Friday, August 27, 2010

Bearing Fruit

"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"

John 15:2

This past week I watched the neighbor right behind us prune part of the lilac bushes that separate their property from ours. The middle section went from about 12 feet to 2 feet high! I now have a clear view onto their deck, into their dining room and living room and right out their front window to the house across their street. Needless to say, this made me feel sad, and a bit exposed too.

My husband Joel, ever the optimist, told me that pruning the lilacs was necessary and will result in them growing back fuller. He did express his dismay at how low they pruned them, but assured me they will grow back more beautiful than ever with more blossoms than before. All I can do now is accept the situation and make the best of it while we wait for this bushes to grow once again.

In John we read how the Lord also prunes us so that we will bear more fruit. He gets rid of that which is not fruitful, and nurtures that which is! Sometimes it is difficult to go through a time of pruning, and we may wonder if we will ever be healthy and fruitful again. During these times in our lives we need to trust God. He is the Master Gardener and He knows what he is doing. In due season we will be more fruitful, and just like the lilac bushes others will enjoy the results!
~
****Stop over and visit Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays to read inspirational posts or link up and share your own. www.bloggerspirit.blogspot.com This week several are linking up for a special woman, Colette, and her journey to healing. Guidepost magazine had a story on her in the Sept. issue and thanks to Kelee Katillac, Colette now has a new "healing room"! Stop over at http://www.katillacshack.com/ and read more.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Renee, I can imagine your dismay when the lilacs were pruned in such a fashion! The hardest thing for me to do in the garden is to prune a healthy, thriving plant but as your husband points out, it is necessary sometimes for future growth and blooms. What a wonderful analogy you bring forth in today's post. Wishing you a peaceful weekend.

Charlotte said...

What a wonderful analogy. Nobody likes to be "pruned" but we know God knows what he is doing and the Bible is very clear about this. Thank you for this encouraging post. Wow, I would love to see those lilacs. I know you are looking forward to seeing them more beautiful than ever.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Renee, this is a wonderful analogy! I imagine your lilacs will be prettier than ever after the pruning they received. When God does that to us, we're always better for it, as painful as it may be at the time. Thank you for visiting me today, I always enjoy hearing from you. Hope you have a beautiful weekend.

Blessings,
Sandi

LivingSoAbundantly said...

That was perfect to read for my life right now! Thank you. =)

Virginia said...

Renee, Wonderful post....
"Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit." Praise God!
God bless YOU ABUNDANTLY!!!
Virginia

Kelee Katillac said...

Hi Renee!


I neat metaphor Renee! Thank-you also for mentioning Colette's miracle party!

Thank-you kind Renee! I appreciate you!

love,kelee

Annesphamily said...

This is a beautiful post Renee with a perfect analogy. Thanks for sharing. You will love seeing those lilac bushes grow more fragrant and beautiful. I love stopping by. COme see me soon. Anne

Whidbey Woman said...

You just continue to amaze me... your posts are such a joy to read!
Love this analogy... so many elements of your post we can understand and relate to. Happy Spiritual Sunday! Be sure to pop over and read about our miracle
(well, one of many actually!)
Glory to God!

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

I love this post today, it is so true about the Lord pruning us. The scripture is perfect! Lilacs are my favorite flower, here in California where I live they are hard to grow. It is possible and I may be up for the challenge here real soon.
God Bless,
Ginger

Anonymous said...

Anticipation of the new growth can be an enjoyable phase.

Lisa notes... said...

Oh, I always hate to see bushes and trees disappear, too. But your husband is probably right; hopefully they’ll grow fast. My daughter and I are reading “Secrets of the Vine” devotional book together this month, so your post is especially timely for me. Thanks for sharing.

Lisa said...

My Pastor often speaks about some rose bushes a friend of his pruned down to the ground. He watched in amazement as they grew ,the very next year, into huge bushes with the biggest blossoms ever. I love the story as it speaks to the seasons of our lives. Even though it might be winter in our lives, spring is right around the corner.:) Thanks for a wonderful post.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Great analogy and I don't like being pruned...but something I really do want..is to be like Him...sign....so keep pruning God. ☺

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Renee Sweetie...
What a beautiful Spritual Sunday share. I have so enjoyed this story.

You hit the nail right on the head for me. How God prunes us for another purpose. In April, I became ill with pneumonia which effected my asthma and landed me into the hospital for 10 days. During this time I coughed constantly, this went on for 4 months and now, I have a new voice. It is not the one I once had, I barely have a voice at all. I shake and stutter and have been told my vocal cords were very strained during my illness. They will never be the same again. I went through a rough period, and still do from day to day. People are not kind to someone who is different. I am still struggling so I am still being pruned. I love you for sharing this story, as I do believe that God was guiding me here tonight. Thank you sweet friend for sharing with me.

I have signed up to follow your blog. I don't want to miss a single post. I know that you have many beautiful stories to share and I want my cup to runneth over.

Many hugs sweetie, Sherry

bj said...

Thank you for joining in our praise to the Lord for His love and caring.
xo bj

Cathy said...

A great post, Dear, thank you ~ Blessings ~