Tag Archives: Inspiration

A J Mithra – Now With His Lord

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A J Mithra

A J Mithra

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

I just received word that A. J. Mithra passed away yesterday, Friday, January 31, 2014, of a cardiac arrest. They had the funeral today. A J was 54 and is survived by his wife and two children. He knew the Lord as his personal Saviour and we know that He is in the presence of the Lord.

The Times of India has this article: Chronicler of birdsong Mithra falls silent. His Facebook page, Aj Mithra, is still active for now.

I knew he has not sent many articles lately and when I contacted him recently, he told me that he was not feeling well. Here is an excerpt for that e-mail.

So many things had happened during the past few months.. Our son had a fall while playing basketball and developed a hairline crack. Then my wife’s vocal chord got so bad that she was asked to stop talking for two months.. She is still having pain and is on medical leave. Our daughter was down with fever and now since a week I’m unwell too.

Please keep A. J.’s family in your prayers as I know we will. His articles were always such a joy to receive and place on here. He had a way of watching birds and then coming up with his applications. It always made one stop and think, and then want to correct a behavior that the Lord might not be pleased with.

His articles are posted on his page here at: A J Mithra

I, personally am going to miss him greatly. We have become good friends over the years. He had recently gotten a nice camera and was having a great time photographing birds, which he loved. Here are a few from his Facebook page.

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Here are some of his articles:

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The Whole Creation Has Been Groaning………..

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Anole on Fence - Carolina Anole ©WikiC

Anole on Fence – Carolina Anole ©WikiC

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. (Romans 8:22)

The following is not one of my latest stories, but because it concerns one of God’s creations I dare to let you see it. Many people would laugh at me and, by the way some of my happenings can be seen as being laughable….even unbelievable!

About two years ago, when I was living in West Palm Beach, I was going through a difficult time. I well remember the few days when I used to sit outside and read. Lizards, as you Americans know, are a well-known sight and one particular lizard came down from the tree at the back of me and hid behind the drain pipe. It kept peeping at me from one side of pipe to the other. I took little notice!

The next day, same lizard, came across the lawn and performed once more. Maybe it wanted to grab my attention, but then it was only a common lizard.

On day three the same lizard ( or so I believe ) scampered across the lawn and commenced to do its tricks from behind the drain pipe. However, I felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me, reminding me of the Scripture in Jonah 4: 7 how that God appointed a worm to attack the gourd that was sheltering Jonah. Could it be that God had sent a lizard to tell me that He would be with me and never forsake me. despite my difficult circumstances? I felt it necessary to put may tongue out at him and if he responded I would know that God was in this strange situation!

But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. (Jonah 4:7)

Anole Lick ©WikiC

Anole Lick ©WikiC

The next time my little friend popped its head out and looked at me, I put my tongue out at him. Immediately out came a big orange tongue like a small balloon! Then this ‘appointed ‘ lizard disappeared, never to be seen again. A few days later I was admitted into Wellington Hospital with a virus which took me off my feet. I knew that God was aware of all my circumstances even to the most minute detail.

Peter England

(One of this blog’s readers and commenter)

Green Anole – Wikipedia

Lee’s Addition:

This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. (Psalms 119:50)

Thanks Peter for an interesting story and inspiration.

Peter is one of our reader’s and comments often. He lives in the U.K. at the time. He has some more tales that will shared later. The one about his encounter with a blackbird will be published soon.

I am always willing to use guest writers. If you have something to share, let me know. I can be reached at Lee@Leesbird.com

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Birds of the Bible – Patience Of…. A Duck?

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Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) and Pintail by Lee at ZM 2014

Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) and Pintail by Lee at ZM 2014

But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night, Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, And makes us wiser than the birds of heaven?’ (Job 35:10-11)

We know that God has given us more insight and wisdom than the animals and birds. Unfortunately, sometimes we need to observe the birds to see how we should behave. There are many times we can learn from watching their behaviors.

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

While at the Zoo Miami’s Wings of Asia aviary, this behavior was captured on video. It’s between Ferruginous Ducks and a Mandarin Duck.

Can you think of some lessons that can be observed and learned? Are those ducks patient? Was one, the Mandarin Duck, jumping the line? What can be seen in their behaviors? Did you notice the eyes of the waiting duck? He wants it, but he is waiting. He even keeps his beak shut. Do we complain when things don’t go right? etc.

Here are some verses about patience, waiting and kindness that we can be taught from the birds.

Patience:

These all wait for You, That You may give them their food in due season. (Psalms 104:27)

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You. (Psalms 25:21)

Kindness:

Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. (1 Corinthians 11:33)

Breaking in Line – Mandarin:

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm. (Psalms 37:7-8)

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The Ferruginous Duck, also Ferruginous Pochard (Aythya nyroca) is a medium-sized diving duck from Eurasia. The species is known colloquially by birders as “Fudge Duck”. They are members of the Anatidae – Ducks, Geese & Swans Family.

Their breeding habitat is marshes and lakes with a metre or more water depth. These ducks breed in southern and eastern Europe and southern and western Asia. They are somewhat migratory, and winter farther south and into north Africa.

The adult male is a rich chestnut colour with a darker back and a yellow eye. The pure white undertail helps to distinguish this species from the somewhat similar Tufted Duck. The female is similar but duller, and with a dark eye.

These are gregarious birds, forming large flocks in winter, often mixed with other diving ducks, such as Tufted Ducks and Pochards.

These birds feed mainly by diving or dabbling. They eat aquatic plants with some molluscs, aquatic insects and small fish. They often feed at night, and will upend (dabble) for food as well as the more characteristic diving.

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Sunday Inspiration – Laughingthrush

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Blue-crowned Laughingthrush (Garrulax courtoisi) at Cincinnati Zoo by Lee

Blue-crowned Laughingthrush (Garrulax courtoisi) at Cincinnati Zoo by Lee

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
(Hebrews 10:23-25 NKJV)

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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My Faith Still Holds by the Faith Baptist Orchestra. (Used With Permission of Faith Baptist Church)

(Music and photos are used by permission. If copied, you must obtain permission also.)

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Laughingthrushes are members of the Leiothrichidae – Laughingthrushes Family.

See:

Falling Plates

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More Sunday Inspiration

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My Heart is Fixed (Re-blog)

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“O God, my heart is fixed ; I will sing and give praise , even with my glory.” Psalm 108:1

“Praise ye the LORD.

Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

His seed shall be mighty upon earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed.

Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

Read the rest

(Re-blogged from Faithrises)

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Sunday Inspiration – Eagles

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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)

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This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Listen to music as the slideshow presents some of the Lord’s beautifully created birds.

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Don’t Give Up © by The Hyssongs (Used With Permission of the Hyssongs)

(Music and photos are used by permission. If copied, you must obtain permission also.)

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Eagles are members of the Accipitridae – Kites, Hawks and Eagles Family.

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More Sunday Inspiration

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Grey (or Gray) Catbird Mimicry

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Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) by Africaddict

Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) by Africaddict

I came across a very interesting YouTube from the LabofOrnithology. It tells about how the Grey (Gray) Catbird mimics so many bird species (and a frog also). Listen as Greg Budney, audio curator at the Macaulay Library, dissects the recording and notes each snippet of mimicked song. (IOC uses the name Grey Catbird and some others still use the Gray spelling.)

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Isn’t that amazing? He produced it very well by showing the bird and then the Catbird mimicking it. I have always enjoyed finding our Grey Catbirds in this area. (When you can find them!)

Catbirds get their name because they belong to several unrelated groups of songbirds because their wailing calls, which resemble a cat’s meowing. The genus name Ailuroedus likewise is from the Greek for “cat-singer” or “cat-voiced”.

Australasian catbirds are the genera Ailuroedus and the monotypic Scenopooetes. They belong to the bowerbird family (Ptilonorhynchidae) of the basal songbirds:

  • White-eared Catbird (Ailuroedus buccoides) *LLABS
  • Green Catbird (Ailuroedus crassirostris)
  • Spotted Catbird (Ailuroedus melanotis)

New World catbirds are two monotypic genera from the mimid family (Mimidae) of the passeridan superfamily Muscicapoidea. Among the Mimidae, they represent independent basal lineages probably closer to the Caribbean thrasher and trembler assemblage than to the mockingbirds and Toxostoma thrashers:

  • Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis)*LLABS*
  • Black Catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris)

A monotypic genus from Africa. It is tentatively placed in the Sylviidae – Sylviid Babblers of the passeridan superfamily Sylvioidea, but possibly closer to the typical warblers of the Sylviidae.

  • Abyssinian Catbird (Parophasma galinieri)
Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) by Raymond Barlow

Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) by Raymond Barlow

Woe to the world for such temptations to sin and influences to do wrong!… (Matthew 18:7 AMP)

And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he repeated them in the hearing of the LORD. (1 Samuel 8:21 NKJV)

He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends. (Proverbs 17:9 AMP)

By the blessing of the influence of the upright and God’s favor [because of them] the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. He who belittles and despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful in spirit keeps the matter hidden. (Proverbs 11:11-13 AMP)

As I was watching the video some verses came to mind. What are we mimicking? I’ve written about the birds that repeat what we say in, Birds of the Bible – Repeating Birds. When we watch TV, listen to music, listen to speeches, read the newspaper, etc. We are being influenced. There are times when we “mimic” what we have seen or heard. It can go either way.

We can hear and mimic (copy) the good OR we can hear and mimic (copy) the bad. I trust we are following the Lord and His teachings.

If we mimic, let us mimic the Lord.

See:

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You’re the King(‘s) Bird

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Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) by Margaret Sloan

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) by Margaret Sloan

You’re the King(‘s) Bird ~ by a j mithra

With dark gray upper parts and a neat white tip to the tail, the Eastern Kingbird looks like it’s wearing a business suit.

And this big-headed, broad-shouldered bird does mean business—just watch one harassing crows, Red-tailed Hawks, Great Blue Herons, and other birds that pass over its territory.

Eastern Kingbirds often perch on wires in open areas and either sally out for flying insects or flutter slowly over the tops of grasses.

They spend winters in South American forests, where they eat mainly fruit.

Kingbirds are “passerines,” a taxonomic group commonly referred to as perching birds or songbirds. But kingbirds and other flycatchers are in a different subgroup from true songbirds, and they don’t have nearly as complex voices. Rather than learning their calls they probably perform them innately. The young begin to give adult calls at about two weeks of age.

God created us to worship Him after He threw satan.

This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.” Isaiah 43:21

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) by Daves BirdingPix

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) by Daves BirdingPix

Like these birds, worship in our lives should be innate.

  • But, what are we doing in our lives?

We seem to have preset, pre-timed and pre-modeled our spiritual lives in tune with traditional church practices. Come Sunday, we celebrate and worship like as if that would be the last day of our lives. What about week days? Week days seem to be weak days with no personal worship. Corporate worship is fine, but, if personal worship is missing in our lives, is it possible to survive the spiritual warfare against satan. After all, it’s the worship that breaks the hell loose isn’t it?

  • Did not Joshua and his men bring down the walls of Jericho through their worship?”
  • The worship of King Josiah’s choir brought them victory over their enemies isn’t it?
  • Peter and Silas worshipped and their worship broke their chains?

How many times have we read them all, but, do we practice them in our lives?
May be we think that these instances tell us about the power of corporate worship!

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2

If only we had set our lives based on the above verse, our lives would be as triumphant as King David isn’t it? That is the reason why God calls David as a man after His own heart!

And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Acts 13:22

The Bible calls us as the Royal priesthood. The price to be paid to be called so is worship.

  • David worshipped at all times and God turned him into a king.

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

  • Are we worthy to be called the Royal priesthood?
King's Crown ©©British Columbia Field Ornithologists

King’s Crown ©©British Columbia Field Ornithologists

It’s not called a kingbird for nothing. The Eastern Kingbird has a crown of yellow, orange, or red feathers on its head, but the crown is usually concealed.

We as children of the King of kings are not called the royal priesthood for nothing. That doesn’t mean that we are born with crowns over our heads, but, God is waiting
for us to finish our race to get our crown. We need to cross check our lives with that of the word of God to find out which crown we deserve to get at the end of the race.

Here are a few crowns waiting for us.

The Incorruptible Crown:

And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I Corinthians 9:25

The crown of rejoicing:

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” 1 Thessalonians 2:19

The crown of righteousness:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

The crown of glory:

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 5:4

The crown of life :

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10)

Above all God calls us as His crown. What privilege it is for sinners like me to be called as the crown that the Creator Himself holds in His hands!

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

When they encounter a potential predator the kingbird may simultaneously raise its bright crown patch,stretch its beak wide open to reveal a red gape, and dive-bomb the intruder.

What do we do when we encounter satan’s plans in our lives?

  • Raise our crown?
  • Dive-bomb?

Our God has given us double barreled ammunition to thwart and nullify satan’s plans. Be still and worship the King and He shall sent His heavenly army to raise a banner for us. For, He is Jehovah Nissi.

So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19

Yours in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Lee’s Addition:

Thanks A J. Glad you are finally getting better and able to produce another great article for us. Our prayers are with you.

The Eastern Kingbird, featured in this article is part of the Tyrannidae – Tyrant Flycatchers Family. There are 11 Kingbirds in the family. They belong to flycatchers

Snowy-throated Kingbird (Tyrannus niveigularis)
White-throated Kingbird (Tyrannus albogularis)
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Couch’s Kingbird (Tyrannus couchii)
Cassin’s Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans)
Thick-billed Kingbird (Tyrannus crassirostris)
Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus)
Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana)
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)
Grey Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis)
Giant Kingbird (Tyrannus cubensis)
Loggerhead Kingbird (Tyrannus caudifasciatus)

As the name implies, a great majority of tyrant-flycatchers are entirely insectivorous (though do not necessarily specialized in flies). However, food can vary greatly and some (like the large Great Kiskadee) will eat fruit or small vertebrates (e.g. small frogs). In North America, most species are associated with a “sallying” feeding style, where they fly up to catch an insect directly from their perch and then immediately return to the same perch. Most tropical species however do not feed in this fashion and several types prefer to glean insects from leaves and barks. Tropical species are sometimes found in mixed-species foraging flocks, where various types of passerines and other smallish birds are found feeding in proximity. (Wikipedia)

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2013’s Christmas Day

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©©Bing

©©Bing

Well, here we are on Christmas Day, December 25th. We hope you are having a very pleasant and blessed day, as the birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ’s “birthday” is celebrated. We know from Scripture that He has always been.

I have been established from everlasting, From the beginning, before there was ever an earth. (Proverbs 8:23 NKJV)

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 2:10-11 KJV)

The Lord chose to take on human flesh, to live a sinless life, and then die as a substitute for us and our sins on the cross. He was both God and man. What Love was shown to us by this. Salvation comes through Christ and Christ alone.

The last week or so, we have shown all the beautifully and colorfully created birds and also excerpts from our Everlasting Life Cantata. There are links at the bottom to those articles. There are some differences in the birds chosen for slideshows on the two blogs.

Today, we have the conclusion of the Everlasting Life cantata by Faith Baptist Church. Our pastor, Nathan Osborne III, speaks, prays and then the concluding finale by the choir. I trust you will enjoy it.

Lord Bless you and Merry Christmas.

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The Christmas Birds: Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures Plus

 

Joyous Christmas 2013

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Dove in Snow ©©Flickr Roguey000

Dove in Snow ©©Flickr Roguey000

I’ve dusted the Christmas post from the past. But the message is still the same and I wanted to present our pastor’s illustration at the Cantata ’08. It has a very good message.

Christmas of 2013 is here and those of us at Lee’s Birdwatching Adventures; Lee, Dan, A J, Ian and all the guest writers would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas. We are busy doing things for the special day when we celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.  We will be seeing our relatives again this year and will enjoy our time together. Tonight, Christmas Eve, we will be sharing the Candlelight Service with all of our friends at church. We hope your Christmas Day and week are just as enjoyable as ours will be.

During all the festivities, pause to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. We enjoy our birdwatching adventures throughout the year, and try to write and photograph our friends the birds, but our goal is to show God’s magnificent creation and point you to Him. We do not worship nature, but we do worship the Lord who created it all.

Please watch the video of my pastor, Nathan Osborne, III, as he gave an excellent illustration about birds out in the cold and snow. It helps to explain the true meaning of Christmas. (Part of our Christmas cantata, “From the Manger to the Cross”)

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:11-14 KJV)

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Sharing The Gospel

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Birds of the Bible – Woodpecker & Friend’s Storehouse

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Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) by Raymond Barlow

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) by Raymond Barlow

While working on the El Carpintero – The Woodpeckers article, many Bible verses about “gathering” and “storing” things were found. Following are some of those verses with photos. There is also a video of an Acorn Woodpecker gathering his supply.

We have used the verse about birds teaching us, so let’s see what can be learned this time about gathering and storing. (Job 12:7)

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) with Hoard or Grainary WikiC

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) with Hoard or Grainary WikiC

He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. (Proverbs 10:5 NKJV)

PIC-Pici Acorn Woodpecker Granary Tree holes ©Flickr Ornitholoco

Provides her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. (Proverbs 6:8 NKJV) (the ant)

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) by Reinier Munguia

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) by Reinier Munguia

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. (Proverbs 13:11 ESV)

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) by Ian

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) by Ian

Wise people store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; The destruction of the poor is their poverty. The labor of the righteous leads to life, The wages of the wicked to sin. (Proverbs 10:14-16 NKJV)

Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) by Ray - They will store food for later use.

Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) by Ray – They will store food for later use.

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; (Proverbs 2:7 NKJV)

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) Collecting for Cache

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) Collecting for Cache

For they do not know to do right,’ Says the LORD, ‘Who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.’ ” (Amos 3:10 NKJV)

Western Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica) Holding an Acorn ©WikiC

Western Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma californica) Holding an Acorn ©WikiC

storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Timothy 6:19 NKJV)

Grey-headed Chickadee (Poecile cinctus) ©WikiC

Grey-headed Chickadee or Siberian Tit (Poecile cinctus, formerly Parus cinctus) May store upto 500,000 items per year ©WikiC

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A Clash of Wills

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A tiny owl and an angry woodpecker clash - from Mail Online

A tiny owl and an angry woodpecker clash – from Mail Online

My friend, Pastor Pete, sent me this photo. I am sharing it with you all also. It was posted in the Mail Online. The two were battling over food for their young. Click Here to read the article.

He also sent me a photo of a Blue-footed Booby scratching. Couldn’t find it on line, but found this one by Max Ruckman that is ©©

Blue-footed Booby Scratching ©© Max Ruckman

Blue-footed Booby Scratching ©© Max Ruckman

We have been running all day, but wanted to share something with you. Keep watching those birds. You never know what they will be doing next.

I don’t believe the first two birds are giving a good example of this verse:

Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, (1 Timothy 6:18 NKJV)

and the second one:

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NKJV)

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