Summer fun and sun and mosquitoes.

Romans chapter 8 verses 36-39. "For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love. Death can't and life can't. The angels won't and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God's love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are--- high above the sky or in the deepest ocean--- nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when He died for us."

I like the summer and the warm temperatures, but I am not a fan of humidity, super hot days and insects. I enjoy spending time outside in the summer getting the projects done, maintaining the property and entertaining friends. It all looks so nice when groomed and manicured. The vibrant colors of the lawn, gardens and forest make for a pleasant place to kick back and take in the fruits of our labor. It is also a never ending battle to get what we have. The war is with the mosquitoes, the black flies and other insects that bite leaving welts and itchy red marks. I have always enjoyed the walks along the trails of the forest but now I stay away because the ticks and wild mustard seed can make us sick and possibly cause death. I do tolerate a number of rodents and reptiles. I love the birds, but woodpeckers can do a lot of damage. Summer is nice and our homes can be our little piece of heaven. We need to open a window and enjoy the warm breeze and the fragrant smell of the flowers. No matter the season we will always have something that is going to try and steal our joy. Jesus has shown us how to cut right through all of the barriers that block us from seeing the good and beauty of God's handiwork. So we slap and scratch, spray on bug repellent, build screened porches and then relax to enjoy time in the beauty of God's gifts. We are not to give up and let our guards down.We are to fight for what we want and that includes wanting to let go of the holds that keep us from a peaceful life. Jesus made a way for us to enjoy the peace that comes with God's love. We will have to work hard to overcome the old ways and guard closely the new life we have with God. It is His love and blessings upon us that makes it all worth while. Our efforts bring us into the presence of God as we see clearly His touch upon our lives.
So do not lock everything up and hide away from dealing with the attacks of the world but be strengthened by God's word and ask for His help. You will smile as you enjoy the wonderful peace of God in your life. No fooling! Once you have started on a path with God, nothing will keep God's love from you. It is the fruits of our labor that God's brings His joy and love into our lives.

Thank-you Father😊

Galatians chapter 2 verse 19. "For it was through reading the scripture that I came to realize that I could never find favor by trying and failing to obey the laws. I came to realize that acceptance with God comes by believing in Christ."

Jeremiah chapter 31 verse 12 and 13. "They shall come home and sing songs of joy upon the hills of Zion and shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord--- the good crops, the wheat and the wine and the oil and the healthy flocks and herds. Their life shall be like a watered garden and all their sorrows shall be gone. The young girls will dance for joy and the men folk--- old and young--- will take their part in all the fun, for I will turn their mourning into joy and I will comfort them and make them rejoice, for their captivity with all it's sorrows will be behind them."