Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Discernment

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! What a surprise! When I stepped outside this morning, the full moon was shining brilliantly, bathing everything in its light and now, the thunder is booming and rain is falling. Who Knew? But, this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

Yesterday, as I arrived at the Park and started my walk, Mark and Bob passed me in their cart and headed for the boardwalk. I came upon them later at Mama gator's nest looking down at her, so I joined them, and watched them as they cleaned some more trash away. When Mark put his long metal pole down she hissed at him, but he wasn't near her, because she had moved over to the left side of the hill, and I was looking at her head-on. She looks thin, like she isn't eating..just waiting for the eggs to hatch. But that is another month or so off, so, hopefully, she will eat before the big date.

If, after the babies hatch, people keep bothering them, they may fence off the whole area, to keep Mama and babies protected. I hope that doesn't happen.

I went on to the tower and watched an anhinga whack its catch of the day, back and forth on the limb which was in the water. The fish was about three inches long and so, in order to swallow it, it had to stop wiggling. However, the anhinga gave one whack too many and the fish got away, but the fisherman just slipped into the water and started fishing again! God is Amazing!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

When I am confused, were do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding, and direction?

James 1:5-8 "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."

Psalm 119:125 "Give discernment to me, your servant, then I will understand your decrees."

Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom. It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies", God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, July 30, 2007

Roamin' thru Romans

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 saw the moon trying to peek out from behind clouds when I stepped outside this morning, but couldn't tell if it was full or not..."The moon was a ghostly galleon riding upon cloudy seas..." from The Highwayman", a poem I learned in school.

It was so warm yesterday, we didn't walk after church , but spent a quiet afternoon at home.

However, we did drive through the Park, and saw about three peacocks and many ibises. There weren't many people enjoying the heat and beauty surrounding them...probably all at the movies!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 12:3-13
"As God's messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.

God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophecy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others , do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously, And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.

Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful. When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get in the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night....

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, July 27, 2007

Blessings

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the overcast day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I didn't know rain was forecast for this morning, but, so far, the sun has not shone itself for sunrise...doesn't matter, though, I will be cleaning house. :o)

Yesterday I was pleased to see Mama gator lounging gracefully directly under me, with her tail curled, so I had to take a couple pictures of her full length. Already, someone had thrown a water bottle at her, and it was right beside her head. What satisfaction people get from that, I'll never know! When Mama gator is not hungry, squirrels don't even tempt her. I saw one on the branch of a maple tree right over her head and she didn't move. Maybe the squirrels know this?

The butterflies seem to be in great abundance this year. One large black one fluttered right by my face as I was walking and the yellow ones are flitting all over, from flower to flower. The butterfly gardens are really blooming, and that is probably why there are so many. I don't know them well enough to know their names...just the Monarch and the sulphur. God's Creation is marvelous!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How has God promised to bless his people?

Numbers 6:24-28 "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace."

God's blessing encompasses all of life. We live in his protection, his presence, and his peace. Nothing this world offers can compare in scope or duration with the blessing of God.

Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence."

We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God. the creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, July 26, 2007

More Work

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! Well, we did not get any rain yesterday, although it thundered and I saw lightning seemingly close by. Still it didn't seem quite so warm when I stepped outside, but it is heating up fast as the sun comes up.

As I drove down the road in the Park yesterday, a very low-flying helicopter went zooming over our heads, so I knew the boardwalk would be closed for mosquito spraying. So, I walked along the sidewalk, stopping to watch the 'copter each time it flew by so low. I could see the pilot inside the bubble. Wish I could have been up there!

I was rewarded for walking up the sidewalk to the second bridge, by seeing the quiet still water reflecting the overhanging trees like a mirror. I snapped a picture, and also took a picture of some large toadstools that had sprung up in the wet grass. I saw a "fairy ring" of the smaller ones. Fat turtles were sunning and fish were making circles in the quiet water. It was a good walk, even if I didn't see Mama gator.

From the Promise Bible NLT:

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.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Work

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 darkness this morning and was only able to see one star, because of the haziness, but now the sky is mostly clear and the sun is coming up, so maybe no rain this morning.

Even though thunder was booming and the sky was dark, I took my walk yesterday, and was happy to see Mama gator back in her apartment. While she was away, the cleaning crew came in and took away all the trash that thoughtless people had thrown in, and pushed away the limbs and broken branches that had been covering her special watering hole. I snapped a couple pictures of her, while she gazed at me with wary eyes... maybe they will turn out, maybe not.

