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Last weekend I picked the dead vines off my morning glories left on the lattice over the winter months. As I tediously plucked each one, it brought to mind how Christ prunes us during different seasons of our lives.

pruningAnd wow…this spring He’s been pruning me big time as our family trudges through the difficult journey of my brother being diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone marrow cancer.

What has He taught me?

Where do I begin?

Family is precious – Next to my Saviour, my family is the most important thing in my life and deserves my attention. And it’s something I’ve failed in at times and I’m sorry. Every person in my family is dear to me and I don’t want to take them for granted again. Ever. Take my advice. Hold your family close. You just never know what’s around the corner.

God’s timing is always best – As I pull out the dead vines, I think ahead of when I can plant. Is it time? Or could there still be frost? If I plant too early, I could lose everything. It’s the same with our lives. If we try to go ahead of God and don’t seek Him, we fall flat on our faces. His timing is perfect.

new lifeMy sister and I were devastated to find out we weren’t matches to be a bone marrow donor for our brother. However, God already had the timing worked out (and a donor has been found…PTL!). We were all able to visit with Murray before the process begins because once it does, he’ll be in isolation. Our visit together was so precious.

God knows every hour of every day and times it all perfectly for us. I have to remind myself of this during my writing journey as well. All things are beautiful in His time!

He knows the BIG picture – As I think ahead to the garden I will plant, I smile at the thought of the beautiful flowers that will pop up and the yummy veggies Jeff and I will enjoy (can’t wait for hodge podge!). I have to be honest, the next few months scare me, but I need to trust the One who holds the future. He knows the big picture and surrendering to Him is the only answer!

life in pruning

You can find new life hidden amongst the dead – As I weeded through the dead leaves and vines, I saw new morning glories sprouting up. There is life in the pruning season. Praise Him! We may think it’s all doom and gloom when we go through trials, but I’m here to tell you that’s not true. During this journey with Murray, we’ve seen so many treasures along the way! However, one could get stuck in the pit and not see them. We have to stop and allow God to show them to us. When we do, we’ll be blessed.

Just like I look forward to the colorful summer blooms, I can’t wait to see what He has ahead for me in my growing journey.

I want to sprout tall for Him!

How about you? Is God taking you through a pruning season? Share your story.

John 15:2 (VOICE)

My Father examines every branch in Me and cuts away those who do not bear fruit. He leaves those bearing fruit and carefully prunes them so that they will bear more fruit.

8 Comments

  1. henrymclaughlin

    Darlene, Thank you for sharing your heart. This post is inspiring. The Lord has been working on me about pruning. And I’ve been resisting. Your post will help me be more cooperative with letting him do his work and show me what needs to be pruned. Blessings.

    Reply
    • Darlene L. Turner

      We all tend to resist when it comes to pruning because it hurts! It’s never easy, but when we do the results are AMAZING! Be blessed my friend.

      Reply
  2. Susan Steeves

    Love the truth in this post! Love you!

    Reply
    • Darlene L. Turner

      It’s tough to face the truth in the pruning seasons but necessary! Love you! xo

      Reply
  3. stephseclecticinterests

    Thank you for sharing your heart, my friend. May God abundantly bless you and your family.

    Reply
    • Darlene L. Turner

      Thanks for stopping by, Steph. I appreciate all your prayers and encouragement.

      Reply
  4. Diane Spearing

    Oh Dar.. God’s timing is so prefect. It is hard when God prunes you and allows you to go through difficult times. I know after my marriage broke up God became my husband and the relationship I have now because of the pruning is amazing! I am praying for your family. Hold your marriage close!

    Reply
    • Darlene L. Turner

      Yes, God’s timing is always perfect! We may not think so at the time, but He always shows us in the end. Thanks for sharing your heart.

      Reply

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