What I learn while in the garden.

John 15:1
I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
This has and will always be a favorite verse of mine. I spend quite a bit of time in the yard, pruning, weeding, and cleaning up the left overs from the seasons gone by, preparing for what is to come.
As I was out yesterday cutting back and pruning the different plants, I couldn't help but think of this verse, while praying for all the hurts that have come to so many people we know. The Lord impressed upon my heart that He is and always is in the process of doing His work in His people. And when I look at the plants and all that is needed, He shows me more and more.
There is a vine in our yard that takes over everything. To some this may look beautiful, but it reminded me that sometimes, I take over into ares that are not intended for me, so the Father has to prune me back to where He has me to me, and not to bleed into areas that He has not prepared for me to go.
And then there are the plants that "look" great. They are growing strong, and full. But when I get on my hands and knees, I see that so many of the branches are hanging on the ground, that allow for the insects to infest and hinder the true beauty of the plant, and I am reminded again what is it that I am allowing to suck the life out of me? Is there "branches" in my life that hang on to the things that are not edifying to the Lord and my growth, and He has to come along and cut back? When I cut back these branches it is amazing how the existing branch perks up and springs forth reaching its branches to the sky. It is as if their burden has been taken.
Then the hard part comes for me, and that is the clean up. Picking up all the cut branches, and the many leaves that exist, and again I am reminded that when the Lord does the work, it is HE that carries it all away. All I need to do is enjoy the pruning. The bush no longer has to do any of the work.
And when all the work is done, for a time, I can look back and be very thankful by the beauty I see, all the dead stuff gone, and the ground clean of all the debris. And again I am reminded how much the Lord loves me, that He wants to see His beauty in my life, so the pruning has to happen. The question I have to ask myself, am I will to submit to the clippers? However they may come.
I can only pray and ask the Lord to prepare my hear for whatever He has, so that His glory can shine through my life.

What we do with what we have been given?

Today Zach and I spent the day in old Sacramento with his 1st grade class on a field trip. We enjoyed an hour long trip on the delta, and a train ride that took us on the route from Sac. and learned about how the train changes tracks to get from the back to the front. I had 2 other boys in our group and it was exahausting at times as I was not used to little boys who wonder off into their own world, and yet I realized that, that is how they are. And when I got frustrated, I reminded myself that they are not Zach, and they need encouragement, and love to learn to follow the rules that have been set before them. Needless to say it was a really great day. We left the group before they boarded the bus for the ride home as I drove my car down. As Zach and I were walking back to the parking garage, there was a man sitting on the side of the walkway with a sign that read" please if you could help in any way". I have to be honest, I thought... should I help him? or is he another one of those who could get work, but chose "not too". And then I realized that was not up to me, and I prayed in my heart that the Lord would help this man. And then out of the mouth of babes, Zach says" mom, I sure wish we could help him?, as we walked across the street, we sat on a bench and pulled out everything we had left over from lunch, including a water bottle that could be refilled. Zach took all the many baggies and water bottle in toe, and headed back across the street. As I sat from a distance, I say this little man walk so proudly across the street, kneel down beside this man and give him what he had. And stand up and walk back, hands in his pockets, with that deep thinking look that he gets on his face when He is taking to heart what he has just witnessed. As he approached me, he said, "wow mom, I feel so good! I mean like this really good feeling inside of me that I have never felt before, and I reminded him that he obeyed the voice of the Lord and it is the Holy Spirit that you since. As we arrived at the car and got inside he shared with me again how he was feeling. And that he really felt like crying. I said, "that is ok son, cry." would you like to pray? He answers, yes. And with tears of sorrow and joy I heard the heart of a little boy, who God had spared from the way of abortion, and placed in our lives. A little boy I call "son". I can and will only give all praise and glory to Him who has called this little man to serve Him.

I only can pray that as the spirit grows in him, I will learn lots more from being a part of this little boy's life.

Matthew 25: 35-40

May we each take the time while we are out and about to "see" as the Lord sees. Each and everyone is a creation by God and were created with a purpose. May we each give a hand or a word of encouragement to those we see.

Everyday is a lesson I learn through the eyes of my son.

The day after

Today is October 9, 2011. Yesterday was a day that the Lord had created before the foundations of the earth. Christianna became Mrs. Dan Partlow.

The day started at 7:30 a.m. with the arrival of our dear niece Nicole who showed up with make up in hand, and curling iron in tow to pampered Christianna as the bride. All the girls showed up around 9 a.m. and the beauty began.

Christianna and Dan had decided to have the "first look" here at home so we could get all the family pictures done ahead of time. So thankful that we did. The kids loved having their time with one another, and it allowed for the nerves to be at ease when it was time for the creremony. My precious friend Julie was here with her children, such a sweetness to have my home filled with the life of everyone. I felt as if I were a by stander. Watching what was going on and yet, not needed But then there were the moments when I was able tosnag with Christianna on my own, and not feeling selfish by having those moments, but also realizing she has such a very full life with many that love her, and that we are beginning a new season of our lives.

As we gathered at the church, such a blessing to see so many that love and support Dan and Christianna, it really did bring such a joy to our hearts. Zach did amazing, walking me down the isle and the Maid of Honor Liz. He really was a little man. Te day was blesed above and beyond. Thankful for all the help and support from the body of Christ.

Ended the day with the kids leaving and us heading home. We were able to spend the evening with Dan's Dad and mom. Such a blessing to have fellowship.