For Friday, January 5th, 2024

 

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5TH, 2024

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

74 Days Until Spring 

In Ohio

   Sunrise:  7:54  am

   Sunset:   5:11  pm

Life is a special  

occasion!

Hallmark!

 

Today is National Bird Day which celebrates the study of birds which has been a popular pastime ever since the Victorian Era.  The term bird watching first appeared as the title of a book in 1901.  Millions of people across the globe consider themselves bird watcher.  This is defined as anyone who has traveled for the 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 there solely for commercial gain.

In an attempt to put an end to bird captivity, every year Born Free USA, the Animal Protection Institute, and Avian Welfare Coalition team up in support of National Bird Day.  Today, bird enthusiasts  and activists around the United States are ask to take action on behalf of captive birds.  

Celebrate today and do some bird watching outside, right around your house. 

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

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

A heart without dreams is like a bird without feathers.

Suzy Kassem

My sister who used to live next to me, was a bird watcher.  She fed the birds all year long and identified many different types of birds.  She taught me a lot.  I used to feed them too.  But since I’ve lived where I am, I haven’t fed the birds. The birdseed knocked to the ground also attracts other animals.  One of which is skunks.  They love the fallen bird seed too and so for that reason I no longer feed them.  I do like to watch the birds that come and go and always look forward to seeing the robins return each spring.  Right now the only birds I’ve seen this winter have been black birds.  The others have migrated south where it is warmer.  I have in the past seen an occasional Blue Jay.  They like to the eat the acorns that are on the ground here in layers.  This old oak tree in my yard feeds plenty of animals.  The squirrels love them too.  I have seen a ground hog now and then, and wonder where he is living, I wouldn’t want him under my house.  I haven’t seen any holes indicating he is, so I think I’m safe.  There will be a whole different kind of birds for me to see when I move south to Texas.  I’ll have to watch them and find out what they are.  

I keep a little brown ceramic bird here on the buffet that stays there no matter what the season is.  It reminds me that just as God takes care of the birds, he’s watching over me.

I have a bird book that identifies the ones in Ohio, and I’m sure I’ll be able to get one for Texas too.  I have a pair of bonoculars so that I can get a close look at them, I’ll have to make sure to take them with me. 

Mean while I’ll be content to sit out on the sunporch and watch the birds here.

I hope you all a FANTASTIC Friday!

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS 

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

Josial Gilbert Holland 

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

11,957, for the beauty of birds in the air 

11,958. for a warm place to sit and watch the birds

11,959. for my binoculars that were a gift I use often.

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!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

His eye is on the Sparrow.

Matthew 6:25-27

a smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma