Friday, June 29, 2007

Planning

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Just reflecting that last week at this time I was waiting in the airport with Gil, to fly to Puerto Rico for the day, and today, I am waiting to say "good-by" to Matthew as he leaves for home. :o(

Yesterday we walked to the new construction which I was hoping would be finished before Matthew left, but they still have to seal it and finish up, so he will have to walk on it when he comes at Christmas.

From the Promise Bible:

How am I supposed to plan my life?

Proverbs 2:1-11 "My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. . Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe."

A plan is only as good as the information upon which it's based. Our human intellect is limited and inadequate. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Future

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Once again, last night, we had the thunder and lightning, but no rain, Hmmm, what are we doing wrong?

But we went over to the Park, because Matthew wanted to see Terry and wrestle with him, even thought Matthew slept so long, it was too hot to walk, We did, however, spy a hawk perched on top of the fence and drove right up to the fence beside it, and watched it look around, before it flew off! They have a harvester in the lake which is cleaning some of the hydrilla out, and it is interesting to watch it work, spewing water all around. ..always something to see in the park! God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

How can I be sure God will direct my future in this life?

Psalm 32:8 "The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."

The Lord directs our steps. Though the pathway may lead through dark valleys or seem to take unnecessary detours, we will one day look back and discover that the Lord's way was best.

Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Too often we doubt God's care. We are tempted to think he is neglecting us or giving us the bare minimum. We have hope in the knowledge that God our loving Creator, will always give us his best.

Phillippians 1:6 "I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again."

God finishes what he starts. We should not allow the limitations of our finite perspective to blind us to the promise that God will complete his work in us. Our future is secure in Christ.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Gallopin' thru Galatians

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I couldn't see any stars when I stepped outside early this morning, but perhaps there was a haze that hid them from view. We did not get any rain even though the thunder and lightning were very close last night.

Matthew and I took a walk out to the Tower yesterday before the heat set in, and we were excited to see Mama gator back at her old nest! We hadn't seen her there for a long time...I always look, but since we have had a little rain, there is enough water at her nest for her to have her body hidden, while her head sticks up. Matthew also saw a skink, which he couldn't catch. We don't see them very often. God has made many things for us to enjoy!

We also talked with Terry who wanted us to come to the house to see Gail, (his wife) so she could meet Matthew again, and we received three tomatoes from her garden in a pot, yes, she grows them in a large pot. We are blessed!

From the Promise Bible:

"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

Those who live to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up. For we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.

Ephesians 1:16 "I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people."

Colossians 3:23 "Work had and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Prayer Pause

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! This morning as I stepped outside in the pre-dawn darkness, I actually saw stars, so the sky must be clearer than it has been.

We went to the Park yesterday before the heat settled in and Matthew had a good time teasing with Terry, who is like a giant kid. I will certainly miss Matthew when he leaves for home Friday. He is an active little boy, almost as tall as I am now!

As we were driving home around the lake near our house, we saw an osprey on the line, and, at first, we thought it was an eagle. God is good!

From the Quiet Moments book:

A coffee break is a good time for prayer!

When we pray at the outset of our day, our prayer is often for general guidance and help from the Lord. When we pray in the midst of our day, our prayer is much more likely to be specific and aimed at immediate needs and concerns. By the time a coffee break rolls around, we have a much better idea of what our day holds, including what particular dangers, difficulties, or temptations we are going to face! It is with that knowledge, born of experience, that this prayer of St. Patrick takes on even greater meaning:

May the wisdom of God instruct me,
the eye of God watch over me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God give me sweet talk,
the hand of God defend me,
the way of God guide me.


Christ be with me.
Christ before me.
Christ in me.
Christ under me.
Christ over me.
Christ on my right hand,
Christ on my left hand.
Christ on this side.
Christ on that side.
Christ in the head of everyone to whom I speak.
Christ in the mouth of every person who speaks to me.
Christ in the eye of every person who looks upon me.
Christ in the ear of everyone who hears me today.
Amen.

Take time in the middle of your day to ask the Lord for His wrap-around presence, His unending encouragement, and His all-sustaining assistance. And in return be a vessel that carries His presence, encouragement, and assistance to others.

Do not look upon the vessel
but upon what it holds.
Hebrew Proverb

Psalm 119:116
"Uphold me according to your promise that I may live."

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, June 25, 2007

Psoaring thru Psalms

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! As I stepped outside I could see puffy clouds, but now the sky seems clearer, although we may have a shower unexpectedly like we did yesterday.

God provides for our needs!

I am still basking in the afterglow of my special day trip to Puerto Rico Friday. I never would have guessed so much could be packed into 24 hours, but we did it! I was sleepy all day Saturday, and took a short nap Sunday, but feel caught up this morning. With Matthew around, there's not much time for sleeping! He leaves for Tenn. Friday, and I will really miss him!

From the Promise Bible:

Psalm 46
"God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come,
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam,
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the most High.
God himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
God will protect it at the break of day.
The nations are in an uproar, and kingdoms crumble!
God thunders, and the earth melts!

The Lord Almighty is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.

Come, see the glorious works of the Lord.
See how he brings destruction upon the world
and causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear in two;
He burns the shields with fire.

Be silent and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation,
I will be honored throughout the world."

The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Saturday, June 23, 2007

What a walk!

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!

Instead of a walk in the park, yesterday, my day started at 4 AM. Gil came to pick me up at 5:30 and we were off to TIA to catch a flight to San Juan, PR. We had a smooth flight, watching "Facing the Giants" DVD on Gil's PC. What a wonderful movie!


After we arrived in San Juan, the first little bump in our plans was the rental car agency. We had to waste about 45 minutes getting the van to take us to "Charlie's" and then got the Hyundai and off we went to see old San Juan and El Yunque rainforest. Since this was my first visit to PR, and Gil is an experienced traveler, I was thrilled and thankful to have such a tour guide. Gil got in his "aggressive" mode to match the traffic, which was heavy and fast. I noticed that patience was thin in most drivers. When the light turns green, the first thing you do is blow your horn to make the first driver in line take off! Our first stop was at BK, where we had to get a ticket to open the gate to the parking lot!! Since neither of us had much breakfast, we welcomed the burgers and shakes as we kept going. I was excited to see the mountains in the distance, since it has been a long time since I have left Florida.

The rainforest was peaceful, quiet and lovely with mountain sides overflowing with ferns and waterfalls cascading down the black rocks. Large stands of bamboo were growing wild as were impatiens which were blooming. The little car chugged right along up the steep hills and many people were also enjoying the views. We stopped at the Tower, but since the altitude already had me breathing kinda hard, I did not climb up to the top.

Gil took pictures of me everywhere, so be prepared!

We visited Suzuki del Caribe next, to visit briefly with some of the staff and Barry, the manager, and they treated me royally. I was welcomed with open arms as a friend of Gil's, who has had a business relationship for many years with them. Some of the girls gave me a lovely bouquet of roses and a green puff flower which I had never seen before, and I also received from Barry and Judy, a little souvenir of San Juan.

Since Matthew is so enthusiastic about Hayabusa motorcycles, we had to visit the showroom, where, once again, Gil took a photo of me standing beside one, just to show Matthew!

I did not get to taste "Mondongo" which I understand is some kind of delicacy, but I am not sure I missed out on something good...:o)

We could see God's humor and hand in many instances...the Admiral's Club was right near our landing and departure gates, and we made connections right when we needed to. The shuttles were waiting as we arrived..most people were very nice and friendly, and we had a great loooong day. Our returning flight was delayed, so we were booked on another with did not leave until 12:40 AM, as it was also delayed. We waited a couple hours in the Admiral's lounge in Miami, which even had about ten showers, which I did not take advantage of, but it also had tea, coffee, milk and cheese and cracker snacks which we helped ourselves to. Seems like the longer I stay up past my bedtime, the hungrier I get!.

We had long fast walks in various terminals, but found many humorous things to chuckle about. It was a wonderful day which ended for me about 3:30 this morning, when I finally sank into my bed.

I praise God for dear friends like Gil and for family and for watching over us and preparing the way.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Friendship (fellowship)

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm, humid day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We chatted with Terry at Sawgrass, for a while yesterday evening and Matthew has great fun with him, but we didn't do any walking, except for touring the Police Dept. building in Zephyrhills. Our nephew is Chief of Police there, and he showed us their new facilities, which are state of the art. The building is so self-contained that people can stay there in a hurricane, because all the generators are inside. It was fun and informative. Matthew has decided he does not want to stay in a holding cell. :)

From the Promise Bible:

How does the Lord change the quality of our fellowship?

Matthew 18:20 "Where two or three gather together because they are mine. I am there among them."

