Tag Archives: Inspiration

The Smooth-billed Ani – The Corporates…

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Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) by Daves BirdingPix

Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) by Daves BirdingPix

The Smooth-billed Ani – The Corporates… ~ by a j mithra

The Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) is a large near passerine bird in the cuckoo family. It is a resident breeding species from southern Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, parts of Central America, south to western Ecuador, Brazil, and northern Argentina. This ani is found in open and semi-open country and areas under cultivation.

The Smooth-billed Ani is about 33 cm (13 in) long and weighs 95 g (3.4 oz). The adult is mainly flat black, with a long tail, deep ridged black bill and a brown iris. The flight is weak and wobbly, but the bird runs well and usually feeds on the ground. This bird’s flight maybe weak, but, God had created it to run well..

  • You may not be able to do what other can do…
  • At the same time, you have realize that you too can do something what the other can’t do..
  • God had not created anyone like you.. You are unique..
  • David did not know how to use a sword, but still, God gave him victory over the giant,
  • with what he had..

You may have very little to offer, but, remember that, you have an awesome God..

Go with what little you have, cos, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you…

All things are possible with God…

Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6

Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) by Ian

Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) by Ian

This is a very gregarious species, always found in noisy groups. Smooth-billed Ani is often seen in pairs or in small groups. They climb and flutter in bushes, hop on the ground with loosely cocked tail. When they roost together during cold nights, they perform mutual preening during long moments.

One member of a Smooth-billed Ani group often sits on a high perch and watches for danger while the rest forage. These birds know the importance togetherness..

  • Did not the Bible ask us to be in peace with one another?
  • Did not the Bible advocate brotherhood?

Look at these birds, they take time to preen one another and take turns to watch out for danger..

We say that the churches are the body of Christ…

  • Does one church care for another?
  • Does the church practice what it preaches?

We are the church, who needs to change our attitude and care for our fellow being…

Unless churches unite together as one, it would be hard to defeat satan..

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4 :9-12

Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) ©ArthurGrosset

Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) ©ArthurGrosset

The nest of the Smooth-billed Ani is built communally by several pairs. Eggs are laid by several females, deposited in layers separated by leaves or grass. Several Smooth-billed Ani females typically lay eggs and incubate in the same nest. Late-laying females bury the eggs of early-laying females with twigs and leaves, which can create a number of layers of eggs; only the top layer eventually hatches. As many as 36 eggs may be found in a single nest.

This bird species is a classic example of corporate living… Communal nest building, communal incubation, communal feeding, communal preening and communal territorial guarding is not seen among many species..

  • We as church have so much differences in faith, worship, teaching and so on..
  • Corporate worship and corporate prayer has brought victories to the early church…
  • We say that we are the church but, are we as powerful as the early church?
  • It’s time to switch on the search lights to see where we went wrong…

A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.  Psalm 133

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA, a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Tasty household…

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Edible-nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) ©WikiC

Edible-nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) ©WikiC

Tasty household… ~ by a j mithra

Edible-nests Swiftlets
build their nests
with their saliva..

Edible-nest Swiftlets - Swiftlet Bird Nests©WikiC

Edible-nest Swiftlets - Swiftlet Bird Nests©WikiC

Its nests are considered
as the costliest delicacy
in the world..
The nests are known
for its nutrients…
How do we build our nests?
Do people find
that our household
nutrient and tasty?
Does our household
reflect the Love of JESUS?

‘We are fearfully
and
wonderfully made by GOD…”
But,
the question is,
how wonderful is our household,
our Nest for people around us?

…:but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15)

Have a blessed day!

Thoughts from a j mithra

 

The Edible-Nest Swiftlet is in the Apodidae Family of the Apodiformes Order.

 

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Mysterious Sungrebe…

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Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica) by Robert Scanlan

Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica) by Robert Scanlan

Mysterious Sungrebe… ~ by a j mithra

Sungrebe, common name for a tropical, mainly aquatic bird of the family Heliornithidae. Sungrebes, also called finfoots, are remarkable for their colorful, puffy-toed, webbed feet, which may serve as lures for fish and other aquatic animals.

The Sungrebe is a small slim-bodied water bird, typically 28-31 cm long and weighing 130 g.

African Finfoot with puffy feet ©WikiC

African Finfoot with puffy feet ©WikiC

Once widely distributed, they (Heliornithidae) are now limited to three species.

The largest of these is the Masked Finfoot (Heliopais personata) measuring up to 20 in. (51 cm) in length, and found from Bengal to Malaya and Sumatra. Its body is olive-brown above, with a black head and throat, a yellow bill, and bright green legs with white stripes.

