Friday, November 22, 2013

Bearing Much Fruit


John 15:5
"I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Those of you who have followed this blog for any length of time know that our home is nestled deep in a forest.  This makes having a vegetable garden impossible, and growing flowers?  Problematic at best.  But, we manage to find some which thrive in partial sun/mostly shade, and enjoy them throughout the summer when, and where, they add color and cheer to our deck.

As fall looms and cooler temperatures are in the offing, the plants are not simply surviving, they are thriving!  The first hard freeze is threatening, yet our impatiens have more promising buds than ever.  We cannot bear to see them meet and untimely end.  So, we decide to bring them into the house along with the Dragon-wing begonias.  The "hot house" environment does wonders for the impatiens, but the begonias wish to wilt.  We usher them back outside as soon as conditions are agreeable.

When the next freeze warning is issued, we carry all the plants inside again.  This time, however, the impatiens rest on our hearth as before, while we place the begonias in the garage which is cooler.  This works so much better for both species.  The begonias stay perky.  The impatiens produce seven blooms on one plant and three on the other.  In November?  Unheard of!

Begonias

Impatiens











These plants are both bearing much fruit because we choose to care for them.  From inclement weather, we protect.  In balmy weather, we encourage.  When it rains, we let them soak up nature's moisture.

Doesn't God do the same for us?

Jesus promises us that when we trust and find our rest in Him, He will always be there for us.  Some of us may require more pruning and nurturing.  But, with the Lord as our vine, our essential root in life, we can't help but bear good fruit in His name.

~

Do you have a "green thumb" story to share here?

Will you pray with me?
Help us to ever remember, Father, that apart from Jesus, we can do nothing.  May our lives be faithfully grafted onto His that we might always bear good fruit in this world.  Amen.

8 comments:

  1. What beautiful imagery here, Martha. (Your plants are beautiful too!)

    It's by abiding in Jesus that we are able to live a holy life. Holiness isn't about doing this/not doing that. Holiness doesn't come by what we do, but by how we abide in the vine.

    This was a timely post. This morning, I visited with my pastor about practicing holiness without becoming legalistic (a Pharisee).

    Love and blessings!

    Kim

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for visiting, Kim, and so glad to know that this was a timely post for you. Yes, holiness is never about what we do, but how we are grafted onto The Vine.
      Love and blessings back at you! :)

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  2. By nurturing and consistency you have outstanding blossoms, much like we do with our children. Wonderful post.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for coming by, Sunflowergirle! Yes, nurturing and consistency - two things God always provides for us when we let Him.
      Love and blessings!

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  3. Dear Martha, I am so glad that I read this post. It is really beautiful, realistic and also very noble. Yes,He will always be there for us but it is our responsibility that we should not get corrupted.
    -with love and thanks,
    -Portia

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for coming by, Portia! Oh, yes, He is always there for us, but we do need to pray that we are able to take the high road, to do His will and walk in His ways.
      Love and blessings!

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  4. First of all, I have to say that these shots are stunning! The beauty of these flowers ease the burdens of a weary soul. So true, we are nothing without God. Just like these flowers, we wouldn't blossom without His love and grace.

    Wonderful reflections, Martha! Much love to you and God bless! ♡ :-)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for visiting, Irene, and so glad you enjoyed the flower photos. And,yes, we do need God's grace to blossom into all He wants us to be.
      Blessings and love!

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