“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 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? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Altimira Oriole, South Texas, 2011

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom m and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:25-34

Field of Texas Bluebonnets (Lupins), 2010

Me, not worring, in a field of Texas wilflowers (2010)

The wildflowers in Texas were prolific and beautiful the spring and summer of 2010. After a few years of drought we had rain at just the right time. The spring was cooler so the flowers stayed in bloom longer. This year, the drought is back. We still have wildflowers, but much fewer. But God made our native plants so they could adapt to the conditions they live in. The seeds can survive for years, then burst into bloom when the conditions are just right. Not only are the lilies of the field not worried, but they have no need to worry!

I know what you might be thinking – we have done a lot over the years to reduce the number of these beautiful native plants, but through it all, most survive as a species. As for those that are in jeopardy, there are a few of us who are trying to help.

Headache Days -- With OCD and Without

Yesterday I had one of my terrible headaches. One that laid me up on the couch all day. In my OCD days, I’d worry about the frequency and cause of the headaches and even more about what I should be doing instead of resting on the couch. Today, I trust what the doctors say, do what I can to prevent the headaches and backaches (both seem to be due to arthritis), and cope with the pain when it comes with rest and medication. I cancel appointments and take a day of rest. I read if I can, crochet and enjoy watching old movies. Instead of worrying and being upset about having a headache, I end up actually being thankful for a day of rest. Besides, worry doesn’t solve anything. My kitties love it when I’m ill! Or it seems that way anyway. They seem to like having a warm still body to lounge on. Melody and Little Kitty take turns keeping me company. Melody becomes a nuisance at night though. She seems worried about me and sleeps on top of me all night. She doesn’t realize that makes it more difficult for me to sleep and aggravates my back pain. Oh well, she really does mean well.

Little Kitty thinks she can crochet!

Melody lounging