One of my favorite spring flowers is Lily of the Valley. I remember singing a song in church that has the following words in it: He’s the Lily of the valley and the bright and morning Star… I can see why someone would choose that flower. It is so elegant, so white, and so fragrant. When I discovered that we had some in our garden, I was very pleased. 
There are some flowers that I’ve rejected – once discovering how invasive they can be. It’s nice when you can find out before it is out of control… 
Have you ever been rejected? I have. But I’m in good company. 
In 1 Samuel 8, Israel wants a king , like their neighbors (The Jones? ), instead of just the prophet, Samuel. 
God had this to say to Samuel: “…it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.” 1 Samuel 8: 7 
Every once in a while I notice that the Holy Spirit sweeps some withered up old invasive flowers out the door of my heart. Ones that threaten to replace the Lily that resides there. 
If I resist his work, then the invaders get a tenacious grip on me. It will hurt even more to tear them out at weeding time. Not to mention the harm they cause beforehand. 
In 1 Samuel 8 there is a long nasty list of what will happen when the people get their wish and get a king. It’s gonna cost them dearly. They are going to “cry out for relief from the king…” 1 Samuel 8:18 
Yes, I have cried out because the one I anointed has bit my heel. Addictions are like that. At first it seems so soothing to give into a numbing habit. 
It offers a respite from the daily grind. Then its roots spread throughout your heart and mind and it begins to grind – YOU – up! 
In my case it was eating disorders. Over 29 years ago the weeding process started, and it was not a pretty sight. But once I really and truly allowed Jesus to be my King, the cleanup progressed faster than I had hoped. 
Flower gardens and hearts have some things in common. They both need a Master. I may not be a Master Gardener, but my Father is. He began a good work in me and I can trust him to continue. The Lord has promised he would. 
He is the Lily of my valley. Who is yours? 
…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
Trusting in his work. ~ Wendy 
Beautiful words Wendy. He works in us and through us to accomplish His purposes.How amazing is that?
Blessings,
Alicia
Thank you! His work is always amazing…especially when you consider what he has to work with – us!
~ Wendy
So love those colour details in the daylilies – they are so very beautiful, aren’t they? Wise words set to flowers – just like music! 🙂
Just as I was about to reply to you – my daughter handed me an encouragement note with lilies on it! Wow! I know you like lilies too; as I have admired your posts of them… Guess what the note said?
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
I will now add the second part of the verse that was not on the note: “just as in fact you are doing.”
Thanks for your encouragement! ~ Wendy
I love this Wendy! I have also believed that our hearts are similar to gardens. Beautiful pictures to illustrate a beautiful word!
Be blessed!! ♥
Thank you. I just read your post for today and think it is awesome. The kids and I are going to read “Pilgrim’s Progress” again for homeschooling. My holiday is almost over… but I look forward to reading etc. with my “students”! ~ Wendy
Beautiful word pictures. Beautiful photos. Thanks for taking the time!
Thank you and I’m glad that you stopped by. ~ Wendy
Lovely, Wendy, both words and pictures. I have a big patch of Lily of the Valley outside my living room window and when it blooms, I know spring has truly arrived. And, yes, I sing that hymn to myself too, when I admire the dainty flowers. I love the names of Jesus in the Bible …. “He’s the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star, He’s the Fairest of Ten Thousand to us all.”
I am looking forward to taking more pictures of the lily in spring now that I figured out how to use the macro setting on my camera. Why didn’t I just read the manual? Thankfully I do love to read the manual God left for us! ~ Wendy
All I could think to say is, “Amen.” That is enough for me. I love that song …something so beautiful in a time of despair reminds that God loves us.
Yes, He loves us so much! I love songs about our LORD. Today, at church, two song lines that stood out for me were: ” Our God is mighty to save.” & “He can move the mountains.” ~ Wendy
Wendy, I have a young relative who suffered from an eating disorder, as well as self-harm (cutting). I pray she has both completely behind her, as you have seemingly managed to do. Thank God, and thank you for letting me know!
Jennifer xo
Jennifer, I was diagnosed with two eating disorders back in 1983. It was not something I wanted to be trapped in at all. Those close to me were amazed how quickly I recovered once I asked my prayer group to pray for me. Inviting help was the smartest thing I did. ❀ I got better without the help of doctors. I wouldn’t recommend that method, but there wasn’t much help back then and there’s a reason I didn’t revisit the specialist.
Recovery rarely happens in isolation. I remember being proud that I didn’t drink… little did I know I was engaging in a more deadly addiction. So glad there’s more info and help available for people. I had no idea what I was doing had a name for it. My eyes were opened in a most miraculous way that I hope to write about one day. xo
That must have been a very troubling time for you. Correct me if I’m wrong about your personal circumstance, but I’ve read these disorders often develop out of insecurity and low self esteem, and/or a need to have control of something, in what feels like a life that is in some way out of one’s control. If you did write about it, you might help people who are going through the same thing. Bravo to you for beating that terrible disorder, and to anyone who finds a way to overcome it.
Jennifer xo
So true it’s not about calories and weight. The bottom line is emotional and not physical. xo I don’t miss those days–at all. And I will never lose the gratitude for my healing. One of my favorite topics to read is recovery stories with happy endings. ❀