THE PROMISE IS THERE!

You will know by now that Mr. HCB is a keen gardener and as well as supplying us with tomatoes and cucumbers from the greenhouse, he also produces raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, loganberries and many other vegetables, but his favourite, and also his pride and joy are his blueberries.

When he first grew them, he didn't net them so the birds got there first, but since then, he has made a large frame and this has worked. However, the yield the first year was not that good but then he realised that they should be planted in ericaceous soil - so off to the garden centre he went and got several bags and the rest is history.

Last year he picked about 3 kg and although some of them were eaten fresh, he also froze quite a lot, so that he can enjoy them during the winter months. You will notice I say "he" because I am not particularly fond of them - so as he says, all the more for him.

I know I have probably said this before, but if we aren't in the right place and growing well, we won't produce much "fruit" - but sometimes it's not as easy as going to the garden centre for us - we have to make choices and change things in our lives and sometimes that is painful and makes us vulnerable - but I know that as a Christian, with God's help, I can make those changes, and even if they are painful, I know that He is with me every step of the way.

We certainly enjoy "the ripe fruits in the garden" - I hope you enjoy this version of the hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful" by John Rutter.