That is faith, cleaving to Christ,
twining around Him
with all the tendrils of our heart,
as the vine does round its support.
~Alexander Maclaren
Like all else in Creation, vines remind me of the nearness of God perhaps because they reflect the way He wraps His arms around His children and keeps them close to Himself. In that way we go together like a hat and glove as they say for we are to the Lord as the branch is to the vine, as sheep are to the shepherd, as the flower is to the stem, as the bride is to her groom, as the bird is to air, as the fish is to water, as the star is to the sky, as the sun is to the moon, as the plant is to the seed, as the grass is to the dew, and as the babe is to its mother. Simply put, we are inextricably linked to Yahweh, the Maker of heaven and earth, and it is from our loving Source that we gather strength and energy. His supporting and sustaining provisions draw us into His holy web of life and subsequently move us closer and closer to the Light. In the Gospel of John are the “I am” sayings of Jesus which give us wonderful descriptions of the way Christ connects with us:
“I am the bread of life.”
“I am the light of the world.”
“I am the gate for the sheep.”
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.”
“I am the resurrection, and the life.”
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
“I am the true vine.”
Return to us, O God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see! Watch over this vine, the root your right hand has planted, the son you have raised up for yourself. ~Psalm 80:14-15 ✝
**Three images above Scripture via Pinterest
A delightful view of the intimacy of our relationship with God as both Creator and Father and of Christ the Bridegroom to the Bride and of the Spirit to the soul- – -it’s been a long day as I had to work at the store—time to collapse—hugs and love—Julie
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Thank you and I pray you rest very well tonight after your long day! Hugs and sweet dreams, N 🙂 ❤
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That was a lovely reminder of connection. I too love trees, vines, all things green actually. And I love that you used the term “Yahweh.” Blessings to you and the beautiful vines. ❤ Kimberly
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Thank you, Kimberly! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. My carriage is turning into a pumpkin so I guess it’s time for me to shut this puppy down for the night. I pray you and your puppers rest well. Love and hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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We all live in the Lord’s vineyard and it comforts us to feel His tendrils around us. 😀
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It does comfort us, doesn’t it?! 🙂 ❤
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Reblogged this on Women Who Think Too Much by Jeanne Marie and commented:
Some Friday? sweetness for you!
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You’re so sweet!!! ❤
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Wonderful Natalie. This post makes me think of another quote from “Jesus Calling”
“We are intertwined in and intimacy that involves every fibre of my being.”
I’m actually in the book of John right now. I’m taking it slowly, often re-reading the same text a couple days in a row. I just read “The Bread of Life” ‘I am’ this morning. I think I’ll camp out there for a bit too.
🙂
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I “camp out” in her devotional some times too! Actually I bought it well over a year ago and so this is my second go round through it! I hope you learn a lot on your camp out, Mary Staci! Hugs, N 🙂 ❤
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I had to laugh out loud at the way you addressed me, “Mary Staci”. Just too funny.
Yes, I often camp out in her devotional, and bookmark the many pages that speak profoundly to me.
Glad that you camp out there too..
🙂 ❤
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Now you’ve made me laugh out loud! Her words are such a great place to pitch a tent! Speaking of tents, it’s time for this little camper, to put the lights out in hers and try for some shut eye. I hope you get a good rest tonight too. Hugs 🙂 ❤
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Well, it’s 12:36 am here and I’m still planning on watching a TED talk on Youtube. Maybe about 1:30-2:00am I’ll sleep. Hubby is traveling and kids don’t have school tomorrow.
I know it’s late.
🙂
Have a wonderful sleep.
And as we say in Brazil, “sleep with the angels”
❤
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Oh I like the idea of sleeping with the angels! Thanks, Mary Natalie 🙂 ❤
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Huge smile
🙂 ❤
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