Monday, March 31, 2008

Joy

Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the crescent moon was valiantly shining through the clouds and the wind was blowing and quite cool, but a mockingbird was loudly chirping his good morning in the dark, telling all the other birds to get up! God is good!

I didn't walk yesterday, because my foot was quite painful, but we saw two peacocks with the tails spread... one had his back turned and he is not so lovely from the rear. :o) Then a little further in the park, we watched a gator lazily soaking in the sun. He looked black and shiny. The one I saw last week at the first shelter, was all dried out, and looked tan. They change color as they get older. The babies are black and yellow striped and very difficult to see under the fern, so God has given them protection from predators. God is Wise!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Where does Joy come from?

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

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

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

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

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

For those of you working today these words of wisdom:

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

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

How will God help me when my work is hard?

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

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

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, March 28, 2008

Integrity, con't.

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! As I stepped outside this morning, I saw big puffy, clouds dimming the glow of the half moon, but Venus was shining brightly in the darkness. God is good!

I had mentioned the Parks situation with the cutbacks and for those of you who read the St. Pete Times, you may have noticed the article about it on the Metro section. I wrote a letter to the county parks director relating my concerns about safety, etc. and mailed it off yesterday. Perhaps it will do some good.

I wrote my concerns about the dog excrement all over the park, a couple years ago, and now there are signs, telling people to please pick up after their pets. Letters work! Anyway, it is a lovely place and I enjoy walking there. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

What are the benefits of integrity?

Proverbs 11:3,5 "Good people are guided by their honesty; Treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty... the godly are directed by their honesty, the wicked fall beneath their load of sin."

Integrity keeps us from the trap of dishonesty and the destruction that can result.

A Prayer of Praise Jude 1:24
"And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now and forevermore.
Amen"

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Integrity

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the glorious day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, I noticed the half moon , still bright, but waning enough so that the stars were even more visible. God is Awesome!

Last night I looked all over the northwestern sky to try to spy the space shuttle, but could only see an airplanes' blinking lights far up above. As soon as I came in the house, though, the tremendous double sonic boom rattled the windows! Cool!

I enjoyed a pleasant walk yesterday morning, even though I didn't have my walking shoes on. I had not been planning to walk... just out on a few errands. I took off my jacket because I warmed up so fast, and enjoyed the cool breeze on my face.

Francia, the teacher, hailed me outside her classroom and told me about the squirrels that come in looking for birdseed. There are three pregnant squirrels now, so soon she will have little ones begging. She has a wonderful job!

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 not turned from my God to follow evil. For all his laws are constantly before me. 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.

1 Peter 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

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Character

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! As I stepped outside early this morning, the three quarter moon was beaming brightly in a cloudless sky and all the stars were brilliant. The air is crisp and cool, but promises to warm up nicely as the sun rises. God is Good!

The azaleas are starting to fade in the park and in our front yard, but the trees have all greened up, and once more, spring has come to our part of the world. Seems like there are more herons and ibis around than any other water bird, or maybe I am just noticing them more. The water is higher at the park than I have ever seen it, so maybe that is why the gators are on the move... plus, it's spring and mating season. Anyway, it's time to get out and enjoy!

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, 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;1 "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 expectations 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, March 25, 2008

Morning Drive

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! Maybe this is the last cold spell of the winter, hopefully. But I read and see on TV the floods and snow in other parts of the country and I am thankful I live right where I am!

When I drove into the Park yesterday, I saw a gator sunning between the lakes on the right side of the road and as we drove on to the building, noticed lots of cars. This is spring break time for northerners and they were taking advantage of the nice weather. I walked to the first shelter and saw a very dried out tan gator almost hidden in a small cove and lots of people trying to see it.

On my way in, I saw large ripples from the bridge, and stopped to maybe see an otter, but didn't see anything, then all at once, a huge splash next to the bank under the willow tree. I was so hoping I could see what it was, but it remains a mystery. Sigh.

However, I stood and watched a majestic tri-colored heron on the other bank, walking slowly along, looking for a meal. God's creation is awesome!

From the book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:

Judy could take the freeway to work each morning and arrive instantly, nerves revved, almost before she is awake. But freeways are ugly. Instead she takes the scenic route around several local lakes and starts her day with mental pictures of sunrises, flowers, and people in various states of running and walking.

