Snowbirds

Snowbirds

There seems to be a party today

before the snowbirds fly away

for soon many birds will fly south

before winter arrives up north.

It seems as though they're saying “so long”

as winter will arrive before long.

The backyard is a-twitter

with joyful birds who flicker.

From limb to limb they're seen

then down to the grass green

perhaps looking for remaining seeds

for it's too cold for earthworms, indeed.

Who has come to the party, you ask?

Some birds are seen wearing black masks

while others are brown, black, blue, or gray.

There appears to be a wide array.

There's a robin taking a drink.

Off it goes with a last wink.

Perhaps he quenched his thirst

before heading down south.

There's more than one downy woodpecker today.

Their red head and upright stance gave them away

as does their black and white flecks

and their peck-peck peck-peck-peck.

In the maple tree is a flock of titmice.

Seeing them visit today is quite nice.

Their head crest identifies them

there balanced on the maple tree's limb.

In the grass is a pair of mourning doves

then they fly up onto the arbor above.

Hear them coo coo

a song to you?

Chickadees are dining on sunflower seeds.

It's a joy to see chickadees all year feed

for chickadees are northerners;

that is, known as non-migrators.

Is that a cowbird there?

It has a head of brown hair.

That brown-headed one would be the male.

Less colorful is his mate, the female.

Blue jays are heard as they caw

perhaps saying “bye” to all

who will be traveling south soon.

Those will be back next year before June.

It was a delight this October day

to see the snowbirds before they fly away

to where the weather is warmer.

They will be missed this winter.

Come April be on the lookout

for red-winged blackbirds about

and robin red breast

building a new nest.

You might hear them

before you see them.

Be sure to listen as spring bursts into song

heard early morning and the whole day long.

* * * * *

How sad to see the robins migrate south.

How glad we are when they return north.

How sad we are when terrible things happen to good people.

How glad we are when wrongs are righted for all peoples.

When injustice is prosecuted

and justice is rightly defended.

When God's ways

become man's ways

for God's ways are right

and will bring delight.

Jesus came to right the wrongs.

He came that we would belong

as children of the king

and then that good news bring

to others everywhere

that those with griefs to bear

would learn to have faith

and finally feel safe

knowing that God will make a way

for believing in God does pay.

“In this world you will have tribulation”

as learned through every generation,

through every country and every nation,

for evil brings about tribulation.

But “be of good cheer”

the Lord remains near.

He knows what you're going through

and has a solution for you

as you grow in faith

in whatever you face.

For troubles are meant to make us more Christ-like,

to transform us into being more like Christ.

To obtain His peace

and a new lease.

To have patience the world does not understand

as you bear your burdens and in faith stand.

To exhibit kindness and gentleness,

the Lord's goodness and faithfulness.

To have a joy that others will see.

To love despite adversity.

For when adversity comes

and we're seen wearing a frown

love, joy, and peace

are not released

but are often restrained

as we are under strain.

That's exactly what Satan desires -

to have your testimony expire,

to have you and others doubt

God's faithfulness with doubt.

Be aware of Satan's many ploys

and God's song of deliverance employ.

Singing often lifts

our waning spirit.

Remembering God's past faithfulness

will help us to endure the test.

Sharing our burdens with others often

solves the problem and brings a blessing

for where two or more are gathered in prayer

causes satan to be gone from there.

You are loved lavishly.

That means cherished daily.

God has a storehouse of good things

just for you in the form of blessings.

Whatever has happened in your life,

your disappointments, your heartaches, your strifes,

are meant to cause us

to learn about trust

and God's faithfulness to us -

His love richly lavished on us.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are!

I John 3:1

These things I have spoken unto you,

that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation

but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 (KJV)

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

So we say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid...”

Hebrews 13:5-6

The fruit of the Spirit is

love, joy, peace, patience,

kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness

and self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23

Be self-controlled and alert.

Your enemy the devil prowls around

like a roaring lion

looking for someone to devour.

Resist him, standing firm in the faith.

I Peter 5:8-9

The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them;

he delivers them from all their troubles.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

A righteous man may have many troubles,

but the Lord delivers him from them all.

Psalm 34:17-19

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear

and put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:3

If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for,

it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.

For where two or three come together in my name,

there am I with them.

Matthew 18:19-20