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Hello dear friends!
ones on either side remained lush and green.
Why, the kids wanted to know, would one tree be so visibly alive
while the one next to it was apparently dead.
So we talked about roots…and our hearts.
And Daddy explained how what we see on the surface is
only a reflection of what is happening below the soil.
Because what is happening underneath that dirt is what determines whether or not that tree will live or die.
The trees that had toppled over with their roots exposed for us to see, no longer had a foundation from which to draw strength and nourishment. Instead, they were now at the mercy of the elements.
“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.”
John 15:5-7
But, what about the other trees?
The ones that still stood tall among their peers but no longer bore any signs of life.
“Will their leaves grow back?” our son asked.
Will those branches ever again be lush and green?
Will they bear “fruit”?
“It all depends on those roots”, Daddy replied.
“…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 3:17-19
Thank you for joining me today for this Simply Sunday at the Fence,
Vanessa- what a wonderful post and an awesome lesson for your kids. Enjoy this years trip!
You two are such awesome parents! Many adults won’t take the time to even listen to their children’s questions, let alone answer them in such a loving way.
I’m sure you will have an equally great time on your trip this year. You brought back fond memories as Sunriver, Black Butte & the quaint little town of Sisters were favorite haunts for our family when we lived in Oregon.
Have a great vacay!
CAS
Again, a beautiful post … what a wonderful discussion to share with your children! And clearly you are married to a very wise man …
🙂
Linda
Vanessa, What a great object lesson for your kiddos… and for me! I love the very distinct images of the tree rooted and not rooted in the source that would sustain life!
ANd I am so thankful for the being rooted in the love of Christ!
Have a wonderful vacation in Oregon!
Blessing to you!
Vanessa, such a great post and such a fabulous lesson for the children. You are in one of my favorite parts of the world. I lived in Bend for 18 yrs, raised my children there. My son and his family are still there. Great place for a vacation, and was a wonderful place to raise a family. Enjoy. Hugs, Marty
I love this post. You are amazing parents. 🙂
Anna
Oh yeah!…the fruit don’t fall far from the tree,you two are awesome parents,have fun again making wonderful family memories.
What a great post. It sounds like it was a great trip in so many ways.
I thought that was the deshutes behind Sunriver, our canoe trip was like that and I posted pictures on my blog. So glad you did ok with the trip. When we were on the river it rained. Yep dark clouds and rain adding to that wind. It wasn’t cold, just a little less relaxing.
Enjoy your trip!
Such a beautiful and inspirational post!….Have a wonderful trip!
A beautiful place, beautiful hearts, and a beautiful post. Thanks.
Amazing. What a beautiful place. I’d love to visit the Pacific Northwest. I’ve been to Cali but not up north. Looks absolutely gorgeous. Have a great trip!
What a beautiful way to display something so loved with special memories of your loved one! This is truly one of the best copycat have seen.
Wonderfully warm afternoon sand lost count of how many deer we spotted.daughter named each one ‘Bambi’ of course.
The greatest and interesting place shared we can be enjoy it in this place. There are different and lovely place shared we can be know that and do enjoy it.