Podcasts about sparrows

We're bringing back our episode with Dr. Chris Moorman on the use of prescribed fire during the nesting season.    Resources: Kilburg, Eric L., et al. "Wild turkey nest survival and nest‐site selection in the presence of growing‐season prescribed fire." The Journal of Wildlife Management 78.6 (2014): 1033-1039. Kilburg, Eric L., et al. "Wild turkey prenesting-resource selection in a landscape managed with frequent prescribed fire." Southeastern Naturalist 14.1 (2015): 137-146. Kroeger, Anthony J., et al. "Northern bobwhite non‐breeding habitat selection in a longleaf pine woodland." The Journal of Wildlife Management 84.7 (2020): 1348-1360. Winiarski, Jason M., et al. "Nest-site selection and nest survival of Bachman's Sparrows in two longleaf pine communities." The Condor: Ornithological Applications 119.3 (2017): 361-374.   Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab   We've launched our second online wild turkey course  ! Enroll in  Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio   Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!    Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow  UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube   Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!   Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!   Watch these podcasts on YouTube   Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!    Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube   Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!   Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!   This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.    Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

We're bringing back our episode with Dr. Chris Moorman on the use of prescribed fire during the nesting season.    Resources: Kilburg, Eric L., et al. "Wild turkey nest survival and nest‐site selection in the presence of growing‐season prescribed fire." The Journal of Wildlife Management 78.6 (2014): 1033-1039. Kilburg, Eric L., et al. "Wild turkey prenesting-resource selection in a landscape managed with frequent prescribed fire." Southeastern Naturalist 14.1 (2015): 137-146. Kroeger, Anthony J., et al. "Northern bobwhite non‐breeding habitat selection in a longleaf pine woodland." The Journal of Wildlife Management 84.7 (2020): 1348-1360. Winiarski, Jason M., et al. "Nest-site selection and nest survival of Bachman's Sparrows in two longleaf pine communities." The Condor: Ornithological Applications 119.3 (2017): 361-374.   Our lab is primarily funded by donations. If you would like to help support our work, please donate here: http://UFgive.to/UFGameLab   We've launched our second online wild turkey course  ! Enroll in  Wild Turkey Manager: Biology, History & Habitat to learn about the principal biology, mating, behavior, food selection, human dimensions, hunter interactions, and historical context of wild turkeys. This course is accredited by the Society of American Foresters as a Category 2 course worth 7 Continuing Forestry Education credits. Participants can also earn up to 5 CEUs in Category I of The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist Program. Enroll now: https://tinyurl.com/WildTurkeyManagerBio   Be sure to check out our first comprehensive online wild turkey course featuring experts across multiple institutions that specialize in habitat management and population management for wild turkeys. Earn up to 20.5 CFE hours! Enroll Now!    Dr. Marcus Lashley @DrDisturbance, Publications Dr. Will Gulsby @dr_will_gulsby, Publications Turkeys for Tomorrow @turkeysfortomorrow  UF Game Lab @ufgamelab, YouTube   Want to help wild turkey conservation? Please take our quick survey to take part in our research!   Do you have a topic you'd like us to cover? Leave us a review or send us an email at wildturkeyscience@gmail.com!   Watch these podcasts on YouTube   Please help us by taking our (quick) listener survey - Thank you!    Check out the DrDisturbance YouTube channel! DrDisturbance YouTube   Want to help support the podcast? Our friends at Grounded Brand have an option to donate directly to Wild Turkey Science at checkout. Thank you in advance for your support!   Leave a podcast rating for a chance to win free gear!   This podcast is made possible by Turkeys for Tomorrow, a grassroots organization dedicated to the wild turkey. To learn more about TFT, go to turkeysfortomorrow.org.    Music by Artlist.io Produced & edited by Charlotte Nowak

In this episode of Book Talks Podcast, we're sharing everything we read in May and what we're hoping to read in June!We discuss our thoughts on Shield of Sparrows, Golden Son, The Shippers, and the surprise books that completely took over Kayla's reading month. Kayla dives into her newfound obsession with Maggie Gates, why Our Perfect Storm might be her favorite book of the year, and why she's ready to reread some all-time favorite romances. Meanwhile, Marisa shares her honest thoughts on The Nightingale, discusses a disappointing thriller read, and talks about balancing a never-ending TBR.We also chat about:✨ The pregnancy trope debate✨ Why some authors become auto-buy authors✨ June reading goals and anticipated releases✨ Off Campus and Elle Kennedy obsession✨ Morning Star predictions and Red Rising theories✨ Summer reading plans and Kindle Unlimited recommendationsBooks Mentioned:Shield of Sparrows by Devney PerryThe Shippers by E.J. SchultzGolden Son by Pierce BrownDust Storm by Maggie GatesFire Line by Maggie GatesPoker Face by Maggie GatesOur Perfect Storm by Carley FortuneEvery Summer After by Carley FortuneCold World by Alicia ThompsonOn Wings of Blood by Briar BoleynBonds That Burn by Briar BoleynThe Nightingale by Kristin HannahIt's Not Her by Mary KubicaThe Deal by Elle KennedyMorning Star by Pierce BrownBlue Jeans Summer by Maggie GatesFirst and Forever by Eve DangerfieldFever Dream by Elsie SilverFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Fable: @BookTalksPodcast

In today's BookTalks Podcast episode, we're reviewing Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry and discussing whether this new fantasy romance has what it takes to become the next massive fantasy series.From the worldbuilding and characters to the romance, plot twists, and overall reading experience, we're breaking down everything we loved, what surprised us, and whether we think Shield of Sparrows deserves all the attention it's been getting.Could this be the next fantasy obsession for readers who loved Fourth Wing, romantasy, and epic fantasy adventures? Join us as we share our full thoughts and recommendations.Have you read Shield of Sparrows? Let us know your rating in the comments!Subscribe for weekly book reviews, reading vlogs, fantasy discussions, and BookTalks Podcast episodes.#ShieldOfSparrows #DevneyPerry #FantasyBooks #BookReview #Romantasy

Bridget, Caitlin, and Hilda conclude their coverage of "Rites of the Starling," book 2 in Devney Perry's Shield of Sparrows series. So if you listened to part 1, then you know there were questions about the timelines between Caspia and Odessa, and we promise that we got answers to how they're connected so listen now. But SPOILER WARNING: There may be tears involved.  Join our Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and let's be friends!Instagram > @Booktokmademe_podTikTok > @BooktokMadeMe

We start talking about Remarkably Bright Creatures (with spoilers) around the 22 minute mark. This week we're talking about our March Book Club pick: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt! We had very differing opinions about the book but all really loved the movie! We talk about the movie and book at the same time throughout the episode so make sure you are caught up before listening. We do cover some book news at the start and have to talk about the incredible Michael movie and F1 at the end so there's plenty to enjoy outside of the book chats!   Currently Reading: Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry A Hard Row to Hoe by blessedtoaster Pines by Blake Crouch Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen

Send us Fan MailRites of the Starling, Rites of the Starling, Rites of the Starling…if you say it three times, does The Guardian appear?

