Don’t Throw Out the Bacon Drippings!

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Matthew 6:26

The snow was falling and the ground began to cover. Breakfast needed to be comfort food; whole grain waffles, maple syrup, bacon, strawberries, and of course coffee. As I started to clean up, I thought, I hate to throw out all this good smelling bacon drippings but I also don’t need to eat all that grease. You know, Grandma used bacon drippings to flavor everything, but she worked the fields all day with Grandpa. They needed the energy the grease would give. Idea! The birds out in the snow need energy to stay warm in the freezing weather. God created us in His image and gave us a mandate to care for His creation. Genesis 1: 28b tells us have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. That doesn’t just mean use them, but care for them.

 The squirrels had destroyed my bird feeder but surely there was a way to use what I had around the house to take care of my beautiful birds. Let’s see. I had seeds, little paper cups, a mesh onion bag, and bacon drippings. Put it all together and voila! Suet feeder.

Is God really caring for me? I can think of a hundred things I want. Want, now there’s the key. I want, not I need. I need to make a gratitude list of a hundred things. I have a warm house, a comforting breakfast, warm clothes, the power is on, family, etc, etc, etc. I do believe God is taking extra special care of me.

Lord, help me focus on being grateful rather than longing for all the things the world tells me I deserve. I deserve nothing.  I am grateful for Your mercy and grace. I am in need of nothing. You have even provided me with technology to share Your gospel. Help me, dear Lord, to share Your love with the world and demonstrate my appreciation for all You have created by lovingly having dominion over it. In Jesus name. Amen

P.S. In case you need a little bacon dripping recipe:





Don’t throw out the Bacon Drippings!

Many backyard birds such as woodpeckers, titmice, nuthatches and chickadees love suet.

You can make your own suet feeders with a few simple items you probably have around the house.

Materials:

            Bacon drippings

            Seeds and nuts (bird seed from the store works well)

            Paper cups

            Mesh bag recycled from oranges or onions

Directions:

            Scoop the paper cup(s) about ¾ full with seeds and nuts. Pour bacon drippings over the seed/nut mix until the cup is almost filled. Place in the fridge or outside in the cold until the bacon drippings are firm. Remove the paper cup and place the suet in the mess bag. Suspend the bag so raccoons and dogs can’t get the suet before the birds.

P.S. Be sure to keep your binoculars and camera close by.