Reflections

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Happy New Year and Happy Birthday, David! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is much warmer today than yesterday, and will be a beautiful day when the sun comes up or even if overcast like yesterday!

I took a walk from the sidewalk to the third bridge yesterday at Sawgrass, about noon and saw a lonely woodstork perched high in a tree overlooking the canal.His whiteness was in stark contrast to the leafless trees behind him, and the dead looking shrubbery, I was shocked at how low the water is in the canal, and wanted to see if Swiftmud had the gates open, which they did. Water goes out, but none comes in.

On my way to the third bridge, I saw a large bird fly in the trees and thought at first it was an eagle, but the wingspan was not big enough, so I decided it was a hawk. I had not seen one for a long time.
Then when I got to the bridge, I looked across the water, and there was a large (about 6 ft.) gator stretched out full length on the bank. The sun was not shining, but it was warm, so he must have been warming up a bit.

When I walked back, the woodstork was still in the tree, moving its head now and then. I only met two people on the boardwalk, both men, so it was a nice, quiet walk, except for the noise of the interstate. God is good!

I have been doing some reflecting since I woke up an hour or so ago, and thinking about all the events that happened this past year. I have never written Christmas letters for certain reasons and like to read them most of the time, but if an honest letter is written, it would contain sad news as well as good.

For me, this past year has had sorrow at the beginning, the friendship of two godly men, the closeness of my sons, and a hospital stay and surgery, and then more sorrow at the loss of a sister-in-law and dear uncle.

But there have been adventures, also, with two motorcycle rides and a Sea-doo ride; all three firsts for me, which just proves that one is never too old to try something new! I, also, have made new friends, and am blessed with a long time friend who, after a day on her feet, came to sit with me while I was hospitalized, cut Louis' hair several times while he was confined to a nursing home and many years ago, while he was in the hospital after hip surgery.

I can see God's hand in all the events of the past year, with kindness and love from the dear people at church. I have been well cared for and I know for sure that God is good!!

I will close this last day of 2010 with my favorite verse from Romans.

Romans 15:13 " May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in him, so you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

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

Love and hugs,
(and again, Happy Birthday, David!)
Amaryllis

Haggai 1:5-11

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! Instead of sunshine and cold, this morning, we have overcast skies and a little warmer. Supposed to get up to 70 this afternoon. What a nice change that will be. My gas bill will probably be as high as the electric bill next month, because of the furnace running all the time. But I am thankful for a warm house!

In the interests of conserving gas, I did not go out anywhere yesterday, but concentrated on the inside of the house . Still trying to put Christmas away, but not making much progress, and had to wait for the Bright House tech to come and fix the new TV Daryl gave me for Christmas. Took him only five minutes to put a new cable on it. (The technie, not Daryl). He certainly was not "Mr. Personality", but he knew his job. I did get outside to pick up the twigs and stuff from the trees. Spoke to my down the street neighbor, Mr Soon, who I think is from Cambodia. He is walking twice a day as he recovers from a serious heart attack early this year. He is very nice, but difficult for me to understand. He always goes to meet his grandchildren after school, and is really concerned that I live alone. He told me to call him anytime, but I don't know his number and am not really sure of his name. It was really thoughtful of him to offer, though.
God is good!

I have sent this only once before, but since this was sent me by a friend, as his end of the year message to his co-workers in 2003, It seems very appropriate at this time;

Haggai 1:5-11 NIV
Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."
This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored." says the Lord. "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the Lord Almighty, "because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle and on the labor of your hands."

Quote from the friend who sent this..."God's Word is full of promises for his children, but there can be conditional clauses. We can make the mistake to read a portion of His Word that we want to lay claim to, only to miss out on His blessings because of our self-centeredness.

The words of Haggai are a warning as well as a blessing. We need to focus on the author of our faith and less on our own selfish ways. When we are able to focus our worship on HIM and on HIS plan for our lives, then the "details" of our lives get sorted out according to HIS will.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Make God the Cornerstone

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 looked out the window about 7, all up and down the street was nothing but white from frost. My outside temp. read 41, so I know it was much colder other places. I used to walk in the park on mornings like this, with earmuffs, gloves and several layers of clothes on. I had fun scraping off the frost from the top rail of the boardwalk. But no more! These bones won't take kindly to the cold any more. I look forward to the thaw coming this week!

Taking down the Christmas decorations is going very slowly. I get just a little done, then have to give something else my attention. Hopefully, more will get done this weekend. But no one cares but me, so that is a good thing.

I went to the park yesterday and saw a lot of cars. It was a cold but beautiful sunshiny day, and I saw a few ibises pecking on the ground, some happy looking moorhens swimming in the canal, and once again, the sad looking woodstork brooding over the state of the nation. :o) Just kidding, but that's what they look like. But God is still on the throne and He is good!

From the little devotional book Knowing God:

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer,but the Lord is against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:12 NIV

Have you made God the cornerstone of your life, or is He relegated to a few hours on Sunday morning? Have you genuinely allowed God to reign over every corner of your heart, or have you attempted to place Him in a spiritual compartment? The answer to these questions will determine the direction of your day and your life. God loves you. In times of trouble, He will comfort you; in times of sorrow He will dry your tears. When you are weak or sorrowful, God is as near as your next breath. He stands at the door of your heart and waits. Welcome Him in and allow Him to rule. And then, accept the peace and the strength and the protection and the abundance that only God can give.

- Great thoughts-
Men give advice; God gives guidance.
-Leonard Ravenhill-

Today's Prayer-

Dear Lord, Your power, like Your love, is infinite. I thank you, Father, for the gift of eternal life through the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus. I will keep the promise of heaven fresh in my heart. And, while I am in this world, I will pass through it with Praise on my lips and love in my heart for You. Amen

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Entrusting your Hopes to God

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 know it's almost afternoon now, but I move slowly in the cold! What a cold night! The house across the street was all white at 7:30, with frost on the roof and all over the yard. It didn't go away until about 9 when the sun started shining on it. My thermometer said 40 outdoors and for Florida that is cold! I feel like I need gloves on to type this, my hands are so cold.

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and look forward to opportunities and changes in the New Year. I had fun with Daryl and Matthew here. Matthew so enjoyed his rides on David's motorcycles and looks forward to going again whenever he comes back in town.I also discovered my grandson really likes crab legs. If the seafood is not fried, in TN, they don't think it's seafood. So we ate crab legs, mussels, and shrimp, not fried, at a couple of restaurants.

They went to Sawgrass, back in the hammock area and tried to catch an armadillo, which was too fast for Daryl. I went to the park on Sunday and saw the large gathering of Vietnamese, I think, that they have every year there. Lots of food and fellowship among them. It was very cold and windy, but they didn't seem to mind.
I also went yesterday and saw two miserable looking woodstorks across the canal. Looked like they were wondering what happened to the warm weather. But God is good!

From the little devotional book Knowing God:

Entrusting your Hopes to God

You, Lord, give true peace to those who depend on you, because they trust you.
Isaiah 26:3 NCV

Have you ever felt hope for the future slipping away? If so, you have temporarily lost sight of the hope that we, as believers, must place in the promises of our Heavenly Father. If you are feeling discouraged, worried, or worse, remember the words of Psalm 31:24: "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord." (NKJV)

Of course, we will face disappointments and failures, but these are only temporary defeats. Of course, the world can be a place of trials and tribulations, but we are secure. God has promised us peace, joy, and eternal life. And God keeps His promises today, tomorrow and forever.

The will of god is the most delicious and delightful thing in the universe.
Hannah Whitall Smith

God's purposes are often hidden from us. He owes us no explanations. We owe Him our complete love and trust.
Warren Wiersbe

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Be a Practical Christian

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! And it is a beautiful day. Sun shining, and warmer today. Even if we get some rain tomorrow , it will still be beautiful along towards Christmas day.

I need to take time to bake cookies today, for the arrival of Daryl and Matthew sometime early Sat. morning.

I did some more shopping yesterday, and got my homeowners' insurance taken care of, so I don't have to worry about that. Lots of paper work.

While I was on my way to Gateway Mall, a huge bird swooped in front of the car, and I looked to see what it was, hoping to see an eagle, but it was only a vulture. Ugh, Not very pretty, but useful. I guess God created every creature for a use or purpose, but I haven't figured out the use of some of the pesky insects, yet...maybe to get minds to work to learn how to eradicate them. :o).

The maple trees are deep red now, and soon will be gone, I think. Also, I noticed a huge, old sycamore tree in the neighborhood which is losing leaves now, and they are very large leaves. I know my oak trees make a mess, but not like the sycamores. the wind blows them all over! But, as always God is good!
I will be taking a week or so off, while we all prepare for Christmas, and I pray everyone has a most blessed celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus.

From the little devotional book Knowing God:

Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us. James 1:27 NLT

As Christians, we must so our best to ensure that our actions are accurate reflections of our beliefs. Our theology must be demonstrated, not only by our words but, more importantly, by our actions. In short, we should be practical believers, quick to act whenever we see an opportunity to serve God.

Are you the kind of practical Christian who is willing to dig in and do what needs to be done when it needs to be done? If so, congratulations; God acknowledges your service and blesses it. But if you find yourself more interested in the fine points of theology than in the needs of your neighbors, it's time to rearrange your priorities. God needs believers who are willing to roll up their sleeves and go to work for Him. Count yourself among that number.Theology is a good thing unless it interferes with God's work. And it's up to you to make certain that your theology doesn't

Great thoughts-
Had Jesus been the Word become word, He would have spun theories about life, but since he was the Word become flesh, he put shoes on all his theories and made them walk.
E. Stanley Jones

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

What's the Plan?

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 sun is shining and the temp. is climbing, already up to 50 and supposed to be in the low seventies by this weekend and then turn cold again. Well, this is winter in Florida. I looked at the weather map on TV this morning, and all over the south, nothing but white showing, from Atlanta on up. Daryl said schools were closed again today because of icy roads. He was the only one who made it into his office in the dark.

He and Matthew leave tomorrow for here for Christmas, so I am praying them down...for no rain and a safe trip. They probably won't get here until sometime in the wee hours .

I did some more shopping yesterday, and stopped by the church to pick up the flowers I did not get Sunday. The bouquet was lovely with five red carnations and a white rose and lots of baby's breath. The vase was a tiny red heart-shaped one with LOVE written on it. A beautiful little remembrance of Louis.

My last trip was to the park, but I didn't take pictures of the red, maple trees, yet. Maybe today. I watched a squirrel give a flying leap over the weeds at the side of the road and then he was lost to sight in the tall grass. A flock of ibis was busy pecking along the grass and a lone egret had its neck all crooked while preening the feathers. A beautiful, cool day. God is good!

This is the Advent season with a New Year coming shortly. As I was going through some very old albums yesterday, I came across this church bulletin from 1987. This is a word from Pastor Don Logue; ( I didn't ask his permission to use it, so don't tell him).

"What's the Plan?"

This week we welcome the arrival of another new year. As the old year goes, we think of it as the removal of many things we are glad to see go. We think of the coming year as a clean slate with the promise of wonderful and fulfilling events. In fact, we often hope that the new year will be filled with pleasure, success, accomplishment. We want to miss any hardship, inconvenience, or failure.

But, remember, God is in charge of your life in the coming year, just as He was during the past year. Instead of planning for a year filled with success and void of all difficulty, give some thought to what God may have on His agenda. If He is going to build more of Christ's character in you, will he not require you to face situations that call for courage, risk, new levels of trust? Will he not offer opportunities to develop through hardship? suffering? disappointment? failure? Peter says a life that is genuine and brings honor to Christ is one that has been "refined by fire" (1 Peter 1:7.) Amy Carmichael, God's servant to the poor of south India captures what our commitment to the Lord should be in 2011.

From prayer that asks that I may be
Sheltered from winds that beat on Thee,
From fearing when I should aspire,
From faltering when I should climb higher,
From silken self, O Captain, free
Thy soldier who would follow Thee.

From subtle love of softening things,
From easy choices, weakenings,
Not thus are spirits fortified,
Not this way went the Crucified,
From all that dims Thy Calvary,
O Lamb of God, deliver me.

Give me the love that leads the way,
The faith that nothing can dismay,
The hope no disappointments tire.
Let me not sink to be a clod;
Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.
(From "Toward Jerusalem," by Amy Carmichael)

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Protection scriptures

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! Whooee! My fingers are so cold, it is hard to warm them up to type! I saw a frosty landscape across the street this morning and on the roof of the house which has no trees. While my oak trees are really messy, they give protection to the plants underneath the overhanging branches. The staghorn doesn't seem to be suffering, except from lack of rain, so I water it once in a while.

I went to the park yesterday and was impressed by how red the maple trees are now. It looks almost like NC or TN did when I visited there a few weeks ago. I never thought to take a picture, but I will today. The water is way down with lots of mud. I remember one year the lake was dried up. so it was all mud. A sad, sorry sight. Hopefully, God will send rain again soon, so that won't happen again.But God is good!

I am including some scriptures that I pray every day for friends including pastors-all from the NIV. translation:

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, Eph. 1:16

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 your struggles are 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 friends, 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 forged against you all will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of you all, servants of the Lord, and this is your vindication from me", declares the Lord. Isa. 54:17

The Lord is good, a stronghold in times of trouble. He cares for you, 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 us, 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

Habbakuk's prayer

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 wind has died down and my indoor-outdoor thermometer says it's 40 outside, and if I don't keep moving, it feels like 40 inside, but, of course, it's much warmer than that! I will be able to sweep off the porch today which is covered with leaves, twigs, and acorns.

But I hope some of you saw the brilliant half moon last night. with Jupiter a short distance away at the bottom! It was gorgeous! I saw it while getting in the car after Faith Group. God creates some beautiful skies for us to enjoy. Since I did not leave the house yesterday, I have not been to the park to see how trashy it is, but if my porch is any indication, the park is probably just as bad, but I am thankful that it will warm up this weekend and be good weather for travel...at least in Florida! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Habakkuk 3 ( excerpts)

This prayer was sung by the prophet Habakkuk;
I have heard all about you, Lord, and I am filled with awe by the amazing things you have done. In this time of our deep need, begin again to help us, as you did in years gone by. Show us your power to save us. And in your anger, remember your mercy.

...Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine, even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren, even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Blessings

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, actually, it is hard for me to rejoice in this blustery, cold weather today. I went out a few minutes ago to walk to the dumpster and picked up branches and sticks on the way. the yard is a big mess with leaves, twigs and trimmings from the trees all over. The trees are really getting a beating! The porch is full of leaves and twigs, also, but no use even thinking of cleaning up until the Arctic wind Quits blowing.

We are in for a freeze tonight, so the weatherman says. I am thankful for a warm house and a fireplace, which hasn't been used for a couple years. Good day for staying in and making soup or chili and lots of hot tea!

I escaped the hard rain yesterday which lasted only a few minutes, but was much needed. By the time my after church meeting was finished, it was just raining lightly. I don't know where the birds and squirrels go in this kind of weather, but the squirrels would most likely get seasick hanging on the a swaying branch today! But we needed rain, so God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

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.

How does the promise of blessing affect us when we are weary or discouraged?

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord! So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

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

The Humanity of Jesus

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! A few clouds are scooting in ,but the sun is shining, in preparation of the little warmer weather expected for a couple days. Then more cold, but we don't have to shovel it or blow white stuff off our driveways! So that's a blessing.

Thanks fo David C. my friend and yard man, I have more decorations up inside the house, and the lights are up and working outside. So, gradually, it is looking more festive around here. I have to wait this morning for the wind mitigation man to come and inspect so I can get insurance on the house, since State Farm canceled. But I have plenty to do while I wait.

Yesterday after I got finished with what I could do indoors, I left for the bank and took a ride through the park and saw the chubby gator curled up on the mud enjoying the sun. There were more people in the park than usual, because the weather was so nice. And, also, I watched hundreds of birds flying around before landing on the telephone wires. Just hundreds, every day. There must be lots of food for them to eat around here! I was saddened to see one of the squirrels lying in the street after not making it across the street from my house to the neighbor's. Poor little guy! But they do take chances all the time in their dashes in front of cars! Sigh. But I am looking forward to attending the Annie Moses Band concert tonight with Brian. God is good!

This is a Peter Marshall Prayer from Hymns from the Family of God;

May our prayer, O Christ, awaken all Thy human reminiscences, that we may feel in our hearts the sympathizing Jesus.
Thou has walked this earthly vale and hast not forgotten what it is to be tired , what it is to know aching muscles, as Thou didst work long hours at the carpenter's bench.
Thou has not forgotten what it is to feel the sharp stabs of pain, or hunger, or thirst.
Thou knowest what it is to be forgotten, to be lonely.
Thou dost remember the feel of hot and scalding tears running down Thy cheeks.
O we thank thee that thou wert willing to come to earth ansd share with us the weakness of the flesh, for now we know that dost understand all that we are ever called upon to hear.
We know that Thou, our God, art still able to do more than we ask or expect. So bless us, each one, not according to our deserving, but according to the riches in glory of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Unity

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Not so long ago, I was complaining that it was too hot. Not any more! I forgot to turn up the heat before going to bed last night and so the house was a little chilly this morning...66, but to me that's chilly! It's still only 48 outside and we apparently had a little rain during the night. Every little bit helps, but we still need more. I am sure God will send it in his time.

I had more running around to do yesterday, including filling the gas tank at Walmart. Yikes! Gas is really going up, and I was very cold putting it in, because the wind is always blowing at the pumps. I really don't mind parking in the sun these days, when I shop. There were a few more people in the park yesterday when I visited, because the sun was shining brightly and the wind had died down. But I notices the water is very low, so I'm thinking they must have opened the gates at the water control near the interstate. But God is good and will send rain in his time!

From my old daily devotional calendar and also the Promise Bible NLT:

"A gathering of two or more brings Christ into the midst. The prayer of agreement, if any two pray and agree, looses the answer.
Being in accord brings forth the power of God."

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Assurance

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 roof across the street was white with frost an hour ago and so was the grass. There are no trees protecting that property like the others, but It is still cold! In the forties again. For some reason, maybe age, I just have a hard time warming myself up. I like wearing winter clothes, but not the reason I have to wear them.

I had a good time at the Mari's salon yesterday afternoon, getting beautified and watching her decorate the tree. She has great talent for decorating with lots of interesting objects, angels, Beautiful white Santa . etc. I took her the last of the pie from the Faith group and she was happy because she had no lunch. We always have a fun time together. Thank you, God, for friends to laugh with! Coming back from Mari's I noticed the huge construction site for the new Walmart now has their sign up. That will probably take a year to finish, but at least people are working!
Then I spent time with the insurance agent since my homeowner's ins. was canceled, and that was not so fun. But I will have a lower rate on the new policy and that is a good thing.

I also saw lots of ducks, seagulls and the usual gloomy woodstorks huddled around the lake, and went to the park and very few people were out even though the sun was shining. But as always, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I be assured of God's love in difficult times?

Isaiah 43:1-2 Now, O Israel, the Lord who created you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble. I will be with you. When you go through deep waters and great trouble. I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty you will not let me drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."
You are mine. You are precious in my sight.

Life's circumstances don't come between God and his people. They don't get in God's way. Hard times are often when God reveals his infinite love and care for us.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Seek Strength From God

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! , W ell, I left the quilt on the bed last night and was warm and cozy, even though the covers were heavy. It is cold! My temp read 48 this morning on the outside and 66 on the inside. The furnace is working overtime, and I may even have to build a fire in the fireplace! Speaking of that, I saw a couple of carts in Publix yesterday with packages of firewood, so looks like other people are using their fireplaces. Problem is, while I like the fire, I don't enjoy cleaning out the ashes!

I enjoyed looking at the Christmas lights on my way home from Faith Group last night. On one street nearly every house has lights, but the other side of the street has none...hmmm, a divided neighborhood!

Well, I have decided, since I am so far behind, that the most important thing is to remember what Christmas is all about. Celebrating Jesus' birth is the reason for the season, not whether or not the house is decorated, with garlands strung. Having family home and enjoying hearing the Christmas Carols sung and just enjoying each other is the best way to celebrate.

I did get to the Park yesterday and there was the fat gator in the usual spot, sunning and an anhinga and a couple turtles on the other side. I counted only five cars there , because it was cold with the wind blowing! Not even the tourists were walking! Winter in Florida, but God is good!

From the little devotional book Knowing God:

The Lord is my strength and my song: he has become my victory.
He is my God, and I will praise him.
Exodus 15:2 NLT

Where do you go to find strength? The gym? The health food store? the espresso bar? There's a better source of strength, of course, and that source is God. He is a neverending source of strength and courage if you call upon Him.
Have you "tapped in" to the power of God? Have you turned your life and your heart over to Him, or are you muddling along under your own power? The answer to the question will determine the quality of your life here on earth and the destiny of your life throughout all eternity. So start tapping in--and remember that when it comes to strength, God is the Ultimate source.

Great Thoughts;
All the power of God--the same power that hung the stars in place and put the planets in their courses and transformed Earth--now resides in you to energize and strengthen you to become the person God created you to be
Anne Graham Lotz

- Today's Prayer-

Dear Heavenly Father, You are my strength and my protector. When I am troubled, You comfort me. When I am discouraged, You lift me up. When I am afraid, You deliver me. Let me turn to You, Lord, when I am weak. In times of adversity, let me trust your plan, Lord and whatever my circumstances, let me look to you for any strength and my salvation. Amen

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

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! Actually, it was so chilly (45) this morning, that I woke up shivering under all my blankets and got up and put another one on the bed. It's supposed to be even colder tonight! Well, we don't have any white stuff, anyway, just leaves. The wind is my friend, because the driveway is blown clean ...bad side, they are all on the porch!

I saw lots of pretty Christmas lights on my way to a church meeting last night. I drove by Lynch Lake and the lights were reflected in it...very pretty! Mine won't be up until Thursday, when my yardman is coming to do some chores. However, Brian is coming over tomorrow to rescue a butcher knife I tried to cut an acorn squash with. I got it halfway in, and now it is stuck in the squash and I can't pull it out. Sounds silly, but stranger things have happened!

As I drove in the park Sat. I saw the fat gator sunning on the mud of the lake on the right side and the usual turtles on the left. Still lots of birds soaring around, escaping from the cold north, to the cold south. A flock of ducks and ibis pecking around and squirrels all fattened up on the plentiful acorns! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

A psalm of thanksgiving;

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

Wisdom from Paul

Good mid-morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Guess the cold weather makes me move slower. But this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I arose at my usual time of around 6:30am, but by the time, I showered and dressed and put on something warm, and ate breakfast, and prayed and checked emails, Here it is almost noon and nothing much accomplished. Well, some mornings are like that! Oh, I also took a phone call and encouraged and gave advice to a young friend.

Yesterday was a busy day, also, I had to leave my friend doing yard work and covering the gutters with wire, and take off for the dentist clear across town, then went to Sears and finally got home about 1:30, and ate lunch just before 3. Stopped by the park, and noticed the water lilies had been sprayed and are now dying. I do hope the little moorhens will stick around, because they like the hydrilla to build nests around.

While I was driving and waiting for lights, I noticed flocks of hundreds of blackbirds, I think, swooping and changing directions but basically heading north, and then flocks of doves at another intersection. this always happens when the weather is cold. But God is good!

Colossians 2, and 3 NLT

Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world and not from Christ, For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, and you are complete through your union with Christ, He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe....

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.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Prayer and assorted thoughts

Good cold 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 arose this morning, the temp outside was 49, but a nice, warm 69 in my northside bedroom. The heat was kicking on regularly all night. It is warming up some but the wind is blowing and that makes it feel a lot colder.

I got a little more done around the house yesterday preparing for Christmas, but the problem is, most of the items are stored too high for me to reach, so I have to call in help, because it is not wise for me to climb on a stool any more. But, it will all get done one way or another. because God is good!

Not much going on in the park yesterday, and I was surprised not to see the barricades up for the boardwalk, because the wind was really blowing! Of course, with the shortage of help, there was no one to put up the signs. I saw a few turtles sunning and the anhinga drying out the wings on the tree stump by the bridge, but no other critters were visible. Maybe today the gators will come out for sun, but the water is probably warmer than the outside air!

A prayer from a friend:

Dear Jesus,
I long for my spiritual and physical life to become such a blend that I can not separate the two. I also desire to be a Lighthouse for your love with friends, neighbors, and extended family. I want to be able to do more for others than what I can accomplish on my own. I am so thankful for how I have been pulled out of the darkness and into the light. I am so thankful that You regenerate and prepare me for each day. What an awesome thought to know that I am your brother- and God's child. I so desire to receive power and direction from You in sharing hope and direction with other people. I come to You and give You my life today - seeking the love, guidance, power, and majesty of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen

Thoughts regarding Haggai, which scripture I sent Monday, I think;
God's word is full of promises for His children, but there can be conditional clauses. We can make the mistake to read a portion of His word that we want to lay claim to, only to miss out on His blessings because of our self-centeredness.

The words of Haggai are a warning as well as a blessing. We need to focus on the author of our faith and less on our own selfish ways. When we are able to focus our worship on HIM and on HiS plan for our lives, then the "details" of our lives get sorted out according to HIS will.
( Thanks again to my friend who sent this in 2003. Timeless truths.)

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Walking in the Light

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners, and Happy December first! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We are in the midst of a cold front coming through, but it didn't bring much rain. Just a small sprinkle during the early morning hours. But the wind is blowing and now along with the acorns, the leaves are falling. My friend, David C. got half of the gutters covered before running out of wire, but he will finish the rest when he comes tomorrow, and I am sure the gutters will be full again , with the part that was still open. There is already a big layer of acorns on the ground, so the squirrels don't even have to dig any more.

I saw a congregation of different water birds around Lynch Lake yesterday. Lots of ibis, the lonesome woodstorks, off by themselves, seagulls, and , of course, the regular ducks, all gathered together. The woodstorks don't seem to socialize with the other birds.

Then I went to the park and it was almost empty of people, but a pretty day and the water looked serene.

I visited an auto parts store yesterday for some wiper blades and the young clerk took them out to the van to install them and asked me if I had been a member of St. James Church. I said, "Yes, how did you know?" He just said I looked familiar and then proceeded to name numerous people who had been there when I attended. Now, this was thirty years ago, and the kid was not more than twenty and actually looked like a teen-ager, so he wasn't even born when I left to be at Faith Covenant. We had an interesting conversation and I left thinking that had to be a God encounter, because he had some good ideas about why we should go to church..to worship, not because of people or the preacher, but because of God's presence. Very wise. God is good!

From the little book Knowing God:

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
John 8:12 NIV

God's Holy Word instructs us that Jesus is, "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6-7.

Without Christ, we are as far removed from salvation as the east is removed from the west. And without Christ, we can never know the ultimate truth: God's truth.

Truth is God's way. He commands His believers to live in truth, and He rewards those who do so. Jesus is the personification of God's liberating truth, a truth that offers salvation to mankind.

Do you seek to walk with God? Do you seek to feel His presence and His peace? Then you must walk in truth; you must walk in the light; you must walk with the Savior. There is simply no other way.

The Christian faith is meant to be lived moment by moment. It isn't some broad, general outline-it's a long walk with a real Person. Details count; passing thoughts, small sacrifices, a few encouraging words. little acts of kindness, brief victories over nagging sins.
Joni Eareckson Tada

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Haggai 1

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 seems like everything is quiet and just waiting for the wind and rain that's coming. The wind is just now starting to pick up and blow and should bring some much needed rain. It has been storming and rainy in Tenn. for a couple days, getting ready to come visit us. Maybe I won't have to water the staghorn if God does it, instead.

I did a little Christmas shopping yesterday and stopped at Chic-Filet for a sandwich to take home... now I have to find the energy to finish decorating the house. Just think, tomorrow will be December! Not that many days until we celebrate Christ's birth!

