Let me tell you 'bout...

the birds and the bees

and the flowers and the trees

and the moon up above

and a thing called "Love"

Anyone remember these lyrics? They've been playing over and over again in my head for about a month now. It all started with worry.

Worry about my finances.

Worry about my children's future.

Worry about my job.

Worry about where I would live.

Worry about homeschooling.

Worry about my marriage.

Worry if I'm good enough.

Worried about yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

As you can see I became consumed by worry. Consumed to the point where I tried to control my worry by over eating, not eating, sleeping, and shutting others out. I prayed and prayed...still worried.  About a month ago, I decided to be silent and hear what the Lord had to say to me about worry.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life. "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Matthew 6:25-28

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8

As I read these words, I struggled with hearing the message within them. Later that afternoon I went for a walk. I was followed by a group of birds. They were swirling around me. (Actually, they were driving me nuts!) I was trying to listen to my Christian music (perhaps the Lord would speak to me in song) and they were distracting. I stopped...look at the birds of the air! I took my earphones out and to my surprise I could hear them chirping away (normally I can't hear anything without my hearing aids). The sounds were beautiful. I continued to watch and was fascinated by how they would soar through the air. Wings spread...glidding...so free...not a care in the world. I remembered the birds nest above my front door. I've watch the momma bird fly to and fro providing food for her young. No worries, the Lord supplied her need. Soon, the babies were gone...the nest empty. Momma still with no worries, for she knows the Lord will care for her Babies...He will provide. I'm reminded; my children may leave the nest...trust...the Lord will care for His children.

I didn't really see bees on my walk, but they often surround my front door. As I looked up scripture about bees/hornets.  It seems the Lord sends these tiny creatures to destroy.  I thought of how often, we are so fearful of these little bees. Arms waving frantically...we try to escape the sting of the bee. Yet, this tiny creature, knows its strength...shows no fear...uses what God has given to defend off intruders. We too have been given such strength...His word, His promise...abide in Me and I in you. John 15:4

As I continued on my walk, I noticed all the wild flowers along my path. (This day I made them lilies.) There was a breeze that day, I watched them gently sway. Such a beautiful dance. Nothing to carry them away, for they were firmly planted in good soil. Firmly planted in Him...I too will remain when the enemy attacks.

I now shifted my attention to the trees. So many shades of green. Only God can create such magnificent shades. Although, the trees here are not planted near water, they receive water. It can be very hot here, yet in the summer, the leaves remain green...wilting only with lack of water. Many friends have fruit trees. Cherries, lemons, even the apple orchids bear fruit. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in Him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John15:5

My mind wondered to our recent camping trip. I felt so close to God in all of His creation, I was fascinated by His wondrous works. The trees near the flowing river, the birds, the butterflies, the sounds, smells, the fine details, I was in awe.

As the seasons change, the trees remain.  Although the leaves may turn to vibrant shades of red, yellow, orange...their roots remain spread across the earth. The rain or snow, continues to provide the water they need to survive.  Do you remember the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at the well? He explained to her that He was the living water, and if we drink from Him we will never thirst.  He's saying, He will provide all we need for life. If we trust in Him for all things, our humanly desires will soon fade as we see how much the Lord has blessed us. No matter what season we're in, He provides!!

What about the moon? Have you ever looked at the moon and sworn you saw a face? Intriguing! I started thinking about the sky and it's vastness. How small we are among this giant universe. Yet, every hair on our head, every thought...He knows. I have recently been blessed with the most beautiful sunrises and clear skies at night...the moon and stars so bright. What a glorious kingdom...yes!?

What I realized, again...I have no control. I'm reminded of what Jesus told Martha...Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:41-42.

What is so amazing, is that the Lord loves me so much He allows me to try to control my life, He waits patiently on the sidelines till I trust in Him...He forgives. Only one thing is needed...remain in Him.

Everything...the birds, bees, flowers, trees, moon, stars, sunrises, sunsets, His children...all created by Him from LOVE!

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31. I love this scripture!

One of the women in my Recovery group said something that I have a firm grip on.  You see, for such a long time I allowed Satan to bind me to my desire for control. So much so that I closed my mind and my thoughts to how great the Lord's love is for me. I let others influence me, I let my entitlement control my desires. 
But now...

NO ONE CAN TAKE MY GOD AWAY FROM ME!

His love is displayed throughout all of creation...just take a look...just trust...He will never leave or forsake any of His children, His creations!