A Psalm for Solomon. Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son. He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment. (Psalms 72:1-2 KJV)
Words by James Montgomery (1771-1854), 1821
[This hymn] is a metrical version of the Seventy-second Psalm. It was written as a Christmas hymn and was first sung on Christmas Day, 1821, at a great convocation of the Moravians in their settlement at Fulneck. At a Wesleyan missionary meeting, held in Liverpool on April 14 of the following year, 1822, when Doctor Adam Clarke presided, Montgomery made an address and closed it by the recital of this hymn with all of its verses…Doctor Clarke later used it in his famous Commentary in connection with his discussion of the Seventy-second Psalm.
Music: Ellacombe, Gesangbuch der Herzogl. Wirtembergischen Katholischen Hofkapelle (Württemberg, Germany: 1784); adapted & harmonized by William H. Monk in the 1868 appendix to Hymns Ancient and Modern, number 366
Birds in Christmas Hymns
Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
Hail to the Lord’s anointed, great David’s greater Son!
Hail in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free;
To take away transgression and rule in equity.
He comes in succor speedy to those who suffer wrong;
To help the poor and needy, and bid the weak be strong;
To give them songs for sighing, their darkness turn to light,
Whose souls, condemned and dying, were precious in His sight.
By such shall He be fearèd while sun and moon endure;
Beloved, obeyed, reverèd; for He shall judge the poor
Through changing generations, with justice, mercy, truth,
While stars maintain their stations, or moons renew their youth.
He shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth;
Love, joy, and hope, like flowers, spring in His path to birth.
Before Him, on the mountains, shall peace, the herald, go,
And righteousness, in fountains, from hill to valley flow.
Arabia’s desert ranger to Him shall bow the knee;
The Ethiopian stranger His glory come to see;
With offerings of devotion ships from the isles shall meet,
To pour the wealth of oceans in tribute at His feet.
Kings shall fall down before Him, and gold and incense bring;
All nations shall adore Him, His praise all people sing;
For He shall have dominion o’er river, sea and shore, Far as the eagle’s pinion or dove’s light wing can soar.
For Him shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend;
His kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end:
The mountain dews shall nourish a seed in weakness sown,
Whose fruit shall spread and flourish and shake like Lebanon.
O’er every foe victorious, He on His throne shall rest;
From age to age more glorious, all blessing and all blest.
The tide of time shall never His covenant remove;
His name shall stand forever, His name to us is Love.
Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) Brevard Zoo by Lee
I am sure many of us have been near a Parrot or one of that family and have tried to talk to it. Right? We say “Hello!” or whistle, hoping that the bird will repeat us. There are plenty of bird species that will mimic words and sounds. (one example – Repeating Birds) How many times in Scripture are the birds spoken to and by whom? Let’s find out.
Pulling out my e-Sword Bible program and using the search feature, here is what I discovered.
1. God spoke to the birds or fowls
2. Man was told to speak to them twice
3. An Angel will speak to them
Protection at the nest by Anthony
God said for the birds to come into being (He Created or Formed them) in Genesis 1:20-21. Then in verse 22 we read:
And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. (Genesis 1:22 KJV)
or
God blessed all the living things in the sea and told them to have many babies and fill the seas. And he blessed the birds on land and told them to have many more babies. (Genesis 1:22 ERV)
In all the translations I have loaded (around 30) it is either “saying” or “told.” After the Lord God created them then He told them to be frutful and multiply. They listened. Today there are 10,466 species (IOC) in the world living. Many more have become extinct.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) by J Fenton
In Job 12:7 They (men) were told by God to ask beasts and birds and they would instruct them.
But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: (Job 12:7 KJV)
or
“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you;
(Job 12:7 ESV)
John Wesley’s Elanatory Notes – “Job 12:7
But – If thou observest the beasts, and their properties and actions, and events, from them thou mayst learn this lesson: that which Zophar had uttered with so much pomp and gravity, (Job 11:7-9), concerning God’s infinite wisdom, saith Job, thou needest not go into heaven or hell to know. but thou mayst learn it even from the beasts.”
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) by Ray
Again in Ezekiel 39 you can read of Ezekiel being told by the Lord GOD to “Speak to the birds” and give them a message.
“As for you, son of man, thus says the Lord GOD: Speak to the birds of every sort and to all beasts of the field, ‘Assemble and come, gather from all around to the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you, a great sacrificial feast on the mountains of Israel, and you shall eat flesh and drink blood. You shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth–of rams, of lambs, and of he-goats, of bulls, all of them fat beasts of Bashan. And you shall eat fat till you are filled, and drink blood till you are drunk, at the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you. And you shall be filled at my table with horses and charioteers, with mighty men and all kinds of warriors,’ declares the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 39:17-20 ESV)
Bald Eagle flying by Dave’s BirdingPix
The third incident of birds being spoken to happens in Revelations 19. John is describing what he sees in heaven (future). Again they are being invited to a feast. Both times it is not the kind of feast we would desire to be attending. Both times the “feast” is part of judgment from God.
And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. (Revelation 19:17-18 KJV)
Heaven here is referring to where the birds fly now. Not heaven as in our future home. The different version say this:
birds flying in mid-heaven (midheaven) (ACV, ABP, ASV, Darby,LITV, MKJV, NASB, RV, YLT)
fly in the middle of heaven (AKJV, KJV)
birds flying in midair (GNB)
fly through the midst of heaven (DRB, EMTV, ERV, NKJV, Webster)
birds that fly(or flying) across the sky (AMP, CEV, WNT)
the birds in flight in the heavens (BBE)
birds that fly directly overhead (ESV,GW, ISV, LEB)
There may be other times when someone spoke to birds, but for now, it wasn’t found by me.
Blue-naped Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia cyanea) by Dario Sanches
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:7-11 KJV)
Tomorrow, December 15th, a new mini series will begin. From the 15th until Christmas Day, a different Birds in Christmas Hymns will be posted daily. All of these are in the public domain, so they will be some of the older hymns. (There will be other articles added also.)
It is amazing how many times when you are singing that “birds” appear in songs and hymns. These all relate to the birth of Jesus and the nativity. As Christians, this is one of our greatest holidays, with only Easter and the resurrection of our Savior as the Greatest. Without the virgin born birth of the Lord Jesus as the Christ Child, we wouldn’t have a sinless Savior to die and shed His blood for our salvation at Calvary.
May you enjoy this upcoming season and this little mini series. Below is the video of our pastor telling about the birds at Christmas time. This was from our Christmas Cantata a few years ago.
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is a cumulative song, meaning that each verse is built on top of the previous verses. There are twelve verses, each describing a gift given by “my true love” on one of the twelve days of Christmas. (I took a few liberties with the photos)
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. (Proverbs 17:8 KJV)
In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. (Ecclesiastes 7:14 KJV)
The Twelve Days of Christmas (12 Days of Christmas)
On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
Common Blackbird (Turdus merula) by Ian
On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Four (Cully) calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Five golden rings,
Four (Culley) calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four (Cully) calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
Swans at Bok Tower by Dan
On the seventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four (Cully) calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) - chick in Zoo Basel is fed on crop milk.
On the eighth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four (Cully) calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four (Cully) calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four (Cully) calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) by Ray
On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four (Cully) calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking,
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings,
Four (Cully) calling birds,
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!
*
Below is some of the information about how the song came about and some of the different interpretations of it. I especially like the idea that the 12 days represent different aspects of Christianity. The fact that it was a code is not verifiable, does not diminish its relationship to twelve things. I took a few liberties with the photos, but was trying to use birds for the days. Pushed a few of them, but trust you enjoy my efforts.
“Meaning
The lyrics of The Twelve Days of Christmas may have no meaning at all. Its meaning, if it has any, has yet to be satisfactorily explained.
According to The Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes, “Suggestions have been made that the gifts have significance, as representing the food or sport for each month of the year. Importance [certainly has] long been attached to the Twelve Days, when, for instance, the weather on each day was carefully observed to see what it would be in the corresponding month of the coming year. Nevertheless, whatever the ultimate origin of the chant, it seems probable [that] the lines that survive today both in England and France are merely an irreligious travesty.”
A bit of modern folklore claims that the song’s lyrics were written as a “catechism song” to help young Catholics learn their faith, at a time when practising Catholicism was criminalized in England (1558 until 1829). There is no primary evidence supporting this claim, and no evidence that the claim is historical, or “anything but a fanciful modern day speculation.” The theory is of relatively recent origin. It was first suggested by Canadian English teacher and hymnologist Hugh D. McKellar in a short article, “How to Decode the Twelve Days of Christmas,” published in 1979. In a later article published in the music journal The Hymn, he reiterates that the associations are his. The idea was further popularized by a Catholic priest, Fr. Hal Stockert, in an article he wrote in 1982 and posted online in 1995.
Variations in lyrics provide further evidence against the “catechism song” origin. For example, the four Gospels are often described as the “four calling birds,” when in fact the phrase “calling birds” is a modern (probably 20th century) phonetic misunderstanding of “colly birds” (blackbirds).
Regardless of the origin of this idea, a number of Christians give the following meanings to the gifts:
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” as a Catechism Song
Gift
Interpretation
A partridge in a pear tree
Jesus
Two turtle doves
The Old and New Testaments
Three French hens
The three kings bearing gifts
Four calling [sic] birds
The four Gospels
Five gold rings
The Torah or Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament
Christmas was only a few days away when this was posted, but this Gospel Presentation is appropriate year round. We just had our third “free shopping day” yesterday at our church, Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven. This is the 3rd year this presentation has been given before the “free shopping” and meal begins. We, as a church, buy and collect new toys and games and provide a meal for those less fortunate.
This year there were 6 adults and 9 children who accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. Praise the Lord!
Have you put your faith and trust in the Lord and accepted Him?
*
*
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 KJV)
Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. (Psalms 91:9-10 KJV)
Words by Isaac Watts, (1674-1748) The Psalms of David, 1719.
Music: St. John’s Highlands, anonymous
He That Hath Made His Refuge God
He that hath made his refuge God
Shall find a most secure abode,
Shall walk all day beneath His shade,
And there at night shall rest his head.
Then will I say, My God, Thy power
Shall be my fortress and my tower;
I, that am formed of feeble dust,
Make Thine almighty arm my trust.
Thrice happy man! Thy Maker’s care
Shall keep thee from the fowler’s snare;
Satan, the fowler, who betrays
Unguarded souls a thousand ways.
Just as a hen protects her brood From birds of prey that seek their blood, Under her feathers, so the Lord
Makes His own arm His people’s guard.
If burning beams of noon conspire
To dart a pestilential fire,
God is their life; His wings are spread
To shield them with a healthful shade.
If vapors with malignant breath
Rise thick, and scatter midnight death,
Israel is safe; the poisoned air
Grows pure, if Israel’s God be there.
What though a thousand at thy side,
At thy right hand ten thousand died,
Thy God His chosen people saves
Amongst the dead, amidst the graves.
So when He sent His angel down
To make His wrath in Egypt known,
And slew their sons, His careful eye
Passed all the doors of Jacob by.
But if the fire, or plague, or sword,
Receive commission from the Lord
To strike His saints among the rest,
Their very pains and deaths are blest.
The sword, the pestilence, or fire,
Shall but fulfill their best desire;
From sins and sorrows set them free,
And bring Thy children, Lord, to Thee.
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, (Psalms 17:8 KJV)
Under His Wings - (Dove - photographer unknown)
Isaac Watts – (1674-1748)
Watts’ father was Nonconformist imprisoned twice for his religious views. Isaac learned Greek, Latin, and Hebrew under Mr. Pinhorn, Rector of All Saints, and headmaster of the Grammar School in Southampton. Isaac’s taste for verse showed itself in early childhood, and his promise caused a local doctor and other friends to offer him a university education, assuming he would be ordained in the Church of England. However, Isaac declined and instead entered a Nonconformist Academy at Stoke Newington in 1690, under the care of Thomas Rowe, pastor of the Independent congregation at Girdlers’ Hall; Isaac joined this congregation in 1693.
Watts left the Academy at age 20 and spent two years at home; it was during this period that he wrote the bulk of his Hymns and Spiritual Songs. They were sung from manuscripts in the Southampton Chapel, and published 1707-1709.
The next six years of his life were again spent at Stoke Newington, working as tutor to the son of eminent Puritan John Hartopp. The intense study of these years is reflected in the theological and philosophical material he subsequently published.
Watts preached his first sermon at age 24. In the next three years, he preached frequently, and in 1702 was ordained as pastor of the Independent congregation in Mark Lane. At that time he moved into the house of a Mr. Hollis in the Minories. His health began to fail the next year, and Samuel Price was appointed as his assistant in the ministry. In 1712, a fever shattered his constitution, and Price became co-pastor of the congregation, which had moved to a new chapel in Bury Street. It was at this time that Isaac became the guest of Sir Thomas Abney. He lived with Abney (and later Abney’s widow) the rest of his life, mainly at Theobalds in Hertfordshire, then for 13 years at Stoke Newington.
In 1728, the University of Edinburgh awarded Watts a Doctor of Divinity degree.
With all the preparations for Thanksgiving and having company here for the holiday, I am re-posting an article that I wrote for our church blog, The Fountain. We were asked to write about only one thing we are thankful for, so, myself and several other writers posted articles of Thanksgiving.
In view of the Thanksgiving season, I have asked our blog authors to write about one thing they are thankful for. Lee is up first.
Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. (1 Chronicles 16:8 KJV)
One thing is all Stephen will let us be thankful for. So I won’t mention the other 9,000 things I am thankful for.
The Lord has given me an interest in our avian friends, the birds, and it has brought so many blessings from it. When observing them, their colors, behavior, the variety, and just the wonder of them, I can’t help but be THANKFUL!
Woodstorks on top of tree at Circle B -7-22-11 by Lee
The Lord and I have a running conversation when birdwatching or looking for photos of birds for my blog. Here are some of my thought and talks with Him:
“Amazing! How did you think of so many different designs and colors?”
Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) by SanDiegoZoo
“(Chuckle) Lord you sure have a sense of humor on some of these birds!”
“Lord, you caused the donkey to talk, could you bring that bird out where I can see it.?” (Thankfully, it has worked several times. Thank You Lord.)
On and on the conversations go. I love the Lord and I am so thankful to Him for that interest and the love He has put in me for His Creation, especially the birds.
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 5:20 KJV)
Since this is my blog and it is Thanksgiving today, I can add more things I am thankful for. Of course the thing I am most thankful for is my salvation provided through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Caught Dan on the Boardwalk trying to find a bird
Next I am thankful for my husband, Dan, who is the other love of my life. I am thankful for the 48 years the Lord has allowed us to spend together. We are both thankful that we share our love for the Lord and enjoy being allowed to serve Him in various ways.
I am thankful for Faith Baptist Church, here in Winter Haven, FL and the others we have attended over the years. What a blessing it is to attend, listen to great preaching, singing, and have great friends. Serving the Lord here is great. As we lived in other places over the years, we have had great blessings and friends there also.
I am thankful for this blog and all of you who stop by and read the articles that are produced. I am very thankful for the writers like ajmithra, Ian Montgomery, Dottie Malcolm, Stephen Simpson, April Lorier and others who have contributed their talents. All the photographers and videographers who have allowed their photos and videos to be used.
Then our families and friends, who could not be thankful for them. On and on I could go for the many blessings in my life, but I will stop there for now. Just the 10, 466 birds in the world would put me past the 9,000 things I am thankful for.
Look around you today and count your many blessings. There are many.
Lord Bless your day and Happy Thanksgiving.
A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalms 100:1-5 KJV)
Spirit of God, that moved of old
Upon the waters’ darkened face,
Come, when our faithless hearts are cold,
And stir them with an inward grace.
Thou that art power and peace combined,
All highest strength, all purest love,
The rushing of the mighty wind,
The brooding of the gentle dove.
Come, give us still Thy powerful aid,
And urge us on, and make us Thine;
Nor leave the hearts that once were made
Fit temples for Thy grace divine.
Nor let us quench Thy sev’nfold light;
But still with softest breathings stir
Our wayward souls, and lead us right,
O Holy Ghost, the Comforter.
And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. (Isaiah 42:16 KJV)
Cecil F. Alexander Born-Early April 1818 in Redcross, County Wicklow, Ireland. Died on October 12, 1895 in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. She was Buried at the City Cemetery, Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
Alexander’s husband was William Alexander, bishop of Derry and Raphoe, and later the Anglican primate for Ireland. Cecil and her sister founded a school for the deaf, and she set up the Girls’ Friendly Society in Londonderry. Cecil Alexander wrote about 400 hymns in her lifetime.
Geystliche Gesangk Buchleyn (actually a hymn book, maybe)- No information
We hail thee, glorious summer,
We welcome thee today,
With all thy flowery legions
And all thy songbirds gay.
The happy rills to meet thee
With merry laughter run;
While woodland banners greet thee,
Beneath a smiling sun.
Refrain
We hail thee, joyous summer! We welcome thee today! With all thy flowery legion, And all thy songbirds gay.
We hail thy smile of gladness
O Summer fair and sweet;
O let us lay all sadness
And sighing at thy feet.
The woodland ways are ringing
With many a merry lay;
Oh let us join in singing
With nature’s choir today.
We hail thee, joyous summer! We welcome thee today! With all thy flowery legion, And all thy songbirds gay.
O Summer, thou hast brought us
A message sweet and fair;
O Summer, thou hast taught us
Of Heaven’s brooding care.
Thy gleaming skies of glory
Watch o’er the world in love;
They tell a glad, sweet story
Of summer lands above.
We hail thee, joyous summer! We welcome thee today! With all thy flowery legion, And all thy songbirds gay.
Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me: and behold a basket of summer fruit. (Amos 8:1 KJV)
Alice J. Cleator, Born in Andreas, Isle of Man, England and died April 27, 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Cleator’s family evidently emigrated to America in the 1870’s. She was living in Claridon, Ohio, in 1880, & Geauga County, Ohio, in 1900, 1910, & 1920. She taught school in New York City, retiring some time before 1915.
Nuggets Plus – The Accident Free African Locust – by ajmithra
Nuggets Plus
As they swarm,
the African locusts
has the uncanny ability
to avoid crashing against
one another…
We are fearfully
and wonderfully made
by His own hands
in His own image…
But,
We often crash against each other..
Why?
Is it because,
we have lost “THE WAY”?
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23,24)
Nuggets Plus – Dragonfly – The Pusher…Dragonfly – The Pusher…
by ajmithra
Nuggets Plus
As the female holds its wings
without flapping,
the male Dragonfly,
gives the forward thrust
from behind to push the female forward…
Be still and know that
Jesus will provide
the forward thrust
to not just push you forward
but to place you ahead of the others..
After all,
We are His bride
And He is our Bridegroom…
Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. (2Chronicles 20:17)
We had our Ladies Retreat this last week-end. I got involved in it and became one of the coordinators. Jill, our pastor’s wife, was the other one. We have spent hours preparing for it over the last month or so. For me, I have had to depend on my other writers and an occasional article from me to keep this blog up. Now maybe we will get articles out a little more frequent.
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, (Romans 12:6a KJV)
Our theme was “God Gives Good Gifts.” The retreat was Friday afternoon through late afternoon on Saturday and almost 80 ladies attended. The Lord blessed us with great weather (we had 6 inches the week-end before), lots of sweet fellowship, laughs, singing, testimonies, exercises, and challenges from His Word during three General Sessions.
There were workshops to choose from breadmaking, couponing, birdwatching (me), parenting, scrapbooking, card making, singing, Bible study with e-Sword (me), prayer journaling, organizing, how to handle trials, and make-up inside and out, all with a Christian emphasis. We have many gifted ladies in our church.
Ladies Retreat - Singing
So how did birds show up at the Retreat? On Friday afternoon while not feeling well, I was told to go put my feet up for awhile and rest. I did, but my view from my lounge chair looked straight out at the lake. A Great Egret was fishing along the bank. Then, I taught a workshop on Saturday about Birdwatching. I shared birding tips and how and why to make lists. Binoculars were brought and we learned about them and how to properly adjust them to their eyes.
During my devotional on “Discover Your Gifts,” I had plenty of bird photos in my Powerpoint. They were all different and pointed out that as they are different, all of us are different, but the Lord uses those differences for His glory. They were challenged to find or discover their talents, gifts, and abilities. The other two devotionals by Jill and Lisa, our other speakers, challenged the ladies to “Develop” and then to “Demonstrate” those gifts.
Helen's - Too Many Hats
We had many others that talked about prayer, trials, gave testimonies, opportunities to serve, and even the skits left you with a challenge. The singing was sweet and the specials were fantastic. Kathy sang one of my favorites, “His Eye Is On The Sparrow,” just before my devotional.
It was a very good retreat, and even though I came home physically drained, my heart and spirit were totally filled up and over-flowing with blessings. God DOES Give GOOD Gifts.
Of course, the greatest gift of all:
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23 KJV)
Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 