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!
Once again this morning when I stepped outside in the dark before the dawn, the thin crescent moon was still brilliant in the eastern sky and the stars were brighter, which meant another nearly clear sky. God is good!
I walked with my umbrella for shade, yesterday, because while there is a lot of shade on the boardwalk, there is also lots of sun in spots, so it was cooler with my created shade. I heard a hawk calling with a different little ending, and it was nearby, but I could not spy it in the trees. I did see an osprey take off with a very wide wingspread and head off toward the lake.
When I came to Mama gator the garland of leaves was dead and no longer on her head. She was in the same place in the water, so I spoke to her and walked on to the tower. When I came back, she was asleep with her eyes closed. That was the first time I had seen her eyes closed, so she must have had a rough night.
I walked on back to the first covered shelter and looked at the younger gator hanging out just below the rail. A toddler was looking at it and babbling something about it. Children are never too young to learn about nature. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I face challenging, sometimes intimidating, opportunities?
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Our ability to face challenges is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. With Christ's help, we can make the most of every opportunity.
Revelation 3:8 I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.
We can trust that nothing will prevent us from fulfilling the opportunity God has for us.
How do I know if an opportunity is from the Lord?
Joshua 1: 7-9 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Ephesians 5:15-20 Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God's opportunities conform to his word. Anything that contradicts God's word is not an opportunity from God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
