Tending to Our Relationship with God

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” (1 Chron. 16:11)

A few months ago, I planted a variety of flowers in containers and some vegetables in raised beds. I made sure to plant each flower and veggie in partial sun. When I’ve planted in direct sunlight in the past, even those varieties that say they can be planted in full sun wither and die in the brutal Oklahoma heat.

After an unseasonably cool and wet spring, my plants took off, with the flowers nearly bursting out of their containers. The unseasonably cool temperatures continued into the summer, and even though we’ve had plenty of hot and humid days, the cooler temperatures combined with lots of rain and shade have led to my garden flourishing in a way I haven’t seen in years. Continue reading “Tending to Our Relationship with God”

Pruning Encourages Growth

“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 so that it will be even more fruitful.” (Jn. 15:1-2)

My garden looks better than ever this year. After the deep freeze we had back in February, I wasn’t sure anything had survived. However, the roses are glorious, and May’s unseasonably cool temperatures encouraged my flowers, vegetables, and herbs to take off.

Each year, I prune my rose bushes in the fall or early winter. They look so sad and desolate after pruning—just dry, thorny sticks reaching for the sky. Continue reading “Pruning Encourages Growth”