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! Sunshine, wind and clouds have replaced the overcast and rain from yesterday, although we may still have more rain today. I think I will be able to go forth and shop today! There is still a lot of concern for the people in La., and Miss. and all along the Gulf Coast, though, because Isaac has slowed down and that may mean it is gathering strength.
My front porch was very wet this morning, so there must have been more rain in the night. The paper didn't quite make it to the porch, but close. Some days it is right in front of the door, but not usually. I still have not turned my chairs over and the plants are still pushed into the corner. Guess I will wait until the wind dies down more. Right now, it is really gusting!
I saw one lone immature ibis pecking in the front yard this morning, very unusual, because they are always in a flock or at least more than two or three. Guess he was the long ranger... I did not go to the park yesterday, since I thought it might be closed as were the state parks. But I enjoyed the quiet day at home. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What does God promise 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, because 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
