I went down to the grove of nut trees to look at the new growth in the valley, to see if the vines had budded or the pomegranates were in bloom. ~Song of Solomon 6:11
Spring is synonymous with new growth. It is, for many of us, most evident in the reemergence of flowers and in leaf buds that slowly unfurl to reveal their green-gold hues. The earth, stirred from its long winter's nap, renews and regenerates herself gloriously under the warmth of the sun and gentle, refreshing rains.
Where we live here in Georgia, the time for daffodils and azaleas has come and gone. We are well on our way to the oppressively hot summer months where heat and humidity reign and the air conditioner is king.
But still, though it might not be as attention-grabbing as the flowers, there is new growth to observe.
How I love seeing the bright green tips on the darker green of our hemlock! It tells us that our tree is healthy and growing, albeit at a slower pace than others. In my book, that's what makes it even more special than it already is. I see these "baby" needles, and I'm instantly transported back to March and April when every leafing tree sports that identical color.
There is yet another type of growth here in our forested yard, one that has proliferated by leaps and bounds over the past several springs, and that is our fern population. Every season we are delighted to see them faithfully multiplying.
We are both so thankful to be surrounded by such serene and subtle beauty right here in our own backyard. New growth reminds us, too, that no matter how far up there we are in years, we are never too old to be used by God for His purposes and for His glory.
When we are grafted onto the life-giving vine of Jesus, no matter what our age, we can and will experience new growth to inspire others and lead them to His saving grace.
Amen!
Bom dia irmã Martha. O nosso Deus, não escolhe idade, Ele usa como Ele quer e da maneira que Ele deseja. Uma excelente manhã de terça-feira, para todos os seus familiares na Geórgia. Um grande abraço do seu irmão em Cristo Jesus do Brasil.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true, Luiz. God can use us at any stage or age!
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Lovely! Are you really in Kennesaw, Georgia? I live in Georgia too! On my phone just now and can't see this very well, Im old. LOL! Will try to see this on computer later. Please leave comment on my blog in case I can't find you!
ReplyDeleteYes, Kay, we live in Kennesaw; I've lived in Georgia almost all of my life. Where in Georgia do you live?
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Back in March, we were concerned about possible drought. It had been a relatively dry (almost snowless) winter and the spring was shaping up as little better. And then the weather changed. The rains came. And the spring turned into one of the greenest I can remember.
ReplyDeleteWow, Glynn, that certainly is a turnaround! We aren't having the rains we were hoping for here, but I know the weather where you live has been dangerously stormy as of late. Stay safe!
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“We are never too old to be used by God.” So true. Thank you, Martha.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Diana. I do believe that to be absolutely true.
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What a wonderful post for Pentecost. I know, I often get tried, but then there is new courage as we move on to do God's will on earth for His glory.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, Martha.
Thank you, Victor. Yes, God can give us the strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other even when we are tired and don't feel up to it. We can do all things through Christ.
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New growth is great to see. So is growth that keeps returning year after year. I especially love seeing new growth in people. From those who are brand new in the faith to those who are "catching it" and seeing God work for the first time or in renewal. Thanks for the timely post Martha.
ReplyDeleteI love your take on new growth, Bill. Yes, seeing how people mature and grow in faith over the years is such a remarkable revelation. And it's something God wants us to do as we follow Him.
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Well said and documented, Martha! Nature always points to our Amazing God!! Have a blessed week ahead! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Terri! Yes, all of this wonderful creation speaks to the greatness of the Creator.
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I believe that new growth green is one of the most beautiful colors. Thanks for sharing all of those beautiful photos and for the reminder of the blessing of growing in faith and the love of Jesus. Blessings to you, Martha!
ReplyDeleteThat new growth green is, hands down, the most beautiful color God created, Deb, I agree. I'm so glad you were touched by this post, my friend. May we all continue to grow in our love and faith and let Jesus' love reverberate with the glowing color of life renewed.
