Yes, our lives and every single breath are in God’s hands. In March, this truth became so real as a respiratory virus hit me extra hard because of my already chronic respiratory condition and knocked the wind out of my sails. I was in the hospital for nine days as they tried to calm down the inflammation enough to take me off of oxygen so I could recover further at home. Pulmonologists told me I’m going to need time and patience, but I never realized it would hang on as long as it has. Even now, I’m still struggling, but I try to remind myself of how far I have come.
Truthfully, I got and still do get discouraged at times. One afternoon, as I rested on my bed and hope seemed to diminish with each laboring breath, I cried out to God, “Why, God, why?! Am I EVER going to get better?” He didn’t answer my questions, but He reminded me to trust Him and that His everlasting arms are always underneath me and He will carry me through each day and in the future, no matter what happens.
Does that mean I can easily give over my plan for His? No. Do you ever pray “Thy will be done” but through clenched teeth? I want to mean it deep within my heart, to trust Him truly and freely. I am so grateful the love of Jesus is unconditional, aren’t you?
Is there something you struggle with? Something that is weighing you down? Maybe it’s even something that no one sees outwardly and you don’t even dare to share with anyone else. There is ONE who know and cares and understands, no matter what. Jesus never, ever tires of our crying and groaning, and He never, ever condemns us when doubts, anxiety, and questions fill our hearts. He is so patient and compassionate. And though He already knows what’s troubling us, He still wants us to pour out our cares and concerns to Him and and invite Him into our hearts and lives.
This song especially comforted me in these past weeks. I hope it will be blessed to your heart, too!
“Be still, my soul! the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul! thy best, thy heav’nly friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end…”
Original Author of this hymn: Kathrina von Schlegel (1752)
Translator: Jane Borthwick (1855)
Hope Quotes
“God was using the hardest parts of my story for good. I didn’t understand how—but I could trust that my suffering had purpose.“ ~ Vaneetha Risner
“Blessed are you who need a gentle reminder that even now, even today, God is here, walking with us, meeting us in our places of sorrow and despair, desperation and grief. Slowing lifting our chin toward hope. Not promising to erase the pain. But to carry it with us. Blessed are we who realize we are never—were never—alone. And somehow, that is good enough.“ ~ Kate Bowler
“Flowers fade. Hearts break. But, there in the darkness, through all the storms, hope is sure. Even when life doesn’t turn up the way we plan, our hope is secure in the One who died, was buried and rose again.” ~ Rebekah Hughes
Nature Retreat
Thanks to my brother John
from Arizona for these
amazing bird photos!
I do get overwhelmed easily, but God has not yet laid it on my heart to let this blogging go, so I will post when I can. Meanwhile, remember that through whatever it is you’re going through, God knows and God cares! May He fill each one of you with His bottomless love and amazing grace and give you strength for each day!
Freed to Fly 
I’m glad you are feeling better, Trudy. And that you know God’s presence is with you no matter what you are experiencing. May His presence continually show you how He carries you “through each day and in the future, no matter what happens.” The pictures are lovely, of course! I do spot red-winged blackbirds, egrets and orioles here, too. But, oh my, to see the fish catches of a cormorant (or any water fowl) would be a treat. It’s amazing they can take down that size of trout, and eat it! Nature is absolutely amazing!
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Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers, Lynn. 💕 If I remember correctly, my brother said that eventually the trout won. 🙂 Yes, nature is amazing! May we soak in God’s love and goodness through His creation!
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Oh, my goodness, Trudy, you have certainly been through the wringer with your breathing issues! So happy to know that you are back home, resting, and able to share your inspiring thoughts and your brother’s award-winning photos with us again. I know God looks out for all of His children even if we can’t feel His presence on days of pain, discomfort and hurt. We can always have hope because of our loving Father. May He continue to bless and keep you, my friend.
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Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers, Martha. 💕 “I know God looks out for all of His children even if we can’t feel His presence on days of pain, discomfort and hurt.” Amen! May we always focus on His faithful character and never-failing love through it all!
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What a great truth He has given you to share with others. Praying that you will gain new strength each day. Wonderful bird photos. I’ve never seen the White-faced Ibis.
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Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers, Rebecca. 💕 In these last couple of months when I was too weary to focus on words, it was nature photos from my brother and like yours that refreshed my heart. So thank you so much! Love and blessings to you!
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Blessings to you also!
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Hi, Trudy.
I wish all the best to your life.
May you recover of all and receive pure light as dear God is.
Very pretty, as ever, your posts.
Faith and Love in Jesus.
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Thank you so much, am vn. 💕 Yes, we so need God’s pure light! Love and blessings to you!
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Oh Trudy, I’m so sorry for the spring you have had! I hope the coming weeks find you feeling stronger and better. I’m inspired that you are continuing to post when you have the energy and the words. God is faithful to give us what we need, isn’t He? Hugs, friend.
