Thursday, April 14, 2016

The Unloved






I did it again!
I hit that nasty "publish" button too soon last night *sorry* 
For the past few years my husband and I have enjoyed the wild turkeys
during the fall, winter and spring months on our property.
We throw wild bird seed and hen scratch
on the ground under two huge pine trees for the birds
and the turkeys are delighted to join them for a meal.
I have become quite attached to these turkeys
through my new hobby of "Bird Watching"
and am amazed at some of their behavioral ways.
These turkeys by the way, practically eat out of my hands
and even talk back to me when I make some of their sounds
that I have taught myself.
I can gobble just a fast as they can! Well, almost. Ha!
Every morning these little darlings bring me joy,
in fact, I've had many a belly laugh over watching them run
to and fro in front of our home when it is quite icy
as they try to gracefully handle themselves
though many times it's on their bums. :) 

During the spring we have the privilege of watching the tom's
with their feathers fluffed out in all their glory
as they strut around for their pretty little Merriam's.
The last few days we have had five tom's all fluffed out together,
and of course no picture. :(
but in my presence, there have been no fights.
I wonder...
After watching the behavior of this flock all winter long
it seems as if the main tom is teaching and training 
those younger tom's.
It would appear that they are under his wing. *no pun intended*
I have also noticed in these last few days
that those younger tom's are breaking off with a few little Merriam's 
to call their own, yet they still remain near the flock
undisturbed by the head tom.


But sadly~ there is one tom that lives on the outskirts of this flock. :(
He is always by himself, yet close enough to the others
without getting into trouble with the Head Honcho.
If he even tries to move in closer, he is pushed out.
He waits to eat after the others have finished,
so he eats alone.
He comes near our home by way of the "back door" you might say,
and runs whenever it looks like he is being threatened.
He's been a part of the 14 we have had all winter,
yet he is an outcast.
Watching this lonesome guy looking in from the outside
makes me feel quite sad.
I have never liked seeing a "loner" even with humans,
it breaks my heart.


As I watch the behavior of the flock,
I can't help but think of the way some people treat one another.
I've seen others being left out of a "group" and not bothered with.
People can be so cruel and unkind with their words and actions,
not showing much in the way of love and grace.
If we were to examine ourselves, are we taking the time to befriend
a lonely sole and show them that we care?
Are we carelessly going through our days with out noticing 
the many needs of others around us?
Are we to busy to notice that someone may be all alone,,
discouraged or troubled?
To know and to be known, to love and to be loved,
to care and to be cared for~these are some of our
deepest human needs.
God would have us to come along side one another
showing love and concern in a manner that
reflects His glory.
If we are going to reflect the glory of God
then we must reflect His image. 
As we study God's Word, the Spirit teaches us
how to have a loving heart that would reflect Him.
Maybe you are that one who feels unloved?
My heart remembers you in prayer.
May you find encouragement knowing 
that God loves and cherishes you.
~~
"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mothers womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.
My frame is not hidden from You, when I was made in secret,
and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed,
and in Your book they are written, the days fashioned for me,
when as yet there were none of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me O God!
How great is the sum of them."
(Psalm 139:13-17) 


~~It is God's will that we love one another~~

"And this is his commandment, that we should believe on the name
of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another,
as he gave us commandment."
(1 John 3:23)
God commands us to love one another, it's not a choice.
~~
~~That we encourage one another~~

In Deuteronomy chapter (3:23-29) Moses is forbidden to enter Canaan,
but the Israelite's were commanded to encourage Joshua
to go over before the people to inherit the land.
 ~~
~~That we admonish one another~~

"Let the Word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom,
teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns
and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
(Colossians 3:16)
Look at the beauty of this verse! 
If we are doing as this verse commands,
love would certainly flow out from our hearts on to others.
~~
~~That we be kind & forgiving to one another~~

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving
one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
(Ephesians 4:32) 
~~
~~That we serve one another~~

"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty;
only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh,
but by love serve one another."
(Galatians 5:13)
~~
~~That we bear with one another in love~~

"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another,
if any man have a quarrel against any:
even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."
(Colossians 3:13)
~~
~~That we grumble not against one another~~

"Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned:
behold, the judge standeth before the door."
(James 5:9)
~~
~~That we speak not evil of one another~~

"Speak not evil one of another, brethren, he that speaketh evil
of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law,
and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law,
but a judge.
(James 4:11)
~~
~~And then~Let us pray for one another~~

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another,
that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a
righteous man availeth much."
(James 5:16)
~~
When we find ourselves on our knees praying for others
no matter who they are, we will grow to have a love for them
and see great and mighty things happen
through the grace of God. 
~~
O God, teach us what it means to love deeply and profoundly,
as Jesus did.
Amen


Be Gracious!
~Debbie~
 

32 comments:

Debby Ray said...

Debbie...I wondered what was going on when I clicked a post with the turkey on it...and got last week's post! That's OK...I figured out you would discover it and everything would be fine. This is such a great post! First of all, I love turkeys...we had them up in our yard when we had our cabin and where our son lives in TN, they are everywhere. A tom in full strut is a beautiful sight! This is a really good observation and analogy...humans can certainly act worse than animals at times!

Roosterhead Designs said...

Hi Debbie~
You have brought me to tears with this wonderful post!
When I read your words:

"God would have us to come along side one another
showing love and concern in a manner that
reflects His glory."

It truly made me stop and really think.
I so appreciate you, and this post full of great pictures,
lessons from nature (the 'instincts' of turkeys) and the
wonderful scriptures you've reflected on.
Thanks so much! & God bless, Karen O

shortybear said...

really good post

hobbyloes said...

So beautiful that you are first starting with the turkeys and then comes out with all these wonderful texts from God's Word.

Linda said...

Debbie, it's okay, I think all of us at one time or another have inadvertently or too quickly hit the publish button. Lovely photos and your posts are always so beautiful and inspiring. Thank you so much for being you! God bless you.

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

What a fabulous post- everything about it is perfectly written.

Very well done, Debbie. Hugs.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

It is so easy for us to be judgemental instead of loving as Jesus loved. I pray to be more loving to everyone I meet. Jesus forgive me for failing and be my strength when I am weak.

This was a lovely post, filled with encouraging scripture on how to be more Christlike.

Thank you for taking the time to write this post.

Thank you for the great photos of your flock of turkeys. I feel sorry for the loner too.

Have a lovely Friday and weekend dear Debbie ~ Love & hugs ~ FlowerLady

Kim said...

I love the correlation of 'your' lonesome turkey on the outer and how we as Christians should be always ready and willing to care for and love those who are lonely and struggle with popularity and life. Thank you for this wonderful and inspirational post. I love your photos of your gang of turkeys, Debbie.

Vicky Hunt said...

Such a lovely post Debbie. I love how you used the story of the turkeys. What a sight this must be each morning to watch these beauties. It is strange how even in nature, there are outcasts. This is always so sad to me. As a teacher, I have never been able to stand to see children excluded from things. That is something I do NOT tolerate in my classroom. We are All friends as long as I have them in my room. Of course, not everyone gets along perfectly, and that is OK because they are all different and "click" with some more than others, but I do not allow any child to tell another they can't play with them or sit with them and so on. I do have control over that in kindergarten. it gets more difficult as they get older, but I try to foster a love for one another while I have them. I pray you have a lovely weekend. You are such a sweet blessing to me.

Hugs, Vicky

Karen said...

Your post encouraged me this morning. I want to always speak life and blessing and pray for those who are hard to get to know and love, knowing that Jesus loves us all, just as the Father loves Him. Thank you. Have a blessed weekend.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Hello Debbie! WOW, these wild turkeys have invaded the city, as we too have them! We noticed them about five years ago HERE in our yard! We now have a posse of turkeys on the main street and I call them "The Johnson Brothers"since they think they own Johnson Street! teeeheeeee

HELLO THERE, lovely lady! Thank you for visiting my blog. It's nice to be back occasionally to be here where I love to share. Enjoy your day in the Love of God!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I felt so badly for the turkey that has to live as an outcast. No one wants to live like that. What a beautiful correlation you gave us with your flock of turkeys, Debbie. The verses you shared are perfect for all of us to remember and I appreciate you, through your wisdom, in choosing the right ones. Loving and forgiving one another is what we are meant to do. God bless you for writing another inspirational post. Love you!

Linda Walker said...

Good morning Debbie,
That poor little outcast is going to be on my mind all day, reminds me of the song "God Help the Outcasts". Such a beautifully written post Debbie! You really are a brilliant writer! Thanks for my dose of inspiration!! Have A wonderful weekend! Xo
Linda

Anonymous said...

What a blessing to watch these turkeys. I love the photos. Your analogy is a good one. Thank you for sharing these verses. May the Lord bless your weekend.

Camille said...

What a powerful picture of how it sometimes can be among people. SO sad for that lonesome turkey....awww....my heart goes out to critters like him. :( May the Lord help us all to love on another as He would have us to. Thank you for sharing your heart and wisdom here my friend. Hugs, Camille

NanaNor's said...

Wonderful post; I've never looked at wild turkeys the way you do and now will appreciate them more. Great lesson too-I imagine that we've all felt lonely, left out and unloved at one time or another. I certainly grew up feeling like that left out lonely child, the one no one wanted to be with. So thankful for His love poured out on each of us. A good reminder to look for those who are alone.
Hugs,
Noreen

Marilyn Mathis said...

What an absolutely wonderful, inspiring post. I love the pictures of the turkeys since I too am a bird watcher. I also have some fox squirrels that I watch. They are beautiful. The turkeys are so majestic and beautiful. There are a lot of lessons to be learned by watching the birds and other animals that God made for us to enjoy. Hugs.

Robyn said...

LOL, I have hit that publish button FAR too many times and no matter how quickly I try to convert it back to a draft, it's already gone to everyone's email!
I so enjoyed this post, friend. I love all animals and the wild turkeys around here are a delight as well. I love it that you can get so close to them!
It seems that our human world reflects the animal world in more ways than one. Your words of wisdom are good reminders to be aware of those struggling to fit in. A few words of encouragement can be such a gift at those times.
As always, I'm smiling while I'm here and delighted that I know you! Happy Friday!

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Such a beautiful parable-story-lesson you've written dear Debbie! Last year we had a momma hen who was the cast off as well, and I always felt so sorry for her. One day it was just she and I in the yard, and I began to pray and sing. I thought it might scare her away, but it didn't. She stayed and listened to me. It was a beautiful moment. I so enjoyed your pictures of the turkeys, you really got some lovely pictures! Your turkeys look bigger than ours here. I enjoyed your sharing of the scriptures and thoughts of loving those who don't appear lovable... and that is when we truly take on the aroma of the love of Christ.. to extend his love and mercy to those who don't deserve or even want it. Precious post dear Debbie, and always a joy to visit with you and share your heart of love for the Lord!

Anonymous said...

When we pray for others, amazing how much we learn when we do. Great analogy dear friend :-) thank your sharing ...

Cheryl said...

Amen, and amen, sweet friend! I love that verse where Jesus said by this shall all men that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another. The proof of our discipleship is in the love. Speaking of that, I feel so much love and encouragement each time I come by here. So, thank you, and God bless you!

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

A beautiful uplifting post Debbie!!
... those turkeys are truly gorgeous creatures and remind me of the verses in Matt 6 where we are reminded if God clothe the lilies of the field and birds of the air how much more will He care for us. Their feathers are stunning.

I love the parallel you made too, in caring, loving watching out for those who don't quite blend in. That's exactly what the Lord Jesus did, He sought out the rejected ones, tax collectors etc.

Thanks so much for being a blessing to my heart.,
Shaz in Oz.x

{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

Stephanie said...

Hi stranger! I feel like I need to reintroduce myself since I have been absent from blog visiting :)

Your post was quite cute with the photos and your story telling...you really need to write children's books.

Aside from it being cute it was also very convicting AND encouraging. I have always enjoyed how you take God's creation and intertwine it with lessons for the young and old. Thank you for blessing my heart.

The little one enjoyed the photos and Pa did a great job of capturing the glory of the turkeys. Have a wonderful Sunday! Love you lots!

September Violets said...

A beautiful post Debbie. It's hard to watch a person on the outskirts of everyone else, but these inspirational words are very encouraging. How easy it would be to walk over to someone alone and just say 'hello' and start from there.

Your turkeys are amazing. I too have turkeys in a conservation area near me, and I have seen the same behaviour towards a lone tom. I had been watching them for a while, and kept seeing this smaller tom not included with the big boys, and not staying with the hens. I thought he might just be a young tom and not in his prime yet. Often that's the way with the "teenagers" in the wild. They have to mature a bit more before they are included. I tossed an extra handful of seeds over to him when the others weren't looking ;)

Have a wonderful week!

Wendy

Ginny said...

Oh Debbie, What a beautiful post and it brought tears that ran down my face. Those turkeys! What a great analogy to bring to the surface of those who are ignored, alone, and rejected. It brought to mind a lady at church who has a reputation for being a "hoarder". She is so sweet and minds her own business, but everyone seems to shun her as if she were invisible. However, I have made her my friend and have made her feel special by taking her out for lunch, buying her a carnation for mother's day, Christmas gifts, birthday cards, etc. I invite her to sit with us for fellowship after Mass, and I just want others to see that she is loved by me and by God. Oh, and she is financially poor. Sometimes you just wonder how people can treat others so badly. I don't have a lot myself, as we are on a fixed income, but I do what I can to uplift and encourage others. Thank you for this eye opening post. God love you!

Aritha said...

Touching. Thanks!

Kelly @ Homespuns 'n Hayfields said...

We really should be loving and forgiving one another, praying for others, etc. I love your turkey story, especially using the outcast and the comparison to people (poor guy, I do feel for him). Mark thought that maybe he's a Jake and still has some maturing to do first. Take care Debbie!

Deborah Montgomery said...

I think it's wonderful how we can learn so much from the natural world God has created. He puts these lessons right in front of us, if we have eyes to see. Thank you for sharing the lesson you saw from the turkeys. I, too, hate to see people left out. So painful.
Wow, they are amazing looking creatures, with those blue wattles! Can't believe they eat out of your hand!
Have a good week Debbie! xo Deborah

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

It is so sad when you can see loneliness even in the animal world, and they supposedly don't have feelings for things like that. So much sadder for humans to feel that. But like humans, animals can come around with a little love and care. One of the kittens that we adopted 7 months ago was shunned by the other cats at a foster home she was in. We have loved her despite her fear and keeping her distance and she is finally coming around to giving back a little love to us. A great example that works with people too!!

Melanie said...

A beautiful post, Debbie. It is very painful feeling like an outsider. I feel so bad for your loner turkey.

Denise said...

I can't imagine, turkeys, You must live in the country. I have never seen Turkeys just roaming around in the suburbs. I've spent My whole life in a suburb, how lovely it would be to live in the country.

Anonymous said...

This is a wonderful post Debbie.
I am like you, always looking to see who might not be fitting in and seeking the heart that is on the outside looking in.
I think a lot of folks today are just so busy and focused on the demands of life that they are unaware of those around who need a little extra care.
It is a lonely life for many in this world and I agree with you, the Lord seeks to minister to them through us, we simply need to listen to His Voice as He makes us aware of those around us each day.
I love the turkeys in your photos, what a blessing that they will come up close and befriend you.
Have a lovely day dear one....Hugs from Shirley

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