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I'm here - lol. Finally.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a fantastic writer - I can just picture the scenes you paint with your words. I love how you always intertwine them with a lesson. I guess no matter how old we get - as long as we are alive - we do get to serve God. Nature always makes me think of God.
The natural world, as it is God's creation, always does the same for me, Sandie. Thank you for your sweet compliment about my writing skills - all glory belongs to the One who gave me this precious gift. Let's always remember that we must give our utmost for His highest, no matter what our gifts may be.
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What a beautiful reflection, Martha! 🌿
ReplyDeleteI love how you noticed the quieter signs of growth.
It’s such a reminder that God’s work isn’t always loud or showy, but steady and life‑giving.
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Thank so much, Veronica! Yes, God's work in us isn't always grand and showy, is it? There is much to be said about the way He works behind the scenes, so to speak, to help us grow in Him.
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Amen! Grow in grace and in the knowledge our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. To Him be glory for ever and ever. 2. Pet 3:18
ReplyDeleteAmen, Shaz! May we all continue to grow in the ways of the Lord.
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Wonderful inspiration, Martha, reminding us that even very old trees continue to grow. That encourages me!
ReplyDeleteI'm gratified to know that you found this post encouraging, Nancy. Yes, we may be getting older, but there's new growth in all of us still.
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Boa tarde minha querida irmã Martha. Graças a Deus, a cirurgia de catarata do olho esquerdo é do olho direito foi uma grande bênção. Uma excelente tarde de quarta-feira, para todos os seus familiares na Geórgia e um grande abraço do seu irmão em Cristo Jesus do Brasil e da Carioca da cidade do Rio de Janeiro.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Luiz, for your good wishes for me! It's my left eye that had the cataract surgery, and I only recently had the scar tissue removed by lasers. Thankfully, my right eye's cataracts aren't threatening in any way at the moment. God is so good!
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Ferns don't tend to grow much in Colorado. I enjoy seeing them here in Florida, along with other plants at the base of forest trees. The greens are so refreshing. My mother used to say green is a healthy color for us to see, which is why God gave us more of that one color than the others, with the exception of blue skies!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with your mother, Barbara. Green heralds the sign and promise of new life, and they are refreshing to our senses in ways that only God could plan. And blue skies are always smiling at us Willie Nelson sings it.
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Dear Martha, your photos are absolutely stunning
ReplyDeleteOnce again, all credit goes to Danny for the photos, Linda, and yes, I agree that they are stunning.
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As we all grow, we don't see the growth happen everyday, it is too small to notice. After some time it becomes visible and its beauty is striking. I enjoy seeing Danny's photos, they are absolutely beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind words about Danny's photographs, Bill. I'll be sure to let him know! And yes, sometimes growth is very gradual, but when we do see it, it's a marvel.
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Martha such a lovely analogy of new growth even in our advancing years. Beautiful pictures of all the fresh greenery that is growing. The ferns are such lovely gifts. Hope you and hubby have a wonderful weekend and holiday. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your affirmation here, Debbie. It means so much as I know how much natural beauty surrounds you where you live near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Ferns are gifts, reminders of ancient times, as is our moss. Slow growers all, but never giving up or letting go. May we all learn that lesson.
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This year our garden was waylaid by unexpected frosts. It has recovered nicely but a few plants did not make it. It is no small wonder to see the new growth and fresh color developing.
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Those late frosts and freeze warnings can certainly cause set backs, Jim, but we know that they don't have the last word. God will renew and revive especially when we least expect it. We should never regard new growth or color as something to be taken for granted.
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"Serene and subtle" ... exactly! Your grounds must feel like a sacred sanctuary, Martha. Thank you for reminding us to embrace beauty in all its forms.
ReplyDeleteOh, Myra, yes! I do feel that I'm privileged beyond belief to live in our home that feels like a sacred sanctuary, inside and out. Every moment reminds me of God's goodness and mercy, even when days aren't going my (our) way. I'm reminded of the One who is in charge.
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