His Love

God did something in my life recently that spoke volumes to my heart about His love. In day to day living, it's so easy to get wrapped up and sometimes swept away by the things in this world that we live in that we lose sight of the Kingdom that we are really from as members of the family of God.

A few saturdays ago, I was busy about my business cleaning my home. I had finally decided to tackle the oven and stove because my family was getting tired of hearing the smoke detector go off everytime I used it. Unfortunately, I didn't think to ventelate the house as well as I should have because I assumed the self cleaning oven wouldn't emit fumes. Opening a window didn't do the trick and my parrot Rocco manifested toxic poisoning symptoms by that evening. I was crushed and guilt ridden when I saw the symptoms get worse to the point I knew that there really was no hope of recovery for the dear bird. Birds are very sensitive to fumes, particularly those will oil in them. Once they breath them in it causes leasons on their lungs and they usually die within 24 hours once specific symptoms manifest so I knew Rocco was in huge trouble since she was getting weaker and weaker and was having difficulty breathing.

As I watched Rocco grow weaker I realized more and more how much I really cared for this little creature. I was beside myself to the point of tears. I took her in my arms and held her and prayed to God for a healing. At one point I called my dear friend Bobby, whom I know loves all of God's creatures, to ask for prayer for dear little Rocco. She prayed for her and at one point prayed "Lord, Leanne loves this bird and you love Leanne, so heal Rocco." Those words stuck to my heart like glue as soon as they were spoken. I had to fight off the devil whispering, "Come on, get real, it's a bird. You screwed up, why would God heal a bird. He's going to die." In my heart I chose to believe that God DID care.

In God's divine love and mercy, He chose that day to heal my little pet. By that evening, Rocco seemed stronger and could stand on her perch. By the next morning, she was much stronger and by noon was eating again. By evening she had had a full recovery. I believe with all my heart that God gifted me with a miracle. This gift has spoken so loudly and clearly to my heart in a big way how much God loves me. I almost forgot to mention that our little parakeet that was closed in the bedroom upstairs, whom I assumed he would be fine because he was not even near the fumes would be ok but sadly not so, he died.

The next day as I was feeling full of joy from the sweet gift that God gave me, I heard Him speak to my spirit as to why he gave it to me. He made it clear to me that those things that I love and care about, He cares too. He then reminded me of all the prayers I pray for my children and loved ones, and I realized at that moment that He certainly hears the cry of my heart. If He cares about one little bird that I love, how much more does he care about and love the people that I love? He also showed me regarding my children, even if I made mistakes as a mother or the world throws things at them that harms them , He is fully capable of doing miracles in their lives to overcome the damage.

So my little miracle bird taught me some valuable lessons about the love that our living God has for us. I feel more encouraged now then ever to continue to pray for my loved ones so that they will experience His Kingdom to the fullest, in this life and the next.

The Good Shepherd

With the recent passing of my mother I have been reading up some on the grieving process. One of the most referred to verses for comfort is Psalm 23. As I was meditating on the verse from Psalms 23:4 - "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." another thought occurred to me. Our Shepherd, the Lord Jesus, does far more then lead us through the shadow of death. He is wanting to lead us on a daily, moment by moment basis. Some days we are fine just to sit and graze in the field in the bright sunshine. However, there will inevitably come a time when we need to get up and move. It may not feel that way because the grass may still look green and the sheep may think, I am perfectly happy right where I am. I don't want to move. I'm very comfortable. The problem arises when we don't listen to the Shepherd, who knows what's best for us, who knows the seasons before we do, who knows when the storms are coming. He wants to take us to a higher road, a better place. If we sit in disobedience he simply can't lead us there. It may take effort and be uncomfortable at first, but once he gets us up out of our comfort zone and moving, we are always headed to a better place if we but put our trust in Him. Yes, the path He takes us on might be rough at times, but if we sit and refuse to move, eventually the grass will run out or the storm will come and we will have to deal with a much more difficult struggle. Of course he never abandons us but he will not force or push us on that right path. If we are wounded along the path he takes us, he will help us, sometimes even picking us up to carry us until we are able to stand on our own. The Good Shepherd tends to us.
I think about how many times I refuse to move because I think I'm comfortable. It's so important that I don't ignore my Shepherds voice.