Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Joy!

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 prediction is for cooler weather and less humidity this weekend, which really sounds good to me, however this morning when I stepped outside, the air was definitely cooler and it would have been nice to take a walk. Hopefully, I can do that later. We had some rain yesterday after I got through with my errands. IT wasn't much, but we can use more, because we really haven't had much this month.

It looks like the ospreys are having mating time again. I saw the old, ragged nest atop a light pole in the Gateway parking lot, was being built up again and an osprey was sitting on it while I went into Publix and was still there when I came out, It may be the one I frequently see on the line across Turner's creek by the Burger King.

Also, there is a nest atop a light pole at Sawgrass school, and that one is active again. So soon there will be little ospreys flying around again. I was fascinated as I drove to the park yesterday evening, to see a forming waterspout from a very dark and threatening cloud. I was able to watch it get a little bigger and then all at once, it disappeared. Wouldn't have done me any good to have a camera, since I was driving, but I was wishing for a picture of it.

Not many people were at the park, because it was threatening rain, but an anhinga was on the weir with wings totally outstretched, and also one was on the log right by the bridge, posing the same way. No sun, but I guess the wind was drying the feathers. God is good!

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, and with plenty or 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