Lesson 11: The Nest Protector

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Lesson 11: The Nest Protector

The Owl Trait: Owls are legendary for being some of the most dedicated and fierce parents in the animal kingdom. While one parent sits on the eggs to keep them warm through the snow and rain, the other hunts tirelessly to bring food back. They will protect their nest against much larger animals without a second thought. They create a "sanctuary" where the owlets can grow up feeling safe and loved.

Character Trait: Honor & Protection

KJV Scripture: "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." — Ephesians 6:4

The Story: Hagar’s High Hollow

In the tallest white pine of the Great North Woods lived Hagar the Great Horned Owl. Hagar was a "Nest Protector." High up in a hollowed-out branch, his mate sat over three tiny, fluffy white owlets.

One evening, a heavy storm rolled in. The wind howled and the rain lashed against the trees, but Hagar did not fly away to find shelter for himself. He perched right at the entrance of the hollow, spreading his massive wings like an umbrella to block the wind. He stayed there all night, soaked and cold, so that his family could stay dry and warm.

Hagar’s job was to "nurture" his little ones. Just as Hagar protects his nest, God gives us parents, grandparents, and caregivers to be our "Nest Protectors." They teach us right from wrong and keep us safe while we are small. The Bible tells us that when parents lead with love and children respond with honor, the "nest" becomes a place of peace. We honor our "Nest Protectors" by listening to their wisdom, just as the little owlets listen for Hagar’s soft hoot in the dark.

Character Lesson

• Nurture and Care: To nurture means to help something grow. Just as a nest provides warmth, our homes should be places where we encourage one another.

• The Shield of Love: Being a protector doesn't always mean fighting; sometimes it means being the one who stays steady during a "storm" of life.

• Honor is a Two-Way Street: When parents protect and children honor, the family is strong. Honor is the "glue" that keeps the nest together.

• God as our Ultimate Protector: Ultimately, God is the greatest Nest Protector of all. He watches over us with a love that never sleeps.

KJV Memory Verse:

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;" — Ephesians 6:1-2

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Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026© AnnaBenGEMPMPBKBNMRMPAPAPASTOR #34219K

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Lesson 10: The Camouflaged Coat

Lesson 10: The Camouflaged Coat

The Owl Trait: Most owls have feathers that are perfectly patterned to look like tree bark, dried leaves, or lichen. This is called "cryptic coloration." Instead of having bright, flashy feathers like a peacock or a parrot, the owl is designed to blend in. This camouflage protects them and allows them to remain "hidden" even when they are right in front of you.

Character Trait: Modesty & Inner Beauty KJV Scripture: "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart..." — 1 Peter 3:3-4

The Story: Barnaby’s Bark-Like Coat

In an old oak grove lived Barnaby the Eastern Screech Owl. Barnaby was a small owl, but he had a very special coat of feathers. His feathers weren't bright red or shimmering blue; they were a mix of earthy browns, greys, and blacks that looked exactly like the bark of the oak tree where he slept.

One day, a bright Red Cardinal flew by and bragged, "Look at my brilliant feathers! Everyone sees me from miles away. Why are you so dull and plain, Barnaby?"

Barnaby blinked his large eyes and replied softly, "My feathers aren't meant to draw attention to me. They are meant to keep me safe and quiet so I can do the work God gave me to do. My beauty isn't in how bright I shine, but in how well I fit into the home God made for me."

In our lives, it’s easy to think that being "beautiful" means having the flashiest clothes or drawing the most attention to ourselves. But God tells us that true beauty is "incorruptible"—meaning it never wears out or fades away. When we are modest, we are like Barnaby; we don't need to shout for attention. We let our character, our kindness, and our "hidden heart" be the things that people notice. A person who is beautiful on the inside makes the whole world a better place, just by being exactly who God created them to be.

Character Lesson

• Focusing on the Heart: Just as Barnaby’s feathers help him blend in, modesty helps people see our hearts instead of just our clothes.

• True Protection: Modesty isn't about hiding; it's about protecting the precious person God made you to be.

• Reflecting the Creator: When we don't try to "show off," we give more room for God’s light to shine through us.

• Inner Radiance: A kind word or a gentle smile is a "pattern" of beauty that is much more attractive to God than the most expensive gold jewelry.

KJV Memory Verse: "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." — Proverbs 31:30

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Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026© AnnaBenGEMPMPBKBNMRMPAPAPASTOR #34219J

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

Lesson 9: The Discriminating Ear

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Lesson 9: The Discriminating Ear

The Owl Trait: An owl’s ears are hidden deep beneath its soft feathers, but they are a masterpiece of God's design. Many owls have ears that are "offset"—one is higher than the other. This allows them to hear in "3D," pinpointing the exact location of a sound even in total darkness. They can hear the difference between the rustle of a leaf and the steady heartbeat of a friend.

Character Trait: Spiritual Discernment (Hearing the Truth of God)

KJV Scripture: "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad..." — 1 Kings 3:9

The Story: Heman’s Quiet Discernment

In the heart of the ancient wood lived Heman the Great Horned Owl. Heman was known throughout the forest as a "master listener." While the squirrels chattered about the latest gossip and the bluejays argued over who owned which branch, Heman remained in a posture of quiet prayerfulness.

God had given Heman a very "skillful" gift: ears that could filter out the noise. One evening, a great wind began to howl through the oaks. It was a loud, confusing sound that frightened the smaller birds. But Heman didn't move. He tilted his head, using his unique ears to listen through the wind. He could hear the snapping of a weak branch far away, warning him of danger, and he could hear the soft, steady song of the creek that led to peace.

Our lives are often like that windy forest. There are loud voices telling us what to think, what to fear, and what to buy. But like Heman, we are called to have a "hearing heart." When we spend time in God’s Word, we develop "spiritual ears." We learn to discern the "still, small voice" of the Holy Spirit through the loudest storms of life. We don't just hear the noise; we hear the Truth.

Character Lesson

• Filtering the Noise: True discernment means choosing to ignore the "chatter" of the world so we can hear the promises of God.

• The Posture of a Listener: Like the owl tilting its head, we should always be leaning toward God, ready to catch His every word.

• Wisdom in Action: Once Heman hears the truth, he knows exactly which way to fly. When we discern God's will, we can walk with confidence and peace.

KJV Memory Verse:

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." — John 10:27

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Susan Barker Nikitenko 2026© AnnaBenGEMPMPBKBNMRMPAPAPASTOR #34219h

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.