At 16 in. (41 cm), the African Finfoot (Podica senegalis) is dark brown with black and white spots above, a white belly, and bright red feet and legs. It is thought to be more of a climber than the other species.

Only a third to a quarter as bulky as the Asian Sungrebe and measuring less than 12 in. (30 cm) in length is the Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica) of South and Central America. its plumage is colored similarly to that of the Asian sun grebe, but it is scarlet-billed with yellow, black-striped legs.

All three species are marked by a white band running from eye to neck. Sun grebes are classified in the phylum Chordata subphylum Vertebrata, class Aves, order Gruiformes, family Heliornithidae. It is mainly brown, with a long neck and blackish tail, and a long red bill. The crown and neck are strikingly patterned with black and white stripe, and the feet are black and yellow.

The sexes differ in the colour of the cheeks, buff in the female and white for the male. Sungrebes are shy birds rarely seen by people. They usually swim close to cover and may hide either in vegetation or in the water, with their bodies underwater and their heads lowered, when they are disturbed.

What do we do when we are disturbed in life?

  • Look up towards mortal men or the immortal God?
  • These birds teach us the best way to turn our focus from a mess to a message…
  • Instead of facing the problem, it would be better to get immersed in to the Living water…
  • As long as Peter’s focus was on the Lord, he was able to walk over the water…
  • Once he shifted his focus from the Lord to the water, he sunk…
  • Let our focus be on the One whose focus is always on us…

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. (Psalm 18:10)

They are not just good swimmers but capable walkers and climbers too. Sungrebes tend to roost, or spend the night, in trees or bushes. This bird is unique that it is able to do everything; fly, swim, walk and climb..

We are unique too, for, God has created us in His image..

So, lets stop talking low of ourselves and start praising God for His purpose in our lives..

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13)

Masked Finfoot (Heliopais personatus) Wikipedia

Masked Finfoot (Heliopais personatus) ©Wikipedia

Sungrebes may be solitary, that is, may live by themselves, or are found in pairs, generally male and female breeding partners, or family groups. Sungrebes are permanently territorial, meaning they defend their territories from other individuals of the same species during the breeding season as well as the nonbreeding season.

Although all three sungrebe species have distinctive calls, these are not often heard. The African Finfoot makes a loud booming sound during breeding. The Masked Finfoot has a bubbling call. The Sungrebe has a “eeyoo” call that it makes to warn other sungrebes away from its territory.

Though these birds have distinctive calls, they are not often heard..

Our grumbling and complaining is heard ever so often, which makes it easier for satan to locate us easily..

The Bible says,

I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. (Psalm 81:10)

God did not ask us to open our mouth to complain and grumble, but, to sing praises…

  • The next time you feel like a looser and want to grumble or complain, just remember that, you are giving away your location to satan…
  • Our praises has the power to vacate God from heaven, to dwell with us..
  • At the same time grumble and complaints has the power to bring satan among us…
  • Remember, Israelites grumbled and fell dead in the wilderness…
  • But, Joshua and Caleb worshiped their way into the land of milk and honey…

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21)

African Finfoot (Podica senegalensis) Wikipedia

African Finfoot (Podica senegalensis) Wikipedia

Sungrebes feed primarily on insects, particularly midgets, mayflies, and dragonflies. They may also eat beetles, grasshoppers, and flies, as well as some mollusks, crustaceans, worms, millipedes, and spiders. Occasionally they can eat larger animals such as frogs, tadpoles, or small fish. Sungrebes are also known to eat a small amount of plant material, such as seeds and leaves. Most of their food is found on the water surface, but Sungrebes also forage in overhanging vegetation or along banks.

It nests from August to April building a bowl shaped nest from reeds, course grass and shiny leaves which it places on a sloping branch overhanging the water often in driftwood caught in branches. The eggs are pale buffy green streaked with brown and purple and 1 to 2 are laid and incubated for about eleven days. The chicks hatch naked, blind, and defenseless.

When our dwelling place is near the Living waters, we have providence in abundance and protection and deliverance..

Where are we planted?

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3)

The Sungrebe is already very strange in having a very short incubation period (10-11 days, matching some small passerines) but has an astonishing behavior entirely unique in the bird world: the male Sungrebe is able to transport these helpless offspring, even in flight! The male has a shallow pocket under each wing into which the two young can fit. The pocket is formed by a pleat of skin, and made more secure by the feathers on the side of the body just below. The heads of the chicks could be seen from below as the bird flew. This adaptation is unique among birds: in no other species is there any mechanism whereby altricial young can be transported.

Our God not only carries us under His mighty wings but has carved us in His palms too…

  • But, most of us seem to find the temporary comforts of the world better suited for us…
  • Maybe that is the reason we are unable to be successful in life…
  • As long as Eve was with Adam, the serpent couldn’t be near her..
  • The day she went alone around the garden of Eden, she was deceived by satan..
  • Where are we right now?
  • It’s time for us to get back to our basics, our first love…

As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: (Deuteronomy 32:11)

Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica) ©Wikipedia

Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica) ©Wikipedia

Of course, the precocial young of some swans and grebes may hitch rides on their swimming parents’ backs, and a male jaçana can transport his chicks about holding them between his wings and body, but neither of these cases applies when the adults are in flight….

The transport system of the Sungrebe raises numerous further questions. How do the chicks get into the pocket? Are they put in by the male? Does he feed them in there? Do they stay inside, or get in and out? Why does the female not have similar pockets? …

Yes, the Sungrebe and the Finfoots are mystery birds indeed…

Our God is not mysterious but His ways are…

  • He makes ways only where there seems to be no way….
  • He makes ways over the waters and over the sky…
  • He brings waters in the wilderness and rivers into the desert…
  • You may not see rain or wind yet, He is capable of bring rain….
  • He can win a battle with a pebble..
  • He can even win a war without a fight…
  • He can make the waters stand up tall and mighty walls to lie flat..

Our God is able…

Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings: (Jeremiah 32:19)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

Heliornithidae Family

Gruiformes Order

Light Rain…

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Nicobar Pigeon sunbathing at Lowry Park Zoo by Lee

Nicobar Pigeon sunbathing at Lowry Park Zoo by Lee

Light Rain… by a j mithra

Numerous Bird species
know that

Great Blue Heron sunning by Dan

Great Blue Heron sunning by Dan

Sun light and heavy rains
would support
a tremendous food source
for all of them…
That’s the reason
we can see lots of birds
having sunbath
just after rains….
Most of us
have failed to realize that,
it is impossible
to survive
without THE LIGHT
of the SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
and
the rain of THE HOLY SPIRIT…
JESUS had told that
HE will pour the latter rain
on all flesh..
Thank GOD we are made of flesh
so,
lets get soaked in the rain
and walk in THE LIGHT…

Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. (Zechariah 10:1)

Have a blessed day!

Thoughts from a j mithra

Wordless Birds

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Launching pad…

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Brant Goose (Branta bernicla) by Ian

Brant Goose (Branta bernicla) by Ian

Launching pad… ~ a j mithra

Brant Geese (Branta bernicla) by Ian

Brant Geese (Branta bernicla) by Ian

The small Arctic Goose
called Brant Goose,
would wait
for the storm system
to come,
so that,
it would catch
the storm’s tail wind
and
migrate during winter…
GOD doesn’t give
the storm to destroy you,
but,
to take you
to a better place…
Remember,
storm is surely
a launching pad…

The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. (Nahum 1:3)

Have a blessed day!

A thought from ~ a j mithra

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Learning from the Birds – Overwhelmed

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A Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) chick being fed by a Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia Capensis)

A Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) chick being fed by a Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia Capensis)

But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you; (Job 12:7 NKJV)

Brood parasites are organisms that use the strategy of brood parasitism, found among birds, fish or insects, involving the manipulation and use of host individuals either of the same or different species to raise the young of the brood-parasite. This relieves the parasitic parent from the investment of rearing young or building nests, enabling them to spend more time foraging, producing offspring etc. Additionally, the risk of egg loss to raiders such as raccoons is mitigated, by having distributed the eggs amongst a number of different nests. As this behavior is damaging to the host, it will often result conflict between parasite and host.

Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) being raised by a Reed Warbler©WikiC

Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) being raised by a Reed Warbler©WikiC

Interspecific brood-parasites include the Old World Cuckoos in Eurasia and Australia, Cowbirds and Black-headed Ducks in the Americas, and Indigobirds, Whydahs, and the Honeyguides in Africa.

Among specialist avian brood parasites, mimetic eggs are a nearly universal adaptation. There is even some evidence that the generalist Brown-headed Cowbird may have developed an egg coloration mimicking a number of their hosts.

Most avian brood parasites will remove a host egg when they lay one of their own in a nest. Depending upon the species, this can happen either in the same visit to the host nest or in a separate visit before or after the parasitism. This both prevents the host species from realizing their nest has been parasitized and reduces competition for the parasitic nestling once it hatches.

