While staying at the Dromoland Castle, we had the opportunity to learn about falconry.  The Peregrine falcon, Harris hawk, and the barn owl were among the birds of prey that we encountered.

We can learn a lot from these birds.

First of all, I was amazed at the speed the Peregrine falcon reaches.  This bird is the fastest animal on the earth. With a body weight of approximately two pounds, the peregrine falcon can fly 242 miles per hour.  242 miles per hour! Are you kidding me? Nope. The way their body from the inside out is formed (from the wings to its feathers to its incredibly created respiratory and circulatory systems) was designed by God.  God is into the details. Just as He formed this magnificent bird, with special talents and a purpose, He formed you to be beyond this creature.
You are God’s masterpiece.  You were created with many talents.  You were designed for a purpose. You are a magnificent creature formed by The Creator.

For we are God’s masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do good things He planned for us long ago.  Ephesians 2:10

Secondly, the falcon trainer at the castle had an array of hoods.  These hoods are often put over the bird’s head to cover their eyes to keep them calm.  This technique fooled the birds into thinking they were relaxed and not serving the purpose for hunting its prey.  We get the term “hoodwinked” from this technique which has been done for hundreds of years. I want to encourage you to be on your guard.  Don’t get “hoodwinked” by the devil. You may try to be fooled in your faith, the world, knowing what is right and wrong, etc., but go to the Life Instruction Book…the Bible. Open your eyes to His ways.  God’s ways are always best. He won’t fool you.

Be sure you are not led away by the teaching of those who have nothing worth saying and only plan to deceive you.  That teaching is not from Christ. It is only human tradition and comes from the powers that influence this world. Colossians 2:8

Thirdly, have you felt sick and tired of, or annoyed, or just bored of a situation?  To put it in falcon-terms…fed up! The term, “fed up” actually came from when a hawk has eaten his full share of food, and has no interest in hunting or flying or anything else…he’s “fed up”.  Sure, we can get fed up of others, fed up of the circumstance we are in, fed up of life! I pray that you will never get fed up of doing the right thing, serving others, growing closer to God, and sharing His love with others.  Oh, we may want to tire of doing good, serving, etc., but the scripture reminds and encourages us to “We must not get tired of doing good.  We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time.  We must not give up.” Galatians 6:9
When you feel fed up, do as Proverbs 18:10 says…run to Him! “The name of the LORD is like a strong tower.  Those who do what is right can run to him for protection.”

Also, when you are fed up, and you sense Satan telling you “you can’t do it”, agree that you can’t, but with Christ you can.  “For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:13
Finally, another phrase that we use today that originated from the falcon life is “being wrapped around one’s finger”.  The falcon trainer demonstrated how he wraps the leash around the bird’s leg and wraps it around the trainer’s finger. When a bird’s leash is wrapped around your finger, you have control over it.  Ahhh, YOU aren’t just wrapped around God’s finger, you are in the palm of His hand! God’s hand will lead and protect you.

“Even there You will take my hand and lead me.  Your strong righ hand will protect me.” Psalm 139:10

God will tell comfort you and help you.

“I am the LORD your God, who holds your right hand.  And I tell you,, ‘Don’t be afraid! I will help you’  Isaiah 41:13

God will always remember you and has your name engraved in His hand.

“I would never forget you!  See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.” (Declares the LORD)  Isaiah 49:15c-16a

I pray that you will learn some lessons from the bird-lingo and remember how precious you are to God, open your eyes to His true ways, breathe and focus on Christ when you get fed up, and feel comfort in knowing that you are in the palm of His hand.

(Click on the links below to watch a couple of the videos.)
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
(BTW, I may be partial, but I believe mine and Tim’s children are beautiful! Cole looks like a model in the featured photo at the top. Just sayin’.)
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