On our way out, I saw a Cooper's hawk on the ground right by the road, pecking at something. I couldn't see what it was, but looked at the hawk until it flew a short ways off. God's Creation is Awesome!

From the Promise Bible:

How is my work important to the Lord?

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "This should be your ambition; to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs."

Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work: (1) having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and (2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.

Proverbs 13:11 "Wealth from get-rich schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows."

Honest hard work is much better than get-rich-schemes. Money quickly gotten is quickly wasted.

Romans 12:8 "If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."

God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Time

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! Sort of a peculiar looking sky this morning... the sun is coming up, but the sky has lots of clouds, and the sunrise paints them yellowish.

The Park has lots of water now, almost over the weir, so all the gators should be happy. I saw a roseate spoonbill right beside the street preening at the lake near our home, as I was coming home, so I stopped and took a photo, but I am not sure it will turn out. The pink feathers are so pretty! God's Creation is good!

From the Promise Bible:

How can I best use time?

Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 "There is a time for everything; a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild. A time to cry and a time to laugh. a time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to lose. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak up. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. What do people really get for all their hard work? I have thought about this in connection with the various kinds of work God has given people to do. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end."

Valuing time begins with seeing it from God's perspective. When we do this, we learn that there is always time for accomplishing God's plans for our lives.

Ephesians 5:15-20 "Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Time is a gift. God gives us time so that we have the opportunity to serve Him. When we give our time back to the Lord, he promises that it will not be wasted.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, July 23, 2007

Double Blessings

Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the wet day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yes, we have already had some rain, but it looks like the clouds are moving out for a little while. We had a drought for so long, and now God is bringing plentiful rain.

The water at the Park is up and that's good for the fishing of the water birds. I saw a great blue heron pluck a fish from the canal yesterday, and gulp it down, without even turning it around. It must feel funny swimming around in the gullet!

2 Peter 1:7
"In your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love."

From Quiet Moments:

Cecil Rhodes, British statesman and financier, and endowed the famous Rhodes Scholarships, was known as a stickler for correct dress - but not at the expense of someone else's feelings.

Once it was told that Rhodes invited a young man to an elegant dinner at his home. The guest had to travel a great distance by train and arrived in town only in time to go directly to Rhodes's home in his travel-stained clothes. Once there, he was distressed to find that dinner was ready to begin and the other guests were gathered in their finest evening clothes. But Rhodes was nowhere to be seen. Moments later, he appeared in a shabby old blue suit. The young man later learned that his host had been dressed in evening clothes but put on the old suit when he heard of his guest's embarrassment.

Rabbi Samuel Holdenson captured the spirit behind Rhode's gesture, saying:

"Kindness is the inability to remain at ease in the presence of another person who is ill at ease, the inability to remain comfortable in the presence of another who is uncomfortable, the inability to have peace of mind when one's neighbor is troubled.'"

The simplest act of kindness not only affects the receiver in profound ways, but brings blessings to the giver as well. It makes us feel good to make others feel good. So do something nice for yourself today-commit a random act of kindness!

You cannot do a
kindness too soon
because you never
know how soon it
will be too late.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, July 20, 2007

Psoaring thru Psalm 34

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 couldn't see the stars this morning for the haziness, but now the sun is coming up and casting beautiful light on everything.

Not many people were out at the Park yesterday, except the regulars. There's a lady who walks around the boardwalk four times each morning..doctor's orders, I think, and the old man who shuffle-jogs around a couple times..never looks up, just keeps on shuffling. The man with the foreign accent who is fit and uses weights when he walks and is very friendly to all. Most of these people have been coming for a couple years and try to stay healthy with their walking. Trouble is, they don't take time to "smell the roses". I stop and look and listen and linger sometimes, just admiring God's handiwork. Life is good!

From the Promise Bible:

I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord;
Let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness,
let us exalt his name together.

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me,
freeing me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy:
no shadow or shame will darken their faces.
I cried out to the Lord in my suffering
and he heard me.
He set me free from all my fears,
For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear him,
and he rescues them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him reverence.
for those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go
hungry, but those who trust in the Lord
will never lack any good thing....

...The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right
his ears are open to their cries for help.
But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil:
he will erase their memory from the earth.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.

Praise the Lord!

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Perhaps today!

Thursday, July 19, 2007

The People Factor

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!

We had another short thunderstorm in the middle of the afternoon yesterday, but the yard got mowed, anyway, and it looks nice, but growing fast!

