Good Morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will be glad and rejoice in it! It's still a little cool this morning, but warming up fast...should be in the eighties this afternoon. The leaves have mostly quit falling and a lot of green ones got blown off during the high winds a couple days ago, but now we have worms!! Once every few years, the tiny worms that swing down from the oaks on webs appear and this must be the year for them. Ugh! Every time I go out under the trees, I come back with something in my hair...not fun.
It has been an interesting start to the week. While doing laundry Monday, I heard a burble, and thought, "uh,oh". and sure enough, the water backed up in the toilets, tub and shower. One toilet actually overflowed onto the floor. So, after checking with Daryl, who sells all kinds of plumbing parts, I called the plumber, who has been out before, and he came out the next day and rooted out the pipe leading to the city pipe. There was not much in it, but just enough to stop the water from flowing through like it should have. I am thankful for people who do the dirty jobs that are necessary!
I took a little walk in the park, thinking the trees would not cause sneezing, and saw the young gator hanging around among the lilies, and an egret fishing, turtles sunning on the dead branches, and watched an ibis fly high up and perch on a bare branch high in a tree. Sometimes I see them perched on a light pole, but they are mostly on the ground pecking their way down the street or canal. The high wind pretty much took care of the pretty azaleas at the park, so they are about gone, but I think mine are safe, because I see lots of buds on them, still to bloom. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Should I be surprised by the stress of life?
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
Jesus warned us to expect stress. This world is filled with trials and sorrows that generate stress in our lives. Christ gives us lasting peace because his power and grace are able to overcome all sources of stress in our lives.
What can I do to find relief from stress and anxiety?
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
We can turn from fear and anxiety to faith and peace. God promises to supply the power to get us through the hard times.
Matthew 11:28-29
Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens. and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls."
Resting in Christ breaks the hold of stress. When we are yoked together in service to him, we are free from the unrealistic and destructive expectations that can overwhelm us. Jesus' humility and gentleness overcome every conflict and stress in this life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
