In the wild, bald eagles live about twenty years, and they often use the same nest year after year, adding to it bit by bit. A bald eagle nest in Florida is on record as the largest tree nest ever found at 20 feet deep at 9.5 feet wide and weighing about 6000 pounds. They mate for life, and can dive at speeds of nearly 100 mph.

The bald eagle is important in many Native American cultures, and became the official emblem of the U.S. in 1782 — a decision which Benjamin Franklin rather famously ridiculed in a letter to his daughter a couple of years later.

“But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

P.S. If you need a little patriotic fanfare for the day, check out this lovely version of “Stars and Stripes Forever” by the Muppets, especially Sam the Eagle.

Now I knew this was a big holiday in my home state of Texas, but I just found out that Juneteenth is actually a holiday in 42 states. It’s frequently celebrated with public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation and parades, as well as family reunions, barbecues, and other fun parties.

“But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!”

Amos 5:24

I can’t find any particular reason for this holiday on this day, but I think it’s any excuse to go fishing for most people. Have fun!

“As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.”

Mark 1:16-18

Uhmm, no.

In other words, this did not quite work out as expected, although my parents (and now my husband) have definitely given (and is definitely giving) it their best shot.

Actually, I’m not too bad anymore about eating my vegetables, and today is just the right kind of day to stretch my horizons a bit. What would you suggest?

“Better a small serving of vegetables with love
than a fattened calf with hatred.”

Proverbs 15:17

There are several different dates for honoring our fathers in various countries, but a great many of them, including that good old U. S. of A., celebrate it every year on the third Sunday of June. In 2013, that makes Father’s Day June 16.

I don’t know how things are in your family, but I’m pretty sure I will always be Daddy’s girl, and I am so glad of that. Today is the day to call your dad up, and tell him you love him. Many people find it more difficult to say to their fathers than their mothers, but it’s worth it.

Dad, thanks for everything. I love you!

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

1 John 3:1a

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Happy Nature Photography Day!

“How many are your works, Lord!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.”

Psalm 104:24

To get you in the mood, here are some gorgeous landscapes, plants, and wildlife, all taken from www.publicdomainpictures.net:

The theme for 2013 is “Give the gift of life: donate blood.” Apparently many countries still depend on family members and paid donors, which can cause quite a problem during a crisis. That’s why World Blood Donor Day encourages qualified people everywhere to go to a blood drive and get started.

“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”

Matthew 10:7-8

or, for the more squeamish among us, Psalm 59:2

“Deliver me from evildoers
and save me from those who are after my blood.”

Sorry. I couldn’t resist!

P.S. Happy Flag Day!

If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you might remember another Sewing Machine Day, back on September 10. (Actually, I’d be totally shocked if anyone remembers that! But, anyway . . .)

There are actually two Sewing Machine Days on the calendar. One is September 10, because Elias Howe received a patent for his sewing machine on that day back in 1846. However, June 13, which seems to be a totally random date, also appears to be more popular than the one in September.

“All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.”

Acts 9:39b

P. S. June 13 is also one of my favorite random holidays: Kitchen Klutzes Day / National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day.

June 12 is a big holiday in Finland, but one which I doubt much of the rest of the world has ever heard of. Nevertheless, more than 100,000 people crowd into the many events celebrating the city of Helsinki, the capital of Finland.

Helsinki is located on the southern edge of Finland, along the Baltic Sea, and has the largest population of any Finnish city, with some 1.3 million people in the greater municipal area. The first Helsinki Day was held on June 12, 1959, a whole 409 years after King Gustav I of Sweden established Helsinki as a trading town on the edge of the sea.

“For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

Hebrews 11:10