Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, some friends reminded us that it is harvest time, so, just checking into and investigating some saved papers, it was amazing to come across a page entitled, "Fruit For All Season!" It's just the right time of year when crops have yielded their fruit and vegetables abundantly and steadily throughout the summer. So, just had to stop a moment to remember all about our family growing gardens, way back when, plus the several neighbors and friends who, also this year, had a bumper crop or two, with several 'crops' of veggies still being available in several nearby gardens. Some are probably making the local farmers market a cornucopia/bounty of healthy choices. It's too bad fresh local fruit and veggies cannot be with us all year long - oh - don't we lament/feel bad and sad about that.

But - let's check further, as Paul tells us differently, however, in Galatians. We can have "fruit" all year long, fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control - oh, we could go on, right?

Paul added that the life in the Spirit means that these gifts can be ours all year long, no waiting. Our summer baskets can be overflowing with Jesus Christ, who will help us cultivate these delicious/juicy gifts.

So how about following up with an Action Step: What particular fruit of the Spirit would we like to have in our basket? Just take a moment to think about that, right? We need to seek Your help, dear Father, help us to develop our unique gift and then live as if we are guided by the Spirit, remembering Galatians 5:25: "If we live by the Sprit, let us also be guided by the Spirit."

Friend, Katie Sue, added, "Bounteous God, help us to abundantly grow your fruits through Jesus Christ. Amen!"

Love, Mara