Joni Shankles

This blessing is for
the brave ones
who walk school hallways
carrying hidden loads.

May there be
someone who sees you
and speaks the word
you need today.

🙏

I will try to be brave enough 😊

Purchased!

Purchased!

"We become a hindrance rather than a help when we greet those who suffer with statements such as: 'If you would only... pray more, read Scripture more, believe more, stop thinking about yourself, put the past behind you.'  This puts heavy burdens on already bowed backs." - Diane Langberg

Day 22, #aBirdFromTheLord

As I drove to town today, I got an up close look at two turkey vultures feasting on the side of the road 😬

Their size, rumpled feathers, and nonchalance at passing cars were striking.

“A single, warm word can light a path and change a life.”

A faithful calling and a beautiful tribute.

Day 18, #aBirdFromTheLord

I find the habit of posting on social media much harder to practice than the joy of going outside and noticing birds!

Some of today’s companions: a very vocal red-shouldered hawk, a pair of robins finding worms in newly tilled soil, and cardinals galore.

Day 16, #aBirdFromTheLord

It was lonely outside today without constant bird activity. Unseasonal cold altered outdoor patterns, leaving gaps of silence where I’ve learned to expect songs.

Day 15, #aBirdFromTheLord

I’m always surprised at how loud Carolina Wrens are. They remained hidden today, but definitely made their presence known.

Rich, informative thread - thank you for the link to the full article and extensive footnotes 😊

Thank you @bethallisonbarr.bsky.social!

Born, raised, & trained in the SBC, I value your books & @kkdumez.bsky.social for revealing how much of my “biblical” understanding of gender roles, ministry calling, and political engagement was shaped by man-made decisions. Historical context is crucial.

Day 14, #aBirdFromTheLord

Two weeks into this 10 min a day practice, I am struck by how deeply good it is to hear the movements of birds—wings beating, seeds cracking, feet scurrying, beaks attacking bark in search of insects. Percussion accompanies a bird’s more recognizable melodies.

Day 13, #aBirdFromTheLord

Ended the day with a walk. Hearing the sparrows and wrens reminded me of the “how much more” love of God, who is an attentive provider for birds and His people.

Day 12, #aBirdFromTheLord

The storms have passed and all is well. This pair of mourning doves takes in the stillness and fresh air from atop the shed.

Day 10, #aBirdFromTheLord

Our local weatherman, a trusted voice through many dangerous storms, tells us to expect multiple rounds of dangerous tornadoes in the next 24 hours.

The birds and I have all been hidden from view, preparing. As I took the feeders down just now, I heard their songs.

Day 9, #aBirdFromTheLord

We had a stand of dead pine cut down yesterday. I feel the loss of every tree.

Yet today, the cardinals and chickadees are chasing through the clearing and exploring the spaces between the stacks of logs.

Loss speaks, but doesn’t have the final word ❤️

Thank you! Blessings for your beginnings 🙏

Day 8, #aBirdFromTheLord

This is our first spring at our new location. These days are filled with many firsts—first blooms and buds on trees, first bulbs to send up shoots, and today, my first sighting of a pair of Canadian geese flying just above the trees.

Thankful for new beginnings.

Day 7, #aBirdFromTheLord

Welcome to my trees, Eastern Phoebe! A new song for this day 😊

For me, 90% of this thought experiment would be spent in the Loop of Indecision trying to figure out who my favorite fictional characters are 😅

Day 6, #aBirdFromTheLord

Today’s friends at the feeder

This resonates

I’ve lived a mostly quarantined life since 2016 due to chronic illness.

Before covid, some bravely tried to imagine my life. Lockdowns showed everyone what my life is like.

The evaporation of empathy when “normal” life returned added a layer of pain to my return to invisibility.

🙏

Day 5, #aBirdFromTheLord

This cardinal braved the rain to come to the edge of the tree canopy, a welcome bright contrast to a gloomy day.

Day 4, #aBirdFromTheLord

Saw the aerial dance of a red-shouldered hawk this morning

Day 3, #aBirdFromTheLord

The cardinals and chickadees remained out of camera reach today, singing from high atop Callery pear branches festooned with bright white blossoms.

Day 2, #aBirdFromTheLord

Love using the Merlin Bird ID app to help identify my choir of backyard companions