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....the birds of the air can perch in its shade. Mark 4: 30-32
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Greeting from Mark Halla
"Hello" and "Thank You" for subscribing to our e-newsletter!
Each month as I prepare to write this greeting, I reflect upon the Lord and seek His counsel. I try to discern what I should write about and whether or not it is useful information that someone would find interesting or amusing.
Most times, the subject comes easily; this time, however, I've been struggling. All I can think about is rain, rain, rain. When I stop thinking about rain, it rains again and I start thinking about rain. This rain has been depressing me!
 On Sunday, May 26, I decided to go for a walk in the rain to look for some Morel mushrooms. I wasn't having much luck so I had lots of time to think. I was thinking about how muddy and sloppy it was, and remembering that it never rained in the Garden of Eden. I began thinking about my sin, and how I am covered in the slop of my own wrong choices as well as the consequences of other people's wrong choices...the sin of this world began to depress me even more than the rain we have been enduring. I forced myself to focus on God and how His plan for us, His desire for us, is to live lives free from sin and guilt and shame, to walk with Him, and to live "in" this world but not be "of" this world.
Just then, as I looked up a muddy slope, something pure and glowing caught my eye. It was so unnatural to see something so clean in the midst of such a muddy mess...it was newborn fawn! I walked right up to the fawn and gently scooped it into my lap. As I carried it out to a clearing, I found its twin and I was soon holding two amazingly beautiful fawns. I marveled at the purity of their spots, the clarity of their eyes, the details of their noses and lips and little hooves...they were perfect! In the midst of the disgusting mud, I had found two of God's creations that were sweet and pure, without stain or blemish!  
My mind immediately began marveling about new birth and I was soon contemplating how God uses the analogy of "new birth in Christ" to describe our acceptance of Him as our Lord and Savior. I couldn't help but think of Isaiah 1:18 and Titus 3:5-6. I imagined that the rain was like the Holy Spirit washing me clean, cleansing me from my sin. I reflected on the fact that when I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, I was reborn from the inside out; I was changed in an instant; I was no longer the old "Mark" but rather the new "reborn" Mark. I was now "sealed" by the Holy Spirit and guaranteed an eternal inheritance. I was, I am, fresh and clean and pure in His eyes, without spot or blemish or wrinkle...just like a newborn fawn!
I praise God for the healing work He has done in my heart and mind through Christ Jesus! I praise Him for picking me up from the pit, cleaning off all the manure I have chosen to roll in, and covering me with the blood of Christ, making me pure and clean and reborn afresh!
The next time it rains on me, instead of thinking about getting wet, I'm going to think about being washed clean... and I'm going to Praise God for His cleansing Spirit in my life...how about you?
Sincerely,
Mark Halla
Steward
PS--the two fawns were safely reunited with their mother when she returned from feeding and they happily frolicked away into the woods together!
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IN SEASON
Planning a Perennial Garden
 If you want variety and color in your yard, then plant a perennial garden. You'll find perennials that love the sun, such as Daisies, Geraniums, Black-Eyed Susans, etc. You'll find those that thrive in the shade, too, such as Hosta, Ferns, Bleeding Hearts, etc. But one of the best benefits of perennials is that they only need to be planted once! They do die back to the ground and sprout new growth in the spring. A little maintenance is required to clear away the tops that have died back and some may need the woody stems cut or pruned back to make room for the new growth.
Perennials come in all shapes, sizes and colors. The shortest growing ones are referred to as groundcovers as they hug the ground and creep around the surface. Selection for these plants is best based upon the light requirements, space available and mature size for the area in which they'll be planted. Thousands of varieties of perennials are out there with a vast array of colors, bloom times and textures available.
Come out to The Mustard Seed-either location of course-and we'll help you get started planting perennials.
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TRENDING NOW
What's Blooming?
 What's blooming right now? Ah, that's tricky, given our later than late spring. But, as summer approaches, you may be thinking about adding some color such as Weigela shrubs (Wine & Roses, Red Price, Dark Horse and others), Roses and Boomerang Lilacs. These shrubs will provide summer flowers. Also, Ninebark shrubs like Little Devil, Summer Wine and others are shrubs that offer flowers and colorful foliage all summer long.
And, don't forget, green IS a color. One way to view green is to consider the many textures of green. Evergreens are a wonderful way to add in more texture to a garden or landscape. Plus, The Mustard Seed has a fabulous selection of specialty evergreens at the 212 location in Chaska. You must see these evergreens to really appreciate them.
Happy Father's Day
June 16 is Father's Day, so we extend well wishes to all of you dads out there!
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OUTDOOR LIVING
Outdoor spaces need not be boring. In fact, with just a little imagination, your yard and landscaped space can be full of life and blossoms! Don't let a trouble spot hold you back, let the possibilities flow, as we do here in this example of The Mustard Seed's work in creating inviting outdoor living areas.
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 EMPLOYEE PROFILEName: Eric Hagen Family info: Married to Deanna Position with company: Landscape and anything else you can think of! Hobbies: Anything that has to do with technology. Favorite Food: Just about anything that doesn't have gluten, dairy, corn or sugar. Goal This Year: Learn a new passion for what I do. Why I Love My Job: See the above question. |
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Special Savings for Newsletter Readers Only!
We appreciate that you've signed up for and read our e-newsletter. So, we want to thank you with this special offer for Newsletter Readers Only:  Click here to print! |
The Mustard Seed Landscaping and Garden Center
6055 Hwy 212, Chaska, MN 55318
952-361-9954
The Mustard Seed Landscaping and Garden Center at Halla Nursery
10,000 Great Plains Blvd.
(Pioneer Trail & Hwy 101, Chanhassen)
Now Open!
952-445-6555
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__________"Rooted in integrity and founded on faith..."__________ | |
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