Wednesday, June 24, 2009

More stress

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The sun is shining brightly this morning, but WOW, what a storm last night! I had just gotten to sleep when the thunder woke me up and then the lightning flashing and flashing! I even covered my eyes, but I could still see it! I heard the wind pick up and the rain coming down really hard and blowing! I just stayed in bed and prayed for God to keep the house safe!

After a quiet day, when all we did was get haircuts, it was quite an ending. I am sure the park got much needed watering, so the weeds can grow even higher. We did see a strip mowed along the road, but nothing else. But the birds and squirrels don't mind because they can find food most any place. Not many people were in the park when we went just before noon, but the water looked peaceful and the egrets were keeping vigilant watch for lunch. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

What do we learn from stress?

Stress exposes our human limitations so that we can better realize God's limitless power and love.

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.

We keep going because God has promised a rich harvest in His perfect time.

Romans 5:3-4 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectations of salvation.

James 1:2-4 Dear Brothers and Sisters, wheneveer trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed you will be strong in character and ready for anything.

While stress exposes our true character, it also helps develop our true character. Even when we fall short of the mark, God has promised to work within us, shaping us into the image of Christ.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis