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! When I stepped outside, the sky was covered with clouds and not a star was in sight. We had a good rain most of the afternoon yesterday and last night it really started coming down, which was good because we still need the rain.
When I went to the Park Friday, I discovered that now they are completely redoing the existing sidewalks and putting in new ones, so concrete dust was everywhere as the men cut through the sidewalks to break them up. Terry directed us where to walk to avoid the dust, and I found a way to get on the boardwalk, without walking through the white stuff.
I walked out to the tower and watched Mama gator as she vigilantly stayed put watching over the babies, which were not visible. They must have been nearby in in the shrubs, because that's where her nose was pointed. The coots, or gallinules, are well away from her, but seem to be unafraid as they go about their business together. God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Purpose/Mission
Does God have a purpose for my life?
2 Timothy 1:9 "It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began-to show his love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus."
Our purpose in life is rooted in God's eternal plan to redeem us and make us new creatures in Christ for his glory and for his service.
John 15:16 "You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name."
As we pursue our purpose in Christ, he promises that our lives will have lasting significance and eternal results.
1 Corinthians 15:52 "My dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."
As we pursue our God-given purpose, we do not get discouraged even when it seems that nothing is happening. God wastes nothing.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, September 24, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
Planning
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! When I stepped outside this morning, I saw lots of clouds, but one brilliant star was twinkling in the east... Hmmm, reminds me of a story!
We had some much needed rain yesterday evening, and now the grass will grow a little bit-it's really slowed down because of the cooler air.
I enjoyed the wind and slight coolness yesterday on my walk, but still was very warm and damp when I finished.
All of the onlookers have moved to the tower, now, because of the baby gators being there. Mama gator was nearby, but someone had thrown peanuts at her and she was very restless, moving her head back and forth as if annoyed. Of course, she doesn't eat peanuts and neither do the fish and turtles!
I spoke with Francia for a few minutes and congratulated her on the great article in the paper. She was preparing for another class already, but took time to show me a huge spider in a container that had a baby sack that had hatched out hundreds of tiny babies. She was going to leave that outside last night so the babies wouldn't be loose in the classroom. God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How am I supposed to plan my life?
Proverbs 2:1-11 "My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity.He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe."
A plan is only as good as the information upon which it's based. Our human intellect is limited and inadequate. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.
Proverbs 3:5,6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths."
As we seek God, he will guide us in making our plans.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had some much needed rain yesterday evening, and now the grass will grow a little bit-it's really slowed down because of the cooler air.
I enjoyed the wind and slight coolness yesterday on my walk, but still was very warm and damp when I finished.
All of the onlookers have moved to the tower, now, because of the baby gators being there. Mama gator was nearby, but someone had thrown peanuts at her and she was very restless, moving her head back and forth as if annoyed. Of course, she doesn't eat peanuts and neither do the fish and turtles!
I spoke with Francia for a few minutes and congratulated her on the great article in the paper. She was preparing for another class already, but took time to show me a huge spider in a container that had a baby sack that had hatched out hundreds of tiny babies. She was going to leave that outside last night so the babies wouldn't be loose in the classroom. God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How am I supposed to plan my life?
Proverbs 2:1-11 "My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity.He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe."
A plan is only as good as the information upon which it's based. Our human intellect is limited and inadequate. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.
Proverbs 3:5,6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths."
As we seek God, he will guide us in making our plans.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Justice
Good cloudy morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! So far, we have only had clouds, no rain, but the coolness is a welcome relief from the blazing sun. As I stepped outside this morning, all I could see were clouds in the sky, so maybe today.
My morning walk turned into a walk in the afternoon yesterday, but Steve (the naturalist) told me that all the babies were at the tower, so I wanted to see for myself. Sure enough , I counted 15 and they were pretty cute. Mama was there when I arrived, but I don't think she likes to have a lot of people around, so she soon took a dive and sank. Two of the babies were on a log on top of each other and a third tried to climb on top of the two...didn't work. They all slid off!
I'm thinking when I saw Mama pop up out of the water Monday, she must have been leading them to the tower.
BTW, for any of you who take the St. Pete Times, there is a wonderful article about Francia Smith, the teacher who emailed me the 60 photos of the hatching. She is remarkable. She shows the children God's great creation of critters.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What can I do when I suffer injustice?
Romans 12:17-19 "Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone as much as possible. Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. for it is written, "I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it," says the Lord.
Proverbs 20:22 "Don't say, "I will get even for this wrong."
Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
God teaches us to respond differently to injustice than the world does. Vengeance and retribution are the way of the world. God teaches us to trust in him and allow him to settle the score.
How can I respond to persecution?
Matthew 5:11-12 "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. "
2 Thessalonians 1:5,6 "God will use this persecution to show his justice. For he will make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering, and in his justice he will punish those who persecute you."
Persecution is part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. God blesses those who bear dishonor and hardship for his sake.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My morning walk turned into a walk in the afternoon yesterday, but Steve (the naturalist) told me that all the babies were at the tower, so I wanted to see for myself. Sure enough , I counted 15 and they were pretty cute. Mama was there when I arrived, but I don't think she likes to have a lot of people around, so she soon took a dive and sank. Two of the babies were on a log on top of each other and a third tried to climb on top of the two...didn't work. They all slid off!
I'm thinking when I saw Mama pop up out of the water Monday, she must have been leading them to the tower.
BTW, for any of you who take the St. Pete Times, there is a wonderful article about Francia Smith, the teacher who emailed me the 60 photos of the hatching. She is remarkable. She shows the children God's great creation of critters.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What can I do when I suffer injustice?
Romans 12:17-19 "Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone as much as possible. Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. for it is written, "I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it," says the Lord.
Proverbs 20:22 "Don't say, "I will get even for this wrong."
Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
God teaches us to respond differently to injustice than the world does. Vengeance and retribution are the way of the world. God teaches us to trust in him and allow him to settle the score.
How can I respond to persecution?
Matthew 5:11-12 "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. "
2 Thessalonians 1:5,6 "God will use this persecution to show his justice. For he will make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering, and in his justice he will punish those who persecute you."
Persecution is part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. God blesses those who bear dishonor and hardship for his sake.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Joy, con't
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
When I stepped outside this morning, all the sky was covered with racing clouds and the wind was blowing from the north! Very unusual for this time of year. I would have been chilly if I had been out for awhile. Cool! We are supposed to be in for some heavy rain today and tomorrow and we need the rain.
Yesterday, I was not too surprised to see that the two baby gators that I had watched the day before were in the same place and not moving, which means that they must be dead. I don't know if any of the 34 or so, have survived. Usually, only one or two survive out of a hatching like that. Sad, but true, although, I suppose, we would be overrun with gators, should they all survive!
I was pleased to see the large gator again at the tower, just resting with nose to the shrubbery. Mr. and Mrs. Coot were no longer in sight,though. They keep their distance from gators!
From the Promise Bible NLT :
More Joy
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.
2 Corinthians 4:14-18 "We know that the same God who raised our Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself along with you. All of these things are for your benefit. And as God's grace brings more and more people to Christ, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen . For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. "
The promise of our future resurrection helps us look beyond the problems of daily life. It is not escapism or wishful thinking; it is a reality that fuels our joy by keeping things in perspective.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside this morning, all the sky was covered with racing clouds and the wind was blowing from the north! Very unusual for this time of year. I would have been chilly if I had been out for awhile. Cool! We are supposed to be in for some heavy rain today and tomorrow and we need the rain.
Yesterday, I was not too surprised to see that the two baby gators that I had watched the day before were in the same place and not moving, which means that they must be dead. I don't know if any of the 34 or so, have survived. Usually, only one or two survive out of a hatching like that. Sad, but true, although, I suppose, we would be overrun with gators, should they all survive!
I was pleased to see the large gator again at the tower, just resting with nose to the shrubbery. Mr. and Mrs. Coot were no longer in sight,though. They keep their distance from gators!
From the Promise Bible NLT :
More Joy
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.
2 Corinthians 4:14-18 "We know that the same God who raised our Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself along with you. All of these things are for your benefit. And as God's grace brings more and more people to Christ, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen . For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. "
The promise of our future resurrection helps us look beyond the problems of daily life. It is not escapism or wishful thinking; it is a reality that fuels our joy by keeping things in perspective.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Joy
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the COOLER day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
When I stepped outside this morning, I could hardly believe the coolness of the air! Stars were twinkling brightly in the still night sky and a sense of fall was in the air. Acorns crunching underfoot means a bumper crop to sweep up soon.
Well, I think the excitement of watching Mama gator and babies is just about over. The signs are down and I saw only two for sure, and what looked like (this sounds gross) pieces of three more. I know they have many predators, but I don't think I was ready for this. As I walked out to the tower, though, I was just in time as I looked over the railing, to see a huge head rise out of the lilies and water! I couldn't tell if it was Mama gator or the other younger one I see so often, but when I came back downstairs, it was gone and only bubbles showed where it had been. Timing is everything! God has created beauty and ugliness.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where does joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 "Nehemiah continued, "God will celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. this is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
Zephaniah 3:12 "The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exalt over you by singing a happy song."
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 "He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever."
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
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 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside this morning, I could hardly believe the coolness of the air! Stars were twinkling brightly in the still night sky and a sense of fall was in the air. Acorns crunching underfoot means a bumper crop to sweep up soon.
Well, I think the excitement of watching Mama gator and babies is just about over. The signs are down and I saw only two for sure, and what looked like (this sounds gross) pieces of three more. I know they have many predators, but I don't think I was ready for this. As I walked out to the tower, though, I was just in time as I looked over the railing, to see a huge head rise out of the lilies and water! I couldn't tell if it was Mama gator or the other younger one I see so often, but when I came back downstairs, it was gone and only bubbles showed where it had been. Timing is everything! God has created beauty and ugliness.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where does joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 "Nehemiah continued, "God will celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. this is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
Zephaniah 3:12 "The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exalt over you by singing a happy song."
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 "He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever."
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
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 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, September 17, 2007
Encumbrances
Good Monday morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm, humid day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! There is a beautiful sunrise casting an orange glow , which will soon be gone, but the wispy clouds are streaking colorfully across the sky for just a few minutes. God has his paintbrush out this morning!
We had a quiet weekend, watching football games, "Go, Gators!", and attending church. Hopefully, your weekend was a little more interesting and active than ours.
I was a little disappointed when I walked Friday at not finding a single baby gator or even Mama in sight. They have the ability to swim some distances around the nest and perhaps they will appear again before they scatter.
From the book Quiet Moments:
Hebrews 12:1 NKJV "Let us lay down every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us."
In Jules Verne's novel, The Mysterious Island, he tells of five men who escape a Civil War prison and of their flight in a hot air balloon which takes them over the ocean. As the balloon slowly sinks toward the water, they have to discard everything they thought they needed for survival, including their food.
Unfortunately, that is only a temporary solution, and they find themselves sinking slowly once again. One man has an idea: they can tie the ropes that hold the passenger car and sit on the ropes. Then they can cut away the basket beneath them. As they do this, the balloon rises again.
Not a minute too soon, they spot land. The five jump into the water and swim to the island. They are alive because they were able to discern the difference between what was really needed and what was not. The "necessities" they once thought they couldn't live without were the very weights that almost cost them their lives.
Why not make an honest assessment of the things that might be slowing you down today? Are they physical or spiritual necessities for you or someone you love? What would your life be like without them? If you eliminated them, would you have more time for the things in your life that really matter?
Ask God to show you how your life could be improved if you made some changes and dropped some things that are weighing you down.
I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are very wise and very beautiful, but I never read in either of them, "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heaven laden."
Saint Augustine of Hippo
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had a quiet weekend, watching football games, "Go, Gators!", and attending church. Hopefully, your weekend was a little more interesting and active than ours.
I was a little disappointed when I walked Friday at not finding a single baby gator or even Mama in sight. They have the ability to swim some distances around the nest and perhaps they will appear again before they scatter.
From the book Quiet Moments:
Hebrews 12:1 NKJV "Let us lay down every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us."
In Jules Verne's novel, The Mysterious Island, he tells of five men who escape a Civil War prison and of their flight in a hot air balloon which takes them over the ocean. As the balloon slowly sinks toward the water, they have to discard everything they thought they needed for survival, including their food.
Unfortunately, that is only a temporary solution, and they find themselves sinking slowly once again. One man has an idea: they can tie the ropes that hold the passenger car and sit on the ropes. Then they can cut away the basket beneath them. As they do this, the balloon rises again.
Not a minute too soon, they spot land. The five jump into the water and swim to the island. They are alive because they were able to discern the difference between what was really needed and what was not. The "necessities" they once thought they couldn't live without were the very weights that almost cost them their lives.
Why not make an honest assessment of the things that might be slowing you down today? Are they physical or spiritual necessities for you or someone you love? What would your life be like without them? If you eliminated them, would you have more time for the things in your life that really matter?
Ask God to show you how your life could be improved if you made some changes and dropped some things that are weighing you down.
I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are very wise and very beautiful, but I never read in either of them, "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heaven laden."
Saint Augustine of Hippo
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, September 14, 2007
Love is the greatest!
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!
When I stepped outside in the darkness this morning, I could see some of the stars dimly, because of a slight haze, but it is definitely a tad cooler than it has been.
Already our acorns are falling , but they are green. I don't think the squirrels like the green ones. Speaking of squirrels, I think they are busier than ants - they leap, fly across the streets, dig furiously in the grass, race up trees and once in a while, I see one lying flat on the tummy resting. They take time to have fun, though, because the young ones roll around with staghorn leaves, playing with them. They are fun to watch.
I noticed the canal as I started across the bridge at the Park yesterday. The mist was rising off it, just like winter. The air was a little cooler because of the rain the night before and that made the difference between the temperature of the water and the air.
I splashed through puddles on the boardwalk, and enjoyed the slight breeze.
When I got to the gator nest, no Mama gator or babies, but I looked across the boardwalk, and there she was with about five or six babies. Soon she backed up and turned around and headed back under the boardwalk, so I walked to the other side to watch her come out, but all I could see was her nose. The babies were grunting quite a lot yesterday, and soon Mama crawled all the way to the side of the nest. What is so fascinating to me, is that here is this great, huge creature not four feet under me, and I get to see it up close and personal! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Corinthians 13
...but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear. Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little! But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear.
...There are three things that will endure------faith, hope, and love---and the greatest of these is love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside in the darkness this morning, I could see some of the stars dimly, because of a slight haze, but it is definitely a tad cooler than it has been.
Already our acorns are falling , but they are green. I don't think the squirrels like the green ones. Speaking of squirrels, I think they are busier than ants - they leap, fly across the streets, dig furiously in the grass, race up trees and once in a while, I see one lying flat on the tummy resting. They take time to have fun, though, because the young ones roll around with staghorn leaves, playing with them. They are fun to watch.
I noticed the canal as I started across the bridge at the Park yesterday. The mist was rising off it, just like winter. The air was a little cooler because of the rain the night before and that made the difference between the temperature of the water and the air.
I splashed through puddles on the boardwalk, and enjoyed the slight breeze.
When I got to the gator nest, no Mama gator or babies, but I looked across the boardwalk, and there she was with about five or six babies. Soon she backed up and turned around and headed back under the boardwalk, so I walked to the other side to watch her come out, but all I could see was her nose. The babies were grunting quite a lot yesterday, and soon Mama crawled all the way to the side of the nest. What is so fascinating to me, is that here is this great, huge creature not four feet under me, and I get to see it up close and personal! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Corinthians 13
...but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear. Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little! But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear.
...There are three things that will endure------faith, hope, and love---and the greatest of these is love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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