Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Encouragement

Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another chilly day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

Yes, at least, we don't have to shovel it! Just rake up leaves that are blowing in from next door. A couple days ago the wind was from the south, and our leaves blew over to the neighbors!

We had a busy day yesterday, with a dentist's appointment, and a friend here to start tearing off wallpaper in the bathroom to start painting it. There is always something to do when you have an old house!

We got in a trip to the park, though, and not many people were out in the wind. It was really cool, and at this time of year, the trees bowing over the canal water, look really stark, with leafless branches, and gray. It makes the snow white ibises look very beautiful in contrast. Of course, I think they are beautiful and graceful, anyway. God has created marvelous creatures!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Where do I find the strength to keep going when I'm tempted to give up?

Galatians 6:9 "Don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time."

Endurance comes from keeping our thoughts on the promise of the harvest, not the problems of the moment.

Philippians 1:6 "I am sure that god, who began the good work within you, wil continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again."

Philippians 2:12-13 "Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you, And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him."

We also do not endure through our own strength alone. God is at work in our lives. He gives us the strength to keep going when we are exhausted and the reasons to keep believing when we are discouraged.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis