On days like today, when the nighttime temperatures dip into the twenties, I miss the triple-digit heat of the dependable Texas summer! Winter gloves are cumbersome, and pruning back perennial foliage is precise work requiring more dexterity than those gloves provide. When fall wanders into winter territory before its time, I turn to the book of Job for consolation:
Does the rain have a father? Who fathers the drops of dew? From whose womb comes the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens when the waters become hard as stone, when the surface of the deep is frozen?
In spite of the fact that cold weather is a challenge for me in every possible way, I take comfort in knowing that God has His reasons for winter. As we continue putting the garden to bed for the cold months ahead, I can trust that this time of rest will produce good fruit. Spring will come again, and with it the new growth from plants made stronger because of this dormant season. And as I wait for spring–even before winter has officially arrived–I can rejoice in the faithfulness of God, who makes all things beautiful in every season in His garden.
Shalom!
Posted by Susan Dail on December 8, 2011 at 2:28 am
The garden is so beautiful! You all have worked so hard. Sounds cold! It is 70 degrees here now, high was 83 (Port St. Lucie, FL), however it will get down to 49 degrees tonight and that is cool for us. Wish I could come and see the garden in person. Maybe one day . . . till then please keep the pictures coming. Really love seeing them.
Blessings,
Susan
Posted by Maria Wennberg on December 8, 2011 at 2:45 am
Thank you Pam for the cold update and the perspective from Job.Colder in Texas than Chicago?…wow!
I also await spring and all the new growth and in the meantime decorate with lights and evergreens.
The garden will sparkle with lights and delight the heart of all who walk in it during this next season. Thank you for pruning and doing what the Father knows will produce wonderful fruit next season. Pam I love the way you update us, it is always so much more than pictures and information: the love from your heart comes through so clearly and your obedience to the Father, a most powerful teaching.
Love and blessings from Chicago. Maria
Posted by Betty Moore on December 8, 2011 at 1:31 pm
God does make all things beautiful in it’s time. God bless you sweet Pam! Merry Christmas to all of you wonderful people of God at G.O.Z.!
Posted by Ruthie Young on December 8, 2011 at 5:14 pm
It’s cold in Mississippi too! Thank you for your perspective on pruning and winter. Was really blessed as I saw the winter pictures of the garden! Really enjoy and appreciate you and this garden!
Posted by Janice on December 9, 2011 at 2:55 pm
That icy leaf in Manessah looks like it’s encased in diamond, and the ice all around has a look of blue diamonds on the stones! What an indication of the riches of Glory of Zion and the Garden in Corinth!
Posted by Heather Byrne on December 31, 2011 at 6:34 am
I see also on the first, Issachar, some leaves had perfect “shields” of ice, others were scattered. I felt that some ppl had gone through some rough times, taken a lot of hits, and had scattered, but those that held tight to the vine, stayed in formation and had a shield that was in a condition that would cause them to burst forth in the next season. and that each person who was aligned with that warrior leader, would also be intact. God Bless you each one for such a radiant garden! God Bless the Garden!
Posted by Kim Webb on December 31, 2011 at 3:23 pm
Hi Pam, I met you in the garden yesterday on the morning break from the conference. I was asking how I can get involved in working in the garden. I’m not an experienced gardener, but I am teachable! 🙂 I would love to help in whatever way I can.
If you have a list of people helping, please add me to it.