Most avian brood parasites have very short egg incubation periods and rapid nestling growth. This gives the parasitic nestling a head start on growth over its nestmates, allowing it to outcompete them. In cases where the host nestlings are significantly smaller than the parasite nestling, the host nestlings will often starve to death. Some brood parasites will eliminate all their nestmates shortly after hatching, either by ejecting them from the nest or killing them with sharp mandible hooks which fall off after a few days.

Whoa! This is NOT NICE! What is so amazing is that if not detected in time, many times the birds do find the intruding egg and toss it out, but most times, the unsuspecting parents raise this young bird as if it were it’s own.

What can we, as observers of this behavior, learn from the birds? I want to consider the host birds who have quite a challenge to face. They either fix the problem or they could be very “overwhelmed” with situation at hand.

My first thoughts were from a physical need. When faced with a health problem, we pray and visit the doctors and try to remedy the situation. Sometimes the ailment is not cured and we may be faced with an “overwhelming” need. Do we accept whatever the outcome and:

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: (Philippians 4:11 NKJV)

Another lesson that could by learned by observing this “overwhelming” task might be in sharing the load. Often in churches, the ones who are willing to serve the Lord become very involved because of others not volunteering or helping. They keep taking on more responsibilities, not complaining, but in time they could become “overwhelmed.” We should find a way to:

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2 NKJV)

Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NKJV)

Bald Eagle flying by Dave's BirdingPix

Bald Eagle flying by Dave's BirdingPix

The host birds accept the situation and do the best they can to raise the young bird. How do they do that? One worm at a time! When we become “overwhelmed,” that is just what we need do. No! Not by catching worms, but by taking one step at a time and harkening to the following promises:

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. (2 Thessalonians 3:13 KJV)

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9 KJV)

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
(Philippians 4:13 KJV)

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 KJV)

(Some information from Wikipedia)
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Bobolink – Extraordinary Migrant…

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Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) Pair ©©ramendan

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) Pair ©©ramendan

Bobolink – Extraordinary Migrant… ~ by a j mithra

Rice bird, meadow-wink, skunk blackbird, reed bird, butter bird—these various names for the member of the blackbird family most commonly known as the Bobolink reflect the diversity of ways in which humans have looked upon this gregarious songbird.

Nesting in the prairies and cultivated land of south Canada and the northern United States and wintering in the grasslands and marshes of Argentina, the Bobolink migrates at least 5,000 miles each way.

Bobolink Migration Route©WikiC

Bobolink Migration Route©WikiC

The Bobolink is an extraordinary migrant, traveling to south of the equator each autumn and making a round-trip of approximately 20,000 kilometers (12,500 mi). One female, known to be at least 9 years old, presumably made this trip annually, a total distance equal to traveling 4.5 times around the earth at the equator! These birds migrate to Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. One bird was tracked flying 12,000 miles (19,000 km) over the course of the year, and up to 1,100 miles (1,800 km) in one day. The vast distance is more impressive in relation to the Bobolink’s diminutive size, averaging 7 inches in length, 11.5 inches in wingspan, and 1.5 ounces. in weight.

  • Feeling small?
  • Get ready to do greater things for God…
  • You know, God does not use boulders to stop the waves of the sea from entering the land..
  • But, He uses tiny grains of sand to do it..

God has designed this bird to travel long distances to encourage us that we too can do great and mighty things for God..

A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time. (Isaiah 6:21)

God seems to have a liking to use small things to fulfill great missions..

  • He chose the small Miriam to find a way to take care of Moses..
  • He chose a small slave girl to bring healing to a Commander of an army..
  • He chose a little shepherd boy David to bring down a mighty giant..
  • He chose a small boy to feed the multitudes…

Here again, this small bird He uses to inspire us to do great things for God..

If this small bird can travel 4.5 times around the world at the equator in its life time, how much more God will expect from us? Most of rely on our strength that is the reason we find it so difficult to travel next door to share the gospel isn’t it?

What sense does it make to say, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me when we find it so difficult to stand for God?

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:22-25)

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) ©USFWS

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) ©USFWS

Bobolinks begin their journey northward in South America in early March, reaching Colombia and Venezuela in late April. From there, most take a route over the Caribbean Sea to the Florida peninsula, although some will cross the Gulf of Mexico from the Yucatan Peninsula to Louisiana and Texas. From there they fan northward and westward, arriving on the breeding grounds in May. These Birds breed in open grasslands and hay fields.