Affluence and architecture notwithstanding, she feels that nature is the attraction - a chance for a city slicker to enjoy a little tranquility. The slower pace gives her the occasion to see a small troop of deer or watch the ducks and geese depart for the winter and return for their spring nesting activities. She recognizes and studies the walkers and joggers who are out regularly at the crack of dawn.

She says, "When I take the time to glance at the roses along the way, I feel more fortified, just like our mothers wanted us to be with a hearty breakfast, mittens and hats."

Taking a few moments to thank God for the glories of creation will make any day start on a better note!

This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24

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

Happy Birthday, Gil!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, March 24, 2008

Power of God

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, I was immediately struck by the very cool breeze blowing from the north. That means another cold front before spring heats up. The waning moon was beaming through the clouds which were scudding fast along the sky, and I couldn't see any stars. But it promises to be a beautiful day! God is good!

As we drove through the park yesterday, lots of people were enjoying picnics and egg hunts. A gator was lazily sunning himself on the bank of the creek and as people stopped to take photos, he seemed to be annoyed and raised his head and opened his mouth... scary!

But I also saw a beautiful sight... flying through the air was a roseate spoonbill over the lake near us! Breathtaking! God is Awesome!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

What is God's power like?

Psalm 20:4-7 "May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers. Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power. Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the Lord our God."

God's power is greater than that of the greatest kings who ever ruled or the mightiest armies that ever marched. That power is ours as we trust him, obey him, and honor his name.

Psalm 44:4-7 "You are my King and my God. You command victories for your people. Only by your power can we push back our enemies. Only in your name can we trample our foes. I do not trust my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. It is you who gives us victory over our enemies; it is you who humbles those who hate us".

God's power is greater than any of the skills or resources we have at our disposal. While we may use the means that God has provided to us, we know that victory comes from God alone.

How can God's power help me?

Psalm 60:12 "With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes."

We should not look at the size of the problem but at the size of our God. When there are great things to be done, we have a great God who will do them through us.

Isaiah 40:29 "He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak."

2Corinthians 12:9 "Each time he said, 'My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses , so that the power of Christ may work through me."

God's power does not depend on human strength and power. In fact, our resources can get in the way if we rely on them instead of on the Lord. God's power flows through our weaknesses like electric current through a wire. The wire is simply a conductor, with no power in itself. But without the wire, the current doesn't flow. God is looking for people who are wired for his service.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, March 21, 2008

GOoD Friday

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

Have you seen the full moon the past two nights? Glorious in the clear sky and last night during the sunset, the sky was painted with pink reflecting on the contrails stretching across the fading blueness. God is good!

From Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT

Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Empowering

"When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.
Amen.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, March 20, 2008

A Psalm of Thanksgiving

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool wet day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I heard the rain come through early this morning, but stayed in bed and just listened, thankful for the shelter that God provides for us.

Due to the high winds, the boardwalk at the Park was closed yesterday, so I didn't walk, but did drive into the park and noticed many people walking their dogs and enjoying just sitting on the benches, enjoying the peacefulness.

Unfortunately, many changes are coming to the County parks, due to budget cuts... no more supervisors, except five, and no one to call when trees fall on the boardwalk. This all starts in July. Not being an activist, I wish I could do something, so I will keep praying for a way to let my feelings be known.

But, God is in control, and He is GOoD!

Psalm 100 NLT

Shout with joy to the Lord, O earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
For the Lord is good,
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each
generation.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Then came Sunday)

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Blessings

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

I enjoyed a walk out to the tower yesterday, with a brisk breeze blowing and making waves on the lake. I stopped at the first shelter to look at two gators, one looked like Mama gator and the other was younger. They were attracting a crowd. Many of our visitors have never had the opportunity to see gators in their natural habitat, so it was a treat for them and me, too!

On my way back, I heard a persistent "mew, chirp" and didn't realize at first that it was my favorite catbird. So I stood and peered into the shrubs looking for it, and saw a fleeting glimpse of black. God is good!

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.

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

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

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.

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."

When we are tempted to give up, new resolve comes from remembering that God promises to bring a 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 (Then came Sunday)

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Psoaring thru Psalms

Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this dark morning, I noticed Venus in the dark sky and lots of other stars dimly glittering. This must be the time of year when all the planets and stars are further away from earth, and we can't see them too well.

I missed my walk yesterday, but did go through the park and noticed it had been freshly mowed and lots of out of towners were enjoying the sun and the picnics. Some were just sitting in their lawn chairs, looking at the canal and watching the anhingas and the ibis as they went about their business. I saw a anhinga drying out flat on the ground. Very unusual. They are usually on a branch or the top of a light pole to dry out. The one on the ground must have felt very secure. God is good!

Psalm 37 excerpts from the Promise Bible NLT:

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

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

Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him and he will help you.
He will make your conscience 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...

It is better to be godly and have little
than to be evil and possess much.
For the strength of the wicked will be shattered,
but the Lord takes care of the godly."

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, March 17, 2008

Know Your Objectives

Top O" the Mornin' to Ye, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the St. Patrick's day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We are having cooler weather after yesterday's very warm sun and humidity, but since Easter is coming we may have more cool air to rejoice in!

Some observations over the weekend... A great white heron in a retention pond flipping a frog up and around, trying to get the very floppy frog in just the right position for the heron to swallow. Peacocks folding their tails, after the parade. Tiny wrens flitting about the bushes and lots of people out enjoying the beautiful weather. God is Marvelous!

From Quiet Moments with God:

"The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor."
1 Corinthians 3:8

In the book Work and Contemplation, Douglas Steere tells a story from the Great Depression era when work was scarce, but people took great pride in whatever job they did. Instead of receiving welfare checks, able-bodied people were given what sometimes amounted to busywork in order to earn their pay. The program was created to add a measure of dignity to "being on the dole." Folks who did not have to take advantage of the program openly welcomed it, while the workers who did join join the program were often embarrassed they had to do so.

Christians are frequently admonished to value one another's work and to work in a spirit of cooperation. This is easier when every member of the team clearly understands the objective. When the objective is finally attained, each is able to share in the satisfaction of seeing his or her contribution to the overall success.

Focus on the objectives you are working toward, and make certain the whole team has a clear understanding of the goals that have been set.

More men fail through lack of purpose than through lack of talent.
Billy Sunday

An Irish Blessing:

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind always be at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rain fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His Hand.

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, March 14, 2008

Hugs to encourage and inspire

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

I saw a few stars when I stepped outside in the darkness this morning, but mostly the sky was a little misty.

Although it is chilly now, as soon as the sun comes up, it will warm up. God is good!

We watched the sun come up at the VA Hospital grounds yesterday, After the first appointment at 6:45AM, we went to the car and had a small breakfast with the food I had brought. Our next appointment was at 8:40AM, and I have sampled the canteen food before, so I brought our own. :o)

The campus is quite lovely and well kept, so it was almost, but not quite, like being in a park. We didn't leave until 11:30AM after Louis' third appointment, so we were happy to get home and eat a good meal.

From the tiny book, Hugs to Encourage and Inspire come these hopeful words:

Be full of strength and courage,
Do not be terrified:
Do not be discouraged,
I will be with you
wherever you go.
Love,
Your God of strength and courage.
Joshua 1:9

Would you describe yourself as a person of courage?
Probably not.
Your image of courage may have been shaped by
television and movies;
Courage is Superwoman or man flying
to rescue a helpless child from a burning building.

Make believe courage is hard to live up to.
But real courage, in real life,
May describe you to a tee.

It takes courage to care abut family and friends enough to get involved with their struggles. It takes courage to complete what you start. It takes courage to confront weakness in your own life and in the lives of those you love.

It takes courage to confess that your thoughtless words or negligent actions have hurt someone you love.

Quite simply, it takes courage to live each day with integrity.

You may not describe yourself as a person of courage, but look again--you may discover courageous feats of kindness or heroic manifestations of unconditional love.

Say, would you like to be in a movie?

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Happy Thursday!

Good evening, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! Due to a 6:45 AM appointment , fasting for Louis at the VA hospital tomorrow, Yikes!, there will be no email devotional from me... so I thought I would send these thoughts along now.

