🌲 Hooty Visits the Reserve to Check on Hoot
Hooty glided over Pine Hollow just as the morning mist was lifting, his wings catching the soft gold of the rising sun. The Forest Reserve lay quietly below him — a place where his young Nephew was healing from being injured, He was there to heal, well he has completely recovered. So today, Hooty had only one mission on his mind:
Check on his nephew, little Hoot and to help him home.
He landed on the old cedar post near the training glen, feathers settling with a soft whuff. The Reserve Keeper, a kindly old chipmunk named Mr. Whiskerby, looked up and smiled.
“Back to see your boy again, Hooty?”
Hooty chuckled. “He’s not a boy… but he’s still my little Hoot.”
From across the clearing came a familiar flutter — small wings, determined but wobbly, beating the cool air. Hoot swooped in, landed on a branch, and nearly toppled off from excitement.
“Uncle Hooty! You came!”
“I had to,” Hooty said, nudging him gently. “I wanted to see how my nephew is doing.”
Hoot puffed his chest. “I’m practicing my glides! And my landings! And my prayers too — the ones you taught me.”
Hooty’s heart warmed. “That’s why I came, little one. Not just to see how high you fly… but how strong your heart is growing.”
They perched together, watching the sunlight move like melody on the pond. A soft breeze twirling the leaves overhead — almost like a glimmer of Psalm 91:4 drifting through the branches:
“He will cover you with His feathers…”
Hoot leaned against his uncle’s side.
“Uncle Hooty… does God really watch over us like that?”
Hooty wrapped a wing around him.
“Every moment, Hoot. Over me… and over you.”
And in that quiet morning glow, the Reserve felt like the safest place in the world.
Psalm 91:4 (KJV) says, "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler"
🌙 “He Watches Over You and Me”
(A gentle woodland lullaby)
Verse 1
When the nighttime settles softly
On the branches of the tree,
And the moonlight paints the forest
With a silver melody…
Little Hoot curls close to Hooty,
Safe as any owl could be…
For the Lord is ever watching,
He watches over you and me.
Chorus
🎶 He watches over you and me,
In the darkness or the breeze.
Under wings of love so free,
He watches over you and me. 🎶
Verse 2
When the winds begin their whistle
Through the leaves so music’ly
And the stars shine out like lanterns
Over Pine Hollow’s canopy…
Hooty hums a little blessing,
Soft as feathers on the sea…
“Child, the Lord is always near us,
He watches over you and me.”
Chorus
🎶 He watches over you and me,
In the dark or on the breeze.
Under wings of love so free,
He watches over you and me. 🎶
Bridge
No fear can touch the peaceful night
When God is close at hand…
His faithfulness our shelter,
His comfort strong and grand.
So rest, dear heart, in perfect peace,
As quiet as can be…
For the Lord is ever watching,
He watches over you and me.
Final Chorus (soft)
🎶 He watches over you and me,
In the dark or on the breeze.
Wrapped in love eternally,
He watches over you and me. 🎶
Ending Whispering
Sleep now, little one…
You’re under His wings
Susan Barker Nikitenko. 2026©
MBPMRMNMKBPBPASTORGEOGCOP 55543# 24a
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🌟 “I’ll Be Right Here, My Friend”
(Companion song from the Ethen’s perspective)
Verse 1
Every morning at the Reserve,
I’d sit beneath the tree…
Watching little Hoot grow strong,
The way he’s meant to be.
I’d whisper prayers for courage
So his wings could fly and bend…
And I’d tell him, “Don’t you worry,
I’ll be right here, my friend.”
Chorus
🎶 I’ll be right here, my friend,
From the start until the end.
Through every wobble, every glide,
I’ll cheer you on from by your side.
God is near in all you do…
And I’ll be right here, my friend. 🎶
Verse 2
Then Hooty came to see him,
On the day he’d learned to soar…
Two owls rising in the sky,
Stronger than before.
I watched them climb the sunlight,
Hearts brave enough to mend…
And I whispered to the heavens,
“I’ll be right here, my friend.”
Chorus
🎶 I’ll be right here, my friend,
From the start until the end.
Through every wobble, every glide,
I’ll cheer you on from by your side.
God is near in all you do…
And I’ll be right here, my friend. 🎶
Bridge
And when the winds grow colder,
Or the nights feel long and deep…
I know the Lord will hold you
In His wings while you sleep.
So fly on, little Hoot,
Your journey’s just begun…
I’ll watch you reach the treetops
Till your flying days are done.
Final Chorus (soft)
🎶 I’ll be right here, my friend,
From the start until the end.
God will guide your wings so true…
And I’ll be right here, my friend. 🎶
Ending Line
Fly home, little Hoot…
You’re never alone.
Susan Barker Nikitenko. 2026©
MBPMRMNMKBPBPASTORGEOGCOP 55543# 24a
Psalm 91:4 (KJV) says,
"He shall cover thee with his feathers,
and under his wings shalt thou trust:
his truth shall be thy shield and buckler".