I had an earlier walk yesterday, and could not see Mama gator. She may have been behind the nest or have left for lunch, but she can go for a month without eating. I watched the osprey circle lazily over the lake, hoping, once again, I could see it hover, but it wasn't interested in food, I guess. Even though we have had rains, not a lot of water has come down at the Park, so the water is still receding, but God brings rain in His time! God is Awesome!

From Quiet Moments:

...Often we wonder if what we do throughout our day has any significance at all. In many cases, it takes more strength to do the trivial tasks than the monumental ones.

If the job we do is difficult, we must ask God to show us how to make the job less strenuous. If the job is dull, we need to ask God to reveal ways to make it more interesting. If we think our work is unimportant, we need to remember that being in God's will and doing a good job for Him, will not only bring blessing to others, but will bless us now and for eternity.

Often it is the People factor that keeps us motivated. God gives us purpose and makes our lives meaningful, but he is always working to bless us, so we can turn around and bless other people.

The tasks you face today are significant as you work to meet a need or to see growth in others. You will see God's love moving through your life to others in everything you do for them-from putting a bandage on a child's skinned knee to inventing a machine that helps people with asthma breathe.

"All service ranks the same with God."
Robert Browning

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13 KJV

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Abundance

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! When I stepped outside this morning, I expected to feel a little coolness, but not this morning! Looks like another very warm day, but this is Florida in July! Thank God for air conditioning!

I had the garage door open yesterday while tending to laundry, and glanced up at the car, to see the bluejay perched there, looking at me expectantly for peanuts. Sorry, but I don't intentionally feed bluejays!

They were working on the entrance bridge at the Park yesterday..seems like there is always repair and fix up work to do..keeps the crew busy. I heard and saw an anhinga fly up into a tree to dry out the wings for awhile,so it could dive once again and seek the fish for a tasty meal. The hawks don't seem to be as visible any more, since the babies are out of the nest. God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

Abundance

Under what circumstances does God promise abundance to us?

Malachi 3:10-11 "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. "If you do," says the Lord Almighty, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not shrivel before they are ripe." says the Lord Almighty.

Philippians 4:19 "This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."

God's abundant provision is a gracious gift. When we give what God requires we receive more than we could ever desire.

Deuteronomy 30:9 "The Lord your God will make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and your fields will produce abundant harvests, for the Lord will delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors."

God is not stingy and resentful in supplying our needs. He loves to lavish his abundance on those with grateful hearts.

Why does God give us abundant gifts?

2 Corinthians 9:8 "God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others."

God wants us to have everything we need, But we don't get to keep what we receive: we get to give it away. God is looking for us to share his abundance with others.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Stress, con't.

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the calm day after the storm that the Lord had made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Lots of lightning and thunder just at supper time last night, gave the grass another good soaking and now it really needs mowing!

I had to look closely yesterday to see Mama Gator. She was almost hidden-just her eyes showing, but the water is receding because of not much rain,so I don't know how much longer she will hang around the nest. In a way, the trash and limbs that are broken and almost covering her hidey-hole, are a good thing because she can hide under the stuff.

I heard lots of birds singing and felt a coolness in the shade, but was still drippy when I finished my walk. Oh, well, that's summer!

I am blessed that I still have the ability to walk and see and hear and enjoy God's Creation! God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

What do we learn from stress?

Stress exposes our human limitations so that we can better realize God's limitless power and love.

Galatians 6:9 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."

We keep going because God has promised a rich harvest in his perfect time.

Romans 5:3-4 "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectations of salvation."

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, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."

While stress exposes our true character, it also helps develop our true character.

Even when we fall short of the mark, God has promised to work within us, shaping us into the image of Christ.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, July 16, 2007

Stress

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! Not a breeze was stirring when I stepped outside earlier, but now, a slight one is blowing and it doesn't feel as humid as the past few days.

I had a real treat when I walked Saturday. Not only was Mama gator stirring around amidst all the branches and trash that almost covers her now, but I discovered that the old nest is trampled at the bottom and freshly dug at the top, which leads me to think that she has laid her eggs and now we just have to wait a few months.

The treat was, as I was walking back I saw a HUGE gator across the canal, on the bank. He was about 11 feet long and very fat. As I watched, he slid backward into the water with something in his jaws. I couldn't tell what it was, but Pa gator took it in the water and held it for a minute or two, then slowly sank out of sight. God's Creation is great!!

From the Promise Bible:

Should I be surprised by the stress of life?

John 16:33 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

Jesus warned us to expect stress. This world is filled with trials and sorrows that generate stress in our lives. Christ gives us lasting peace because his power and grace are able to overcome all sources of stress in our lives.

What can I do to find relief from stress and anxiety?

Isaiah 41:10 "Don't be afraid for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."

We can turn from fear and anxiety to faith and peace. God promises to supply the power to get us through the hard times.

Matthew 11 28:29 "Jesus said, "Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls."

Resting in Christ breaks the hold of stress. When we are yoked together in service to him, we are free from the unrealistic and destructive expectations that can overwhelm us. Jesus' humility and gentleness overcome every conflict and stress in this life.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, July 13, 2007

Problems

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!

When you step outside before sunrise, and the temperature is over 80, then you know it will be a hot day! But the sunrise is beautiful and this is Florida, so this is what we can expect...

I stopped in at the Park to see Terry and wish him and Gail a good trip to Michigan. He leaves today, not caring that it is Friday the 13th. :o) Several people that I know are leaving on vacations, but we expect to be here holding down the fort, so to speak.

From the Promise Bible:

What do I do when problems overwhelm me?

Psalm 27:1 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 our burden.

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

Remember 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

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Psoaring thru Psalm 139

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! Well, yesterday must have been the last phase of the moon, because it was not visible today. Just the stars in the warm, misty morning.

We went to the Park, and saw a few people strolling and walking their dogs, but not much activity, because of the heat index of 100. It is wise to stay in as much as possible these days!

The heat doesn't seem to bother our furry friends, the squirrels, who run back and forth all day, gathering their acorns, and mushrooms and banana peels that we throw in our staghorn fern. They are busy little creatures. We have a bluejay who flies into the garage when the door is open and knows right where to look for peanuts. He has in imperious look on his face that says he is entitled! Very bold!

God is awesome!

From Quiet Moments:

God Knows!

Do you ever wonder if God has lost your address? Perhaps he has lost track of you or even forgotten you? God's Word answers with a resounding "Not so!"

The psalmist also recognized God's thorough and intimate knowledge of us. Read these words from Psalm 139 and be encouraged.

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 when 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!
Psalm 139:1-7, 16-18 TLB

Consider then thyself, O noble soul,
and the nobility within thee,
for thou art honored above all
creatures in that thou art an image of God....Thou art
destined to greatness!
Meister Eckhart

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

a Prayer

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! When I stepped outside early this morning, the moon was just a sliver of a crescent in the east, but still shining brilliantly.

It is getting entirely too warm to walk, even early in the morning... makes me want to lie in the water all day like Mama gator!

We drove through the park yesterday, looking at the peacocks on the way in, and stopped to talk with Terry, who is getting ready to travel to Michigan on vacation. He likes to work in the fields, harvesting, but this time the harvest in already in.

I was reading my Morning Prayer as I do every morning, and even though I have sent it before, I felt strongly that I should send it again:

"Oh, God, for another day, for another morning, for another hour, for another minute, for another chance to live and serve Thee, I am truly grateful."

Do Thou this day free me
from all fear of the future
from all bitterness toward anyone,
From all cowardice in face of danger
from all laziness in face of work,
from all failure before opportunity
from all weakness when Thy power is
at hand.

But fill me
with love that knows no barrier
with Sympathy that reaches all.
with Courage that cannot be shaken
with Faith strong enough for darkness
with Strength sufficient for my tasks
with Loyalty to Thy Kingdom Goal,
with Power to lift me to Thee.

Be Thou with me for another day and use me as Thou wilt for Christ's sake, I pray.
Amen

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Psoaring thru Psalm 138

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! This morning as I stepped out I noticed a nice breeze , which has not been in evidence for awhile. Even though the pre-dawn temps are in the 80s, it was nice to feel the wind.

I walked out to see Mama gator yesterday, and she was partially out of the water, with branches and an uprooted tree lying beside her. Over the weekend, people were busy, trying to make her move or do something. I snapped a couple photos of her, but because it is so dark in the swampy area and she is black, they may not turn out.

On my way back over the bridge, I met Mike leading a big group of little campers, on their way to see Mama gator, I received an affectionate greeting from Mike, followed by the same from Steve, who was bringing up the rear. They also had a new naturalist with them I had not met,,,no greeting from him. :o) God is good!

Psalm 138 NLT

"I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by the honor of your name.
When I pray you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me the
strength I need.

Every king in all the earth will give you thanks, O Lord,
for all of them will hear your words.
Yes, they will sing about the Lord's ways,
for the glory of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble.
but he keeps his distance from the proud.

Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will preserve me against the anger
of my enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life-
for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don't abandon me, for you made me."

"There are three things that will endure-
faith, hope, and love-
and the greatest of these
is love.'
1 Corinthians 13:13

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, July 9, 2007

Psoaring thru Psalm 5:3

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! It was already very warm and humid when I stepped outside this morning and the moon was shining brightly as a crescent with a star very close to it. Very beautiful!

We spent a quiet day indoors yesterday, trying to avoid the heat, but did take a ride to the Park and saw the peacocks and peahens walking about the neighborhood. There is a certain house that has a white garage door that the peacock likes to strut in front of and spread his magnificent tail feathers. It's as if he knows that he shows off better with a background. Seems impossible with his little pea brain... God is Awesome!

From Quiet Moments:

"In the morning, O Lord, Thou wilt hear my voice in the morning. I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch," Psalm 5:3 NASB

There is something extraordinarily special about early morning devotions. Before the hectic day begins with its noise and numerous distractions. there is usually a calm that is uncommon to any other time of the day, a peaceful prerequisite for entering into the prayer closet with Christ. Christ set an example for us when He rose up early and prayed....

Morning is a wonderfully private time where intimate conversation and gentle responses can take place between God and His children. This is a time to listen to the very heart of God.

Oswald Chambers said, "Get an inner chamber in which to pray where no one knows you are praying, shut the door, and talk to God in secret. Have no other motive than to know your Father in heaven. It is impossible to conduct your life as a disciple without definite times of secret prayer."

Between Midnight and Morning
You have faith to look with fearless eyes
Beyond the tragedy of a world of strife,
And trust that out of night and death shall rise
The dawn of ampler life,
Rejoice, whatever anguish rend your heart,
That God has given you, for a priceless dower,
To live in these great times and have your part
In Freedom's crowning hour;
That we may tell your sons who see the light
High in heaven their heritage to take-
"I saw the powers of darkness put to flight!
I saw the morning break!
Owen Seaman

I can tell you that God is alive because I talked with him this morning,
Billy Graham


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, July 6, 2007

Psoaring thru Psalms 34

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! The moon is getting smaller day by day, but still casts a bright light as it moves further east before it disappears.

Yesterday I walked before the sun came out too hot, (because it was overcast). Mama gator was looking rather disgusted with the bottles that have been thrown at her...one was resting against her face. I spoke to her and wished I had a long-handles grabber to clear out all the bottles. I am wondering if she is going to lay eggs, or just came back to the old nest for a visit, because it now has enough water to conceal her massive body...

There was a good breeze blowing at the tower, as there usually is, so I enjoyed that for a few minutes. God is good!

Excerpts from the Promise Bible Psalm 34

I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness;
let us exalt His name together.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him reverence,
for those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry.
but those who trust in the Lord will
never lack any good thing...

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right;
his ears are open to their cries for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the broken-hearted;
he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Psoaring thru Psalms 63:1

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the overcast day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Even thought the clouds were thick, I saw the lop-sided moon casting it light on the clouds covering it.

We had a good rain yesterday, but not enough to dampen the firecrackers going off around the neighborhood until late!

Not many people were in the park yesterday, which I thought would be full of picnickers. I walked in WalMart instead of the park...somehow it is not the same! :o) But it was a quiet day and those are a blessing.

From Quiet Moments:

Morning by Morning

"O God, thou art my God, Early will I seek thee'"

Great is Thy faithfulness, Oh God my father!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see.
All I have needed, Thy hands hath provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

There's something fresh and new about the beginning of each day. As sun filters through the trees, as birds begin their morning song, as day dawns , there is a new awareness of God's hand at work in our hearts and lives. Yesterday is past; tomorrow is still a day away. But today offers a new beginning-here and now.

"In the morning, O lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3...

Just as a good night's sleep refreshes the body, so a quiet moment with God at daybreak revitalizes our spirit before the day's responsibilities descend upon us. Starting the day with a holy hush before the morning rush can make the difference between a day wasted and a day well lived.

"Rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5

No matter what happened yesterday, you have today. It is a gift from your Heavenly Father. Open your heart to a quiet moment with God. May these gently, joyful devotionals help you celebrate your faith in God, renew your mind, refresh your spirit, and encourage your heart.

All the troubles of life come upon us because we refuse to sit quietly for a while each day in our rooms.
Blaise Pascal

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Independence Day

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! And Happy 4th of July! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! A day for picnics, thunderstorms permitting, and fireworks and patriotic music!

Yesterday I had a wonderful walk on the wet boardwalk at the park and stopped to speak to Mama gator back at her old nest. She has grown so much, she is huge! She was totally out of the water and lying not four feet below me, all eight feet of her! People have already been throwing bottles and cans at her...can't understand such ignorance!!

Then I walked on to the tower and watched a pair of ospreys circling lazily over the lake...I was hoping to see one of them hover, but, it didn't happen.

As we drove in to the park, two smaller gators were sunning on the bank, right across from Terry's house. God is good!

Since most of you are not working today I thought I would just send this appropriate scripture from 2 Chronicles 7:14:

"Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land."

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

2 Corinthians 4:16 "The inner man is being renewed day by day."

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! When I stepped outside this morning, the moon was almost hidden by clouds, but valiantly trying to shine through. The Lord has seen fit to send us rain now, and we were caught in a rip-roaring thunderstorm yesterday leaving my therapy place, which is just about six minutes from home. As I drove home, the rain diminished and nothing at all here. That's the way it is in Florida!

I noticed at the Park, that several people were busy cleaning debris out of the canal by the weir, that was washed down by the waters the night before. Everything is nice and green and fresh looking, now. God is good!

From the book Quiet Moments:

What Shape are you in?

Clay pots of all shapes and sizes were valuable tools in ancient households. They were used to store water, to eat off of, to bake and cook in, and even small terra-cotta vials held perfume. Homes were lit by clay lamps in the evening.

The potters who supplied these much-needed pots were important to the economic life of ancient villages. A modern potter described her craft like this:

Both my hands shaped this pot. And, the place where it actually forms is a place of tension between the pressure applied from the outside and the pressure of the hand on the inside. That's the way my life has been. Sadness and death and misfortune and the love of friends and all the things that happened to me that I didn't even choose. All of that influenced my life. But, there are things I believe in about myself, my faith in God and the love of some friends that worked on the insides of me. My life, like this pot, is the result of what happened on the outside and what was going on inside of me. Life, like this pot, comes to be in places of tension."

Throughout the day we may be buffeted by stress, pulled apart by responsibilities, and pressed by challenges that come at us from the outside. Without strength of spirit on the inside, those difficulties will cause us to collapse under the external pressure.

During this break, feed your spirit with Scripture. This will keep you strong, renewed, and restored within. You can respond with inner strength and creativity to what could otherwise defeat you.

Remember, your inner life gives you the strength you need to become a useful vessel in the household of God.

Renew thyself completely each day.
Do it again and again and forever again.
Confucius

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, July 2, 2007

Prepare to Dare

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 am rejoicing that we got a good, heavy downpour yesterday evening. It was the first rain we had had in about a week and was much needed. I am sure that it filled the canal at the park and probably overflowed the weir..

We spent a lazy day at home after church and tried to stay out of the heat. This morning as I stepped outside, I saw the "blue moon" shining brilliantly in the clear sky...just gorgeous! God is good!

From Quiet Moments:

Trying something new can be frightening and may even be dangerous. That's why it's much smarter to take a calculated risk than a reckless plunge.

A calculated risk is what Charles Lindbergh took when he decided to fly across the Atlantic, alone, in a single-engine plane. If he had not prepared, he might have been anxious, but he was an experienced pilot and mechanic who personally oversaw the construction of his plane. He participated in the planning of every detail of his historic flight. The end result was a safe trip, finished ahead of schedule with fuel to spare.

To a great extent, "Lucky Lindy" made his own luck.

Likewise, heroic spiritual moments are nearly always grounded in advance preparation. Moses grew up in Pharaoh's court, unknowingly being prepared for the day he would demand that Pharaoh let his people leave Egypt. Daniel was a man of prayer years before the king issued a decree banning prayer. the violation landed Daniel in a lion's den, where his prayers of protection were answered.

David was prepared for assuming the throne one day. The years he spent in the wilderness prepared him spiritually to trust God, and God alone, to preserve him protect him, and help him rule an empire. Esther prepared herself for a year before she won the "contest" to be queen.

You may not see clearly what God's purpose is for your life, but you can trust in the fact that He is preparing you for it. He will not waste a moment of your life. So make every relationship and experience count today, knowing He is grooming you for future greatness!

Every experience God gives us,
Every person he puts in our lives,
is the perfect preparation for the
future that only he can see.
Corrie Ten Boom

"Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly." Proverbs 13:16

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis