A Cuckoo Conversation

Unhappy Cuckoo

I never had been formally introduced to a cuckoo (bird, that is) before today. This meeting was not one of niceties, but of necessity.  

This one made a bad decision; a really bad decision. He flew into a garage. Mind you, that in itself isn’t such a bad thing – unless you don’t know the way out. He didn’t.

After a long while of avoiding his rescuer and trying to fly out of the ceiling and knocking down the garage door rails, he tired enough for my husband (you will remember Mr. Tall Dark & Handsome) to nab him.

Mr. TD&H presented his catch to me wrapped in a chamois, from said garage.  Mr. Cuckoo was a mess. His bloodied little head told me he butted against walls with all his little bird strength to find his way out. A closer inspection (much to his disliking) revealed that his little head feathers were broken off at the nub. Just a guess but, he might have a stubborn streak.

Once a rehabber, always a rehabber (you may remember my adventure with Oscar the extraordinary hummingbird, baby blue birds…) I gathered supplies. Rubber gloves, paper towels, water, aloe were my initial tools for this job.

We found a spot in the shade and started to work. From the look in his eyes he didn’t appreciate it one little bit, but he needed attention so, I took the end of a paper towel and wet it to clean his bloody head. His protests quieted so the cool water must have been some comfort. After a few dabs I found no lacerations, so I finished cleaning and applied a little aloe for healing.

With him safely wrapped like a chamois cuckoo burrito, and turned him over. There were no other obvious wounds. His screams of protest began again when he was upright. I can’t give you an exact translation because I am not fluent in Cuckoo. I can tell you if Mommy Cuckoo was listening, he may be in for a “washing of the beak!” The video only includes his "nice words."

We found him well enough to try for a release. With his patience with me drawing to an end, I took a picture. Notice his "sweet smile?" Stubborn and unhappy. 

We no more than unwrapped his burrito than off he flew. No thank you. No tender good-byes. Off to the nearest tree and life as before. He may have some explaining to do about his head injury but, should be fine.

If the little guy had used a helmet – he could have avoided his injury. I am sorry he had such a rough day. Because he didn’t listen when Mr. TD&H tried to explain the way out for him, he probably wouldn’t have listened to me either. We did what we could in light of his situation. It is up to him whether or not he learned any lessons.

The same is true for us. The helmet of salvation protects us from injury to our heads. Indeed our enemy wants to get in there and bloody us up with false teachings. He is the father of lies and will do his best to fill our heads with them – unless we have our helmet.

Things I learned

• Without God, we are likely to go places and be found in situations that cause us harm and from which we can’t find our way out.
• When (Christian) help comes, it would be beneficial to listen.
• When offering help (Truth) to one in distress, you may encounter screams of protest. Be willing to wait and offer Truth anyway. Earnestly contend for the faith.
• When offering Truth you must be prepared for both reception and rejection. Offer Truth anyway.
• When you give life-saving Truth to one and they reject it today, it may open a door to another day. Don’t be discouraged – one plants, another waters – God gives the increase.
• If you reject the Truth, you can expect to make harmful decisions over and over again.

If you see a little guy who looks like this,
 tell him I said "hi!" and he is
welcome to come back and visit,
and finish our conversation.

Cuckoos are considered “brood parasites.” They often lay their eggs in another’s nest. If you find a cuckoo in your nest,

• Take care of them as if they are your own.
• Teach them the Truth.
• Give them access to a helmet.
• Realize – the decision is theirs.

“Stand firm therefore,

HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH,

and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION

OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 

in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith

with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION,

and the sword of the Spirit,

which is the word of God. “

Ephesians 6:14-17

  

Dear Father in heaven,

I confess that I was just like this little bird, lost without a clue how to get out of my sin. Thank You for Your patience and love toward me while I was still flying on my own.

Father, it was Your love that provided my escape from sin. Your love paid a price above comprehension to rescue me from the eternity that I deserved. Thank You for your provision for eternity and Your provision for today. I especially thank You for Your Word that lights the path for my feet, that I will not stumble or stray.

I pray for all those reading this right now, that they will know You and know of Your love for them. Make Yourself known to them in a real and personal way today. Help them to see the need for You and help me find ways to minister to those who need to hear.

