Being Pruned

Do you ever feel as if you are being pruned by God? It doesn't have to have a negative connotation. Pruning is not just done when we are being unfruitful, it is
also beneficial to make us bloom more and make our blossoms fuller. I promise I am not making this up!

I love the verses in Romans 15 that talk about being in the vine. REMAIN (ABIDE)
in me and I will remain in you. Jesus tells us, "I am the vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."

I often feel like I need to be duct taped to the VINE to make me not run away while
this is happening. Resting, remaining, abiding and trusting the Gardener is hard.

I went the the Newnan master gardener sale yesterday. Everyone in Coweta county was there! (Yes, this is an exaggeration.) The line to check out was right in the middle of all the plants people were pushing and shoving to get to. This is not an exaggeration. We all wanted these plants because the master gardeners know what they are doing...besides, the plants are very cheap!

Bob and I kept looking at each other thinking, do we really, really want to put up with this to get these little plants? Couldn't this have been done another way?
We want a beautiful, blooming garden, but really!

Sometimes, I question the Lord too. Couldn't this be done another way? I think I know how to organize my life better! I do not like to wait. I do not like to be pruned. I do not like looking ugly while I am waiting for new growth. Do I really trust Him with His best for my life?

Well, being 63 has it's benefits....a lot of years to look back and see that the real Master Gardener knows what He is doing.....He is sovereign, faithful and trustworthy. He is my Abba Father and cares for me.

I made this little scripture picture after reading Romans 15. Hope to have some pictures of mature fruit soon!!!!

Have a blessed Sabbath.