The promise of the Lord's presence transforms our fellowship. We draw strength from the testimony of God's faithfulness in other's lives. We learn to comfort one another with the comfort we receive from the Lord. And we experience love and forgiveness in practical ways.

How does God provide for us through fellowship?

Acts 4:32-35 "All the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own, they shared everything they had. And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great favor was upon them all. There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need."

Our fellowship with other believers is meant to provide for our needs in the most practical ways, God's love for us moves us to share our resources with each other. This practical expression of love unleashes God's power and empowers our witness to the world.

"You wake up in the morning with twenty four hours of the unmanufactured tissue of the universe of your life. It is yours. It is the most precious of possessions. No one can take it from you. It is unstealable and no one receives either more or less."
Arnold Bennett

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (tomorrow, tomorrow...it's only a day away!)

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Wisdom

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

Since we have had a couple of thunderstorms lately, you can almost watch the grass grow! Everyday we have ibises pecking in it, so I am sure they keep it aerated and keep the bugs out.

I had a nice chat with Terry yesterday evening and it looks like budget cuts will be affecting the way the parks get mowed and cared for. Sawgrass always looks nicely groomed and picked up. Children like to roll down the berms and many people walk their dogs, careful to pick up after them. This will probably not change, even though there won't be as many people to work at keeping the parks pretty.

The boardwalk work will be finished next week, and then they start on the next phase, which will mean closing the second and third bridges and replacing the boardwalk there. Progress! It will still mean a good walk! God is good!

Wisdom (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 thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (day after tomorrow!!)

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

God's Promise

Good clear morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is already getting to be too warm to walk, but there was a pretty pink streak of clouds as the sun came up this morning.

Yesterday we went to the Park and briefly saw Terry to speak to. The work on the boardwalk is almost finished. That is very hot work. The man in charge, Richard, works harder than most anyone I know and is always dripping wet, even early in the morning. They have to be sure that they take plenty of liquid out on the worksite to drink and hydrate themselves. But when the work is finished I know the boardwalk will be beautiful! God is good!

From the book, Quiet Moments:

Someone who conducted an informal survey about the prayers of the people in his church found that most people pray one or two types of prayers. The first was an SOS - not only Save our Souls, but also, "Oh, God, help us now."

The second was SOP - "Solve Our Problems". People asked the Lord to eliminate all needs, struggles, trials, and temptations. They wanted carefree, perfect lives, and they fully believed that is what God had promised them.

The conclusion: "Most people want God to do it all."

God has not promised however, to live our lives for us - but rather, to walk through our lives with us. Our part is to be faithful and obedient; his part is to lead us, guide us, protect us, and help us. Annie Johnson Flint recognized the true nature of god's promise in this poem:

What God Hath Promised

God hath not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through;
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
But God hath promised
Strength for the day.
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love..

Do what you know you can do today - and then trust God to do what you cannot do.

"You cannot control the length of your life, but you can
control its width and depth.
Evan Esar

"I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion) to the {very} close and consummation of the age. Matthew 28:20 Amp.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (THREE and counting)

Monday, June 18, 2007

Psoaring thru Psalms

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

I went to sleep to the sound of thunder last night, but never heard the rain come down!

Saturday we watched a wedding at the Park, after the rain the night before, and the wedding party stood on the wet grass, under the dripping trees, while waiting for the bride, dressed in a beautiful, flowing white gown, with a train, to walk with her father down the sidewalk. She had to stop at one point while her dad picked up the train to keep from dragging it through a puddle. They had four attendants and two dogs present....a small but lovely wedding with the groom dressed in a white tux.

One curious thing...on a hill just a few feet from the proceedings, a hawk was on the ground eating his catch of the day, totally oblivious of the goings on just a short distance away. He flew up in a tree, then back down on the ground again. God is good!

From Psalm 1 NLT

"Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers.
But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants-
day and night they think about his law.

They are like trees planted along the riverbank
bearing fruit each season without fail.
Their leaves never wither,
and in all they do, they prosper.

But this is not true of the wicked.
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.

For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,
but the path of the wicked leads to destruction."

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (4 and counting)

Friday, June 15, 2007

Step right up

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

Matthew and I had a very interesting walk yesterday. We arrived at the tower to find the class with Steve and Mike on the top story watching an osprey looking for a fish. The osprey was hovering ! I had never seen an osprey hover and, of course, neither had Matthew. It was amazing to see those huge wings flapping and flapping and staying in one place! God is Awesome!

Also, to make things even more interesting, Mama gator was hiding under the platform and we had to peek way over to see her head. She is really big! On the way back, we watched a gator lazily swimming toward the lake, and later saw a hawk sitting on a picnic table, waiting for lunch! Always something interesting to see at the Park!

From Quiet Moments:

A young Scottish girl, Ffyona, decided to challenge her mettle, and get a change of scenery, by walking around the world. She spent eleven years and covered more than nineteen thousand miles walking from northern Scotland to southern England; New York to Los Angeles; Sydney to Perth, Australia; and South Africa to Morocco. Along the way, she fought disease, poisonous insects, bad weather, blisters, stonings, and loneliness.

She kept herself going by motivating her tired feet by promising herself that if she could make it just ten more miles, she could have a meal, The stronger her mind, the better her body performed.

Another important discovery she made, was that she had to take one day at a time.

Walking seems like such a simple thing to do. But, Oh, the power of a walk! Even when we have no particular destination, our feet can take us to a new place and give us both a physical and a psychological break from where we've been. Walking away from a heated debate is sometimes the smartest thing to do and the best way to protect a relationship. Crossing a room to talk to someone who looks lonely is often the first step in building a new friendship.

"The steps of good men are directed by the Lord." Psalm 37:23 TLB

"Blessed are those who hear the joyful blast of the trumpet, for they shall walk in the light of your presence." Psalm 89:15 TLB

When we are obedient, God guides our steps and our stops.
Corrie ten Boom

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (one week and counting, Wheeee!)

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Relationships

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!

The air was cooler this morning as I stepped out, probably from the cool wind that blew the rain cloud over last evening, We thought we were in for a storm, but it blew over and left cooler air behind, Yea!

We got to see Mike at the park yesterday. He is the naturalist I have known for about twenty years, but he was transfered to Ft. DeSoto, and I had not seen him for a long time. He is helping Steve teach the summer camp kids, so I was really happy to see him.

On our way out, a hawk flew alongside us for awhile, swooping and soaring crossing a lake into the clump of oak trees. God is good!

From Quiet Moments:

Brewing Good Relationships

When one wants the best pot of tea, there are several rules for brewing that will assure the tea is a treat for the palate.

Always choose teas whose basic flavors are pleasing to you or your guests. If they are loose teas, don't be afraid to do a little blending, measuring one teaspoon per cup plus one teaspoon per pot. Let the tea steep for several minutes, but don't boil tea leaves. If you do, bitter tannins will emerge.

Like brewing tea, forming good relationships takes time and attention to be satisfying. Here are ten ways to show the love of Jesus to others-guaranteed to bring out the best "flavor" of each person:

1. Speak to people. There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting.

2. Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown, 14 to smile.

3. Call people by name. The sweetest music is the sound of one's own name.

4. Be friendly and helpful.

5. Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is a pleasure.

6. Be genuinely interested in people. You can like everybody if you try.

7. Be generous with praise-cautious with criticism.

8. Be considerate of the feelings of others. It will be appreciated.

9. Be thoughtful of the opinions of others.

10. Be alert to give service. What counts most in life is what we do for others.

These things take time, but like the time spent perfecting that pot of tea, it is well worth the extra effort.

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11

Hold a true friend with both your hands.
African Proverb

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (8 and counting)

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Colossians 3:23-24

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! After the thunderstorms last night, this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

I was awakened by the roll of thunder and bright flashes of lightning at 2:30 this morning, and then it kept up for quite awhile. We need the rain and it is good to have it at night, although I miss the sleep..

We talked to Terry at Sawgrass yesterday for a few minutes. He loves to tease Matthew about his southern accent and Matthew teases right back. Terry has a way with kids..he is a "kid magnet". and we are great friends.

From the Promise Bible:

What does the Lord promise to those who work hard?

'Proverbs 22:29 "Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people."

Faithful work makes a way for us to do greater work. God promises to bless us as we use the gifts he has given us.

Proverbs 10:4 "Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich."

Proverbs 21:5 "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."

Colossians 3:23-24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."

God promises a reward to those who work hard. That reward can include-but is not limited to-financial prosperity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction or the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.

How will God help me when my work is hard?

Psalm 145:14 "The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads."

As with any burden we bear, we can trust? God to help us on the job.

