As I look through my photographs of birds taken over the years, some of my favorites are photos that I took in the very beginning. I have taken many, many pictures. There are over 21,000 just on my phone! Of course, since I am a proud grandmother they aren’t all bird photographs!
As “Birdie of Mississippi” began to evolve, I have found ways to use my bird photographs. Even though I am not a Techie, I have created Facebook and Instagram accounts just for Birdie of Mississippi. I have posted photos of my backyard birds that have been “LIKED” in the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Myanmar, South Africa, Cuba, Syria, Ireland and Japan.
I have used them in making greeting cards, decorative pillows, calendars, canvas wall hangings, picture books, tote bags, coffee cups and numerous other projects. I have written letters to friends and family on “Birdie” Stationary. One of my favorites that has stemmed from “Birdie of Mississippi” has been to write this column.
Ever since I read Matthew 6:26 and felt Jesus impress upon me to “Look at the birds of the air…” I have engaged in many conversations, presentations and special ways of looking at birds. It’s not just a “religious activity” or a “hobby”. So much more has developed. It is a way of enjoying Creation, improving my skills and talents, having fun, being creative in thoughts and activities. It challenges me to see where it can lead me. It gives me a hopeful spirit that is filled with the wonder of what exactly is God’s plan for me to fulfill by “Looking at the birds of the air…”
Hope is a wonderful thing to have in your life! It is something that gives a reason to get up out of bed each morning and face a new day! The Bible tells us that Jesus is our “Hope.” Everything about Him gives us hope for our today and for our tomorrow.
Birdie of Mississippi is part of the abundant life that Jesus gives me! I have been strengthened to handle the challenges of each day. When I can look at all the good that comes out of my “Birdie” adventure, I quickly see that the good outweighs the bad of each day. And even if I have an occasional bad day, I can return to some aspect of “Birdie” whether its photography, creative writing or something “techie” and it immediately improves.
Many people are not into the arts and feel that artsy things are a big waste of their time. They are more into the sciences. I also love science. That is one of the funny, but great things about my adventure with “Birdie of Mississippi” are that it has also fed the science love that I have! There are many science fields that I have dug into.
Of course, “Look at the birds of the air…” has taken me into Ornithology which is the science of birds. There are so many aspects of nature and ecology that this field can take you into as you follow the food chain.
Because of the foods that birds eat, I have studied Entomology and Botany – the science of insects and plant life. I have studied the science of Virology and Epidemiology when I saw sick birds this past year and found out that viruses from birds and animals could be transferred to humans.
I have also dug into Microbiology as I looked at small living things that effect birds and humans and their well being. These are only the beginning of sciences that I have touched upon as I have “Looked at the birds of the air…”
And, it can even bring you into the study of Theology. Proverbs 4:7 says, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Even though my adventure began with “Look at the birds of the air…” I have gained both knowledge and creativity. Thank you for joining me each week and becoming wiser with me!
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