I am so thankful that You have provided all I need for the battle while I am here on earth. I trust You with my today and my eternity.

I pray in the precious name of Jesus, my Rescuer and Redeemer, 

amen.

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For more faith-filled stories, including a hummingbird I named Oscar read the first chapter of our story here.

Submission and Standing in the Gap

My job is to be in subjection to those in authority over me, to pray for our leaders, all of whom are there because God has established it. (Read Romans 13:1-7 here) Having said that know that I pray for my elected leaders. I pray that God will guide and direct them. I pray that they are submissive to Him in every aspect of their lives and their decisions in regard to their position. I pray that for myself too. 

I am obliged by Scripture to be obedient to those in authority over me. The only exemption for that submission is when those rulers go against the Word of God. I will render unto Caesar that which belongs to Caesar, but I am also going to stand in the gap of a crumbling wall of righteousness. 

I will not endorse those who call right wrong. My standard of right is according to His standard of right - His Word. The Word of Truth. I will not bow to political correctness and "fairness" according to what others believe. I stand on the Word of God.

I will not endorse those who believe more government will bring us into line, because I bow to God alone. My freedom came at great cost - from Him. More government is NOT the answer. More God is the answer. 

Illegal is illegal. If it is against the law, that equals illegal. Illegal is not subjective. We have slid into a country that finds an excuse to argue escape from consequences. Aborting an inconvenient child, lying to avoid punishment...the list is long. The fact remains that sin earns a reward - punishment.

We are all guilty of sin. Those who bear the name of Christ, who are forgiven under His grace and mercy, must not shy away from calling out the Truth. I stand unashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God for salvation! If the truth is not accepted, then our sin is not recognized!

We are in the middle of a heated election. Regardless of the direction the U.S.A. takes, we MUST stand for God. We must stand for truth. I encourage you to recall the words of Daniel. This is spoken about the Antichrist - but applies today. “By smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength and take action." Read Daniel 11:32 here. Much of this land has turned to godlessness. It is up to the believers who know God to display strength and take action.

I believe that action is to preach the gospel in and out of season. I believe our job this very day is to proclaim the truth of God's Word, that people will recognize their sin, turn from their wicked ways and turn to Him.

• Submit to God and His truth. Everything else will fall into place when that happens. To find His truth, study His Word. His Word will not change, It will not contradict Itself, and in It your life will find direction. study It diligently, over and over. 
• Submit to the fact that you are a sinner. There are two types of sinners. Those who are saved (by His grace and mercy) and those have not. They are either in denial of their sin (perhaps trying to justify according to man's idea of right or fairness or what they think they deserve) or do not realize they are going against the will of God.
• Submit to the truth that the payment of sin is death. Granted, both the saved and the unsaved will lose their earthly lives. The unsaved will serve out the payment for their sin in an eternal Hell. The saved have their eternity in Heaven because their sin debt was paid by Jesus. 
• Submitting to Jesus changes everything. Submission to Him means you admit your sin, turn away from it and accept His payment for that sin. It allows Him to direct your life in a right path going forward. 
• Submitting to Him requires you submit to those in authority over you.

For those who carry His name, are called Christians, our commission (job) is to share that good news! To make disciples of those who have not heard this truth! Submitting to those in authority does NOT mean we submit to things displeasing to God or stop sharing His Word!

• Stand in the gap as Daniel's friends, Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, (you may remember them by their Babylonian names Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) who obeyed the King who held them captive until they were told to bow before a golden statue and worship it. They did not. It is against the law of God to worship any graven image or any god other than the one Almighty God. They didn't launch a riot or a revolt they simply did not comply. It cost them a plunge into a furnace. You remember Who was there with them? Read their story here, in Daniel 3. God was with them and chose to allow them to go through the furnace unharmed, without even the smell of smoke.   The King recognized their faith, and the power of God.
• Stand in the gap as Daniel who did not hide his prayer. When evil men made a decree against praying to anyone other than the King, they would cost them a visit to a den of lions. Daniel could have hidden to pray but he did not. He could have caused a scene, he did not. He simply prayed in the open window in unashamed obedience to God. It cost him a trip to the lion's den. Read his story here in Daniel 6. God was with him and he was not even touched by the lions. The king recognized his faith and the power of God.
• Stand in the gap as Ezekiel who lived in a time when the judgment of God was upon his land. The people had turned from God and brought corruption into the land and their worship. God asked for someone to stand in the gap of the crumbling walls of His sanctuary to prevent this corruption, and there was no one. Read from Ezekiel 22:30 here. Their sins (in chapter 22) included profaning the holy things of God, making no distinction betweeen the holy and the profane, not teaching the difference betweeen the clean and the unclean. Sounds familiar. 

Dear friends, I fear we are in a similar time, facing the judgment of God for our wickedness and our lack of standing in the gap. I pray you will both submit to Him in every aspect of your life today AND share the truth with those in your reach that sin is sin. Their sin will require payment and the days are growing nearer and nearer for the payment to be due. 

Merciful and gracious heavenly Father,

I see sin so rampant that it physically hurts me. I see those immersed in sin that will cost them an eternity of horrific punishment if they do not repent. Help them today to become aware of their sin. Make their hearts tender to You, that they will repent and serve You.

Father, I see leaders on every level that have misguided goals. I see so many that neglect You and Your will. I pray You will make Youself known to them and they will seek You. I pray they will take a stand for Your Truth that will filter down to all those under their authority. Give an extra measure of strength and purpose to those who are serving You.

I pray for my brothers and sisters in the faith. I pray we will be diligent to give proper honor to those You have put in authority over us. I pray will be will faithful to honor You above all. 

I pray these things in the name of Jesus, my Savior, Redeemer, and my Rock upon which I stand.

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The Lizard Who Didn't Want to Go, and Contending Earnestly for the Faith.

The baby lizard considering freedom.

I don’t know how he came in. He might have been exploring a tiny little crack-tunnel somewhere and explored until he found himself inside. He might have come through the doggie door. He might even have ridden in on my shoulder or sneaked in when we opened the door. His little lizard lips were sealed.

He was sunning on the window when I spotted him. I promptly advised him baby lizards belong OUTSIDE. His little lizard ears were equally sealed.

Whether he wanted to go or not, I knew the best place for him was outside.  My hands were no match for the squirmy reptile, and he promptly jumped to freedom, he thought. I could have chalked it up to teenage rebellion, and just let him figure it out for himself, but knew the outcome, so back in the ring

I went.  This battle was NOT over yet.

It wasn’t a real fight, more of a mutual understanding. I agreed not to hold him, and he agreed to go along for the ride on the chair. Once outside, he reconsidered his original decision and agreed that outside was indeed the best place for a handsome young lizard. What he thought was an adventure of freedom would have been his tomb. Hallelujah! He saw the light!

I have known people like that, maybe you have too. They are headed down a path of adventure and fun that lands them in a place that seems to them like sheer bliss.  The problem with them is the same as that of the lizard. It is actually a prison in which they will eventually die.

Often they don’t realize that truth because they are so enchanted by whatever desire brought them there, that it is very difficult for them to see it on their own. That is where we come in. The book of Jude calls it contending “earnestly for the faith.” The word “contend” (epagonizomai in the Greek) has to do with being a combatant.  (Literally, epi – intensive + agon – contest = intensive contest.) “Fight the good fight” was the instruction Paul gave to Timothy. Both suggest we may have to spend a little time and energy to help people see the truth.

I could have easily just turned my back, left the baby lizard in the sunroom and rationalized “he didn’t want to be picked up” and “let him figure it out.” Instead, with a little effort the little guy understood a better way, ended up in a better place, and avoided a death sentence.

There was a little contention but I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a contender. If we go out of our way to help a lizard, couldn’t we extend a little more effort, contend a little more earnestly for a person? Don’t wake up to the regret that you “could have been a contender!”

Things to consider when contending for the faith –

• There are many who believe errors. You have probably heard some of them “there is no God” or, “being good will be enough to escape any punishment” or, “everyone who dies goes to heaven” or, “there is no life after this”…on and on.  Many are misled.  Believing it (no matter how earnestly) doesn’t make it true.

• The only way to know the truth is to study it - the Word of God – the Bible.  We must know the truth before we can accurately share the truth. Study His Word – in its entirety, the whole counsel of God. (Many errors are dispelled when you let Scripture interpret Scripture.)

• We are required (not suggested) to share that truth. Matthew 28:19,20 lists going, baptizing, and teaching as three parts of the requirement.

• When we encounter one who is lost he may not want to listen to the truth. He might even jump away and plead to be left alone. Don’t give up.

• Instead, spend a little effort to try to find some common ground to help them see the truth. Contend earnestly with them with all love and gentleness. They may just see the light for the first time! What a privilege to lead one out of certain death to life eternal!

Dearest Heavenly Father, how precious it is that You love us so much and have given us all we need to have eternal life. How we thank You for giving us our very lives.

Help us be diligent to reach out to share this good news with a world that so desperately needs to hear the truth. Prompt us when we need to contend even more earnestly. Thank You for giving us the wisdom, insight and understanding from Your Holy Spirit to know when and how to best relate this life giving truth.

How about YOU? Did someone contend with you? Are you thankful?

Have you contended for the faith? How did it work out? Was it worth it? I look forward to hearing your story!

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The Smart Mouse and the Word of God

Only one bite from the "acorn"

It certainly looked like an acorn, and any smart mouse would recognize one. So, the intelligent rodent at our house proceeded to try to pilfer it for his winter stash to feed himself and his family. It seemed like a great plan.

I’m guilty of decorating everything – even a potting table on our back porch.  It is a treasure made by my grandfather and passed down to me. That makes it far too special to just sit there waiting for dirt and pots. So, I situated a grapevine wreath on it as a crown of sorts. The wreath is just right for inserting a variety of jewels such as interesting twigs, blooms and feathers that need a showcase of their own.  I should have known when a couple of abandoned bird eggs disappeared that the crown was attractive to more than just me.

Rodents however, are constantly seeking out both furnishings and food.  From the pellet evidence at the base of my wreath/crown, they have found my wreath again. This time I had no rotten eggs for them but they apparently thought the acorn looked particularly enticing. I found it on the ground with one bite missing. I didn’t try to do a bite print match-up, but the size and shape are suspicious for a field mouse that has been seen lurking in the area.

He is a clever mouse though, because after a single bite he realized it was a counterfeit nut. Nothing

nutritious, satisfying or real about it. So, he left behind the pretty little deceiver and continued his search for real food. His life depended on it.

I can’t blame him, we depend on nourishment too. Physically, we require food at frequent intervals. I expect some about three times every day! Without it we become weak, unable to perform tasks or think clearly and eventually unable to sustain life.

The dilemma we often have is whether we nourish our bodies with food that is good for us or food that simply satisfies our tongues. It is called "junk food" for a reason.  Even though it smells good, looks good and tastes good – it isn’t real food. It doesn’t satisfy or give nutrients necessary for healthy bodies.  And we “can’t eat just one.” Not only are they deliciously addictive, they have so little nutritional value that we remain hungry.

Spiritually speaking, we also depend on nourishment and encounter the same dilemma. We can feast daily on the Word of God and be filled with satisfying truth, but there is also the temptation to chew on things that seem good on the tongue, simply inspirational sayings or uplifting thoughts.  Sadly, some mega churches are built on such things with no real biblical truth, just nice thoughts.  "God loves you"…true, but not the whole truth. We also need to know the truth about our sin and what we deserve because of it. 

Some thoughts on why we need to spend time in the Bible – the Word of God:

• His Word needs to be implanted in our hearts – “Putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:21

• His word brings blessing – “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,…but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. Deal bountifully with Thy servant that I may live and keep Thy word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Thy law.” Psalm 1:1,2,17

• His Word keeps our eyes away from bad things and toward Him– “Make me walk in the path of Thy commandments for I delight in it. Incline my heart to Thy testimonies and not to dishonest gain. Turn my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Thy ways. Establish Thy word to Thy servant as that which produces reverence for Thee.” Psalm 199:35-38

                 

• His Word keeps us away from sin – “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. ..Thy word I have treasured in my heart that I may not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:9-11

• His Word is the source of truth – The people of Berea who listened to Paul examined “the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11 “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  John 8:31

• His Word must not be mishandled – “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

• His Word is the source of sound doctrine and teaching. “Holding fast the faithful word…that he may be able both to exhort (urge) in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers…” Titus 1:9-10

                                      

• His Word will not be heard by those who want to hear only something pleasant – “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound  doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4

• He is His Word. Jesus = Word – “In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God, and the Word was God…and the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.” John 1:1,14 “ When Jesus returns “He is clothed with a rove dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God” Revelation 19:13

Dear Father, we are so very thankful for Your Word. We are thankful that You have given it to us. Help us to meditate on it day and night so that it is so firmly implanted in our hearts we live our lives and bear fruit for the kingdom. Steer us clear of doctrines that only tickle our itching ears with what we want to hear and feed us instead with the powerful truth of Your Word.

