For Saturday, January 5th, 2013

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JANUARY 5th, 2013

74 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

Snow birds welcome!

It's  SATURDAY

National Bird Day is celebrated on January 5th

People love birds. Bird watching is a favorite pastime of millions of people. It is the most popular of hobbies, and can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of age. Today we honor our feathered friends both big and small. 

National Bird Day was established by bird activists. It calls upon people to recognize the plight of captive birds. It also draws attention to exploitation of birds in the U.S. pet industry. On this day, organizers suggest we reflect upon the conditions of birds held in captivity.

National Bird Day encourages us to take a few minutes to watch and observe birds, as well as to feed them.

Be like the bird that, passing on her flight awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing that she hath wings.  

Victor Hugo

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever remains to them? 

Rose F. Kennedy 

Now that winter is here, I don't do as much bird watching as I did when the weather was nice and I could sit on the patio and watch them.  One Spring we sat for hours watching a little wren trying to make a nest in the bird house in the back yard.  She was a determined little Jenny Wren for sure.  

A lot of birds are still here and if I look out my back door I'll see them at the feeders.  I often wonder where they go and if they  mind this cold weather.  

It has been bitterly cold out.  Even indoors I'll feel a chill now and then as this old house is drafty when the wind blows.  I just put another layer of clothing on.  The picture above was taken when we were out by the lake last year.

Hope you all are staying warm!  Have a super Saturday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

For song of bird, and hum of bee; For all things fair we hear or see, Father in heaven, we thank Thee! 

Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am trying to count at least 3 things I'm thankful for each day and then in 1 year's time I'll have counted 1000 gifts.

I’ll be sharing them and giving thanks to God for these gifts each day,

146. for bacon egg and cheese biscuits, one of my favorite treets

147. for Cardinals that brighten a winter day

148. for sunlight peeping out behind the clouds

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

Please pray for God's protection of

our troops and HIS wisdom for their

commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in

your loving hands.

Protect them as they protect us.

Bless them and their families for the

selfless acts they perform for us

in our time of need. I ask this in the

name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

Tonight is Twelfth Night, the evening before Epiphany, marking the end of medieval Christmas festivities.

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma