"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does not bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."  John 15:1-2

For more than twenty years we have lived at Amsler Drive, and during this time we have personally attempted to do all the trimming of our shrubs and trees. Recently we have noted they have needed a good pruning, but we do not have the equipment to do the job correctly. So, we called on Cliff and Janet Marr, who are professionals, to reshape the trees and shrubs the way they should be. Last Saturday they spent several hours trimming and shaping the follage, which restored the look of our home that has been missing over the past few years. We were in awe at how much this pruning enhanced our total landscape.

John 15:1-2 tells us that God does a pruning process in our lives. This pruning is important so that we can bear more and better fruit. In other words, He can remove things from our life that make us ineffective in our walk with Him, or He has brought things into our life which has allowed us to trust God more. The surgery that Paul recently underwent is an example of pruning in that it helped to bring perspective and clarity on life's priorities. Pruning is essential for the overall health of a plan,t and God's pruning is essential for the abundant life of a Christian.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul and Gail