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! The temp is supposed to climb up to 82 today! It doesn't seem like this is still January, because the weather is so warm. The weatherman said yesterday that we would need to turn on the A/C today because of the humidity. I think I need to, because I believe I have developed an allergy to oak leaves, which are falling like rain around here!
Yesterday, as I was driving alongside Turner's creek at low tide, I saw a great gray egret having a fish for lunch, Funny thing, was, two vultures were sitting at the top of the bank, hopefully, waiting for leftovers. The water fowl and birds of prey like low tide because it is easier to fish. Speaking of birds of prey, I saw the baby osprey sticking his head out of the nest on the elem. school grounds. They will probably be nesting over in the parking lot of Gateway Mall any day, now.
BTW, my colorful birthday balloons are still flying high against my ceiling and I have been enjoying wisely the box of Godiva chocolates, I was given. I should put them in the fridge where I won't be so tempted. :o)
I went on to the park when I finished my shopping and lots of people were out enjoying the great weather. Lots of turtles, egrets, and the big gator were also enjoying the weather. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What does God promise us as we mature in godly character?
Matthew 5:8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
We will experience an increasing sense of God's presence and his blessing.
James 1:4 When your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
Romans 5: 3-5
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, for he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
As we mature in our faith, we will become stronger and stronger people. Character is like a muscle--it gets stronger with exercise. As our character develops, our confidence in our salvation increases, and the assurance of God's love fills our hearts.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
