Good cloudy morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! So far, we have only had clouds, no rain, but the coolness is a welcome relief from the blazing sun. As I stepped outside this morning, all I could see were clouds in the sky, so maybe today.
My morning walk turned into a walk in the afternoon yesterday, but Steve (the naturalist) told me that all the babies were at the tower, so I wanted to see for myself. Sure enough , I counted 15 and they were pretty cute. Mama was there when I arrived, but I don't think she likes to have a lot of people around, so she soon took a dive and sank. Two of the babies were on a log on top of each other and a third tried to climb on top of the two...didn't work. They all slid off!
I'm thinking when I saw Mama pop up out of the water Monday, she must have been leading them to the tower.
BTW, for any of you who take the St. Pete Times, there is a wonderful article about Francia Smith, the teacher who emailed me the 60 photos of the hatching. She is remarkable. She shows the children God's great creation of critters.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What can I do when I suffer injustice?
Romans 12:17-19 "Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone as much as possible. Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. for it is written, "I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it," says the Lord.
Proverbs 20:22 "Don't say, "I will get even for this wrong."
Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
God teaches us to respond differently to injustice than the world does. Vengeance and retribution are the way of the world. God teaches us to trust in him and allow him to settle the score.
How can I respond to persecution?
Matthew 5:11-12 "God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too. "
2 Thessalonians 1:5,6 "God will use this persecution to show his justice. For he will make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering, and in his justice he will punish those who persecute you."
Persecution is part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. God blesses those who bear dishonor and hardship for his sake.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
