October 2015

Out on a Limb

....the birds of the air can perch in its shade. Mark 4: 30-32

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Isn't fall a glorious time? I think it is the most beautiful time of the year!!! Thus far, this fall has been nearly perfect. The temperature has been lovely, it hasn't been rainy and dreary, the fields are ripe for their harvest, and the leaves are beginning their grand finale, soon to display their colors across our landscape in giant brushstrokes of red, yellow, bronze and rust. I love taking walks this time of year, just simply looking up at the trees and marveling at how spectacular each leaf is, reflecting on the end of the season and wondering about God.

Though fall seems like the end, it many ways it's really a new beginning. Our plants have already set their buds for spring and their final burst of color indicates the rest they are about to take over winter as their roots grow deeper and prepare them for new growth in the spring.

That makes me think about our faith. We enjoy "seasons" just like nature. Seasons of rest, rejuvenation, growing, bearing fruit, soaking in the Spirit and growing our own roots of faith deeper and stronger. Like nature, we endure times of plenty and times of drought; pestilence and disease impact our lives too. Some of these things seem like endings, and perhaps I am just an optimist, but all these things, in nature and in our faith, are really new beginnings. The old is going and the new is coming. Nothing in life stays the same, and everything God allows in our lives is preparing us for something more, for something better, deeper and more fulfilling.

As you enjoy this beautiful season, my prayer is that God will give you eyes to see that the the end of everything is a new beginning of something more. He promises that all things will be made new, that our earth will one day be restored to it's original paradise like the Garden of Eden once was. Every day is one day closer to Jesus' return, and He is refining and reviving His people, preparing us to be His glorious bride...are you ready?

As the hurricanes blow, the earthquakes come, the wars continue, the killings increase, the nations battle and our cultures decay from the inside out, something new is about to burst forth...can you sense it? Jesus is coming back to make all things new, and He says He is coming back soon, so get ready, the end is just the beginning!

Carpe Diem for Christ,

Mark Halla

Steward

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New Arrivals

Santa's reindeer, Inga and Britta are now outside

and ready for you to come visit them.

Please enjoy this recipe offered from one of our readers:

Go ahead, treat yourself!

Harvest Pumpkin-Spice Bars

You'll fall in love with these pumpkin bars! They have a light texture, are full of cinnamon, ginger, raisins and nuts and are topped with cream cheese frosting.

Click HERE for the recipe.

MORE NEW ARRIVALS! The Garden Center is stocked with some fantastic fall gifts and gadgets.

Our Garden Center staff carefully selects unique items which are locally grown, sewn, and manufactured so we can do our part to support Minnesota businesses. For instance, OneLogFire is a local product and perfect for hiking and camping, picnics, winter outings and celebrations.

1. OneLogFire 2. Fall Goodies 3. Cool log cooler for your deck