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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Garden (09/07/06)
My Daddy was a carpenter contractor and when the bottom dropped out of the housing market he was forced into early retirement and spent one whole winter rattling around the house at loose ends. Whenever I stopped by on my lunch hour I ‘d find him sitting in his easy chair eating chips, drinking beer, and watching All My Children. He was lost and bored and unhappy. Summertime came and he planted a few tomatoes. Before long he added peppers and cucumbers. I’d come for lunch and find him sitting outside on the back porch sipping ice water and wiping his brow with an old cloth diaper watching over his garden. His countenance was relaxed and content as he surveyed the green growing things with pleasure. He’d planted a garden and it was good.
God loves gardens, too. He told His People through the prophet Isaiah that He was not satisfied with their fasts. If they would keep the sort of fast of the heart that loosens the bonds of wickedness, lets the oppressed go free, feeds the hungry, and houses and clothes the poor that they would “be like a well-watered garden.” Jesus said, “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener.” When I think of the pleasure and delight on my daddy’s face as he gazed at his garden, I remember that I am God’s garden and purpose in my heart to produce good fruit for Him so that my Heavenly Father will be well pleased with me.

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener."
John 15:1-3 NIV

"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."
Isaiah 58:10-12 (in Context) Isaiah 58 NIV
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Donna Powers
09/18/06
Nice comparison between your father and our Heavenly Father. Thanks for sharing this
Val Clark
09/19/06
The story is really appropriate for the devotional. You told it in a very visual way - I could see the characters so clearly. Hint: break up the big chunk of writing into a new paragraph as each new thought/idea is presented. Makes it easier for the reader to follow.