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! I hope some got to see the rising sun this morning! It started out orange and quickly rose to its usual brilliance. I have already had a heat warning, so I will try to be careful going out today. I always carry a bottle of water with me now.
Yesterday, when Brian S. was here, I spied a tiny anole... just about an inch and a half long wriggling up the wall. He caught it and we watched as it clung to his finger, then he let it go and the stripes really hid it in the grass. God makes all kinds of creatures for his and our pleasure.
I drove through the park last night after a meeting at church and was surprised to find lots of cars there. I guess people like to take a walk just before closing, instead of the heat of the day time. I had been there earlier and hardly any cars were there. I noticed the fence that was left has now been taken down, so the gopher tortoise has no barrier in his way. He used to have to dig his way under the fence. Parts of the grass had been mowed, but tall weeds cover the other grounds. It doesn't bother the ibis and the squirrels, though. That is their natural habitat. I was hoping to see some bunnies, but it probably was not late enough. But, God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up to the mountain by himself to pray; and when it was evening, he was there alone. Matthew 14:23
Hon," the petite supermarket employee said in her southern drawl, "everybody I know says they are Just worn out." She took a deep breath, brushed a wisp of unruly brunette hair away from her blue eyes, and continued checking groceries.
Stress has become a buzzword for Americans, especially in the last decade. At some point in our lives we are all overcome with hectic schedules and perfectionistic tendencies.
In his article "Confessions of a Workaholic," psychiatrist Paul Meier wrote: Having grown up with an overdose of the Protestant work ethic, I was an honor student who was somewhat overzealous...I was proud of myself for being one. I thought that was what God wanted of me." But later through the help of friends, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and biblical teaching. Dr. Meier established new priorities. At the top of his list was: "Know God personally.z'
He observed, "I've learned to accept living in an imperfect world. Every need is not a call for any involvement. I have learned to trust God instead of myself to rescue the world. He can do a much better job of it anyway."
Jesus, too, must have been exhausted by demands placed upon him. When He departed to pray in quiet solitude, He left a significant example for us to follow--daily.
God is a tranquil being and abides
in a tranquil eternity
so must your spirit become
a tranquil and clear little pool,
wherein the serene light
of God can be mirrored.
Gerhard Tersteegen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
