Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayers Partners! This is the warmer day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! As I stepped outside this morning, the moon was gone, but I could dimly see stars through the hazy mist. The weatherman promises eighties warmth today, so all the shrubs will be blooming, because it feels like spring!
Well, for all you who watched the Super Bowl, joy for the Giant fans, and gloom for the Patriot fans. I watched and was for the underdogs, the Giants, but didn't expect them to win. I was overjoyed when they did!
We saw lots of people at the Park yesterday, enjoying the warm weather, walking dogs, kids rolling down the hills and lots of family together time! God is good!
It seems to me that I cannot remember ever seeing so many wood storks around the neighborhood. I don't know where they are in the summer, but I have seen dozens at the lakes, canals, and even yards of homes. Always on the ground...I haven't seen them fly. As I have mentioned before, they never seem happy. But they are some of God's creatures!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be joyful in hard times?
Habakkuk 3:17-18 "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine, even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation."
Philippians 4:4, 12 "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!,,,I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or in little."
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
