My Two Gardens

1 Corinthians 3: 6-9
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

I have two gardens. One is the one I plant each year, with the hopes something spouts up for my family and others to consume. The other is, one I plant every day, in the hearts of family , friends and strangers in hopes they come to know and consume the love of our Father in Heaven.

Garden #1- As I stated, I plant each year since moving to rural Oklahoma. The 1st year wasn't so productive. I planted too big and wasn't able to tend to it properly. I bought all the right stuff to get it growing. Had watched my grandmother and grandfather as I grew up and assumed I knew what to do.
The next year, I planted small but put too much of everything in it and planted it closer to the house so I could keep up with it better. I ended up over watering most of the time, over fertilizing the rest of the time. 3rd year, I planted between sizes and in moderation. Prayed over it, ask questions of seasoned gardeners and patiently cared for it. Lo and behold! My garden was successful. I felt so amazed at the abundance of fruit my little garden produced. I had more than I could save, My Lord! The harvest was aplenty. So I called everyone that was will to try out my new found skill to donate to.(lol) Grandma always told me to plant enough for people and for the animals, because they have to eat too. That year, and every year since, I have been blessed to have a good garden. This was because after my failures, I wasn't too proud to ask for help.


Garden #2- This garden is very special! It's planted in, everyday. Sometimes, not in the same spot. Sometimes it's small, sometime it's large. In this garden, I plant the seed and God grants the increase.
The seeds are ever so small. Some days it may be a seed of kindness, or helping someone in need. Some days it can be a call to someone that's lonely and want to talk. Other days, I spend much time cooking for others, because they say they like my cooking. (I'd like to think that, since my home is community kitchen) (lol) There are other times I sat down to pray and read Gods' word with someone. One day out shopping, all I did was smile, because people said my smile brought them joy. Same day I was able to help get something off a top shelf.( Just from observation I knew the lady couldn't reach it) There are many things I plant in this garden and when it produces, my soul is exceedingly glad. For with each seed I plant, I add the word of God and a prayer.

My success has not been an easy one. In the beginning, I was all quarter horse. (Jump out the gate fast, then a quarter mile down the way I ran out of steam) Several times I considered going back to my old life; at least I didn't have to go through the changes God wanted of me. I've had seasoned Christians to give me advice and guidance. (Some watering and some planting) God allow these people in my life because I was part of their garden. I then realized that for each that plant a garden, the same came from someone else's garden and so on and so on. Isn't God amazing? We are the seed planters and water bearer, In God Garden and He grants the Increase!

Happy Gardening My Friends!