Good New Year's Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Even though it's a bit chilly, (58), the sun is shining and a breeze blowing, so it should be a great day for the Bowl game in Tampa. I have been seeing pictures of the snow and bad weather conditions all over the north, so, once again, I am thankful for living in Florida!
Lots of people are in the Park these days, because of all the bowl games, and just visiting on winter break. They all look for gators, but sometimes none are around to be seen. Most of the leaves are off the trees now, and they look stark, but once spring comes, all the new green leaves burst forth, and everything is green again! God is good!
We have been seeing the peacocks again in the neighborhood outside the park. The sun was shining on the male yesterday and the colors were gorgeous! They may be a nuisance, with their yowl, and tearing up and scratching cars, but they are a sight to behold!
I thought this familiar verse from the NIV would be a good way to start off 2009:
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
And from the Promise Bible:
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 thanksgivng, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
