I've got a weekend of peace and quiet thanks to one of the Besties going to a wedding and leaving me the responsible adult to puppy-sit. Fortunately, Rosie Dog is being a good girl and, apart from her constant desire for a tummy scratch, I have been able to catch up on some reading. 

I started this book absolutely ages ago but finished it just now. Taking so long to read it infers that it's not very good (usually I'll finish a book in a weekend if it really grips me) but that's not the case. Life just gets in the way sometimes, and other reading has been necessary to help support the husband in his essay writing and to prepare for our Home Group studies. 

So, it's been really refreshing to take several hours of time where I can read what I want to read (whilst simultaneously scratching a puppy tummy!). This is my first encounter with something written by Beth Moore and I'll certainly be hunting out other books written by her. Even though filled with Bible references, her style is really personal and light. It's been amazing to read just how many references there are in God's Word to gardening and how great our Gardener is is helping us to grow and bear fruit, whilst pruning us along the way.

'All sorts of conditions are being orchestrated over your head and under your feet to enhance your growth, and much of it is beyond the vision of your naked eye.' (p190). 

It's amazing to discover that the roots of a single vine can grow to around double the length of the height of the room I'm currently sitting in. We need to stay rooted in Christ whatever comes our way. '... healthy, sustainable growth and immense fruit bearing feed from a single source: knowing we are immeasurably, immutably loved by Christ.' (p200)

There's a whole chapter in the book about the importance of the soil and manure for growing plants. Beth explains that 'if you want to live an immensely fruitful life, you will have to deal with substantial piles of it' (p223). I enjoyed having the space to reflect on the 'manure' in my life since discovering my faith, and how that is crucial to my own spiritual growth. 

I pray that Beth's ministry continues to encourage and inspire ... and I will toast her with a glass of Pinot later on! 

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