I stopped at the Park for awhile and saw a couple turtles and a lot of people hanging over the bridge rail looking down in the water. Something about the water is fascinating , even if you just watch the fish swimming around. God is good!

This is a good message for this time of the year, borrowed from an email sent me in 2003;

Haggai 1:5-11

Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it." This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the Lord. "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the Lord Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands."

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Prayer Pause

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's hard to believe that colder weather is coming this week, when today is supposed to be near the eighties again! But that's Ok, puts us in the Christmas mood!

Yesterday, I went to the Park after church and saw the usual big and little turtles sunning on the bank of the weir and on the other side, the fat gator was sunning. Someone was standing near him taking pictures, inside the stay out sign. Some people just don't care about their own safety...

Also, it looks like the woodstorks have decided to make the Lynch Lake their winter home. They are there every day, along with the ibis and the ducks. But I like it when once in a while the roseate spoonbill is present with them. I like pink! God is good!

From the Quiet Moments with God devotional book;
Uphold me according to your promise that I may live. Psalm 119:116 AMP

A coffee break is a good time for Prayer!

When we pray at the outset of our day, our prayer is often for general guidance and help from the Lord. When we pray in the midst of our day, our prayer is much more likely to be specific and aimed at immediate needs and concerns. By the time a coffee break rolls around, we have a much better idea of what our day holds, including what particular dangers, difficulties, or temptations we are going to face! It is with that knowledge, born of experience, that this prayer of Saint Patrick takes on even greater meaning:

May the wisdom of God instruct me,
the eye of God watch over me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God give me sweet talk,
the hand of God defend me,
the way of God guide me.

Christ be with me.
Christ before me.
Christ in me.
Christ under me.
Christ over me.
Christ on my right hand.
Christ on my left hand.
Christ on this side.
Christ on that side.
Christ in the head of everyone to whom I speak.
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me.
Christ in the eye of every person who looks upon me.
Christ in the ear of everyone who hears me today,
Amen

Take time in the middle of your day to ask the Lord for His wrap-around presence, His unending encouragement, and His all-sustaining assistance. And in return, be a vessel that carries His presence, encouragement, and assistance to others.

Do not look upon the vessel, but
upon what it holds.
Hebrew Proverb

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaring thru 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! I hope your all had a good time with family and friends and lots of eating, talking and laughter. It is such a wonderful time to be together with people who live some distance away and don't get together that often.

The weather was perfect yesterday, but overcast today and hopefully, we will have rain sometime soon. Brian and I had a great trip up to Dunnellon on the Suncoast Parkway. Very little traffic and a great highway through open fields, seeing cows and horses and country!! Rare around Pinellas County. On the way home God gave us a beautiful sunset. It was so spectacular, I took some photos through the windshield...don't know if they will turn out, but I hope so. The setting sun was reflecting off the clouds which were in a straight line across the horizon..lovely pinks. We were able to see it almost half the way home before darkness crept in. God is good!

From the Promise Bible 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

Your Shining Light

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! On this day before Thanksgiving, when everyone is busy preparing for the meal tomorrow, or maybe not, I give thanks for God's provision and family and friends. God is good!

From the devotional book Knowing God:

It is God's will that your good lives should silence those who make foolish accusations against you. You are not slaves; you are free. But your freedom is not an excuse to do evil. You are free to live as God's slaves.
1 Peter 2:15-16 NLT

All of us are examples-examples that should be emulated...or not. Hopefully, the lives we lead and the choices we make will serve as enduring examples of the spiritual abundance that is available to all who worship God and obey His commandments.

Ask yourself this question: Are you the kind of role model that you would want to emulate? If so, congratulations. But if certain aspects of your behavior could stand improvement, the best day to begin your self-improvement regimen is this one. Because whether you realize it or not, people you love are watching your behavior, and they're learning how to live. You owe it to them-and to yourself-to live righteously and well.

Great Thoughts
In our faith we follow someone's steps. In our faith we leave footprints to guide others. It's the principle of discipleship.
Max Lucado

Today's Prayer-
Dear Lord, help me be a worthy example to my friends and to my family. Let the things that I say and the things that I do show everyone what it means to be a follower of Your Son, Amen

And now I'm off to make Waldorf salad, and banana pudding for tomorrow in Dunnellon with family. Oh, I also have a follow-up with my radiology doctor, this morning. What was I thinking?? Making it today was not a good idea.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

End-Of-Work Prayer

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 sun is highlighting the hedge outside my window in streaks of brightness, as it rises higher and higher. Very much like spotlights.

Last night as I left the Faith Group meeting I looked up to see the full moon shining in and out of the clouds and immediately thought of the poem I learned in school..."the moon was a ghostly galleon riding on cloudy seas" from the Highwayman. That's about all I remember of that.

I forgot to mention that I saw a juvenile gator, (one of the babies) at the first shelter, but the shape of the head looked like a caiman. I know Mike showed me one once that he was carrying, (he's the retired naturalist) but I didn't know they inhabited the canal.

And as I drove around Lynch Lake I was amused to see six woodstorks all in a row, and one lying down on the grass. They looked very somber and glum. I don't know why the woodstorks never seem happy..guess it's not their nature. But God is good!

From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God

In all your ways acknowledge him. Proverbs 3:6 NJKV

Many people are quick to pray before a meal, before they begin a new project, before they attempt something for the first time, or before embarking on a long journey. They desire to start on the right foot, asking for God's help, protection, creativity, and blessing; but what about prayer at the end of a work day, journey, or task?

Such a prayer is like a second bookend on a shelf of freestanding books,--it brackets our work and brings us to full recognition that we have received from the Lord the very things we requested. Rather than being a prayer of petition, such a prayer is an expression of praise and thanksgiving.

Simeon had lived his entire life waiting to see the Messiah-a promise the Lord had made to him. (Luke 2:26 KJV). Upon seeing the infant Jesus in the Temple, Simeon took Him in his arms, blessed God, and said, "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation". (Luke 2:29-30 NKJV). Simeon recognized that God had been faithful to His Word, and his heart was encouraged and filled with joy.

Simeon is a wonderful example of how we need to begin and end the events of our lives with prayer. When we reach the end of a day, haggard and weary, we can remember Simeon's prayer, "Lord, let Your servant depart in peace, according to your Word."

Knowing God was with us today and He will be with us tomorrow, we can move on to the evening hours with freedom and a sense of satisfaction.

Let a man go away or
come back. God never
leaves. He is always at hand and
if he cannot get into your
life, still he is never farther away
than the door.
Meister Eckhart

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Colossians

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! What a beautiful day again! Sun shining, a little cool, but really warming up to the eighties today, I guess. Since the moon was full Sat, night, as usual, I had a difficult time sleeping, I am a "loonie" when it comes to full moons. I was up and down from about three until I finally got up for good at six. Gives me plenty of time to get ready for church.

I went for a walk Saturday afternoon in the park along the sidewalk and enjoyed the serenity and peacefulness of the river. There was one lone ibis high in a tree and ripples in the water, but no critters were visible., except on the way in. The fat gator was sunning and the usual turtles were lined up on the weir. They seem to like to stay in bunches.