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Thank you so much, Lois. 💕 I’m so sorry for the spring you have had, too! Yes, God faithfully does give us what we need and in His own timing. Someday we will understand, but meanwhile we just need to hold onto His hand. Love and hugs and blessings for further healing and strength for you, too!
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Oh Trudy, I am so sorry for this difficult spring that you have had. But how precious is the comfort that the Lord has given you to share. This hits home with me so much too:
“There is ONE who knows and cares and understands, no matter what. Jesus never, ever tires of our crying and groaning, and He never, ever condemns us when doubts, anxiety, and questions fill our hearts.”
Thank you for sharing such comfort and hope. My prayers are with you this summer for healing and restoration. Blessings, hugs, and love dear friend.
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Thank you so much, Bettie, for all your continued support and understanding. 💕 You have shared so much comfort and hope with me in these past years. It means so much. May we continue to cling to the ONE who knows and cares and understands SO INFINITELY! Love and hugs and blessings of strength and peace for each day as you struggle with chronic illnesses!
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The bird with its eye on the bumble bee is such a shot! Does your brother have any photos online elsewhere where I could see them? I’m sorry to hear of the hard challenges you’ve had, and are having. Thank you for blogging in spite of it all! I hope things improve for you soon. My best, best wishes ~Liz
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Thank you for your kind thoughts, Liz. 💕 Concerning my brother’s photography, he doesn’t have a site. A lot of the nature photos I share here are his. He gave me permission to share them. 🙂 When I used to be able to go out and take nature pics more, he gave me good advice – to do it for enjoyment, not for money. 🙂 Love and hugs and blessings to you!
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Love to you too, Trudy! ~Liz xx
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I’m praying for you Trudy as you continue to heal. Respiratory infections are debilitating. Thank you for the beautiful song sung by Kari Jobe and the photos from your brother. God’s creation is amazing!
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Thank you for your prayers and understanding, Mary. 💕 Yes, God’s creation truly is amazing! Love, hugs, and blessings to you!
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Oh, Trudy, I’m sorry to hear about your respiratory virus on top of your respiratory issues already. I can imagine that would indeed be discouraging. I’m glad you’re recovering–even if slowly–and finding hope in all these ways. Music often helps me too! And birds, of course. 🙂 I finally downloaded a bird app to help me identify bird songs. I’m loving it.
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Thank you for your kindness and support, Lisa. 💕 Have fun with your bird app! May God keep encouraging us with the music of His faithful love by whatever means He sends! Love, hugs, and blessings to you!
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Dear Trudy! I am SO sorry to hear of your awful illness. My heart goes out to you, friend. I pray you are gaining new strength every day and feeling the soothing, comforting presence of Jesus with you every moment. Oh, I do pray that you can continue to blog! I don’t get to read your posts immediately, but I certainly hold onto each one until I can sit and give them my full, undivided attention. You are a great encourager to me, and your brother’s photos are something I really look forward to. May God lay His healing hand on you and strengthen you to continue, in Jesus’ precious name.
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Thank you so much for your loving prayers and precious encouragement, Cheryl. 💕 I so appreciate it. I’m so grateful you find encouragement here. Yes, “in Jesus’ precious name!” Without Him, we can do nothing, right? Love, hugs, and blessings to you!
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Oh dear one, I am so sorry that this has been such a difficult season for you. Please be kind to yourself as your body mends … blog when you like, there’s no pressure to perform. You are amongst friends who love and care for you right where you are.
I’m praying for you even as we speak. And sending love and hope your way …
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“You are amongst friends who love and care for you right where you are.” Aww, Linda, this brings tears to my eyes. I do often put too much pressure on myself. You are always so kind and accepting. You have often given me hope and encouragement through the years. Thank you! Love, hugs, and blessings to you!
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Respiratory challenges can really knock you out. Praying that you feel yourself soon – and praying for God’s “All is well” (2 Kings 4:28) plan for refreshing and restoration. Thank you for showing us through your message how to persevere and give grace to ourselves – and how to encourage others in the challenge with faith and hope. Those kinds of messages are the most life-changing messages! Grace & Blessings to you Trudy.
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I’m so sorry, Maryleigh. I just found your comment in my spam folder. Thank you so much for your kind understanding, prayers, and encouragement. Grace and blessings to you, too!
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Trudy, I’m sorry to hear about the difficult time you’ve had with your illness. I’m glad you’re feeling stronger again and on the mend. It is so hard when we can’t understand where God is working in our situations but I’m glad you’ve known him with you, holding you up and comforting you. I’m grateful for you making the effort to blog when you can. I’m always encouraged by the songs, quotes and photos you share.
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Thank you for kind encouragement, Lesley. I’m so grateful you’re encouraged here. May we cling to our faithful God who never leaves us!
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