Inspired by . . . Phoebe

Inspired by . . . reconciliation Inspired by . . . wrong made right

Inspired by . . . Phoebe

You don't need an alarm clock when you have a family of Eastern Pheobe's living behind your house!

Their raspy "phoebe" call sounds a bit like a dog's squeaky toy, and their favorite perching fence is right outside my bedroom window! When I noticed a pair of these flycatchers hanging around our yard in early spring of this year, I hoped they would decide to raise their family here.

These highly-active birds don't sit still for long, but they do keep returning to the same perch time and again. This makes them relatively easy to photograph.

You won't find these insect-eaters at your bird feeders, but they may use the top of your shepherd's hook at a look out. They prefer semi-open areas where they can easily see and catch insects. These aerial wonders can stop mid-air and change direction in seconds. They are very entertaining to watch!

This pair built a nest under the back eave of our house and had one hatchling. The adorable little grey ball of fuzz used to come visit me on the front porch when he was learning to fly – He's a little camera shy, but I'm hoping to catch up with him soon!

I'm currently reading Beth Moore's book, To Live Is Christ, in which she follows Paul's journey of faith. In the first few chapters, Beth gives us a picture of what Saul's {Paul} childhood was probably like. He was the son of a Pharisee, and raised according to the strict Jewish law. By the time he was ten he knew the intricacies of the oral law. By the time he was thirteen he would have been practicing the associated rituals of that law. After describing some of the rituals, which began before sunrise, Beth states: "A thirteen year old boy could not get out of bed in the morning without remembering to whom he belonged."

There are times that I need to be reminded to whom I belong.

Don't worry, I don't plan to start strapping phylacteries on my head and arms anytime soon. That would be silly. But Beth's statement made me think about my first thoughts every morning.

I thought of the Phoebe calling to her mate.

And I remembered to Whom I belong.

Blessings,