Month: June 2026

In the backyard of the home where I grew up and where I raised my children stood an American Elm tree. It was one of the last of its kind, untouched by Dutch Elm Disease. It shaded the house and yard all summer long. But every spring it sent out thousands of seeds. As long…

A garden-plot of sunny hoursGod gives me when I wake,And I can make it bright with flowersAll day for his dear sake. Red roses, if my heart is sweetWith love for all my own;And heart’s-ease springing at my feetFor every kindness shown. And shining, sunny marigold,If I am brave and bright;And lilies, for the thoughts…

The Lord gives his people strength.    The Lord blesses them with peace.Psalm 29:11 NLT *** In the Bible, shalom [peace] means universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight–a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts fruitfully employed,a state of affairs that inspires joyful wonderas its Creator and Savior opens doors and welcomes the creatures in whom…

Unlike houses which tend toward decay, gardens strain toward life. If left to itself, a garden will burst forth enthusiastically. Plants will sprout and flower seemingly overnight, especially the ones we consider weeds. Even given less than ideal conditions, plants will grow and take over an area. That is how it was created to be:…

But the godly shall flourish like palm trees and grow tall as the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted into the Lord’s own garden and are under his personal care. Even in old age they will still produce fruit and be vital and green.Psalm 92:12-14 Living Bible *** Our souls cannot be forced to grow, but…

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.But…

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But…

You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.John 15:3-4 NLT *** The amount of time we spend with…

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.   He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. John 15: 1-3 NLT I was lying on the couch that cold March afternoon in 1993, looking for something…

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. John 15:1-2 NLT *** “Left to itself a vine will produce a good deal of unproductive growth. For maximum fruitfulness…