But this morning, I arrived at the Park at a little after seven, and saw my friend, David C. just getting ready to leave, so he got out of his truck and came to chat briefly.He gave me the gnarly, twisted walking stick I am using. I enjoyed the solitary walk and was pleased to see several families of moorhens, busily pecking at the water lilies and other greens that grow in the water. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Colossians 1:5
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives , and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.

We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power st that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.

3:23
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

The Right Kind of fellowship

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's cooler this morning than we are used to, but brilliant sun and no clouds make for a gorgeous day!

David C. was right when he finished blowing off the acorns yesterday. He said all was clean for about five minutes and by afternoon, it would not look like he was there. The acorns are still falling and the trees must still be full. Oh, well, until the car crushes them it doesn't look too bad.

Yesterday I drove by Lynch Lake which had just been mowed and so many water fowl were enjoying the easy access to bugs and grubs! A flock of ibis at one end, the woodstorks with the ducks near the only shade, and best of all, the roseate spoonbill was there!

Over at the park, only a couple turtles were sunning and the plump gator was half out of the lake and sunning. A great, blue heron was all twisted up preening his feathers and all was well. God is good!

From the little devotional book Knowing God:

So reach out and weldome one another to God's glory. Jesus did it; now you do it!
Romans 15:7 MSG

If you genuinely want to build a closer relationship with God, you need to build closer relationships with godly people. That's why fellowship with like-minded believers should be an integral part of your life. Your association with fellow Christians should be uplifting, enlightening, encouraging and (above all) consistent.

Are your friends the kind of people who encourage you to seek God's will and to obey God's Word? If so, you've chosen your friends wisely. And that's a good thing because when you choose friends who honor God, you'll find it easier to honor Him,too.

Great Thoughts :
One of the ways God refills us after failure is through the blessing of Christian fellowship. Just experiencing the joy of simple activities shared with other children of God can have a healing effect on us.
-Anne Graham Lotz-

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Ripple Effect

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, this morning was a gutter cleaning ,Blowing off acorns and hibiscus planting day, so my friend and yard worker, just left and for about five minutes the driveway and porch are clear of all acorns. But as I was standing just outside the garage, one fell and bonked me on the head. Dangerous acorns!

I saw a tiny yellow-breasted sparrow, or maybe wild canary, in the tree yesterday. Looks like all the northern birds are migrating already. I haven't seen a robin yet, though. I saw two ospreys in their nest atop a light pole in a parking lot yesterday and the gator at the park was on the bank of the lake catching some sun. A couple of turtles were sunning, also. God is good!

From the devotional book, Quiet Moments with God:

The Ripple Effect
The mustard seed indeed is the least of all seeds, but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Matthew13:32 KJV

Not everyone who commits his or her life to Jesus Christ will be called to be world famous. The majority of us are called to fulfill less noticeable roles in our churches, schools, communities, and families. Yet only God may know how significant our roles are to the future of thousands--even millions.

A century and a half ago a humble minister lived and died in a small village in Leicestershire, England. He lived there his entire life and never traveled far from home. He never attended college, had no formal degrees, but was a faithful village minister.

In his congregation was a young cobbler to whom he gave special attention, teaching him the Word of God. This young man was William Carey, later hailed as one of the greatest missionaries of modern times.

The village minister also had a son-a boy whom he taught faithfully and constantly encouraged. The boy's character and talents were profoundly impacted by his father's life. That son grew up to be a man many considered the mightiest public orator of his day; Robert Hall.

It seems the village pastor accomplished little in his life as a preacher. There were no spectacular revivals, great miracles, or major church growth. But his faithful witness and Godly life had much to do with giving India its Carey and England its Robert Hall.

When you think you are having no impact in the world, remember the little country preacher who influenced two nations for the Lord.

If you want your neighbor to see what Christ will do for him,
let him see what Christ has done for you.
Henry Ward Beecher.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thinking Things Through

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 ,God answers prayers in His time! Last night we got a short, but welcome shower! Yea! I'm sure all the flowers, and grass were clapping their leaves and rejoicing at the watering! Life is good!

I heard meteorologist, Paul Dellegatto say that this is the year of the acorns, and that usually means an exceptionally cold winter. Well, according to my yard, which is carpeted with acorns, we had better stock up on wood, and make sure the furnace works! I have thousands of acorns everywhere! Of course, the wet ones on the porch are really hard to sweep off, but I will do my best, And every time I back the van out, all the acorns on the driveway get crunched. God has provided bountifully for the squirrels!

I saw lots of squirrels yesterday in the park, but no turtles sunning on the bank. There were not even ibis stalking around for some reason, but vultures circling around lazily, riding the thermals, and looking for lunch. God is good!

From Quiet Moments with God:

Wall street legend Bernard Baruch emphasized the need for preparation stating, "Whatever failures I have known, whatever errors I have committed, whatever follies I have witnessed in private and public life have been the consequences of action without thought."

It is a joy to commune with God and ask His advice as we plan our daily activities. When you have an important task to think through, take time to ask, "Lord, what is your will?" He will be glad to help.

Four Steps to Achievement:
Plan Purposefully, Prepare Prayerfully,
Proceed Positively, Pursue Persistently.
-William Arthur Ward

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Roamin' thru Romans

Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I am a little late this morning, but not because I slept later. Phone calls and other things took time away from my devotional time

I hope some of you were outside to see the moon and Jupiter, I think, last night. What a beautiful sight! They were very close and the sky was clear, so the beauty was there for all to see. Looks like some rain is coming our way tonight or tomorrow. Thank you, Jesus! The wind is blowing and the humidity is definitely higher, so my bones are aching. Perhaps this wind will blow the last of the acorns off the trees. I can only hope.

Yesterday, I heard Christmas music while shopping in Sweetbay... not only popular songs, but real carols. Even though it is not Thanksgiving yet, still it was nice to hear the Christmas carols. Of course, not to preach, but every day should be thanksgiving!

Well, the woodstorks were at Lynch Lake again, even sitting with the ducks that are always there. I saw one woodstork lying on the ground, resting, First time I had seen one on the ground, but I guess they nest on the ground, just not out in the open!.

There were the usual turtles on the bank of the weir yesterday, but the gator was not in sight. A great blue heron was all twisted up, preening the feathers. It was a funny sight! God is good!

Romans 4:4 NLT:

When people work, their wages are not a gift. Workers earn what they receive. But people are declared righteous because of their faith, not because of their work.

King David spoke of this, describing the happiness of an undeserving sinner who is declared to be righteous.

"Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sins are put out of sight.
"Yes, what joy for those whose sin is no longer counted against them by the Lord."

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Teaching About Money and Possessions

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 have been having a long run of beautiful weather, but once again, we pray God will bless us with rain. He knows our needs and He will provide in his time.

I thought the acorns had just about finished falling, but I still hear the clunk as they hit the front porch gutter on the way down, and the driveway is covered with crushed and uncrushed acorns. I suggested to David C. that he come and clean out the gutter and blow off the driveway. I have a blower he gave me, but it is electric and the extension cord is so heavy, I don't use it. But, meantime, they keep falling.