I walked this morning, and was delighted to see my favorite bird, the catbird, land on the rail just as walked over the bridge. I stood and watched and listened to him chirp, mew his little song, and then he flew off and I continued my walk, I noticed that a large maple tree had broken in the storm a couple days ago, and broke down the railing which is now mostly repaired, except for the crossbars. The guys get busy right away, repairing the storm damage.

On our way into the park, we watched a large gator walking from one lake to another. I love to watch them walk, because the reality of their size and age is very apparent. They look prehistoric.

This is a repeat from an anonymous source:

Take time to work.
It is the price of success.
Take time to think.
It is the source of power.
Take time to play,
It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to be friendly,
It is the road to happiness.
Take time to love and be loved,
It is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to share,
Life is too short to be selfish.
Take time to laugh,
Laughter is the music of the soul.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Yawn)

The Butterfly Inside

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! Yes, it is still morning, although I am a little later this morning. I got up at 12:30 this morning to close the windows that were open, because of a sudden rainstorm that woke me up. It just poured for awhile, very unexpectedly. God knows we need rain!

Anyway, now that the furnace is fixed, we will have warm weather for awhile. It was actually too warm to walk yesterday afternoon, after the repairmen left, but I did ride through the park, and took a little comfort in seeing the azaleas, the calm water and the trees all turning bright green, with spring growth. God is good!

From Quiet Moments with God:

1 John 4:7 "Dear Friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God, and knows God."

Jean Thompson stood in front of her fifth grade class on the first day of school and told them that she loved each child in the class equally. But she knew that wasn't entirely true, because there in front of her was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed he didn't play well with the other children. His clothes were unkempt, and he always seemed to need a bath.

When Mrs Thompson reviewed Teddy's records, she found that his first grade teacher has written, "Teddy is a bright, inquisitive child." His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is well liked by his classmates, but troubled because his mother has a terminal illness."

His third grade teacher wrote, "Teddy continues to work hard, but his mother's death has affected him." Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn..."

At Christmas, Teddy brought Mrs Thompson a present. She opened the package and found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing and a partial bottle of cologne. She mentioned how pretty the bracelet was and dabbed some of the perfume behind her wrist. Teddy said, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smell just like my mom used to."

Just as Mrs. Thompson realized that she had let Teddy's physical appearance and poor attitude color her judgment of him, many of us are guilty of doing the same thing at times. The words and actions of other people fan wound a tender spirit, especially that of a child.

As you reflect upon your day, ask yourself how your actions impacted other people? It's important to remember that Jesus loved everyone regardless of position in life, character, intelligence, or physical beauty. The Bible says, "Love thy neighbor." It doesn't say love them only if they're pretty, or the mayor, or the minister. Remember, there is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly.

Do not judge men by mere appearances; for the light laughter that bubbles on the lip often mantles over the depths of sadness, and the serious look may be the sober veil that covers a divine peace and joy.
Edwin Hubbell

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Living by the Spirit's Power

Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, cool morning that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! No stars or moon visible for the last couple days, because of clouds, but bright sunshine will probably come this afternoon. God is good!

I arrived at the Park yesterday in time to watch a large gator swim lazily down the canal in back of the building, with a small crowd watching him. More azaleas are blooming and the oak trees are shedding seeds, making for allergies! Even though it is dark later, now, I heard a mockingbird chirping an early morning greeting to anyone who might be listening. It was a cheerful sound to start the day.

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians 5 excerpts:

"Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But when the light shines on them, it becomes clear how evil these things are. And where your light shines, it will expose their evil deeds. This is why it is said;
Awake, O sleeper,
rise up from the dead,
and Christ will give you light."

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 yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..

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, March 10, 2008

Hope

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 am a little later than usual because I made up for my lost hour of sleep yesterday, by sleeping later this morning!

Observations from around town yesterday: a traffic jam on Central Ave. on Sunday afternoon... hundreds of people downtown for no special event - just visiting restaurants, museums, the Pier, and shopping. St. Petersburg is a happening place! I grew up here and how it has changed.

Then I saw a kingfisher on the line by the lake near our home, a gator swimming in the canal at the Park and flocks of ibises near the school. As I was picking up twigs and stuff blown off the oak trees after the windy storm, I heard a hawk nearby, but couldn't see it. It sounded like it was in one of our oaks. God's Creation is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Peter 1:21 "Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God."

The resurrection, the greatest event in history, is the foundation of our hope.

When people get motion sickness, they need to fix their eyes on the horizon in the distance in order to regain composure. Remaining fixed on a point in the distance helps us travel. Jesus' followers fix their eyes on an eternal horizon. This gives us hope in all the discomforts of daily life.

How can I hope when times are tough?

Hebrews 10:23 "Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise."

Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.

John 14:1 "Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me."

Our troubles do not surprise the Lord and should not surprise us. Trouble is rampant in this fallen world. Our focus should be on Jesus who has overcome this world and all its troubles.

Romans 15:13 "I pray that God who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." (my favorite verse)

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, March 7, 2008

Cruisin' thru Colossians

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 usually welcome a cloudy, rainy day because of the mostly sunshine we have all the time, so even though it is windy, the air is warm and humid, so we rejoice!

No stars this morning when I stepped outside and I did all the outside errands yesterday before any rain could dampen my spirits!

I saw a big, fat, shiny black gator heave himself up on the bank of the canal yesterday at the Park in the bright sun. Guess he was hoping to warm up a bit. There is always something going on in the Park.

As I walked recently, one of the staff that I had met briefly and never conversed with, came toward me in a cart, so I stopped to let him by, and he stopped, turned off the motor, and chatted with me. There are budget cuts in the county and seventy or so employees will be laid off, or moved around, and he thinks he may be one of them, because he doesn't have many years in. I feel sorry for those who feel the pinch of the economy.

But I give praises that God has always provided for our needs and a lot of our wants! God is good!!

Excerpts from Colossians NLT:

Col. 3 "Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful."

"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."

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Roamin' Thru Romans

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another cool day that the Lord has made and we will be glad and rejoice in it! When I stepped outside this morning, I could feel the cool air and was surprised that it was not as cold as I thought. I didn't want to leave the cozy bed because I thought it was colder than it is!

But the stars were glittering through the puffy clouds and shining in the darkness, so all is well.

As I drove into the Park yesterday, Terry was standing beside a huge truck talking with the supervisor who did the work on rebuilding the boardwalk, so I stopped and we greeted each other. He always asks me where I've been and I always tell him he is the one missing, because I am there every day!

There weren't too many people on the boardwalk, just a few tourists and a runner, who cheerfully greeted everyone she passed. I enjoyed the wind on my face to cool me down, and watched a tiny wren flitting around the colorful azaleas. The azaleas are really pretty this year at the Park, They usually trim them so far down that they don't bloom much, but God is Good!

From the book, Quiet Moments:

A Cork's Influence

"Let us behave decently, as in the daytime clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 13:13-14

A tour group passed through a particular room in a factory. They viewed an elongated bar of steel, which weighed five hundred pounds, suspended vertically by a chain. Near it, an average size cork was suspended by a silk thread.

The attendant told the group they would shortly see something seemingly impossible. She said the cork was going to set the steel bar in motion.

She took the cork in her hand, pulled it only slightly to the side of its original position, and released it. The cork swung gently against the steel bark, which remained motionless.

For ten minutes the cork struck the iron bar. Finally the bar vibrated slightly. By the time the tour group passed through the room an hour later, the great bar was swinging like the pendulum of a clock!

Many of us feel we are not exerting a feather's weight of influence upon others or making a dent in the bastions of evil in the world. No so! Sometimes we don't realize how powerful the cumulative influence of God's goodness, which we walk in, is to those around us.

Not everyone is called to spread the love of Jesus through the pulpit, on the evangelistic trail, or in a full time counseling ministry., Most of us are called to live our lives as "corks", through word and example - quietly, gently tapping away through the work of our daily lives. Tap by loving tap, in God's time, even the quietest Christian can make a huge difference in the lives of those whom preachers may never reach.

As you go about your day today, remember that even a smile can warm a person's heart and draw them to Jesus.

The greatest thing a man can do for his heavenly Father is to be kind to some of his other children.
Henry Drummond


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Philippians 4:13

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the coolish day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Guess we can expect more cool days, since it isn't April yet.

This morning as I stepped outside, the moon was not visible, but Venus was high in the sky and seemed far away. A few clouds were streaking the sky, but it promises to be a beautiful day!

Because of threatening rain and strong winds, I didn't walk yesterday, but did notice woodstorks, all huddled up and a tri-colored heron by the lake. The canal is blanketed with maple seeds, oak seeds and leaves. The water is still, so the seed and leaves on top, just seem to sit there. I watched a tiny child toddling to catch up with her brother, talking baby talk all the way.

On the way in, Mr. Peacock was dragging his fanned-out feathers on the ground. They roost in trees at night, and the tail feathers hang way down! God is amazing!

From the book Quiet Moments with God:

Nothing is Impossible with God

Scientists say it can't be done! It's impossible. Aerodynamic theory is crystal clear. Bumblebees cannot fly.

The reason is because the size, weight, and shape of the bumblebee's body in relation to the total wing spread make it impossible to fly. The bumblebee is simply too heavy, too wide, and too large to fly with wings that small.

However, the bumblebee is ignorant of these scientific facts and goes ahead and flies anyway.

It was God who created the bumblebee and god who taught it how to fly. The bumblebee obviously didn't question God about the problem with aerodynamics. It simply flew. It didn't question whether God really knew what He was talking about. It simply flew. It didn't wonder if God really loved it when He gave it such small wings. It simply flew.

When God created us, He also equipped us for the life ahead. He says He knows the plans He has for our lives. Because He loves us, He has promised to be with us, to teach us, to carry us, and to be our Rock. All we have to do is trust and obey.

God is not limited by our understanding of how things happen. Just because we can't see something, doesn't mean it's not real. Faith is, indeed, the substance of things not seen. Sometimes life is inexplicable, and the impossible happens. We can't always explain everything.

And just because we don't understand how something can be done, doesn't mean our Almighty God can't do it.

God is within all things, but not included.
Outside all things, but no excluded:
Above all things, but not beyond their reach.
Pope Gregory the Great

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Wisdom from James

Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will be glad and rejoice in it! Well, I was wrong about the moon not being visible this morning... there it was - just a sliver, but hanging upside down in the southeast. If Venus was visible it was the star some distance away. God is Amazing the way He moves the planets and stars around!

Yesterday was so warm, I took only a short walk in the Park, and watched the circles of ripples where the tilapia are bedding in the canal. There was quite a strong breeze blowing and so it cooled me down, but spring is definitely here. More and more the azaleas are blooming and putting on quite a show. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

James 5:13-20
Are any among you suffering? They should keep on praying about it. And those who have reason to be thankful should continually sing praises to the Lord.

Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. And their prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make them well. And anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for the next three and a half years! Then he prayed for rain, and down it poured. The grass turned green, and the crops began to grow again.

My dear brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back again, you can be sure that the one who brings that person back will save that sinner from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, March 3, 2008

Landscapes

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! Since I last wrote, we have turned over a new month and this time, March came in like a lamb! The old saying goes, it will go out like a lion!

I hope you early risers saw the gorgeous sight in the sky this morning. The thin crescent moon was hanging low in the southeastern sky and Venus was just a little above it. Tomorrow there won't be a moon, but Venus will still be there! And we have been having some colorful sunsets these days. God is good!

The trees are all greening out at the park, and the desolate, bare branches hanging over the water are now, all green and pretty. As soon as our trees get through shedding, they will be all newly green. Spring is here!

I have a dear friend who loves to work in her yard, because it releases anxiety, so I thought of her when I read this from Quiet Moments with God:

1 Corinthians 15:58
"My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."

The landscapes around a home are usually very personal and reflect the individual taste of the homeowners. Making the outside reflect the owner is a unique talent landscape architects and novice gardeners have in common....

Landscaping is indeed an art, but it is also much more. These eye-catching scenes say something about the owner. they express the preferences of the owner, giving insight into what is appreciated and worth all that effort to create.

Most gardeners will tell you that even though they love gardening, it's still work. It involves investing money, time, and hard work to create the desired results. For the first year or two, a well-landscaped yard requires just about as much work as a new baby does. It takes preparation and commitment - and a lot of hard work.

The way we live our physical lives also expresses who we are and what we appreciate. It takes preparation, the nourishment of the Word, and constant attention to the weeds in our daily lives in order to create a beautiful and satisfying spiritual landscape.

One thorn of experience is wortha whole wilderness of warning.
James Russell Lowell

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis