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 early this morning, the air was not quite as cool as yesterday. I saw lots of stars, some much brighter than others. I don't know when the moon sets, but last night it was almost full and gorgeous in the sky almost directly overhead our house. It will be full on the 13th.
I saw a little drama yesterday in the park. An egret was pecking in the mud on the lake bank across from the canal, and a large gator was in a crouching position just a few feet away. The egret looked very unconcerned, but I am sure was quite aware of the danger. When we came back out, the gator's tail was only visible as he had gone down into the water. Hopefully, he didn't get the egret!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Luke 14:10 KJV
"Friend, go up higher"
An ancient legend of a swan and a crane tells us about God's goodness-which may be different from what we believe to be good:
A beautiful swan came to rest by the banks of a pond where a crane was wading, seeking snails. For a few minutes the crane looked at the swan and then asked, "Where do you come from?"
The swan replied, "I come from Heaven!"
"And where is Heaven?" asked the crane.
"Heaven!" replied the swan, "Heaven!" Have you never heard of Heaven?" And the beautiful swan went on to describe the splendor and grandeur of the eternal city. She told the crane about the streets of gold and the gates and walls made of precious stones. She told about the river of life which was as pure as crystal. On the banks of this river stood a tree with leaves for the healing of the nations of the world. In great and eloquent language, the swan described the hosts of saints and angels who lived in the world beyond.
Somewhat surprisingly, the crane didn't appear to be the least bit interested in this place the swan described. Eventually he asked the swan, "Are there any snails there?:
"Snails!" declared the swan, obviously revolted at the thought. "No! Of course there are not!"
"Then you can have your Heaven," said the crane, as it continued in search along the slimy, muddy banks of the pond.
"What I want is snails!"
This fable has a profound truth in it, How many of us turn our backs on the good God has for us in order to search for snails?
Seek out the good that God has for you today. Ask God to give you the desire for His good, instead of what you consider to be good. Don't bury your head deep in slime when God wants you to experience the delights and joy of His Heaven!
OUR LOVE FOR GOD IS TESTED BY THE QUESTION OF WHETHER WE SEEK HIM OR HIS GIFTS.
Ralph Washington Sockman
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
