For Thursday, January 5th, 2023

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5TH , 2023

The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades.  May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks,  and boring grays of your every day.

Slightly adapted from one of my morning devotionals

'

75 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

In Ohio

 Sunrise:  7:54 am

 Sunset:   5:13 

pm

In Florida

Sunrise: 7:16

Sunset:  5:48

Life is a special 

occasion!

Hallmark!

Today is National Bird day which celebrates a favorite pastime ever since the the Victorian Era and the term bird watching first appeared in a book in 1901.  Millions of people across the globe consider themselves bird watchers.  This is defined as anyone who has traveled for the primary purpose of observing birds or has closely observed and identified birds around the home.

Since the late 19th century, bird protection has become an increasingly important issue.Birds are among the most popular animals in the exotic pet trade, and most birds in captive breading programs are kept for commercial gain.

In an attempt to put an end to bird captivity, every year Born Free USA the Animal Protections Institute and the Avian Welfare Coalition team up in support of National Bird Day.

To celebrate today, Bird enthusiasts around the world are asked to take action on behalf of captive birds.  Find out what you can do to help. 

If you cannot see the bright side, polish the dull side

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The reason birds can fly and we can’t is simply because they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings.

J.M. Barrie 

I like to think I’m a bird watcher and have enjoyed seeing many birds here in Florida. The birds in Ohio have left for southern climes, and I’m sure some of them are here.  They’ll come back in the Spring and I can once again enjoy watching them sitting on my sun porch. 

I don’t feed the birds, but they do enjoy the acorns that have fallen from my oak tree.  I stopped feeding them when I moved to where I now live as the bird seed not only attracts birds but also other critters like raccoons or even skunks.  They like to eat what has fallen on the ground. I’m not a fan of either of those critters.

Robins are often one of the first signs of Spring here and my mom used to love watching them. She said it sounded like they were saying, cheer up, cheer up, to her when she listened to them.

I’m looking forward to Spring and my first robin sighting. The birds pictured today are from trip we made in the Florida everglades in 2020. 

I hope you all have a GREAT day! Happy Thursday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest.

Josiah Gilbert Holland 

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is truly is always something to be thankful for.

10,941. for bird watching, it’s great entertainment 

10,942 for my sunporch to sit and watch the birds

10,943. for a visit to Florida where the birds are staying over the winter 

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.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters and EMT’s.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Be like the bird who, pausing in her flight awhile on the boughs too slight, feels the give them give way beneath her, and yet sings, knowing she has wings.

Victor Hugo 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,