It’s confession time.

Do you ever let your feathers get ruffled by something someone has done or said?

When was the last time your feathers were ruffled?

 

The Case of the Ruffled Feathers ::  #Bluebirds ::  Philippians 2:3 Scripture Printable :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

I looked out my window the other day to see a gathering of bluebirds around the bluebird house at the end of the driveway.  It’s seems to be rather late in the season for birds to be checking out houses.  But, that’s exactly what these birds appeared to be doing.  In and out they went.

With hope in my heart, I grabbed the camera, just knowing that today, I would finally be able to snap some shots.  And yes!  I got a few.

It was fun watching the birds, and I was surprised that they actually didn’t fly away considering how close I was to them.

What I did notice was that it seemed like there were preferable perches and when some birds hoped into another’s territory, there would be a flurry of feathers.  Sometimes the original bird stayed.  Other times, she seemed to have her feathers ruffled and flew away.

 

#Bluebirds  #Grace :: The Case of Ruffle Feathers :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

We’re not birds…yet it’s easy to allow our “feathers” to be ruffled.

My husband has innocently irritated me by speaking too quietly, or being helpful when I didn’t want help, or any number of things.  Instead of being grateful, or letting it go immediately, I allowed the source of irritation to take root and got ruffled feathers.  Have you ever done that?

When this happens I know exactly what the problem is.  Do you?

 

#Bluebirds :: Ruffled Feathers :: #Grace :: Philippians 2:3 :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

It’s not that another has purposely sought to irritate or inconvenience me.

The problem is with me.

Graceful, others-focused people don’t get ruffled feathers very easily.

 

The Case of Ruffled Feathers :: #Bluebirds :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

If you’re like me and find your feathers ruffled.  Take a second look.

Maybe you’re feeling tired, or needy, or even proud – as in wanting your own way.

This is the time to smooth out those ruffled feathers, get over yourself, and extend grace.

 

#Bluebirds :: Ruffled Feathers ::  #Grace :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Bluebirds are a symbol of happiness and cheerfulness.

So instead of getting our feathers ruffled…let’s look outward rather than inward and extend love and grace and encouragement to those in our path today.

 

Ruffled Feathers ::  #ScriptureQuote :: Philippians 2:3 ~ Don't let selfishness and prideful agendas take over.  :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 This image is available as a 5×7 printable.  Download here and save to your desktop.

This verse is a good one to meditate on to keep our perspective where it ought to be….and our feathers unruffled.  Don’t let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true humility, and lift your heads to extend love to others.  Philippians 2:3 The Voice

 

Would a bluebird sighting be a rare occurrence for you?

What easily ruffles your feathers?

What feather-smoothing tips do you have to offer.

 

Thank you for stopping by today.
I appreciate you and your sweet comments make my day.

Working on Being… Gracious,

Diane

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Comments

  1. Well, I have to confess I’ve been known to get my feathers ruffled way too easily at times. But, just like you, I’m working on it. When I have the wrong spirit, the Word of God has the power to set me right. It’s a process. But, thankfully, by His grace I am slowly but surely being transformed.

    By the way, those photos are A-Ma-Zing!

    • Diane says

      I’m so grateful for grace, too!!! Good thing God is patient with us. 😉
      Thanks for your kind words, Angel! 🙂

  2. Dawn Renee' says

    Timing is everything….I just got off the phone with my feathers ruffled and my next action was to read your post, If that is not GOD speaking (very loudly I might add) I can’t explain it. Thank you, and thank GOD for yelling at me (in a good way).

    • Diane says

      Haha!! Isn’t that just like God?! His timing is always perfect.
      Feeling blessed that he used my little collection of words to touch your heart, Dawn Renee’.
      [hugs]

  3. Linda says

    I’m also working on this one. Beautiful verse too. I also link forgiveness with this. I need to let go and forgive like I am forgiven time and time again. Bluebirds are gorgeous, I think I’ve only seen one in my lifetime.

    • Diane says

      Linda…you are so right…forgiveness does need a to be a part of this. Thank you for that reminder.
      Bluebirds have been elusive for me too….until this brief time here. Feeling really blessed.
      May your day be filled with unexpected blessings, too!
      [hugs]

  4. germaine says

    Wow, thank you for the wonderful verse, which I do need, sometimes quite often. And thank you for the awesome photos of the bluebirds. I think I seen one here in the spring, Pembroke Ontario Canada, but that is the first one I have ever seen in my life.
    I love your sharings, they do help me a lot. I used to have wise, wonderful beings here in person who would help me this way with my troubles, but Mom passed away in 2001, quickly and unexpectedly and Dad passed away 6 years ago today. They were such good Christians and very good parents. They were good to everyone. And your passages makes me think about them. I still miss them so much. But I know they are Home and in a much better place and are helping from there. Thank you.

    • Diane says

      Germaine….I am so humbled by your words. I am grateful to God that he would choose to use this dot on the web to encourage your heart.
      It is hard when wonderful parents go “home.” My parents were quite old when they had me, so I “lost” them at an early age.
      May your day be extraordinary in every way and blessed beyond imagination!
      [hugs]
      ~Diane

  5. Mel says

    OH.MY.GOSH those are a.m.a.z.i.n.g photos. I know how excited I’da been discovering those when I downloaded them. Beautiful….totally.
    We have boxes at the community gardens down the road. I loved watching them from the benches. They don’t like me in their space though. My photos of them….itty bitty dots. LOL. I know you know what I’m talking about.

    And yes, I let my feathers get ruffled. Compared to what it used to be….I’ve definitively done some growing. Like you, I know it ain’t about them, it’s about me….even though it ain’t about ME. Sounds strange, but I tend to ruffle up when I convince myself it’s allllll about ME. LOL. I’m just not that darn important that folks are always focused on me. I’ve learned to remind myself of that fact…and I try to remember that other people’s opinions of me aren’t any of my business. Priceless gems that were passed on to me. LOL. Feel free to use ’em if ya like.

    • Diane says

      Those are priceless gems, Mel. And you are an amazing “student” of your wise teachers. Thanks for sharing them. 🙂
      I can’t tell you how many “itty bitty dots” I have photos of. LOL This was a real blessing. The day was dark gray, and flat, and dreary. Not good for photos…plus I was using a telephoto lens and I was a little shaky in my excitement. BUT…I got photos of bluebirds!!!! Yay!!!!!!
      Hope you have an unexpected ‘sighting’ in your day!!
      Blessings!

  6. Oh my, you really hit the nail on the head for me too. My sons are 21 and 24…I find my feathers getting ruffled now more than ever before. I can’t control everything they do anymore and it drives me crazy! When I start getting too ruffled though, I do realize it’s my problem and not theirs.

    • Diane says

      And those of us who ‘can’ be control freaks struggle with this a wee more than others, I’m guessing. 😉
      Now…those ‘boys’ of yours just need lots of prayer. 😉
      Blessings!!

  7. Lovely photos, and even lovelier reminder!! Can never remind myself of this too often! My favorite verse to remind myself of for these times is :
    “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor” – Romans 12:10
    Blessings, Shelly <3

    • Diane says

      That is a terrific verse Shelly!! Oh my goodness….if we lived like that as believers can you even imagine how our world would be different?
      Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful encouragement.
      Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

  8. Rose says

    Are you sure we haven’t met? This could have been written just for me….I really do have to work on somethings, and ruffled feathers are one of them…

    • Diane says

      Sweet Rose…I would love to meet you!! And I think we all need to work at keeping our feathers smooth. 😉
      Blessings!!

  9. The Bible ALWAYS give us direction, but the issue (as you rightly say) will we obey and walk out the truth in our hearts and lives… Thank you for coming by to share on Rurality Blog Hop #40!

    • Diane says

      Oh Madge….if I had a dime for all the times in my life where I chose what felt good at the moment rather than what honored God. [sigh] I’d probably be able to take a nice vacation.
      Thanks for taking time to share your thoughtful words.
      Blessings…

  10. Sandi says

    Those birdies are so sweet. We don’t get bluebirds here unfortunately. My son says they were driven out by other birds years ago. {My son is in Wildlife Conservation} Good advice too! Thanks for sharing at my HOME and enjoy your day.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

    • Diane says

      I bet they were driven out by those ubiquitous English House Sparrows! For sure I’m always fighting them to stay out of the bluebird houses.
      I’m sorry you don’t have them in your area…that is sad.

  11. Carolyn says

    Dear Diane, I could scarcely believe my eyes! Those extraordinary bluebird photos are priceless! You should be quite pleased w/the results of all your photography, crowned w/these special little gems from God’s jewel box!

    Yes, bluebirds have long signified happiness, & I personally get giddy whenever I spot one here in MO or OK. They are especially beautiful in sunlight when we can fully appreciate the saturation of their bonny blue coloring.

    To me, all lovely birds, and all birds w/a lovely song, are gifts of God to brighten our days when we least expect a note of cheer or a vision of heavenly handiwork.

    Thanks so much for sharing your amazing gifts w/us, sweet Diane!

    PS: Do our feathers need ruffling once in a long while perhaps? Just a thought-provoking interrogative. When birdies bathe in our birdbath, they somehow spread out their feathers to allow the refreshing water to reach every little place on their tiny avian bodies!

    • Diane says

      Oh Carolyn…you can be sure I was completely overcome with delight!! This was truly a gift from God!! And I agree there is something about the birds that brighten our spirits. Well…except for those giant crows. Then again…I just might not be fond of them after having one chase me while I was riding my bike. I rode so hard to get away I thought I’d have a heart attack. I found out that that crow liked ladies earrings. I’m not kidding. That was one crazy crow!!

      Ah…yes…sometimes our feathers do need to be ruffled…especially when it comes to issues of justice and mercy. Or maybe to get us down from our self-made pedestals. [wink]

  12. LOVE the bird shots!! Wonderful! 🙂

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much Deb!!! I truly feel blessed to have been able to capture their antics in flight. 🙂

  13. These are so creative ~ love the birds with their lovely colors ~ great for Rurality ~ thanks, carol, xxx

    • Diane says

      I think we should all thank the birds for popping by and putting on a show. [wink]
      Thanks for your kind words Carol!
      Blessings!

  14. This is a timely reminder. I rarely get my feathers ruffled, but last night I did. I came home fussing and fuming about how I’d been treated. I let my pride cloud my thinking. These pictures of the bluebirds are awesome! I love how you captured them in flight. Thank your for sharing these and your tips on paper whites and pinecones at What We Accomplished Wednesday.

    • Diane says

      Oh Deborah….it happens to all of us too often. I so wish I was more graceful.
      Thanks for enjoying the birds with me. It was such a treat to see them and be able to catch them with the camera.
      Blessings!

  15. How serendipitous to capture those birds♪♫ Lovely post. Haven’t had my feathers ruffled recently but it’s always good to reflect. http://lauriekazmierczak.com/out-the-window/

    • Diane says

      I felt so blessed, Laurie. Actually I still do. 😉
      Thanks for your kind words!
      Wishing you an extraordinary week!

  16. Allie says

    This was exactly – I mean, exactly – what I needed to hear today. It’s pretty treacherous how distracted and self-absorbed we can be. Wow, now that I really step back and look at everything – it’s so clear. God doesn’t let his feathers get ruffled, yet we give him plenty of opportunities. That right there is amazing grace, indeed. Thank you for this eye-opening post! It has definitely changed my perspective on things. P.S. – I loved that last picture with the verse so much that I pinned it on Pinterest (: Blessings to you!

    xoxo,
    Allie
    http://framedbygod.blogspot.com/

    • Diane says

      Allie…I am amazed how God can use these taps into this big blogasphere to touch another’s heart. I praise him for that! You are so right…his grace is amazing!! 🙂
      Thank you for taking the time to share your heart today.
      And thanks too for the “pin.”
      May your day overflow with HIS JOY!!
      [hugs]

  17. Gorgeous photos!! 🙂 Just love the colors. Such beautiful birds. Come to think of it, I can’t remember if I have seen them or not… probably have, but not often. Thanks for sharing!

    • Diane says

      There’s nothing like seeing those bright blue wings fly past you to brighten the day!!
      Thanks for your kind words Sarah!
      Hope your week has been Extraordinary!

  18. This post gives me lots to think about! I know when my feathers get ruffled it is usually something about me, not about the other person. Thanks for linking to TTF!

    • Diane says

      I appreciate that, Linda. Sometimes our feathers must be peacock feathers….don’t I know. :-/
      Blessings!

  19. Zuni says

    Thanks for the thought-provoking post, including the beautiful verse, and thank you for sharing these unbelievable photos. I’ve only seen bluebirds THREE times–a lone one each time–and I was beyond elated. I can’t imagine the joy of seeing this many, and being able to take pictures too! Wow!! ~Zuni

    • Diane says

      Zuni, I think you have a pretty good idea of how very excited I was. 😉 Really my photos aren’t the very best quality due to my excitement. But…because I was over-the-top thrilled to have caught the flurry of blue feathers I decided to share them anyway. Thanks for enjoying the moment with me vicariously.
      Blessings!

  20. Great capture of those beautiful birds!

    • Diane says

      Thanks Sally! I truly feel blessed!
      Hope your week is extraordinary!!

  21. Linda says

    I am guilty today , Sabbath Day I got my ruffles stirred. My husband’s buddy called and he wants him to go out of state with him in Dec. So he will be gone in Dec. sometime and for how long I do not know. My husband likes to do things with others. I do not dislike the people but they are not the funniest to spend long times with.
    He went on a road trip with some family members in a medium size car with 4 people and I would of been 5. One month long hauling , staying in the same hotel rm. and being in a car was not my cup of tea. So I stayed home. That was last yr. This yr. he was gone 6 wk. with his family. I can not be gone that long, kennel cost would of been out of the sky and other factors. So My feathers got ruffled today. Funny thing, in our Bible Study we are doing an in depth study of Philippians; a person might wonder if I have learned anything:) I need to grit my teeth and just let it be I guess.

    • Diane says

      Linda…that is so hard. I must say it’s wonderful that your husband is so kind to others.
      I do hope that you are able to rest in the Lord and trust him to make this time when you are home a blessed time. He can do it.
      Let’s pray it becomes an amazing time for you. [hugs]

  22. Joanne Viola says

    I love both your photos & your thoughts. Thank you for sharing. I visited from Titus 2sdays this morning.

    • Diane says

      Thank you Joanne Viola for your kind words.
      May your day overflow with HIS joy!!

  23. Kathy says

    Great post!!! I adore your pictures! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

    • Diane says

      Thank you sooo much Kathy!!
      The whole time I was shooting the photos I was pinching myself to have captured the moment. I only wish my photos were a wee bit better. My husband says….keep practicing. 😉

  24. Kathi says

    Lovely photos and a great message! Thank you so much for sharing it at the Thankful HomeAcre Hop. I hope you’ll join us again this Thursday.

    • Diane says

      You are so kind, Kathi. 🙂 Thank you so much!!

  25. So beautiful! Thanks for sharing at Silver Pennies Sundays! x

    • Diane says

      Awwww…thanks! It was so amazing to be able to see the bluebirds close enough to take their pictures. 🙂

  26. Cindy says

    Beautifully written, touches the heart! Amazing photos, what a sight it must have been to see them all in person!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    • Diane says

      Oh, Cindy, thank you soooo much! It really was a special moment in time. Thanks for enjoying it with me. 🙂

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