Easin' thru Ephesians

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! This must be part of Noel, the tropical disturbance, but here it is 7:30am and still very dark. I guess when the time changes in a few days, it will mean more light in the morning, and less in the evening... or is that the other way around? I always get confused at the spring ahead, fall back, thingy.

Because of the misty weather yesterday, we did not walk in the park, but drove through much later in the morning, to see that the water has come up nicely as a result of the rain and a few people were enjoying the scenery. We had a long drive out to Bay Pines to the VA hospital for an appointment and looking out from the fifth floor, could see what looked like heavy rain coming in from the Gulf. It disappeared before we left, so no driving in it! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians 6 Excerpts

..."Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free."

"A final word; be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the devil. for we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against the mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms ..."

"Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come fearlessly into God's Presence, assured of his glad welcome." Ephesians 3:12


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Use that powerful engine!

Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the wind was cool and the sky was cloudy, but Venus was visible in the East, bravely shining through the little opening through the clouds and the waning moon was also casting its light through an open spot. God is good!

I enjoyed a walk yesterday among the falling leaves and watched the gallinule pair at the tower busily pecking among the dying hyacinths for whatever they could find. Surprisingly, no birds were around and I did not hear any.

Terry is back from vacation and I spoke to him as he was catching up on the work that accumulated while he was gone. He is always willing to help us out with things around the house ... when he has time! I am thankful for good friends!

From the book Quiet Moments:

"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect". Psalm 18:12

What a pleasure it is to drive a car with a powerful engine on a level highway. Picture a sunny day when there's no traffic and you're not in a hurry to get anywhere. You sing along with your favorite CD and enjoy driving solely for driving's sake.

But is it possible to ride the rougher road and have the same peace and tranquility inside as when we drive the level highway? The Bible says it is.

The difference is simply the powerful engine, which makes the hills seem less steep and rush hour less tedious. It's a lot easier to keep moving steadily through traffic when you have a continuous hum from the motor instead of lunching, dying, starting-lurching, dying, starting in your own strength.

God is our powerful engine. He makes the difficult highway become manageable.

Perhaps your day started out smoothly, but by now you've left the easy stretch of road and come to the rolling hills. Now more than ever is the time to remind yourself that your Father in Heaven loves you and wants to help you.

With God's strength, you can stay alert and focused, maintaining an even pace and an even temperament regardless of the challenge. Ask Him, and He will help you work through any problems that arise without compromising your integrity, He may even show you some shortcuts--and the gas mileage is great!

When a man has no strength, if he leans on God, He becomes powerful.
Dwight Lyman Moody

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

A reminder

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!

We had a nice long rain last night that we really needed and this morning maybe the clouds will bring us more.

I noticed a red-headed woodpecker on our oak tree yesterday evening just very busy pecking at whatever it is he pecks at. I saw photographers at Sawgrass yesterday, taking photos of the ibis that were reflected in the canal and they busily pecked in the mud. There is beauty everywhere, if we only open our eyes and look around. Three peacocks added to the landscape as we drove into the park, but two were on the rooftop of a house one day and they really can do a lot of damage with their claws. Beauty among the thorns!

But God's creation is marvelous!

God's Promise from Quiet Moments:

An informal survey about the prayers of people in a church found that most people pray two types of prayers.. the first an SOS--not only "Save Our Souls", but also, "O God, help me 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 this is what God had promised them. The conclusion from the survey: 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 has not promised
skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through:
God has not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
But God has 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!

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

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

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Good rainy morning!

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Print it!

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the totally cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The full moon must be above the clouds, because even when I stepped outside about 5:30am, the sky was glowing.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day for a walk, so for the first time in a week and a half, off I went! My first stop was at the first covered shelter, where one of the regulars was looking over the rail into the water. A gator was almost under the shelter, and I asked what he was looking for. He said someone told him that the baby gators were there. Well, maybe, but not yesterday.

So off I went to the tower, thoroughly enjoying the cool air and the calling of the birds. I watched Mr. and Mrs. Gallinule very busily walking on all the hyacinths that had washed in from the rain, and they were eating the lavender blossoms! What a lovely breakfast!

On my way back, I was delighted to see two catbirds flitting in front of me! They landed on the rail and I stopped and watched them for a minute, then off they flew! I heard two hawks calling and looked up in time to see both of them fly over and land on a tree across the canal.

God's Creation is awesome!

From Quiet Moments with God:

When we come to the end of the day and wonder why things went wrong, we usually don't have to look very far to discover the answer. Somehow, we lost our sense of direction and couldn't seem to get back on track. To ensure this doesn't happen again, or at least not as often, we can take some advice from National Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones:

1. If there's a problem at work that has you stymied, try looking at it from different points of view. Pray for the eyes of your understanding to be enlightened. (Ephesians. 1:18) Before he goes out to a shoot, Jones knows he has to have a good camera with the right lens... Jones experiments until he find the right one.

2. Another important factor is focus. A picture can be razor sharp, or if Jones prefers, just the subject in the foreground will be clearly in focus.

3. We sometimes become so focused on one aspect of a problem, we lose sight of the big picture--of other circumstances influencing the situation or how the problem is going to affect others if it isn't resolved properly. Look at the big picture, then consider all individuals involved. Jones allows his creative instincts to drive him to find more than one "right" way to shoot a photo. He uses about 400 rolls of film per article--and each published article uses approximately fifty photos.

4. Don't be afraid of experimenting with new ideas and methods. Ask God to show you great and mighty things that you haven't known before. (Jeremiah 33:3) When Dewitt Jones empties his camera at the end of a shoot, he knows he's given it his best shot. He's looked at the subject he's photographing in as many different ways as he can think of.

If we've found the right perspective; stayed focused on what's truly important; been willing to try something different; and refused to let fear of failure paralyze us; we, too, can look back at our day and say, "Print it!"

"Be very careful then how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." Ephesians 5:15-16

No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined.
Harry Emerson Fosdick

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Wow! Have you stepped outside yet? It is a cool 68 and finally really feels like fall! The rain-washed sky was filled with stars twinkling in all their beauty and Venus was glowing in the high eastern sky. There was a full moon last night, but it must be in the west now, because I couldn't see it.

We so enjoyed the rain yesterday. I noticed the grass in the Park already has greened up and so has ours. I saw three peacocks on the way in the park and a strange water bird that I didn't recognize. I haven't looked it up in my Peterson Guide, yet. God is so good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Does God have a purpose for my life?

2 Timothy 1:9 "It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began-to show his love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus."

Our purpose in life is rooted in God's eternal plan to redeem us and make us new creations in Christ for his glory and for his service.

John 15:16 "You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name."

As we pursue our purpose in Christ, he promises that our lives will have lasting significance and eternal results.

1 Corinthians 15:58 "My dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady , always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

As we pursue our God-given purpose, we do not get discouraged even when it seems that nothing is happening. God wastes nothing.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Ephesians 4:26

Good rainy morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the nice, rainy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yes, after praying for rain, we finally have it. I woke up to rain at 4:30am and it has been raining off and on ever since. When I stepped outside during a lull I could see a few stars through the clouds, but did not expect it to rain again. Nice surprise!

The muscovy ducks were not in the tree this morning..I am so glad! I have been having a running battle with two of the many ducks that wander up and down our street. They roost in the tree at night and make a terrible mess on the driveway. I washed it off early yesterday morning, and now the rain will finish the job.

Strange as it seems, there aren't any muscovy ducks at the Park, Guess they know they would make tasty treats for the gators!

From Quiet Moments with God:

Deal With It!

...As Christians, anger can be a terrible enemy.

The beginnings of anger almost go unnoticed: petty irritations, ordinary frustrations, minor aggravations--things we experience daily. Then these small things start adding up. Pressures build and turn into rage. Without relief, pent-up anger can turn violent, with devastating consequences.

How do we keep our passions from becoming uncontrolled anger? How should we defuse the anger that makes us want to retaliate?

There is a righteous, Godly anger that energizes us to take action, to right the wrong, to defend the innocent. However, anger becomes sin when it turns into hate and resentment. Then it is often expressed in inappropriate, destructive ways. We can fly off the handle and act in ways that are as hurtful as what caused us to be angry in the first place. Worse yet, we can store up anger and become bitter and resentful.

There are several things we can do to take control of our anger before it takes control of us:

1. Yell at God first! He already knows you're upset.

2. Ask God to give you understanding about the situation, to show you the root of your anger, if that's the case.

3. Turn the situation over to God. forgive those who have hurt you, and let Him deal with them. Turn His power loose in the circumstances.

4. Don't do anything without having complete inner peace from His Spirit.

Then you can sleep easily at night, knowing God can turn anything around to work for your good.

"Be ye angry and sin not. Let not the sun go down upon your wrath."
Ephesians 4:26 KJV

Control yourself! Anger is only one letter short of danger.
Unknown

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Matthew 6:28-29

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! When I stepped outside this morning, besides the ducks in the tree, I actually saw a couple stars through the hazy mist. It promises to be another record-setting warm day, although the morning air is definitely cooler than last month.

Because I am still recovering my energy from the bug last week, I did not feel like walking yesterday, but once more, drove through the park and saw the men still working on the sidewalk, and scraping another path for some reason. Terry is back from vacation, so I will have to chat with him to find out what is going on.

BTW, Our beauty berry bush in the back yard is huge. It was not planted by us, and has received no extra care, water or anything, but has spread out its branches and is loaded with purple berries. It's a good thing that I don't hang out laundry anymore!! The birds love the bush! God always provides!

From Quiet Moments with God:

Matthew 6:28-29 NASB"Why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow. They do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these."

After the mountains of Alaska begin shedding their heavy white coats, the tundra bursts forth in bloom. No one plants flowers on the mountainside, but the bloom of wildflowers is still as predictable as spring itself. Blue lupine, bright pink fireweed, and many other colorful varieties announce that winter has departed.. Dark, gloomy days are gradually replaced with more and more light. By midsummer, the days extend almost until dawn. In the twilight's glow, this mountain garden flourishes along endless miles of pristine wilderness.

Every time the sun rises, the seasons change, and the flowers bloom, all of nature seems to be announcing, "God is faithful." In a world of human-made chaos, God is dependable, not only in matters of creation, but in our personal lives as well. Remembering God's dependability is helpful, especially when circumstances are not going our way.

When divorce rips the marriage vows or the doctor diagnoses cancer or the telephone call delivers shocking news, we often wonder if God Has forgotten us. Yet when we reflect upon the past events of our lives, we can trace His faithful provision. Just as He adorns the lilies of the field, He will take care of our concerns. So, we need not be anxious. When difficulties arise, we can pray, knowing the Master Gardener is always there, year in and year out.

Just as spring follows winter and renews a harsh landscape, our Jehoval Jireh-the Lord who provides-brings peace to still the turmoil in our hearts and newfound joy with the blessing of each day..

Finding God, you have no need to seek peace, for he himself is your peace.
Frances J. Roberts

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Integrity

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! When I stepped outside earlier, the clouds were more evident than the stars, I only saw two stars, but the clouds brought a little rain last night. It only lasted a few minutes, but we will take every drop that God sends!

I talked to my uncle in Alabama, last night and he said the drought is so bad there that his winter garden may not grow. They may have to go on water restrictions. He is 91, takes no medicines and plants his garden spring and fall. He made muscadine preserves and has frozen blueberries and is still getting tomatoes from his vines! He said if he had known he was going to live this long, he would have taken better care of himself! :D!

We drove through Weedon Island park yesterday and then Sawgrass and couldn't help noticing the contrasts... One has no shade and is wild for the most part in its natural state, the other has lots of shady trees and sidewalks, a canal running through and is a cooler place to walk. No animals are allowed at one, and lots of dogs are walked in the other. Each one has its own special charm for nature lovers! God has something for everyone!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How does God respond to my commitment to integrity?

Psalm 18:20-25 "The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God. I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to those with integrity you show integrity."

The Psalmist claims a high level of personal integrity that makes some of us uncomfortable. It makes sense, however, when we realize that he isn't boasting in his accomplishment but thanking God for giving him the power and direction to live according to God's ways. This passage offers the same promise to us. God will empower our obedience.

1Peter 2:12 "Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world."

Our integrity may not bring immediate rewards, but we are certain that it will one day be recognized.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Satisfaction

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! When I stepped outside this morning the sky was very hazy, no stars or moon visible, but last night the brilliant half moon was shining brightly in the southern sky. Beautiful! Maybe today's skies will bring much needed rain.

Yesterday I was able to see the doctor and will hopefully be on the mend soon so I can start walking again. The doc had the same thing I have and said he was very fatigued. That's my problem... no energy.

We did ride through the Park, though, and saw Mark G. chatting with the traveling Park Ranger. I also noticed the squirrels and ibises and butterflies all over. For some reason this seems to be a year or season for butterflies. God has created beauty!

From Quiet Moments with God:

Psalm 16:11 "In your presence is fullness of joy."

"Satisfaction guaranteed!" promise the ads for a new car, a refreshing soft drink, or a stay at on exotic resort. There is no end to the commercial world's promises of fulfilled hopes and dreams.

Do you know many truly satisfied people? Would you describe our culture as satisfied?

If you answer no, you're not alone. Author Max Lucado doesn't think so either. He said, "That is one thing we are not. We are not satisfied."

After Thanksgiving dinner we declare, "I'm satisfied." In reality, we are probably more than satisfied! But before the end of the day's football games, we are back in the kitchen digging into the leftovers.

We plan and save for years for the "perfect vacation." We head off to our dream-come-true destination; indulge every desire for fun, food, and fantasy' and in two weeks we are headed home with wonderful memories. It may have been a satisfying two weeks, but are we fulfilled for the rest of our life when the vacation is over?

Satisfaction is hard to obtain. Contentment eludes us. We are promised fulfillment many times a day, but the promises become empty after we have "taken the bite" a few times. There is nothing on earth that can satisfy our deepest longing.

In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis wrote; "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

We were made for another world--Heaven! The desire for satisfaction is very strong in our lives. However, Scripture tells us there is only one thing that will satisfy; "For in him we live and move and have our being."

As some of your own poets have said, "We are his offspring" (Acts 17:28.)

True contentment is
the power of getting
out of any situation
all that there is in it.

G. K. Chesterton


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

Love and hugs,
Happy birthday, Chief Nefew!
Amaryllis

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! When I stepped outside early this morning, I saw Venus shining brightly through the trees, which means the sky is clear and no chance of rain, so I depend on the Lord to send rain when we need it.

Again, not feeling too perky, I just walked as far as the butterfly garden at the Park, and enjoyed seeing the colorful creatures flutter and float among the plants that are planned to attract them. I noticed the grass is drying up there, too, so something must be wrong with the sprinkler system.

This is from the Promise Bible:

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

Honest, hard work is much better than get-rich-quick schemes. Money quickly gotten is often 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.

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 is 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

Ministry

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! When I stepped outside this morning, no stars, no moon, no sky, just the clouds which I am hoping will bring rain. We really need it!

Since I was feeling kinda puny yesterday, I did not go for a morning walk, but did manage to get out in the afternoon, and parked in the circle at Sawgrass, intending to walk to the third bridge. To my surprise, the second bridge is still gated!

As I walked along the canal, I watched a tri-colored heron, a anhinga, and an ibis, all intent on gazing at the water, looking for lunch. Three Buddhists in their colorful saffron and burnt orange robes, were out enjoying the walk, and further on a gator was floating in the water very quietly. It was a good short outing. God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

What is God calling me to do?

Matthew 9:37 "He said to his disciples, "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few."

People are ready to hear and receive, the Good News of God's love. But with this promise comes the responsibility to work and to pray. the Lord expects us to enter fully into his work of reaching the world with the love of God.

Matthew 16:18-19 "Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you lock on earth will be locked in heaven, and whatever you open on earth will be open in Heaven."

As followers of Christ , we are part of the church, or the people of God. God has promised that we will overcome the kingdom of darkness and secure his victory . We must not be on the defensive, thinking we will one day lose. We should take the offensive and overcome evil with good. When God calls, God equips. He has given us his promised Holy Spirit to help us fulfill the responsibility of telling the world about Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service in the church, but is is the same Lord we are serving. There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church."

God has given every believer the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit gives us his gifts as well. Great joy is ours as we share God's gift with others.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

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! When I stepped outside this morning, the air was cool again and the stars were still twinkling. I saw a glimpse of the new moon Sunday night in the southwest...just a thin sliver. It's supposed to be full right around Halloween.

We had a busy morning yesterday. We left for Bay Pines in the dark at 6:30AM and made good time getting out there, then had to do a lot of walking inside the buildings. It's a huge place and I asked directions from several people along the way. After Louis' lab tests, we took the shuttle to the Canteen for some breakfast. I was so disappointed in the menu. They had three different kinds of white gravy, biscuits, sausage, bacon ,scrambled eggs, and cereal in a box. We did the best we could at getting something healthy, but I couldn't believe a hospital could serve such unhealthy food! Oh, well, it was just a one time thing for us.

One thing good, though, while on the shuttle, I saw a beautiful sunrise. We had the same shuttle driver three times and he was very helpful at giving directions. After we left the hospital, we drove through the War Veterans' Park. It was quiet and peaceful and the water was beautiful. God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

Romans 12 excerpts:

God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given the ability to prophesy, 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....

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Never Give Up

Good evening, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Because of an early -7:15am- appointment at the VA hosp. for Louis, I thought I would go ahead and write this tonight, and then send it in the morning.

I just couldn't waste the good weather staying indoors yesterday, so we took off and walked, and discovered lots of people at the Park early. The Audubon people and hundred mile walking club, and others, but not so many on the boardwalk. I heard a hawk calling and looked until I found him just past the gator nest in a tall dead tree, He was huge, and just calling because he felt like it... preening his feathers and enjoying his view! God is good!

From Quiet Moments for Teachers:

Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

A young teacher reread a note attached to a fresh, green ivy.

"Because of the seeds you planted, we will one day grow into beautiful plants like this one. We appreciate all you've done for us. Thank you for investing time in our lives."

The grateful teacher smiled as a tear trickled down her cheek. Like the one leper who expressed gratitude to Jesus for healing him, the students she had taught remembered to say thanks to their teacher. The ivy plant represented a gift of love.

She watered it for months and each time she looked at the growing plant, she remembered those special teenagers and was encouraged to continue teaching.

But after a year, something happened. The leaves began to turn yellow and drop-all but one. She started to discard the ivy but decided to keep watering and fertilizing it. One day as she walked through the kitchen, she noticed a new shoot on the plant. A few days later, another leaf appeared, and then another. Within a few months, the ivy was well on its way to becoming a healthy plant again.

Henry Drummond says, "Do not think that nothing is happening because you do not see yourself grow, or hear the whir of the machinery. All great things grow noiselessly."

Few joys exceed the blessings of faithfully investing time and love into the lives of others. Never, never give up on those plants!

God does not payweekly, but he pays at the end.
Dutch Proverb

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

My Morning Prayer

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

Wow! When I stepped outside this morning, the breeze was coming from the north and is really, really, Fall like! The temp. is in the low seventies for a welcome change, which is very invigorating. Looks like a good walk coming up.

I noticed day before yesterday a remarkable giant X in the sky. We usually do not see contrails in the summer, but this was a warm day. I saw the space shuttle contrail a couple weeks ago, and that is not unusual, but the X really impressed me. Means winter and cooler weather might just be around the corner.

I enjoyed the walk yesterday, but it was warmer than the day before. A lady I hadn't seen before started talking with me and asked if I wasn't afraid to walk alone. I told her I had been doing it for twenty years or more and used to walk in the dark with my flashlight lighting the way. She said maybe she had been watching too much TV.

I have never been afraid at the Park of people...just running into spiders. I invented a new dance early one morning when I walked into a web stretched across the boardwalk, and had this huge golden orb spider on my jacket..now that was scary! :o) God has always been my protector.

This is a repeat, but very appropriate for today or every day. I read this prayer each morning.

"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

Easin' thru Ephesians

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! Once again, when I stepped outside this morning, the stars were in their usual places and Venus still shining brightly in the same spot in the east. Some things remain the same in the universe, when God is in control!

Our weather has been very dry, so the acorns have not been falling as plentifully as before the tree trimming, which is a blessing! The squirrels still find plenty to eat and store, or whatever they do with them. They are so busy all day, running up and down trees and chasing each other across the streets! God is good!

My amaryllis has one more blossom to open, and then it is done, but the Mexican petunias bloom brilliantly each day and then by afternoon the lavender blossoms fall off. They seem to bloom all year long, and are really pretty!

We drove through the park yesterday, but because of an early appointment, did not walk. It was freshly mowed and I thought I saw a gator in the canal on the way in. They cruise up and down and stop when they want. Gators can do pretty much anything they want!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians 6 excerpts:

"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. "

"And in the same way, you masters must treat your slaves right. Don't threaten them; remember , you both have the same Master in heaven and he has no favorites."

"...Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms...."

"May God give you peace, dear brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace be upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love."


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Hopping thru Hebrews

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! When I stepped outside this morning, the sky was clear and all the stars were twinkling in the darkness. Venus is still in the same spot in the east, shining almost as brightly as the moon was. God created a lot of beauty for us to see and wonder at.

