Today when I went out to do my chicken chores I received a gift. As I stood by my chicken coop I was serenaded by two different birds.
The first was a Baltimore Oriole. Usually they are hard to spot once the trees have leaves on them. For some reason this bird perched on the top branch where he was easily seen. I was privileged to enjoy his beautiful orange and black feathers while I listened to his song.
When he would pause, there was a Barn Swallow sitting on the electric wires that run to the electric pole on our yard. It appeared that the Swallow was looking directly at me as he sang and gave that certain Barn Swallow clicking sound. Those birds singing, in plain view, were such an unexpected gift.
Last week has been one of “those weeks”. It was incredibly busy (which is why there was no post!). I have always thought that when one did not have a regular job to go to every day; there would be plenty of time to accomplish everything that needed to get done. Not so!
This past week was spent preparing for two bridal showers; to be held on the same day. (My middle son is getting married this summer!) Tossed in to the shower mix, was time spent making and decorating a cake for a college graduation, a cake for a baptism and cupcakes for a different bridal shower hosted by my aunt for her grandchildren. My husband also tossed in a road trip to check out some farm equipment.
There were plenty of ups and downs during the week. That seems to be the way of life….it can get slightly skewed. Some good mixed with some not so good. I was reminded that I am not in control and that there is peace to be found in trusting that God has a plan.
When those birds showed up this afternoon, it was like a love song straight from the heart of God. I am not sure why I am always surprised that God shows up right when I really need it. I also don’t know why I am surprised at the way He shows up. He has never failed me yet (even though I question constantly).
If you have had a day, a week, a month or perhaps even a year of wondering what God is doing in your life or in the lives of those you love….fear not….He DOES have a plan and it is in His time…..I am counting on that promise!
May you see a glimmer of His goodness in the midst of trials. May you feel His love and protection in the beauty of a sunrise or in the song of a Baltimore Oriole. He is there….sometimes we just have to be still and listen. May you have a blessed week.
“Don’t focus on what is not here….
focus on the blessings God has put in front of you
and enjoy the day.”
Sandy G.
i love this 🙂
I was reminded that I am not in control and that there is peace to be found in trusting that God has a plan.
isn’t that the truth! we can endure and have hope because we KNOW He is … and He will be 🙂
When those birds showed up this afternoon, it was like a love song straight from the heart of God.
i find so much joy and peace in things like this, too … and i’m super impressed you know the names of the birds and their sounds!
I am not sure why I am always surprised that God shows up right when I really need it. I also don’t know why I am surprised at the way He shows up. He has never failed me yet (even though I question constantly).
the thought used to be that we should not be surprised by the majesty of God … but as i’ve gotten older, i’ve decided that would be grievous. the Glory and Majesty of God are glorious and majestic because they are so beyond all we can imagine! how could something that huge not surprise and delight us! 🙂
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You are exactly right Ame. It is so beyond what my brain can figure out.
I had to grin about your comment on knowing the birds. I was raised by a mom who had a bird book on her kitchen table at all times. I am married to a man who has the same love for birds and wildlife.
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ahhh … i love that! i was raised by a mom slumbering on drugs on the couch, not knowing what the heck we were doing, even from when we were in diapers. and spent much of my daughters’ growing up years protecting them from their dad and his family. sigh. perhaps, though … when they have children, we can sit at the table with a bird book, and we can learn together 🙂
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Yes!!! “A hope and a future” of bird books and God.
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I question too. I also have seen and heard and felt answers when I least expect answers. And yet…He is with me every moment. Why don’t I be still and quiet and patient? After all… when I listen…I realize that wonderful small moments are mine each day! One of the best of your many “best” posts…thank you, my friend!
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You are so welcome my friend! Just speaking my heart to some “stuff” in my life. I have to keep learning and relearning to “be still”. I either have a very short attention span or I am a very slow learner. Fortunately God is patient and keeps sending birds to remind me of those lessons.
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Beautiful words and quote … thanks for sharing here.
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You are so welcome Pam. My sister-in-law gave me the advice in the quote….she is a wise woman.
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I love the way your soothing posts loudly proclaim God’s glorious promises.
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There are some days I just need to proclaim so I can remind myself Anne.
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It’s certainly good for the rest of us, too.
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Very beautiful, much needed and timely post thank you Faye. I’m feeling buffeted by circumstances in my life, and need to take time and be still and let God be here.
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Oh Maureen…that word buffeted….that is exactly the right word. This last while I, too, have felt buffeted. It was so good to be reminded, through birds and a sunrise, that God is in control and I need to trust and be still while He does His work.
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I agree, He reminds us of his glory in so many ways. He really has created some stunning creatures that we can enjoy. I loved this as it is a reminder to be still and listen. I need this right now.
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I also needed to hear myself say this right now. Certain parts of life have been a bit difficult lately and a reminder to be still and let God be God was timely for me.
I also thank you for your beautiful graphics Lisa which remind me of His glory through the botanical prints you make! Thank you.
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If only we could all remember the blessings. They are so easy to forget in the everyday rush. I’m a pretty simple person and sometimes the birds singing is just what the Dr. ordered, only we know the Great Healer is the one who knows what we need and when we need it.
This past Friday was my husbands birthday. At the ballgame I whispered in Gabriel’s ear that maybe his Grandpa was watching and to” go for it.” He did…a home-run and caught several outs. Perfect!
Prayers for you and Mr. chicken as the farm season gets under way. xoxo
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Thank you so much for your prayers Beverly! And mine are with you as you celebrate your husband’s birthday on earth while he celebrates it in heaven. It cannot be easy. I love the way you reminded your grandson of his grandpa’s love for him and “to go for it”!
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God seems to gift us with wonderful things just when we need them the most.
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He truly does and what a gift it is!
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Planning showers is a lot of work but it can be lots of fun too. My oldest sister is usually the cake maker (among other things).
Orioles are such a beautiful bird. I am always so excited to see them probably because they are not as common here as some of the other beauties.
Birds are the perfect reminder that God is in control –
Matthew 6: 25Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns — and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his lifespan?…
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Oh Ruth…you are a God-send. You have no idea how much I needed to hear Jesus through you today.
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♥♥♥
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A private serenade from birds! You are one lucky lady. I actually find when I’m a bit stressed I pick up the binoculars and watch the water birds doing their thing around the water. Or just sit in the kitchen and watch the birds at the feeder. Suddenly, the weight of the world seems much lighter. Lovely post, Faye.
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Thank you so much Al. There is something so right about just sitting and listening and watching those birds. We are in a season where most of the birds have come back and some are still migrating through. I could not believe the variety we saw this morning while drinking our morning coffee/tea on the deck.
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This was a beautiful post and there is nothing like a bird serenading you – they make you feel like you are the only one in the world there to enjoy their song. I like whistling back to them and we go back-and-forth as long as I can keep up – my lips usually get too dry to continue, but they are always ready to go the distance.
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If I could whistle that would be great! I tend to sound like a tea pot when I whistle.
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I like whistling back at the birds but half the time I can’t keep up and I’m not a good whistler either. I used to do it a lot when working in the yard. They like it, whether they think it is a potential mate, or just like singing, I don’t know.
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I feel the same about the sight and sound of birds being a gift from God. With the arrival of warmer weather, I awaken to a serenade every morning through the window. God is good.
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What a great way to wake up….serenaded by birds. Come summer, when we open windows we get to have the same alarm clock!
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and sometimes God speaks to you from friends who write the exact words you needed….thank you Faye for this beautiful post. love Michele
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I have the same thing when I visit the Rabbit Patch Michele. I can be having a rough spot in life and when I come visit I leave feeling my soul has been watered and the rough spots sanded down a bit.
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awwh-this makes me glad-we are a good pair! Let us thank God for one another. love Michele
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A truthfully beautiful post which, when it ended, made me want to hug you and tell you that He’s on your side. But you know that anyway.
Praying for you … always.
Sending much love ~ Cobs. xxx
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I consider myself hugged Cobs!! And prayers going back your way also!
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