Precious one, I pray you know Jesus and seek Him in His Word. That is the only measure by which we can discern real v. counterfeit. If it matches the whole counsel of God (Scripture) it is good, if not – toss it. Like the plastic nut – it is hollow, will not satisfy, if you eat it – you will die. Leave it behind and dig into the meat of the Word. There and only there, you will be satisfied.  

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Life in the Monkey Grass Jungle

In the jungle.

One of the favorite things our sweet (albeit short) Schnauzer does is “nose to the ground investigations”. Wallowing in vile smelling treasures comes in a close

second. His is a doggie life and thus he does doggie things.

His adventure today included snooping through the monkey grass jungle. My nose is situated a good five feet farther away from the ground than his and not nearly as well equipped for sniffing but, I have spotted ants, lizards, frogs, worms, and ladybugs in the area. So, I presume it was filled with exciting smells, trails and activity.

Just checking...

While I watched him (or at least the backside of him) from my towering view, there was a black-chinned hummingbird directly above him who dropped by for a quick sip from a blossom. While his sniffer was gathering frog tracks, the most beautifully attired black swallowtail butterfly glided right over his head and landed on the pickerel reed’s spiked blue blooms in the pond.  The bumble bee who was trying to work over the same bloom politely moved over to share with the butterfly. Mr. Oblivious was still engrossed and engaged with his tracking expedition. He is smart enough to look up from time to time, mostly to see if I am still there. He may need a rescuer, or a teammate for a game of ball and he wants to know where to find me.

I often share little nuggets of truth I find in daily life that relate to God and His creation. Recently, a group who do not share my faith scoffed and even rebuked it. Their focus is on what they can see in science and “prove” in a lab. That’s where we differ. My focus is on creation and thus the Creator. Theirs is on what men have theorized, and mine on the truth directly from the Word of God, so they missed the Creator of the universe for the slide under the microscope.

My question for us today is where is our focus? Are we so busy and immersed in our jungles that it is all we see?  Even for Christians, it is easy to become bogged down, even entangled in the things happening all around us; pain, plans, fun, fear, money, bills, life and death.  It is natural to deal with each of those, but not to the exclusion of looking up to the Creator. Even our smart Schnauzer only looks down for a time, then back up to his master.

Perhaps you will join me in purposely shifting our focus from everyday life to extraordinary living for Him. Fixing our eyes on Him will

-        Put earthly distractions in perspective

-        Change my attitude about the trials of today

-        Put my job description in the proper place

-        Encourage my discouragement

-        Help me see Him more and more clearly

-        Show me Truth

-        Make me more diligent to share the Truth

-        Give me strength to press on no matter what

-        Flood my heart with joy at what is to come!

Dearest Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your creation that speaks so vividly to Who You are. Every detail of Creation shows us Your magnificence. Thank You for reminding us of Your power and presence all around us.

Help us to encourage those in our realm of influence who need to see You more closely and clearly.

Help us to keep our own eyes focused on You, and Your desire for our lives. We long to be used by You for the kingdom and trust You to give us the strength, wisdom, and courage to accomplish the tasks You set before us today.

If any of my atheist friends made it this far, know that I pray that each person reading this will lift their eyes and see God, I pray He will be evident to you in such a real way that your life will be forever changed! Consider this passage from the book of Romans. “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…For in it the righteousness of God is revealed…For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God make it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:16-20

If you are still wondering if there really is a God, you might be interested in this video.

https://www.truelife.org/videos/is-there-a-god via @truelifeorg

My friends, we need Him. It’s a jungle out there. Look up – it could make all the difference in your life!

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Oscar the Extraordinary Hummingbird 

and 

Other Tales From Life In My Father's World

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Baby Bluebirds Time to Spread Your Wings!

Baby on bottom, Indigo above. "No I will NOT take one step to get the worm!"

They have come a long way in the few days since they were left alone to die. You may remember from previous blogs about the baby bluebirds that I came to call Indigo and Baby, that they were unconscious and near death when I took over ‘mommy-duty”.  

That first day they were too weak to take or even desire nourishment, so I stayed with them and poured just a drop (of worm soup) at a time until they gained strength.  Then, when they realized I was helping them, they began to accept what they were hungry for after all – yummy delicious mealworms! Mealworm shakes, mealworm soup, mealworm delight, mealworm deluxe, mealworm casserole was the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. At first they were only able to take them softened, but gradually they advanced to crunch them up on their own.

I was delighted to call them to the table with our own secret little dinner-bell chirp that they taught me. I doubt I ever perfected it, but they acknowledged my efforts with raised heads and open mouths – thus I knew it was the “dinner’s ready” song.

Because I knew they were terribly weak, I took each little morsel to an upraised beak. I guess humans aren’t the only ones who can be spoiled. Indigo and Baby learned that is all they had to do, so that is all they did; sit, sleep, wake at the dinner bell/tweet and raise their little heads for delivery.

I knew they had gained strength because I purposely placed them different places in their container for cleaning and inspection purposes and minutes later they were in different places. Sneaky aren’t they? They also were beginning to spread their pretty little wings a bit in kind of a sweet little bird-yawn with a yoga stretch.

Baby's (bottom) indignant face tells all.
Indigo above - closed his eyes
in defiance.

Baby’s naked spots are now covered with fuzz and baby feathers and Indigo is quite the handsome bird with dark blue markings on his newly sprouted wing feathers. Even though it was apparent they are outgrowing being hand fed, they still like it and pretend they don’t see the worms I toss beside them. Sometimes they even turn around and poop on them. No lack of communication there. They are hungry, but want ME to feed them what they were perfectly capable of getting themselves. So, we had a talk. Well, I talked, they closed their little bird eyes.

So, I put them in a flower pot (snack shack) thinking a different location might inspire them to look around a bit more and sneak an ant or cricket snack. They hid under the plants. I tried to get them to just hop over to me and get their dinner from my hand. They stood firm. I tried holding the worm just out of reach so they would only have to take one little step. They stood firm.  I tried holding the worm so they would have to lean to one side, the little birds only squawked louder at my poor aim.

Bluebirds are notoriously stubborn. I have watched Mr. and Mrs. Bluebird trying to tempt their little ones out of nests before with a nice green worm, then take it away saying “if you are hungry then come and get it”. It was cute when they were donig it, but is is not so cute now that it is my turn. That may be why this Mr. and Mrs. B left these last two in the nest. They may have had their hands uhm, feet full with the other two. Even after they can fly, Mom and Dad still have to teach them where to find food and what proper food is – for weeks! Yes, I was beginning to see my job get a lot harder. Time to call in reinforcements.

Baby and Indigo refusing to lean
to get the worm from my hand.

Rehabbers (wildlife rehabilitators) always know other rehabbers, so I got in touch with some, and found a perfect place for these young ones to learn and grow and be released. As much as I enjoyed helping them be established, it was time for them to grow up and get out into the world.

It is the same with Christians - growing up that is. We each were introduced to the gospel before we knew we needed it. Each believer was taught and nourished by the Word, likely by someone hand feeding us. Many of us stay there however, and never really search the Word of Truth ourselves, just rely on someone to hand feed us.

I encourage you today to read the Bible for yourself. You can do it! Don’t stand around waiting for someone to give you a morsel here and there, dig in and find the truth for yourself.  There may be someone lifting their head to watch you and hope for a bite from you. We each need to be nourished by the gospel, but we also are expected to grow up in it, and become givers of life to the next generation. The time for being a baby passes and changes into feeding the next set of babies.

We have been given the mandate to go and teach others – SO keep in mind that

• We all start as babies, but are expected to grow up.
• We need small portions at first but should advance to more substantial food.
• We need to stretch our wings and learn more.
• We need to be able to gather our food.
• We need to give some young ones life, take them under our wings and teach them.
• We need to realize it is also part of our job to encourage them to spread their own wings.
• Birds are made to fly.

Dearest Father in heaven,

I am so thankful for those You put into my life who fed and nourished me in Your Word. I am so very thankful that You have given us so much information to help us live according to Your will.

Be with Indigo and Baby as they continue their journey, and thank You for bringing them into my life. Help us to remember what You taught us about how You care for the birds, but much more for us.

Help us to realize our need to grow up. Help us to go to the next mark on our growth chart. Nudge us to take another step toward You and toward our mission. Show us someone today that You want us to take under our wings for a while, and help us realize when it is time to help them spread their own wings. Thank You for giving us strength and courage and nourishment and provision for the jobs You have created and called us to do.

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Hungry Birds and the Mealworm Menu

Baby being fed, and Indigo waiting his turn.

You may remember from the previous two blogs [part 1)Baby Bluebirds and Worm Soup - here and part 2) Baby Bluebirds and Unanswered Prayers - here] that Indigo and Baby Bluebird have chosen to fight to live. I am pleased to report that they are alive and growing! You can see in the picture that Baby has grown more feathers, and Indigo's feathers are filling out nicely.

As you know, every living thing has to have nourishment, and these two have allowed me to help them with their daily requirement of sustenance. Worms. Mealworms to be specific. They are past worm soup, and promoted to whole worms rehydrated with enough water to soften them for baby bluebird tummies.

Baby in front and Indigo - "Open Wide"

My challenge is holding on to the slippery things long enough to get them into the yellow caverns that lead to bird tummies. It is tricky, trust me. When I give our secret whistle/signal – even I don’t know what it means – their little fuzzy heads pop up like a Jack-In-The-Box with mouths open wider than seems possible. My little birds are talented like that. You can hear them and watch the process on the video below.

Even though they give me a giant target for the worm deposit, I have to carefully hold and place the slippery things in just the right place and allow the Indigo and Baby to “suck” on my finger to stretch their throats and allow the snacks to pass.  They are eager every time, and even patient to allow the other to finish before expecting their own.  

According to Bluebird experts (Bluebird survey, I suppose) meal worms are among Bluebird’s favorite snacks, mealworms for breakfast, lunch and dinner and every few minutes in-between. No menu needed. Just give them mealworms and everyone is happy. 

You may remember that food was provided daily for a group God was rescuing from slavery. Unlike those who were given manna every day, day in and day out, day after day, year after year, the Bluebirds don’t complain. (I am not casting judgment mind you, I too have been guilty of complaining.) They are more than satisfied with mealworms, and happy to have them.

Is my desire for spiritual nourishment like the birds or the complainers? If I recognize the importance of daily consumption of His life-giving Word, how could I possibly tire of reading something so full of life, and hope and love?

The birds are growing past the need for only a portion of the worms at a time, and graduating to softened whole worms. How precious to see them eager to grow. I pray that you and I too will hunger and thirst for the righteousness Matt 5:6 in His Word and strive to devour the whole counsel (purpose) of God Acts 20:27. I pray we will be willing to share the source of life with patience. I pray we will take the time to give tiny morsels and bites to those who are eager and learning. I pray we will fill ourselves with the meat so that we have an understanding to rightly share the proper morsels at the proper time.

When feeding young –

• Be equipped with the life-giving Word.
• Recognize the need and offer food.
• Start with little portions they can handle.
• Feed them often, they need nourishment to grow. You may be their only source of food.
• Linger a while so they can suck all the details necessary for proper digestion, and prevent choking.
• Be ready and available to give them more as their hunger increases.

Dear heavenly Father, we thank You for giving us so many examples of Your love in Your Word, and in Your world. This love compels us to share with those who are malnourished and dying, and we need Your instruction to properly share it. Help us have patience and wisdom to give the proper diet at the proper time.

Bless those seeking the Word today and all those willing to share it. Give them courage to seek You more and more as they grow. Help us to desire a steady diet of the Truth, and the opportunity to share what You have provided through Jesus.

I pray a whole flock will gather around us to hear the good news that satisfies the soul!

Are you hungry for more? Do you have the Truth and been given opportunity to share? I hope you will share your story here. We are all encouraged to hear what God is doing!

How will their story end? Find out here.

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