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 got the sun back yesterday afternoon and it is here today, also. Even though it is a little cool today, because our cold front came through, it is still a lot warmer than other places in the country! No snow to wade through, just leaves all over the place!
As I was driving yesterday, I noticed lots of contrails criss-crossing in the blue sky. Very cold air up there, and people flying different places. Some of them must get a good view of snow covered fields and cities. I flew to Charlotte several years ago, and there was snow piled up on the airport and fields. It did not seem so cold, though, for some reason. I have seen snow several times, but never had to drive in it!
As I was coming home a couple days ago, I heard A Christmas song that is not played nearly enough and is one of my favorites; Michael Card singing his song, "Joseph's Song". I pulled into the garage and left the radio on JOY FM, so I could hear the rest of the song. It is so lovely the way he expresses the thoughts of Joseph as he questions his ability to raise and be a father to the Son of God. I like Michael Card's voice anyway. A great talent!
After I dropped off a quilt at Rogers's cleaners, I drove on to the park, and was glad to see a volunteer carefully cleaning all the trash out of the canal in front of the weir. It has looked messy for over a week, with what was washed down from the houses that back up to it further down.
An ibis was perched in a tree further down, and a moorhen was sitting in a bush on the other side. Not a whole lot of people, but a group of birders were discussing things with a ranger. I don't know why birders dress so funny, but they are easy to spot...shorts, binocs and sun hats, and usually boots, and backpacks. But I can understand their interest in birds, because I love to see them, too. I went on a hike looking for birds many years ago with Mike, the naturalist, before he retired. He knew every bird and lots about them. He showed me photos of his trip to a panda preserve in China where he went on vacation one year. Fascinating! He was only allowed there because of his profession! God is good!
The Beautitudes
Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said,
"God blesses you who are poor,
for the Kingdom of God is given to you.
God blesses you who are hungry now,
for you will be satisfied.
God blesses you who weep now,
for the time will come when you will
laugh with joy.
God blesses you who are hated and
excluded and mocked and cursed
because you are identified with me, the Son of Man.
When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for joy!
For a great reward awaits you in heaven.
And remember, the ancient prophets were also
treated that way by your ancestors.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
