Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
When I stepped outside this morning, all the sky was covered with racing clouds and the wind was blowing from the north! Very unusual for this time of year. I would have been chilly if I had been out for awhile. Cool! We are supposed to be in for some heavy rain today and tomorrow and we need the rain.
Yesterday, I was not too surprised to see that the two baby gators that I had watched the day before were in the same place and not moving, which means that they must be dead. I don't know if any of the 34 or so, have survived. Usually, only one or two survive out of a hatching like that. Sad, but true, although, I suppose, we would be overrun with gators, should they all survive!
I was pleased to see the large gator again at the tower, just resting with nose to the shrubbery. Mr. and Mrs. Coot were no longer in sight,though. They keep their distance from gators!
From the Promise Bible NLT :
More Joy
James 1:2 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy."
Troubles remind us of two things. First, they remind us that this is a fallen world full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in him. this kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.
2 Corinthians 4:14-18 "We know that the same God who raised our Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself along with you. All of these things are for your benefit. And as God's grace brings more and more people to Christ, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen . For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. "
The promise of our future resurrection helps us look beyond the problems of daily life. It is not escapism or wishful thinking; it is a reality that fuels our joy by keeping things in perspective.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
