But if your holidays have gone anything like mine, slowing down is the last thing that happened.

In fact, I think time is moving faster. Which, of course, we know not to be true. Yet, that feeling is real.

Even though it’s supposed to be a slower day, resetting yourself for a new year is challenging. You are faced with old roots. But what you may have forgotten, those old roots can bear new fruits.

We had some extreme frigid weather down here in the south. Upon returning home, I noticed we had a dozen or so bronzed shrubs. The small evergreens are no longer green. However, with great care, and a systematic approach to fertilizing and pruning, they will come back stronger.

I know this because it happened a few years back.

Why do you think God created plants to be pruned? (John 15:1-17)

Just as plants are pruned, we, too, need to be pruned.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” ~ John 15:5

So don’t be rushed to chop this and cut that. Be intentional by rebuilding your foundation.

The K.I.S.S. ~ REbuild your foundation!

And keep in mind, that rebuild may mean you are starting from scratch in some corners of your life. Yet in other corners, you might be cleaning up a little.

Remember the question: Why do you think God created plants to be pruned?

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” ~ John 15:1-4

We try to do a lot of things on our own. But today is a new day, a new season, with a new reason: new fruit from old roots.

1. REMOVE what is dead or dying. This is where you let go of what is no longer serving you. God desires something specific for your life, your purpose. As you draw closer to Him, you will not need some of the things that held you back from your heavenly purpose here on earth.
2. DISCARD the disease or distractions. When you are committed to God’s plans for you, then the old must go. You set your mind not to the patterns of this world, but on the purpose of renewing your mind God’s way. This is when the cutting or the pruning makes room for the new, and this may require you to REdo. Just do it God’s way.
3. FOCUS on the right next step. “One step at a time leads to miles of greatness! (Kristianne Wargo)” But you can also get ahead of God. Live life in step with God; His pace, His way. Take away what doesn’t for a season, and trust in God’s reason. This is your day, His way!

You don’t want to look like a snarly tree with branches going all over the place. Pruning helps to keep your focus. It will also keep what’s vital and will strengthen your foundation as you create your now.

God has extraordinary plans for you. But you have to get out of your own way and let God lead. Be in step with God.

“One step at a time leads to miles of greatness!” ~ Kristianne Wargo

PRAYER: May your new year be filled with a time of pruning and rebuilding. Allow your focus to be in step with God’s divine plan for you.  Change will not crush you. Change will simply refine you, rebuild you, and renew you. Restoration starts in the heart.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“