New Migration

This morning I came across a "birdie"- that's the term I hear around here for "birdwatcher;" rather like "foodie" is for someone with epicurian intentions. When we are in Florida we live in what is called a Bird Sanctuary, and so I suppose it is to be expected that we might run across one or two people with bird labelled t-shirts and binoculars hanging around their neck. As my husband and I had seen a quite unusual bird skimming over our neighbourhood while we had breakfast on the lanai (Florida word for back porch with mosquito screen), I stopped this "birdie" and asked what was going on.
"Quite a few bird watchers out this morning. Something happening in the bird world?" I asked as he was actually the third birdie I had come across in my morning walk.
"Well, there seems to be a new migration pattern happening."
"What kind of birds?"
And he listed a plethora of names that had words like "tennessee" and "long-tailed," and then he lost me.
"It is unusual," he said, "we've had some migration fall out."
I listened to him and hoped it wasn't as serious as the nuclear kind, but he did look excited and not too concerned.
It seems it is that time of year again, when the birds move from one part of the world to the other; and not all birds move from the north to the sunnier south. Some fly north to find the food they need. Some terns fly from one artic to another, some soar above Everest for an incredible view. Still, bird watchers say there is something new happening with the normal migration patterns. A little like those of us who are regularly on the move.

These days more and more of us are just having to go where the jobs are. Are we excited? Curious? Not following the flock? Please take a moment to read the Releasing Prayer that you will find at the end of my book, "Parents on the Move!" published by Destiny Image Europe and available from Amazon (see side bar). Be released into the flight pattern the Father has just for you!

As the "snow birds" (northerners who come to Florida for the winter) start to arrive, our neighbourhood church always puts up sign. This year it says, "We welcome snowbirds of pray!" It's almost time for my husband and I to pack up and leave our house with our favourite snowbird renters; and for us to head back to the UK. If you are getting ready to make a move, we pray safe flights to all!

Please note: the actual migration patterns ARE NOT changing, but the weather patterns are affecting the flow of migration and quite a number of birds are making an unusual pitstop! Large numbers of reb breasted warblers in our area this morning- VERY rare indeed!

It's a Ministry!

This past Sunday I was blessed to hear Pastor Joy announce that she and Pastor Jim are starting to hold Open House for the parents of any teenagers attending the Friday night "Firebrand!" (every youth group worth its salt seems to have a name other than "youth group" these days)

Though my "kids" are way past the youth group age, I remember clearly the nights when you drive the young ones to church, drop them off and then try to return on time. Parents can even argue over "whose turn it is to do the run," and it is only a slight step up from the diaper/nappy changing conversation had years earlier.

Some parents are smart about this time and use it as their own Date Night, but in these financially challenged times going out to dinner (just for themselves) doesn't always make the budget cut. Yet, parents of teenagers need very much to invest in their own marriage and have a little fun with other parents- even having a little relief time from their full-on parenting job. Once your kids are in High School you aren't exactly catching up and sharing the real stories with other parents at the "school-gate" anymore.

For Pastors Jim and Joy at Fisherman's Net Revival Center in Venice, Florida to recognise this and open their home to parents who have already spent the money on the gas/petrol to drive the kids to their evening out just blessed me. I know they will have a great time in our Pastors' home; getting to enjoy a laugh, share a prayer concern and inside scoop on what's going on and chomping on some great food. Makes me want to carry out my true ministry-baking some chocolate chip cookies! Let's bless parents, not just at the early stages;but when they have been at it awhile.

Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe:http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/144813/Original-NESTL%C3%89-TOLL-HOUSE-Dark-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies/detail.aspx