I noticed over the weekend that a lot of woodstorks are here now. I saw at least six sitting around Lynch Lake, and yesterday, on my way to church, I saw my favorite, the roseate spoonbill, a bit of pink beauty among the white and black of the woodstorks and a lot of ducks. Also, I saw the gator back in his usual spot, sunning on the bank at the park. More turtles were on the bank of the weir enjoying the warm sun. I also see more little sparrows hopping around in the front yard, escaping the cold north. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 12:26

Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food or clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put good in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?
Look at the lilies and how they grow! They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food--what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

My Morning Prayer

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! A few puffy, white clouds drifting along this morning , but mostly blue skies and sunshine. What a glorious day! It has warmed up so, that the sun is back to our usual sunburn level, but we still need rain, please, Lord.

Yesterday was a busy day for me. I drove the van to one close by touch-free car wash, and couldn't get it to take cash or credit, so left it and drove five miles to another one where it was friendly and got the van washed right away. The humidity was so low, that by the time I got to Bay Pines cemetery, the car was dry.

I didn't go for the morning ceremony honoring and remembering our fallen and still active heroes. I went in the early afternoon. Lots of people were there in the newer sections and I am sure lots of stories about the people being remembered. One young woman was on the ground in front of the headstone belonging to her loved one, and placing her hand on the name, and obviously, grieving. I wondered what her story was and whether it was husband or just who she was remembering. The sun was hot and while I had my umbrella for shade, she was in the bright sun....then six motorcycles came noisily riding in,,parked in a row and walked over to a grave. They all had West Coast Bikers on their vests. They were respectful, but talking, so I decided it was time to leave. As I said many stories...

I went to the Park, and had to wait for two care ride vans to load up with several wheelchair riders. For some reason they parked right on the curve, making it hard to get by. But that didn't disturb the great blue egret fishing in the canal or the ibis trying to hide in a tree. Could have done it if he hadn't been so white! God is good!

I have posted this prayer before, but I still pray it every morning, and it seems to cover a lot; Have a Jesus filled weekend everybody!

My Morning Prayer

"Oh, God, for another day, for another morning,
for another hour for another minute, for another
chance to live and serve Thee, I am truly grateful."
Do thou this day free me
from all fear of the future.
from all bitterness toward anyone.
from all cowardice in face of danger
from all laziness in face of work,
from all failure before opportunity
from all weakness when Thy power is at hand.

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

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

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

Love and hugs, Amaryllis

God Can Handle It

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 some of you saw the sunset last night. Once again the line of clouds in the east were colored with pinks from the sunset in the west. They were gorgeous! This is another cool morning, but if it warms up again like yesterday, it will be hot!

There will be lots of celebrations today to honor our servicemen and women who are protecting their country in various ways. It is not easy being away from home and family and I thank them for sacrifices, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice! I remembered to put my flag out this morning, early. I hope many on the street will do the same.

While I was praying this morning and writing names down, I noticed a wild swinging of the branches in the oak tree in the backyard. and sure enough, the squirrels were playing. Back and forth, and hopping from the branch to the roof of the old shed and back. They know how to have fun, but they also work for food most of the day, and use lots of energy zipping across the street and circling round and round the tree trunks. The squirrels at the park are fat from people feeding them, When they see a parked car in the circle, they sit and beg, trying to look pitiful, while all around they are surrounded by acorns and other goodies.

The turtles were all gathered on the bank of the weir again yesterday. All sizes crowded together, and one larger loner away from the crowd. God is good!

From the little devotional book, Knowing God:

So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 NLT

Every life-including yours-is a series of wins and losses. Every step of the way, through every triumph and tragedy, God walks with you, ready and willing to strengthen you. So the next time you find your courage tested to the limit, remember to take your fears to God. If you call upon Him, you will be comforted. Whatever your challenge, whatever your trouble, God can handle it.

When you place your faith, your trust, indeed your life in the hands of your Heavenly Father, you'll be amazed at the marvelous things He can do with you and through you. So strengthen your faith through praise, through worship, through Bible study, and through prayer, And trust God's plans .With Him, all things are possible, and He stands ready to open a world of possibilities to you,,,if you have faith.

Great Thoughts
Faith is always tested for three reasons to prove whether our faith is real; to help our faith grow, and to bring glory to the Lord.
Warren Wiersbe

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Verses from 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! I am almost used to the bright sun shining in the windows so early now, and the darkness coming early, also. And My internal clock is now on EST, so I am sleeping better. Sure wish the time would stay the same year round. Sigh!

Well, the sparrows have arrived from the North. Yesterday, as I was sweeping off the porch, and, I am happy to say, most of the acorns have fallen, yay! I saw the tiny brown creatures hopping about on the ground and then flitting off to the trees. They are such busy little birds!

When I went to the Park, over a dozen turtles of all sizes were sunning on the bank of the weir. Maybe the temp. of the water has dropped a degree or two to cause them to climb out. I thought they were cold-blooded like the gators, but maybe not. I'll have to check them out in the little golden book Daryl has had since he was old enough to read. I know there is always the internet, but this little book has a lot of info, too. Everything else seemed to be very quiet. Lots of children in the park, I think maybe from a home-schooling group. It is a good place to get an education on nature and God's creations. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ecc: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....

5:19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it.So enjoy your work and accept your lot in life-that is indeed a gift from God. People who do this, rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Trust God's Wisdom

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 can't believe it is almost ten already! Where did the morning go? I had the Roachbuster man in already and we chatted about our respective trips to TN and NC recently. He makes enough income as an independent business man to have a house in Hiawassee near Murphy, NC. He must have been up there at the same time as I. He has been spraying my house for many years. once a month.

This weather is still a little chilly for me, but really beautiful. As I went to the Park yesterday, I saw a bunch of turtles drying out on the weir. Big and little snappers, but the gator was not visible on the other side. Not many people were in the park, but it was a school day and , although there was a crowd gathered on the bridge, they must have been locals, because the car tags were all Florida. They were all looking at the anhinga who was posing on the stump with outstretched wings.

The beauty berry bushes that were planted in the middle of the circle, are heavy with berries, as is mine in my backyard. The bushes were planted there to eliminate mowing, when all the budget cuts were made. Sigh. Lots of changes, but God is good!

From the little devotional book Knowing God:
"understanding is like a fountain which gives life to those who use it." Proverbs 16:22 NCV

The world has its own brand of wisdom, a brand of wisdom that is often wrong and sometimes dangerous. God, on the other hand, has a different brand of wisdom, a wisdom that will lead you closer to Him.

Where will you place your trust today? Will you trust in the wisdom of fallible men and women, or will you place your faith in God's perfect wisdom? The answer to this question will determine the direction of your day and the quality of your decisions. Are you tired? Discouraged? Fearful? Be comforted and trust God. Are you worried or anxious? Be confident in God's power. Are you confused? Listen to the quiet voice of your Heavenly Father.He is not a God of confusion. Talk with Him, listen to Him, trust Him. His wisdom, unlike the "wisdom" of the world will never let you down.

