeking out spiritual mentors and friends

    *Regular church attendance with those of like faith

    Without a combination of the above, life becomes unbalanced. We need God and each other to survive and thrive.

    Do you feel connected to the vine? If so, in what way?

    ***

  • Watching tomatoes grow

    The growing process takes time. It takes energy and patience for a seedling to grow into lettuce leaves to eat or be able to bite into a tomato. Question is: am I willing to wait for germination? Willing to invest what it takes to get to the coveted harvest stage? I can’t forget to water, weed, fertilize, and prune. Otherwise, the crop tends to get out of hand and the fruit ends up less than desirable.

    Some days I’m not sure. There is sweat and sacrifice of time. Yet, when I do take the necessary precautions and commit to whatever it takes—the rewards are sweet!

    The growing process of vegetables and fruit can be likened to my growth as a Christian—a follower of Jesus Christ. Maturing and growing to be more like God is a process and does not happen overnight. I need to make a conscious effort to read the Bible, pray, and spend time with believers of like faith. Then, and only then, will I grow and become more pleasing to God.  

    Prayer:  Forgive me, God, for allowing other stuff (and people) to interfere in getting to know you better. Help me spend more time pleasing you rather than seeking the affection and attention of others.

    Ask: Is there something you can do to fertilize your life? Have you not been as faithful as you’d like in praying or reading God’s love letter?

    “So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience…”(Colossians 1:10-11).

    ***

  • Solitude Tea Time

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    I chose this herbal tea bag for a purpose. Just listen to the description on the tea bag:

     “Enjoy the delicious flavors of luscious peaches, tangy hibiscus, and delicate rosehips.”

     Don’t those words speak autumn or fall (whichever way you describe September days) to you? They did to me. Colored leaves, chilly sweater evenings, and bonfires. As much as I adore summer, fall and spring are my favorite seasons of the entire year.

     One of my favorite activities is to sit with a cup of tea and a book in the other. Solitude time to savor the written word.

     “Make silence your friend.”

     “Nature teaches us the dignity of being without motive.” (quotes from “A Weekend to Change Your Life,” by Joan Anderson.