The Wonder of Birds

  

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? But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:26,33 KJV

A bluebird clung to the very tip of a greening maple tree. Stretching his neck, he sang a sweet trill as he fanned his blue tail feathers. 

A pee-wee sat on the fence, wagging its tail up and down, seeming to balance, then darted off to dance with a bug before snatching it in mid-air.

A wren darted among the awnings, fussing over nothing, its tail pointing upward until it began the fuss, and then with every sound, its tail flapped down like a paddle. 

Each bird is different from the other, yet all are a part of the bird family. Each doing a job, attracting a mate, building homes, and feeding upon God's provision. Each one fulfilling its purpose, while we seem to wander aimlessly in search of we know not what. The birds are not laying up treasures or seeking out fame, but rather raising up another generation to praise God's name each morning and quietly chirp in thankfulness each night.

Father God, help me trust your loving care for each day and seek your kingdom above all. In Jesus name. Amen

Hey Kids:

Has God shown you a purpose for your life? 

What talents do you have? Are you working to improve those talents for the Lord?

What are you noticing from God's creation? Does the behavior of the animals and plants help you see God's purpose for them? 

This week, try making a chart of the different birds you see returning to or passing through your area. What are you observing?

•  Are they searching for nesting places? What's in their beaks? 
• Are they in flocks, resting and scrounging for food before traveling on? 
• Are they going through courtship rituals? You may see a male cardinal feeding his female.

Keeping records of the migration and feeding habits of birds and other animals in your area is one way of learning to record and read statistics (math skills) or for little ones, it's simply learning to count, add, and record. 

Learning can be fun and interesting. 

Older kids may want to try drawing the birds and researching wing patterns and how they help birds fly. 

For more ideas on homeschooling with the birds, http://wonderfilleddays.com is my go-to resource. 

Identity

 

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. Mark 4:7

The mockingbird called from the abandoned TV antennae on our roof. He sang one bird song after another. He knew hundreds. Then he paused, flew up in a dance showing off the white feathers under his wings. He must have been showing out for some girl bird off in the trees. Every spring he does his song and dance. Then the couple build a nest in the thorny wild orange tree in our backyard. It's not high off the ground, but no one and nothing would even think about fighting those thorns for a bite of nestlings. Those little mockingbirds grow up to copy other birds and make their nests among the thorns, low to the ground. 

As Christians, we have our own identities. Our actions give us our identities, but often we want to copy others so we fit in, impress others, and feel confident. We often end up in thorny situations where our testimony is choked by the cares of the world. Others, especially our children, see our actions and imitate us. The thorns of life choke them and keep them from attaining all God wants them to be. 

Heavenly Father, may we have one voice, Your words, because Your words are truth. May we rise above the things of this world that would entangle us. May we aspire to be like Jesus. In His name we pray.  Amen. 

Hey Kids:

The bright yellow of the goldfinches, the red and rust cardinal pairs, and yes, the mockingbirds are all filling the trees with song and color. 

It might be fun to take a few minutes to observe the habits of the birds of your area. Watch as they bring nesting material to trees, bushes, and birdhouses. 

Notice how the males draw attention to themselves. 

Watch a male cardinal feed his intended bride. 

Supplying food and water may increase your close-up view of birds in your backyard.

I found an app called Merlin from Cornell Lab that listens to bird calls and lets the user know the type of bird they hear. I wonder if it can distinguish the real song from the copycat of a mockingbird. 

You can ask your mom or dad to download it to their phone for a fun family activity. 

 

What thoughts does God bring to your mind while watching His creation in action? 

 Today

 This morning, a pair of hungry house finches searched

 the wreath on the door.

 At noon, a wren sang a song from the dogwood tree.

Black, against the evening sky, three geese flew in form, 

What did I do today?

Was I hungry for God’s Word this morning?

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Did I search for the Truth I need to hear?

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Did I sing a song of rejoicing at noon?

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Did I work in unity with the brethren?

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

What did I do today?

References: Matt.5:6; John 8:32; Psalms 100:1; John 17:21

Hey Kids:

April is Poetry Month so I thought I'd get a jump on things.
I wrote a little free verse about birds.
Each bird I observed reminded me of something the Lord wants us to do.
What are you observing this week?
How is the Lord using your observations to direct you?

Hope my attempt at poetry inspires you to write a little too. Let me know how it turns out.

Today

 This morning, a pair of hungry house finches searched

 the wreath on the door.

 At noon, a wren sang a song from the dogwood tree.

Black, against the evening sky, three geese flew in form, 

What did I do today?

Was I hungry for God’s Word this morning?

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Did I search for the Truth I need to hear?

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Did I sing a song of rejoicing at noon?

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Did I work in unity with the brethren?

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

What did I do today?

References: Matt.5:6; John 8:32; Psalms 100:1; John 17:21

Hey Kids:

April is Poetry Month so I thought I'd get a jump on things.
I wrote a little free verse about birds.
Each bird I observed reminded me of something the Lord wants us to do.
What are you observing this week?
How is the Lord using your observations to direct you?

Hope my attempt at poetry inspires you to write a little too. Let me know how it turns out.