A Day Of Firsts

Today was a day of firsts.

I just got home from seeing for the first time an opossum crossing the road if front of the car. I have never seen one in the wild. The only ones I have seen on the road were ones that became road kills.

We were coming home from having a dinner for the first time at my son and daughter-in-law home. We been there many times, but this was the first time we were invited just for dinner.

Earlier today I caught for the first time on camera two red-shoulder hawks in a mating ritual. It was a shock because I had no clue what I was seeing until I put it on Facebook.

After this first, I headed to the Mariner. I have been going to the Mariner for many years. I have seen just about anything you can see there, until today. Going up a small path that I do not go on often, I came across a new first. A pig.

It took a few minute for me to figure out what I was looking at munching on the grass. At first I thought it was a big fat ground hog. As I got closer, it became clear it was a small pig. In fact, it turns out to be a teacup pig named Bacon, who was only five months old.

I love my day of firsts. It makes me look forward to another day. I can not wait to see what I come across tomorrow.

Look Up, You Are Loved

There is a song
that has this one line, "Look up, You are Loved." When you feel over-whelmed in life trials, the song teaches that all you have to do is look up. This act of looking up helps you to see where your help comes from and know that there is a God who loves you.

Sometimes the burden or shame that we are going through makes it almost impossible to look up. The weight of the world presses us to give up. While it is almost impossible for us to look up, we can rest in the knowledge that with God all things are possible. We are loved unconditionally.

Today if you are facing something hard, "Look up, you are loved.

The Same

After attending the funerals of the deputies that were killed by a senseless act of violence, the family of these brave men will never be the same. I will never be the same.

It was heart-warming to see the community rally around the families. Visiting the place of the shootings and the sheriff office, this became clear as the flowers, balloons and stuff animals continue to grow by the door of the restaurant and the sheriff’s car.

The viewings for the two men were from morning to evening for two days. This allowed the community to come at their convenience and give their condolences. Officers came from far and wide to offer their services as well. I have never seen so many policemen and firemen in one place before. It over-whelmed my heart.

As we witness the changes of the family’s lives and the sheriff station, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus love for these families has never change. Jesus has remained constant.

The two deputies are home with Jesus. Jesus is home with each of us. He lives in us and never changes. He is there to help us through the changes in our own lives.

Tomorrow brings new challenges. We do not know what the future holds. What we can take comfort in is that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and for all the tomorrows to come.

So today I will say my prayers for the deputies’ family and ask Jesus to give them comfort and strength to continue. Today I will take comfort in Jesus as well.  

The Topic: The Loses Of Life

Today I spoke in front of a bible study group about the many loses in life. God use these loses to make me a stronger and better person. Yet, during the times these happen, I could not understand why I was going through the trials.

Yesterday, with the loses of two Harford County deputies begs the question, "Why?"

How do you understand the senseless shooting? What would cause a person to walk up to the deputy and shoot him? There are no easy answers.

As I went to Panera Bread and the Sheriff station to pay my respect, my heart was touched by the outpouring of support that our community was showing. Not only was the car covered by this support, the doorway to the Panera bread displayed the outpouring of love as well.

Along with the people coming to show their respect were the news medias. Channel 13, Channel 2 and Fox's 45 made their presence know with the many camera crews and reporters.

Tonight as I make my way to bed, I will say a prayer for the families and friends of these brave men. My loses seems small compared to the loses these family face today. My prayer is that someday they can look back and see how God use it to make them stronger.

Northern Harrier

The other day I decided to walk around my favorite spot at the Mariner. My count so far is 92 species of birds that has made their presence known to me. While feeding the normal residences, a hawk flew in to try her luck at one of them.

It was a good thing I had my camera ready. I just kept snapping away as she darted through the trees. Out of the multiple shots only a few turned out. So I put the best one on the MD Birding site on Face book, since I had no clue what kind of hawk I just got a picture of.

To my surprise and pleasure it turned out to be a northern harrier. So, now I am up to 93 species. It has only taken me over five years to document them, but it has been worth it.

With each new discovery, my passion for seeking a new bird at the Mariner grows. My goal is to reach 113 species. One of the other birder that visit the park often has documented that many. I would love to reach his goal and surpass it.

This other day gave me hope that I can achieve this goal. Mariner Point Park, I will see you again tomorrow. Who knows what I will see flying around.

Take My Cute Side

Yesterday I decided to walk around the Mariner. This was a hard take since they have not shoveled the walkway. So, I took my walking stick and with a slow pace made my way through the snow covered path.

I am glad I did. The birds where eager to enjoy the bird seeds and peanuts that I laid about the fences. It was good to see my good friend the tufted titmouse. He seems to be telling me to take his good side. Actually, he is trying to decide what seed he is going to eat.

Along with the titmouse, were cardinals, chickadees, blue jays, wren, nuthatches, towhees, juncos, yellow-bellied sapsucker, (both juvenile and male), even a juvenile eagle soaring around when I first got out of the car.

All in all it was a good decision to stop by and see all my feather friends, squirrels and a few other birders enjoying a beautiful day.

Oreo Goose

Have you ever seen an Oreo Cow? We have several place here that you can view these unique cows. They are a sight to see. But this is the first time that I have seen an Oreo Goose. 

You never know what you might see when you travel about our town. This goose seemed out of place with the Canada and white geese. My eyes were drawn to him because he was different.

I am always looking for the unusual creatures in nature. They give me a lift when I come across them. It does not matter if they are a hybrid or created by God to be weird. They help me to see that we are all created to be pleasing to our Creator.

I am a hybrid. I am proud to be a little bit of many nationalities. This make me unique. I hope you all see how unique you all are in God's eyes. He made you just the way He wanted you to be, just like this Oreo goose.