Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the wet day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Even though it rained nearly all day and night, it did not stop the fireworks from popping off in the neighborhood until well after eleven last night. I stayed in bed as long as I could this morning, because of the loud popping, which sounded like it was right outside my window. I didn't want to call the authorities, because they have enough to do without chasing down illegal fireworks.
Church was pretty well attended yesterday, in spite of the rain. The very appropriate theme this year for VBS, is "Rainforest" . I know God is laughing at that. However, the people in charge of activities are probably having to exercise the children inside, instead of in the rain.
Denny was practicing "random acts of kindness" yesterday, as he met me at the car door with a big umbrella and escorted me to the overhang out of the rain. That was very thoughtful of him. Thanks again, Denny! We had a good preview of the puppet show, and I am sure VBS will be a big success again this year, due to the volunteers and Miss Jan and Jeannie's planning.
Brian and I decided to drive down to the outlet mall in Ellenton, even though it was late in the afternoon. The skyway was beautiful in the overcast light, but the water was choppy enough that there were few boats out. The mall was very crowded as it most always is, but there were special sales yesterday, so I got a bargain in sandals!
I have noticed the gorgeous display of golden flowers on what I think are "golden rain trees". It seems like a good name for the tree because the blossoms are falling like rain all over the streets and yards, just as the jacaranda dripped lavendar blooms all over for a while. There is always color on something! God is good!
I thought I would send along something written by Arthur Gordon for Guideposts planning calendar a few years ago;
Isaiah 43:4
Since you were precious in my sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you.
I once heard a talk given by Gen Mark Clark. Honor, the general said, is the ability to put morality ahead of expediency, duty ahead of self-indulgence, and to do this instinctively and every time. But, he added this shining quality does not occur spontaneously in people. It has to be learned. Parents have to teach it. Schools have to teach it. Churches have to teach it. Unless they do, our society will begin to crumble.
The sense of honor that our ancestors knew, the general said, has become weakened and diminished. We no longer understand how important honor is in the conduct of our daily lives. The men who signed the Declaration of Independence did understand, In the last line of that document, so dangerous to the signers, all of them pledged to one another "our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." To them, honor was not just some casual concept. It was sacred.
---Arthur Gordon
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
