Wednesday, September 1, 2010

The Beatitudes

Good Morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Happy September First! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! And what a beautiful start to the day! I hope some of you saw the sunrise with the beautiful pinks glowing against the blue in the sky!

Just gorgeous!

When I stepped out on the porch, a fat, little frog was perched right on the edge of the step, looking just like a little Buddha the way he was posed. He soon hopped away, though, knowing snack time was over since I turned off the light.

The air is definitely cooler and still feels like a touch of fall and cooler weather to come. A welcome relief from the heat and humidity. I went to the Park yesterday for some quiet meditation and watched as an anhinga came up out of the water with a fish in its beak. He expertly flipped it until the head was aimed down and gulped the fish down. I could see the large bulge in his neck as the snack went down. Then the anhinga flew up to a branch over head and started flipping his feathers and spread his wings to dry out for the next underwater dive. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

"God blesses those who realize their need for him.
for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are gentle and lowly,
for the whole world will belong to them.
God blesses those who are hungry and
thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted
because they live for God,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

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.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis