Young Northern Mockingbird at Click Ponds

“Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.” (Psalms 103:22 KJV)

On Thursday, we were in Melbourne, Florida to see a back Doctor to see if he could do my very much needed surgery. After driving over on Wednesday, we went to Vierra Wetlands in the morning, to do a little birdwatching while waiting for the appointment. When we arrived, they had a rope across the gate for cars, so I stayed by the car while Dan walked up to see what birds he could find. [It was open to walkers and joggers]

Immature Little Blue Heron

With camera in hand, I just had to catch what flew by, but the Lord always sends some of His avian wonders near for me to see. Three prize photos were this bird that gave me a fit trying to figure out what it is. After scanning my Birding Guides and then Google photos for about 20 minutes, I found out that it is a juvenile Little Blue Heron. Yes!

Another prize was a Loggerhead Shrike who decided to sit on a palm tree nearby. My 600 mm zoom sure comes in handy when you can hardly stand, let alone walk closer.

Loggerhead Shrike

After our sort of disappointing birdwatching, we drove to the Click Ponds, across the street, and it was totally dry. Nothing found other than this young Northern Mockingbird. My third prize. They are as dry in Melbourne, as we are in the central Florida. We are in severe drought conditions throughout most of the state.

Young Northern Mockingbird at Click Ponds

Well, after lunch with friends, we went to the Doctor. PRAISE THE LORD! SURGERY IS GOING TO BE SCHEDULED A.S.A.P. THANK YOU FOR ALL WHO HAVE BEEN PRAYING WITH ME ABOUT THIS!

When the Doctor saw my MRI, he said, “WOW!” It is the worst slipped disc he has seen in a long time. Said it hurt to even look at it. Wondered how I lasted this long. [My local doctor no longer does this kind of surgery that I need, so, I have been searching for a doctor to do the surgery. One could see me, but not until July 17th. This doctor was scheduled for June 9th, but, Praise the Lord, they had a cancellation while I was chatting with them, and I saw him Thursday. He was very positive about fixing it. I had soft bones when I had the last surgery and they only put in one rod. Technology has changed in the last few years and if they are too soft, they insert something like concrete to strengthen the pedicles.

Slipped L4 Disc Image cropped

I’ve said all this for several reasons. One is to ask for prayer for the upcoming surgery and that it is set up SOON! Also, that all goes well and the recovery goes well. Also, if the blog gets a little off, not to be concerned. I plan on scheduling the devotions ahead of time but will try to keep you informed.

I am so thankful for all the Lord has been doing in this situation. He is so Faithful! Also, the new medicine I was given is easing my nerve pains. YES! I was getting to where I could hardly walk. That is why there have not been many birding adventures to write about. There hasn’t been any. :(

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:15-17 KJV)

Most of these photos are cropped obviously.