Over the last six weeks I’ve had the great experience of watching a family of birds live daily life. Momma and Papa bird would come to the nest night and day to feed and watch over their little ones. I had a bird’s eye view from my living room window. I was excited to see how life was changing for this family. At first I thought maybe there were only two little ones until one day Momma flew in with a juicy worm and no, there were four little mouths to feed.

I found myself checking the nest daily (actually several times daily) just to watch and observe. At one point when I peered in, I noticed Momma just laying on top of her eggs, rocking back and forth. It was the same motion a mother would make rocking her baby. Such love and such care!

When they thought we were too close to the nest, the parents would chirp louder to warn their children but also to say “hey, back off”. A few days ago, it appeared that everyone was getting a little testy and cramped in that small, bird-made nest. They were fighting and jockeying for position. I knew it wouldn’t be long until they would take flight. We peered in one last time and swoosh, all of a sudden they all flew out with gusto.

I was saddened to see my feathery friends go but grateful I was able to observe how the Lord takes care of his little ones. It made me understand that if He cares so much for the birds of the air, how much more does He care for you and me.

Matthew 6:26-27
“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?” NIV

Have you ever wondered what might lie ahead in the days, weeks, or months to come? Or looked back at the path you walked years ago and contemplated what your life might have been? I have. My personal life has been an interesting journey. Overcoming addiction and walking through cancer took me on paths that I never saw coming – never anticipated. Surprised, to say the least.

Not knowing which way to turn or even if I would live or die was scairy and heart wrenching. It all caused me to get on my knees for sure! Why did this happen? Now what do I do? Where do I go from here? I don’t understand. There were so many questions………….and I needed answers.

But in all of my trials and tribulations, I know today that God was with me every step of the way. When I walked in darkness, His light would always be ahead of me. When I wasn’t sure what path to take, He would guide me. Over the years, day by day, my faith in Him has grown and when I cry out to Him, I know He hears me.

If you aren’t sure what lies ahead, meditate on the truth in Isaiah 58:8-9:

“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will
call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” NIV

First of all, Webster’s dictionary defines Perseverance as:

• A steady persistence in a course of action
• A purpose, especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. 

 Another way to say it is: 

• Resolve
• Determination
• Urgency

Little did I know when I gave my first speech in 7^th grade on perseverance, that I would actually live a life that caused me to persevere in so many ways.   Today, as I give my first speech in Toastmasters on Perseverance – almost 35 years later, I can definitely see where persevering has definitely helped me to get through many hard times.

As you reflect back on your life, can you say “I am grateful for the obstacles because they have caused me to persevere?” 

Scripture reads that “suffering produces perseverance, perseverance – character, character – hope”. 

I am grateful for all the obstacles that I have had to persevere through.  I am not the same person today.  I can truly say that my life is so fulfilling today and I am hopeful about my future. 

How about you?

I recently received the rose in this blogpost.  As I have been watching it bloom, I have been totally amazed by its uniqueness and special fragrance.  I don’t believe I have ever seen a rose so beautiful and intricate. 

I believe God looks at us in the same way and loves the uniqueness of each of His creations. We don’t all look the same, smell the same, or even have the same lifespan. But one thing for sure is that we are unique and designed for special purposes.

As we “open up” to God’s will and way, we will always be who we were created to be.

Song of Solomon 2:1-2
“I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.  As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters”  King James Version.  Note: This rose is noted for its fragrance

Sorrows. We’ve all had them. We’ve known others that have either experienced pain or major loss. We may know someone that is experiencing sorrow right now. But sorrows do not have to stop us. Sorrows do not have to define who we are or even what our future holds. Sorrows and loss are hard but they are not the end of the story. Sorrows only hold a part of the story. 

So knowing that sorrow is shared by all, why do some get stuck and some seem to move on?  I believe it’s because some have learned to trade their sorrows for JOY! Joy can’t be found in the “world”. Believe me, I’ve been there and tried that. It was impossible for me to find joy in people, places or things. 

I have found that MY JOY and MY STRENGTH COME FROM GOD ALONE!  Try it. Trade those sorrows and let JOY be yours today.