July 1

It has taken me some time, but I’m getting my house almost the way I like it, except the yard; I still have the backyard landscaping to complete. However, I have put some things out there to attract the birds, plus I promised my friend, who lived here before me, that I would keep feeding the cardinals that visit . To my surprise, the doves visit too, so I throw extra feed on the ground for them because they like to forage. I also have a birdbath; I’ve had it for years and have never seen a bird in it, except my grandson-bird, who loves to splash all the water out of it. Then yesterday, to my surprise, I saw the doves taking a bath! They sat in it for a while and seemed to be cooling off from the heat. I look at them as a blessing because of their mention in the Bible. Noah used one to see if it was safe to leave the ark, and the Holy Spirit was likened to a dove as he settled upon Jesus after his baptism. I also have blue jays, which I love, but they remind me that wherever the Holy Spirit is, Satan, the bandit is not far away, and he’s ready to snatch away any joy you may have if you let him. Don’t let him! The best way to tick him off is to remain unaffected by his antics. Stay happy, my friends. Life is too short to wallow in self-pity.

and give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:27