Are those “Claws” Sharp?

That’s the most asked question about my hawks and owls that I fly.  And YES!! They are sharp.

hawk talons

 

The claws, talons is a more correct word, are sharp enough that I must wear a long thick leather glove. Sharp talons are vital tools that these birds of prey use to snatch and hold prey, protect themselves, and perch on a tree limb.

 

These talons and beak must stay sharp! The beak and talons are critical tools that these birds of prey use for their survival. Hawks have a way of sharpening their tools.  It’s by continually using them.  If you place a hawk in a pen, always giving it cut up meat (they don’t eat salads ya know!), their beaks will grow abnormally long.  This would require a manual process called “coping” to file the beak down to where it would function. My hawks must always be able to rip and tear their food.

What are your ‘tools’ that you must use on your spiritual journey?  I value my guidebook( the Bible), to keep me on path and to provide spiritual food.  To keep this tool sharp requires me to continually use it.

A new tool that I’m beginning to use more and more is my computer and the internet.  Yes, even in my wilderness, the internet is becoming a more valuable tool to reach out (to you guys) as well as a source of information.

If it’s on the internet it’s true right?  I’ll admit there sometimes is a fear in me about all this information on the internet.  But I shouldn’t fear this tool, but instead use a sound mind and let this power be used for God’s Glory.  My friend Derek at   http://derekouellette.ca/ has been a great help with advice about social media and the internet.

I have no spirit of fear concerning  those talons and beak.  But I do realize the power that these tools give this Red tail hawk. (I’ll show you my scar from wearing too short a glove.)

What tools do you use on your spiritual journey?  How do you stay sharp?

For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and of a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7

 

 

2 Timothy 1:7 Are those “claws” sharp?

2 Timothy 1:7

21st Century King James Version (KJ21)

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

ow lbeak and talons

Am I afraid of those sharp talons and beaks that my falconry birds possess?  No, but there is a great deal of respect given to them.  Using a sound mind (learning about these tools, understanding of the hawk and owls, knowledge of how and when they use these talons) helps lessen the fear and grow the respect.

 

Am I afraid of the internet?  No, but using a sound mind (learning how this reaches people, sorting wrong from right, understanding how this source of communication can bring Glory to God) helps lessen the fears and grows the respect.

What tools are you using to carry you further on your Christian Journey?  The Bible, prayer, reliable sources on the internet, everyday situations, all provide a way to grow closer to God.

Use these tools.  But stay SHARP!

Did I overlook a tool you use on your Christian journey?  Leave a comment.

 

Wiley Ainsworth and the Mulberry Tree

 
Wiley Ainsworth and 130 yr old tree

a short “cowboy poem” by Dan Ainsworth

Well, look’a there. It’s a picture, of Wiley and a tree.

They are both God’s creation.  That’s easy to see.

Wiley’s in his 80’s. The tree’s well over 130!

Made their living from the ground, didn’t mind gettin’ dirty.

This Mulberry tree grew, from a seed in the wild.

Wiley remembers climbing this tree, as a child.

The way they were raised, their roots grew in good soil.

Both earned what they got, from hard work, time, and toil.

They each have provided, to animal and man.

They gave shade and shelter, each lived in God’s plan.

This tree provided food.  Many critters here dined.

Wiley cared for critters also, mainly ‘two legged’ kind.

Providing for others, he gave from the land,

by farming, sharing God’s Love, and living God’s plan.

Neither complains, they go with the flow,

both seeking God’s directions, good examples they do show.

Storms have come through, and taken a toll.

Limbs are now bent, but, stronger is the soul.

Over time this Mulberry tree, has turned brittle and bent

And Wiley says his ‘get up, has done got up and went’.

They are known by their fruit, sweet berries the tree shares,

When folks see Wiley’s smile, they know that he cares!

From what God has grown, they both constantly give.

It’s their nature to share.  In God’s Hands they both live.

So nowadays my Dad, gives us all inspiration,

By just ‘being there’, it shows dedication.

He still spreads his limbs for a wave or handshake.

Cause he’s filled with God’s love.  And that, you can’t mistake.

Why tell you this poem, in this rather unique way?

‘Cause I get to say I love you Daddy,…….. Happy Father’s Day!