From the Garden

I have always been interested in gardening and growth. I am, by no means, a master gardener. In fact, my closest friends often poke fun at my inability to keep plants alive, but I do like to try. Most of all, I understand there is a deep inherent mystery to growth that is important to us all. 

I had been thinking A LOT about the rich, agricultural metaphors that are found in the Bible and the many parallels of growth we could draw from nature and gardening processes. I kept having a feeling that this was something I was supposed to write about. 

I will never forget the day I was sitting in church service at my home church, my head bowed in prayer, and though I was trying to stay focused, my mind kept wandering back to the writing idea. I kept mulling it over with a kind of concern about what shape the project might take. I was asking, "what will this be? who is it for?" those kinds of questions.

Suddenly, I could feel God with a mixture of annoyance and amusement, as when a parent waits for their children to figure out something very obvious. 

"Villa Rica First IS THE GARDEN."

My home church, Villa Rica First United Methodist Church, is also known affectionately as, "The Garden." It was within these very walls that I sat there praying with my hands clasped and head bowed, asking where I could plant this idea of spiritual growth metaphors through gardening. 

I had to almost laugh out loud. Of course!

I still didn't know exactly what to do with the idea, but I knew it needed to involve my church. I took it to our pastor, who was newly appointed at the time. I am so glad I did.

Despite having not settled into his new office yet, he was enthusiastic and supportive. He gave me the opportunity to write these devotionals for our church newsletter once a month. He gave me many resources to aid my task and challenged my dedication to this ministry.

Though I had already identified my writing as something God gave me to use for his purpose, this was the first time I had paired my writing with the word "ministry."

I guess that is my calling story. Over the next year I dedicated myself to this writing ministry and I have been amazed at what has flourished since putting this skill in God's hands. I am humbled and honored to do this work and the best part is, this is only the beginning!

I am so excited to present the self published collection of devotionals from the past year, with bonus questions at the end of each section. This book would be a great gift for anyone interested in gardening, growth, or both! 

100% of proceeds from this book will be donated back to my loving church, Villa Rica First United Methodist At the Garden. Click the image below to order.