Thinking of all the people that were affected by the recent winter storms. Quite a few injuries and a few fatalities. One thing that I saw was how people came together to help their fellow brothers. This warmed my heart! Whether it was handing out hot cocoa and snacks or giving the homeless a warm place to sleep.

Even if it's a little thing, do something for those who have need of a man's help, something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.  For, remember, you don't live in a world all your own.  Your brothers are here too.  ~Albert Schweitzer

Praying for all that are being touched by these brutal winter storms!

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;   1 Timothy 2:1 kjv

                                                      DIOGI, the Big Galoot

Meet the newest addition to the Burgin Menagerie-"DIOGI" pronounced d-o-g. He's a 9 mo old Lab/Australian Shepherd and full of boundless energy! Always getting into troubles!

                                                Kazmir isn't a bit interested in sharing her toys!

                                                                    Or her bed!
                                                   

                                                                Hey, this is my bed!

                                                           I give up! You can have it!

                                                         

                                                            Think I'll just watch from here!

                                                      Shadow thinks those two are nuts!

                                                              They're at it again!

  My first Great-grandchild!

                                                            Precious little Amber angel

        She is such a joy...always smiling! Has her Grandmommy Charlene wrapped around her fingers! Of course, Mommy Suzanne and Daddy Christopher also!

 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, 

 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

Mark 9:36-37

This has been a week of blessings abundantly! Leroy and I both had  medical concerns that could have been a bit challenging. But by God's grace, we both had good reports from our doctors. Praising Jesus every step of the way! Also thanking everyone for all the prayers and concern. 

                                      And of his fulness have all we received, 

                              grace for grace.               John 1:16 kjv

AN IRISH BLESSING

Count your blessings instead of your crosses.
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes.
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears.
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean.
Count your kind years instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth.
Count on God instead of yourself.

The Fruit of the Spirit - Christ's Command to Us: Bear Good Fruit and Much Fruit

So thankful to have several citrus trees in the backyard-orange, grapefruit, tangerine, calamondin and two kinds of kumquats.   I make kumquat pies using the tart kumquats.  Mmmmmh good!                

                                                         

                                                       Picked some oranges this morn.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,      Galatians 5:22  kjv

At the mention of fruit, what are your first thoughts? A snack? A dessert? Your favorite fruits?

The Bible refers to literal fruit—such as olives, grapes and figs—many times. More frequently the biblical Hebrew and Greek words translated "fruit" have a symbolic sense. All crops are considered "fruit of the earth." Children are called the "fruit of the womb." A man's words are "the fruit of his mouth."  

We are to be fruitful

Closely following God's desire for good fruit is His desire for us to produce a lot of it—to behighly productive . Jesus said, "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit,showing yourselves to be my disciples" (John 15:8
, New International Version). Notice, bearing abundant fruit glorifies God and identifies Christ's disciples!

Jesus said: "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit" (John 15:1-2


). "Pruning" includes the Father's loving discipline to correct our faults (Hebrews 12:5-11







).

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing"(John 15:4-5


). Rely on God and great things will happen!  

 Bear good fruit and much fruit!

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.
Helen Keller