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In The Garden...Perrenials


Perennials live for more than one season.
Those in Christ are perennials.
God made a way for me (and you) to have eternal life.
He came to earth, lived a sinless life, died in our place, and was resurrected.
Jesus is living in heaven right now.
He's preparing a place for each of us to live when we get there.
  Jesus also came to give us abundant life on earth.
Abundant living sometimes seems impossible when life brings hardship and heartache.
So how do we keep from living stunted, withered, and unproductive lives? 

Keep the LORD as our first love.
Seek to know Him and His ways through Scripture and prayer.
  Walk by the Spirit.
He was given to us to help us live the most joyful, beautiful, and vibrant life possible.
Seek God’s perspective in every relationship.
God is the Master Gardener; He did not plant us haphazardly.
We’re planted where we are for a purpose.  Those around us are there for a reason.
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Other believers help us remain courageous and strong in times of hardship.  
There is insulation and strength in togetherness;
just like thick healthy grass creates a barrier against weed growth.  
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Differences provide unseen purpose.  
Marigolds repel aphids.
When planted with roses, their differences bring benefit and beauty.  
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People who bug us may be like the mealybug destroyer;
protection from the real pests who are intent on wreaking havoc in our lives.

Bottom line?  This life and the one we’ll live in eternity are all about relationship.  We must trust when the storms, freezing temps, scorching drought, and torrential downpours bend us low.  Because on our knees, we are in the perfect position to rise up stronger and more beautiful.  Thriving and not just surviving.  Joyful.  Confident in the One who loves us in every season.

I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!”  John 16:33 (GNT)

Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God.  If you want to keep from becoming fainthearted and weary, think about his patience as sinful men did such terrible things to him.  Hebrews 12:1-2 (TLB)

Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.  
Galatians 5:25-26 (MSG)

So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 (MSG)

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/beneficial-insects/


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