Bobolinks migrate at night. The distinctive “clink” notes of these nocturnal travelers can be heard as they pass overhead in large flocks, apparently using the earth’s magnetic field as a compass and the locations of the stars as a map.

  • Human race boasts about technology, innovation and inventions…
  • We feel great pride in finding unknown routes with the help of satellites and compass…

But, these birds use the earth’s magnetic field as compass and locations of the stars as a map…

  • How difficult it is for us to tread on unknown path?
  • When we worship in church we feel so good to call Jesus as the Brightest Morning Star…
  • Do we really turn towards this Morning Star to seek direction in life?
  • Who is our inspiration in life?

If God be with us who can be against us? But the million dollar question is, are we with God?

Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings: (Jeremiah 32:19)

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) ©WikiC

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) ©WikiC

In summer, Bobolinks feed primarily on insects switching to grain crops as they migrate south. In migration and in winter uses freshwater marshes, grasslands, rice and sorghum fields.

Although the Bobolink typically feeds during the day, in migration, while building fat reserves for its long over water flight, it has been observed feeding in rice fields after dark on bright nights.

We all know that we are on the verge of migrating once and for all to heaven..

  • Have we stored reserves to migrate that long?
  • His words has the power to heal the broken and strengthen the weak…
  • His words shall never return empty…

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. (Proverbs 3:1-8)

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) by J Fenton

Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) by J Fenton

How many times do we read His words in a day? Maybe we should learn from these birds to eat His words even during our dark hours.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Judging by sight or sound, the Bobolink is a bird of distinction. Their song has been vividly described as

  • “a bubbling delirium of ecstatic music that flows from the gifted throat of the bird like sparkling champagne,”
  • “a mad, reckless song-fantasia, and outbreak of pent-up, irrepressible glee,” and as
  • “a tinkle of fairy music, like the strains of an old Greek harp.”

We may not be a good singer, yet, God loves to hear us sing. The reason for creating us is to sing, glorify and thank Him.  But, we seem to do every other thing except thanking Him…  Many of our prayers are unanswered, because, we have failed to thank when we pray..

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Philippians 4:6)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at: Crosstree

The Bobolink is in the Icteridae Family of the Passeriformes Order

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Others May, You Cannot – G. D. Watson

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The following challenge was on the inside cover of this month’s “Acts & Facts” from the Institute for Creation Research. It is worth sharing and is a challenge for me that I would like to live up to, with the Lord’s help. As Christians, we should strive to live for the Lord. This article was an inspiration for Dr. Henry Morris and has been for others. George Douglas Watson lived from 1845-1924 and the following is in public domain.

If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. (Matthew 16:24-25)

“If God has called you to be truly like Jesus in all your spirit, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility. He will put on you such demands of obedience that you will not be allowed to follow other Christians. In many ways, He seems to let other good people do things which He will not let you do.

Others who seem to be very religious and useful may push themselves, pull wires, and scheme to carry out their plans, but you cannot. If you attempt it, you will meet with such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you sorely penitent.

Others can brag about themselves, their work, their successes, their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing. If you begin to do so, He will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works.

G. D. Watson (1845-1924)

Others will be allowed to succeed in making great sums of money, or having a legacy left to them, or in having luxuries, but God may supply you only on a day-to-day basis, because He wants you to have something far better than gold, a helpless dependence on Him and His unseen treasury.

The Lord may let others be honored and put forward while keeping you hidden in obscurity because He wants to produce some choice, fragrant fruit for His coming glory, which can only be produced in the shade.

God may let others be great, but keep you small. He will let others do a work for Him and get the credit, but He will make you work and toil without knowing how much you are doing. Then, to make your work still more precious, He will let others get the credit for the work which you have done; this to teach you the message of the Cross, humility, and something of the value of being cloaked with His nature.

The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch on you, and with a jealous love rebuke you for careless words and feelings, or for wasting your time, which other Christians never seem distressed over.

So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign and has a right to do as He pleases with His own, and that He may not explain to you a thousand things which may puzzle your reason in His dealings with you.

God will take you at your word. If you absolutely sell yourself to be His slave, He will wrap you up in a jealous love and let other people say and do many things that you cannot. Settle it forever; you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit, He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue or chaining your hand or closing your eyes in ways which others are not dealt with. However, know this great secret of the Kingdom: When you are so completely possessed with the Living God that you are, in your secret heart, pleased and delighted over this peculiar, personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the vestibule of heaven, the high calling of God.”

Quote taken from Christian Articles – G.D.Watson page

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Swinhoe’s Pheasant – The Secret Agents..

