Today I had a surprise when I walked outside to pick up the Times. I turned and saw a flock of Ibis walking toward me , just a few feet away. They looked like they were expecting a hand-out, but I don't know if anyone has time to feed them because they graze so fast and cover a lot of ground in a short time. I counted a moving fourteen, but there was one on the other side of the driveway , and he had a squirming frog in his beak. I was sorry for the frog, but the ibis was determined. I didn't stay to see how the ibis was going to swallow the large frog..
I went shopping at Publix yesterday and had the stock girl carry out the groceries, after she asked. It was about 100 heat index when I got there after waiting for Dave C. to mow, edge and blow the yard. He is always interesting to chat with. When he has time he will start cleaning out the garage to make room for a few things from the shed and then tear the shed down. He is very helpful, so I am blessed to have him available. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. Then your father, who see what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:3-4
Melanie read the suggestions carefully, "Place contrasting colors together, like peach with blue. Or try red, white, and blue, for a bright, patriotic flower bed. If you prefer, naturalize your bulbs, incorporating them into your yard's natural habitat. This works particularly well if you live in a wooded, grassy area."
She grabbed her fardener's tools and set to work, planting some in circles and others in rows. Melanie reserved a handful of varied size bulbs, and like a mother hiding Easter eggs for her expectant child, she tossed bulbs randomly on the grass. Wherever they landed, Melanie carved a hole and dropped them in the dround.
Weeks passed, and Melanie forgot about the bulbs--including their secret hiding places. One early spring day, Melanie walked out in her backyard and saw green shoots poking through the earth. In the next few weeks, her yard looked like a magical wonderland, As she strolled through the green terrain, she realized the most fun part was seeing the bulbs pop up among the natural seting--beside trees, in the middle of a grassy slope, or tucked away in a corner. Nature has worked its magic and rewarded Melanie's long forgotten efforts with a harvest of beautiful flowers.
Christlike deeds are like the bulbs in Melanie's garden. Some we plant in deliberate, orderly fashion. Others, because of the God-nature planted within us, spill out from our lives naturally like spontaneous love gifts to those around us. These colorful bouquets spring up in the most unexpected places, a true "God-thing," blessing us-and others-in a most beautiful way.
A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives you roses.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
