Monday Musings

Out in my yard today... sunny clear blue sky, no wind, and a warm 58 degrees. I found these in my front yard a few days ago.




I'm grateful for... good health, sunshine, and spring break!

One of my favorite things... fuzzy, furry socks- I don't like to wear shoes in the house and these keep my feet warm and cozy.

This week I'm reading... actually I just finished reading Austenland by Shannon Hale, a fun read for fans of Pride and Prejudice. It is my turn to pick the next book for our book club, so I am researching a few different options.

I'm looking forward to... celebrating St. Patrick's Day! This has always been a special day for me. Probably because my mom loved it so much and made it a big deal. Her birthday was March 18th, so it was a two day celebration. This year we are celebrating a little early with some dear friends. Of course there will be corned beef & cabbage with all the trimmings. How I love the wearin' of the green! Maybe I'll even spot a leprechaun...

Simple life tip for the week... consider putting a moratorium on shopping. For the next 30 days limit your purchases to groceries and basic essentials. This is a great way to evaluate your consumer habits, save time, and minimize clutter.

Are we almost done?

I spent the afternoon working in my yard yesterday. Several of the bushes and trees were in desperate need of pruning. It's not my favorite gardening activity, but it is necessary to maintain the health and productivity of the plants.

My husband, perched on a branch high up in the plum tree, was carefully looking for branches that needed to be removed. Occasionally he would ask for my opinion before making the necessary cuts. We talked about which branches had been more productive last year and what kind of harvest we might expect for this season. As we were working, I began to contemplate the pruning process that has been happening in my own life.

Prune- v. 1. To cut off or remove dead or living parts or branches of (a plant, for example) to improve shape or growth. 2. To remove or cut out as superfluous. 3. To reduce. 4. To remove what is superfluous or undesirable.

Just when I think I can't possibly have anything more "cut out" of me, something else is removed. An attitude I've been justifying, a selfish desire, possessions I "need", unhealthy relationships... My heart cried out to God, "Are we almost done?" I'm beginning to feel like the vine in my front yard that has to be cut back almost to the roots each year.

However, that vine does grow at an amazing pace and has the most beautiful blooms... I guess I just have to be patient while the Vinedresser does His work. Watch out- if the pruning process is any indication of the growth and harvest to come, then I will be overflowing with abundance!

Better to be pruned to grow than cut up to burn. --John Trapp