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 earlier the thin crescent moon was hanging high in the eastern sky as it slowly disappears from sight for awhile.
I have been putting a dab of peanut butter on a big knot on our oak tree and watching the squirrels go after it. They look so funny holding the bite in their paws and then gumming the sticky stuff. But they love it! Doesn't matter if it's chunky or smooth.
Matthew discovered a lizard with a leg hanging by a thread, and looked for it yesterday morning, and found it dead. Looked like it had been caught by something. Sigh. That's the way God planned for things to work out.
We waited so long for our door to be painted, that we didn't get to walk through the Park in the morning and it was too hot in the afternoon, but we rode through and not many people were there.
Pray for good weather and that the space shuttle will go off on time, because Brian and Matthew are driving over to the Cape to watch it tomorrow!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Romans 12:20-21 KJV
If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
John Wesley found a positive and helpful way to settle quarrels. In his journal he wrote of a disagreement that took place in one of the religious gatherings called Societies. Fourteen people were expelled from the group as a result. Not seeing any good reason why such an action should have taken place, Wesley called the entire group together to try to bring about reconciliation.
Prior to the sermon, prayer, and communion, Wesley recalls, "I willing received then all again, requiring only one condition of the contenders on both sides, to say not one word of anything that was past."
He then goes on to describe the healing that took place in the group when the recounting of old wounds was eliminated as a possibility.
Extending God's grace to those who have wronged us can repair just about any broken relationship. Instead of returning anger with anger, choose to use kindness.
By taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing over it, he is superior.
Francis Bacon
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Work
Good morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Well, better late than never!
Yesterday, after a trip to Lowe's, I felt strong enough to take a walk with Matthew, out to see the baby gators. We thought we would be disappointed, but after carefully looking, I discovered three of them almost hidden in the mud under a bush. The biggest one has really grown.. he is about a foot long and very fat, so whatever they eat, agrees with them. It was good to walk again, even though a little warm.
And, I discovered this morning, that not only do I have an amaryllis blooming, but another stalk is about to pop open with blossoms! God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
How is my work important to the Lord?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs."
Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work: (1) having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and (2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.
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 us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, better late than never!
Yesterday, after a trip to Lowe's, I felt strong enough to take a walk with Matthew, out to see the baby gators. We thought we would be disappointed, but after carefully looking, I discovered three of them almost hidden in the mud under a bush. The biggest one has really grown.. he is about a foot long and very fat, so whatever they eat, agrees with them. It was good to walk again, even though a little warm.
And, I discovered this morning, that not only do I have an amaryllis blooming, but another stalk is about to pop open with blossoms! God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
How is my work important to the Lord?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs."
Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work: (1) having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and (2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.
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 us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Today in the Word
Good morning, a little late, 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 much earlier, the half moon was beaming brightly in the clear sky and the air was cool! It felt wonderful and promises to be a good day!
We drove through the Park yesterday, and already throngs of people were gathering for picnics. We had our picnic at home, and tried to save the driving.
But we did see the peacocks and watched the anhingas and lot of ibis pecking in the yards and all around the park. The park looked really nice, since it is all mowed.
From Today in the Word by Moody:
Today's devotional focuses on Jonah, who disobeyed God by running from his assignment. He sailed in the opposite direction and was thrown overboard, and as he thought he was drowning, he called out to God, and God answered. He sent a fish to swallow Jonah and save him.
Jonah's redeeming moment came after he was swallowed. He didn't exactly acknowledge his sin, although he did know he was being punished. He didn't promise to obey the command of God.
The most compelling part of Jonah's prayer was when he acknowledged the very fact about God he would later come to regret: salvation comes from Him. Jonah knew he desperately needed the Lord's help.
Today along the way
Jonah didn't reach the pinnacle of godly behavior or attitude, but God still used him to deliver His message to Nineveh, and to us. His saving grace was that he recognized his need for God, and he called on Him for help. If you ever doubt your ability to accomplish what God has called you do do, call out to Him for help. Don't rely on your strength alone to achieve great things for God. If He can send a fish to save a reluctant prophet, He can provide for you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We drove through the Park yesterday, and already throngs of people were gathering for picnics. We had our picnic at home, and tried to save the driving.
But we did see the peacocks and watched the anhingas and lot of ibis pecking in the yards and all around the park. The park looked really nice, since it is all mowed.
From Today in the Word by Moody:
Today's devotional focuses on Jonah, who disobeyed God by running from his assignment. He sailed in the opposite direction and was thrown overboard, and as he thought he was drowning, he called out to God, and God answered. He sent a fish to swallow Jonah and save him.
Jonah's redeeming moment came after he was swallowed. He didn't exactly acknowledge his sin, although he did know he was being punished. He didn't promise to obey the command of God.
The most compelling part of Jonah's prayer was when he acknowledged the very fact about God he would later come to regret: salvation comes from Him. Jonah knew he desperately needed the Lord's help.
Today along the way
Jonah didn't reach the pinnacle of godly behavior or attitude, but God still used him to deliver His message to Nineveh, and to us. His saving grace was that he recognized his need for God, and he called on Him for help. If you ever doubt your ability to accomplish what God has called you do do, call out to Him for help. Don't rely on your strength alone to achieve great things for God. If He can send a fish to save a reluctant prophet, He can provide for you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 23, 2008
Problems
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the sky was covered with heavy clouds and I could see brightness where the moon was hidden, so I waited and soon a triangular break blew over the moon and it was revealed for a brief moment! God is good!
Now, the sun has come out and blue sky is showing in some areas, but looks like another partly rainy day in here. This is good after our long drought.
We saw the showy peacock with tail feathers fanned out, as we drove into the park yesterday. He always picks a garage door to stand in front of as he flaunts his beauty! Proud as a peacock!
I also saw several anhingas drying out their wings.. not nearly as beautiful as a peacock, but God made all creatures different and lovely in their own ways.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when problems overwhelm me?
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid?
The Lord protects me from danger--so why should I tremble?
Problems can turn our eyes from the Lord. Use them, instead, as opportunities to turn our eyes to the Lord for his protection, his guiding light, and his saving power.
Psalm 145:14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
God finds the fallen and never passes them by. When we feel we can't go another step he shoulders our loads, easing our pain and burden.
Psalm 42:5-6 Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember your kindness-from Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar.
Remember God's mercy. He has been faithful in the past and will faithful in the future. Memory ignites the fire of hope and drives away the darkness of despair.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Now, the sun has come out and blue sky is showing in some areas, but looks like another partly rainy day in here. This is good after our long drought.
We saw the showy peacock with tail feathers fanned out, as we drove into the park yesterday. He always picks a garage door to stand in front of as he flaunts his beauty! Proud as a peacock!
I also saw several anhingas drying out their wings.. not nearly as beautiful as a peacock, but God made all creatures different and lovely in their own ways.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when problems overwhelm me?
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid?
The Lord protects me from danger--so why should I tremble?
Problems can turn our eyes from the Lord. Use them, instead, as opportunities to turn our eyes to the Lord for his protection, his guiding light, and his saving power.
Psalm 145:14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
God finds the fallen and never passes them by. When we feel we can't go another step he shoulders our loads, easing our pain and burden.
Psalm 42:5-6 Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember your kindness-from Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar.
Remember God's mercy. He has been faithful in the past and will faithful in the future. Memory ignites the fire of hope and drives away the darkness of despair.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Prayers for protection
Good morning, a little late, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the rainy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I was surprised when I stepped outside and felt sprinkles earlier and since then, we have had a nice shower. Hopefully, the rain will pass on by the time I am ready to go shopping.
Yesterday was sunny and so hot, I thought it unusual to see only a few cars in the Park. The grass and trees were simmering in the sun, so the shade of the trees was most welcome. I am still not up to walking, but the good thing about that, is that my sore foot is not sore from the long rest! :o) God is good!
I asked Terry, my friend the superintendent of the Park, if he knew if the baby gators were still at the shelter. He said he didn't have a clue! He is so busy with paperwork and meetings he doesn't have a chance to get on the boardwalk!
I thought it would be a good day to share the scripture prayers I pray for most of you each morning. I have been adding to the list of names that I insert over the years, to make the prayers personal for all of you.
Eph. 1:16 I have not stopped giving thanks for _____remembering you in my prayers.
Isa. 40:31 ____hopes in the Lord, who will renew ___strength.
____will soar on wings like eagles.
____ will run and not grow weary.
____ will walk and not be faint.
____be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God, ____, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
For ____struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, ____, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. In addition to the armor, ____,take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Eph. 6:10-13
You, dear ones, are from God, and have overcome, because the one who is in You, is greater than the one Who is in the world.
1 John 4:4
No weapon forges against you all will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of ____, who trusts in Him. Nahum 1:7
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in you all, To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen!
Eph. 3:20,21
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was surprised when I stepped outside and felt sprinkles earlier and since then, we have had a nice shower. Hopefully, the rain will pass on by the time I am ready to go shopping.
Yesterday was sunny and so hot, I thought it unusual to see only a few cars in the Park. The grass and trees were simmering in the sun, so the shade of the trees was most welcome. I am still not up to walking, but the good thing about that, is that my sore foot is not sore from the long rest! :o) God is good!
I asked Terry, my friend the superintendent of the Park, if he knew if the baby gators were still at the shelter. He said he didn't have a clue! He is so busy with paperwork and meetings he doesn't have a chance to get on the boardwalk!
I thought it would be a good day to share the scripture prayers I pray for most of you each morning. I have been adding to the list of names that I insert over the years, to make the prayers personal for all of you.
Eph. 1:16 I have not stopped giving thanks for _____remembering you in my prayers.
Isa. 40:31 ____hopes in the Lord, who will renew ___strength.
____will soar on wings like eagles.
____ will run and not grow weary.
____ will walk and not be faint.
____be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God, ____, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
For ____struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, ____, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. In addition to the armor, ____,take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Eph. 6:10-13
You, dear ones, are from God, and have overcome, because the one who is in You, is greater than the one Who is in the world.
1 John 4:4
No weapon forges against you all will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of ____, who trusts in Him. Nahum 1:7
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in you all, To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen!
Eph. 3:20,21
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Ecclesiastes
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the full moon was shining through a few clouds, but it was the first morning in a while that the sky has been clear enough to see the moon. God is Awesome!
Since this bronchitis is slow to go away, I am still not walking, but drove through the Park yesterday and saw a gator swimming toward the bank across from the shop... probably heading for the bank to catch a few rays! A hawk flew across from us in a pine tree, so even though I am not walking, I still get to enjoy God's creatures!
From Ecclesiastes 3 NLT
There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
What do people really get for all their hard work? I have thought about this in connection with the various kinds of work God has given people to do. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. So I concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Since this bronchitis is slow to go away, I am still not walking, but drove through the Park yesterday and saw a gator swimming toward the bank across from the shop... probably heading for the bank to catch a few rays! A hawk flew across from us in a pine tree, so even though I am not walking, I still get to enjoy God's creatures!
From Ecclesiastes 3 NLT
There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
What do people really get for all their hard work? I have thought about this in connection with the various kinds of work God has given people to do. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. So I concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Personal Ideals
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We had such a nice hard rain yesterday, that I didn't set out sprinklers this morning. Funny thing, I can water with the well water, but let it rain, and the grass greens up right away! God is good!
I ventured out yesterday evening, after taking care not to exert all day... my voice was gone anyway, and we drove over to the Park after supper. Surprisingly, there were a lot of people there. Some kind of a meeting , for they all formed a circle and were waiting for others to come. I was interested, but we didn't stick around to see what it was.
I haven't seen the tiny screech owl peeking out of the box, ever since the tree trimmers came a few days ago. I hope she didn't get scared away!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?
What do you hold to be your personal ideals-the qualities you consider to be foremost in defining good character?
This is what Sir William Osler once said about his own ideals:
I have three personal ideals:
One, to do the day's work well and not to bother about tomorrow. The second ideal has been to act the Golden Rule, as far as in me lay, toward my professional brethren and toward the patients committed to my care. And the third has been to cultivate such a measure of equanimity as would enable me to bear success with humility, the affection of my friends without pride, and to be ready when the day of sorrow and grief come to meet it with the courage befitting a man.
This morning, give some thought to what you hold to be the characteristics if a respected life. What do you aspire to in your own character?
As you identify these traits, you can then see more clearly how you desire to live your life and what must change in order to live up to your ideals.
Fame is vapor, popularity an accident: riches take wings, and only one thing endures and that is character.
Horace Greeley
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I ventured out yesterday evening, after taking care not to exert all day... my voice was gone anyway, and we drove over to the Park after supper. Surprisingly, there were a lot of people there. Some kind of a meeting , for they all formed a circle and were waiting for others to come. I was interested, but we didn't stick around to see what it was.
I haven't seen the tiny screech owl peeking out of the box, ever since the tree trimmers came a few days ago. I hope she didn't get scared away!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?
What do you hold to be your personal ideals-the qualities you consider to be foremost in defining good character?
This is what Sir William Osler once said about his own ideals:
I have three personal ideals:
One, to do the day's work well and not to bother about tomorrow. The second ideal has been to act the Golden Rule, as far as in me lay, toward my professional brethren and toward the patients committed to my care. And the third has been to cultivate such a measure of equanimity as would enable me to bear success with humility, the affection of my friends without pride, and to be ready when the day of sorrow and grief come to meet it with the courage befitting a man.
This morning, give some thought to what you hold to be the characteristics if a respected life. What do you aspire to in your own character?
As you identify these traits, you can then see more clearly how you desire to live your life and what must change in order to live up to your ideals.
Fame is vapor, popularity an accident: riches take wings, and only one thing endures and that is character.
Horace Greeley
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, May 19, 2008
Planning
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the overcast day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I know we should give thanks in all things, but I am really not thankful for this cough and laryngitis that I have. I have only been in the car one time in the last two days though, so I am thankful we are saving gas!
I am thankful for the little bit of rain we had yesterday and maybe last night, because everything was wet this morning. I am not walking until I get over this bug and have more energy, so the baby gators will have to get along without me.
Speaking of gators, that was a terrific story Jeff Klinkenburg wrote in yesterday's Saint Petersburg Times on the woman gator catcher! With pictures of huge gators!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 3: 21-26 "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap."
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I know we should give thanks in all things, but I am really not thankful for this cough and laryngitis that I have. I have only been in the car one time in the last two days though, so I am thankful we are saving gas!
I am thankful for the little bit of rain we had yesterday and maybe last night, because everything was wet this morning. I am not walking until I get over this bug and have more energy, so the baby gators will have to get along without me.
Speaking of gators, that was a terrific story Jeff Klinkenburg wrote in yesterday's Saint Petersburg Times on the woman gator catcher! With pictures of huge gators!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 3: 21-26 "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap."
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 16, 2008
A benediction
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
It is hard for me to be glad that I have a cold, but I do rejoice in the day. :o)
Since I have been pampering myself by not doing much except reading a novel, I have little to report. I did have to get a few groceries yesterday, so I spent a few minutes watching a large baby osprey in the sloppy nest on top of a light pole at Publix. The nests have no sides, so it looks like it would be very easy to fall out, but I guess they would learn to fly in a hurry on the way down!
I took a ride to the Park and noticed a large class that Francia was lecturing at the entrance bridge. If the children listen (and Parents) they can learn a lot from her. I believe this will be her last day for classes, as Steve said the buses stop running the 15th, or maybe I'm wrong. She has two baby birds in boxes in the classroom that someone brought in and left at different times. One was left in the bathroom and one in front of the classroom door. People must know her reputation!
From the New King James Bible:
Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and Hugs,
Amaryllis
It is hard for me to be glad that I have a cold, but I do rejoice in the day. :o)
Since I have been pampering myself by not doing much except reading a novel, I have little to report. I did have to get a few groceries yesterday, so I spent a few minutes watching a large baby osprey in the sloppy nest on top of a light pole at Publix. The nests have no sides, so it looks like it would be very easy to fall out, but I guess they would learn to fly in a hurry on the way down!
I took a ride to the Park and noticed a large class that Francia was lecturing at the entrance bridge. If the children listen (and Parents) they can learn a lot from her. I believe this will be her last day for classes, as Steve said the buses stop running the 15th, or maybe I'm wrong. She has two baby birds in boxes in the classroom that someone brought in and left at different times. One was left in the bathroom and one in front of the classroom door. People must know her reputation!
From the New King James Bible:
Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and Hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Psalm 100
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!
Due to the smoggy air from the wildfires on the other coasts, I am staying in as much as possible and treating cold symptoms.
Please pray that the Zicam and prayers will have me back to my old self soon!
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
Due to the smoggy air from the wildfires on the other coasts, I am staying in as much as possible and treating cold symptoms.
Please pray that the Zicam and prayers will have me back to my old self soon!
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
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
I saw the sunrise!
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The sunrise was glorious this morning, in spite of the ozone, which is unhealthy today. Last night the sunset was lovely, too.
Yesterday, the air was so cool, there was no way I was staying in, so off to the Park we went! The tree trimming crew was at work, blocking off most of the sidewalk around the building, but I headed off to the boardwalk. That part that leads to the tower will be closed off today because of resealing, but I was able to head for the shelter to check on the baby gators. There was a very large one on the bank across from the canal, but I only saw one baby and then another came and was lying on the big baby's back. I looked under the shelter and saw another one, so at least three survived.
We saw two peacocks with fully spread tail feathers, slowly turning around and around, attracting lots of attention! The colors are really beautiful. God is Awesome!
I have been putting chunky peanut butter on a part of our oak tree that sticks out and the little squirrels love it! Let's see you hang upside down by your toenails and eat sticky peanut butter! :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding."
Psalm 111:10 "Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him Praise his name forever!"
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures' it is understanding that an all-powerful, all-knowing God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.
Proverbs 3: 21-26 "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. they keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap."
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what is right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, the air was so cool, there was no way I was staying in, so off to the Park we went! The tree trimming crew was at work, blocking off most of the sidewalk around the building, but I headed off to the boardwalk. That part that leads to the tower will be closed off today because of resealing, but I was able to head for the shelter to check on the baby gators. There was a very large one on the bank across from the canal, but I only saw one baby and then another came and was lying on the big baby's back. I looked under the shelter and saw another one, so at least three survived.
We saw two peacocks with fully spread tail feathers, slowly turning around and around, attracting lots of attention! The colors are really beautiful. God is Awesome!
I have been putting chunky peanut butter on a part of our oak tree that sticks out and the little squirrels love it! Let's see you hang upside down by your toenails and eat sticky peanut butter! :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding."
Psalm 111:10 "Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him Praise his name forever!"
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures' it is understanding that an all-powerful, all-knowing God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.
Proverbs 3: 21-26 "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. they keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap."
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what is right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Judgment
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I was surprised to feel the cool air when I stepped outside this morning! 68 may not seem cool to some of you all, but after lows of high seventies, it was most welcome.
When I set out the sprinklers, I noticed and heard a mockingbird singing on our roof, and then saw another one with a twig in its beak flying to build a nest. Spring and summer all around! God is good!
As I walked out to the shelter yesterday, I noticed Mama gator a little distance away, almost submerged in the water. This one is younger than the Mama gator that built her nest at the old place. I didn't see any babies at first, but then one finally came out from under the bridge. I think they try to avoid people, because a coke can and water bottle and styrofoam cup were all thrown down where they hang out, and there is a trash can just across the boardwalk. I don't understand the thinking of people who do things like that. If I had had a "grabber" I would have picked the trash up. Sigh. Anyway, I walked on to the Tower and when I came back, Mama was under the shelter and two babies were out. She really guards them.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How will I be able to face the judgment of God?
Romans 5:9-10 "Since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's judgment. For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life."
Our hope is based on the fact that Jesus Christ stood in our place for judgment. God no longer looks at us as enemies but as friends-even as his own children.
Romans 8:1-2 Now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-given Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death."
Jesus Christ has relieved us from the threat of condemnation and death.
How does the future judgment affect my life now?
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 No one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have-Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames."
The promise of salvation does not eliminate our responsibility. God has given us all that is necessary to lead meaningful, spiritually productive lives. We ignore his promises and provisions at great risk.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I set out the sprinklers, I noticed and heard a mockingbird singing on our roof, and then saw another one with a twig in its beak flying to build a nest. Spring and summer all around! God is good!
As I walked out to the shelter yesterday, I noticed Mama gator a little distance away, almost submerged in the water. This one is younger than the Mama gator that built her nest at the old place. I didn't see any babies at first, but then one finally came out from under the bridge. I think they try to avoid people, because a coke can and water bottle and styrofoam cup were all thrown down where they hang out, and there is a trash can just across the boardwalk. I don't understand the thinking of people who do things like that. If I had had a "grabber" I would have picked the trash up. Sigh. Anyway, I walked on to the Tower and when I came back, Mama was under the shelter and two babies were out. She really guards them.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How will I be able to face the judgment of God?
Romans 5:9-10 "Since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's judgment. For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life."
Our hope is based on the fact that Jesus Christ stood in our place for judgment. God no longer looks at us as enemies but as friends-even as his own children.
Romans 8:1-2 Now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-given Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death."
Jesus Christ has relieved us from the threat of condemnation and death.
How does the future judgment affect my life now?
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 No one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have-Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames."
The promise of salvation does not eliminate our responsibility. God has given us all that is necessary to lead meaningful, spiritually productive lives. We ignore his promises and provisions at great risk.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, May 12, 2008
Psoaring Thru Psalms
Good Monday Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
When I stepped outside this morning, the air was heavy and humid, but the wind was blowing. The stars were shining dimly, but it promises to be another beautiful summer day! God is good!
We saw two peacocks on our way into the Park yesterday. People were getting ready for picnics for Mother's day out. Birds were singing and the little screech owl was peeking out of her box. The anhingas spend about as much time airing their wings, as they do swimming under water for food. There is always something interesting to see at the park!
Psalm 119 NLT
Happy are people of integrity,
who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced
when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you by living as I should!
I will obey your principles.
Please don't give up on me!
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you , O Lord;
teach me your principles.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside this morning, the air was heavy and humid, but the wind was blowing. The stars were shining dimly, but it promises to be another beautiful summer day! God is good!
We saw two peacocks on our way into the Park yesterday. People were getting ready for picnics for Mother's day out. Birds were singing and the little screech owl was peeking out of her box. The anhingas spend about as much time airing their wings, as they do swimming under water for food. There is always something interesting to see at the park!
Psalm 119 NLT
Happy are people of integrity,
who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced
when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you by living as I should!
I will obey your principles.
Please don't give up on me!
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you , O Lord;
teach me your principles.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 9, 2008
Coping Skills
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, only Venus was visible, and puffy clouds were scudding across the sky with the wind pushing them.
I now have an amaryllis blooming! It is the first one since October, so both blooms are kinda out of season, but I'm happy about it! And yesterday, I received a beautiful pink rose and carnation bouquet from my boys and grandson, in a rose teapot. Life is good!
I walked out to the first covered shelter yesterday to see the baby gators, but none were in sight, so I stuck around looking under and at the sides, until the biggest one came out from under the bridge. So they were there - just hidden. On the way to the entrance bridge, I stopped to look at a black, shiny gator on the bank across the water. He was just enjoying the sun.
The mama screech owl was peering out of her box, with her tiny eyes taking in everything. Maybe one day I will see the baby owl. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
"My times are in your hand."
Psalm 31:15 NRSV
How we handle delays tells us a lot about ourselves. How do you handle a traffic jam when you left the house already late for work? What do you do when your flight is delayed because of mechanical difficulty or bad weather? How do you respond when the register in your checkout lane runs out of tape just as you get to the head of the line? Can you take a deep breath and enjoy a five minute break at the railroad crossing when the guard rail goes down to allow a train to pass?
Things rarely go as smoothly as we would like, and we don't usually schedule ourselves any extra time just in case something goes wrong.
The ability to accept disappointments, delays and setbacks with a pleasant, generous spirit is a gift of graciousness that comes from one who has received grace from others in pressured circumstances. Life is a series of choices, and no matter what situation we are in. we always have the freedom to choose how we are going to respond.
Refuse to get out of sorts the next time your schedule gets interrupted or turned upside down. Pray for strength to remain calm, cheerful, relaxed, and refreshed in the midst of the crisis. And always remember; God's plans for you are not thwarted by delays!
Never become irritable while waiting. If you are patient, you'll find that you can wait much faster.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I now have an amaryllis blooming! It is the first one since October, so both blooms are kinda out of season, but I'm happy about it! And yesterday, I received a beautiful pink rose and carnation bouquet from my boys and grandson, in a rose teapot. Life is good!
I walked out to the first covered shelter yesterday to see the baby gators, but none were in sight, so I stuck around looking under and at the sides, until the biggest one came out from under the bridge. So they were there - just hidden. On the way to the entrance bridge, I stopped to look at a black, shiny gator on the bank across the water. He was just enjoying the sun.
The mama screech owl was peering out of her box, with her tiny eyes taking in everything. Maybe one day I will see the baby owl. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
"My times are in your hand."
Psalm 31:15 NRSV
How we handle delays tells us a lot about ourselves. How do you handle a traffic jam when you left the house already late for work? What do you do when your flight is delayed because of mechanical difficulty or bad weather? How do you respond when the register in your checkout lane runs out of tape just as you get to the head of the line? Can you take a deep breath and enjoy a five minute break at the railroad crossing when the guard rail goes down to allow a train to pass?
Things rarely go as smoothly as we would like, and we don't usually schedule ourselves any extra time just in case something goes wrong.
The ability to accept disappointments, delays and setbacks with a pleasant, generous spirit is a gift of graciousness that comes from one who has received grace from others in pressured circumstances. Life is a series of choices, and no matter what situation we are in. we always have the freedom to choose how we are going to respond.
Refuse to get out of sorts the next time your schedule gets interrupted or turned upside down. Pray for strength to remain calm, cheerful, relaxed, and refreshed in the midst of the crisis. And always remember; God's plans for you are not thwarted by delays!
Never become irritable while waiting. If you are patient, you'll find that you can wait much faster.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Time in a Bottle
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 this morning, the only star I could see was Venus, so we still have a lot of haze in the atmosphere, but another sunny warm day is coming up and, although we need rain, God will supply in His time. God is good!
I am not getting over to the Park as early as I would like, but I slather with sun block and try to stay in the shade. All four baby gators were at the shelter yesterday and Mama was under the shelter...first time I have seen her close by. The babies are getting bigger each day, so they must be finding plenty to eat.
On the way in, we saw the peacocks, two had their tails fully fanned out and were showing off, by slowly turning round and round. Such vanity!
On my way out of the boardwalk, as I walked down the bridge, I startled a cottontail, who gave great leaps and ran straight across the road and into the bushes! So fast!
The Mama screech owl was peeking out of her nest, looking very wise. Francia said the baby was peeking out yesterday with only the eyes showing in the hole in the box. They are so cute!
From Quiet Moments with God:
"This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 NKJV
"Where does the time go?" we ask. Here it is-a new day on the horizon-and we can't remember how it arrived so quickly. Why, last week seems like yesterday, and last year flew by like a video in fast forward.
And worse, it's hard to remember what we spent it on.
"Shouldn't I have more great memories? we wonder. What did I accomplish? Is this all I've done with all that time?"
Singer Jim Croce mused in his hit song "Time in a Bottle" that " there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do, once you find them." We search so hard for happiness. But often, we don't understand that happiness is not a goal to be won, but a by-product of a life well spent.
This "Old English Prayer" offers simple instructions for enjoying the day that the Lord has made.
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 read, it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream, it is hitching your wagon to a star.
Take time to love and be loved, it is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to look around, it is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul.
True happiness comes from the job of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
As I stepped outside this morning, the only star I could see was Venus, so we still have a lot of haze in the atmosphere, but another sunny warm day is coming up and, although we need rain, God will supply in His time. God is good!
I am not getting over to the Park as early as I would like, but I slather with sun block and try to stay in the shade. All four baby gators were at the shelter yesterday and Mama was under the shelter...first time I have seen her close by. The babies are getting bigger each day, so they must be finding plenty to eat.
On the way in, we saw the peacocks, two had their tails fully fanned out and were showing off, by slowly turning round and round. Such vanity!
On my way out of the boardwalk, as I walked down the bridge, I startled a cottontail, who gave great leaps and ran straight across the road and into the bushes! So fast!
The Mama screech owl was peeking out of her nest, looking very wise. Francia said the baby was peeking out yesterday with only the eyes showing in the hole in the box. They are so cute!
From Quiet Moments with God:
"This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 NKJV
"Where does the time go?" we ask. Here it is-a new day on the horizon-and we can't remember how it arrived so quickly. Why, last week seems like yesterday, and last year flew by like a video in fast forward.
And worse, it's hard to remember what we spent it on.
"Shouldn't I have more great memories? we wonder. What did I accomplish? Is this all I've done with all that time?"
Singer Jim Croce mused in his hit song "Time in a Bottle" that " there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do, once you find them." We search so hard for happiness. But often, we don't understand that happiness is not a goal to be won, but a by-product of a life well spent.
This "Old English Prayer" offers simple instructions for enjoying the day that the Lord has made.
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 read, it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream, it is hitching your wagon to a star.
Take time to love and be loved, it is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to look around, it is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul.
True happiness comes from the job of deeds well done, the zest of creating things new.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 7, 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!
I hope you all saw the sun setting last night with the sliver of the new moon showing right above it! Gorgeous! Not a cloud in the sky to dim the reddish hues slowly fading into darkness. And this morning is just as beautiful with the sun shining brightly, even though I couldn't see the stars for the haze. But God is Awesome!
There was only one baby gator visible yesterday, so I don't know if the rest were hiding, or whether they are still alive. I hope to find out today. But while I was at the shelter, the huge gator was sunning on the opposite bank, and a Mosquito control truck was slowly approaching, so I watched and, sure enough, when the truck got too close, the gator gave a mighty leap right into the canal, and disappeared. He moved so fast!
We saw Mr. Peacock with his tail feathers spread out like a bride's train on the ground, as he was getting ready to fold them up, so we missed the show that time. I'm sure we'll see him again strutting slowly around.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 112
Happy are those who fear the Lord,
Yes, happy are those who delight in
doing what he commands.
Their children will be successful everywhere.
An entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
they themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will never be forgotten.
When darkness overtakes the godly, light
will come bursting in.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
All goes well for those who are generous.
Who lend freely and conduct their business fairly.
Such people will not be overcome by evil circumstances.
Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
They do not fear bad news;
they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
They are confident and fearless.
and can face their foes triumphantly.
They give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will never be forgotten.
They will have influence and honor.
The wicked will be infuriated when they see this.
They will grind their teeth in anger.
they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I hope you all saw the sun setting last night with the sliver of the new moon showing right above it! Gorgeous! Not a cloud in the sky to dim the reddish hues slowly fading into darkness. And this morning is just as beautiful with the sun shining brightly, even though I couldn't see the stars for the haze. But God is Awesome!
There was only one baby gator visible yesterday, so I don't know if the rest were hiding, or whether they are still alive. I hope to find out today. But while I was at the shelter, the huge gator was sunning on the opposite bank, and a Mosquito control truck was slowly approaching, so I watched and, sure enough, when the truck got too close, the gator gave a mighty leap right into the canal, and disappeared. He moved so fast!
We saw Mr. Peacock with his tail feathers spread out like a bride's train on the ground, as he was getting ready to fold them up, so we missed the show that time. I'm sure we'll see him again strutting slowly around.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 112
Happy are those who fear the Lord,
Yes, happy are those who delight in
doing what he commands.
Their children will be successful everywhere.
An entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
they themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will never be forgotten.
When darkness overtakes the godly, light
will come bursting in.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
All goes well for those who are generous.
Who lend freely and conduct their business fairly.
Such people will not be overcome by evil circumstances.
Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
They do not fear bad news;
they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
They are confident and fearless.
and can face their foes triumphantly.
They give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will never be forgotten.
They will have influence and honor.
The wicked will be infuriated when they see this.
They will grind their teeth in anger.
they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
More Time
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 could wish for rain, but I know God will send it in His time. I set out the sprinklers earlier , and when the birds see water, they all come and take baths and drink.
Speaking of birds, yesterday I saw a flock of bluejays... I should say, I heard them, first, and looked up on the lines in back of the house and there were about a dozen and a half. Never have I seen them fly in flocks before! They certainly were not singing a beautiful song!
Once again, I walked to the shelter at the Park, and gazed down at the baby gators, while a very big gator sunned on the opposite bank, some distance away. I could only see four babies yesterday, but one may have been under the shelter.
A nice man started talking to me about the gators and as we walked, not together, but catching up at the Tower, he told me where he was from and about his mother, who couldn't come this year, and then showed me the photos of gators in his camera he had taken in the Everglades.
It was an enjoyable walk, before the afternoon heat came! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I best use time?
Ephesians 5:15-20 "Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Time is a gift. God gives us time so that we have the opportunity to serve him. When we give our time back to the Lord , he promises that it will not be wasted.
Revelation 1:3 "God blesses the one who reads this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to it and obey what it says. For the time is near when these things will happen."
We live each day in the light of Christ's return . It inspires us to be faithful and gives us proper Perspective on the fleeting nature of this earthly life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I could wish for rain, but I know God will send it in His time. I set out the sprinklers earlier , and when the birds see water, they all come and take baths and drink.
Speaking of birds, yesterday I saw a flock of bluejays... I should say, I heard them, first, and looked up on the lines in back of the house and there were about a dozen and a half. Never have I seen them fly in flocks before! They certainly were not singing a beautiful song!
Once again, I walked to the shelter at the Park, and gazed down at the baby gators, while a very big gator sunned on the opposite bank, some distance away. I could only see four babies yesterday, but one may have been under the shelter.
A nice man started talking to me about the gators and as we walked, not together, but catching up at the Tower, he told me where he was from and about his mother, who couldn't come this year, and then showed me the photos of gators in his camera he had taken in the Everglades.
It was an enjoyable walk, before the afternoon heat came! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I best use time?
Ephesians 5:15-20 "Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Time is a gift. God gives us time so that we have the opportunity to serve him. When we give our time back to the Lord , he promises that it will not be wasted.
Revelation 1:3 "God blesses the one who reads this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to it and obey what it says. For the time is near when these things will happen."
We live each day in the light of Christ's return . It inspires us to be faithful and gives us proper Perspective on the fleeting nature of this earthly life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, May 5, 2008
The Rose and the Thorn
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners and Happy Cinco de Mayo! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside early this morning, I could not find the new moon but clouds were covering most of the stars and the air was cool and already birds were singing their early wake-up songs! God is Great!
We had a nice chat with Terry at the Park yesterday. He is a great friend and always makes me laugh. Lots of people were enjoying the sun and the walks, and I am sure, the baby gators. I watched an anhinga fly to a spot to spread the wings to dry, and always see them sitting on branches or the ground with outspread wings.
We saw three peacocks on the way in to the Park and one had his tail feathers spread and was slowly turning so his beauty could be seen from all angles. He is so vain!
From Quiet Moments with God:
1 Samuel 3:19 RSV
"Samuel grew and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground."
"There was a very cautious man
Who never laughed or played;
He never risked, he never tried,
He never sang or prayed.
And when he one day passed away
His insurance was denied;
For since he never really lived,
They claimed he never died!"
Unknown
Progressing through life is so risky, and we all must face it at one time or another. In order to learn to walk, toddlers must risk painful falls time and again. Teens with their first driver's licenses immediately face the most dangerous time of their driving careers. Couples taking the vows of marriage must face the possibility that the very union they expect to bring life's greatest joy could also bring them their greatest heartache. And entrepreneurs trying to launch or expand their businesses know that it could easily bring about a substantial loss.
Therefore, if there is such potential for pain in our attempts to grow and achieve throughout our lives, why do we even try?
One reason is that God has blessed us with an inner drive that compels us to improve our life. To paraphrase Anais Nin, "The day comes when the risk to remain tight in a bud is more painful than the risk it takes to blossom."
And we know that we cannot gather our beautiful roses without the possibility of being pricked by the thorns.
But when the prospect of facing those thorns seems too sharp and painful, remember that as God urges you to reach for new roses, you can also rely on His strength and guidance to help you manage your way through the thorns.
The weaker we feel, the harder we lean on God.
And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow.
Joni Ereckson Tada
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had a nice chat with Terry at the Park yesterday. He is a great friend and always makes me laugh. Lots of people were enjoying the sun and the walks, and I am sure, the baby gators. I watched an anhinga fly to a spot to spread the wings to dry, and always see them sitting on branches or the ground with outspread wings.
We saw three peacocks on the way in to the Park and one had his tail feathers spread and was slowly turning so his beauty could be seen from all angles. He is so vain!
From Quiet Moments with God:
1 Samuel 3:19 RSV
"Samuel grew and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground."
"There was a very cautious man
Who never laughed or played;
He never risked, he never tried,
He never sang or prayed.
And when he one day passed away
His insurance was denied;
For since he never really lived,
They claimed he never died!"
Unknown
Progressing through life is so risky, and we all must face it at one time or another. In order to learn to walk, toddlers must risk painful falls time and again. Teens with their first driver's licenses immediately face the most dangerous time of their driving careers. Couples taking the vows of marriage must face the possibility that the very union they expect to bring life's greatest joy could also bring them their greatest heartache. And entrepreneurs trying to launch or expand their businesses know that it could easily bring about a substantial loss.
Therefore, if there is such potential for pain in our attempts to grow and achieve throughout our lives, why do we even try?
One reason is that God has blessed us with an inner drive that compels us to improve our life. To paraphrase Anais Nin, "The day comes when the risk to remain tight in a bud is more painful than the risk it takes to blossom."
And we know that we cannot gather our beautiful roses without the possibility of being pricked by the thorns.
But when the prospect of facing those thorns seems too sharp and painful, remember that as God urges you to reach for new roses, you can also rely on His strength and guidance to help you manage your way through the thorns.
The weaker we feel, the harder we lean on God.
And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow.
Joni Ereckson Tada
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 2, 2008
Time
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Our little cool spell is over, but I hear predictions that another one is on the way. We need rain desperately, so I hope for some with this cool spell. But I am sure God will provide in His time.
I found a dove egg shell in our driveway, and looked for the nest overhead, but could not see one. Doves are not architects. Their nests are very sloppily put together, and the eggs usually fall out. I wonder why so many survive.
As I walked in the park yesterday, the cool wind was most welcome, but I was carefully sticking to the shade as much as possible. It was warm! When I stopped at the shelter to look at the baby gators, a very large gator was on the bank, across the canal and some distance down. I am sure that wasn't Mama gator.
Only two babies were visible, but when I stopped on the way back from the tower, all five were in a heap on the mud. They don't mind crawling over each other. I should take their pictures, but always forget my camera. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I best use time?
Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 "There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to speak up. A time for love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. What do people really get for all their hard work? I have thought about this in connection with the various kinds of work God has given people to do. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end."
Valuing time begins with seeing it from God's perspective. When we do this, we learn that there is always time for accomplishing God's plans for our lives.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I found a dove egg shell in our driveway, and looked for the nest overhead, but could not see one. Doves are not architects. Their nests are very sloppily put together, and the eggs usually fall out. I wonder why so many survive.
As I walked in the park yesterday, the cool wind was most welcome, but I was carefully sticking to the shade as much as possible. It was warm! When I stopped at the shelter to look at the baby gators, a very large gator was on the bank, across the canal and some distance down. I am sure that wasn't Mama gator.
Only two babies were visible, but when I stopped on the way back from the tower, all five were in a heap on the mud. They don't mind crawling over each other. I should take their pictures, but always forget my camera. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I best use time?
Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 "There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to speak up. A time for love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. What do people really get for all their hard work? I have thought about this in connection with the various kinds of work God has given people to do. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end."
Valuing time begins with seeing it from God's perspective. When we do this, we learn that there is always time for accomplishing God's plans for our lives.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Psalm 100
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners, a little later due to an early date with the Lab. But this is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Happy May Day! I remember when my boys were little, we would make paper May baskets and fill them with flowers to put on our neighbor's doorstep. My friend says they are called "Tussie-Mussies", a Victorian name. And when I was attending Woodlawn Elem. back in the dark ages, we would celebrate May day by weaving ribbons around the flag pole. I was almost elected May Queen one year, but came down with the chickenpox and had to stay home. Sigh. Those were the days of innocence.
Yesterday, I walked out to see the baby gators, and discovered Mama was under the shelter, where she hasn't been for awhile. The little ones were in their usual places, swimming around the edge of the mud, directly below the shelter. Mama may get tired of all the attention and move the babies to a nearby cove, where they can have more privacy. This is what she did last year. But God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT, one of my favorite verses...
"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
Happy May Day! I remember when my boys were little, we would make paper May baskets and fill them with flowers to put on our neighbor's doorstep. My friend says they are called "Tussie-Mussies", a Victorian name. And when I was attending Woodlawn Elem. back in the dark ages, we would celebrate May day by weaving ribbons around the flag pole. I was almost elected May Queen one year, but came down with the chickenpox and had to stay home. Sigh. Those were the days of innocence.
Yesterday, I walked out to see the baby gators, and discovered Mama was under the shelter, where she hasn't been for awhile. The little ones were in their usual places, swimming around the edge of the mud, directly below the shelter. Mama may get tired of all the attention and move the babies to a nearby cove, where they can have more privacy. This is what she did last year. But God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT, one of my favorite verses...
"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
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