Tag Archives: Encouragement

Sunday Inspiration – Australian Robin and Friends

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This is a repost of the Sunday Inspiration – Australian Robin and Friends post back in 2019

The song by Dr. Richard Gregory, “Hiding in the Shadow of the Rock”. I am reposting it for an encouragement and comfort to all those suffering today from the devastating damage from Hurricane Helene. There are many all through Florida, Geogia, North and South Carolina, plus a few other states.  They could use our many prayers.

Cape Rockjumper (Chaetops frenatus) ©WikiC

Cape Rockjumper (Chaetops frenatus) ©WikiC

“The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, The Rock of my salvation! (2 Samuel 22:47 NKJV)

This week’s birds from their Creator include the Petroicidae – Australasian Robins, Picathartidae – Rockfowl, Chaetopidae – Rockjumpers and the Eupetidae – Rail-babbler Families.

The Robins are all endemic to Australasia: New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand and numerous Pacific Islands as far east as Samoa. For want of an accurate common name, the family is often called the Australasian robins. There are 46 members presently. They are not related to our American Robin.

Flame Robin by Ian

Flame Robin by Ian

Most species have a compact build with a large, rounded head, a short, straight bill, and rounded wingtips. They occupy a wide range of wooded habitats, from subalpine to tropical rainforest, and mangrove swamps to semi-arid scrubland. All are primarily insectivorous, although a few supplement their diet with seeds. Hunting is mostly by perch and pounce, a favoured tactic being to cling sideways onto a treetrunk and scan the ground below without moving.

They have long-term pair-bonds and small family groups. Most members practice cooperative breeding, with all family members helping defend a territory and feed nestlings. Nests are cup-shaped, usually constructed by the female, and often placed in a vertical fork of a tree or shrub. Many species are expert at adding moss, bark or lichen to the outside of the nest as camouflage, making it very difficult to spot, even when it is in a seemingly prominent location.

White-necked Rockfowl (Picathartes gymnocephalus) cc Ross@Texas

White-necked Rockfowl (Picathartes gymnocephalus) cc Ross@Texas

The White-necked and Grey-necked Rockfowls are the only members of the Picatharitidae family. They are also called “bald crows’ and are found in the rain-forests of tropical west and central Africa. They have unfeathered heads, and feed on insects and invertebrates picked from damp rocky areas. Both species are totally non-migratory, being dependent on a specialised rocky jungle habitat.

They are large (33–38 centimetres (13–15 in) long) passerines with crow-like black bills, long neck, tail and legs. They weigh between 200–250 grams (7.1–8.8 oz). The strong feet and grey legs are adapted to terrestrial movement, and the family progresses through the forest with long bounds on the ground. The wings are long but are seldom used for long flights. Rockfowl are generalized feeders, taking a wide range of invertebrate prey.

Drakensberg Rockjumper (Chaetops aurantius) by ©WikiC

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He. (Deuteronomy 32:4 NKJV)

The Rockjumpers are medium-sized insectivorous or omnivorous birds in the genus Chaetops, which constitutes the entire family Chaetopidae. The two species, the Cape Rockjumper,, and the Drakensberg Rockjumper, are endemic residents of southern Africa. The Cape Rockjumper is a resident of the West Cape and SW East Cape, and the Orange-breasted (or Drakensberg) Rockjumper is distributed in the Lesotho highlands and areas surrounding this in South Africa. These are birds with mostly brown and red plumage. Both with long, white tipped black tails, black throats, broad white submoustachial lines, rufous or orange bellies and rumps and grey and black patterned backs and wings.[The iris is red and the bills and legs are black. Their wings are very small and they do not fly very often. They spend most of their lives running and jumping among rocks and grasses while hunting insects.

Rail-babbler (Eupetes macrocerus) by Peter Ericsson

Rail-babbler (Eupetes macrocerus) by Peter Ericsson

The Rail-babbler or Malaysian Rail-babbler (Eupetes macrocerus) is a strange, rail-like, brown and pied inhabitant of the floor of primary forest in the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra (the nominate subspecies macrocerus), as well as Borneo (ssp. borneensis), distantly related to African crow-like birds. Its population has greatly decreased, however, it is locally still common in logged forest or on hill-forest on slopes. The species is poorly known and rarely seen, in no small part due to its shyness.

(Most information from Wikipedia)

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“Hiding in the Shadow of the Rock” ~ © Dr. Richard Gregory (Used with permission)

Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm, like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land. (Isaiah 32:2 ESV)

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Sandra’s Challenge Reviewed

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For the last 7 days I have reposted the very first attempts at Sandra Connor’s challenge back in 2016. I trust you enjoyed viewing (or re-viewing them).

Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) by Robert Scanlon

Lee’s One-Word Monday – Sing!

Lee’s Two-Word Tuesday – Birds Fly

Baby Chick Peeping Out From Under His Mom's Wing - CC

Baby Chick Peeping Out From Under His Mom’s Wing – CC

Lee’s Three-Word Wednesday – Under His Wings

Dusky Broadbill (Corydon sumatranus) ©WikiC Mike5 - edited

Dusky Broadbill (Corydon sumatranus) ©WikiC Mike5

Four Word Thursday – His Mouth Was Opened

Lee’s Five-Word Friday – Wonders Which You Have Done

Bald Eagle – San Diego Zoo

Lee’s Six Word Saturday – Mount Up With Wings Like Eagles

Lee’s Seven-Word Sunday – 1/24/16 (Repost)

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Lilac-breasted Roller @Answersafrica

Lilac-breasted Roller @Answersafrica

Sandra’s Challenge was for three weeks, and we completed that. If you remember the Looking Back and Looking Ahead post in August, my birdwatcher adventures have slowed down, but the desire to continue the blog is still active. After reviewing these first 7 post, I thought I’d do some more new ones. Quess What? I realized that there have been a whole lot of these posted since that challenge. There went that Idea!! :)

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:14-17 KJV)

With prayer and review of past posts, there will be a “new/old” set of articles coming out. While I’m working on that, thought you might enjoy seeing more of the previous one word – seven word posts. Stay tuned!

ABC’s of the Gospel

(I used the Lilac-breasted Roller to show there are so many more of the Lord’s Avian Wonders to learn about)

Sunday Inspiration Menu Update

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Sandwich Tern Singing (calling) By Mike Bader

Opps! I forgot to add the latest Sunday Inspiration’s to the menu in the last post about that menu. [Now Updated]

Here is the rest of the Menu:

New World Quail ~ “Man of Sorrows” – Faith Baptist Choir

Pheasants and Allies I ~ “While the Ages Roll” ~ Men’s Quartet – Faith Baptist

Pheasants and Allies II ~ In the Garden” ~ Flute Solo Lauren D – Orchestra Concert

Pheasants and Allies III ~ “Hiding in the Shadow of the Rock” ~ Dr. Richard Gregory

Pheasants and Allies IV ~ “God’s Still In Control” ~ ©Hyssongs

Pheasants and Allies V ~ “How Can I Keep From Singing” ~ Three + One Quartet (Pastor Smith, Reagan, Jessie, and Caleb)

Loons and Penguins ~ “Day Star” – With Pastor Smith and Reagan Osborne

Austral Storm Petrels and Albatrosses ~ “I Am Determined to Live for the King” ~ Three-Plus-One Quartet – Faith Baptist

Northern Storm Petrels ~ “Bless The Lord Oh My Soul” ~ By Sean Fielder

Procellariidae Family – Petrel, Fulmar and Prion ~ “You Were There” ~ Three Plus One Quartet – Solo Reagan Osborne

Procellariidae – (Pterodroma – Gadfly) Petrels ~ “Jesus What a Mighty Name” ~ Pastor Smith with Choir and Orchestra

Procellariidae – Rest of Family ~ “Big Mighty God” ~ Three plus One Quartet

Grebe Family ~ “He is God” ~ by 3 Plus 1 Quartet, Faith Baptist

Procellariidae Family – Petrel, Fulmar and Prion ~ “You Were There” ~ Three Plus One Quartet – Solo Reagan Osborne

A New Day ~ “A New Day” ~ Ernesto Cortazar

Flamingos and Tropicbirds ~ “You Are the Everlasting God” ~ 3 Plus 1 Quartet – Faith Baptist

Storks ~ “Amazing Grace” and “I Love You” ~ Orchestra and Choir combined”

Ibises and Spoonbills I ~ “Stay Close To Me” ~ by the ©Hyssongs

Hamerkop, Shoebill, and Pelicans ~ “I Will Sing The Mighty Power of God” ~ ©Hyssongs

Frigatebirds, Gannets and the Booby ~ “My Faith Still Holds” ~ Faith Baptist Church Orchestra

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” (Ephesians 5:19-20 KJV)

Sunday Inspiration Menu

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As you know, there is a menu along the left side which has links to many of the articles categorized to help you find interesting topics. One of those menus is Sunday Inspiration. We enjoyed producing these over the years and trust they were informative and a blessing.

I just finished updating this page and hopefully fixed the broken links and minor problems. Here is that same Sunday Inspiration Menu to help you find some of the ones you missed.

American Yellow Warbler (Dendroica aestiva) singing by J Fenton

American Yellow Warbler (Dendroica aestiva) singing by J Fenton

Sunday Inspiration is an attempt at showing God’s Creative Hand with a slideshow of different Families of Birds or a theme, such as Stone Birds. Also, music from sources that have provided permission.

Trust you enjoy seeing these birds and hearing Christian music to give you a Sunday Inspiration.

Eagles – “Don’t Give Up”  ©The Hyssongs

Laughingthrush – “My Faith Still Holds” by Faith Baptist Orchestra

Hummingbirds – “Come Thou Fount” by Faith Baptist Orchestra

Stone Birds – “Jesus Rolled Back The Stone” ©Hyssongs

Turacos – “Redeemed Medley” by Faith Baptist Choir

Woodpeckers – “Jesus Love Me” ©Bonnie Standifer

Owls – “How Great Thou Art” @Sean Fielder

Thrushes – “I Love You Lord” by Faith Baptist Orchestra

Great Egrets in Breeding Plumage – “I’ve Got Joy” by Faith Baptist Orchestra

Sparrows – “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” – Don Marsh Orchestra

Tanagers – Your Grace is Sufficient” by Courtney Love – Flute

Feet – “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” – ©The Hyssongs

Palm Birds – Hosanna (Messiah Has Come) and Messiah – (Solo by Lisa Brock) from the Easter Musical 2013 by Faith Baptist Choir.

Easter – Faith Baptist Orchestra playing at the Easter Service in 2012

Jays and Cousins – “Bless The Lord Oh My Soul” © Sean Fielder

Mother’s Day – “Stay Close To Me” © The Hyssongs

Singing Birds – “Singing” by Dr. Richard Gregory

Sunrise Gives A Big Surprise – “Military Service Medley” – Faith Baptist Orchestra

Old Rugged Cross (Cross and Hill Birds) – “The Old Rugged Cross” – Faith Baptist Orchestra

Herons – “Peace Medley”  by Faith Baptist Choir

Rock Birds – “Hiding in the Shadow of the Rock” ~ © Dr. Richard Gregory

Birds and Peace – “I’d Rather Have Jesus” – © Sean Fielder

Sparrows II – “His Eye Is On The Sparrow ” – by Kathy Lisby

Thirst – “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing – ©Sean Fielder

“King” Birds – “The King is Coming” – Faith Baptist Choir and Orchestra. Intro by Pastor Osborne and “The King is Coming” – ©Hyssongs

Hornbills – “I Sing The Mighty Power Of God” ~ by the ©Hyssongs

Bitterns ~ “Hide Thou Me” ~ by the ©Hyssongs

Hawks – “I Will Pilot Thee” ~ by Dr. Richard Gregory

Sunbirds – “Temporary Home” – Flute played by Courtney Love (artist Carrie Underwood)

Smiling – “Smile On Me Gracious Lord” – Special by Amy, Dakota and Christina

Batis and Wattle-eye – “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing”. Hymn – from Faith Baptist Church

Passerines – “Sweet Hour of Prayer” – by Sean Fielder (Faith Baptist)

Crown Birds – “All Hail The Power of Jesus Name” – Faith Baptist Orchestra

On The Sea – “Ship Ahoy ~ by Dr. Richard Gregory

“Love” Birds – “Oh The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” Special by Christina

Creation ~ “This is My Father’s World” – YouTube Video with Sean Fielder Playing

I’ll Be A Friend – “I’ll Be A Friend To Jesus” ~ by Men’s Quartet – Faith Baptist Church

At Calvary – “At Calvary” – (Trio – Margaret H, Sue W, Pastor Jerry) and Faith Baptist Choir

One Day Too Late – “One Day Too Late” – Men’s Quartet + 1 – Faith Baptist Church

Veteran’s Day – “Military Service Medley” – Faith Baptist Orchestra

Variety ~ ”The Love Of God” – ©The Hyssongs

Worthy of Thanksgiving ~ “Worthy of Worship” – Faith Baptist Orchestra

Hide Thou Me ~ “Hide Thou Me” – ©Hyssongs

Resting ~ “God’s Still In Control” – ©Hyssongs

Christmas Birds ~ Christmas Message from Pastor Osborne III

What A Savior ~ excerpt from this year’s Christmas Program at Faith Baptist

Flamingo Gardens ~ “In The Garden” – Faith Baptist Orchestra

Let Everything Praise ~ “God Is Great.” ©The Hyssongs

Big Might God ~ “Big Mighty God” – 3+1 – Pastor Jerry, Reagan Osborne, Caleb & Jessie Padgett

“Star Birds“ ~ “Day Star” ~ Pastor Jerry Smith and Reagan Osborne at Faith Baptist Church

Beginning of Passeriformes Order (Songbirds) For The Sunday Inspiration

More Amazing Birds ~ “Jesus What A Might Name” – Pastor Jerry w/Choir and Orchestra

“Ant Birds“ ~ “He Looked Beyond My Fault” ~ ©The Hyssongs

Everlasting God ~”Everlasting God” – Pastor Jerry, Reagan Osborne, Caleb & Jessie Padgett

Flycatchers ~ “Amazing Grace” – Orchestra and “I Love You, Written in Red” – Choir (Faith Baptist Church)

Give Thanks ~ “Give Thanks” ~ sung by Mark Quijano, his YouTube Channel

There is a Redeemer ~ “There is a Redeemer,” played by Nell Reese at Faith Baptist Church

Australian Birds ~ “How Can I Keep From Singing” – Pastor Jerry Smith, Jessie and Caleb Padgett and Reagan Osborne

Honeyeaters ~ “Blood of Jesus Medley” ~ Faith Baptist Church Choir

Worthy ~ “Worthy” ~ Faith Baptist Choir and Orchestra

Variety II ~ “Just A Little Talk With Jesus” – Vegter Six

Whipbirds, Wattle-eyes and Allies – ” Be Thou My Vision and Battle Hymn of the Republic” ~ played by Sean Fielder

Woodshrikes and Helmetshrikes ~ ” I’ve Got Joy” ~ by the Faith Baptist Orchestra

Bushshrikes and Boatbills ~ “We Shall See Jesus” ~ Margaret Hiebert, Pastor and Jill Osborne and Pastor Jerry Smith

Vangas and Friends ~ “I Still Believe” – ©The Hyssongs

Cuckooshrikes ~ “There’s Something About That Name” ©The Hyssongs

Whistlers and Avian Friends ~ “”The Love of God” ~ Dr. Richard Gregory

Shrikes and Vireos ~ “El Shaddai” – by Nell Reese

Figbirds, Orioles and Drongos ~ “He Touched Me” -~ ©The Hyssongs

Fantails ~ “So Send I You” – Men’s Quartet – Faith Baptist

Monarchs ~ “He’s Looking on You” ~ by Dr. Richard Gregory

Crows and Jays ~ “Peace Medley” ~ by Faith Baptist Choir

Independence Day ~ “Military Medley” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

From Mud to Beauty ~ “I Heard The Voice of Jesus” ~ By Sean Fielder

Australian Robin and Friends ~ “Hiding in the Shadow of the Rock” ~ © Dr. Richard Gregory

Deep Love of Jesus ~ “Oh The Deep, Deep, Love of Jesus” ~ Megan Fee and Jill Foster

Tits, Chickadees and Penduline Tits ~ “Just a Little Talk With Jesus Makes It Right” ~ Vegter Quartet (together for Vi’s 90th Birthday)

Larks ~ “His Eye Is On The Sparrow ” – by Kathy Lisby, Faith Baptist Church

Bulbuls ~ “How Deep The Father’s Love For Us” ~ played by Megan Fee and Jill Foster

Swallows and Martins ~ “If I Don’t Have Love” ~ by Jessie Padgett – Special at Faith Baptist

Wren-babblers – Crombecs and Bush Warblers – “Bow The Knee” ~ Sheila Vegter and Jacob (her son who is playing the piano and singing)

Little Beauties From The Lord ~ “Beautiful Saviour (Fairest Lord Jesus)”) ~ by Kid’s Choir at Faith Baptist

Reed Warblers ~ “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross” ~ by Miss Anna Pletcher (12 years old) on piano

Grassbirds and Allies ~ “The Church’s One Foundation” – Megan Fee, Cody Hancock & Dakota Hancock ~ at Faith Baptist

Worth The Lamb ~ “Worthy The Lamb” ~ Choir at Faith Baptist Church

Cisticolas and Singing ~ “How Can I Keep From Singing?” ~  by the Trio + 1 (Pastor Jerry, Reagan Osborne, Caleb & Jessie Padgett) Faith Baptist

Fulvettas, Ground Babblers ~ “Everything’s Fine” ~ ©Hyssongs

Laughingthrush – Leiothrichidae Family ~ “Ten Thousand Joys” ~ Choir – Lisa Brock – Jessie Padgett (Faith Baptist)

Sylviid Babblers ~ “I Stand Amazed” ~ Faith Baptist Choir

White Eyes ~ “Come, Look To Jesus” ~ Played by Jill Foster at Faith Baptist (during Communion)

Seven Small Families ~ “All Hail The Power” – Faith Baptist Orchestra

Wrens ~ “He is Everything To Me” – Men’s Ensemble – Faith Baptist

Nuthatches and Creepers ~ “How Deep Is Your Love?” – Played by Jill Foster (Faith Baptist)

Mockingbirds and Thrashers ~ “I Am Loved” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

Starlings, Mynas and Rhabdornis ~ “Once Upon A Tree” ~ Choir – and – “Sing To Jesus” ~ Angel Long & Jessie Padgett

Oxpeckers and Thrushes ~ “I Heard The Bells With Peace On Earth” – with Jessie Padgett, Angel Long and the FX Girls

Chats and Old World Flycatchers I ~ “Wise Men Still Seek Him” – Trio and Choir

Chats and Old World Flycatchers II ~ “The Birthday of a King” ~ by Dr. Richard Gregory, now in Glory

Chats and Old World Flycatchers III ~ O Come, O Come Emmanuel”  by Meagan Fee on Violin and Jill Foster accompanying

Dippers, Leafbirds and Flowerpeckers ~ Faith Medley” – Faith Baptist Choir

Sunbirds and Spiderhunters ~ “The Fountain” Harp — 9-year-old Alisa Sadikova – Video

Old World Sparrows ~ “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” – Don Marsh Orchestra

Weavers and Allies ~ “Jesus What A Might Name” – Pastor Jerry w/Choir and Orchestra

Waxwings and Allies I ~ “My Jesus I Love Thee” – by Meagan Fee (didn’t work 1st time-fixed)

Waxwings and Allies II ~ “My Jesus I Love Thee” – by Meagan Fee at Faith Baptist

Some Small Families ~ “Little Prayers” – by the ©The Hyssongs

Wagtails and Pipits ~ “Glorious Love” – Choir, Orchestra, Solo by Pastor Jerry

Finches I ~ “Mercies Anew” ~ by Lisa Brock, accompanied by Jill Foster

Finches II ~ “My Faith Has Found A Resting Place” ~ ©Artisans in Brass (Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs-Album) Used with permission

Finches III ~ “Shout To The North and the South” ~ by Faith Baptist Church Choir

Finches IV ~ “Once Upon A Tree” ~ by Faith Baptist Church Choir

New World Warblers – I ~ “How Can I Keep From Singing?” ~ Pastor Jerry Smith, Reagan, Caleb and Jessie

New World Warblers – II ~ “Heavenly Sunlight” ~ by Artisans in Brass

Three Small Families ~ “I’ll Be a Friend to Jesus” ~ Faith Baptist Quartet

Icteridae Family I ~ I’ll Stand Up and Say So” – by the ©The Hyssongs

Icteridae Family II ~ “It Is Well With My Soul” ~ by Sean Fielder

Icteridae Family III ~ “Stay Close To Me” ~ ©Hyssongs

Emberizidae’s – Buntings ~ “Triumphantly The Church Will Rise” ~ Faith Baptist Men’s Quintet

Emberizidae – Part II ~ “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” ~ by Kathy Lisby at Faith Baptist

Emberizidae Family Allies I ~ “Be Thou My Vision” ~ by Ladies and Girls Choir on Mother’s Day

Emberizidae Family Allies II ~ “Worthy The Lamb” – Faith Baptist Choir and Orchestra

Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies I – “My Jesus I Love Thee” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies II – “My Faith Still Holds” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies III – “Jesus Paid It All” – Men’s Father’s Day Choir and “While The Ages Roll” –  Men’s Quartet

Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies IV – “El Shaddai” ~ by Nell Reese

Thraupidae – Dacnis, Honeycreepers, Conebills ~ “Amazing Grace” and “I Love You, Written in Red” – – Orchestra & Choir (Faith Baptist Church)

Thraupidae – Flowerpiercers, Sierra Finches, Plus ~ “Your Grace is Sufficient” ~ Special by Courtney Love – Flute

Inca, Warbling and Various Finches ~ “Quiet Rest” and “Sweet Hour of Prayer” ~  by Kathy Lisby – Nell Reese acc. on piano.

Thraupidae Tanagers and Allies  VIII ~ “And Can It Be” – Sung by Angel Long and acc. Sean Fielder*

Thraupidae Tanagers and Allies Finale ~ “Hallelujah For The Cross” ~ by Jessie Padgett

Calcariidae – Longspurs and Snow Buntings ~ “House on A Rock” ~ by the Summer Kid’s Choir

Cardinalidae Family of Cardinals Plus ~ “Written in Red” – Orchestra & Choir

Cardinalidae Wrap-up ~ “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” ~ Choir and Orchestra

Passeriformes Review I ~ “To Win My Soul” – Sung by Jessie Padgett”

Passeriformes Review II ~ “Were You There, When They Crucified My Lord” – Communion Music – Organ & Piano

Passeriformes Review III ~ “Ship Ahoy ~ by Dr. Richard Gregory

Beginning of the Bird Orders – Tinamiformes ~ “Praise Medley” by ©The Hyssongs

Ostrich, Rhea, Cassowary, Emu & Kiwi ~ “Hosanna, Messiah Has Come” ~ Choir and Solo by Lisa Brock

Anseriformes I ~ Screamer and Magpie Goose ~ “Jesus Wrought A Miracle of Love” ~ Solo by Paul Ebright

Whistling, White-backed Ducks and Geese ~ “I’d Rather Have Jesus” ~ by Faith Baptist Orchestra

Geese and Swans ~ “Moment By Moment” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

Ducks and Geese ~ “I Will Rise” ~ Margaret and Sue, accompanied by Amy – cello and Jill – Keyboard

More Anatidae Swimmers ~ “God’s Greatness Medley” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

Anas Genus ~ “Ship Ahoy”~ from “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by Dr. Richard Gregory

Diving Ducks and Allies ~ “How Can I Keep Singing” ~ The 3+1 Trio (Pastor Jerry, Reagan Osborne, Caleb and Jessie Padgett)”

The Last of the Anatidae Family ~ “Birthday of the King” ~ Dr. Richard Gregory

Christmas At Faith 2016 ~

Galliformes Order Overview ~ “You are Worthy” ~ Faith Baptist Orchestra

Megapodiidae Family ~ “El Shadaih” ~ Played by Nell Reese

Chachalacas ~ “Quiet Rest* and “Sweet Hour of Prayer” ~ by Kathy Lisby – Nell Reese acc”

Guans ~ “Hide Thou Me” ~ ©The Hyssongs (with permission)

Curassows ~ “Its About The Cross” ~ Quartet FBC

Guineafowl ~ “Don’t Give Up” ~ ©The Hyssongs (Used With Permission of the Hyssongs)

Great Egret by Dan

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Great Egret at Gatorland by Dan

Great Egret at Gatorland by Dan in 2020

“…O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.” (Psalms 139:1-3 NKJV)

This Great Egret’s pose caused me to chuckle, but also to think about how their neck can be raised and lowered. “Up and Down” Egrets, Herons, and other birds with long necks seem to like to pull them down. Scrunch them!

At times, especially now, with so many things, like Covid, and other challenges of life, make us want to just go somewhere and hide. Here are a few verses I found about having ups and downs:

Great Egret by Dan at Gatorland in 2015

“I am the LORD, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting That there is none besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other; I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the LORD, do all these things.’ “Rain down, you heavens, from above, And let the skies pour down righteousness; Let the earth open, let them bring forth salvation, And let righteousness spring up together. I, the LORD, have created it.” (Isaiah 45:5-8 NKJV)

Great Blue Heron Lake Morton by Dan

“So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.” (Mark 16:19 NKJV)

Great Egret at Gatorland by Dan (2014)

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright.” (Psalms 20:7-8 NKJV)
“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:19-20 NKJV)

[bolding and italics mine]

Trust these photos and verses are an encouragement for you today. Lord’s Blessings

Dan’s Pix

Wordless Bird – Green-tail Sunbird

Words and Birds of Encouragement: Habitat Restoration

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Self-isolation blues, financial troubles, loved ones fallen ill, fear of contracting coronavirus… these weights are burdening many. On top of that, we may be unable to congregate in our churches or visit our favorite birding spots. Although a pale substitute for both, I pray you are uplifted by this short series of Words and Birds of Encouragement. For what can be more encouraging than the birds of this world and words of the world to come! William

Snowy Egret wading in a salt marsh tidal flat at Mitchelville Fish Haul Beach Park on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. May 2019. ©www.williamwisephoto.com.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2 Peter 3:10, 13

Things aren’t that bad (yet). But even if they were, and all upon this earth were destroyed, God has promised a divine habitat restoration project. Think of how our beautiful egrets and herons suffered, senselessly extirpated by plume hunters and habitat destruction. Yet human efforts restored their populations.

How much more our heavenly Creator will restore all things in the New Heaven and the New Earth… no matter how bad things become. Yes, we look forward to paradise with a new heaven and new earth, and with new bodies, but you can also have “new” here now: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Hi, I’m wildlife photographer and nature writer William Wise. I was saved under a campus ministry while studying wildlife biology at the University of Georgia. My love of the outdoors quickly turned into a love for the Creator and His works. I’m currently an animal shelter director and live in Athens, Georgia with my wife and two teenage daughters, who are all also actively involved in ministry. Creation Speaks is my teaching ministry that glorifies our Creator and teaches the truth of creation. William Wise Nature Notes is my wildlife and birding photo blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation.  — “What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.” Psalms 104, The Message.

Words and Birds of Encouragement: Overcomer

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Self-isolation blues, financial troubles, loved ones fallen ill, fear of contracting coronavirus… these weights are burdening many. On top of that, we may be unable to congregate in our churches or visit our favorite birding spots. Although a pale substitute for both, I pray you are uplifted by this short series of Words and Birds of Encouragement. For what can be more encouraging than the birds of this world and words of the world to come! William

Male Yellow-rumped Warbler in bright breeding plumage. Athens, Clarke County, Georgia, USA. April 2018. ©www.williamwisephoto.com.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7

We are called to make it through the days of trial and adversity. But we aren’t supposed to just grit our teeth and endure, coming out the other side angrier than we went in, like Godzilla breaking from the rubble of a building collapsed upon him. Instead, we are to be overcomers; we are to pass through trial and adversity with our testimony intact!

And to the overcomer there is a reward: like the Yellow-rumped Warblers that eat the late winter fruits of the holly and Wax Myrtle, we will dine upon the fruit of the tree of life in the paradise of God! This virus quarantine will end in a harvest of souls into the church as the doors re-open. So keep your chin up, overcomer, greater days approach… in this world and the next!

Hi, I’m wildlife photographer and nature writer William Wise. I was saved under a campus ministry while studying wildlife biology at the University of Georgia. My love of the outdoors quickly turned into a love for the Creator and His works. I’m currently an animal shelter director and live in Athens, Georgia with my wife and two teenage daughters, who are all also actively involved in ministry. Creation Speaks is my teaching ministry that glorifies our Creator and teaches the truth of creation. William Wise Nature Notes is my wildlife and birding photo blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation.  — “What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.” Psalms 104, The Message.

Count It All Joy!

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Joyful Greenbul (Chlorocichla laetissima) Flickr Dave Curtis

Our pastor had another encouraging message for our Wednesday night service. One day we will be able to attend a regular prayer meeting again, but, thankfully, our church is using YouTube and other means of keeping the Lord’s Word before us. This week was no exception.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:2-6 NKJV)

I trust you will enjoy Pastor Osborne’s message.

Wordless Birds

 

Words and Birds of Encouragement: Paradise

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Self-isolation blues, financial troubles, loved ones fallen ill, fear of contracting coronavirus… these weights are burdening many. On top of that, we may be unable to congregate in our churches or visit our favorite birding spots. Although a pale substitute for both, I pray you are uplifted by this short series of Words and Birds of Encouragement. For what can be more encouraging than the birds of this world and words of the world to come! William

Orange-crowned Warbler; Walton County, Georgia. December, 2019. ©www.williamwisephoto.com.

“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Luke 23:43

What will paradise be like? Let your imagination roll… sunsets without haze and smog; rivers and lakes without floating trash; streets filled with smiling people free of anger and worry; and clear, wide blue skies filled with the flight of birds… and no window strikes! And even better, we will walk in the cool of the garden with our Lord and Savior whose blood re-opens the door to Eden.  It will be paradise for all! It may not be today (but then again, it may!). Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Hi, I’m wildlife photographer and nature writer William Wise. I was saved under a campus ministry while studying wildlife biology at the University of Georgia. My love of the outdoors quickly turned into a love for the Creator and His works. I’m currently an animal shelter director and live in Athens, Georgia with my wife and two teenage daughters, who are all also actively involved in ministry. Creation Speaks is my teaching ministry that glorifies our Creator and teaches the truth of creation. William Wise Nature Notes is my wildlife and birding photo blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation.  — “What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations.” Psalms 104, The Message.

You Hold Me Up

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Skimmer Baby Leaning against Parents Beak – ©Thomas C – NatlGeog – Pinterest

“If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” (Psalms 94:18-19 NKJV)

A Black Skimmer chick holding on to it’s parent. Adorable!

What verse(s) would you use for this photo?

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Gideon

Trust in Him

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Trust in Him. is from Picture My Thoughts by Myra Johnson’s blog that I follow. She always has a photo with scripture. Thanks, Myra, for encouraging us daily.

Trust In Him

Check out Picture My Thoughts frequently or better yet, follow her.

Old Barns and Old People

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A very good friend of mine, an “old” friend like me, just shared this with me. It is worth sharing here also.

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. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. (Psalms 37:23-26 KJV)

Enjoy!

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YouTube by Bob Byerly

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May you be encouraged to live for the Lord while you are young. Later on, you will be thankful.

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