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! Yesterday was perfect weather for celebrating Independence Day and today is another very hot, humid day! I watched the Capitol Fourth celebration on TV and it was raining in Washington, but no sign of that here!
Some very loud booms were sounding off for a few hours around here..some sounded like they were in my driveway! I thought of my friend's little dog who is frightened by loud noises. He must have been terrified! I finally headed for bed about 10:30, thinking they would not sound so loud back in the bedroom, but I could hear more from the back of the house,. Fortunately, all the noise ended a little after eleven.
I saw the Clearwater beach cleanup this morning. What a mess! All kinds of fireworks, tons of bottles -- they even found a cooler loaded with food! Over a hundred volunteers cleaned about 2 tons of trash off the beaches! Seems like people just can't clean up after themselves!'
I had a very quiet fourth. Brian came over and did some chores for me, including taking the van to gas it up, and taking the recyclables out. After he left, I did my ironing. I was glad to get that done! Then, just about supper time, my nephew cop, Russ, called to catch up with all the news and I caught up with his news.. Family is so important!
Brian took me to a new Tampa restaurant Saturday night called 4R Smokehouse. It is run by Christians and is closed on Sundays The food was excellent and the service is quite unusual. If you order the plate meal, it is slapped on butcher paper on a tray. You get your own cutlery, and drinks and the meal is served cafeteria style. It is family style dining with very long tables with stools and chairs. Very different but very good.!
I looked out my front window Saturday and saw a most unusual sight. A little squirrel was perched on the end of the half wall on the front porch and then he laid down flat on his tummy. Then he got up looked around and flopped down again. Since I rare;y see squirrels when they are not in motion, it was unusual for this one to be quiet for that length of time. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Romans 12:6-13
God has given us the ability to do certain
things well. So if God has given you the ability
to prophecy,speak out when you have faith that
God is speaking through you. If your gift is that
of serving others, serve them well. If you are a
teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is
to encourage others, do it! If you have money,
share it generously. If God has given you leadership
ability , take the responsibility seriously, and if you
have a gift of showing kindness to others, do it
gladly!
Don't just pretend that you love others! Really love them!
Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of what is good.
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight
in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but
serve the Lord enthusiastically!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
