Tag Archives: Inspiration

Nuggets Plus – Prairie Dogs and Deer

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Praire Dog - National Zoo ©WikiC

Praire Dog – National Zoo ©WikiC

Nuggets Plus – Prairie Dogs and Deer by A J Mithra

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Nuggets Plus

Nuggets Plus

Prairie Dogs – Squirrel like rodents build listening room in its underground tunnel to listen for danger before going outskirts…

Do we have the habit of listening to God’s voice and direction before we go out?

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. (Psalms 143:8 KJV)

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

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) ©WikiC

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) ©WikiC

Deer prefer to live in its established territory for life and even prefers to starve than to leave its territory!

God promised to give us feet of deer and place us high above the rock ..

But do we live in His territory?

He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. (2 Samuel 22:34 ESV)

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(Thoughts by a j mithra, layout by Lee and verses by God)

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Nuggets Plus

AJMithra

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The Rock Ptarmigan – The Crown

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Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) by Daves BirdingPix

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) by Daves BirdingPix

The Rock Ptarmigan – The Crown ~ by a j mithra

The Rock Ptarmigan is seasonally camouflaged; its feathers moult from white in winter to brown in spring or summer. The breeding male has greyish upper parts with white wings and under parts. In winter, its plumage becomes completely white except for the black tail. It can be distinguished from the winter Willow Ptarmigan (Willow Ptarmigan in North America) by habitat—the Rock Ptarmigan prefers higher elevations and more barren habitat; it is also smaller with a more delicate bill.

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) ©USFWS

Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) ©USFWS

A bird that is smaller and with more delicate bill prefers higher elevation…

Interesting isn’t it?

It is when we become smaller, subdued and humble that God takes us to higher elevation.

He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. (Psalm 40:2)

The higher elevation maybe more barren and it may have delicate bills but still this bird prefers higher elevation…

Most of us judge ourselves by what we have, failing to understand that in our weakness

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

His strength is complete and that is the reason He chooses the weak.
So that His name shall be glorified

  • Not in strength but in weakness’
  • Not in abundance but in want..
  • Not through the wise but through the fools.

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (1 Corinthians 1:27)

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus Muta) in winter plumage ©WikiC

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus Muta) in winter plumage ©WikiC

The small population living on Franz Josef Land in the Russian High Arctic, overwinter during the polar night, and survives by feeding on rich vegetation on and underneath high cliffs where seabird colonies are located in summer. The Rock Ptarmigan feeds primarily on birch and willow buds and catkins when available. It will also eat various seeds, leaves, flowers and berries of other plant species. Insects are eaten by the developing young.

Apart from the comb, the male Rock Ptarmigan has no ornaments or displays that are typical for grouses in temperate regions. Studies on other grouses have shown that much variation in comb size and colour exists
between the species, and that the comb is used in courtship display and aggressive interactions between males.

This reminds us of how the colorful garment of Jesus was stripped, torn into twelve pieces and shared among the soldiers right under the cross, even as the Rock was grieving in pain for our sins..

Jesus did not have any ornaments or displays on the cross except the crown of thorns.

He bore not the crown of thorns but bore the brunt of mockery to give us the crown of eternal life isn’t it?

And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” (Matthew 27:29)

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus Muta) ©Wiki

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus Muta) ©Wiki

Many studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between the comb size and the level of testosterone in males; one report from 1981 showed that the amount of testosterone is correlated to aggressiveness against other males. The male’s comb has been the focus of studies regarding sexual selection. Studies of a population of male Rock Ptarmigans in Scarpa Lake, Nunavut, have shown that during the first year, mating success among males was influenced by comb size and condition, and bigamous males had larger combs than monogamous males. The correlation to size disappeared after the first year, but the correlation to comb
condition remained.

This is consistent with another study of the same population of L. muta that showed that mating success overall is correlated to comb condition. Exceptions were first-time breeders, in which the size of the comb influenced mating success. The mating success is correlated to comb condition..

There is a strong correlation between the life we live for Christ and the crown that God has kept for us.

  • We need to receive a crown not just to show off but to live eternally with the King..
  • Our King wore a crown of thorns so that His Queen, the Church shall wear the Crown of Life and reign with Him forever and ever.

What kind of a crown would God give us?

Here are a those five crowns that God had kept for us..

God has got an “IMPERISHABLE CROWN” for those who run a faithful, unselfish race, crucifying all their earthly desires and focusing on just the cross.

Did Jesus asked us to carry our cross for this?

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 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. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)

“THE CROWN OF JOY” is there for those who bring souls into His kingdom. Working towards standing as a living testimony for others to follow Christ through our selfless Christ-like lifestyle…

Are we working selflessly to bring souls to His kingdom?

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? For ye are our glory and joy. (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)

Here is another crown that awaits us, that is the “THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS”

Are you waiting anxiously for the Lord? In that case you will surely receive this crown, when Jesus, the King returns.

  • How are we waiting?
  • Patiently?
  • Diligently?
  • Anxiously?

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)

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus Muta) ©WikiC mother and chick

Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus Muta) ©WikiC mother and chick

There is another crown for us, “THE CROWN OF LIFE”.

It is for those who endure temptations, trials, pain and agony for the sake of the Lord.

  • People around you may live a life of luxury and abundance.
  • But we are called to overcome earthly desires.
  • Do we deserve this crown?

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12)

This crown, “THR CROWN OF GLORY” has a long price tag.

Pay and receive. Here is the bill..

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. (1 Peter 5:1-4)

Now, it’s time for us to switch on our search lights to see what kind of crown do we deserve..

Have a blessed day!
Yours in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at:
CrossTree

ajmithra21

The Scaled Quail – The Cover Seeker

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Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) ©WikiC

Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) ©WikiC

The Scaled Quail – The Cover Seeker ~ by ajmithra

The Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata), also commonly called Blue Quail or Cottontop, is a species of the New World quail family. It is a bluish gray bird found in the arid regions of the Southwestern United States
to Central Mexico.

These birds seek for four different covers. They are as follows :

Feeding cover: Scaled Quail use grass clumps and shrubs for cover while feeding. In one study they were frequently seen crossing 82 to 165 feet (25–50 m) of bare ground. When disturbed, Scaled Quail hid in snakeweed (Gutierrezia spp.) or in grass clumps. In June and July foraging occurs on open grasslands which are not used at other times.

We have Jesus, our Good Shepherd, who makes us lie down beside still waters. But, times are fast approaching where the church may be stopped from feeding on the word of God and the church may have to hide during the times of tribulation..

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. Amos 8:11

Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) by DavesBirdingPix

Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) by DavesBirdingPix

Loafing cover: Scaled Quail coveys occupy loafing or resting cover after early morning feeding periods. Scaled Quail occupy desert grassland or desert scrub with a minimum of one loafing covert per approximately 70 acres (28 ha). In northwestern Texas, loafing coverts were characterized by:

  1. overhead woody cover,
  2. lateral screening cover,
  3. a central area with bare soil, and
  4. one or more paths through the lateral cover.

Covert heights ranged from 1.6 to 5.9 feet (0.5–1.8 m) and 2.6 to 6.9 feet (0.8–2.1 m) in diameter. Cholla formed all or part of the overhead cover of 85% of coverts, even though they were dominant
at only 12% of the study locations. In areas where Scaled Quail occur without cholla, woody species such as wolfberry (Lycium spp.) and mesquite are important for overhead cover.

In Oklahoma pinyon-juniper habitats, Scaled Quail use the shade of tree cholla (Cylindropuntia imbricata) and human-made structures. In Arizona, Scaled Quail occupied wolfberry and mesquite 1.7 to 5 feet (0.5–1.5 m) tall for loafing cover. This overhead cover provides midday shade, but is open at the base to allow easy escape from predators. In Oklahoma, winter home ranges always contained skunkbush sumac, tree cholla, or human-made structures providing overhead cover.

The highlight during the migration of millions of Israelites across the wilderness for forty years is the overhead cover that God gave them in the form of Pillar of clouds during the day and Pillar of fire during the night. Our God is the same yesterday, today and forever. There is protection for everyone for all seasons..

And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain. Isaiah 4:6

Mountain-Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) Cover for Scaled Quail ©WikiC

Mountain-Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) Cover for Scaled Quail ©WikiC

Night-roosting cover: Scaled Quail roosts were observed in yucca (Yucca angustifolia), tree cholla, and true mountain-mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) – yucca-fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) vegetation types. The height of vegetation used for night roosts was less than 1.6 feet (0.5 m).

No matter wherever you are and whatever situation you are in, just remember what king David said..,

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139: 8-10

Even during the darkest hour, as we stumble, confused and seeking direction, His protection and direction never seizes. He not only keeps His eyes on us, but also keeps us as the apple of His eyes. His light shall shine upon us to direct our path.

If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.” Psalm 139:11-12

Catclaw Acacia (Acacia greggii) Cover for Scaled Quail ©WikiC

Catclaw Acacia (Acacia greggii) Cover for Scaled Quail ©WikiC

Nesting cover: In March or April winter coveys spread out into areas with less cover. This use of areas with less cover coincides with a seasonal decrease in the number of raptors in the same area.

Scaled Quail nests are constructed under tufts of grasses, and are sheltered by sagebrush (Artemisia spp.), creosotebush (Larrea tridentata), mesquite, catclaw acacia (Acacia greggii), cactus, or yucca; under
dead Russian-thistle (Salsola kali), mixed forbs, or soapweed yucca; or sheltered in old machinery or other human-made debris.

In Oklahoma, 66% of nests were in one of four situations:

  1. dead Russian-thistle,
  2. machinery and junk,
  3. mixed forbs, and
  4. soapweed yucca.

In New Mexico, ordination of breeding birds and vegetative microhabitats indicated that Scaled Quail were associated with increased levels of patchiness and increased cover of mesquite and cactus.

Birds build nests in different places, sometimes in the most unusual place. But still, the chicks prefer the protection under the wings of its parents.

Where do we seek for protection?

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

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4

The most secure cover for our lives does not come from our million dollars life insurance policies but from assurance that God has gave us through His bloodshed, suffering and death on the cross of Calvary.

Is your Life insured in Christ?

Have a blessed day!

Yours in YESHUA,
a j mithra

Please visit us at:

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Check out his articles here at  A J Mithra and his Nuggets Pluss

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Birds of the Bible – Goldfinches Are On The Way

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Goldfinches 4-1-13 No screen clean window (7)

Even the stork in the sky knows her seasons. The turtledove, swallow, and crane are aware of their migration, but My people do not know the requirements of the LORD. (Jeremiah 8:7 HCSB)

We have been having American Goldfinches at the feeders for the last few weeks. Don’t see them often, so was enjoying their presence. They kept building in numbers from 6 at first, then 12 about a week ago, then Easter Sunday there were at least 20 of them. It even motivated me to wash the window and take out the screen on Monday to get better photos of them.

Yesterday morning, Wednesday, I checked out the window to see how many there were now. Not a one! So throughout the morning I kept checking, NONE! When we went out, there was no singing in the trees that we have been hearing lately. Needless to say, I was a little disappointed, but it didn’t take long to figure out where they were. GONE!!!

Keep your eyes open up north, the Goldfinches are on the way. This is a spring occurrence down here. The birds fold up their lounge chairs, pack the bellies full of my sunflower seed and head back home. They have territories to claim, nest to build, broods to raise and give you now the pleasure of viewing them and listening to their songs. ENJOY!

It’s your turn to enjoy the Lord’s beautiful American Goldfinches as they migrate up to you. Treat them nice and when fall comes, send them back, please.

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Birds of the Bible Articles

Bible Birds
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You Don’t Have to Be a Christian to Call on Jesus – Re-blogged

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jesus-on-donkey-wikiped

Sandra Connor has written an excellent article called

You Don’t Have to Be a Christian to Call on Jesus.

“Here comes Jesus!”

“Jesus of Nazareth is coming!”

“Do you see Him yet?”

“Here He comes!”

“Here comes Jesus!”

Excitement was rampant, and cries of “Hosanna” filled the air. Shouts of joy and triumph could be heard for miles along the road, and people rushed to lay palm branches and their personal garments as a carpet of welcome. Jesus of Nazareth was coming to Jerusalem.

This carpenter-teacher who had journeyed among them for nearly three years, teaching them, healing them, feeding them, forgiving them, raising their dead. This miracle worker, this wise man, this man who was gentle enough to draw crowds of children to his side yet bold enough He would soon drive money-changers from the temple with a whip — this man whom many claimed was the prophesied Messiah of Jehovah — this man was coming again to Jerusalem! I’m sure, had we been there, we would have heard the message repeated over and over again for miles: “Here comes Jesus! Here comes Jesus!”

For the rest of the article – You Don’t Have to Be a Christian to Call on Jesus.

Sandra is a Christian writer who has some very interesting articles and books worth checking out.

Sandra Conner…By the Book

Morningbird – A Voice In The Morning

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Morningbird (Colluricincla tenebrosa) by Margaret Sloan

Morningbird (Colluricincla tenebrosa) by Margaret Sloan

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. (Psalms 5:3 KJV)

The Morningbird (Colluricincla tenebrosa) is a songbird species in the family Pachycephalidae. It is also known a “Brown Pitohui, Morning Bird, Morning Pitohui, Morningbird, Palau Morning Bird, Palau Morningbird, and Palau Pitohui” (Avibase) At the present time it is a bird of “Least Concern” but it is hard to find a photo of it. That is what caught my attention to it. I liked its name. A recording of the Morningbird by Todd Mark (xeno-canto) made a remark that it was the “first loud singer of dawn chorus.” That seems to be appropriate according to the name it has been given,

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. (Psalms 55:17 KJV)

Morningbird (Colluricincla tenebrosa) by Margaret Sloan

Morningbird (Colluricincla tenebrosa) by Margaret Sloan

The Morningbird is endemic to the islands of Babelthuap, Koror, Garakayo, Peleliu and Ngabad in Palau. Its natural habitat is deep primary tropical moist lowland forests. The species is non-migratory. It is apparently commoner on the smaller islands in its range. The feed principally on insects, but also take snails, berries, fruit, and seeds. They feed on or around the ground. Checking the internet, there are many birds called by that name because they sing in the morning, but very few photos. (Margaret Sloan just gave permission to use her photos of this bird, thanks.)

There are videos of a Morningbird Song. Most probably do not know that there actually is a “Morningbird.” Here is one verse of that song:

You are the blood of me
The harvest of my dreams
There’s nowhere I can find peace
And the silence won’t cease

Sorry, but just because a Morning Bird flew away, our lives should not be like those words. We can have peace and knowing the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior is the only real peace anyone really receives. He is the way to peace:

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:1-6 KJV)

Palau Morningbird Pitohui © Mandy Etpison

But to You I cry, O Lord; and in the morning shall my prayer come to meet You. (Psalms 88:13 AMP)

The Morningbird (Colluricincla tenebrosa) is a member of the Pachycephalidae – Whistlers and Allies Family. There are presently 58 species that are assigned to that family by the IOC. Others place it in the Colluricinclidae family according to Wikipedia, yet I can’t find much about that family. They are closely related to the Shrike-thrushes and some sources list it as a Pitohui

(Wikipedia and other internet sources)

Links:

Gospel Message

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Bird of the World – Firewood-gatherer

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Firewood-gatherer (Anumbius annumbi) ©WikiC

Firewood-gatherer (Anumbius annumbi) ©WikiC

The Firewood-gatherer (Anumbius annumbi) is a species of bird in the Furnariidae family. It is the only member of the genus Anumbius.

It is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, pastureland, and heavily degraded former forest.

It got its name because it is frequently seen carrying sticks to its nest. It interweaves thorny twigs to build its nest. It can be up to 6½ ft (2 m) tall and decorated with glass or threads. The young from the first brood may be ejected from the territory, but may help raise the second brood.

For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. (Proverbs 26:20 ESV)

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (Proverbs 26:20-22 KJV)

This next verse I don’t think applies to the Firewood-gatherer bird. I am sure they don’t know one day from the other, so I am sure they do not get in trouble.

Now while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. (Numbers 15:32 NKJV)

Firewood-gatherer (Anumbius annumbi) Nest ©WikiC

Firewood-gatherer (Anumbius annumbi) Nest ©WikiC

I discovered this uniquely named bird while working on Furnariidae family. After working on the Toucans, this family of 307 species is rather bland. They are mostly brownish, with little color so I was not as excited trying to find the photos. Yet, the Lord created them all, and who am I to judge them by just their outer feathers? Isn’t that true of us? We aren’t to place one person above another.

My brothers, ye should not have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory, in favoritism. For if a man with a gold ring in bright clothing comes into your synagogue, and also a poor man in dirty clothing comes in, and ye have regard for the man wearing the bright clothing, and say to him, Sit thou here well, and ye say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit here below my footstool, then are ye not partial among yourselves, and become judges from evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, did not God choose the poor of the world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, which he promised to those who love him? (James 2:1-5 ACV)

Even the birds can help us learn lessons that are good for us. Praise the Lord for all He does to help us serve Him better. Look around, there are lessons everywhere to be discerned and taken to heart.

(Wikipedia and other internet sources)

Anumbius annumbi (Firewood Gatherer) by Jose Ignacio, Maldonado

See:

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Birds of the Bible – Prayer

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Sandhill Cranes with "Colts"

Sandhill Cranes with “Colts”

“Ah, Soul, God does listen to the chattering of cranes! I know He does, for I have read in His Word what is tantamount to that in the text [Isaiah 38:14],

Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me. (Isaiah 38:14 KJV)

Northern Raven (Corvus corax) by Kent Nickell

Northern Raven (Corvus corax) by Kent Nickell

“He hears the young ravens when they cry.”

And surely if He hears a raven’s cry and if not a sparrow falls to the ground without our Father, your prayer, though it may be very indistinct and the language, itself, may be very unworthy of the Divine ear, yet it shall command an audience and will bring down a blessing from above!”

American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) w chicks ©USFWS

American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) w chicks ©USFWS

Above is a quote from C. H. Spurgeon’s Notable Quotes: —Volume 61, Sermon #3468

 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. (Psalms 5:1-3 KJV)

See all the:

Birds of the Bible

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“A Cardinal Sits With Me” ~ by Sandra Conner

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“A Cardinal Sits With Me” by Sandra Conner (Re-post)

This is a delightful poem by Sandra.

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A Cardinal Sits With Me

CARDINAL - HOLLINGSWORTH - BFPA Cardinal sits with me at end of day.
It is a bleak, unhappy time,
And I have lost my way.

He seems content to stay a while and rest,
And my front porch is cool with shade,
Sun moving to the west.

To read the rest of A Cardinal Sits With Me.

One is Enough ~ by Dottie Malcolm

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American Robin by Dan at Lake Howard

American Robin by Dan

“One is Enough” ~ by Dorothy “Dottie” Belle Malcolm

Having just returned home from a house cleaning job, my mind wasn’t about birds, but the greeting I would get from my dog Ruby. She was her usual happy, jumpy, self – anticipating a doggy treat for being left home alone.

I was not happy to find her soaking wet. This meant I had not closed the door well to the shower room and she had spent her time there during my absence. It would have been OK except my shower drips continuously – (yes, I do have a plan to have it checked out.) And this is a dog who hated to be showered! Figure that.

So anyway, I told her I needed to check the mail. And yes, she knows what this means. She ran outdoors and as we headed for the mailbox I heard a very familiar sound. We had startled a robin! Oh joy! I carefully began looking for it and found it was still hanging around a flower bed.

I don’t remember who I thanked first, the robin for being in my yard, or the Lord for sending it there!

It is the first and so far the only one I have seen in my yard this year. Recalling the year my yard was filled with them in Feb. 2010 and had told them they were all welcome back, put paid no return visits.

Having at least one, made my day. I’m not hard to please. I do hope to see it again, but if not, I’m happy anyway.

Every time I look out the window on this beautiful spring day, I will have a spirit of thanksgiving. Being able to enjoy God’s Creation is a great blessing.

One Robin is enough.

Dot Malcolm

(Feb 15, 2013)

Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart! (Psalms 32:11 NKJV)

American Robin (Turdus migratorius)by Raymond Barlow

American Robin)by Raymond Barlow

Lee’s Addition:

What a great event. Dottie handed this to me Saturday morning at our annual Volunteer’s Breakfast. All those who volunteer around church are treated to a meal prepared by our Pastors and staff. Dottie has been a faithful Primary Sunday School teacher for years. Reading this story, I can see why they all love her and enjoy her teaching so much. Thank you, Dottie.

See her other articles:

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Singing In The Rain – Rejoicing

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Today at 10:00 we say, “until we meet again” to a Deacon, Head Usher, Marine veteran and a dear friend at our church. He went on to glory last Saturday and this is in honor of him and an encouragement for his dear wife and all of us his friends.

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)

(Below was taken from the 2000+ Illustrations.)

Rejoicing Always

A saintly woman who had suffered for weary months from a painful illness said to her pastor, “I have such a lovely robin that sings outside my window. In the early mornings as I lie here, he serenades me.”
Then a smile brightened her thin features as she added, “I love him because he sings in the rain.”

That is the most beautiful thing about a robin. When a storm has silenced every other songbird, the robin sings on. That is what the Christian who is with Christ may do. Any one can sing in the sunshine. You and I should sing on when the sun has gone down, or when clouds pour out their rain, for Christ is with us.

American Robin Singing

European Robin Singing Rain or Shine

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Birdwatching Behavior – Illustration

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American Robin (Turdus migratorius) eating by Jim Fenton

American Robin (Turdus migratorius) eating by Jim Fenton

“A few years ago my mom began feeding the birds on a regular basis in our backyard. At first, some of the birds were greedy. They weren’t sure if there would be enough food to go around. The starlings were especially mean, which doesn’t surprise anyone familiar with birds. They would attack the robins, cardinals, and sparrows that came to get a taste. This situation continued for several months until one day there was a noticeable change in the bird’s behavior.

After years of regular feeding from the unlimited supply, the birds appeared to be less greedy with the food. Now they were feeding at their leisure—realizing there would be more food when their current supply was finished. Then, last month, something even more remarkable happened. After all these months of hording, greed, and then cautiously enjoying, the birds began to demonstrate a nobler characteristic. They began calling for one another at mealtime.

Today, when the seed is spread for the birds, one will call for the others to share what they’ve discovered. The greed is less frequent. The jealous pecking is rare. The trees seem fuller these days with the joy of satisfaction from birds that have learned to share. The music of multiple species fills the air. Now they know the supply is unlimited. And as far as their appetite is concerned, it’s inexhaustible.

Just this morning, I noticed a sparrow feeding right beside a starling. Miracles never cease.

Why can’t this happen in the church?

God’s grace is inexhaustible and we ought to be calling other sinners to the fount where we’ve found refreshment and renewal.”

Charles K. Grant (An Illustration from SermonCentral.com)

All the earth will worship You, And will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your name.” Selah. Come and see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men. (Psalms 66:4-5 NASB)

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