Three years of It Gets Good means it's finally time for the ultimate starter pack episode. We're breaking down the books that define our reading taste, the episodes new listeners should start with, our most unhinged opinions and recurring podcast lore, and the moments that somehow became core memories. Whether you've been here since day one or just found us, this is your guide to everything that makes It Gets Good what it is. Consider this your official orientation into the chaos. Currently Reading: A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker Dire Bound by Sable Sorensen  

Bridget, Caitlin, and Hilda give you part 1 of "Rites of the Starling," book 2 in Devney Perry's Shield of Sparrows series, one of their favorite books from 2025. Book 2 in the trilogy does give us new main character POV chapters, so the biggest question our hosts have is how does Caspia's timeline fit with Odessa's? And are they able to figure this out by reading the first 50% of the book ... or will they hae to wait until part 2 to figure it out?  Join our Patreon for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and let's be friends!Instagram > @Booktokmademe_podTikTok > @BooktokMadeMe

This episode starts with fantasy books and somehow ends with us questioning an entire city rebrand.We talk about our newest obsession, Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry, why everyone at The Book Burrow suddenly became obsessed with the series, and what makes a fantasy book actually work for casual readers.Then we dive into the controversy surrounding Lebanon, Missouri's new logo after reports claimed the city spent $75,000 on a rebrand. As local small business owners… we have questions.We also get into bookstore updates, weird internet trends, dangerous cave diving videos, kindergarten graduations, and why your husband probably isn't actually your best friend.Normal podcast behavior, honestly.

Send us Fan MailSo what happened in Shield of Sparrows? Well, we will tell ya! We're not sure about you, but we know that when we love a book… like five star love… infinity star obsession-level love… we forget absolutely everything that happened. It's a black out phenomenon that cannot be explained. Which is exactly what we both experienced last year when we read Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry for the first time. Go check out our live Besties & the Book Club playback (linked below) and our ongoing Fable chats for even more SOS content!So here we are almost a year later after a full reread, and this time we're prepared! Because we want to help all of you recap this amazing book in preparation for our deep dive into the second installment (out now!) Rites of the Starling, which drops in just one week! And eventually we'll need to look back when book three comes out next year… boy are these NOT the books to go into without thorough recaps!Today we'll give our spoiler free star and spice ratings and then get into a full spoiler-y recap, notable characters, creatures, places, lore, and Easter eggs so you have an easy go-to guide to prepare. Then of course we dive into tropes, characters, reviews, the audiobook, and even fancasting! Because, why not? It's becoming a movie after all! We're bringing you all of this, plus a weekly fave and fail and a bear related smash or pass!Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Shop our Merch line | *  https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.comCheck out these narrator interviews? ⬇️Anthony Palmini gives us the lowdown on what it's like to voice act Rhysand, Kingfisher, AND Slade Ravinger! https://youtu.be/zcCyrlZ5Jcc?si=2k7ULbRPgZl_5pUJCheck out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Follow Up Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of the Split or Swallow Universe all about Between Two Kings! https://youtu.be/OW1cxXTVcTc?si=oOxVIzbIheET_bNE____Shop Bookish Merch we are wearing:Ashley is wearing a tye dye Skelton Peace Sign Hoodie from @Etsy | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/3rhwa/Liz is wearing a light grey “WIFE”? sweaterAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Support the showYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

In today's episode, we are reading one star reviews of some of our recent reads. We did this last year and had fun reading through all the hilarious reviews so we decided to bring it back! Overall we found some really good reviews and tried our best to guess what book they were about. We also had to recap the fantastic F1 weekend in Miami - finally feels like we're back!!   Currently Reading: The Good Parts by Evann Normandin Want to Know a Secret by Frieda McFadden A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry

This episode we're discussing Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry. This is the sequel to Shield of Sparrows. Odessa and Evie have been separated from Ransom. They plan to meet up with him in Quentis, but encounter quite a few issues along the way. When they do finally arrive, it is not a warm welcome, they are attacked on multiple occasions and even framed for crimes. It all seems connected to the Vosters. Will Odessa, Evie, and Ransom be able to survive the journey and figure out the secret behind the Vosters magic before the Lyssa overtakes Ransom?A new character is also introduced - Caspia. She is from a different continent and is traveling to avenge her sister's death. However, when she meets Andreas and falls in love, her plans must change. Will she be able to complete her quest? Or will the responsibility fall on Andreas?

Book Besties Season 10 Episode 14: Shield of SparrowsWelcome back, Besties! In the penultimate episode of Book Besties Podcast, the Besties talk about the viral romantasy sensation Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry. Join them as they talk world building, originality of text, and hypothesize about what the next book will bring.Things talked about in this episode: Book April Recommends: https://bit.ly/4eEMAXmJ. Penner: https://jpennerauthor.com/ Correction: the fourth member of the Now and Then cast was Meanie Griffith https://bit.ly/4eDR68y Meet Molly and April, they bonded over books and became Book Besties. So, what do you do when you find your book bestie? Start a podcast of course. Hang out with April and Molly as they talk about everything they love and hate about books. Follow the Book Besties on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and YouTube. If you'd like to contact the Book Besties, please email us at bookbestiespod@gmail.com or visit our website bookbestiespodcast.com. This episode is sponsored by Carpe Librium: Bookish Things for Bookish People. Use the code NEWTHINGS2026 to save $5 off of your order of $25 or more at https://beawesomereadbooks.com.

A freebie Patreon episode to give you a taste of what we do over there.Henry tells Mike and Ben three stories by the Brothers Grimm.www.patreon.com/threebeansalad

Between 1959 and 1961, between thirty and forty million people starved to death in China. The Great Famine had many causes, and one of them was a campaign to eradicate sparrows.Shaoda Wang of the University of Chicago tells Tim Phillips about Mao Zedong's 1958 Four Pests Campaign, which led to the mass killing of sparrows, set off a chain of consequences that scientists had warned about, but political pressure had silenced. Sparrows eat crops, but they also eat the locusts and other insects that destroy the crops. Remove the sparrows and the pests go unchecked. Wang and his co-authors estimate the eradication cut national grain yields by 8-9%, accounting for roughly a fifth of the total agricultural decline during the famine.The research behind this episode:Frank, Eyal G., Qinyun Wang, Shaoda Wang, Xuebin Wang, and Yang You. 2024. "Campaigning for Extinction: Eradication of Sparrows and the Great Famine in China." NBER Working Paper 34087.To cite this episode:Phillips, Tim, and Shaoda Wang. 2025. "How killing sparrows contributed to the Great Chinese Famine.” VoxDev Talk (podcast). Assign this as extra listening. The citation above is formatted and ready for a reading list or VLE.About Shaoda WangShaoda Wang is an assistant professor at the Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago. His research spans environmental economics, political economy and development, with a focus on how state capacity and political incentives shape environmental and health outcomes in China and other developing countries.Research cited in this episodeThe Four Pests Campaign (1958). Launched as part of Mao Zedong's Great Leap Forward, the campaign targeted rats, flies, mosquitoes and sparrows. Sparrows were included on the grounds that they ate grain and reduced agricultural yields. Several prominent Chinese scientists warned at the time that removing sparrows would destabilise the food chain by eliminating a key predator of crop pests, particularly locusts. Their advice was ignored. The campaign resulted in the killing of an estimated two billion sparrows.County gazetteers as a data source. Official harvest data reported by local governments to the central government during the Great Leap Forward was heavily inflated; local officials faced strong political incentives to overstate output, and those exaggerated figures contributed to the famine by masking food shortages from central planners. Wang and his co-authors instead use county gazetteers: records compiled by local elites through a bottom-up process with no link to the political reward structures that distorted official reporting. Comparison between the two sources reveals the scale of over-reporting in the official data.Sparrow habitat suitability index. Rather than relying on reported sparrow kill counts, which were distorted by local officials seeking to demonstrate compliance with campaign targets, the paper constructs an index of how suitable each county's climate and ecological conditions are for sparrow habitation. Counties with high sparrow suitability were more exposed to the shock of eradication; comparing their crop yield and mortality trajectories against low-suitability counties before and after the campaign provides the causal identification strategy. The two groups followed similar trajectories before the campaign; divergence afterwards is attributed to the eradication.State food procurement as a famine amplifier. The Great Famine was not simply a production shortfall. The central government continued to export food during the famine years because inflated harvest reports gave it no signal of the actual crisis. State procurement quotas extracted grain from rural communities at a time when households were already facing starvation; the political system that caused the sparrow eradication was also the mechanism that amplified its consequences.More VoxDev Talks on this topicThe economics of ecosystems: How nature and economies interact. Eyal Frank of the University of Chicago — a co-author of the sparrows paper — on how to measure the economic value of biodiversity. His research on bats and white-nose syndrome, and on desert locusts, shows what happens when natural pest control collapses; the sparrows episode is the historical counterpart.Related reading on VoxDevThe political economy of policy learning: Evidence from China, a VoxDev article on how misaligned incentives across China's political hierarchy distort policy experimentation and produce systematically exaggerated signals — the same dynamic that inflated both the sparrow kill counts and the harvest figures during the Great Leap Forward.Autocratic rule and social capital: Evidence from Imperial China, a VoxDev article on the long-run effects of political persecution under autocratic rule in China, and how the suppression of dissent shapes economic and social behaviour across generations.The economics of conservation in low- and middle-income countries, a VoxDev article surveying the evidence on maintaining natural ecosystems, the role of governance, and the costs of losing species whose economic value is not yet understood.

Remember how Danelle and I lost our minds about Shield of Sparrows? Well…that was child's play compared to how utterly ruined we are after reading Rites of the Starling. Is it worth the hype? You betcha!

God can speak through a donkey, so why not birds? This week, the Etcetera gang enjoys a winsome and thought-provoking conversation with pastor/author/birder Kevin Burrell about powerful lessons we can learn from our feathered friends. The post Kevin Burrell | Considering Sparrows | Steve Brown, Etc. appeared first on Key Life.

God can speak through a donkey, so why not birds? This week, the Etcetera gang enjoys a winsome and thought-provoking conversation with pastor/author/birder Kevin Burrell about powerful lessons we can learn from our feathered friends. The post Kevin Burrell | Considering Sparrows | Steve Brown, Etc. appeared first on Key Life. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1544/29?v=20251111

I'm not an avid bird watcher, but I've long been interested in the way birds intervene in our lives, our stories, our cultural myths. Think about the story of the raven and the dove in the Genesis account of the flood. Or the use of the dove as a symbol of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. Jesus said that the foxes have their dens and the birds have their nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head to rest. He commanded us to consider the sparrows if we are to learn about the Kingdom of God. One of the most famous stories in western literature is a story told by the Venerable Bede more than a thousand years ago. He tells the story of a bird fleeing a storm and darkness by flying into a great hall. The bird then flies out the other side. The Venerable Bede says that the time the bird spent in the hall was like the span of our lives. Short, and surrounded by mystery. But the Christian story tells us what is beyond the boundaries of our lives, This story is credited with playing a major role in the Christianization of England. The lessons of birds have concerned Pastor Kevin Burrell for years. And he has written a new book about his adventures with theology and with birds. Considering Sparrows: What Birds Teach us About Who We Are, Where We Are Going, and the Joy of Following Jesus. I love this book, and I am delighted to have Kevin on the program to talk about it. Kevin Burrell is the co-lead Pastor of StoneBridge Church Community in Charlotte, North Carolina. An avid birder, Kevin's pastoral heart and avian interests united with the formation of his blog, Ornitheology, where he utilizes birds as illustrations of the Christian life. He lives in Charlotte with his wife Beverly, three children, and five birdfeeders. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you.

Spoilers for Shield of Sparrows and Rites of The Starling in Part 2!In this episode, Lexi and Nicole share their reactions to Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry! Part 1 of this episode is spoiler free for Rites of the Starling BUT contains spoilers for Shield of Sparrows. In part 2, LOTS of spoilers for BOTH books as the Fangirls share their favorite moments, the most important things they learned, and allllll the questions they still have for book 3! You don't want to miss this! CHECK OUT THE FANTASY FANFELLAS PODCAST FEED: https://open.spotify.com/show/2JVloDSbL0b6NSeztH88PA?si=cb02cb48bd0e4f7fCHECK OUT THE FANTASY FANREADS PODCAST FEED: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Mb1aFjzrH35xHWfWQHpCM?si=6dbaf579009d4961Check out our recent sponsors: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/sponsorsJoin the FanClub: https://fantasyfangirls.com/fanclubShop our merch: https://fantasyfangirls.myshopify.com/Support the show through our Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/fantasyfangirlspodcastNewsletter: https://fantasyfangirls.com/newsletterWebsite: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/ Upcoming events:* FFG Live Show Tour Tickets go on sale THIS FRIDAY 4/24 (Wed 4/22 for the FanClub)Chicago, IL 9/9 https://lh-st.com/shows/09-09-2026-fantasy-fangirlsCharlotte, NC 9/24 https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2D006490B4914F06NYC, NY 9/27 https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0000648FD7F4EB72Ballad Release Party Denver, CO - https://events.humanitix.com/ballad-release-partyThe Dragon Gauntlet - Chapter 3: Use code FFG15 at checkout to get $15 OFF!LandCon in Edinburgh, Scotland - https://thelandcon.com/land-con-in-scotland-2/*For all Event Discounts - go to https://fantasyfangirls.supercast.com/subscriber_v2/posts/6891Listen now:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/24KydMMzrYfVpDggkFZx4j?si=fd7dc956393041b8Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fantasy-fangirls/id1706179464YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fantasyfangirlsFollow us:Instagram: @fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fantasy FanFellas: @fantasyfanfellasFantasy FanReads: @fantasyfanreads Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we talk through all of the books we read in March! Micaela read a whopping 5 books which everyone was very excited for, and Kyleigh and Hannah had a very successful reading month. We also deep dive into all of the Summer House drama because we have to give our thoughts on it, as well as touch on some F1 updates.    Currently Reading: Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez The One by Kiera Cass This Story Might Save your Life by Tiffany Crum

SPOILERS FOR SHIELD OF SPARROWSNicole & Lexi walk through everythingggg you need to know about Shield of Sparrows in preparation for the sequel, Rites of the Starling, on April 7th! This episode walks you through the basic world building and main characters, along with the magic systems and monsters found within this story. To prepare you for the sequel, we have a brief recap of Shield of Sparrows and discuss where the story leaves off. And as always, we wrap up with our theories for the next book! We hope this gets you ready for the next book – we know we can't wait!!!CHECK OUT THE FANTASY FANFELLAS PODCAST FEED: https://open.spotify.com/show/2JVloDSbL0b6NSeztH88PA?si=cb02cb48bd0e4f7fArt of the Monsters in Shield of Sparrows: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIT0FNbxZox/?img_index=5Check out our recent sponsors: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/sponsorsJoin the FanClub: https://fantasyfangirls.com/fanclubShop our merch: https://fantasyfangirls.myshopify.com/Support the show through our Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/fantasyfangirlspodcastNewsletter: https://fantasyfangirls.com/newsletterWebsite: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/ Upcoming events:* Denver Nuggets Forth Wing Night Denver, CO - Sold OutFFG Live Show in Seattle, WA- https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0F006425E9997A20?brand=neptuneseattleBallad Release Party Denver, CO - https://events.humanitix.com/ballad-release-partyThe Dragon Gauntlet - Chapter 3: Use code FFG15 at checkout to get $15 OFF!*For all Event Discounts - go to https://fantasyfangirls.supercast.com/subscriber_v2/posts/6891Listen now:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/24KydMMzrYfVpDggkFZx4j?si=fd7dc956393041b8Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fantasy-fangirls/id1706179464YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fantasyfangirlsFollow us:Instagram: @fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fantasyfangirlspod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.” (Matthew 10:29) This fascinating bit of first-century pricing information, seeming... More...

