Dying Arborvitaes....Moving and Trying to Save, Sept 7, 2020

I've mentioned our afflicted, once beautiful, arborvitaes. Planted almost 5 years ago, they looked really good until the start of this August. There was a little brown here and there, but nothing to worry about. Just the normal stuff that goes with these trees.

We came home from vacation, and something drastic had happened. I'm assuming the exceedingly high temperatures, coupled with no rain for six weeks, weakened them. The leaf borers, that had likely caused the browning, moved in stronger, and despite pesticide action, consistently, a month later we're at a critical juncture. Even the steady rains we were having throughout August did not help.

It is likely the point of no return for at least one. Even if the others recover, they will never look as lush and green as before. 

It reminds me of our spiritual health. Those times we're cruising along, happy, but neglecting God, will weaken us. The scorching silence of not communing with our Savior will be taking a toll. Darts the enemy had thrown, which didn't impact us much, suddenly become able to do greater damage. Even if we suddenly they're ourselves into the Word, serious damage, with consequences, may be our lot. There is simply no fixing neglect. The evil of the enemy, Satan, is oft unseen, so those of us in Christ must be vigilant to remember 1 Peter 5:8-10. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 [a]But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your [b]brethren who are in the world. 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

In another part of our yard, we've had two young arborvitaes. They have been relocated to the front yard next to the new Steed's Hollies. Before destruction comes, they are now in an optimum location. All of these trees have had any competing plants removed, have been fertilized, and have been heavily mulched. It is like when we cut back on TV and start doing a Bible study during the week.

Jesus Christ is coming back, friends. We who are His should be preparing ourselves. Those not in Christ must be told that there will come a day when it will be too late to be saved from eternal damnation. Religion will not save, only the truth found in God's word will.