Merry Christmas Advent to Epiphany
A Devotional Inspired by Nature: Volume 3
by
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MALE PINE GROSBEAK Pinicola enucleator
Alaska Scarce
Besides in Alaska, this Pine grosbeak, although scarce, can be found almost anywhere in the world. They are a member of the Finch family along with others like the crossbill, redpoll and brambling. They have erratic and irruptive wanderings, especially in winter. Mr. Piney, looking so proud, dressed in his Christmas coat, is contented in his pine tree exactly where God directed him today. After all, he has been chosen to be published on the cover of this brand new Christmas Devotional! His bill is short and stubby to crack seeds but his favorite meal is berries from the mountain ash. When he eats those, it’s like us having a banana split or apple pie with ice cream for dessert! Pine grosbeaks can be found breeding in evergreen forests from eastern Asia to Scandinavia. In one country they are called “mopes” due to their tameness and slow actions. According to the Oxford dictionary, a “mope” is listless and low-spirited. Certainly this is not a compliment to a follower of Jesus Christ but maybe it does describe the peaceful and calm life that the grosbeaks live among their small group of family and Finch friends in the conifers. One more wonderful fact about this beautiful red pine grosbeak; he is a compassionate, loving, and comforting mate when his favorite female is incubating the next generation of pine grosbeak chicks. He feeds Mom all her meals and feeds and protects her and the new family when the “peeps” breakthrough their shells. Bravo, Mr. Piney, for your faithful love of your beautiful family. You glorify God’s greatness every day.
“Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When was the last time you needed comforting because you just got a very sad e-mail, text or phone call? Or maybe you were sick and didn’t feel like fixing a meal for the family? Or perhaps you ran out of gas in the car and had left your cell phone home on the charger? Or maybe a broken bone from an unplanned fall? Sometimes trouble just follows us around with no let up! Did you stop and pray to the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort? Try it the very next time trouble comes knocking at your door. God will take care of you and then give you opportunities to comfort others in their painful, sad and uncomfortable times.
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for being my compassionate Father and my God of all comfort. I will turn to you in prayer when trouble comes my way. I love you and praise you, Lord. I want to be known as a compassionate and comforting follower of Jesus Christ; your only Son and my Savior; and like you, my Heavenly Father. Thank you for the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Who will you and I comfort together today? Who needs to hear your words of compassion, caring and comfort from the Bible? What scriptures will I use, Lord? Speak, your servant is listening, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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About the Book
I am often asked to write an endorsement or a forward for a new book, but this time, I begin this endorsement with a “feeling of excitement.” I absolutely loved the idea of linking nature to a devotional. Nature has always been inspiring to me, and I often talk to God as I walk through the beauty of God’s creation around me. How can you possibly see the beauty and wonder of our planet and our universe without being inspired by the God who made it.
So, when I looked at even the very idea of this manuscript I was inspired. I read the book and then I sat down to write this. I first took a walk through the wonder and beauty of God’s creation around me. As always, l can not walk through the trees or along a creek or stream without being inspired. Therefore, as I write these words I am inspired not only by this book, but by my last encounter with nature.
As I read the pages, I met an author who through the beauty of her writings has linked nature and Divine inspiration and truly inspired me. Just to think about nature and talking to God brings inspiration to my whole being.
So, with anticipation and great emotion, I endorse MERRY CHRISTMAS by Shirley D. Andrews. As I looked at the beautiful pictures I saw nature, but I also felt the hand of God. As I read the words of this manuscript, I knew that this author would introduce me to God, because like the artist inside of me, I would feel and experience God by what I was about to read, and I did. Thank you, Shirley for introducing me again to the God who spoke nature into existence.
You must experience this book and see the God who not only has his eye on the sparrow, but made the sparrow. Shirley, you will truly inspire the world.
— Dr. Thomas F. Reid
I love the way Shirley brings us into the presence of our “EXTRAORDINARY” Lord through what we mistakenly consider the ordinary. Thank you Shirley for helping us to see God and draw closer to Him. Job 12:7-10 & Romans 1:20
— Rev. Jay Richmond
President, Renewal Prayer Network
Albany, NY
Volume 3 of Shirley Andrews’ daily devotions highlights the wonderful works of God in nature and recognizes His gracious work in our lives and relationships. Shirley invites us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
— Pastor Dave Martin
Elder, Upper New York Annual Conference
Hope United Methodist Church, Troy, New York
About the Author
Shirley is a graduate of Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and has a master’s degree from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY. She taught elementary public school music for 31 years. Most of those years were in the Scotia-Glenville School District. She also taught music education classes at Schenectady County Community College. Shirley loved her career in teaching. She has two children and two grandchildren.
After retirement and the death of her husband, Shirley pursued a second career as a Certified Lay Minister in the Adirondack District of the United Methodist Church (UMC), and has held leadership positions at Porter Corners UMC, Ballston Spa UMC, and led worship at Woodlawn Commons in the Wesley Community. At present, she is the keyboard accompanist for the Galway UMC in Galway, NY.
Shirley continues to be passionate about devotional writing for God lovers, God seekers, nature lovers and the family altar; hoping that more families will use these books to worship and pray together. “MERRY CHRISTMAS – Advent to Epiphany,” A Devotional Inspired by Nature: Volume 3 is her third project. Future writing may include “DIVINE LOVE - Ash Wednesday to Pentecost,” A Devotional Inspired by Nature: Volume 4.