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Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) Male ©WikiC

Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) Male ©WikiC

Swinhoe’s Pheasant – The Secret Agents.. ~ by a j mithra

The Swinhoe’s Pheasant, discovered in 1862 by Robert Swinhoe, is a bird endemic to the undisturbed broadleaf forests of Taiwan below 2,500 meters of elevation. Since then, its numbers have fallen due to destruction of natural habitat, and was listed as endangered in 1966.

The habitat of the Swinhoe’s Pheasant has been recorded as dense forest. However, they can also be seen feeding out in the open along forest trails or on forest edges. The range of the Swinhoe’s Pheasant is from sea level up to 2,500 meters of the Central Mountain Range.

Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) Female ©WikiC

Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) Female ©WikiC

They live on the floor of a forest with a dense canopy and sparse undergrowth. Occasionally, they may also be found in more mature secondary growth forest, bamboo forest, and mixed forests. Because most of Taiwan’s broadleaf forest has been cleared in the lower elevations, Swinhoe’s Pheasants are mainly found in forests above 1,000 meters elevation. Fragmentation of forests occurring in the upper elevations is a growing threat to populations of the Swinhoe’s Pheasant. Though these birds prefer a higher elevation for a habitat, they still prefer to live on the floor of the forest..

  • Zacchaeus was a tax collector and must have been a rich man,,,
  • We all know that he climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus…
  • And how Jesus went to his house only after he obeyed and came down from the tree..

Where are we right now?

Jesus will step into our lives and homes, but, not until we humble ourselves, Our feet planted firmly on the ground…

A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. (Proverbs 29:23)

Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) ©WikiC

Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) ©WikiC

The Swinhoe’s Pheasant follow the same feeding route in the forest each day. Along forest trails, there are often visible paths through the vegetation where the pheasants walk in and out every day. These paths are not permanent, however, and the same bird might have several entrances in an area.

  • When satan closes one door our God opens several entrances for us…
  • But, most of us just keep staring and grumbling at the closed road instead of looking at the other doors which God had opened for us…
  • One night, Peter’s door was closed and he returned with an empty boat..
  • But, Jesus had different plans after Peter willingly gave his boat to Him…
  • He opened the door so wide that, Peter’s boat overflowed into his friend’s boat too.
  • Instead of staring and grumbling at the closed door, give your life to Jesus and He shall open doors for you and yours too…
  • Well, satan may come through one way but he surely has to flee through seven ways.

This means if he enters your life, he has to open seven doors for you as he flees, because, your life is God’s own domain…

The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. (Deuteronomy 28:7)

Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) Female ©WikiC

Swinhoe's Pheasant (Lophura swinhoii) Female ©WikiC

These pheasants feed by digging and their natural diet consists of seeds, plant material, acorns, berries,  flower buds, leaves, and occasionally insects such as earthworms, millipedes, termites. They tend to feed in the early morning and late afternoon hours, along trail edges in herbaceous ground cover. The pheasants are most active early dawn and late afternoon, especially in the fog when visibility is low. During the night, pheasants roost in trees, discovered through radio-tracking by researchers.

  • If not for His grace and mercy, neither I wouldn’t have written this article nor you would be reading this..
  • All of us would like to see more of His grace and mercy in our lives, but, we fail to comprehend that His grace is not for everyone..
  • We know that His mercy is like morning dew, but how many of us seek Him at dawn?
  • His grace is for the humble, but are we humble?

Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. (Proverbs 3:34)

The nests of Swinhoe’s Pheasants are so well concealed that it is almost impossible to come across unless followed through radio-tracking. The nests are built in highly secretive locations under a large shelter such as logs or rocks where it is safe from rain and predators. Sometimes the nest is built on a tree, where it is well hidden by vegetation.

  • When Jesus becomes the head of our house, satan will never be able to see us…
  • Remember how God smote the Syrian horses and chariots with blindness and led them to a wrong place?
  • He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow…
  • He is not only the God of Elijah but ours too..
  • If He can do it for Elijah, He can do it for us too, provided we are as faithful as Prophet Elijah….

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13)

  • His protection is there for us since we entered our mother’s womb..
  • But, are we still worthy to have this fool-proof protection?
  • If not, it is time for us to regain lost ground by completely submitting our lives..

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2Chronicles 7:14)

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at:  Crosstree

The Swinhoe’s Pheasant is part of the Phasianidae Family of the Galliformes Order.

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Birds in Songs – On Eagle’s Wings

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Bald Eagle flying by Dave's BirdingPix

Bald Eagle flying by Dave's BirdingPix

I love eagles and I love this song. The song was written by Michael Joncas, in 1979 Unfortunately the words are copyrighted, so I can’t put them here on the blog, but this video has them.

Hope you enjoy the video by mhcaillesrn.

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Secretary Bird – The Walker

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Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Bob-Nan

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Bob-Nan

Secretary Bird – The Walker ~ by a j mithra

The Secretary bird is a bird of prey, but unlike other raptors it has long legs, wings and a tail.

The single species of its family, the bird gets its name from its crest of long feathers that look like the quill pens 19th century office workers used to tuck behind their ears.

A more recent hypothesis is that “secretary” is borrowed from a French corruption of the Arabic saqr-et-tair or “hunter-bird.” The generic name “Sagittarius” is Latin for “archer,” perhaps likening the Secretary Bird’s “quills” to a quiver of arrows, and the specific epithet “serpentarius” recalls the bird’s skill as a hunter of reptiles This is the only member of the family Sagittariidae.

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) at Lowry Pk Zoo by Lee

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) at Lowry Pk Zoo by Lee

The bird is basically dove-grey in color, with black on the wings, thighs and elongated central tail feathers. The short, down-curved bill is backed by an area of bare, red and yellow skin. The Secretary bird stands three feet high.

The Secretary bird is widespread throughout Africa south of the Sahara. It is found in open areas of plains and savanna country, and often congregates at areas that have been recently burnt, where mammals are deprived of cover and often injured. These birds are basically terrestrial, taking to flight only when hard-pressed. Usually only single birds are found, with members of a pair some distance apart.

The Secretary bird walks well on extremely long legs, and a bird may plod up to twenty miles in a day. When pursued, it relies on its speed to escape.

  • If these birds can walk twenty miles a day, how far do we walk for the Lord?

The Bible says,

And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. (Mathew 5:41)

  • Jesus has never compelled us to walk with Him, did He?
  • Unless we walk in THE WAY, to fly high like an eagle can never be possible..
  • His rod and His staff, they comfort those who walk through the valley of the shadow of death..
  • He is the light to those who walk in the darkness..
  • He is the shield to those who walk through the fire..
  • He is the spring of joy to those who walk through the valley of tears…

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (Psalm 1:1)

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Bob-Nan

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) by Bob-Nan

In addition to finding food with its beak, the Secretary bird will also stamp on grass tussocks with its feet to scare up lizards, grasshoppers, and small mammals or birds.It is a large bird of open country, savannah and steppe, which can be seen stalking across the plains in search of rodents, reptiles, large insects and, famously, snakes…

It has a surprisingly powerful kick which it uses to stamp on larger prey.

Do you remember where God has called us to stamp and walk?

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. (Psalm 91:13)

This privilege is not for everyone, because, God has kept a price tag for every blessing..

The price tag for the above privilege is tied to the first verse and the ninth of the same chapter..

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)

Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; (Psalm 91:9)

  • Where is your secret place, your refuge and your habitation?
  • When you make Jesus your habitation, you know what will happen?

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:30-31)

In addition to its normal “raptor” type diet it is also attracted to bush and grass fires, where it feeds on the small animals which fail to escape the blaze. It finds most of its food on the ground and has a partiality for snakes. It grabs the snake with its strong toes and beats it to death on the ground, while protecting itself from bites with its large wings. Finally, it seizes its prey and hurls it into the air several times to stun it. In South Africa, these birds are kept in captivity to destroy snakes and rats.

Satan thought that he can put an end to Jesus, the Creator, but, Jesus claimed victory on the cross, so that we may live under the protection of His wings forever and ever..

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:18)

Although it is usually seen walking it does have very large, broad wings and is an accomplished flyer, using thermals to gain height and soar across distances. Secretary Birds are territorial, normally occupying areas of around 45-50 square kilometers, Interestingly in Kenya they occupy smaller territories.

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) with open beak©WikiC

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) with open beak©WikiC

Secretary Birds associate in monogamous pairs. During mating season there is heavy competition between males, with birds doing acrobatic flights, climbing high into the sky, then suddenly dropping down..

During courtship, they exhibit a nuptial display by soaring high with undulating flight patterns and calling with guttural croaking. Males and females can also perform a grounded display by chasing each other with their wings up and back, much like the way they chase prey. Once paired up they are devoted and remain together for life…  They usually mate on the ground, although some do so in Acacia trees.

  • Jesus gave His life so that we may remain devoted, loyal and remain together for life…
  • He knew that we would walk away from Him from time to time..
  • Is that the reason why He said,

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Mathew 24:13)

If we cannot walk with Him on earth all through our life of may be about eighty years, do you think it is possible for us to live with Him in heaven forever and ever?

So as Secretary birds pair for life, they are remarkably faithful to their nest site too. The nest is generally placed low in the fork of a tree, usually an acacia. The huge bundle of sticks grows year by year in the manner of an eagle’s eyrie. Nests are built at a height of 5–7 m (15–20 feet) on Acacia trees. Both the male and female visit the nest site for almost half a year before egg laying takes place. The nest is around 2.5 m (eight feet) wide and 30 cm (one foot) deep, and is constructed as a relatively flat basin of sticks.

  • God is remarkable faithful to finish the good work which He has started in you..
  • But, how faithful are we to Him?

These birds visit their nest site for almost half the year..

  • You know, Jesus is preparing a kingdom for us since the foundation of the world..
  • What a loving God we have!!!!

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (Mathew 25:34)

Secretary Birds occupy an ecological niche similar to that occupied by Peafowl in South and South east Asia, Roadrunners in North and Central America and Seriemas in Soth America.

The Secretary Bird is the National Emblem as well as a prominent feature on the Coat of Arms of Sudan. In Sudan, it is featured in the middle white strip of the Presidential Flag; it is the main object on the Presidential Seal, and features heavily in Sudanese military insignia. The Secretary Bird on the Presidential Flag and Seal has its head turned to the right, with its distinctive crest clearly visible and its wings spread out with a white banner between its outstretched wings reading “Victory is Ours”.

We are the crown of the King of kings and the Lord of lords..

Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. (Isaiah 62:3)

We shall be victorious because we have a God who said

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands. (1 Samuel 17:47)

Yahweh Nissi- The Lord is our banner..

Have a blessed day!

Your’s in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at:  Crosstree

Accipitriformes Order of the Sagittariidae Family

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Using Whatever Talent the Lord Has Given You

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Thought I would share an article that I wrote for our church blog (The Fountain).
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As many of you know, around Faith Baptist, I am known as the “Bird Lady.” Also many have read the “Birds of the Bible” articles of the past. How did this come about?

When I was 16 years old (1960) I accepted the Lord as my Saviour and thus began my journey with the Lord. The Lord allowed me to attend Bob Jones University through the War Orphans Fund (my father died as a result of the war and my mother died when I was 13). Not being from an educational family (D+ average in high school), I struggled academically, but the desire to finish was strong. I finished my degree 16 years after I started with a Bible major. I had tried many majors, but never found what I wanted.

While we were on vacation this summer, we attended a friend’s church and they were questioning things that became a turning point in our lives. There were various testimonies given and then I remembered one that changed me. In 1979, Dan and I purchased our first computer, a Radio Shack Model I. I spent hours teaching myself all about it and learning to program. That computer and the many since gave me a direction and a niche for me to fill. I always told the Lord that I just didn’t have any talents to offer Him. Long story short, I became a computer teacher and ended up even getting a Masters degree in Computer Education.

Sunbittern at Lowry Park Zoo by Dan

In the late 80’s I became a birdwatcher. A naturalist at our local park became my mentor. I had always loved the out of doors and enjoyed watching God’s creation, but could not put many names on what I saw. Birds are just so beautiful and show the Lord’s creative hand so much. I am just amazed and love watching them. Another niche!

Now there were three important parts to my life; the Lord, computers and birds. (Of course Dan is there also) My desire and prayers were that the Lord would let me blend those three things into some sort of ministry for Him. It began by doing five-minute presentations to a junior Sunday School class each week. When we moved up here to Faith, I couldn’t find an outlet to do my bird presentations until the Lord, through Stephen, let me start doing the “Birds of the Bible” on the blog here.

I started my own blog to learn how to do the articles. Now, the Lord is blessing my blog by letting the “Birds of the Bible” and many other Christian birdwatching articles be read by people all over the world. And, now, I am the “Bird Lady” and I thank the Lord for His Love and Grace to let me be called by that name.

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3 KJV)

My prayer and challenge for the readers is that you also will let the Lord use what ever talent or gift you have for Him. Maybe you love bugs, flowers, music, or whatever. Maybe you are an encourager, good cook, child sitter, nursery worker, like to visit the sick, etc. We all have something that the Lord has given us. Let the Lord use what you have for Him so that we can help reach others with the Gospel and God’s Love.

Gospel Message

Wordless Birds

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