I've Decided to be a Canary...

I sat with my sweet Adonai today and did my devotions which have not kept in habit(except in times of struggle or suffering... because it is then that I see that I am famished) and He is taking the time peeling away the layers I don't need.

That is what this time is about. Learning to trust Him more than I do anyone else and embracing the gracious love He has for me. It is a growing and learning time with the breaking of unhealthy tendencies and repaving of ruts in the road of my mind (Romans 12:2 > "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and prove what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.") For that I am grateful and truly blessed. I have found true comfort, peace (that surpasses all understanding), and hope. I have joy.

The devotion today was out of Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman a collection of daily devotional readings. It resonated with my soul and there are a few quotes I found very enlightening... intriguing pictures as well.

"...an excitable horse that will not calmly submit to its bridle only strangles itself. And a high-spirited animal that is restless in it's yoke only bruises its own shoulders."

"No calamity will ever bring only evil to us, if we will immediately take it in fervent prayer to God."

(my own emphasis in the italics)

"...it is through our trials and afflictions that God gives us fresh revelations of Himself."

(all quotes and devotion written by Nathaniel William Taylor)

There was also a sweet reference in regards to an analogy that Laurence Sterne ( a minister and author of the 18th century). He penned in regards to the difference between a restless starling and a submissive canary. The starling broke it's wing flying in to the cage bars continually crying "I can't get out! I can't get out!I can't get out!" The canary sat on its perch and sang songs that surpassed the beauty of those of a lark that soared freely to the very gates of heaven.

I have decided I would really like to be a canary. :)

(pictures in this post are: journal pic by JohnAlthouseCohen and canary picture by Floridapfe on flickr. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. :) )