23 January, 2016

The Birds Will Tell You




A few weeks ago, we discovered a tiny bird nest in one of the rose bushes just out the front of our house. It had two baby birds in it, and by the time we noticed it, they were already feathered. Only a few days later they were out of the nest, trying to fly. They didn’t know fear, so we picked them up, carried them around, and photographed them copiously. The parents at first didn’t seem to mind, but after a while they became aggressive, and you’ve got to admire them – a tiny bird less than the size of my hand coming for me and my family because of its care and concern for its offspring. I think that’s powerful because it shows that when we have a big enough incentive, we will do whatever it takes. And Jesus did: that’s what brought Him to this world, and took Him to Calvary. The most amazing thing though, is that the incentive was us. 

A couple of days later, the baby birds found their wings enough to fly successfully, and I guess Mummy and Daddy bird decided that enough was enough, because we haven’t seen them since. But it’s amazing how one small bird family kept us entertained for ages: we would go out and see where they were, and if they were alright, and we would watch them try to fly, or huddle out of the rain. They brought joy, and taught lessons. God combined so much into one kind of bird, and then remember that He also created thousands of other kinds of birds, not even to mention other animals: it's incredible when you think about it. He created such variety, and wove intricate details into every single specimen, and somehow included lessons we can learn from them all. And then He placed an example right outside our window. 

“But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:7-10

“In one of His most impressive lessons Christ says, “Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them…” The Great Teacher is here leading our minds to understand the parental care and love which God has for His children. He directs them to observe the birds flitting from tree to tree, or skimming upon the bosom of the lake, without a flutter of distrust of fear. God’s eye is upon these little creatures; He provides them food; He answers all their simple wants. Jesus inquires, “Are ye not much better than they?” If God cares for and preserves the little birds, will He not have far greater love and care for the creatures formed in His image?” In Heavenly Places p114

 What lessons has God been teaching you through nature? Have you ever watched baby birds grow up and learn to fly? And how is 2016 going for you? (If you want my answer: way too fast.)

26 comments:

  1. Beautiful object lesson :) I was actually, just this morning, reading in the book "Education" and how we need to study nature and revelation so we can know more of God's character... Thanks for the reminder! Something I need to do more of: see (and learn) His lessons.
    And yes, I have seen baby birds grow up :) It's so precious!
    Blessings! ~Shan. xoxo

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    1. Thanks for your comment, Shanna. :) It's something I need to do more of too - just take the time to observe nature. It's so refreshing too, to just stop and watch God's creation. :)
      God's blessings to you too! :)

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  2. Awww,how cute! In Nebraska me and my little brothers watched baby birds grow up! They are so much fun!
    Great post, Jessica! <3
    Paige

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    1. They definitely were cute! And they kept us well entertained too. :)
      Thanks for your encouragement, Paige!

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  3. I love the photos, especially the third one. They came out really good! :)
    And yes, 2016 is going very fast. I can't believe it's almost February.

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    1. Thanks. :) It was nice to take photos of birds - mostly they're really hard to get close to, or to catch while they're not moving.
      Yes, I don't like to think that it's almost February... I keep hoping that maybe things will slow down soon. I guess I will just have to keep hoping.:)

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  4. Wow. That is so cool! There aren't many trees where I live, so we don't have birds by the house like this. I wish we did, though! Those pictures are beautiful. And you're absolutely right; I am forever in awe at all that God has done for us, and I'm starting to realize there are always ways like this that we can learn more about Him. It's amazing!
    Lovely post! :)
    -Bailey

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    1. Bailey! Thanks for commenting, and I see you followed too! You definitely brought a smile to my face, and I hope this blog can be a blessing to you, in some small way. :)

      It is nice having birds around the house. They hop around on the veranda rails in the morning, and we wake to their singing. :)

      I find learning about God amazing too, and like you said, it's a totally inexhaustible subject!

      Thanks again & God bless! :)

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  5. Oh my goodness, those pictures are amazing. We used to have bird houses in our backyard and we got to see their tiny heads poking out of the birdhouse.

    2016 is going pretty well so far so far, but I agree, it is going very fast. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Thank-you, Victoria! Praise God for creating such little bundles of cuteness. :) It would be fun to have a birdhouse in your backyard! Thanks again for reading and commenting - and I hope 2016 continues to go really well for you. :)

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  6. OMG THESE BABY BIRDS. They look so soft and fluffy and I just want to cuddle them pleasE?? but their mom and dad probably wouldn't like that... xD aw. Those pictures are incredible. We had a little nest of baby cardinals in out front yard one year, and they were quite fond of wandering into the driveway and posing as fallen leaves. O_O they almost met their fate that way a few times, but luckily they survived. ^.^

    AND THE REST OF THIS POST IS JUST BEAUTIFUL. You have such a talent with words and gah. This is what I needed today, (and every day!) so thank you for that. :) That scripture you quoted about the birds is one of my FAVORITE favorites and it seems to be following me around so maybe I should listen a little harder. ;) Haha. Thank you for sharing these Jessica!!

    love,
    abbiee

    P.s. I just tagged you in the Liebster Blog Awards (which I just posted on my blog!) So if you're interested in answering some awesome/weird questions from yours truly, definitely check that out. ;)

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    1. Yep, they were soft and fluffy, and we did enjoy holding them, and patting them, just admiring their tiny feathers, and perfection... Oh, I'd like to see a cardinal one day - we don't have them over here!

      Wow - your comment! Seriously, praise God, because when I was writing this I was thinking Man, I think I've forgotten how to write. This is just not coming together... So glad it was a blessing to you! And isn't it amazing when Bible verses, or quotes just follow you around and pop up everywhere?!

      Thanks for the tag - hopefully I'll be able to do it, because I'm sure your questions are great, and thought provoking. :) Thanks so much for leaving a comment too, Abbiee - you blessed me today! :)

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  7. These pictures are so beautiful! I'm so happy you got the chance to experience the baby birds and the fascination of keeping tabs on them. When I was in Africa, some of my school friends and I took care of a nest of baby birds, and it was definitely a bright spot in my life. I love your comparison between God and the bird parents. :D

    2016 is going way too quickly for me as well! What do you mean January is almost over? That can't be. :P

    Thanks for commenting on Out of Coffee, Out of Mind! :)

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    1. Thanks for your encouraging comment, Liz! It was great to have the baby birds around - and definitely taught me more about our Creator's amazing-ness too. That's great that you've had that experience too - caring for/watching baby animals is always fun. :)

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  8. They are so beautiful and touching creatures. It seems like they are full of natural wisdom.

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    1. Yes, God has definitely given them wisdom that we can learn from. Thanks for visiting, and commenting! :)

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  9. Love the birds and verses Jessica!
    I just tagged you (if you want to do--not sure you do tags) for the Infinity Dreams Award:
    http://createdbythecreated.blogspot.com/2016/02/infinity-dreams-award.html

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    1. Thanks Lydia! I have done tags in the past, so I'll definitely check yours out. :) I really appreciate it though, even if I don't get to doing it, so thank you!

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  10. OH WOW. Jessica, this is absolutely beautiful and full and ahhhgh. Like, I needed this today. "The most amazing thing though, is that the incentive was us" <3

    I also love the verse from Job (one of my favorite books of the bible.) How to some the earth just seems like it's *there* with nothing to offer. But it's actually infused with everything God wants to show us about himself, all we have to do is ask and speak to it. I love the way you articulated this!! So, so blessed rn.

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    1. Praise God - it is amazing how all of His creation speaks of Him! Thank you for such a sweet, encouraging comment; I literally cannot think of anything coherent to reply with. It always blows me away to hear that God has used something here to bless someone else. xx

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  11. Arghhhh this is too beautiful, Jessica. I love how you can reach hearts halfway across the world with your words and pictures on this blog. It's amazing to think about. Thank you for this -- you're amazing. <#

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    1. Wow...your comment has me in a slight state of shock. :) Total thanks to God for giving me words to share, and the blessing of being a blessing. And, you are amazing too. :)

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  12. Jessica, your love and maturity that you express through your writing is so beautiful. You are such a beautiful soul, and I know a blessing to so many. Please be assured of my prayers for you and this wonderful life journey. God has blessed you indeed with His words...what a gift. I have no doubt He is going to take you many great places to do many great things! And I am sure that the greatness has already begun.

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    1. Oh, your comment really blessed me! Thank you so much for your prayers, and encouraging words, Anne Marie - and I'll send them right back to you, because your blog has been a big encouragement and inspiration to me, and I'm glad to have discovered it. :) Thank you again, and all glory to our God and Saviour! xx

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  13. Awww that bird is TOO CUTE <3 the fact that you were able to photograph it so well is incredible :) you are so talented.
    and it's so cool the lessons you got from it. I loved the points you made up there. It's so true <3 lovely blog, jessica!

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    1. Thanks, Autumn. Your kind words put a smile on my face! And, you have a lovely blog yourself; I enjoy reading it. :)

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