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 !We still have clouds hanging around, but it is much brighter, so the sun will probably soon be out! Since we have not had any rain for quite awhile, I watered all the plants yesterday, including those inside the house. (Not that they get any rain.) But the Lord provides in His time!
As I drove down fourth street yesterday, I noticed a new building going up along the way, but I don't know just where it is, now. When you are driving, it is not a good time for sight-seeing! After I left Roger's cleaners, I noticed lots of cars parked around Crescent Lake Park. Of course, the kids are out of school, so I guess those parents who don't work, take the offspring to a park. Good exercise and lots of sun!
Speaking of school being out...I drove to Sawgrass and a group of teen-agers were walking all across the street. At least, they grouped up when they heard me coming, Sometimes, they would rather dare the driver to hit them. I saw a flock of ibis doing their usual pecking, and the always beautiful egret posing by the canal.
Coming back home, I saw at least one wood stork and a bunch of ducks under some Brazilian pepper trees. Funny thing; even though the ducks were under the trees, they were still looking up! Too funny! But God is good!
From the Devotional book, Quiet Moments with God:
A Mixed Bouquet of Blessing
"Every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
John 15:2
Several years ago, Dale Bedford entered the karate tournament as a goal toward receiving his brown belt. But an opponent's kick in the head changed his life direction.
At first, his brain trauma was considered only minor, but the blow apparently altered his memory. Like a rose bush completely pruned back to the bare trunk, Dale was forced to start over. His ability level returned to that of a four-year-old. His math and engineering abilities disappeared , as well as his hope for a career in cable-TV engineering.
What did blossom was his artistic talent. The boy who liked to draw some girls and animals in high school and was not considered particularly "good" now supports himself with commissioned oils on canvas, earning up to two thousand dollars per piece. While in therapy at a rehabilitation center, Dale was required to host his own art exhibit of his work.
Dr. Eugene George, professor of neurosurgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, has treated hundreds of brain-injury patients. He said that it's not uncommon for someone with a brain injury to develop new talents. "There are usually compensations that occur with relearning, and people with brain injuries always tend to re-evaluate what they're doing with their lives , " said Dr. George.
For Dale, the accident changed the course of his life. Like a pruned bush, he did more than compensate. With appropriate training, and cultivating, and through the touch of the Master Gardener, a pruned bush can produce more beautiful blooms than ever/
Just ask Dale Bedford.
All nature, all growth, all peace. Everything that flowers and is beautiful to the world
depends on patience. Requires time, silence, trust.
Herman Hesse.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
