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!
Well, the clouds eclipsed the lunar eclipse last night, so I guess we will have to wait until 2010 to see one again. I stepped outside about 10 PM to see if the sky had cleared and got sprinkles on my face. That was the answer!
I took a walk around Arrow Lake at the park yesterday and was rewarded by seeing a tri-colored heron standing very still in the water and very well hidden. Three little moorhens were clucking softly to each other and apparently they have their nest in the sawgrass stand in the water. I watched them swimming in and out of the tall grass. They are pretty well protected at the far end of the lake, although I have seen a large gator there in years past. The gators go where ever they please.
On my way back to the car, two Muscovy ducks came toward me looking for a hand out. It is rare to see these ducks at the park and they probably won't last long. Too many predators!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Should I be surprised by the stress of life?
John 16:33 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
Jesus warned us to expect stress. This world is filled with trials and sorrows that generate stress in our lives. Christ gives us lasting peace because his power and grace are able to overcome all sources of stress in our lives.
What can I do to find relief from stress and anxiety?
Isaiah 41:10 "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."
We can turn from fear and anxiety to faith and peace. God promises to supply the power to get through the hard times.
Matthew 11:28-29 "Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls."
Resting in Christ breaks the hold of stress. When we are yoked together in service to him, we are free from the unrealistic and destructive expectations that can overwhelm us. Jesus' humility and gentleness overcome every conflict and stress in this life.
What do we learn from stress?
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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