I took a breezy solitary walk yesterday, which I really enjoy. A few regulars are all right, but I really prefer the solitude of walking and listening. I could hear a woodpecker, but couldn't find him. Looking up helps me to see all the spider webs and sometimes what the catch of the day, (or night) is!

I didn't see the baby gator or Mama, which may mean they are all gone, one way or another, but I did spy a little green heron, intently looking at the water for an unwary fish to come along. Green herons always have their heads down, gazing fiercely into the water.The anhingas are always airing their feathers and wings out on some branch over the water. God is good!

Excerpts from Hebrews 13 NLT:

"Continue to love each other with true Christian love. Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Don't forget about those in prison. Suffer with them as though you were there yourself. Share the sorrow of those being mistreated, as though you feel their pain in your own bodies.

Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.

Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you, I will never forsake you."

That is why we can say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper,
so I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?"

Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your spiritual strength comes from God's special favor, not from ceremonial rules about food, which don't help those who follow them.

With Jesus' help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name. "Don't forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God.".

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalms

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cooler day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yes, it seems to be turning cooler!. I stepped outside early this morning and felt the coolish wind blowing , and saw the sky filled with sparkling stars. Venus is still twinkling brightly in the east and I think the big dipper, (I am not sure of my astronomy), but, anyway, it was a glorious sky. To quote Gloria Gaither, "He spangled the night with stars."

I enjoyed a cooler walk yesterday, also. I stopped at the first covered shelter and watched as little bubbles and ripples kept appearing. I was hoping to see maybe an otter, but nothing showed up, not even a turtle.

I walked on out to the tower and really enjoyed the wonderful breeze...no baby gators, not even the gallinules were around, but a quiet peaceful place. God is good!

From the NLT:

Psalm 138
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 all 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.
You will clench your fists against my angry 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.


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Crisis

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the October day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I know some of you are off work on Columbus day, but others have to face the Monday chores as usual, so count your blessings that you have work to do!

When I stepped outside in the darkness this morning, I saw no moon, so I guess it has left us for awhile, but the strong breeze was still blowing. This is a very warm October, so far. Wonder what God has in mind?

We had our huge oak trees trimmed Friday and more sun is shining on the front yard. What a difference it makes in the light!

I didn't walk Friday because of the trimmers expected, so didn't get to check on the baby. We did ride through the Park, and the sidewalk is all finished and the grass is newly mowed. It looked so neat and peaceful. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Shouldn't those who believe in God be free from crisis?

John 16:32 "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".

Crisis should not surprise us. We expect crisis and difficulty because we live in a fallen world. Jesus' warning keeps us from panic, and his promise of victory keeps us from discouragement.

Psalm 46:1-3 "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!"

Nothing in this world is stable or safe. We can find no lasting shelter apart from the Lord. When we rely on him, though everything else is shaken, our faith never will be."

Psalm 50:15 "Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory."

God promises to rescue us for our own welfare and for his glory.

What happens to us through times of crisis?

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 expectation of salvation."

God's transforming power often touches the most deeply in times of crisis. Times of crisis can strengthen our character.

2 Corinthians 12:10 "Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Spiritual strength can grow from physical weakness.Being physically weak teaches us that we cannot rely on our own strength to see us through-we need God's strength.

1 Peter 1:6-7 "Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that is is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire test and purifies gold-and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."

Times of crisis are like a fire that refines, like a knife that prunes, like a wind that sifts the wheat from the chaff. Ask God for the strength to hold on and for the strength to let go of ungodly things. Look for the joy that waits on the other side of the trial.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Endurance and perseverance

Good morning Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the partially overcast day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We had a wonderful thunderstorm that poured rain for about an hour last night! We really needed the rain and God supplied!

This morning as I stepped outside where everything was wet, I was struck by the brightness of the crescent moon and Venus, both in the eastern sky! Lovely!

Yesterday, was not so cool for my walk, but better than a month ago. The maple leaves are starting to turn color and fall on the boardwalk and soon the leaves will be falling off the other trees. We do have our seasons in Florida, although not as vividly as the northern states.

I was surprised and pleased to see a baby gator at the edge of the shrubbery, just wriggling and turning around all by itself. That's why Mama has not given up! As long as there is one baby, she will be on guard, although she wasn't visible yesterday. I've learned she could still be under the water.

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Where do I find the strength to keep going when I'm tempted to give up?

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".

Endurance comes from keeping our thoughts on the promise of the harvest, not the problems of the moment.

What purposes do endurance and perseverance serve in my life?

1Peter 1:6-7 "Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. "

2 Peter 1:5-9 "Make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin."

Endurance is like the fire that purifies precious metals and hardens valuable pottery. It cleanses, clarifies, and solidifies our faith. Living through the trials and tests of life is often the most significant way to discover the riches of our faith.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Explanation

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

Since my old computer died, you did not get a devotional from me, but my computer friend, Gil, has me back on line, so beware! You will be hearing from me again!

Surprise! I have an amaryllis blooming! This is rushing the season for them, because they don't usually bloom until sometime before Christmas... must have been all the rain we had last month.

I walked yesterday and noticed the sidewalk seems to be finished, so no dust is in the air. I didn't think Mama gator was at the tower, until I came down from the second level and saw her pop up from under the water. She is still standing guard, even though no babies are visible. Such faithfulness. I could take a lesson.

From the Promise Bible:

Love

What are the benefits of loving others?

Matthew 10:42 "If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded."

Hebrews 6:10 "God is not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him caring for other Christians, as you still do."

The Lord remembers us when we remember others. He rewards us for giving others kindness and practical help.

Galatians 6:8-10 "Those who live to satisfy their own sinful desires 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."

The Holy Spirit awakens our love for others. We can ask God to make us willing to love others-even those who are difficult-and God will hear our prayer.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalms and Proverbs

Good cloudy morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! What a contrast from yesterday! I stepped outside this morning to see nothing but windblown clouds... no moon, no stars. Well the Lord answers prayers, because I asked for rain, so perhaps we will get it.

My walk yesterday was very pleasant with the cool wind cooling my face. I came across a small tree which had been toppled by the wind and was leaning across the boardwalk. I tried to move it out of the way, but vines were holding it. It was above my head and no problem to a short person. I told Terry about it and I am sure it is cleared away now.

Mama gator was not in sight, but there was lots of movement in the water from various fish and turtles. God is Good!

My Daily Blessings calendar had this yesterday:

God blesses what you set your hand to do as you conduct
your business on a biblical basis and obey the principles of
honesty, fairness and integrity.

BUSINESS
"Do you see any truly competent workers?
They will serve kings rather than ordinary people."

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

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

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Coping Skills

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yes, I said "cool"! I was so surprised to step outside and feel the change in the weather... a cool breeze was blowing and the sky was clear with all the diamond-like stars twinkling and sparkling in the night sky, competing with the half moon. I wish I knew the names of all the stars, but, that doesn't stop me from admiring their beauty!

God's creation is awesome!

We spent a quiet afternoon yesterday, but my walk Friday was good, because I saw Mama gator back at the tower. She was very close to the shrubs and I imagined, hoping for a baby to show up. I don' t know if gators have feelings, but she looked sad to me.

The sidewalk work is going pretty fast, but still there is dust all over the place. I hope people will take advantage of the sidewalk and not walk in the street any more, but human nature being what it is, I expect we will still have some strollers in the street.

From Quiet Moments:

How we handle delays tells us a lot about ourselves. How do you handle a traffic jam when you left the house already late for work? What do you do when your flight is delayed because of mechanical difficulty or bad weather? How do you respond when the register in your checkout lane runs out of tape just as you get to the head of the line? Can you take a deep breath and enjoy a five minute break at the railroad crossing when the guard rail goes down to allow a train to pass?

Things rarely go as smoothly as we would like, and we don't usually schedule ourselves any extra time just in case something goes wrong.

The ability to accept disappointments, delays, and setbacks with a pleasant, generous spirit is a gift of graciousness that comes from one who has received grace from others in pressured circumstances. Life is a series of choices, and no matter what situation we are in, we always have the freedom to choose how we are going to respond.

Refuse to get out of sorts the next time your schedule gets interrupted or turned upside down. Pray for strength to remain calm, cheerful, relaxed, and refreshed in the midst of the crisis. And always remember: God's plans for you are not thwarted by delays!

Psalm 31:15
"My times are in your hand."

Never become irritable while waiting;
if you are patient,
you'll find that you
can wait much faster.
Unknown

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis