Bloom Where You are Planted
(Excerpted from 'After the Boxes are Unpacked')

Many of us refuse to grow where we are put; consequently, we take root nowhere. - Oswald Chambers

In order for our watered roots to grow deep, we need to be grounded in the nurturing and loving soil of Jesus Christ. Then, all the other things in our lives can grow.

The best way to grow healthy plants is to water them regularly without drenching them, to provide ample light and fertilizer as needed, and to prune the branches when necessary.

Here are some ways for you to grow deep roots in the soil of God's love.

Water regularly by staying in God's word!
My potted plants are watered daily because they are not in the ground where the sprinkler can reach them. They are separated from the other plants, and can dry out easily. Since your move, you may have become separated from God's word for any number of reasons. Don't dry out! Spend time daily reading the Bible to replenish and restore your soul.

Provide yourself with light by knowing God's truth.
As you read His word, memorize scripture, and believe in His promises, truth will be revealed to you. Tremendous growth will come from allowing God to shine on your life.

Fertilize as needed by being in Christian fellowship.
God puts Christian people in your life to nurture you, to serve as models for you, to encourage you, to pray for you, and to hold you accountable. Seek out a church home, if you haven't already. Find out if the church has a newcomer's class or support group to help you through your adjustment.

Prune the branches when necessary.
Careful pruning allows new growth. Cut away all the old branches and dead flowers. I love to pick withering flowers because the more of them you cut, the more the plant will bloom. The more branches you prune, the fuller and greener the bush becomes.

Gail MacDonald says it best in her book High Call, High Privilege: 'Removing the spent blossoms on petunias is essential to new blossoms. Today as I removed the old, I was reminded of how essential it is to my life to enjoy each blossom in my life, but to remember to pull it off when spent and move on to new experiences. Many live trying to keep memories of dead blossoms alive only to miss the potential of the new and present bloom.'

May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. - Ephesians 3:17, The Living Bible