winter rains & first snow

Lisa and I were re-installed as the lead pastors of Rothesay Vineyard. It was a good day. Larry and Karen Levy from the Halifax Vineyard were visiting, and Larry spoke and addressed this important time of transition in the life of our church. He spoke about the “winter rains”, and how they can soften and prepare the earth for a receptive spring. He didn’t feel it was a time for harvest for our church, but rather a time of preparation, a time for softening our hearts again, a time to receive new infusions of life, and to make connections that would eventually lead to a fruitful time of harvest. I loved what Larry had to say, and felt the whole congregation was very encouraged by his gracious words.

I thought it was interesting when I got up this morning that it was snowing. Our first snowfall! Winter rains. This photo was taken today out my front door, looking across the Kennebacasis River to the snow-covered fields on the other side. I do remember an old farmer telling me one time that snow was a poor man’s fertilizer, and that winter rains were so beneficial to the quality of the soil. I take it as a good sign that the promise of quality, life, and fruitfulness will come to pass.

  • http://www.pbase.com/hootski Heidi

    What a pretty picture. Yes Sunday was truly wonderful and it felt like a milestone for our church. Winter is typically a time for resting. For a little while now, at least to me, it has felt like we are in a time of productive rest.

    “Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle … a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream.”
    - Barbara Winkler

    “In a way Winter is the real Spring – the time when the inner things happen….”
    - Edna O’Brien

  • http://freedompastor.blogspot.com Frank Emanuel

    Larry is such a great guy eh. We always go try to visit Larry and Karen when we go down East. Looking forward to what blooms from this time of softening!

  • John

    How come my first comment never got posted? Was it the language?

  • John

    I wanted to encourage you to enjoy the tilling of the ground! BUT! Make sure you don’t stay there too long. Quickly move into the planting stage! There are many churches go into a “prep” time and end up staying there until they are healthy. If truth be know – who is completely healthy?

    What makes good soil? What is the ingredient that allows plants, fruit and vegetables to grow strong and healthy? Fertilizer! What makes good fertilizer? Shit!

    So, be encouraged that the tough times develop the church into what it is meant to be – a fruit producing tree!

    Dave, don’t stay in a “prep” time too long! You are more prepared (as a leader & church) than you think!!!!

    Get on the horse and giddy up!

  • Chris

    Wow John, you produce some deep s#!%!!!!!

  • http://beyondwordsworth.com Beyond Words

    I love winter.

    I love your eye for beauty.

    I’m happy for you and your wife and sad I’m not part of a church where I could co-lead with my husband.

    Comment to John–what’s your advice about knowing when it’s time to plant?

  • Wendy

    Don’t forget weeding your garden! If you don’t weed they can take hold and choke off new growth and suck the life out of the soil…

    I love to weed my garden! I often find that many of the trials of having a garden are reflective of real life.

  • robo

    I also found it interesting what Larry’s wife, Karen said about being careful not to criticize the church…