In this lively episode of Beyond the Shelves, the hosts dive deep into Wuthering Heights—the novel, the new film adaptation, and the passionate discourse surrounding both. After a quick roundup of upcoming author events and current reads, the conversation shifts to Emily Brontë's legacy, the novel's complicated publication history, and why this famously chaotic story continues to captivate readers nearly 200 years later. SHOW NOTES What We're Reading Evil Genius by Claire Ohshetsky (also mentioned Chouette by Claire Ohshetsky) Heap Earth Upon It by Chole Michele Howarth  Tough Guy by Rachel Reid The Fine Print by Lauren Asher Shield of Sparrows by Deveny Perry To Be Read The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English by Noor Naga You Better Believe I'm Gonna Talk About It by Lisa Rinna  Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy Roots of Darkness by Demi Winters Dawn of the North by Demi Winters This Kingdom will not Kill me by Ilona Andrews Wuthering Heights Links: Emily Brontë in Her Smut Era: The Romance Rebranding of "Wuthering Heights" by Shawna Lipton Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights is a Deranged, Half-Assed Bodice-Ripper That Entirely Misses the Point Book Bulletin Spotify Partners With Bookshop.org and Debuts Page Match Feature to Bridge Physical, E-book, and Audio Formats Can AI Chatbots Write Emotional Rich Romances? Nationwide Book Banning bill introduced Iowa Library Association Bill Tracker  Man breaks up with woman due to library card American Girl, Samantha: The Next Chapter

In the Gospel of Matthew 10:24–31 Jesus prepares His followers for opposition—and then tells them three times not to fear. Why? Because the God who notices every sparrow also knows and values every one of His children. Steve Coleman

Zzz . . . Drift off while Otis reads this Hans Christian Andersen short story – "The Roses and the Sparrows" zzz For an ad-free version of Sleepy, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/sleepyradio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and donate $2! Or click the blue Sleepy logo on the banner of this Spotify page.  Awesome Sleepy sponsor deals: Avocado: AvacadoGreenMattress.com/SLEEPY for 15% off.  Quince: Go to Quince.com/sleepy for free shipping and 365-day returns BetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/SLEEPY today to get 10% off your first month. GreenChef: GreenChef.com/50SLEEPYGRAZA and use code "SLEEPYGRAZA" to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive  Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes. ButcherBox: Sign up at butcherbox.com/sleepy and use code "sleepy" OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code SLEEPY at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #oneskinpod GhostBed: Go to GhostBed.com/sleepy and use promo code “SLEEPY” at checkout for 50% off! Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/otis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Freedom Friday, we wrapped up our weekly “Ask the Experts” theme with Rob West, who gave biblical financial advice. Rob is the host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith and Finance LIVE, which airs weekday afternoons at 3 pm on 90.1 FM. He is also the host of the Faith and Finance podcast and the FaithFi App. He is also the CEO of Kingdom Advisors, a community of financial professionals specializing in delivering biblically wise financial advice. Rob’s latest book is a 21-day devotional called “Look at the Sparrows.”Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Freedom Friday, we wrapped up our weekly “Ask the Experts” theme with Rob West, who gave biblical financial advice. Rob is the host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith and Finance LIVE, which airs weekday afternoons at 3 pm on 90.1 FM. He is also the host of the Faith and Finance podcast and the FaithFi App. He is also the CEO of Kingdom Advisors, a community of financial professionals specializing in delivering biblically wise financial advice. Rob’s latest book is a 21-day devotional called “Look at the Sparrows.”Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Freedom Friday, we wrapped up our weekly “Ask the Experts” theme with Rob West, who gave biblical financial advice. Rob is the host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith and Finance LIVE, which airs weekday afternoons at 3 pm on 90.1 FM. He is also the host of the Faith and Finance podcast and the FaithFi App. He is also the CEO of Kingdom Advisors, a community of financial professionals specializing in delivering biblically wise financial advice. Rob’s latest book is a 21-day devotional called “Look at the Sparrows.”Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Freedom Friday, we wrapped up our weekly “Ask the Experts” theme with Rob West, who gave biblical financial advice. Rob is the host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith and Finance LIVE, which airs weekday afternoons at 3 pm on 90.1 FM. He is also the host of the Faith and Finance podcast and the FaithFi App. He is also the CEO of Kingdom Advisors, a community of financial professionals specializing in delivering biblically wise financial advice. Rob’s latest book is a 21-day devotional called “Look at the Sparrows.”Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Freedom Friday, we wrapped up our weekly “Ask the Experts” theme with Rob West, who gave biblical financial advice. Rob is the host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith and Finance LIVE, which airs weekday afternoons at 3 pm on 90.1 FM. He is also the host of the Faith and Finance podcast and the FaithFi App. He is also the CEO of Kingdom Advisors, a community of financial professionals specializing in delivering biblically wise financial advice. Rob’s latest book is a 21-day devotional called “Look at the Sparrows.”Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Freedom Friday, we wrapped up our weekly “Ask the Experts” theme with Rob West, who gave biblical financial advice. Rob is the host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith and Finance LIVE, which airs weekday afternoons at 3 pm on 90.1 FM. He is also the host of the Faith and Finance podcast and the FaithFi App. He is also the CEO of Kingdom Advisors, a community of financial professionals specializing in delivering biblically wise financial advice. Rob’s latest book is a 21-day devotional called “Look at the Sparrows.”Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Freedom Friday, we wrapped up our weekly “Ask the Experts” theme with Rob West, who gave biblical financial advice. Rob is the host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith and Finance LIVE, which airs weekday afternoons at 3 pm on 90.1 FM. He is also the host of the Faith and Finance podcast and the FaithFi App. He is also the CEO of Kingdom Advisors, a community of financial professionals specializing in delivering biblically wise financial advice. Rob’s latest book is a 21-day devotional called “Look at the Sparrows.”Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world is loud, life is fast, and wonder is slipping through the cracks. But Jesus gave a simple command—consider the birds. This week on The Land and the Book, you’ll learn how birds illustrate timeless truths found in Philippians. You’ll see birds—and the Lord Himself—in a fresh new light. Here’s your invitation to slow down, look up, and rediscover the Gospel written in the wings of creation. The Land and the Book.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/landandthebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send a textEver feel the ground shift under your feet and wonder how to keep standing? We sit down with author and pastor Courtney Ellis, author of Looking Up: A Birder's Guide to Hope Through Grief, to explore a surprising guide to hope: birds. From mockingbirds that remix the sounds of the neighborhood to sparrows that sing through storms, we unpack how creation itself teaches us to live with uncertainty, grieve honestly, and find rest without checking out of real life.Courtney shares why not knowing can be merciful, especially when our brains crave a full map we're not built to carry. We talk about spiritual practices that keep us present—taking the next small step, looking up instead of spiraling, and honoring the quiet work that rarely trends. Sparrows become a lens for ordinary dignity in a world chasing peacock shine and platform pressure. If you've ever felt invisible, her reminder that “God sees” lands like water in dry soil.This is a warm, grounded conversation for anyone navigating grief, change, or the relentless hum of “do more.” If you're craving presence over performance, mercy over mastery, and a faith sturdy enough for uncertain days, press play. If this resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe to new episodes, and leave a review to help others find our community.Visit Courtney's website: Courtney EllisOrder Courtney's book: Support the showBegin Your Heartlifter's Journey: Support the show: Your Donation Matters Leave a review and rate the podcast: WRITE A REVIEW Make a tax-deductible donation through Heartlift International Visit and subscribe to Heartlift Central on Substack. This is our new online meeting place for Heartlifters worldwide. Download the 2025 Advent Guide: The Great Glimmer Hunt Meet me on Instagram: @janellrardon

Counterfeits are dangerous precisely because they look convincing. The same is true of spiritual sayings that sound biblical but quietly distort how we think about God, stewardship, and money.Many believers can quote phrases that feel deeply spiritual—comforting even—but when placed under the light of Scripture, they don't actually appear there at all. Or worse, they twist what Scripture truly says. These “counterfeit verses” often shape how we view success, risk, provision, and dependence on God without us even realizing it.To explore this issue, we sat down with Taylor Standridge, Production Manager of FaithFi and a regular contributor to Faithful Steward. Taylor is also the lead writer behind Look at the Sparrows and Our Ultimate Treasure. In his recent article, Counterfeit Verses: How to Spot The Sayings That Aren't in the Bible, Taylor traces this problem all the way back to the beginning.“Did God Really Say?”—The First CounterfeitTaylor begins in Genesis 3, when the serpent approaches Eve with a deceptively subtle question: “Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1).This moment is critical because the enemy doesn't begin with an outright lie. Instead, he distorts what God has said and, in doing so, undermines God's character. The implication isn't merely that the command is questionable—but that God Himself may be withholding something good.Once Adam and Eve doubt God's goodness, disobedience follows naturally.That same pattern persists today. Many modern financial lies—whether cultural narratives or counterfeit verses—aren't blatant falsehoods. They're half-truths. They sound wise. They feel spiritual. And because they're close enough to the truth, they feel safe.Like a ship that veers off course by only one degree, the deviation seems harmless at first. But over time, it leads somewhere very different from what was intended.At the heart of every counterfeit is the same ancient question: Can God really be trusted?Counterfeit verses don't come with warning labels. They borrow biblical language, appeal to our emotions, and speak to real desires—hope, comfort, identity, and security.Sometimes they even quote Scripture, but rip it out of context.The danger isn't familiarity with Scripture—it's fragmented familiarity. When we know verses as slogans rather than as part of God's larger story, we become vulnerable to subtle distortions. The goal, however, isn't suspicion or cynicism. It's discernment—learning to recognize when a truth has been nudged just slightly off course.Studying the Real Thing: A Lesson from Counterfeit CurrencyTaylor uses a powerful illustration from the film Catch Me If You Can. Frank Abagnale Jr. succeeds as a forger not by inventing fake money from scratch, but by studying the real thing in obsessive detail—down to the ink, paper, and watermarks.Ironically, that expertise later makes him invaluable to the FBI.Banks don't train tellers by showing them every possible fake. They train them by handing them genuine currency until authenticity becomes instinctive.The same is true of Scripture. Discernment doesn't come from memorizing every error—it comes from knowing God's Word so deeply that when something sounds “almost right,” you can feel that it isn't.Common Counterfeit Verses That Shape Our View of Money“Money is the Root of All Evil”This misquote radically reshapes our theology of money. If money itself is evil, then wealth becomes suspicious, and stewardship feels compromising.But Scripture says something far more searching: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (1 Timothy 6:10).The issue isn't possession—it's devotion. Scripture doesn't demonize money; it disciples our hearts.“God Helps Those Who Help Themselves”This phrase flips the gospel upside down. It places self-sufficiency at the center and turns God into a backup plan.Biblically, grace always comes first. God meets us in our need, not our strength. Stewardship, then, isn't self-rescue—it's dependence. Jesus says it plainly: “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).“God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle”This saying sounds comforting, but it places the burden of endurance squarely on our shoulders.Paul tells a different story: “We were so utterly burdened beyond our strength… so that we would not rely on ourselves but on God” (2 Corinthians 1:8–9).God often allows what we cannot handle so that we learn to rely on Him.“Let Go and Let God”This phrase requires nuance. Scripture does call us to trust—but never to passive disengagement.Faith and obedience always move together. Noah builds. Abraham goes. Ruth works. Grace empowers action; it doesn't replace it. As J. I. Packer once said, the Christian motto isn't “Let go and let God,” but “Trust God and get going.”Growing in Discernment Without FearDiscernment begins with familiarity. Counterfeits thrive when Scripture is reduced to slogans. But when we immerse ourselves in the full story of God's Word, we learn to recognize the Shepherd's voice (John 10:4).Community matters too. God designed us to learn truth together—through teaching, correction, and shared wisdom.The goal isn't paranoia. It's confidence. We don't spend our lives studying counterfeits—we anchor ourselves in truth, trusting the Spirit of God to alert us when something isn't from Him.If we want to steward money wisely, we must first steward God's truth faithfully. Because when we know what God has truly said, we're finally free to live—and steward—with clarity, confidence, and trust.———————————————————————————————————————Taylor Standridge's article “Counterfeit Verses: How to Spot The Sayings That Aren't in the Bible” appears in the latest issue of Faithful Steward, our quarterly magazine for FaithFi Partners. To receive your copy and enjoy additional partner benefits, visit FaithFi.com/Partner.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm considering a reverse mortgage for retirement. My home is worth about $370,000, and I owe $104,000 at 3.5%. How do reverse mortgages work? Would this help me in retirement, and what kind of interest rate should I expect compared to my current loan?I've been offered an investment where $10,000 could return 250%. I know the person personally, and there's paperwork and an attorney involved, but how can I properly vet this to be sure it's legitimate—especially since it involves real estate?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Counterfeit Verses: How to Spot The Sayings That Aren't in the Bible (Article by Taylor Standridge in Issue 4 of Faithful Steward Magazine)Movement MortgageOur Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You awake to a strange silence, a deep calm. As you draw back the curtain, you are surprised to see a soft blanket of snow across the garden and beyond. This wasn't forecasted. But, like the boy in the Snowman, you quickly pull on warm clothes and dash out to explore – to be the first to lay down a trail of footsteps in the fresh snow. Sparrows, a gorgeous song thrush and distant barking hounds provide the commentary.BBC Countryfile Magazine's Sound Escapes are a weekly audio postcard from the countryside to help you relax and transport you somewhere beautiful, wherever you happen to be. Recorded by Fergus Collins and introduced by Hannah Tribe. Image from GettyEmail the Plodcast team – and send your sound recordings of the countryside – to: theplodcast@countryfile.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Am I Write?, Guest Marah Rutherford takes listeners inside her creative process and shares how travel, culture, and everyday life influence her fantasy worlds. She explains how small “story kernels” grow into full novels, and what helps her create vivid settings and believable characters. She also reflects on building a sustainable creative life while juggling family, deadlines, & constant change, and talks honestly about burnout, productivity, and learning to focus on what she can control. Find balance and stay grounded in this unpredictable industry! ResourcesMara's Website: https://www.mararutherford.comMara's Books: https://www.mararutherford.com/allThe Night and the Moths by Rachel Gillig: https://a.co/d/0gsWdAMHBear our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bury-our-bones-in-the-midnight-soil-v-e-schwab/1145782127James by Percival Everett: https://a.co/d/03YSncIYShield of Sparrows by Devney Perry: https://a.co/d/0ab1aK3lInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mararutherfordwrites/ About MaraMara Rutherford began her writing career as a journalist but quickly discovered she far preferred fantasy to reality. Originally from California, Mara has since lived all over the world with her diplomat husband and two sons. A triplet born on Leap Day, Mara holds a Master's degree in Cultural Studies from the University of London. Her favorite days involve books, tea, and Mishka (a small red muppet often mistaken for a dog). She is the author of YA fantasy novels including the Crown of Coral and Pearl duology, Luminous, The Poison Season, and A Multitude of Dreams (Inkyard Press). Her next book, A CURIOUS KIND OF MAGIC, releases Fall ‘25 from Wednesday Books.

Keith sits down with Dan Thomson to discuss growing up in Ottawa, discovering the local scene, early inspiration from the band Moneen, the formation and history of Sparrows and the end of the band in the wake of the pandemic. We also discuss the formation of Lowheaven, the recording of their debut EP and their new LP "Ritual Decay", the band's creative process, signing with MNRK Records, what's next for Lowheaven and more. Intro - 0:00 - 3:14 Lowheaven Interview - 3:15 - 1:08:47 Outro - 1:09:02 - 1:13:57

By Mary Lindow   I welcome you all to this podcast and it's going to be a very tender and special podcast. Especially during this time right now where the world is in upheaval and so many things are going on in the church, with so many further exposures of deviant acts, monetary gambling as it were, and just inappropriate and criminal activity, and then it being covered up. It can be a lot to have to just navigate… … and of course to process.   We're going to look at something more precious and tender, which is the fact that the Lord “Sees us”. He wants you to know he sees YOU individually as his unique and beautiful creation.   So! I want to bring up the subject, “What Is A Sparrow?” The scripture talks about that the Heavenly Father even cares about the sparrows even though they're really pretty common and a little non-descriptive. They're not bright little birds. They're just kind of dull in color, kind of a dove gray.   But you know what? THE SPARROW IS A CLEVER LITTLE BIRD In Psalm 84 David describes his longing to be with the people of God and in the actual moment that he wrote this, he was a wanderer. He was a fugitive. He was not able to be in a place where he could have fellowship with God or other people, and this is when he wrote Psalm 84. It says, 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.   Have you ever felt this way or longed for fellowship like David wrote about with the Lord? His word so clearly expresses what it meant to David. Then, he remembered one of his bird watching experiences. He remembered how at one time when he was in the house of God, he looked up toward the altar and he noticed some movement. When he looked closer, he found a sparrow building her nest, so he wrote in verse 3: “Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself, Where she may have her young—a place near your altar.”   “Lord Almighty, my King and my God!” he said. “I wish I could be like that sparrow. I wish I could be like that swallow that is able to build its nest at the very altar of God.”   What David is saying here is, “Can you think of anything better than to have your home in the altar of God in the sanctuary?” This is something so very precious to me because I am always so tremendously interested in nurturing and loving my family and my grandchildren, that I cannot pass this over. Did you notice this swallow chose the altar of God to build a nest for her family?  She could have chosen any place to build a nest, but she chose the altar of God. Yes! The sparrow is a clever bird.   BUILDING YOUR NEST IN THE SANCTUARY OF GOD I believe that things are put here for a reason and for instruction, so I am going to suggest that if you want your family to be all that God wants it to be, build your nest, (metaphorically speaking), at the altar. Build your nest in the sanctuary because in the sanctuary, is the answer to every question that you have. And I hope that you understand that I am not talking about a church building! I am talking about your fellowship with God. There must also, always be room in your nest to include those with broken wings, or who have been abandoned or left as orphans.   A SPARROW IS VALUABLE! One more lovely thing about the sparrow. The sparrow is a valuable bird. I am sure that some people might question this statement! But it is a valuable bird, indeed. Some may say, “But not to man”!  It is Valuable to God though!   I am sure the Lord did some bird watching as he travelled to places with his dear friends, but this particular instance that He records is in the temple. As He went into the temple one day, He saw a whole bunch of sparrows, (remember that we are talking about a small bird) with their legs tied together, and they were being sold for a sacrifice in the temple. In Matthew, chapter 10 notice what Jesus has to say about sparrows. As He looked at those sparrows, He said, in verse 29: “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?”   That was the least expensive offering that anybody could make! If we were to stop there, we would say what we ordinarily say, “What is a sparrow? They are not worth anything at all,” but the Lord said, in the last part of verse 29: …And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father knowing about it.   That is how valuable they are. Not one sparrow falls to the ground without God knowing about it.   WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU SEE A DEAD SPARROW? Do you just kick it out of the way and go on?   Often we see someone much like the little dead sparrow, wounded or suffering from the cruelty of others too busy to really care about a “broken wing” or perhaps a broken heart. So many are busy licking their own wounds and getting on with their own lives, that they are unaware of the “sparrows” that God has placed in their midst. Those who need to be invited into a place of “Sanctuary”! Do you treat your employees like this or a friend who has been through a season of sorrow or loss? Do you find yourself simply walking past the Wounded or “dead Sparrow”? That would be a normal reaction, but evidently when the Lord saw the sparrow that fell, he felt very differently.   He said, “MY FATHER KNOWS ABOUT THAT SPARROW… …And my Father cares about it.”   Then notice what He says: Matthew 10:30 “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.   A SPARROW IS SO IMPORTANT TO GOD, …that it doesn't fall to the ground without God knowing about it, and you and those whom He has placed around you to radiate truth and hope to, are of more value than many sparrows. In Matthew, chapter 6, I think that Lord has done some bird watching and might want us to do some as well! Because… …He said: Matthew 6:26-34 26 "Look at the birds in the air. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds. 27 You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it. 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? Look at how the lilies in the field grow. They don't work or make clothes for themselves. 29 But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. 30 I clothe the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So you can be even surer that I will clothe you. Don't have so little faith! 31 Don't worry and say, ‘What will we eat?' or ‘What will we drink?' or ‘What will we wear?' 32 The people who don't know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them. 33 Seek first God's kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. 34 So don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own."   That last part of verse 26…. …It asks such a beautiful and piercing question. “And do you not know that you are worth much more than the birds?”   Or in another translation is asks, “Are you not of more value than they?    In other words, if God cares this much about a sparrow, about a bird, how much more then does He care about you?    Think about it:  We are the Crown Jewel of His creation.  We are made in His image!  We see what He has made in nature alone and then think, “Wow, even mankind is elevated above all of that.  God you really are amazing.  God you really do love us!”  If our response is not adoration and praise, we need to check our hearts and see God once again for Who He is.    A very well spoken and eloquent preacher said one time, “There is never a sparrow that dies but that God goes to its funeral.”   This really touched my heart and impressed me. Not a sparrow dies, but that God.. … goes to its funeral.   THE NEXT TIME THAT YOU SEE A SPARROW… …Remember that God is paying attention to that little sparrow. God is interested in you and He is interested and concerned about me as well! Remember that God cares about you so much more than even that sparrow, and that He wants to draw you closely into a safe place of Sanctuary with Him!  A place of safety and peace, where you can rest and learn about His love for you, for your family and those dear close friends and perhaps a few lost or weary lonely souls that He has sent to you.   In such vulnerable moments we need to take heart to the words of 2 Chronicles 16:9 It says, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro (or back and forth) throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” King David tenderly expressed this reality when he wrote, “Keep me as the apple of Your eye [that means, the pupil or center of your vision]; hide me under the shadow of Your wings.” (Psalm 17:8).   Truly, we need to know we are not alone. I hope you will never again look at a sparrow in quite the same way. We're even told in Psalm 84:3-4 that sparrows and swallows find a home and nest at the altars of the Lord, at the tabernacle, at temple of God, and how much more so should we! Here's a little observation assignment for you: Watch a little bird. And when you do, stay focused for a while. Yes, focus, and realize that God is looking at you, even more intently in that very same moment. After all, people are like sparrows in being noticed and cared for by God, yet in an even greater way.   But mark this difference in your observing: You will move on in a world that doesn't stop, but God never takes His eyes off of you. God deeply cares for you as spoken in 1 Peter 5:7. It says, “Casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, For He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].”     It's All Part of An Amazing Love Story —of a love affair started by Him and is highlighted by the invitation from God's Son to “Follow Him.” This invitation is constant and runs over like a cool glass of water, with an incredible promise to us who, like the sparrow, are not neglected or forgotten.   While the world values power, status, and outward appearance… … God values the lowly and unseen.   Sparrows were considered little worth in ancient marketplaces, yet Jesus said not one falls without the Father knowing. This is not a message about birds alone, but about you and me.   If God cares for the sparrow, how much more does He care for you, His beloved child? In moments when we feel overlooked or forgotten, the image of the sparrow reminds us that God's eyes never turn away. He knows your fears. He sees your needs, and He is, Always near. This truth helps to free us to live without fear and to trust in His daily provision and protection.   I REALLY LIKE THIS SOFT, HONEST AND SIMPLE PRAYER BY ANABELLE THOMPSON WHO IS A MISSIONARY. Father God, thank You for showing me how deeply You care for every living thing through the sparrow. Even when I feel small or unnoticed, help me remember that Your eyes are always on me. Teach me to trust in Your daily care and to rest in the knowledge that I am never forgotten. Help me to live with faith that sees Your hand in every detail, just as You provide for the birds of the air. May I always find peace in knowing You are near. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.   Dear Listener! The Heavenly Father HAS MUCH TO TELL YOU REGARDING ALL OF THE PLANS THAT HE HAS FOR YOU! “Settle into the nest… …And Rest!” God is waiting to speak and meet with you!   Duplication and re-transmission of this writing is welcomed provided that complete source, podcast and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You! Copyright  2026 "THE ADVOCATE OF HOPE " ~ Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com PODCAST    If you would be so kind and assist Mary helping her to meet other administrative needs such as website and podcast costs,  or  desire to bless her service in ministry with Spirit-led Love gifts or regular support: Please JOYFULLY send your gift in the form of:  ► Personal Checks ► Business Checks ► Money Orders ► Cashiers Checks To:  His Beloved Ministries Inc.  PO Box 1253 Denver, Colorado 80614 USA    Or feel free to use our send a tax-deductible gift with Pay Pal   paypal.me/mlindow  Under the name of - Mary Lindow His Beloved Ministries Inc.    ALL gifts are tax-deductible under His Beloved Ministries 5013c non-profit status.   We are financially accountable and have been in full compliance since 1985.  THANK YOU!'  

Today on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of “New Year, New Focus” with Rob West, who joined us to discuss how to create a budget with God and find contentment in how God calls you to steward money. Rob is the host of the nationally syndicated radio program Faith and Finance LIVE, which airs weekday afternoons at 3 pm on 90.1FM. He is also the host of the Faith and Finance podcast and the FaithFi App. He is also the CEO of Kingdom Advisors, a community of financial professionals specializing in biblically wise financial advice. Rob’s latest book is a 21-day devotional called “Look at the Sparrows.” Then we had Dr. Drew Dickens join us to provide you with updates on AI in Christian music and the church. Dr. Dickens is a visionary leader, AI expert, and scholar who has significantly contributed to the intersection of technology, spirituality, and faith-based engagement. His groundbreaking dissertation on the impact of generative AI on spiritual direction has positioned him as a leader in the emerging field. He is also the founder of the Encountering Peace App and Encounter Podcast, which provide biblical meditations, resources, and dialogue. Drew has also authored the book “Whispers of the Spirit: A 40-Day Guide to Intimate Prayer.” We then asked listeners, “What do you want to see God change in your life this year?” We also turned to the phone lines to ask our listeners the question, “What single verse is most helping you focus on God’s goodness and power?” Then we had Lafon Jantz join us to talk about moving from hurt to healing. Lafon is the cofounder of The Center- A Place of Hope with her late husband, Dr. Gregg Jantz. She is also a speaker and is involved with several philanthropic organizations. She has also written a book called “Make Peace With Your Past”. You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Rob West Interview [06:02] Dr. Drew Dicken Interview [24:23] Listener segment [44:51] Lafon Jantz interview [52:50] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a new year, and Literally Books is back, baby!  Magda and Lindsay catch up on everything they read during the break. Magda discusses reading all about feminine rage across various genres, and Lindsay delves into her journey through literary absurdity.  Then the gals put dive deep into their woo-woo to discuss the resolutions they're working toward this year and all they want to manifest.  …and so it is. Season 3 of Literally Books begins!   Books mentioned in the episode: “Best Offer Wins“ by Marisa Kashino “Shield of Sparrows“ by Devney Perry  “Oathbound“ by Tracy Deonn “The Unmaking of June Farrow“ by Adrienne Young “Wild Dark Shore“ by Charlotte McConaghy “Dungeon Crawler Carl“ by Matt Dinniman “Know My Name“ by Chanel Miller  “When Women Were Dragons“ by Kelly Barnhill “Nightbitch“ by Rachel Yoder “The Hounding“ by Xenobe Purvis “The Housemaid“ by Freida McFadden “Atmosphere“ by Taylor Jenkins Reid “A Tale of Two Cities“ by Charles Dickens “Moby Dick“ by Herman Melville “East of Eden“ by Ernest Hemingway “Sense and Sensibility“ by Jane Austen “Wuthering Heights“ by Emily Brontë “11/22/63“ by Stephen King “Heated Rivalry“ by Rachel Reid “Frankenstein“ by Mary Shelley “Margo's Got Money Troubles“ by Rufi Thorpe “Impossible Creatures“ by Katherine Rundell “Dark Matter“ by Blake Crouch   Email us!  Literally Books Website Literally Books Instagram Magda's Instagram Lindsay's Instagram Literally Books YouTube Literally Books TikTok   Intro & Outro Song: "Would it Kill You," courtesy of The Solder Thread

A new year often inspires fresh resolve. We plan more carefully, set ambitious goals, and commit to making this time different. But year after year, many resolutions quietly fade—not because people lack sincerity, but because most change efforts rely on willpower alone.That's where a deeper, more biblical approach to change comes in.Today on Faith & Finance, I sat down with Taylor Standridge, Production Manager at FaithFi and lead writer of Our Ultimate Treasure and Look at the Sparrows, to explore why so many resolutions fail—and what Scripture reveals about change that truly lasts.Why Willpower Isn't EnoughTaylor explained that most resolutions fade because they're built on effort rather than formation.“Willpower is a limited resource,” Taylor said. “We assume that if we just try harder or become more disciplined, we'll finally become the person we want to be. But once motivation wears off, or life gets stressful, old patterns take over.”According to Taylor, the problem isn't that people set bad goals—it's that they try to change actions without addressing identity. Without a deeper shift in what we value and who we believe we are, even the best intentions eventually lose momentum.“We may change what we do for a while,” Taylor said, “but if we don't change the kind of person we're becoming, those changes won't last.”Behavior Change vs. Identity TransformationTaylor drew a helpful distinction between modifying behavior and experiencing true transformation.“Behavior change is about effort—showing up, pushing through, saying no,” he said. “But identity transformation reshapes our desires and motivations. It changes why we choose what we choose.”That's why FaithFi emphasizes the idea that behavior follows belief. When change focuses only on habits, goals often end once they're achieved. But when change is rooted in identity, it cultivates a way of life that continues beyond any milestone.“It's the difference between acting healthy and becoming the kind of person who naturally chooses health,” Taylor explained.How Identity Changes the Way We Set GoalsTo illustrate, Taylor pointed to health resolutions—one of the most common goals people set each year.“A behavior-based goal might be, ‘I want to lose 20 pounds,'” Taylor said. “That's fine—but once the weight is gone, the motivation often disappears.”An identity-based goal asks a deeper question: What kind of person do I want to become?“When someone says, ‘I want to honor God by caring for the body He's given me,' everything changes,” Taylor said. “Now the goal isn't just a number—it's a lifestyle.”Identity-driven goals last because they're rooted in purpose, not pressure.Applying Identity to Financial ResolutionsTaylor said this approach is especially powerful when applied to financial goals.“Let's say someone wants to pay off $20,000 in debt,” he said. “That's a great goal—but it becomes far more meaningful when it's rooted in identity.”Instead of focusing solely on eliminating debt, Taylor encouraged believers to frame their financial goals around stewardship.“When someone says, ‘I want to be a wise steward so I can live with freedom and give generously,' the goal becomes formative,” he explained. “That identity continues shaping decisions long after the debt is gone.”According to Taylor, identity-based stewardship influences spending, saving, giving, and long-term financial faithfulness—not just one year's resolution.Scripture Shows That Change Starts in the HeartTaylor pointed out that this inward-first approach isn't a modern idea—it's woven throughout Scripture.“God has always been after our hearts, not just our habits,” Taylor said. “Israel had clear commands, but having the law wasn't enough. Their hearts were unchanged, so their lives were unchanged.”That's why God promised to give His people a new heart and a new spirit. Taylor noted that Jesus echoed this truth when He taught that a tree is known by its fruit—what we produce flows from who we are.“God isn't impressed by performance alone,” Taylor said. “He desires people who trust Him and live out of that trust.”The Holy Spirit Makes Lasting Change PossibleTaylor emphasized that true transformation is not self-generated—it's Spirit-empowered.“External rules can restrain behavior, but they can't renew desires,” he said. “The new heart God gives doesn't just help us try harder—it reorders what we love.”Under the new covenant, believers don't rely on their own strength to change. Instead, the Holy Spirit reshapes desires and produces fruit like self-control, patience, and faithfulness.“These qualities are called the fruit of the Spirit for a reason,” Taylor said. “They grow naturally as we remain rooted in Christ.”As the new year begins, Taylor encouraged believers to start with prayerful reflection rather than immediate goal-setting.“Ask, ‘Lord, where are You inviting growth in my life?'” he said. “Pay attention to holy dissatisfaction—the places where God is gently nudging you toward change.”Taylor also encouraged seeking wisdom from Scripture and trusted believers, noting that identity is not something we invent, but something God forms in us.“The goal is alignment,” he said. “Not creating a new identity, but embracing the one God is already shaping through His Spirit.”Let Goals Flow from IdentityOnce identity is clear, Taylor said goals become expressions—not endpoints.“If you want to be a faithful steward, build practices that reflect that,” he said. “Budget, automate savings, grow in generosity. If you want to be healthier, choose routines that align with that identity.”Taylor emphasized the value of structure and measurable goals, noting that tools such as progress tracking and target-setting drive accountability. But he stressed that numbers should never become the foundation of change.“Goals can be reached. Circumstances can shift,” Taylor said. “Identity is what lasts.” In closing, Taylor offered a simple but powerful encouragement.“Start small. Trust the Holy Spirit. Focus on faithfulness, not perfection,” he said. “You're not pursuing change alone. The God who calls you to transformation walks with you and delights in your growth.”When resolutions flow from who God is shaping us to be, they don't just last for a year—they shape us for a lifetime.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I took out a Parent PLUS loan for my son years ago, and after falling behind, the balance has grown to about $20,000. I'm a few years from retirement and can't afford to carry this debt into retirement. Should I tap my 401(k), even with penalties, or reduce my contributions—while keeping my employer match—and use that money to pay the loan down? I haven't qualified for forgiveness or income-driven repayment and need direction.My husband and I are 40 and 42, debt-free, and paid cash for our home and our kids' college. We have $140,000 in savings, including a $40,000 emergency fund, and want to invest the remaining $100,000. We're both self-employed and don't have employer retirement plans. What's the best way to invest this money?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

6/8. Mao's Sparrow Campaign and the Worst Human-Created Disaster — Steven Moss — Moss recounts Chairman Mao's 1958 order for systematic extermination of the Tree Sparrow, predicated on the erroneous belief that sparrows consumed excessive grain supplies. Moss documents that the Chinese population executed massive killing campaigns, often exhausting sparrows to death through relentless pursuit. Moss explains that because sparrows feed their fledglings primarily on insects, the resulting explosive insect population boom devastated agricultural harvests, contributing to a catastrophic famine potentially killing 45–50 million Chinese citizens. Moss notes that ornithologists who attempted to warn Mao of ecological consequences faced subsequent persecution. Moss documents that this disastrous ecological intervention forced China to import 250,000 replacement sparrows the following year.

Dallas the Dog Welcomes Skittish Sparrows. Jeremy details Dallas's affinity for birds, noting that usually skittish common garden sparrows are now drinking and eating from the dog's bowls. The destructive cockatoos, while still present and stripping pine trees, have thankfully avoided attacking the damaged roof. Crows remain cautious, staying distant to avoid aerial "dogfights" with the aggressive magpies. PURPLR FINCH

7. The Tree Sparrow: Mao's Folly and the Emu Wars AUTHOR: Stephen Moss BOOK TITLE: 10 Birds That Changed the World This excerpt details Mao's 1958 "Four Vermin" campaign targeting the Tree Sparrow. Maoordered the sparrows killed, believing they consumed grain; however, because sparrows feed their young on insects, their eradication led to an insect population boom. The subsequent crop failures caused a famine that resulted in potentially 45 to 50 million deaths, making it the worst human-created disaster in history. The segment contrasts this tragedy with the "Emu Wars" in 1930s Australia, where highly adaptable Emussuccessfully defeated the Australian army. 1938