Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ~Matthew 6:26
When we FaceTime this week with daughter, Sarah, and the girls, Virginia talks about all the fun she had over the Easter holidays with her dad's family. I expect to hear only about decorating eggs and then going on the hunt for them, so I'm quite surprised to learn that her grandpa took them to a local bird sanctuary called Sullivan Heights Bird Park. Virginia is so fascinated by these birds she's never seen before, she takes several photos.
I wish I could identify each of these species, but the only two I'm sure about are the toucan and flamingo. Anyone want to step up to the plate and give us the names of the other birds?
Those of you who regularly follow this blog know that Virginia is quite the budding artist. When she gets home from this memorable trip, she proceeds to sketch the birds from the photos she's taken.
Aren't these spectacular? I think we can all agree that Virginia has a marvelous talent!
The truth is, God has endowed each one of His children with special gifts we can develop and use for His glory. Not everyone can be an artist like Virginia. But your unique gift may be writing, singing, composing, encouraging, teaching, sports - and the list could go on and on and on.
And when we put God's gifts to use, we can rest assured that we will be doing His will and walking in His ways, to His honor, bringing His kingdom closer to earth, one loving gesture at a time.
What gifts has God given you?
Amen!
A talented artist indeed. What beautiful sketches; I like them.
ReplyDeleteNaming the birds: I recognise the one in the photo before the flamingoes (last sketch). I saw him in a bird reserve near us. The label on the enclosure said: FRED.
God bless you and your family, Martha.
Fred the Flamingo - I like that, Victor! I'm so glad you enjoyed Virginia's sketches, too.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Her bird sketches are really amazing. She wants to give her breathtaking impression a shape.
ReplyDeleteShe certainly does! Glad you liked Virginia's drawings.
DeleteLove and blessings!
We have the World Bird Sanctuary just west of St. Louis, in Lone Elk State Park. It focuses on raptors (eagles, owls, hawks, etc.). I have a personal story about it and a Great Horned Owl that I don't think I've ever told.
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear your story about the owl, Glynn! Virginia said there were owls at the sanctuary, but they weren't active due to it being in the middle of the day.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Awww...she is so precious as are her drawings. She did those from memory? Wow! You have a very blessed family, Martha!
ReplyDeleteVirginia sketched these from the photos, Diane. And I must agree with you that she is one precious girl!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Yes, Virginia's talent is a real gift. Her passion for art is enviable, indeed. (At 72, I'm still trying to discover just what I'm passionate about, lol.) Thank you for sharing these images with us, Martha!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, Myra! Yes, Virginia is passionate about her artwork, and that's a good thing.
DeleteLove and blessings!
amazing talent! and love the birds too
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jean!
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Virginia is a great artist!! I hope she has an art teacher to mentor her talent! Thanks for sharing her photos and her drawings! Awesome!! xo
ReplyDeleteShe is taking art this semester in school, Terri, and I'm hoping she can get private lessons at some point. Thanks for you kind words!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Dearest Martha Jane,
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful Granddad for taking them to the local bird sanctuary. A memory for LIFE and an educational one!
Easter is NOT about easter eggs, but about New Life after death. In a way, nature is also showing us over and over how it renews itself.
Those Apostles no doubt were biologists as it takes a LOT of hard work by birds to feed their young and to stay alive. No free lunch unless they happen to live near a feeder (but in Matthew's time there were no bird feeders...
Hugs,
Mariette
Yes, Mariette, I thought is was a very cool thing for Grandpa to do for the grands. Truly, this made a lasting impression on Virginia.
DeleteLove and blessings!
🤗
DeleteAmazing photos and drawings. Virginia is definitely talented. I think the one between the toucan and the flamingo is a type of crane. I recognize the other 2, but can't put a name on them just now.
ReplyDeleteDiane, you're the first person here who has given the naming a try. I certainly know how you feel, though, about actually identifying them. I want to say one is a guinea hen, but I'm probably wrong. Lol!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Thanks for another glimpse into your heart, Martha. The way you share the life and loves of your grandchildren is an uplifting reinforcement of the hope and encouragement that God has planted in the world to continue His work once we've gone home. God bless you for making our day brighter.
ReplyDeleteThat I made your day brighter is such a compliment, Ron. I do appreciate that! I must admit, I love sharing about my granddaughters any chance I get.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I pay more attention to birds since moving to Florida than I ever have before. The pictures you shared are good.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara! Yes, Florida is its own bird sanctuary; and there are so many exotic species to watch.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Virginia is indeed talented. And isn't Facetime a marvelous invention! Whoever invented it gave a gift to the world.
ReplyDeleteIt is an awesome gift, Lisa, especially when we live great distances away from family. It's no substitute for being there in person, but it certainly helps. And I think Virginia is talented, too!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Such a unique way to celebrate Easter. The photos are great an so are Virginia's drawings! Talented and budding artist.
ReplyDeleteYes, I believe she is a budding artist, Karen. She absolutely is happiest when she's drawing.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a sweet surprise that must've been. And yes, Miss Virginia has quite an eye. Sure enjoyed, both the photos and the lesson. God's blessings.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed this, J. D.! I love it when I get a chance to show off my granddaughter's talents. :)
DeleteLove and blessings!
She most definitely is talented. but get that from her grandmother. :) You can take credit. We will allow it and not even know. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bill, but I'm only moderately competent when it comes to art. Virginia's dad and mom are the ones from whom she gets this talent.
DeleteLove and blessings!
The ones in the last photo seem to be scarlet ibises. And they are jolly good sketches.
ReplyDeleteProverbs 1:17: "For in vain the net is spread in the sight of anything which hath wings".
Love that quote from Proverbs, David! Thanks, too, for identifying at least one of the species pictured here.
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Her bird sketches are amazing! She certainly is talented.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos, Martha.
Happy Monday!
Thanks, Veronica! I think she's very talented, indeed.
DeleteLove and blessings!