Great Thoughts

God does not give His counsel to the curious or the careless. He reveals His will to the concerned and to the consecrated.
-Warren Wiersbe

-Prayer for today-

Dear Lord, You are my Teacher. Help me to learn from You. and then, let me show others what it means to be a kind, generous, loving Christian. Amen.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

The Future Glory

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 a beautiful sunshiny , but chilly day. It is supposed to be gradually warming up all this week, so just as well I didn't put my new flannel sheets on the bed!

Something about this change in time takes me a long time to get used to. I cannot sleep well for a few days afterwards. Seems like with the extra hour sleep, I would be doing well, but maybe it's just me. Oh, well, I should be ready to catch a nap this afternoon.

I went to the Park yesterday, and my, was it crowded! The sunshine brought many turtles out of the water to dry out on the banks of the weir, and across the street, the chubby middle-sized gator was sunning. Then, as I rounded the circle corner, there was the old, big gopher tortoise. Now I grew up in this city and we always had gophers around the vacant lot we lived next to, so they were not a big deal to us, but for people new to this area, they are something novel. Many people get up close and take pictures of these strange looking creatures.

Also, as I was coming back from an errand, I saw an osprey on one line, and what I think was a kingfisher on another line. I looked in my Peterson bird guide, but can't quite identify for sure just what the bird is. I thought perhaps a shrike, but it looks more like the kingfisher. Maybe I should study up more on my birds! But, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 8:18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, everything on earth was subjected to God's curse. All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom. For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet , we must wait patiently and confidently. And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaaring through Psalm 20

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, November weather is finally here! The weather is in the sixties this morning and tomorrow is supposed to be really cold...well, not snow or anything like that, but cold enough for heat for us Floridians! We've been spoiled by this long, warm, spell!
Yesterday I managed to do all my errands and only got sprinkled on. When the hard rains came, I was ready to settle down with a book, so life was good.

I had an appointment with my doctor in the afternoon, and found out I am good for another thousand miles! I thank God for good health for my age or any age!

When I went to the park, not many people were there because of the cloudy, overcast weather, I guess. I saw a lot of trash, which had washed down just in front of the weir, and a great blue heron was almost invisible because of his color, right in the middle of it. Looked like he had spied something that was tasty in the midst of the stuff. A couple of turtle were trying to dry off on the bank, but no sun just then. When I got to the canal, a bright, white spot caught my eye. It was an ibis in a tree, looking down on the water. It was outstanding and almost hidden in the green of the trees..

When I went to the library later on, I had to stop for a flock of ibis strolling across the street. One of them stopped right in front of the car to scratch...very unconcerned about his safety! But God is good!

Psalm 20 NLT:

In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.
May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from his sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May he remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings.

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.
Those nations will fall down and collapse,
but we will rise up and stand firm.

Give victory to our King, O Lord!
Respond to our cry for help.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Trust Him when Times are Tough

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 awakened about 3:45AM this morning when a brilliant flash of lightning glowed through the curtain, followed by the low rumble of thunder. I thought, "Praise God", He answers prayers. We have really needed rain and I'm not sure how much or how long it rained, but today, everything is wet and that is good. I had swept the porch clean of acorns late in the afternoon, and this morning it is covered with them again. Oh, well, just have to wait until they dry to sweep these off.

While the cold front is coming about Friday, I think, it seems funny that we go from A/C to heat in 24 hours or less. That's the way our weather is, though.

Yesterday, I drove to Walmart, found a convenient parking space right away, and went in to the crowded store. Mostly, older people like me , but a few young mothers with small children in the carts. After using the patience God gave me, while waiting for some people to move their carts, and going clear around the aisle to get where I wanted to go, I finally got everything on my list and some things that were not (I avoided the half price candy aisle) I got in line at one of the check outs. Of course, there were not nearly enough cashiers for the crowd that was in there. I probably waited over twenty minutes in line, and the older man two carts in front, turned around and said, "I was only 16 when I got in this line." :o) I got a chuckle out of that! The woman in front of me was on her cell the whole time she waited, and had her hand in front of her mouth, so her conversation was a little more private. It was a good time for people watching!

It was a relief to go to the Park later, where there was peace and quiet. God is good!

From the little devotional Knowing God:

Trust Him when Times Are Tough

He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.
2 Corinthians 1:4 MSG

All of us face times of adversity. On occasion, we all must endure the disappointments and tragedies that befall believers and nonbelievers alike. The reassuring words of 1 John 5:4 remind us that when we accept God's grace, we overcome the passing hardships of this world by relying upon His strength, His love, and His promise of eternal life.

When we face the inevitable difficulties of life here on earth, God stands ready to protect us. Our responsibility, of course,is to ask Him for protection. When we call upon him in heartfelt prayer, He will answer in His own time and according to His own plan-and He will heal us. And while we are waiting for God's plans to unfold and for His healing touch to restore us, we can be comforted in the knowledge that our Creator can overcome any obstacle, even if we cannot. Let us take God at his word, and let us trust Him.

"A brook would lose its song, if God removed the rocks."
Anonymous

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Changes

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 am still waiting for the cold front that's coming this weekend, but the weather has been really pleasant the past two days. Yesterday we had a little sprinkle of rain early, but even though the clouds looked very threatening all day, that was all the rain we received. Well, there is always hope.

I saw a funny sight yesterday as I was coming along Turner's Creek. The tide was out and several guys were throwing their nets in the water, hoping to catch some mullet, I guess, and there, a little distance away was a woodstork, patiently waiting. I have never seen one so close to humans before, it is usually the pelicans that are waiting for a handout. I also saw a great blue heron at the lake and a flock of ducks. Mama was marching toward the water with a dozen or so babies all in a row behind her . She had her ducks in a row. :o)

The anhingas were drying wings at the park, and a turtle was drying out on the bank of the weir, but not a lot of people were walking, because of the weather, I guess, although cloudy weather is best for walking, I think.

Well, because of the results of the election yesterday. I thought these scriptures would be appropriate. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I hope that I can change for the better?

2 Corinthians 5:17 Those who became Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!

Philippians 1:6 I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.

A great work takes a long time to complete. Though we are converted in a moment of faith, the process of transformation into Christ-likeness takes a lifetime. While it may appear slow to us, it is relentless and certain.

Are there some changes that are too overwhelming for our faith?

Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and mountains crumble into the sea.

Faith is the answer to fear. No amount of change in our life will affect God's care for us.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

2 Chronicles 7:14

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, it's overcast and gloomy today and that's a good thing, because rain is predicted and we really need it. This morning I watched a squirrel on the line in my backyard, running his tongue along the box that has phone wires in it. I think he was getting the dew off it. Now, that's dry! I have a bowl on my front wall that has water in it for the birds and squirrels, but maybe he didn't know it was there.

Today is voting day, which I already did by absentee ballot, but, I for one, will be very happy to see the end of commercials with candidates being negative about each other. Glad there is a mute button!

We had a sparse Faith Group meeting last night. For the first time, we only had six people and I was the only one who showed up for the supper. But it was very good, the supper and the meeting and a very powerful explanation of marriage and submission. I am so glad I went!

In keeping with the date, I think this verse is appropriate:

From the Promise Bible, NLT:

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

And I pray that God will direct the voters and that His choices will win.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis