Well, we certainly have been having some plentiful rain these past few days, thanks to "Cristobal" out in the Gulf of Mexico. Praying for those who may be in its path as it works its way northward through Louisiana and Mississippi and elsewhere. For us in our part of Florida, it was primarily a heavy rain event, but apparently in other parts of the state closer to the gulf coast and south of us, they had some very high winds and tornado warnings. We are very sorry for those who may have been affected by that and praying for their recovery and safety. For us, however, we are very thankful for the rain. Until the past week or so, we had been without any significant rainfall for about seven months or more, so things were quite dry.
Now Still Waters Pond is filling back up very nicely, and the water birds are coming back to enjoy the "fruit thereof".
This is a "Before" picture....
And then I took this picture last evening, looking out our front door as the rains were pouring down:
and then again this morning (on the pond) as more showers keep passing through...
And this is what a couple days of consistent rain can do:
This Great White Egret seems quite happy too. We haven't seen him on the pond in quite a while, and now he has come back, along with the other Heron type birds I told you about the other day.HERE.
I have been "laying low" the past few days, trying to stay peaceful and quiet and away from the fray. And today, Sunday, is a day of worship and praise for our Lord, Who, even in the midst of the turmoil, reaches out to us with love and peace.
The verses we read in our morning devotions today are quite familiar to most of us, but this is the message to us for today:
John 3:16-17
16. "For God so loved the world that He gave
His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believes in Him should not perish
but have everlasting life.
17. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
"Finally, brethren, farewell.
Become complete.
Be of good comfort, be of one mind,
live in peace;
and the God of love and peace will be with you."
Amen.
Now we are off to go meet some of our church friends for "brunch" at our local True Grits restaurant. That has become our "church fellowship time" lately since we still cannot meet at our church. Hopefully we will reopen in a couple of weeks. I pray so. How about you? Is your church open yet?
Churches here are still closed as is much of everything. Our county is the epicenter in WI for COVID. We are staying safe because of John's fragile health.
ReplyDeleteLOVE that your pond has water again and that the birds are back.
I saw where a tornado touched down in Orlando yesterday. It's a nasty storm. xo Diana
Churches here are still closed, although 25% attendance is allowed. Masks must be worn...
ReplyDeleteI love your pond is back, we saw where your area (and Ocala) were getting rain last night. Said a quick prayer.
Keeping you in prayer, sweet friend.
It is such a blessing that the rain has filled up your beloved pond and the birds are returning. We are limiting how much news coverage we watch. It's good to be informed but the repetitive nature and sometimes slant on the news is not good for any of us. I know you will enjoy brunch with your friends. God bless.
ReplyDeleteNo church here, no restaurants, no stores, no gatherings, no friends, nothing. Glad to see your pond filled once again and I am sure the animals are as well! Lovely rain photos too! Have a lovely peace filled Sunday.
ReplyDeleteOur church opens next Sunday! We are more than ready! Brunch with friends after church is such a great idea! We may have to pursue that here...
ReplyDeleteYour pond is looking refreshed and the birds seem to think so too!!
Our church remains closed until Father's Day, I do believe. Even then, I'm not sure whether Danny will feel comfortable going or not. We are concerned that the unbridled mixing of so many people during these protests may create hot spots, allowing the virus to spring up again. And here, we were doing so well!!! Praying we can keep to the schedule.
ReplyDeleteThe pond looks amazingly lush and vibrant, Pamela. So glad you can enjoy it again!
Blessings!
Our church is to open NEXT SUNDAY! I love your pictures of the pond and the egret. We got our window air conditioners in today. And my yard swing got put up. I am getting to be a "happy camper" as a late friend use to say. Peace and blessings.
ReplyDeleteWe expect to worship inside our church building this coming Sunday June 14 and we are greatly looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, we've been enjoying this rain from the comfort of our back porch, watching the tall Cedar trees dance in the wind! Very peaceful.
It looks wonderful to see your pond filling up. I am sure the birds are happy. Familiar but timeless words from God's Word. We have not yet started back to church, but are looking at meeting in small groups so we get some fellowship .
ReplyDeleteToday was our first Sunday back at church and it was so good to be back! We had two services. We have padded chairs instead of pews so they were able to arrange them in groups of 6 that were quite far apart in keeping with Texas recommendations for churches. Masks were not required, but those who felt the need wore them and we sang! We've been missing it so much!
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ReplyDeleteLive in peace...amen!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. 😊
Our church sold its building months before all this started, with plans to build a new one. All of that has been put on hold. As of Pentecost Sunday we have no building to meet in. We have been meeting online.