tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post5942398609660003669..comments2018-02-18T08:41:39.235-08:00Comments on BettieG'sRAseasons: The Gardener Must PruneBettieGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01184677704960428160noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-70269008872269024052017-04-04T16:21:00.889-07:002017-04-04T16:21:00.889-07:00Dear Meg,
Aren't those hydrangeas awesome? The...Dear Meg,<br />Aren't those hydrangeas awesome? There can never be enough of those! :-) Yes, may our hearts stay open for His grooming. Hugs and Blessings to you my friend!BettieGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01184677704960428160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-17126767075050612912017-04-04T13:31:50.627-07:002017-04-04T13:31:50.627-07:00I love Hydrangeas so much we had them in our weddi...I love Hydrangeas so much we had them in our wedding!! They are still one of my favorite. The colors and the bushel/bunched togetherness is what I love. Your poem is so lovely! I was all about some pruning last year and I am praying God softens my heart to be open to His trimmings even still. Thanks for sharing this friend! Meg Weyerbacherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07138890324047342747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-28583464587874153292017-03-31T10:21:23.001-07:002017-03-31T10:21:23.001-07:00Thanks for your encouraging words! It's nice t...Thanks for your encouraging words! It's nice to see you today! Have a wonderful weekend!BettieGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01184677704960428160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-77456576053639406812017-03-31T09:31:57.165-07:002017-03-31T09:31:57.165-07:00Hello Bettie! Very good!Hello Bettie! Very good!Vashtiqvega43https://www.blogger.com/profile/16857598955829160578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-80868995595375352122017-03-30T08:25:55.209-07:002017-03-30T08:25:55.209-07:00Wow, that's wonderful that you had apples and ...Wow, that's wonderful that you had apples and pears! And, I know some people who wouldn't even recognize a lavendar plant--so I would say you must have a small bit of "gardener" there within you! :-) Thanks for stopping by here, Victor! Blessings to you!BettieGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01184677704960428160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-68916180682799662042017-03-29T22:59:58.746-07:002017-03-29T22:59:58.746-07:00I think gardening is a gift which some people have...I think gardening is a gift which some people have and others, like me, don't. I just can't get anything to grow properly. No matter how I try we don't get much fruit - like figs, or cherries, although we have managed a good crop of apples and a few pears last year. We have a few flowers but I doubt I can name any of them; apart from the lavender.<br /><br />God bless.Victor S E Moubarakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04280638667651857296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-35267341125996507052017-03-29T19:04:31.457-07:002017-03-29T19:04:31.457-07:00Dear Cheryl,
Yes I know that I surely lean toward...Dear Cheryl, <br />Yes I know that I surely lean toward the grumbling side also, it's much too easy to find that side, isn't it? I am so thankful that He doesn't give in to our whining, but continues to bring conviction and grace to us! I am blessed that you find encouragement here, you are an encouragement to me also, Dear Sister! Hugs and Blessings to you!BettieGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01184677704960428160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-82549934983827221782017-03-29T19:00:36.804-07:002017-03-29T19:00:36.804-07:00Dear Valerie,
Yes, God certainly speaks to me as I...Dear Valerie,<br />Yes, God certainly speaks to me as I am in the garden! He has such a wonderful way of bringing His truth home to us, doesn't He? I wish I could send you some of our Northern hydrangeas and peonies--they're some of my favorites also! Love and Hugs to you! xoBettieGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01184677704960428160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-86604184086726617162017-03-29T17:02:17.410-07:002017-03-29T17:02:17.410-07:00Oh, my, what a soul-searching thought! I am afrai...Oh, my, what a soul-searching thought! I am afraid He hears way too much grumbling, and "why, me, Lord?" and questions like that from me. The pruning is painful, that's all there is to it, and I don't suffer very patiently, I'm ashamed to say. God help me to yield to the pruning, as I know, in the long run, it will cause me to produce more spiritual fruit. Thank you for always blessing and encouraging and challenging me in my walk with the Lord! You are such a dear blessing to me!Cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01891257905649460436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-89269821148932859622017-03-29T11:21:13.381-07:002017-03-29T11:21:13.381-07:00Hi Bettie,
You have the heart of a gardener! I lov...Hi Bettie,<br />You have the heart of a gardener! I love how you sympathize with the branches you are pruning and related it to God, the gardener of our souls -- beautiful! I really do love hydrangeas but they do not grow in Florida and the farthest south I've seen them is Atlanta. I think they're one of my favorite flowers -- along with peonies -- which also do not grow in our climate! :) xoValerie Siscohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235325506474887234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-54929606549130250102017-03-29T08:50:07.694-07:002017-03-29T08:50:07.694-07:00Yes, I did find it, and bought it, and already God...Yes, I did find it, and bought it, and already God has touched my heart in the reading of it! Thank you Susan!BettieGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01184677704960428160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-86828334490551558782017-03-29T06:08:19.190-07:002017-03-29T06:08:19.190-07:00Bettie, it's definitely available on Amazon! I...Bettie, it's definitely available on Amazon! It is like the story of my life, up to 2005. It is a devotional/journal, actually has journaling space on every single page!Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14364430951695372897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-54756207166340258532017-03-28T20:39:06.492-07:002017-03-28T20:39:06.492-07:00Yes, isn't it amazing the way that God brings ...Yes, isn't it amazing the way that God brings His thoughts to us through His world and nature! Thanks for your kind words! Blessings to you!BettieGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01184677704960428160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-8870639244699079322017-03-28T20:15:51.604-07:002017-03-28T20:15:51.604-07:00Such a thought-provoking idea. Thanks for sharing ...Such a thought-provoking idea. Thanks for sharing this beautiful concept!Bethany McIlrathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00322793398329595901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-36413649325797977862017-03-28T18:43:57.579-07:002017-03-28T18:43:57.579-07:00Hi Debbie,
Oh, if you can find a gardener nearby w...Hi Debbie,<br />Oh, if you can find a gardener nearby who can let you know which variety of hydrangea you have there, it might be helpful, because not every variety actually needs pruning! I have the old-fashion native variety here. But, yes, those pruning shears do remind us about having a willing heart attitude, don't they? I'm so grateful that our Lord is such a gentle gardener with us! Blessings to you!BettieGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01184677704960428160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-36954781931614139032017-03-28T15:19:52.092-07:002017-03-28T15:19:52.092-07:00Bettie - ok - wow I am not a gardener - I did not ...Bettie - ok - wow I am not a gardener - I did not get my grandma's green thumb and while I love hydrangea's I have never had them in my own yard, until recently when we bought a new home and I was so excited... but I just learned I am suppose to prune them in the spring - ahhhh! lol also, I love your poetry and I love your thoughts and the question - I can't help but wondering what my Lord hears when He prunes me... oh boy, I read that line and I immediately thought - He probably has heard loud cries and not sighs.. Such a good reminder that pruning is a necessity to growth and that I need to change my thinking and check my attitude. your neighbor today at #TeaAndWordDebbie Kittermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04043042529717117975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-45212869938790320702017-03-28T14:07:55.071-07:002017-03-28T14:07:55.071-07:00Yes, Susan, it's amazing to me how the differe...Yes, Susan, it's amazing to me how the different varieties of plants need different kinds of pruning! Now I want to go look for that book of yours! BettieGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01184677704960428160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-76878462476757126292017-03-28T14:04:51.008-07:002017-03-28T14:04:51.008-07:00Dear Joy,
Ah yes, I know what you mean about the &...Dear Joy,<br />Ah yes, I know what you mean about the "hanging onto dead wood." I've been just as guilty of that with my plants as I've been with my own life. We have been so blessed to have the Holy Spirit's care in our lives, haven't we? He is so gentle when the time is necessary for that shearing away! Thank you for your kind words--I may need to ask for some more assistance in the garden this year, and learn even more about pacing myself in these tasks. Hugs and Love to you my friend also! xoxo<br />BettieGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01184677704960428160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-37575289839465440092017-03-28T14:00:41.321-07:002017-03-28T14:00:41.321-07:00On new wood? Ours are never to be pruned. I used t...On new wood? Ours are never to be pruned. I used to write under the moniker "A Pruned Branch" and my very first book of devotions? Is titles A PRUNED BRANCH! Yes, Lord!Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14364430951695372897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-34157132493573201432017-03-28T13:56:02.937-07:002017-03-28T13:56:02.937-07:00Dear Michele,
Oh, you are so right! It's those...Dear Michele,<br />Oh, you are so right! It's those hardest cuts that are sometimes the most necessary! And, yes, Lord may we have those open eyes. Blessings to you!BettieGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01184677704960428160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-53257226153074151372017-03-28T13:48:55.992-07:002017-03-28T13:48:55.992-07:00Dear Gayl, Thank you for your suggestion--I just m...Dear Gayl, Thank you for your suggestion--I just might try the "little at a time" method this year. I think that's part of my personal pruning: not to try to do the huge chunks like I used to do! I am so thankful that we can encourage each other to allow God to do His work in us! Blessings to you too, my dear sister/poet/friend! xoxoBettieGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01184677704960428160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-22151344681543379852017-03-28T11:49:49.602-07:002017-03-28T11:49:49.602-07:00The necessary pruning of our lives can feel painfu...The necessary pruning of our lives can feel painful, can't it? Especially when we have a tendency to hang on to the dead wood, thinking it must still have a bit of life in it! Yet we actually hinder our fruitfulness by doing just that, though accurately assessing the correct season for releasing, sowing, planting, pruning or harvesting can be tricky indeed. And it would be impossible without Holy Spirit's input and help. But oh how glad we are to have yielded when we see renewed life and beautiful new blooms appearing! Bettie, I love how you've drawn such a beautiful analogy, and created a gorgeous haiku, from your intended gardening project. May you have energy enough to pace yourself for the task, and assistance to see it through, if necessary. Blessings and love to you, dear friend! xoxo Joy Lentonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03486637586238798088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-36026818160549875362017-03-28T11:49:43.703-07:002017-03-28T11:49:43.703-07:00The necessary pruning of our lives can feel painfu...The necessary pruning of our lives can feel painful, can't it? Especially when we have a tendency to hang on to the dead wood, thinking it must still have a bit of life in it! Yet we actually hinder our fruitfulness by doing just that, though accurately assessing the correct season for releasing, sowing, planting, pruning or harvesting can be tricky indeed. And it would be impossible without Holy Spirit's input and help. But oh how glad we are to have yielded when we see renewed life and beautiful new blooms appearing! Bettie, I love how you've drawn such a beautiful analogy, and created a gorgeous haiku, from your intended gardening project. May you have energy enough to pace yourself for the task, and assistance to see it through, if necessary. Blessings and love to you, dear friend! xoxo Joy Lentonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03486637586238798088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-4942952123876461062017-03-28T10:43:43.618-07:002017-03-28T10:43:43.618-07:00Such a good meditation on pruning. And so often t...Such a good meditation on pruning. And so often the cuts that we think are going to KILL US are the shears doing the needful thing for that beautiful bloom. May God give us eyes to see His working.Michele Morinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03814119096056835884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4123043706114460279.post-67427264000171762192017-03-28T09:17:06.002-07:002017-03-28T09:17:06.002-07:00The pruning process God performs on us isn't e...The pruning process God performs on us isn't easy but oh so necessary. Great analogy with the pruning of your hydrangeas. I hope you do find the strength to do that even if you break it up over a few days a little at a time. :) May we be open to God's pruning and trust in Him as we grow and shine His light to others!<br /><br />Blessings to you my dear friend/poet/sister! xoxoGayl Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02564461995154051353noreply@blogger.com