Friday, February 29, 2008

Psoaring thru Psalm 37

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

We can be thankful that the sun is shining and the wind is not quite so strong and it looks like a beautiful day ...an extra day that the Lord has given us!

I looked at an anhinga perched on a drainage pipe at the park yesterday, and noticed the black and white of its wings and feathers. I was thinking how uniquely God had formed this bird that swims underwater for its meals and then dries out its feathers so it can fly. A walker came toward me and said, "That's an ugly bird, isn't it?"

I guess it all depends on your point of view. God is Awesome!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 37:3-9
"Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.

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

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

Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others-
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord will
possess the land."

John Wesley advised:

do all the good you can,
by all the means you can,
in all the ways you can,
in all the places you can,
to all the people you can
as long as you can.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Blessings

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the chilly day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The temp. was down to 47 when I stepped outside this morning, and a cold wind was blowing, but the half moon was shining brilliantly in the cloudless sky and Venus was sparkling in the southeast. So God is Awesome!

Well, the weather will soon warm up again, and we really can't complain, but hot soup and hot tea really appeal to me, now!

We saw few people at the park yesterday, but the ibis were out as usual, lined up in a row across the canal busily pecking for grubs and whatever else they eat. The trees are beginning to bloom and although the oak trees are still shedding, the new green leaves are beginning to bud. Our very old azalea bush in the back of the house is full of blooms, but no one can see them..still it is a spot of beauty. We are blessed!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How has God promised to bless his people?

Numbers 6:24-26 "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you 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.

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

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

God promises to bless those who do what is right; he doesn't extend the same promise to those who don't do what is right.

Proverbs 19:17 "If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord-and he will repay you!"

God promises to bless those who help the poor.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Taming the tongue

Good chilly 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, I noticed the crisp, wind blowing and the clouds scooting across the sky, so that no moon or stars were visible. But while it will be cool for a day or two, soon we will be back up to eighty and wishing for cooler weather!

Because of a painful knee and foot, I didn't walk yesterday, but did drive through the park and saw the anhingas drying their wings and a very large woodstork between two lakes.. While we have oak leaves all over our front yard and driveway, the park has truckloads of leaves all over! And I noticed already the bothersome seeds are beginning to fall. Look out cars! But God is good!

From the NLT:

James 3
Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness.

We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in the mouth. And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong. So, also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

People can tame all kinds of animals and birds and reptiles and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Can you pick olives from a fig tree or figs from a grapevine? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty pool.

If you are wise and understand God's ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don't brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise!


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Joggin' thru James

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

After yesterday's beauty with the sun and warm air, I fear that more winter is coming. The mango tree in the neighbor's yard is full of tiny mangos, so hopefully the cold will not be severe.

Yesterday I enjoyed my walk and stopped at the first covered shelter to see a gator come out of a cove and swim toward me. He stopped right below me, so I watched a while and walked on to the tower. There I looked up to see two ospreys slowly circling as the wind caused them to glide. I was hoping one of them would hover, but they were very graceful and fun to watch.

On my way back I stopped at the shelter again, just in time to see the large gator heave himself up on the bank for a few rays. God is good!

James 1:2-13 NLT
"Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
If you need wisdom - if you want to know what God wants you to do - ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. Bur 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.
Christians who are poor should be glad, for God has honored them. And those who are rich should be glad, for God has humbled them. They will fade away like a flower in the field. The hot sun rises and dries up the grass, the flower withers, and its beauty fades away. So also . wealthy people will fade away with all their achievements.
God Blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Hebrews 10:36
"Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that He has promised."

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, February 25, 2008

Roamin' thru Romans

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

When I stepped outside this morning, the three quarter moon was mistily shining and stars were twinkling through the mist. No fog here, but hanging overhead. But the weather is warm, and now the sky is clear. God is good!

As I entered the park yesterday, a gator was lounging on the far bank of the canal, taking it easy and drying off, although there was no sun. I took a short walk, but due to the number of people on the boardwalk, pushing strollers, running children and crowds, I didn't go far. I prefer few or no people when I walk, so I can listen to the sounds and be with my thoughts. It turned out to be a very warm day!

From the book Quiet Moments with God:

The Value of Disaster

For ten years, Thomas Edison attempted to invent a storage battery. His efforts greatly strained his finances and, in December 1914, nearly brought him to ruin when a spontaneous combustion broke out in his film room. Within minutes all the packing compounds, celluloid for records and film, and other flammable goods were ablaze. Though fire departments came from eight surrounding towns, the intense heat and low water pressure made attempts to douse the flames futile. Everything was destroyed.

While the damage exceeded $2 million, the concrete building, thought to be fireproof, were insured for barely a tenth of that amount, The inventor's twenty four year old son, Charles, searched frantically for his father, afraid that his spirit would be broken. Charles finally found him, calmly watching the fire, his face glowing in the reflection, white hair blowing in the wind.

"My heart ached for him," said Charles. "He was sixty-seven-no longer a young man-and everything was going up in flames.

"When he saw me, he shouted, "Charles, where's your mother?"

When I told him I didn't know, he said, "Find her. Bring her here. She will never see anything like this as long as she lives."

The next morning, Edison looked at the ruins and said, "There is great value in disaster. All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew."

Three weeks after the fire, Edison managed to deliver the first phonograph.

With each new day, we have the opportunity to start again, to start fresh - no matter what our circumstances. Let the Lord show you how to salvage hope from debris. You never know what joys lie ahead.

Romans 5:3
"We glory in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance."

Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey towards it, casts a shadow of our burden behind us.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, February 22, 2008

Time

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! As I stepped outside this morning, I saw the glow from the full moon over the house high in the west and noticed a large misty ring glowing in its brightness. I took off my glasses, thinking my eyes were blurry, but there it was. It must have been the misty fog that created the halo effect. God is Awesome!

As I was driving into the park yesterday, I saw Mr. Peacock, once more in front of a white garage door, just folding his tail feathers, although there were no peahens present. I think he was just strutting to show off! ;o)

The clouds were threatening, but it was warm, so lots of people were taking advantage of the spring-like weather. The community service workers were raking up leaves and had a pickup truck full with lots more to rake! The leaves are falling and the pollen is floating! Allergy time is here. But, we are thankful for the good weather we have!

From the Promise Bible NLT

A Time for Everything Ecc. 3

"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 love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace."

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, February 21, 2008

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!

Well, the clouds eclipsed the lunar eclipse last night, so I guess we will have to wait until 2010 to see one again. I stepped outside about 10 PM to see if the sky had cleared and got sprinkles on my face. That was the answer!

I took a walk around Arrow Lake at the park yesterday and was rewarded by seeing a tri-colored heron standing very still in the water and very well hidden. Three little moorhens were clucking softly to each other and apparently they have their nest in the sawgrass stand in the water. I watched them swimming in and out of the tall grass. They are pretty well protected at the far end of the lake, although I have seen a large gator there in years past. The gators go where ever they please.

On my way back to the car, two Muscovy ducks came toward me looking for a hand out. It is rare to see these ducks at the park and they probably won't last long. Too many predators!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

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 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 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.

What do we learn from stress?

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.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Sunrise

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! As I stepped outside this morning, the moon was blazing its light in the west, directly over the house and was eclipsing the brilliance of the stars, which were barely visible. Tonight is to be the lunar eclipse, so, if the sky stays clear, we should be able to see part of it, anyway.

It should be a good day for walking with dry air and warming up. Once more, we will have spring-like weather in the middle of Feb. I see the piles of snow on the weather channel on TV and am very grateful that I live in Florida!

Lots of people were enjoying the outdoors at the park yesterday, I saw them hanging over the bridge looking at the water, and wondered if they were looking at turtles or if a gator was hanging in the canal.

A great white heron was looking at a bush at the edge of our yard yesterday, with his neck undulating. It was fascinating to watch! Usually, they don't come in our yard, because sometimes a feral cat hangs around. It doesn't seem to bother the Mama duck and her three almost grown ducklings, though. They like to rest by the plumbago in the shade in the afternoon. God is good!

From the book, Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:

Sunrise, shining its beams through the window on a cold winter's morning, is a welcome sight. Even if the air outside is icy cold, sunrise gives the illusion of warmth. With the rising sun, the city opens its shutters and make preparations for the day; in the country, the farm animals are let out to pasture. Kids are off to school, adults are on their way to work, and each has a different perspective of the sunrise.

Sunrise happens whether we see it or not. Clouds may cover the sky so totally that we can't experience the beauty of the sunbeams making their way to the earth. No matter what the climate, the sun still rises in the eastern horizon and sets over the west. Sunrise is set by God's clock, and it is ours to enjoy in the early mornings when we can see it clearly. It is just as much there for us to enjoy when the clouds cover it. We can trust it to be there-even though it may be hidden for a while.

We can also trust God to be there every morning because He is the one, irrefutable reality in this life, and He remains constant and true!

"The sunrise from on high will visit us to guide our feet into the way of peace."
Luke 1:78-79 NASB

Life is a mixture of sunshine and rain. Laughter and teardrops, pleasure and pain - low tides
and high tides, mountains and plains.

Triumphs, defeats and losses and gains. But there never was a cloud that the son didn't shine through and there's nothing that's impossible for Jesus Christ to do!
Helen Steiner Rice

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Psoaring thru Psalms 32 and 33

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the clear, cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! After the overcast, very warm day yesterday, it is nice to have sixtiest weather for a day or two.

As we drove into the park yesterday, I saw a strange sight coming toward us behind the fence. At first, I thought a huge gopher tortoise, but I stopped and it was a HUGE gator. I had never seen one walking toward me, before! He was out of the lake and walking on the dry ground. When he saw us in the car, he plopped down in the grass and was almost invisible from the road. I drove on down to the office to tell Terry, but when I turned around and went back, he was calmly swimming on down the canal, on the other side of the street! That was exciting! He must have been at least 10 feet long! God's Creation is good!

From Psalm 32 NLT:

6 "Finally, I confessed all my sins to you
and stopped trying to hide them.
I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the Lord."
And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

Therefore; let all the godly confess their
rebellion to you while there is time,
that they may not drown in the
floodwaters of judgment.
For you are my hiding place
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory.

The Lord says, "I will guide you along the
best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it
under control.

Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who
trust the Lord.
So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!"

Psalm 33"We depend on the Lord alone to save us.
Only he can help us protecting us like a shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we are trusting in his holy name.
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord.
for our hope in in your alone."

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

Love and hugs.
Amaryllis

Monday, February 18, 2008

John 9:4

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! Rain is threatening, but we need it on this President's day. I thought about putting out our flag, but didn't want it to get wet.

Yesterday we took a ride to downtown St. Petersburg. What a change since I was a child. I remember when we used to have all celebrations downtown... no shopping malls, no strip centers. The city ended at 54th Avenue North, and 9th St. was brick with grass growing between the bricks. What a bustling place it is now!

We went through the park and saw lots of people enjoying the sun and having picnics and walking dogs. It was too hot for me to take a walk after church, so I was lazy! I really enjoyed looking at the flowers, impatiens and petunias, and azaleas blooming all over town, and in the park, This is a good time of the year. God is good!

From the little book, Knowing God, 2 minutes a day devotional:

"We must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day, Night is coming when no one can work."
John9:4

The words of John 9:4 remind us that "night is coming" for all of us. But until then, God gives us each day and fills it to the brim with possibilities. The day is presented to us fresh and clean at midnight, free of charge, but we must beware. Today is a non-renewable resource - once it's gone it's gone forever Our responsibility, of course, is to use this day in the service of God's will and in accordance with His commandments.

Today, treasure the time that God has given you. And search for the hidden possibilities that God has placed along your path. This day is a priceless gift from your Creator, so use it joyfully and productively. And encourage others to do likewise. After all, night is coming when no one can work.

"Overcommitment and time pressures are the greatest destroyers of marriages and families. It takes time to develop any friendship, whether with a loved one or with God Himself."
James Dobson

"Live in such a way that any day would make a suitable capstone for life. Live so that you need not change your mode of living, even if your sudden departure were immediately predicted to you."
Charles H. Spurgeon

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Love

Good morning, and Happy Valentine's Day dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the chilly day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

I enjoyed walking yesterday in the warm sunshine and cool breezes, but the park was very crowded with tourists and few regulars, It is interesting to hear them talking about the different "birds" and taking pictures . Some of them borrow the guides from the building which are very helpful in identifying the different plants. Anyway, the azaleas are blooming and everything looks lovely after the rain! God is good!

1 Corinthians 13 NLT

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear. Now we know only a little and even the gift of prophecy reveals little! But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear....

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


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Protection

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the changing day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, God protected us from any tornadoes and severe weather last night and I, for one, am thankful! When I stepped outside in the pre-dawn darkness, I could tell the sky was partly clear, because a few stars were dimly sparkling. God is good!

We had some much needed rain that is sure to settle the pollen, which is a good thing. The ducks around here seem to like the gutter water better than the lake and canals that are nearby. I saw the mama duck and her three, almost grown, ducklings splashing in the gutter yesterday. They seem to like to nestle down in the corner of our yard every noonday. They walk for miles during the day, up and down the street. Funny quackers!

Nothing much was going on at the Park yesterday, Francia was leading a group of students off the boardwalk, after teaching them the joys of being out in nature and learning much they didn't know. She takes the screech owls home on the weekends and during the summer, and they fly around her house. Hmm.

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Where can I find protection and safety?

Psalm 121:2-8 "My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall - the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. the Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go both now and forever."

Our protection is directly related to the character, competence, and capability of our protector. The Lord is unsurpassed in all areas. The Maker of heaven and earth is our personal protector. He never sleeps and never turns his attention from us. We walk securely because he guards our every step.

1 Samuel 2:9 "He will protect his godly ones, but the wicked will perish in darkness. No one will succeed by strength alone."

Job 5:19 "He will rescue you again and again so that no evil can touch you."

Psalm 9:9 "The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."

Though troubles and threats will find us in this fallen rebellious world, they are not a surprise to the Lord. He never tires of saving us.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Work

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, overcast day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Storms are predicted for tonight, so I didn't set out the sprinklers this morning. The Lord usually provides.

Have you noticed pollen on your cars from the oak trees? Sunday I noticed it after church from the oak trees in the parking lot. Be forewarned all those with allergies! I haven't washed off the pollen from last spring from the windowsills!

When I walked in the park yesterday, I noticed the maples that have lost their leaves, are now covered with seeds and many seeds were on the boardwalk. Lots of people were out, enjoying the bright sun and a little breeze which cooled things off. A crowd was gathered at the first shelter looking at an alligator, of course. I forget how common it is for me to see them, and how exciting it is for a tourist to see one in the wild. I still, after all these years, enjoy watching them. God is Great!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

What does the Lord promise to those who work hard?

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-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.

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.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, February 11, 2008

Praise Him!

Good morning, a little later than usual, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Due to oversleeping, (it felt good), I am late in everything, but as I stepped outside, a little mockingbird hopped along in front of me before flying off, and another puffy mocker was sitting on the rain gutter looking at me as I came back inside. God's Creation is good!

From a little devotional book Two Minutes a Day, Knowing God:

Praise Him!

"I will praise You with my whole heart."
Psalm 138:1 NKJV

If you're like most folks on the planet, you're busy. Your life is probably hectic, demanding, and complicated.

And when the demands of life leave you rushing from place to place with scarcely a moment to spare, you may not take time to praise your Creator. Big mistake.

The Bible makes it clear: it pays to praise God. Worship and praise should be a part of everything you do. Otherwise, you quickly lose perspective as you fall prey to the demands of every day life.

Do you sincerely desire to know God in a more meaningful way? Then praise Him for who He is and for what He has done for you; and please don't wait until Sunday morning-praise Him all day long, every day, for as long as you live....and then for all eternity.

Great Thoughts:

Maintaining our focus on God will take our praise to heights that nothing else can.
Jeff Walling

Praise opens the window of our hearts, preparing us to walk more closely with God. Prayer raises the window of our spirit, enabling us to listen more clearly to the Father.
Max Lucado

Today's Prayer

Heavenly, Father, I come to You today with hope in my heart and praise on my lips. I place my trust in You, Dear Lord, knowing that with You as my Protector, I have nothing to fear. I thank you, Lord, for Your grace, for your love, and for Your Son. Let me follow in Christ's footsteps today and every day that I live. And then, when my work here is done, let me live with You forever. Amen.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, February 8, 2008

Prayer

Good rainy 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! Well, we need the rain and already it is turning cooler, but that is good because yesterday I had to turn on the A/C, it was so warm and humid! This cold front will not last very long, but is most welcome!

Yesterday on the way to the park, we saw the male peacock, strutting his stuff, with his tail feathers fully fanned out, and two peahens pecking around in front of him not paying any attention. It is amazing to me, how, with the little pea brains they have, he somehow knows just what will show him off better, because he always stands in front of a garage door. God is amazing!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Prayer: How can I know God hears my prayers?

Psalm 145:18 "The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely."

The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.

2 Chronicles 7:14 "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."

1 Peter 3:12 "The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."

Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. We must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.

1 John 5:13-15 "We can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we know he is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for."

While we may not know God's specific will for every situation, we do know that his will is to empower our obedience; to overcome evil with good, and to equip us to be his witnesses. We can pray confidently, for his power and guidance, knowing that we are asking for the very things he must long to give.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Peace

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, looks like rain day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We always need the rain and the humidity is so high, everything is wet outside.

Yesterday, I walked the Hammock trail, instead of the maple trail out to the tower. I only planned to walk a little ways, but my knee and foot felt good, so I walked all the way, and came back along the sidewalk by the canal. I paused at the swampy areas and saw lots of activity, and saw a young gator trying to hide under the shrubs in the canal. I only met one person on my long walk, because everyone likes to take the shorter walk, hoping to see gators. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I be at peace with others?

Psalm 34:14-15 "Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right: his ears are open to their cries for help."

When we pursue peace with others, the Lord supports us in every way. He guards our steps and hears our prayers. We can pray confidently for him to change our won hearts and to touch the lives of those with whom we want to be reconciled.

Matthew 5:9 "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."

God blesses us as we seek to bring his peace to others.

Psalm 37:37 " Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future lies before those who love peace."

Bitterness and revenge can never bring lasting satisfaction. Anger and conflict will destroy our future. God promises a great future to those who make loving him and living at peace with others a way of life.

Proverbs 12:20 "Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!"

Seeking peace with others is one of the surest ways to release streams of joy and peace into our own hearts.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Character

Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I know the weather is frightful just a few hundred miles north of us, but we can't complain here, as we have windows open and enjoy this springlike weather.

Instead of walking yesterday, to give my sore knee and foot a rest, we just drove through the park, but still saw turtles sunning, anhingas drying out wings in the trees and ibis everywhere! Lots of people from all over were enjoying the sun...Maine, Ontario, New Hampshire, and of course, lots of Florida tags.

As I turned off sprinklers in the back yard, I disturbed Mama duck and her three half grown ducklings, splashing in a puddle and enjoying a bath. She looked at me and quickly called her babes away from me, but I just walked the other way. They really stick together as a family and the little quackers mind Mama immediately. God is Awesome!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Will God do anything to change my character, or is it all up to me?

Galatians 5:22-23 "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law."

Philippians 2:5, 12-13 "Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had...Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him."

A transformed character reflects God's work within us and our own choices. The Holy Spirit awakens our desire for love, integrity, and responsibility, but we must choose these in every situation.

What does God promise as we mature in godly character?

Matthew 5:8 "God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. We will experience an increasing sense of God's presence and his blessing."

James 1:4 "When your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."

Romans 5:3-5 "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. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."

As we mature in our faith, we will become stronger and stronger people. Character is like a muscle - it gets stronger with exercise. As our character develops, our confidence in our salvation increases, and the assurance of God's love fills our hearts.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Excerpts from Ephesians

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

When I stepped outside much earlier, the air was coolish and the stars were almost hidden under mist, but now the sky is blue and the day holds much promise!

The first unusual thing I noticed when I walked toward the entrance bridge at the park yesterday were two great white herons - in the very top of a large maple tree across the canal. These very large birds were preening and perching on tiny branches, just as though they were on the ground. It was a stark contrast, because the tree only has a few red leaves left on it. God is full of surprises!

I enjoyed the walk with a slight breeze blowing and noticed an osprey soaring off from a tree and circling higher and higher as I walked. Then, from the largest to the tiniest, I watched as a tiny wren flitted among the leaves in the trees. Very nervous and quick. God is Awesome!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Living by the Spirit's Power

"So 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 your selves, 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....

"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."


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, February 4, 2008

Joy

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayers Partners! This is the warmer day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! As I stepped outside this morning, the moon was gone, but I could dimly see stars through the hazy mist. The weatherman promises eighties warmth today, so all the shrubs will be blooming, because it feels like spring!

Well, for all you who watched the Super Bowl, joy for the Giant fans, and gloom for the Patriot fans. I watched and was for the underdogs, the Giants, but didn't expect them to win. I was overjoyed when they did!

We saw lots of people at the Park yesterday, enjoying the warm weather, walking dogs, kids rolling down the hills and lots of family together time! God is good!

It seems to me that I cannot remember ever seeing so many wood storks around the neighborhood. I don't know where they are in the summer, but I have seen dozens at the lakes, canals, and even yards of homes. Always on the ground...I haven't seen them fly. As I have mentioned before, they never seem happy. But they are some of God's creatures!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I be joyful in hard times?

Habakkuk 3:17-18 "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine, even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation."

Philippians 4:4, 12 "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!,,,I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or in little."

Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.

James 1:2 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy."

Troubles remind us of two things: first, they remind us that this is a fallen world full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in him. This kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, February 1, 2008

Have you Forgiven?

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

When I stepped outside this morning, I noticed that the quarter moon was hazy, and now the wind has picked up and the skies are cloudy, so it looks like rain and another cold front moving in. After yesterday's eighty degree weather, it will be quite a change!

After a long spell of not seeing any, yesterday I saw a gator lazily floating in the canal as I went into the Park. They don't show themselves in the cooler weather, but I also saw one on Sunday curled up on the bank, almost hidden in a lake on the right as I drove in..

I noticed at the lake near our house, a flock of ibis, lots of little ducks, and woodstorks, fluffing their feathers. One little duck was busily taking a bath in the shallow water near the shore. What a great splash he made! God is good!

From the book Quiet Moments for Teachers:

Matthew 6:15 "If you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

One day Corrie ten Boom visited a friend in the hospital Though her friend was quite ill, Corrie noticed that she was also quite bitter.

At first, the two women spent time catching up on each other's lives. Finally the woman said that her husband disliked having a sick wife, and as a result, he had left and was living with a younger woman. Knowing that her friend was greatly distressed, Corrie asked, "Haven you forgiven him?"

The woman said, "Certainly not!"

Corrie remembered a time when she herself had been unforgiving. After World War II, she had recognized a nurse who had been cruel to her dying sister while they were detained in the Ravensbruck concentration camp. The memories flooded back, and she recalled how her sister had suffered because of this nurse.

She knew she must forgive, but she couldn't seem to bring herself to do it. So finally she had a talk with God.

"Lord," she said, "You know I cannot forgive her. My sister suffered too much because of her cruelties." The Lord revealed Romans 5:5 KJV to Corrie. '"The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us."Then she prayed, "Thank You, Father, that Your love in me is stronger than my bitterness."

When she finally met the nurse, Corrie told her that although she had been bitter about what happened to her sister, now she loved her. By the end of their conversation, Corrie shared the way to salvation, and the nurse accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior."

Forgiving someone else is powerful. It is a blessing to the one forgiven, but it also releases the one forgiving from the bondage of bitterness. If you need to forgive someone today, ask God to show you how.

Forgiveness is man's deepest need and highest achievement.
Horace Bushnell

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis