Opening our ears to the sweet symphony of nature, our eyes to its calming palette of color, and our understanding to our Creator’s faithful care cannot but give us hope in times of uncertainty. Its steady rhythm reminds us that some aspects of our lives are not affected by the chaos and destruction of the coronavirus.
God’s Almighty power created the heavens and the earth, and it is so evident He is still in control. He faithfully brings the change of seasons, no matter what is happening in this world.
“As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat,
summer and winter,
day and night
will never cease.”
Genesis 8:22
Every moment He faithfully watches over and cares for His creatures. Every morning the birds start an early chorus of praise to God. Unfettered by the cares of this world, it’s like their focus is fixed on their Creator alone.
“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?
Can any one of you by worrying
add a single hour to your life?”
Matthew 6:26-27
No, we can’t add a single hour to our lives or others’ lives by worrying, but I see and hear worry everywhere these days. In my own heart. In the eyes and voices of so many. Behind the tough exteriors of those who try so hard to be strong. In the text of our young grandson when he heard I was sick again and was being tested for Covid, how he expressed his worries of me as high risk and how they were praying. When he found out the test was negative, his words soothed my soul, “God has a plan for you and it doesn’t stop now.”
Yes, God has a plan for us. Even in the midst of uncertainty, sickness, and loss. We may rebel and think our plan would be better, but it’s not. There is going to be suffering and dying, cold and hunger, and loss of all kinds in this world. Do we always understand it? No. Can we make sense out of it? No. Can we run our lives better? No. From our side things look like a mess, like the threads on the underside of a weaving, but what God sees is the total picture of His plan, beautiful and glorious beyond compare. And we are included in that plan and never forgotten. We are the ones He calls much more valuable than the birds of the air He faithfully cares for.
“I lift my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2
When you allow your senses to soak in God’s creation, whether outdoors or from your window or doorway ( or even from photos), does it breathe hope into your soul? What does it say to you about God’s faithful character?
All of the bird photos were taken through my tinted office windows.
“Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.”
Song of Solomon 2:12
Maker of the Stars
by Demetrios Leiloglou
“I sat and watched the evening sky as it turned shades of red
One by one the stars came out like diamonds in a sea of black
And as I started to count them all I realized they had no end
That’s the way it must be with God’s love… the Maker of the Stars…”
Freed to Fly 
Your bird photos are marvelous, Trudy! Yes, like you, I take solace in God’s wondrous creation; it tells me every day who is large and in charge, and that I need not fear.
And oh, what precious words spoken by your grandson! Out of the mouths of babes . . .
Blessings, my friend, and stay safe and healthy!
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“Who is large and in charge.” I love your wording, Martha. 🙂 Yes, He is still in control. God often sends us His guidance and comfort through the mouths of children, doesn’t He? Blessings of safety and health to you, too! May our hearts remember God is and will always be bigger than any trouble that comes our way!
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I am glad to hear you are feeling better, Trudy! And I love your bird pictures! I saw a finch recently in my yard and was very excited! And recently added a bird bath that I hope they find and enjoy soon too. The outdoors does breathe hope in my soul. Seeing how nature is still blossoming and the birds are still singing lets my know God’s creation is still thriving even in this time of a pandemic.
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Thank you, Lynn. Also for the smiles. I smiled big to hear you get excited, too, when you see the birds. 🙂 I hope your bird bath will draw many more to your yard. Yes, isn’t it a wonder how God’s creation is still thriving even in this time. So much hope in that! May our hearts be in awe of His faithful love and care over all His creation, even us!
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Trudy, this was such a beautiful post. First off, I so enjoyed the pictures. And you answered one burning question I’ve had: what kind of bird is it that has a red head and brown body? I was asking a friend just this morning. And you answered it! It’s a house finch. Now I know. 🙂
And you shared so much gentle, resounding truth here, friend. This here especially spoke to me:
“God has a plan for us. Even in the midst of uncertainty, sickness, and loss. We may rebel and think our plan would be better, but it’s not.”
When we choose to yield to God’s plan, especially in times like this, we will find it to be much better than our own. We often don’t see it until we’re looking in the rearview mirror, but that truth still stands.
I’m glad your COVID test came back negative, friend. Sending you hugs and blessings.
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Thank you, Jeanne. I’m glad I answered your bird question. 🙂 “That truth still stands.” Amen! Even when we can’t make sense of His plan, He knows exactly what He’s doing to grow us more into His image. Sending hugs and blessings back to you! May God give us grace to trust His plan and His timing!
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Dear Trudy,
I am so thankful for the good test results, and even more thankful for your precious grandson’s encouraging words to you. What a precious gift! Thank you for sharing this precious gift of a post today. I love the birds, especially the house finch and his nest right outside your window! Our wrens have returned and sing every day as they are so busy building their nest. It really is so uplifting to listen and see his creation. Thank you dear friend. May you be blessed with returning strength. Love and hugs. xoxo
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Thank you for your caring and prayers, Bettie. Love and hugs back to you! Yes, our grandson’s words were and still are a precious gift! As long as we’re here, God isn’t done with us yet, is He? Oh, those house wrens must sound so glorious! Like a hug from God, right? May our hearts be open to the hope God so freely gives in His creation!
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Oh to be like the birds of the air, trusting and praising without a care! These words gave me pause for thought: “Every morning the birds start an early chorus of praise to God. Unfettered by the cares of this world, it’s like their focus is fixed on their Creator alone.” How marvellous that you get to watch different birds using your bird feeder and can observe the house finches that stay close at hand. Your beautiful images are a lovely testament to the joy you have in them. Creation and its creatures definitely do breathe hope to the soul. I’m glad they’re giving you some solace and calm as you seek to recover from your recent scary sickness. And I love how God ministered to you through your grandson’s words. May God continue to heal, rest, refresh and restore you in every way, dear Trudy. Blessings, love and hugs! xoxo
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So often I long to sing like those birds, Joy. Unfettered by the cares of this world. Someday we will be fully free to fly and sing, right? Here there are moments, but what a glorious day it will be to never get distracted from fixing our gaze on Jesus and His love! Yes, it truly is marvelous that I get to watch the birds from my office window. 🙂 Thank you for your caring and prayers! I truly appreciate them. Blessings, love, and hugs to you, too! May we open our hearts to the peace and hope God so desires to breathe into our spirits!
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What a blessing to read your words today, Trudy. And those pictures? Wow … you share your brother’s talent for photography. I love all the verses you shared, and then this: “From our side things look like a mess …, but what God sees is the total picture of His plan, beautiful and glorious beyond compare.” Amen, dear friend!
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Thank you, Lois. 🙂 I’m so glad you found inspiration here. The other day I was planting some flowers in a stand our son made. I couldn’t help but think of you and how you find it therapeutic to work with your flowers. I love it, too. 🙂 May God give us grace to trust His plan, even though we can’t always understand!
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Oh yes, friend! All creation sings and shouts His beauty, His praises, His glory. No wonder we all love springtime so much. My heart soars as I sit with the blue sky, the blossoming flowers, the cool breezes, the warmth of sunshine.
What a gift He’s given us in the seasons. Most especially this year …
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What a beautiful picture you paint here, Linda. 🙂 It’s cloudy here lately, so I will imagine myself into this scene and let my heart soar. 🙂 Even when the sun doesn’t shine warmly though, creation still “sings and shouts His beauty, His praises, His glory.” Yes, I have thought often what a gift He’s given us in this crisis to faithfully send spring and all its hope! May our hearts soar in His love and grace and never-ending mercies!
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I hope you’re feeling better, Trudy, and I’m glad your test came back negative. Your photos are beautiful! Time in nature always refreshes me and helps me feel close to God. I’ve been blessed to be able to spend quite a bit of time walking in some beautiful places this week (there are some photos in my latest blog post) and it definitely points me to hope.
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Thank you, Lesley. I am doing better. I loved viewing your photos. Yes, beautiful places! Thank you for pointing me to hope, too! May God’s creation continue to awe us and refresh us!
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Beautiful post Trudy, so glad your grandson is okay! 😀
Lovely avian photos too!
Saddened to hear you’re not feeling well again. Sending a gentle hug to you. ♥
Bless you,
Jennifer
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Thank you, Jennifer. Hugs and blessings to you, too! May we open our hearts more and more to God’s leading, whatever it may be!
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Amen! 😀
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👍🏻❤️🙏🏻
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Thank you for the beautiful photos and soothing words. Nature is where I find I am most free. I soak it in every chance I get. Have you ever read Bonnie Gray’s book, “Whispers of Rest”? Your post reminded me of her book.
I am so thankful that you tested negative for COVID-19. I pray you are feeling okay.
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I’m so glad you found this post soothing, Mary. I identify with you about nature being where you find yourself most free. Yes, I have read Bonnie Gray’s Whispers of Rest. I am honored that this reminded you of her book! Thank you, I am doing better. May we soak in God’s beauty and faithfulness in nature often!
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