I notice that the mango trees next door are blooming, so it looks like they will have a good crop again. The neighbors have two big trees right by the street, so It is probably a temptation to passers by to just help themselves. I grew up with a huge mango tree across the alley from our house and we were always climbing up in it. We were always warned not to eat the green mangos or get the sticky sap on us, because of mango poisoning. I'm not sure if that would have really happened, but green mangos are so hard, it is impossible to bite them without breaking a tooth! Ah, the joys of childhood!
I see a lot of schoolkids and a couple of adults pushing themselves along on the metal scooters, now. When I was a kid, we used to make our own out of boards my Dad always had on hand, and old skate wheels. We had a long concrete driveway which was ideal for wheels of any kind. No electronic games then, so we created our own toys.
I tried to get the van detailed yesterday, and had an appointment, but when I got to the place, the guy said they had no one there to take me home (the gift card says pick up and delivery) and I had my cleaning ladies coming, so I decided to reschedule. A little frustrating, but it all worked out.
So, later, I went to the park and saw the black turtles sunning on the bank of the weir and a group of students gathered around the turtle, or whatever it is, in the cage, with the teacher teaching about their habits. (The turtle, that is.) The azaleas are just beautiful at the park and in front of the various houses around the neighborhood. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God devotional book:
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Isaiah 60:1 NASB
While camping deep in the woods, the first sense to attract our attention each morning is...smell. The aromatic whiffs of food cooked over an open flame are a wonderful treat to awakening senses. The savory aroma of bacon, sausage, and especially a fresh pot of coffee, gently moves through the forest and rests overhead just long enough to rouse the sleeping camper and produce a memory like no other. Years later campers talk about that experience as if they were reliving it, almost capable of smelling the coffee right then. It's a wake up call campers fondly cherish.
Each of us has moments like these that provide a platform for memories past that are special to us. These classic times of pleasure linger in our minds, much like the smells of a delicious breakfast on a long ago camping trip. The first call of the morning brings us into the new day and helps to set the pace and tone for the tasks ahead.
Could it be that as followers of Christ, we experience wake-up calls in our lives that are for more than just reminiscing? Our wake-up calls, lessons, learned and "deserts crossed" with God's help and presence, can turn these experiences into opportunities that allow God's loving plans for our lives to shine through us to a lost and depraved world.
Isaiah shouted, "Arise, shine!". Share the joy of knowing Christ with others. There are many who would otherwise never awaken to become a child of God unless you share the joy of knowing Christ with them.
Become the aroma of Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
