Bearing Fruit

The peach trees that we planted several years ago are loaded with small peaches. It has rained a lot here lately and if we do not get out and spray the trees again soon the peach crop will probably be lost.

The asiatic lilies and daylilies that I have in my pots are budding. They have produced some new bulbs and multiplied the number of lilies that I have. Unfortunately, some creature, maybe a rabbit, has decided to get into some of my flower pots and destroyed almost all of my lilies in one of my pots. I'm disappointed that some of my lilies have been destroyed.

Our strawberry plant we planted several years ago is continuing to put out new runners. I think we will actually get more than a few strawberries this year.

 Several years ago my sister gave me a hosta of which I divided into several small hostas. After a few years I divided the hostas that came from that one hosta. This year we divided the hostas again. There are over thirty hostas in the front of our house now. All of them came from that one original plant and I have given away quite a few. There are actually several small hostas waiting for a place to go in addition to these.

I have noticed that the ferns on my front porch do not look as nice as they did when I purchased them. I have neglected to water them as I should. The garden still awaits because of all the rain and the plants for the garden are probably getting root bound in their pots. There is much growth and production going on in our yard but there is still much to do.

My thoughts swirl in my head as I think of how it all works. The planting, care, fertilizing, weeding, protection, and harvesting that is needed to actually succeed. 

I am reminded of how these same things are important in our Christian life ~ passing along our faith (sowing and reaping), discipleship (care and fertilizing), and weeding (getting rid of those thoughts and sins that oppose Christ). Understanding that we do have an enemy but God is our refuge and protector. Just makes me stop and think.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

 John 10:10

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:19-20

Then saith he unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Matthew 9:37-38

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

John 15:4