Gardening is a quintessential summer activity enjoyed by many, though some years, the toil may be much while little is produced. Deuteronomy 6 contains the secret to a bountiful harvest, both literally and metaphorically: “Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and revering him. For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land…, a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey….” (Verses 6-8). The correlation between obedience and blessings is real, as Joe and Gwen share with us while observing the abundance from their own summer garden! Joe draws a very poignant correlation between the bounty from the physical land to the bounty in the “garden of his life” when he chose to take seriously the commands of God by making changes in his own heart. It is an amazing opportunity that all of us have, as Gwen shares from Ezekiel about the direct proportional effect of turning to the Lord versus turning away from the Lord (Ezekiel 18). Each of us must examine our own hearts and actions, because if we return to the Lord and put His commands into practice, then God’s bountiful blessings can be realized! Though there will be times of testing and refinement, we have faith that God is tending to the gardens of our hearts so that we may continue producing the good fruit Jesus spoke about. This relationship with God, characterized by a direct ratio between blessings and obedience—and, equally, between disobedience and harder times—is real and available to everyone who has ears to hear! Welcome to this encouraging episode of “Life with Gwen and Joe” that will leave you with more hope than you have ever known, a promise that is real and tangible given by the God of All who has been consistent in maintaining this connection for thousands of generations. Get ready today to give your whole heart to God and watch Him pour out abundant blessings on the work of your hands and, most importantly, the garden of your heart! May blessings come to every person who diligently obeys all of God’s commands, as this is the prayer of Gwen and Joe for all of you!