Weekly Thought: The Blackbird's Song
 

by Pastor Jerremy

“Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world”

I don’t usually think of blackbirds as being a symbol of singing or praise.  Blackbirds are clumsy, awkward, and rough around the feathers.  Their song, if it can be called that, is anything but sweet and their social skills are raw and bullyish… yet, there is something about an early morning sunrise accompanied by crackly cawing.  

Maybe it’s the fact that none of us behave like a songbird all the time.  We all have a gravelly irritating side that needs renewal and refreshing.  Morning sunlight offers hope of a reboot; hope that today can be a different day.  Maybe it’s also the fact that announcements of a grand entrance aren’t usually soft and subtle.  Kings enter their throne rooms announced by heralds that shouts with conviction.

The second verse of this beloved hymn gives a clue as to why a black birds song might be the most appropriate response on a sunlit morning;

“Sweet the rains new fall, sunlit from Heaven,                          
Like the first dewfall on the first grass.                                    
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden.                        
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass”

The blackbird's song announces the majesty of a king.  The rest of the day may be filled with finches and canaries, but the morning is owned by sleek blackness against bold color.  The perfect place for a bird full of passionate resonance is indeed the first morning light.  The starkness of its silhouette gives glory to the sunrise and highlights the brilliance that is to come.

If you ever feel out of place and lonely in a crowd.  Maybe you can own the blackbirds song for yourself.  In the silence of lonely moments your awkwardness can dance in the sunlight and cackle a dramatic tune, celebrating your Creator, who loves you to your very core and delights in your song.

“Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God's recreation of the new day”

Prayer Requests:  Email your prayer requests to Mike Parnell by Friday evening and a list will be compiled for Sabbath morning's prayer time.
 

Lopez Bible Study will meet each Wednesday at 7:00 PM at the LAF building. The Fowler's will be our hosts in April.
 

Truth Link Bible Studies and a meal at the Friday Harbor Church each Tuesday beginning at 6:00 PM.  Everyone welcome.

Orcas Women's Bible Study each Wednesday at 4:00-5:30 PM in the OCS Cafe.

 

 

News in the Washington Conference 
 

 

News from North Pacific Union Conference

 

 

Mission Story from Thailand: "Missionary or Vacationary"    
The 2nd Quarter 2025 supports the Southern Asia-Pacific Division 
 

 

Spring Ferry Schedule is in effect from March 23 to June 14, 2025.
 

Mental Health

Tips to Manage Anxiety Symptoms

 

Some anxiety can be good — it helps us avoid danger or make big decisions. When anxiety doesn’t go away, however, it can have emotional and physical effects.

“Mentally, we can ruminate on things, overthink and worry excessively,” says Adventist Health psychiatrist Michael Chang, MD. “It can also have physical symptoms that just don’t feel good — increased heart rate, shortness of breath, upset stomach and feeling shaky.”

Thankfully, Dr. Chang says, there are simple techniques you can use for quick anxiety relief.

• Try breathing exercises. Dr. Chang recommends inhaling for four seconds, then exhaling for six. “When you do slow exhales,” he explains, “you decrease your heart rate, which can help those anxious feelings.”
• Get outside. Go for a walk, go for a swim or do some yoga in your backyard. “Yoga has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to improve mental health conditions,” Dr. Chang says.
• Identify your triggers. If you can determine what is causing your anxiety — for instance, a stressful job or a challenging relationship — you’re better equipped to cope with it or make changes to reduce your stressors.

Learn more: What is Anxiety?

• Get spiritual. Dr. Chang says, “Tapping into your faith can help you understand things in the bigger picture, which can alleviate anxiety when you’re stressed about things on a smaller scale.”

If you’re struggling with anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. A mental health professional can help identify your triggers and help you with more techniques to handle it, and may prescribe medications that can help. Adventist Health mental health providers are ready to help. Find a provider near you.

 

 

THE WEEKLY NEWS WELCOMES YOUR NEWS!

PLEASE EMAIL IT TO ROCHELLE OR PASTOR JERREMY BY MONDAY NOON.