I want to thank Birds of the Bible for Kids for guest posting this blog! Lee's website is about birding from a Christian perspective and has years of articles and content from Lee and other creationists and birders.  Creation Speaks is a Biblical teaching ministry that uses nature writing and photography to glorify our Creator and teach the truth of creation. -- “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9  If you live in the United States, you’ve probably seen this Song Sparrow bird in your yard. Did you know Jesus talks about sparrows in the Bible? Look up Luke 12:6-7! Hey kids, bored yet? If you are like my two daughters, you are practically begging for something to do at this point. Instead of wasting your brain on electronic gadgets, how about enjoying some birds and Bible! You might learn something too! The Bible tells us that on Day 5 of creation, God created all the birds (Genesis 1:21). If you look closely, there is a wide variety of different birds. Get a chair and sit in your backyard for thirty minutes in the morning. Even if you don’t know their names, write down the total number of individual birds you see; count how many different kinds there are making visits. How many different colors are there? Make notes if they are staying up in trees, or coming to feed on the ground. Do they have long, skinny beaks, or short fat beaks? Now close your eyes and listen. How many different kinds of bird calls do you hear? And if there aren’t too many birds outside, make a “virtual bird list”! Explore the pages of Lee’s Birds of the Bible for Kids and list how many different birds you see on the website in five minutes. Make a list of the Bible verses you see on the pages too. But if none of that is interesting, you could always ask your parents to assign you some chores! Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
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 William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message  Jack-in-the-Pulpit. A walk through my neighborhood greenspace in Clarke County, Georgia. April 25, 2002. Bored with "shelter in place", I took a walk through our neighborhood's greenspace on April 25, 2020. I want to thank Lee's Birdwatching Adventures for guest posting this blog! Lee's website is about birding from a Christian perspective and has years of articles and content from Lee and other creationists and birders. William Wise Photography’s Creation Speaks is a Biblical teaching ministry that uses nature writing and photography to glorify our Creator and teach the truth of creation. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9 Self-isolation blues, financial troubles, loved ones fallen ill, fear of contracting coronavirus… these weights are burdening many. On top of that, we may be unable to congregate in our churches or visit our favorite birding spots. Although a pale substitute for both, I pray you are uplifted by this short series of Words and Birds of Encouragement. For what can be more encouraging than the birds of this world and words of the world to come! William  Snowy Egret, Egretta thula, a small white heron wading bird, walking in a salt marsh tidal flat at Mitchelville Fish Haul Beach Park on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. May, 2019. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2 Peter 3:10, 13 Things aren’t that bad (yet). But even if they were, and all upon this earth were destroyed, God has promised a divine habitat restoration project. Think of how our beautiful egrets and herons suffered, senselessly extirpated by plume hunters and habitat destruction. Yet human efforts restored their populations.
How much more our heavenly Creator will restore all things in the New Heaven and the New Earth… no matter how bad things become. Yes, we look forward to paradise with a new heaven and new earth, and with new bodies, but you can also have “new” here now: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). 
Waltonpets Furtography Blog is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dog photography and cat photography at the Walton County Animal Control Shelter in Monroe, Georgia.
Female white German Shepherd dog laying down outside in the trees and sun with collar and leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption website.
"Starla" was a gorgeous white German Shepherd Dog picked up stray on April 20, 2020. She had on a collar, but unfortunately no tag or microchip to find her owner. She was adorable, sweet and submissive; rolling over for belly rubs. She had her Furtography Session on April 21, 2020 and posted on the adoption website.
Starla became an instant adoption website hit! After getting over 20 adoption applications and rescue inquiries, she was adopted into a lucky home on April 24, 2020! 
Female white German Shepherd dog laying down outside in the trees and sun with collar and leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption website.
Female white German Shepherd dog laying down outside in the trees and sun with collar and leash. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption website.
I want to thank Lee's Birdwatching Adventures for guest posting this blog! Lee's website is about birding from a Christian perspective and has years of articles and content from Lee and other creationists and birders. William Wise Photography’s Creation Speaks is a Biblical teaching ministry that uses nature writing and photography to glorify our Creator and teach the truth of creation. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9 Self-isolation blues, financial troubles, loved ones fallen ill, fear of contracting coronavirus… these weights are burdening many. On top of that, we may be unable to congregate in our churches or visit our favorite birding spots. Although a pale substitute for both, I pray you are uplifted by this short series of Words and Birds of Encouragement. For what can be more encouraging than the birds of this world and words of the world to come! William  Male Yellow-rumped Warbler bird, Setophaga coronata, in bright breeding plumage. Perched in Water Oak tree. Photographed in spring in Athens, Clarke County, Georgia, USA. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 We are called to make it through the days of trial and adversity. But we aren’t supposed to just grit our teeth and endure, coming out the other side angrier than we went in, like Godzilla breaking from the rubble of a building collapsed upon him. Instead, we are to be overcomers; we are to pass through trial and adversity with our testimony intact!
And to the overcomer there is a reward: like the Yellow-rumped Warblers that eat the late winter fruits of the holly and Wax Myrtle, we will dine upon the fruit of the tree of life in the paradise of God! This virus quarantine will end in a harvest of souls into the church as the doors re-open. So keep your chin up, overcomer, greater days approach… in this world and the next! I want to thank Lee's Birdwatching Adventures for guest posting this blog! Lee's website is about birding from a Christian perspective and has years of articles and content from Lee and other creationists and birders. Creation Speaks is a Biblical teaching ministry that uses nature writing and photography to glorify our Creator and teach the truth of creation. -- “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9 Self-isolation blues, financial troubles, loved ones fallen ill, fear of contracting coronavirus… these weights are burdening many. On top of that, we may be unable to congregate in our churches or visit our favorite birding spots. Although a pale substitute for both, I pray you are uplifted by this short series of Words and Birds of Encouragement. For what can be more encouraging than the birds of this world and words of the world to come! William  Healthy male House Finch; Clarke County, Georgia. April, 2015. ©www.williamwisephoto.com. “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse.” Revelation 22:1-3 Coronavirus is a curse. All viruses that bring sickness and death are a result of the curse. And that curse pronounced in Genesis 3 didn’t affect man alone, but “this thing all things devours: birds, beasts, trees, flowers.” I’ve seen the curse of disease first-hand as a House Finch confusedly flew through my backyard unable to find the feeder.  House Finch Eye Disease infection. But God promises a reverse of the curse and a restoration of paradise! One day, we will walk along the river among the fruiting trees. We, and all the other creatures, bird and beast alike, will be free of disease. Without a coronavirus face mask to block our view, we will adoringly look upon the Lamb seated upon the throne!
I want to thank Lee's Birdwatching Adventures for guest posting this blog! Lee's website is about birding from a Christian perspective and has years of articles and content from Lee and other creationists and birders. William Wise Photography’s Creation Speaks is a Biblical teaching ministry that uses nature writing and photography to glorify our Creator and teach the truth of creation. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9 Self-isolation blues, financial troubles, loved ones fallen ill, fear of contracting coronavirus… these weights are burdening many. On top of that, we may be unable to congregate in our churches or visit our favorite birding spots. Although a pale substitute for both, I pray you are uplifted by this short series of Words and Birds of Encouragement. For what can be more encouraging than the birds of this world and words of the world to come! William  Orange crowned Warbler, Leiothlypis celata, migrating songbird, Walton County, Georgia USA. The orange patch on the crown is usually not visible. “Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Luke 23:43 What will paradise be like? Let your imagination roll… sunsets without haze and smog; rivers and lakes without floating trash; streets filled with smiling people free of anger and worry; and clear, wide blue skies filled with the flight of birds… and no window strikes! And even better, we will walk in the cool of the garden with our Lord and Savior whose blood re-opens the door to Eden. It will be paradise for all! It may not be today (but then again, it may!). Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
 William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message  An angry Northern Mockingbird watches on as I try to get a glimpse of the babies in its nest. Athens, Clarke County, Georgia USA. April 28, 2020  Three blue and brown speckled bird eggs from a Northern Mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos, in a bird nest in Athens Georgia. Eggs were laid on April 15 2020. Eggs incubate two weeks. One good thing about being home for Coronavirus quarantine is watching more closely as springtime progresses in my backyard birding sanctuary. For a couple of weeks, the Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) were building a nest in the landscape shrubbery just below my home office window. Checking on April 15, three blue speckled eggs lays in the center of the well-constructed nest of twigs lined with some fur from the neighbor’s dog. One source says the eggs will incubate for about two weeks, and during this time the parents will aggressively defend the nest. In fact, I was pleasantly amused as I watched one of the parents chase a squirrel from my yard, across the street, and only let off the chase as the squirrel darted in panic into the backyard of the house across the street! At sunrise on April 26, 2020, I checked the nest and two of the three eggs had hatched! By the afternoon all three were hatched and still doing well three days later.  Northern Mockingbird babies three days after hatching. Backyard birding photography Athens, Clarke County, Georgia USA. April 28, 2020.  Northern Mockingbird babies five days after hatching. Backyard birding photography Athens, Clarke County, Georgia USA. April 30, 2020.  Northern Mockingbird babies five days after hatching. After about 10 to 15 days of life, the offspring become independent. Backyard birding photography Athens, Clarke County, Georgia USA. April 30, 2020. I want to thank Lee's Birdwatching Adventures for guest posting this blog! Lee's website is about birding from a Christian perspective and has years of articles and content from Lee and other creationists and birders. William Wise Photography’s Creation Speaks is a Biblical teaching ministry that uses nature writing and photography to glorify our Creator and teach the truth of creation. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9 Self-isolation blues, financial troubles, loved ones fallen ill, fear of contracting coronavirus… these weights are burdening many. On top of that, we may be unable to congregate in our churches or visit our favorite birding spots. Although a pale substitute for both, I pray you are uplifted by this short series of Words and Birds of Encouragement. For what can be more encouraging than the birds of this world and words of the world to come! William  Painted Bunting; Pickney Island National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina. May, 2019. ©www.williamwisephoto.com. “’What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love Him—these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit.” Think of the breathtaking joy you experienced upon spotting a new, beautiful life-bird. That was me when taking my first photo of a vibrant Painted Bunting. I could barely hold the camera still and nearly fumbled for the shutter button in excitement! Now, imagine the joy as you open your eyes in the hereafter and get your first glimpse of heaven! Breathtaking amazement and vibrant color beyond compare; unending joy and delight; eternal fellowship with our Savior! True, nobody here has seen it. But God has revealed it by His Spirit… and by His creation. If a birders first spotting of a bunting can be so breathtaking, imagine heaven!
William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message  Male Ruby-throated Hummingbird at nectar feeder. My first sighting for 2020. Clarke County, Georgia. April 11, 2020. William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message  Eastern Bluebird fledgeling in backyard nest box; Athens, Georgia. April 9, 2020. Once again, the Eastern Bluebirds chose one of the nest boxes above the Koi pond on my back patio. After a dizzying couple weeks of the parents bringing food back and forth, it was finally time for the first clutch to hatch and fledge!  Female Eastern Bluebird carrying butterfly caterpillar to fledgeling in nest box. April 9. 2020. Athens, Georgia.  Eastern Bluebird fledgeling in backyard nest box; Athens, Georgia. April 9, 2020. 
No doubt this gator is watching Professor Berryhill’s series! Photographed March 9, 2020. Okefenokee Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia. ©www.williamwisephoto.com. Please don’t steal my images. Download and use legally from Dreamstime.com.
The Okefenokee Swamp Park is broadcasting Professor Don Berryhill’s video series, Okefenokeology! Go to their YouTube channel to subscribe and see all the other videos in the series. Below are a few episodes. Enjoy some Okefenokee at home!
“Are you looking for something, anything, to help supplement the online learning resources for you and/or your children’s education with school being closed? Or maybe you just love everything there is to love about the Land of the Trembling Earth? If so, we hope you will enjoy our Okefenokeology Series with Professor Don Berryhill. We will regularly upload each episode onto our YouTube channel (so be sure to subscribe) or just come to our Facebook page for updates.” William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message Just some random birding and wildlife shots from my backyard in Clarke County, and behind my office in Walton County, Georgia.  A small American Southern Toad being held in the palm of a hand. Found in Clarke County, Georgia. April 2020. 
Waltonpets Furtography Session is an animal shelter pet photography blog of dog photography and cat photography at the Walton County Animal Control Shelter in Monroe, Georgia.
"Storm" was a handsome Pitbull Terrier boy that was brought to the animal control shelter as a stray on March 21, 2020. Big male black and white Pitbull Terrier and Mastiff mix breed dog outside on leash wagging tail. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption websites.
Not only are humans feeling the strain from COVID19, but the animal control shelter pets are being affected too. The last few weeks have been quite challenging as an animal shelter manager and we are doing all we can to keep animals from being euthanized. While the dogs and cats aren’t getting the virus, they are affected by the drop in adoptions and rescues due to the virus.
As the pandemic moved to the United States, and is now growing in my home state of Georgia, many cities have passed shelter-in-place laws. And for safety, the government offices have closed to foot traffic and are by appointment. This has severely limited the amount of people going out and pet adoptions have dropped off by 80%. In addition, many of the non-profit rescues have ceased or limited taking in animals at this time. But meanwhile, our animal control officers are still required to pick up stray dogs, and some owners are still surrendering pets. 
"Storm" was a handsome Pitbull Terrier boy that was brought to the animal control shelter as a stray on March 21, 2020. Big male black and white Pitbull Terrier and Mastiff mix breed dog outside on leash wagging tail. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption websites.
Even with limited services, I have continued to go in day after day and give my all for these pets in need; doing heartworm tests, photography, videos, internet postings, sending email alerts. We continue to fight for the lives of these shelter pets (great dogs like "Storm" featured in this blog). Many adoption applicants have withdrawn, but a few of the larger non-profit rescues have continued to work through foster homes. Thankfully we have still seen many dogs safely leave our shelter through these dedicated groups.
So, this COVID war is being fought on many fronts beyond the obvious impact on human health. Your local shelter is probably struggling as well. At the very least, do not surrender your pet to a shelter right now unless an absolute emergency. If you can fit a new pet into your life, or wish to foster a pet until the pandemic recedes, contact your local animal shelter and see what can be done. 
"Storm" was a handsome Pitbull Terrier boy that was brought to the animal control shelter as a stray on March 21, 2020. Big male black and white Pitbull Terrier and Mastiff mix breed dog outside on leash wagging tail. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption websites.
"Storm" was a handsome Pitbull Terrier boy that was brought to the animal control shelter as a stray on March 21, 2020. Big male black and white Pitbull Terrier and Mastiff mix breed dog outside on leash wagging tail. Dog rescue pet adoption photo for humane society animal shelter. Stock sales support pet adoption websites.
I want to thank Lee's Birdwatching Adventures for guest posting this blog! Lee's website is about birding from a Christian perspective and has years of articles and content from Lee and other creationists and birders.
William Wise Photography’s Creation Speaks is a Biblical teaching ministry that uses nature writing and photography to glorify our Creator and teach the truth of creation. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9
“And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where… even as the garden of the Lord” Genesis 13:10
All winter, we long for spring and the day we can get back to dressing and keeping our backyard gardens. We feel a strong inward desire to rejuvenate our backyard bird sanctuaries for the return of our beloved hummingbirds and other avian friends. But why is there such an affinity within us for gardens?
Ruby-throated Hummingbird in my backyard garden; Clarke County, Georgia. July, 2014. ©www.williamwisephoto.com.
In the Old Testament book of Genesis, the nomads Abraham and his nephew decide to split up and settle down. In making his choice of a new homeland, Lot looks towards the plains of Jordan and sees a fertile land “like the garden of the Lord” (Genesis 13:10). That same internal “garden longing” in his heart was triggered and leads Lot east.
I believe our love of gardens stems from a longing to return to Eden, that perfect state of beauty and fellowship with our Creator that man enjoyed in the beginning; where man walked with God “in the garden in the cool of the day”. When Adam’s eyes were opened, his first sight was a garden with “every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden.” Our love of gardens stems from a desire to return to Eden, to return to a place that place of paradise that was lost through sin. Even though we see disease, decay and corruption in this world today, one day we will return to paradise. As the story of this present age comes to its final chapter, a new book will be written. One where we will see a new heaven and a new earth brought forth (Isaiah 65:17, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1). Until then, let us enjoy our backyard gardens as a small piece of Eden; as a reminder of the blessed and perfect garden in world yet to come. As you till your soil with your hands, remember in your heart that one day, “thou shalt be with me in paradise.” “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7 |
 All content is ©williamwisephoto.com. Please don't steal images. My images are available at dreamstime.com. Stock sales go into the shelter photography program.
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In December 1993 I came to know the Designer and Creator of this wonderful planet and its creatures: Jesus Christ.
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Donations help support the animal shelter adoption photography equipment and adoption website hosting and domain fees. Thanks for your support!
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