Blueberries

Freshly picked blueberries - April 24, 2008

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit,
while every branch that does bear fruit
he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
You are already clean because of the word
I have spoken to you.
Remain in me, and I will remain in you.
No branch can bear fruit by itself;
it must remain in the vine.
Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches.
If a man remains in me and I in him,
he will bear much fruit;
apart from me you can do nothing.
If anyone does not remain in me,
he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers;
such branches are picked up,
thrown into the fire and burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
This is to my Father's glory,
that you bear much fruit,
showing yourselves to be my disciples.
As the Father has loved me,
so have I loved you.
Now remain in my love.
If you obey my commands,
you will remain in my love,
just as I have obeyed my Father's commands
and remain in his love.
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you
and that your joy may be complete.
John 15

Blueberries as big as the end of your thumb,

Real sky-blue, and heavy, and ready to drum

In the cavernous pail of the first one to come!

And all ripe together, not some of them green

And some of them ripe! You ought to have seen!

Blueberries - Robert Frost

He proudly displayed the first handful of ripened blueberries late yesterday. The branches weighted down heavily, he excitedly plucked the first fruit of the season. Husband's attention to soil pH, drainage, irrigation, sun/shade, fertilization, mulch, weed control, and pruning proved successful in yielding a delicious, sweet crop.
I realize only my Heavenly Father can produce good fruit in my life as I, just a branch, abide in the Vine, Jesus Christ. Apart from Him I am nothing. He is my source.