"The power of prayer cannot be diminished by distance; it is not limited by age, infirmity, political changes or restrictions. The power of prayer in the life of an obedient Christian can only be undermined by neglect."
David Bentley-Taylor

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (9 and counting)

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Psoaring thru Psalms

Good warm 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 had a warm walk yesterday, but once we got to the Tower, a wonderful breeze was blowing and rippling the water, so we hated to leave. We saw a hawk looking rather lonely, now that she is an "empty-nester." All the kids are gone. Summer camp has started and many youngsters were in the classroom learning about critters and nature.

God is good!

Psalm 146 NLT
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, I tell myself.
I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
I will sing praises to my God even with my dying breath.

Don't put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.
When their breathing stops, they return to the earth.,
and in a moment all their plans come to an end.
But happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper.,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
He is the one who made heaven and earth.
the sea and everything in them.
He is the one who keeps every promise forever.
Who gives justice to the oppressed and
food to the hungry.
The Lord frees the prisoners.
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads.
The Lord love the righteous.
The Lord protects the foreigners living among us.
He cares for the widows and orphans,
but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.

The Lord will reign forever,
O Jerusalem your God is King in every generation!

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (10 days and counting)

Monday, June 11, 2007

Hebrews 12:2

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! The bit of coolness in the air as I stepped outside this morning, was very welcome after the heat of yesterday. The moon was just a slight sliver on its way to disappearing for awhile.

Yesterday we saw the peacock on our way to the Park, and noticed not very many people. But the elderberry bushes are still blooming and soon will bear fruit. Also, the crape myrtle trees are blooming along with the brilliant Royal Poincianas! God always has great beauty in store for us!

"Looking away from all that will distract to Jesus, who is the leader and the source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].
Hebrews 12:2 AMP

From the book Quiet Moments:

If you have ever worked a complicated jigsaw puzzle, you know three things about them.

First they take time. ...Most large puzzles take several days, even weeks, to complete. The fun is in the process, the satisfaction in the accomplishment.

Second, the starting point, identifying the corners and edges.

Third, jigsaw puzzles are fun to work by oneself but even more fun to work with others. When a "fit" is discovered between two of those pieces, the excitement is felt by all participants.

Consider the day ahead of you to be like a piece in the jigsaw puzzle of your life. Indeed, its shape is likely to be just as jagged, its colors just as unidentifiable. The meaning of today may not be sequential to that of yesterday. What you experience today may actually fit with something you experienced several months ago or something you will experience in the future. You aren't likely to see the big picture of your life by observing only one day. Even so, you can trust that there is a plan and purpose. All the pieces will come together according to God's design and timetable.

The main thing to remember is to enjoy the process. Live today to the fullest, knowing one day you'll see the full picture.

Faith is the daring of the soul
to go farther
than it can see.
William Newton Clarke

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, June 8, 2007

Excerpts from a of Psalm of Praise

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! I stepped outside in the coolness of the morning, just in time to see a duck go flying down the middle of the street. 'They are all so fat, they can't make it off the ground very well.

Everything at the Park was simmering in the heat yesterday. Not many people were brave enough to walk while sweltering, but the anhingas stay cool while fishing and the baby hawks have left the nest and perch on nearby branches, still waiting for Ma or Pa to feed them. God is good!

Psalm 145;13
The Lord is faithful in all he says;
he is gracious in all he does,
The Lord helps the fallen
and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
All eyes look to you for help;
you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand,
you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing...

I will praise the Lord,
and everything on earth will bless
his Holy name.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving , 14 and counting,

Amaryllis

Thursday, June 7, 2007

Psoaring thru Psalms

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!

This morning the half moon was visible in a clear sky, so it looks like no rain today.

Because we have a boy with a sore sunburn, we did not go to the Park yesterday, but he is healing and should be able to wear a shirt today. Instead, we made and baked cookies, which was fun.

From The Promise Bible:

What do I do when problems overwhelm me?

Psalm 145:14
"The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger-so why should I tremble?"

Problems can turn our eyes from the Lord. Use them instead, as opportunities to turn our eyes to the Lord for his protection, his guiding light, and his saving power.

Psalm 145:14 "The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads."

God finds the fallen and never passes them by. When we feel we can't go another step, he shoulders our loads, easing our pain and burdens.

Psalm 42:5-6 "Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged , but I will remember your kindness -from Mt. Hermon, the souirce of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar God's Mercy. "

He has been faithful in the past and will be faithful in the future. Memory ignites the fire of hope and drives away the darkness of despair.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (15 and counting)

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Personal Ideals

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

Due to a squeaky mouse that would not do anything this morning, I shut the PC off and made breakfast, and now the PC works!

From the book Quiet Moments:

Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."

What do you hold to be your personal ideals--the qualities you consider to be foremost in defining good character?

This is what Sir William Osler once said about his own ideals.

"I have three personal ideals. One, to do the day's work well and not to bother about tomorrow...The second ideal has been to act the Golden Rule, as far as in me lay, toward my professional brethren and toward the patients committed to my care. And the third has been to cultivate such a measure of equanimity as would enable me to bear success with humility, the affection of my friends without pride, and to be ready when the day of sorrow and grief come to meet it with the courage befitting a man."

A speech teacher once assigned her students to give a one sentence speech, entitled "What I Would Like My Tombstone to Read". The class told her later that the assignment was one of the most challenging assignments they had ever received. In virtually every case, the students saw a great discrepancy between the way they lived their lives and the way they desired their lives to be perceived by others.

This morning, give some thought to what you hold to be the characteristics of a respected life. What do you aspire to in your own character?

As you identify these traits, you can then see more clearly how you desire to live your life and what must change in order to live up to your ideals.

Fame is vapor.
Popularity an accident.
Riches take wings.
Only one thing endures
and that is character.
Horace Greeley

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (16 and counting)

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Challenges

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another warm, clear day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the moon had a small halo around it. I too off my glasses to look again and it was still there, so I don't know what that means!

Butterflies flitting and fluttering about, anhingas drying their wings, ibises intently poking their beaks into the ground, hawks feeding their young, and alligators basking in the sun. All this and more we see at the park as the waters have come up considerably from the good storm Barry! It did such a lot of good. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

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.

1 Chronicles 28:20 David continued, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see o it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly."

Instead of being discouraged by the size of the task, we should be encouraged by the limitless power of God.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (17 and counting)

Monday, June 4, 2007

Psoaring thru Psalms

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

The three quarter moon was visible as I stepped outside this morning... a change from the cloudy skies of the last few days! Because of a long day at church, we did not walk at the park yesterday, but did drive through and talked to Terry, who loves to tease Matthew because of his southern accent. Matthew teases him right back!

Everything was greened up and the canal was higher because of the rain from Barry. God blessed us with part of the rain that we needed! God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

Can we do things that affect how much God blesses us?

Psalm 84:11 "The Lord God is our light and protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right."

Psalm 100
Shout with joy to the Lord, O earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us and we are His.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
Go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (18 and counting)

Friday, June 1, 2007

Psoaring thru Psalms

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

Well, I was able to see the "blue Moon " this morning, but it was streaked with clouds in front of it, riding low in the southwest! The second full moon in the month of May! God is Awesome!

We went to the park yesterday, but all was pretty quiet in the stillness of the heat, but saw many butterflies flitting about. They seem to enjoy hot summer days. We also went over to Joe's Creek Park, and walked for a little way, enjoying the cool breezes off the lake. It is such a pretty little park, but no one ever seems to be there...

Psalm 5:11-12
"But let all who take refuge in you rejoice,
let them sing joyful praises forever.
Protect them,
So all who love your name may be filled with joy,
For you bless the godly, O Lord
surrounding them with your shield of love."

A devotional by Ruth Stafford Peale from the Guideposts 2007:

My husband, Norman and I both knew a man who often felt discouraged and weak from the blows of life. One bleak, rainy morning, he entered a diner for breakfast. Several others were there, but no one spoke to anyone else. Our friend sat down on a stool and tried to decide what to order for breakfast. Even that was a difficult chore.

At the other end of the diner, he noticed a young mother with her little girl. Suddenly the child broke the silence by asking her mother, "don't we say grace here, Mommy?"

Behind the counter the cook looked at the little girl and said, "Sure we do, honey. Will you say it for us?"

The little girl bowed her head, clasped her hands and said in a loud voice, "God is great and God is good, and we thank Him for our food. By his hand we all are fed. Give us, Lord, our daily bread." All of a sudden, the atmosphere in the diner changed and people began talking to one another.

Our usually gloomy friend later told us how that experience was pivotal for him He saw the little girl's faith and he, too, started to believe in God, to believe in other people and to believe in himself. He began to pray regularly, no matter how much rain was coming down outside. He experienced the power of prayer in the midst of adversity and that made all the difference!

There's no sense worrying or despairing over past failures, present situations for potential mishaps. As long as we truly do our best as praying, positive-thinking people, God will see us through.
Ruth Stafford Peale

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (21 and counting)