Pruning His People

John 15:1-3

“I am the true 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[a] so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 

Jesus is the source of life, all life. He is the branch from which a Christian derives life. We are the vines that are created to bear much fruit and bring glory to the Gardener (the Father). Our loving Gardener actively cares for us, even when we are bearing much fruit, in order to increase our fruitfulness (LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GENTLENESS, AND SELF CONTROL). He knows that this also deepens our faith, and increases our spiritual endurance.

• An extremely important part of this process is pruning. For me this is the most difficult act to preform in my garden, because, unlike God, I lose sight of the "joy before me." When early spring comes around, and I know it is time to prune back my roses, I cringe. I can see the new growth. I am so excited to watch the blooms come to life, (this is my emotional response). I also know (my logical side), that if I prune them well, they will produce many more blooms and for a longer period of time, so I cut. I cut dead wood, shape unruly (unnecessary activity) foliage that will keep the sun from the plant, and shape the plant for the place it sits in my garden (it's purpose).
• Just as we cannot grow unless we are connected to the branch we also will not produce fruit, or know the full extent of peace and joy without pruning. This is the job of our caring gardener. I picks up vines that have fallen to the muddy ground (bad habits, or sin). He ties them back up so they can soak up the sun. He removes unnecessary foliage so the rays can reach the rest of the heart of the plant for nutrition. He gives life and takes away what is causing stunted growth (activity for the sake of activity or pride). Those extra leaves look pretty and full, but they are getting in the way. Pruning is an act of love. 
  
• 
  My job is to actively abide, soak up the sun, and rest in His care. He will cause my life to produce abundant fruit. I submit to the process. 

• When and how to prune roses:
• The best time to hard-prune roses is late February to early March, just as the bud casings begin to form. You want to be sure that freeze is over. The goal is to open the center for light/air, removed dead areas, and avoid crossing canes. 
  
• This is your chance to shape you plant for it's place in your garden. Cut just above an outward facing at a 45% angel. 

https://youtu.be/aBWy0cLwUWY

Waiting for Spring

Spring and Summer are past. Almost all my flowers are gone now, with just a few roses and dahlias hanging on. The leaves are covering the back acres, and there is frost each morning. When I look out in the morning it seems like a long wait till Spring again. The work that I have to do between now and Spring is not the fun work of Summer, with new blooms, beautiful scents and warm afternoon. Now is the time to prepare for new growth. It's cold, dirty and I am completely unmotivated, but it must be done.

Now is the time that my rose starts push down roots for Spring blooms 

Now is the time I prep seeds to plant in the greenhouse come January. 
 

Now is the time to separate by bulbs, plant new ones and prep old flower beds.

Now is the time to prepare for the growth that will come. 

Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up"
James 5:7: "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains"
Romans 8:25: "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently .

In my own life it often feels like I am always waiting for something. I don't enjoy the times of preparation, I want quick results and easy answers, however these lead to shallow roots. The best flowers come from deep, well established roots. 

When I have down time, between Bible Studies or events, is the time I need to hunker down and be sure that my Spiritual disciplines are firmly in place. I can pushing down my roots into God's love. This is the time to fertilize my Spirit with His truth. It can feel boring at times, and often I might wonder if anything is happening at all, but roots grow beneath the surface, unseen, but vitally important to production of good fruit.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Hope Wirta

Rooted Biblical Counseling

Roots First: Cold Starting Seedlings

 

Roots First

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things  grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.  For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

(1 Corinthians, 3:6-11)

I never had the time to advance beyond a beginner’s level for gardening. My success in growing plants was limited between raising kids, ministry responsibilities, and running a business. The most I could grow were a few roses, tiger lilies and some ground cover. I tried a few other varieties off and on over the years but they failed for various reasons; Some had the wrong sun exposure, were being watered incorrectly, lacked care, or had pests. It was a time when not many flowers graced my space. My approach to my yard was haphazard and unintentional. That was until 2 years ago; with our kids grown and having families of their own, we found ourselves in a large house that we didn’t need. We packed our lives and traded a tiny yard and big home for a cozier setting on two acres. My yard became a blank

canvas. I was excited to fill it with color. I bought dozens of seed packets, watched zillions of YouTube tutorials and since it was late fall decided to try some cold starts. I soon discovered that seeds come in all shapes and sizes, and that not all are suitable for cold starting. Out of the 20 seeds I started about 12 actually produced any seedlings. My Bachelor Buttons and Sweet Peas went crazy; I had more than I knew what to do with. Shasta Daisies did great, as did Marigolds, Hollyhock and Cosmos. The milk jugs protected the little seedlings from frost in February and when spring arrived I was able to transplant them into their places in the yard. It is so much fun when you look into the milk jug and see the seedlings pop up their heads, but don’t be fooled. Those three weeks that you are patiently waiting to see those green heads pop through, there is a lot going on below, even though you can’t see it. Healthy plants start with healthy roots.

Healthy roots require the right type of dirt, water and temperature. How you prepare the soil and plant the seeds matters. After that all you can do is wait. You have to trust that the process will work……the roots grow first then you see the result. Sharing the Gospel of Jesus with others can be intimidating and exciting all at the same time. At first due to fear, or a lack of knowledge, we may not see many seedlings grow. Let’s face it, God is the one who created the seed in the first place. It is His Gospel we are sharing. He created each seed that we have the privilege to plant. If He doesn’t make it grow, the perfect soil, light and water won’t force the miracle to happen. Our part is to learn as much as we can so that we are prepared when he provides the opportunity to plant a seed in the soil of another soul. Being ready to plant those seeds entails taking the time to know His word, and being close to Him. We may not see results right away, but don’t be fooled. The Holy Spirit is drawing out the roots below the soil. Some seeds will produce beautiful plants, while others may rot in the ground, but we can’t force growth. We do our part, and trust His process for the rest.

HOW TO: COLD START SEEDS

ITEMS REQUIRED:

• 1 Gallon -Clear- Jug 

• Exacto knife or Scissors

• Clean Dirt

• Water

• Seeds of your choice

• White Duct Tape

• Marker

• Spoon

*NOTE: Recycling old milk and water jugs are cost effective and easy. I acquired them from family and neighbors. 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put holes in the bottom of jugs (roughly the size of a pencil)

2. Cut/slice jugs horizontally (leaving the handle intact)

3. Fill bottom portion with dirt

4. Pour warm water over bottom of now dirt filled jugs until soaked

5. Let water drain

6. Mix seeds with a handful of dirt

7. Sprinkle seed/dirt mixture into jugs

8. GENTLY press seeds into dirt with the back of a metal spoon

9. Seal jugs closed with duct tape

10. Label Jugs

11. Place Jugs outside in a warm sunny spot and protected from extreme weather

12. Check on seeds after 2-3 weeks 

13. Lightly water jugs when top soil is dry