Saturday, March 31, 2007

absence

Hi, Friends,

Due to my continued puniness and tiredness from this virus, we will not be in our usual seats at FCC tomorrow. I hate to miss Palm Sunday, since I saw the palm fronds in the fridge, so let me know what goes on.

Lord willing, we will make the Good Friday services and I will be all better. :o)

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Coughing and Sneezing

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!

Due to a severe case of hay fever or a cold (can't tell which) there will be no devotional this morning,

I would just ask for prayer for a quick recovery as I am scheduled to prepare communion this week.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Colossians

Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the breezy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

I had a wonderful, invigorating walk in the park yesterday with surprisingly few people there in the morning. Mama gator was floating at the tower with just her head above water, much to the delight of two small school girls, who were there with their grandmother. Later in the afternoon, the cars were numerous as spring breakers and families came out to enjoy the weather!

From the Promise Bible:

Colossians 1:9
"So we have continued praying for you, ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while you will learn to know God better and better.

We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, March 26, 2007

Sensitivity

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another beautiful, pollen-filled day that he Lord has made and we will rejoice and sneeze and be glad in it! (AG translation)

We enjoyed sitting at a picnic table at War Veterans Park yesterday for a short time, but the oak seeds and leaves were falling on us, and I had to take an allergy pill when we got home.

The weather couldn't be better, though, and we saw two shiny, black alligators sunning at the Park, (Sawgrass) and the peacock was strutting with his fan totally spread out against the background of a white garage door. What a show-off! God's creation is good!

From Quiet Moments:

On the Big Island of Hawaii grows a delicate little plant called Sensitivity, a member of the Mimosa family. Its name is derived from the movement it makes when anything, including a change in the wind, comes near or across it. This minute, spiny-stemmed tropical American plant grows close to the ground. Unless you are directly upon it, you can't distinguish it from grass or weeds in the same area, and it can easily be crushed underfoot.

This wee drooping plant has a built-in mechanism that causes it to quickly fold itself over and withdraw from anything that might cause it harm. However, Sensitivity can't distinguish between a lawn mower rolling toward it to cut it down or the man coming by to make certain it is protected.

We all have the built-in need to protect ourselves from danger and those who would harm us. God gave us His Word as a manual to equip us to be aware of the ways of the enemy and to prepare us to know how to protect ourselves.

We can reach up every morning, even when it's raining or snowing, and receive His warmth, love, protection, and anointing for the day ahead of us. God has blessed us with His sensitivity, but we must be alert and use the tools He has provided for us.

"Do not touch my anointed ones." Psalm 105:15

God's way becomes plain when we start walking in it.
Roy L. Smith

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, March 23, 2007

A Benediction

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I saw Venus still valiantly shining and lighting up the sky, so the other stars were hardly visible this morning.

Spring has definitely sprung. Although the azaleas have almost finished blooming there are still some buds and the bushes are growing at an alarming rate, even with no rain. There are still some flowers on the azaleas at the Park but they cut those bushes back drastically every year, so they don't have as many blooms.

We sat for awhile after a short walk yesterday and just enjoyed the breeze and seeing all the people walking and taking pictures. God's Creation is awesome!

From Quiet Moments:

1 Thessalonians 5:23 KJV
The very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved bleameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

A benediction is the pronouncing of a divine blessing.

The only requirement for a benediction is this: that no sin or unforgiveness stands between you and the Lord Jesus Christ. If you question the purity of your heart, tonight is a good time to ask the Lord to cleanse you and renew a right spirit within you.

By doing so, you can end each day with a keen awareness of God's blessing and His claim on your life.

The benediction inscribed at Gloucester Cathedral is one you may want to use:

Go on your way in peace.
Be of good courage.
Hold fast that which is good.
Render to no man evil for evil.
Strengthen the fainthearted.
Support the weak,.
Help and cheer the sick.
Honor all men.
Love and serve the Lord.
May the blessing of God be upon you.
And remain with you forever.
So be it. And have a blessed good night!

IT IS DISTRUST OF GOD TO BE
TROUBLED ABOUT WHAT IS TO
COME. IMPATIENCE AGAINST GOD TO
BE TROUBLED WITH WHAT IS
PRESENT; AND ANGER AT GOD TO
BE TROUBLED FOR WHAT IS PAST.
Simon Patrick

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Faithfulness

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! Seems weird to still be dark at this time of the morning, but I am slowly getting used to it.

Yesterday on our way to the Park, I saw six peacocks...the male has his plumage all ready to show off against a white garage door where he knows it shows to full advantage, when the ladies are around. :o)

Two shiny black gators were sunning on one side of the bank of the canal and another one on the other side of the road on the bank. As I started my walk to the boardwalk, I heard and saw two red-shouldered hawks fly overhead into the nest they are building, and a butterfly brushed my cheek as I stood still. God is awesome!

As I got to to the tower, Mama gator was there-first time I have seen her in months. How do I know it was her? Believe it or not, gators do not all look alike. After you see one close up, it has distinguishing marks on the face. Anyway, it was a wonderful walk.

From Quiet Moments:

"The Lord is my portion" says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him." Lamentations 3:24 NKJV

Many people seem to believe God has called them to live successful lives. In reality, He calls each one of us to live faithful lives-lives of obedience, devotion, worship and service.

With each day there often remains a residue of things left undone, unsaid, unachieved, or unconquered. Each day has its own measure of failure, its own degree of trouble, and its own lingering doubts. (Matthew 6:34)

As you conduct a full review of your day-the bad as well as the good-it may be helpful to recall these words by John Oxendale;

"Who set you there?
Is your place a small place?
Tend it with care-he set you there.
Is your place a large place?
Guard it with care!-He set you there.
Whate'er your place, it
Not yours alone, but his
Who set you there.

You may not be as successful today as you would like, but every day you are faithful to the Lord is a success for Him, Remember the things He has promised and that regardless of your performance today, as you give your whole heart to Him, He makes up the difference.

Watch where Jesus went.
The one dominant note in his life was to do his
father's will. His is not the way of wisdom or success,
but the way of Faithfulness.
Oswald Chambers

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Some thoughts for tomorrow

Good evening, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners.

Since I have an early follow-up appointment tomorrow, I thought I would send this from a little friendship book called Bear Hugs:

The joy of being friends is just
A simple code of faith and trust.
A homey comradeship that stays
The threatened fear of darker days.
The kind of faith that brings to light
The good, the beautiful, and bright;
And best and blest, and true and rear--
is having friends who love and care!

I thank my God every time
I remember you. In all my prayers
for all of you, I always pray with joy.
Philippians 1:3-4

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Righteous Fruit

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool, beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I saw Venus shining brightly in the clear sky as I stepped outside this morning, and the rest of the stars were slowly fading in the growing dawn.

Yesterday I was able to walk earlier than usual, and enjoyed the quiet with fewer people around. I could hear the birds chirping as they flitted through the trees and found no gators at the tower, but a green heron very intent on finding an unwary fish swimming below him. God has given them the coloring they need to be almost invisible in the brush they hang out in at water's edge.

God always supplies just what we need.

From Quiet Moments:

The role of quiet places played a very important role in the Bible, especially in the area of faith. Christ was alone during much of His life on earth. He would retreat from the multitudes for quiet reflection. ..

The Holy Spirit often speaks to us when we are alone. Quiet places produce peace and contentment. Noise breeds confusion. Order is often regained in silence.

Our culture has become so noisy with technology, industry, entertainment, and transportation that we seldom find time and place for quiet. Yet we may yearn for times when we can think, be quiet, and listen to God. Finding time-actually, making time- for the still times is often a daunting challenge.

If righteousness is sown in peace, then the quiet times when we just sit, listen, and wait for the Lord to speak must produce what is essential for spiritual growth. Seeding quiet time for reflection helps us commune with God. As a result, His righteousness wears off on us, and we begin to pick up some of His characteristics.

The Lord has time to spend with us and is ready to grow His Spirit within us. It is up to us to make the appointment.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

"The seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who made peace."
James 3:18 NASB

Monday, March 19, 2007

James

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool, day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! What a beautiful day yesterday was, and today promises to be the same.

We rode to Joe's Creek Park yesterday and I walked to the new covered shelter that overlooks the lake. The cool breeze was blowing, and I watched anhingas, a great blue heron, lots of turtles sunning on a log and off in the distance a couple of boys on bicycles. This is a new park and I don't understand why more people don't use it. Sawgrass was packed with tourists and families enjoying the weather and being able to exercise without snow! God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

James Chapter 1 excerpts;

Dear Brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.

If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do-ask him and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. they waver back and forth in everything they do.

...God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. And remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone to do wrong and he never tempts anyone else either. Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires. These evil desires lead to evil actions, and evil actions lead to death. So don't be misled , my dear brothers and sisters.

Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them he never changes or casts shifting shadows In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession."

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, March 16, 2007

Proverbs 3:6

Good morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the damp day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

That was a nice rainstorm we had last night, but it didn't last long enough! However, the fire danger is still high, so we will take what we can get and thank God for it.

Yesterday, as I was walking, I came across a tiny, green tree frog sitting on the boardwalk, not moving. I almost stepped on him, and then decided to take a picture of him, so I snapped two shots, one from the front and one from above. He still didn't move, so I went on hoping no one would step on him.

As I started to get in the car, a hawk started screeching right over my head, so I looked up in time to see it fly over to a dead tree with lunch in his claws. Then, on the way out, I saw a medium sized gator totally on the bank, soaking up some rays! God is awesome!

From Quiet Moments:

End of work prayer

"In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:6

Many people are quick to pray before they eat, before they begin a new project, before they attempt something for the first time, or before they embark on a long journey. They desire to start on the right foot, so they ask for God's help, protection, creativity, and blessing. But oftentimes they forget to pray at the end of a workday, journey or task.

Simeon had lived his entire life waiting to see the Messiah-a promise the Lord had made to him. Upon seeing the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon took him in his arms, blessed God, and said, "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace. According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation"(Luke 2:29-30 NKJV) Simeon recognized that God had been faithful to His Word, and his heart was encouraged and filled with joy.

Simeon is a wonderful example of how we need to begin and end the events of our lives with prayer. When we reach the end of a day, haggard and weary, we can remember Simeon's prayer, "Lord, let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your Word."

Knowing God was with us today and He will be with us tomorrow, we can move on to the evening hours with freedom and a sense of satisfaction.

Is prayer your steering wheel
or your spare tire?
Corrie Ten Boom

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Psoaring thru Psalms

Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another beautiful, dry day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The moon is sinking lower and lower in the southeast and Venus is getting higher and higher in the southwest these early mornings.

Yesterday I walked out to the tower at the Park and saw a baby gator, about 18 inches long swimming along Looking for food. I heard and stopped and looked and finally caught a glimpse of my favorite catbird and also a tiny wren flitting through the trees!

I was amused by a fuzzy headed anhinga, which apparently had dried out and was just sitting on the tree branch. They are usually very sleek and wet, which was why I was amused. God's creation is awesome!

Psalm 37
Don't worry about the wicked.
Don't envy those who do wrong.
For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like springtime flowers, they soon wither.

Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him and he will help you.
He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn.
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the Lord
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.

vs. 23 The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble they will not fall.
for the Lord holds them by the hand,

I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Blessings

Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners, Due to early morning lab work, this is a little late today, but this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

I saw five peacocks yesterday on the way to the park and took a walk out to the third bridge amidst the coolness and quietness of the ferns and oak trees. The sun was warm but the breeze was very cool. All the Nile perch have made their nests in the water and constantly watch and fan their tails to keep intruders out of the way.

This is a reading from the little book You're a Blessing to Me...

"I believe that God brings us many precious gifts during our lives-spectacular sunsets, good food, the warmth of the sunshine, and the refreshment of cool rains.
But even with all those great gifts, and many more besides, he didn't stop there. He gave us people, people like you, who bless our lives with kindness.'"

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Challenges

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another beautiful warm, spring day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I noticed the bright, sliver of the waning moon this morning as it sank slowly in the east and Venus was high in the southeast, very visible in the clear dark sky.

Yesterday I took a short walk in the park, which was crowded with a class of students, and birders getting a lecture about different birds. They were all in the shelter to the first bridge, which created a traffic jam of sorts.(The students were sitting on the sidewalk in front of the environmental building.)

The big attraction was a large gator sunning up on the bank, with a roseate spoonbill not far from him and several ducks beside the spoonbill. They seemed to be getting along peacefully! God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

Why does God allow challenges in our lives?

James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."

Challenges that threaten and try us are the very tools that God uses to strengthen and mature us. As we endure, we gain greater wisdom, integrity, and courage to face whatever comes our way.

Are some challenges too small to bother God?

Psalm 37:5 "Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you."

Nothing is too small for God. When we commit our plans to the Lord, he commits himself and his infinite resources to us.

What has God given me to help me face my challenges?

Joshua 1:7 "Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do."

God has given us his word to direct us. The promise of success is embedded in our commitment to obedience.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, March 12, 2007

God Knows

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!

Seems like it takes a while for me to adjust to the time change. I woke up at the usual time this morning, only it was an hour later! My biological clock didn't change yet!

As I stepped outside, though, the brilliant half moon and Venus were putting on a show to let me know God is in control of the universe.

My shoulder is gradually getting better..enough so that it is a bit easier to reach this keyboard, but I still cannot comb my hair with my right hand! Frustration! Friends have been so kind to bring food, thanks, Christa, and give us rides, thanks, Karin and Jim!
I just heard the early birds chirping, so dawn is breaking!

From Quiet Moments:

Jesus taught his followers, "Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them wil fall to the ground without your Father's leave (consent) and notice...Fear not, then: you are of more value than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29, 31

The psalmist also recognized God's thorough and intimate knowledge of us.Read these words from Psalm 139 and be encouraged. The Lord not only knows you, but He knows precisely what you are facing and experiencing today. Even if you are not aware of His presence, you can rest assured He is by your side O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment, you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head.

This is too glorious, too wonderful...I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!

You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!

How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. and when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!
Psalms 139:1-7, 16-19 TLB

Before God created the universe,
He already had you in mind.
Erwin W. Lutzer

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, March 9, 2007

Happenings

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

I had a wonderful walk to the new outlook tower in the park yesterday, enjoying the raccoon tracks in the mud, the Nile perch I saw in the water, the gator sunning by the shelter and all the bird calls.

Then, disaster struck! I fell on the ironing board while getting it out of the closet and injured my shoulder, hand and knee. Brian Alnes was kind to come over and drive us to the ER, where I was x-rayed and had the thumb casted, which I took off when I got home. I have limited mobility in my shoulder and pain, but I have darvoset for night and Tylenol for daytime use. I am having great difficulty dressing, can't comb my hair, and am very thankful that it wasn't worse!

Due to the trauma, I am having difficulty keeping my shoulder up for typing, so no devotional this morning.

"All things happen for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose."

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Prayer please

Hi, Friends!
After carefully watching and worrying that Louis might fall, today I fell. I was taking the ironing board out of the closet and had it in front of me when we got caught in the bedspread and down I went face first. I landed with my knees on the board and the floor and took the brunt of the fall on my right thumb and shoulder.

After a couple hours in Ed White's ER and x-rays with Brian Alnes driving us to the hospital, the verdict is no break, but they put a cast on the thumb in case of a hairline fracture. I took it off because it is too hard to do anything with the right hand.

I am in a lot of pain with my shoulder but our Brian is getting a Darvoset pres. filled for me so I can sleep tonight.

Please pray for quick healing and for less pain. It is difficult to drive, dress and all the other things that require lifting of the arm,

Thank God it wasn't worse! Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Hebrews 12:1-7

Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

I hope some of you saw the blazing pink of the sunset last night! It was a sight to behold! And the half moon this morning, with Venus very visible in the southeast was a shining example of God's greatness!

Due to an early appointment for lab work, this is a little late today, but I wanted to share this passage from Hebrews that I read in my devotional this morning;

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses in the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives to your struggle against sin.

And have you entirely forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, his children? He said,

My child, don't ignore it when the Lord
disciplines you.
and don't be discouraged when he
corrects you.
For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes those he accepts as his children."

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Timing is everything!!

Good evening Dear friends and Prayer Partners!

Because of an early appointment tomorrow, I thought I would send a blessing tonight...

Today I stopped by the Park after haircuts, and just HAPPENED, (God's timing) to see the two Marks and Terry outside Terry's office fastening a suggestion, comment box to the wall. Mark G. said he had tested the Thompson waterseal on the tower and it was dry and he wanted to open it up. Well, I was excited, and he said I could be first to walk out there.

Since there were already people out that way, I didn't expect to be first, but I was among the first dozen to enjoy the beauty and climbed to the second level to admire the view. The construction company did a beautiful job!

I asked one of the Marks to take my picture with the tower in the background, so Mark W. obliged with my last shot. God is good!

Numbers 6:24-26
May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you is favor
and give you his peace.

I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wisdom

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

The moon was casting shadows this morning as it glowed in a cloudless sky and the stars were twinkling still...God made a beautiful world!

I see Mama duck and her nearly grown kids just nestling under the hedges on the property next door - seems like they don't do nearly the running up and down the street as they did when they were tiny!

We saw two shiny, black gators sunning at the park yesterday. It was a gorgeous day with warm sun and cool breezes! God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

What are the benefits of wisdom?

Proverbs 9:10 "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding. Psalm 111:10 "Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise His name forever!"

Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures; it is understanding that an all-powerful, all-knowing God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.

Proverbs 3:21-26 "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. "

Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, March 5, 2007

Stop and Think

Good Morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful, cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

I noticed the slightly lopsided moon as I went outside this morning, and Venus shining brightly in the south. I wish we had had the clear sky the night of the lunar eclipse.

The roseates were in the same spot at the Park yesterday as they were the other day. I hope they have chosen to make that their new home. They are so beautiful! An anhinga was busy eating his catch of the day on the side of the weir, and another was airing out his wings. God is good!

From Quiet Moments:

It seems that when you're in a hurry and running late, you hit nothing but red lights. Although they are annoying when we're racing to an appointment, stoplights are there for our protection.

We need stoplights throughout our day , too. Hard work and busy schedules need to be interrupted with time for leisure and reflection. Without it we can become seriously sick with stress-induced illnesses. Time set aside for recreation or relaxation can rejuvenate our spirits. This poem by W. H. Davies tells us to take time to "Stop and Stare":

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows..
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass .
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Streams full of stars, like stars at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait til her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

There are two ways of making it through our busy life. One way is to stop thinking. The second is to stop and think. Many people live the first way. They fill every hour with incessant activity. They dare not be alone. there is no time of quiet reflection in their lives. the second way, to stop and think, is to contemplate what life is for and to what end we are living. the word SABBATH literally means, " stop doing what you are doing."

Throughout the day today, give yourself a five or ten-minute "mini-vacation." Get alone, be quiet, and listen for God to speak to you. Make time to be alone with God.

God richly furnishes us with everything to enjoy
1 Timothy 6:17

A happy life consists of tranquility of mind.
Marcus Tullius Cicero

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, March 2, 2007

Joy

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners, This is the cloudy, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! As I look out my window, I can see the neighbors' trees blowing and the oranges on their trees, holding on.

On a trip to the park yesterday, I noticed the azaleas in full bloom, as ours are, and a yellow butterfly flitting from blossom to blossom. God has created beautiful colors for us to enjoy, if we only look around!

From the Promise Bible:

Where does joy come from?

Nehemiah 8:10 "Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord.Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"

Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song."

Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.

Revelation 21:4 "He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever."

Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Isaiah 41:1

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners and happy March first! This is the cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

Yesterday at noon, we took a ride over to the Park and I walked with Louis to the bridge covered shelter, where he rested while I walked out as far as I could to see the construction work on the tower. I snapped a couple pictures along the way and really enjoyed the sunshine and cool breezes as I walked. A hawk was nearby in the oak trees where the old nest is, but I couldn't see it. It was good to get back to walking. God is good!

From Quiet Moments:

The age we live in has been described as the age of the to-do list that can't be done. facing overwhelming demands, it's hard to give ourselves permission to rest or take a break. But the rewards-renewed perspective, clearer insight, physical energy, spiritual preparedness-are well worth it.

Before automatic headlight controls were installed in cars, it was easy to park a car and sometimes leave our headlights on, only to come back and find a dead battery which needed to be recharged.

Just like a car battery, our own supply of energy is not infinite. We must replenish it frequently with sleep, rest, food , and relaxation. Our busy nonstop days can be draining. Operating at top speed, we utilize all available emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual resources. Before we know it, our energy is consumed.

Unless we pay careful attention, we will drain our "batteries" to the point of feeling "dead on our feet". Being fatigued can cause our perceptions to be distorted and our responses to others to be negative. Furthermore, if we fail to do something about it, over time it can result in physical or emotional illness.

Charles Spurgeon, said, "Without constant restoration we are not ready for the perpetual assaults. If we allow the good in our lives to get weak-or our "light" to grow dim-the evil will surely gather strength and struggle desperately for the mastery over us."

You are wise to take a short break now and then during the day-and to turn off your lights when you go to bed at night! Living this way will help you to maintain your energy supply and enable you to be more productive and content.

"Let the people renew their strength." Isaiah 41:1

Take rest: a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.
Ovid

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis