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"...a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."   TLB             Ecclesiates 4:12 


Impatiens

Every Spring I am touched by the changing of the seasons and purpose in my heart that this year I will have the best garden yet! There is a latent desire within me that yearns to harvest a hardy crop of vegetables or even just tend a beautiful flower garden. My grandparents, who lived next door to me as a child grew their own vegetables and had the most exquisite flower gardens. There is something in me that desires to be able to do the same for my family and grandchildren! 

This year, like every year I planted a flower garden! I have long given up on a vegetable garden due to the fact the raccoons and chipmunks seem to be the only beneficiaries. This year my flower garden consisted of many different colors of impatiens. By the beginning of July I had experienced a success unlike any other year. The impatiens were both brilliant and plentiful -- a delight to behold. I would often do my quiet times near my back window just to enjoy their beauty ! For a good while I was diligent to tend them--fertilizing and watering them, daily enjoying the fruit of my labor!

But something changed. Life got busy, the demands on my time increased, and before I knew it I had not tended my flowers for days. When I did have a chance to tend my garden, I was saddened to see half of my flowers had been overpowered by weeds and the flowers that were left, had become frail and dull! My once beautiful garden had become overgrown--taken over and choked by weeds!

I can't help but think that a garden can be metaphoric of our spirits! If we make time to "tend" our spirits they are strengthened and they soar! Our walk with God becomes more intimate and we become more confident in the Christ that resides within us! Let life get too busy, we gradually begin to lose our focus and the sweet times of fellowship and prayer are all but lost. The strength, beauty and power that our " tended" spirits experienced soon vanishes! If only we had consistently tended our gardens! Oh what a harvest we could have brought forth.

As Cord Groups, there is a harvest to be brought forth through your consistent fervent prayer. Don't let the cares and busyness of this world distract you! It is in the consistent tending of our spirits in prayer,that we shall reap if we faint not! Let this be the year that your garden blossoms and produces abundant fruit. Fruit enough for all to partake! Cord groups, tend those gardens and watch God bring forth an abundant harvest.

 

Yours in Him,

 

Pastor Leslie Foster


CORD GROUP QUOTE OF THE WEEK

 

This week my Cord Group circled the block around the church in prayer 3 times from Hamilton to Chapel to Wallace to Ives and back to Hamilton. Running is great, but these laps were much more profitable than a run or jog could ever possibly be. 
 
1 Tim 4.8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
 
Tie Connectors: How's it going? Please send feedback at least monthly to CORD@rocknewhaven.org 

Note: If you would like help in being placed into a Cord Group or if you already have two other people with whom you would like to form one, email us at CORD@rocknewhaven.org.