So I thought I'd share some inspiration. Yes, not all of my inspiration, creatively, comes from inside the cozy place we all call 'home'. Though I do feel guilty not giving y'all any design ideas today.
We are getting adjusted rather well to this new land of 'milk and honey', called New York. Though I've eaten quite a bit of local honey already, it should be called the land of concord grapes and crisp apples. And a side note, the reason I'm referring to this state as such, is because God is quite literally pouring blessings onto us. I have successfully cooked 3 meals in one month. And that is because almost all of our other meals have been made for us or brought to us by the wonderful people of Northridge Church, Rochester. And have I ever eaten this good? We are talking about absolutely amazing food from God's people. Mmmmmm Mmmmmm.
But let me tell you about these apples. Yes, my Georgia loves. New York apples do hold the trump card every time. They are so zesty it's not even funny. The crisp is so crazy that juice flies everywhere. And on this particular day in the orchard, Joelle and I ate about a dozen apples. Literally.
So we went exploring on the Finger Lakes and ended up at a winery/orchard. Yes, the pictures of the vineyards does have the massive lake in the backdrop. It was a complete slice of heaven. So I wanted to share.
Don't miss my blurb at the bottom of this post. God certainly showed up in the vineyard yesterday!
The orchards were completely full of apples.
There is the lake! Most impressive were the vineyards, grape clusters the size of my head hanging low. Joelle and I then proceeded to eat so many grapes we felt sick.
What a beautiful day! We enjoyed it so much. I couldn't help but be reminded of the words in John:
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing..."
"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit."
John 15: 5-8
As I ducked and dodged in between grape leaves to grasp hold of the massive bunches of grapes, this verse struck me.
The Vine is referring to Christ. And I could see that the base of the vine was strong and thick. Very easy to understand why Christ is referring to himself as the anchor and foundation and source of life.
The branches are thin and wispy, and the winemakers are required to hang wire from one end of the vineyard to the other because the branches are so thin and really struggle to hold the massive clusters of fruit. Let's think about that as a metaphor.
You may consider yourself as someone who is weak. Or maybe you don't feel you have much strength right now in your season of life. No worries, my sweet reader. I want to encourage you, your fruit can be much bigger then you. The pressure is off.
You see, those grape clusters were massive and beautiful, it's almost comical that they cling to those wispy wimpy branches. But God is showing you that when he is your source, you can produce things, through him, that are much bigger then yourself.
You can be used by God and have 'fruit' (or proof of your salvation) that is much sweeter and has much more impact then you can even imagine.
Our source, The Vine, is powerful and strong. Let Him reside in you and help you to produce the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.
All the things that we as rather wispy, wimpy branches, cannot produce on our own. I know I cannot produce any of those beautiful fruits on my own. However with HIS strength, I certainly can strive everyday, to glorify Him with my life.
XOXO Love Y'all
Ashley