Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Psoaring thru Psalm 63

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 a little cooler this morning, but will be up in the seventies later today. Perfect!

I went to the park yesterday and walked across the entrance bridge to look at the fallen maple tree. It is still lying in the water, so it looks like the Park tree crew will have to come and get it out. It is massive! Not a job for amateurs! There weren't a lot of people at the park, but some were having picnics and others walking dogs and themselves. The wind was blowing, so I did not walk far, since I did not have my walking shoes on.

On the way in, a gator was lying on the bank of the borrow pit lake with his tail curled up. A couple of cars had stopped so the people could take photos. That's why they come to the park. I think...just to see the gators in the wild.

I watched about 9 ibis aerating my yard yesterday and it looked like they were finding plenty to eat. I could see grubs and worms hanging from their beaks as they walked and snacked. Must be interesting underground! Also, I walked around to the north side of the house and my little neglected azalea bush was covered in pretty pink blossoms! I passed a home near here with a bed of amaryllis blooming well, Mine, on the other hand, are not even showing buds. Oh, well, God is good!

Psalm 63 NLT

O God, you are my God;
I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
my whole body longs for you
In this parched and weary land

where there is no water.

I have seen you in your sanctuary
and gazed upon your power and glory.
Your unfailing love is better to me than
life itself.
How I praise you!
I will honor you as long as I live,
lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
You satisfy me more than the richest of
foods.
I will praise you with songs of joy.

I lie awake thinking of you,
meditating on you through the night.
I think how much you have helped me;
I sing for joy in the shadow of your
protecting wings.
I follow close behind you:
your strong right hand holds me
securely.

But those plotting to destroy me will
come to ruin.
They will go down into the depths of
the earth.
They will die by the sword
and become the food of jackals.

But the king will rejoice in God.
All who trust in him will praise him,
while liars will be silenced.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

To Your Health

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 a little cooler this morning, but according to the weatherman, this will be the last cold spell of the spring. We will see. But the sun is shining and it is a great day to be alive!

Yesterday, on my visit to the Park, a gator was lounging on the bank on the left side as I entered and he was accompanied by at least a dozen turtles of varying sizes. Seems that when a gator is not hungry, he doesn't care who or what he shares his space with. The canal was full and had overflowed over the weir, leaving lots of trash behind.

The very large, old maple that was beside the entrance bridge is now gone. The lower limb had been hanging very close to the water for months and finally must have toppled. The tree trimmers had already cut the trunk and the long branches were in the water. A boat has to be used to hook a line around the base and haul it over to the other bank to be cut up and taken away. I have watched the men do this to other trees that have fallen in the water. It is quite a job. It looked like the county was using prisoners to do the tree work for free, since I saw the truck and workers taking a break. The workers were wearing bright orange and white stripes along with their orange vests. The two guards,( supervisors), were at a picnic table keeping an eye on them. Hmmm. Interesting. But, at least the workers were out in the fresh air, doing some good. God is good!

From Moments with God (a devotional)

Mark 11:25 If you have anything against anyone, forgive him.

According to a popular children's song, tea is a "drink with jam and bread." But in a recently released study, nutritionists recommend you have and apple rather than jam and bread with your tea. The Dutch research group found that drinking tea and eating apples together reduces the risk of stroke.

The newly completed study showed health benefits resulted from long-term consumption of black tea--the type most Americans and Europeans drink. Drinking tea, plus eating other fruits and vegetables containing flavonoids, lowered the incidence of strokes. Flavonoids make blood cell platelets less likely to clot and act as antioxidants, which reduce damage to arteries.

Four-fifths of all strokes result from blood clots, which can lodge in arteries that have been narrowed by damaging oxidation. Flavonoids found in tea and fruit inhibit blood clots and minimize damage to arteries from oxidation, this allowing a healthy flow of blood and oxygen to the body.

Our spiritual and emotional well being also depend on good circulation: positive thoughts which keep our minds and hearts healthy. Any blockages that would prevent a life-affirming outlook need to be dislodged.

Experts tell us that unforgiveness is one of the biggest obstacles to mental and spiritual health. Author and professor Lewis Smedes outlines four steps to forgiveness:

1. Confront your anger; don't deny it.
2. Separate the wrongdoer from the wrong. Be angry at the deed, not the doer.
3. Let go of the past. Once you have forgiven, you can more easily forget.
4. Don't give up on forgiveness--keep working at it. The deeper the hurt, the longer it takes. But keep working at it. You will eventually realize a new attitude.

Smedes adds, "Forgiveness breaks pain's grip on our minds and opens the door to possibility...to heal the hurt and create a new beginning."

He that demands mercy, and
shows none, ruins the bridge
over which he himself is to pass.
Thomas Adams

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, March 29, 2010

Work

Good wet 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 hated to leave the warm coziness of the bed this morning, as I woke early to the sound of thunder and just decided to snooze awhile. Guess the race that was postponed yesterday will be running again today if the weather clears up. I took my dumpster down to the curb early yesterday before the rain started and, since I had run the van through the car wash Saturday, was thankful that it did not get rained on at church. :o)

When I drove through the park yesterday, I saw a beautiful peacock, a couple of egrets, with feathers blowing in the wind, and loads of leaves, still on the road. I am hoping that all the seeds got washed off our oaks, because they make such a mess on everything. Yellow on window sills, cars and anything that is left out. But I am thankful for shade!

I watched the squirrels scampering for acorns in the rain yesterday and this morning. Nothing stops them from their busyness! I don't know if it is the same one or not, but while I am writing down peoples names for prayers, I can see him leaping from our roof to the tree in back and then to the wire that connects all the houses. He stops and wiggles his tail about every three feet. Cute! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How is my work important to the Lord?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your won business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs.

Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work. (1) having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and (2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.

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

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

Romans 12:8 If your gift is to encourage others,do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.

God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with out gifts and abilities.

What does the Lord promise to those who work hard?

Proverbs 20:29 Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people.

Faithful work makes a way for us to do greater work. God promises to bless us as we use the gifts he has given us.

Proverbs 10:4 Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.

Proverbs 21:5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

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

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

How will God help me when my work is hard?
Psalm 145:14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.

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

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, March 26, 2010

Faithfulness

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, I know, I am late this morning, because I overslept. Last night I went to sleep later than usual, listening to the distant thunder and the sound of rain on the roof. I stayed up later because I knew sleep was not possible with the thunder booming. Had weird dreams, too.

Yesterday, after a trip to the podiatrist to get my painful toe treated, I went to the park and admired the lovely azaleas in full bloom. They were in stark contrast to the gnarly, gray limbs and trunks of the oak trees above them. The moss was hanging down, in great weeping strands overhead, while the pink blooms were smiling up at them.

The leaves are all over the road, so that you can hardly see where the pavement ends and the grass begins. Few people were out, but that was because school was still in session, I think. But God is good, and His Creation is Awesome!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Why should I be faithful?

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join with scoffers. But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants; day and night they think about his law. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.

The quality of our character affects the quality of our life. Integrity brings continual vitality and bears lasting fruit.Psalm 1:1-3

Proverbs 3:3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.

One of our greatest securities in life is that of a good name. Faithfulness brings a good reputation and trust from others. When we have problems, sometimes our reputation can be the key to a positive outcome.

A reward in heaven awaits those who are faithful to God. Faithfulness brings eternal rewards.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Psalm 34

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 little cool and overcast this morning, but the sun came up and the sunrise was gorgeous! The oak seeds are falling like rain and no matter how much I sweep the porch, they are covering it again in no time. Well, summer will soon be here and I really appreciate the shade the trees bring.

On my way into the park yesterday, I noticed new signs warning people of the danger of getting too close to the gator who suns on the bank. they always try to get as close as they can, not knowing how fast the creatures can move. As I drove further in, I crushed a lot of leaves on the road. It was covered, but doesn't bother the squirrels who scamper across here and there. I saw a great blue heron dipping his beak in the water for a drink. First time I had seen one drinking. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him
reverence,
for those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go
hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will
never lack any good thing.

Come my children and listen to me,
and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
If any of you want to live
a life that is long and good?
Then watch your tongue!
Keep your lips from telling lies!
Turn away from evil and do good
Work hard at living at peace with others.

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

Love and hugs and Happy Birthday, Gil,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Ministry

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 a little cooler this morning,...good for joggers and early morning walkers, but since I am neither of these, I turned on the heat for a little while. Temps will be up in the seventies later on, though.

I took a short walk in the park yesterday, because it was such a beautiful day and had to pause and watch a young blue heron just below me on the bank of the canal, busily looking for a snack, and then an ibis came alongside and they were both involved in the business of looking for food. An anhinga had landed on the drain pipe and stretched out its wings to dry, and then two more ibis came flying gracefully in for a landing. As I walked on the second bridge, I saw a huge ripple in the water, and I suspect a gator had just submerged. They usually just sink and hardly leave a bubble, so maybe it was something else. Anyhow, God is good and His creation is Awesome!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

What is God calling me to do?

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

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

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

As followers of Christ, we are part of the church, or the people of God. God has promised that we will overcome the kingdom of darkness and secure his victory. We must not be on the defensive, thinking we will one day lose. We should take the offensive and overcome evil with good.

How do I know God will help me minister for him?

Acts 1:8 When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

When God calls, God equips. He has given us his promised Holy Spirit to help us fulfill the responsibility of telling the world about Jesus Christ.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Excerpts from Isaiah

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 little cooler this morning and Daryl said they actually had snow flurries and sleet yesterday in Tenn. so winter is not through with us yet, even though the calendar says it is spring.

The wind was strong yesterday when I went to the Park, but I saw two gators sunning..one on the right and one on the left on the canal bank. A great blue heron was all drawn up like he was cold, but the sun was actually very warm. Leaves and seeds are still falling from the oaks and this is the allergy season, but the azaleas are blooming and are very lovely at the park, Mine here at home have still not shown all their blossoms, but new growth is showing, so God is good!

From the NKJV:

Isaiah 40:29:31
He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary , they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel:
Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God,...
Since you were precious in My sight
You have been honored and I have loved you...
Fear not, for I am with you.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, March 22, 2010

Encouragement, Part 2

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! After a rainy Sunday, today has dawned bright and sunny, but a little cooler. But we know spring has come, so soon the weather will be warmer than we like!

I saw a gorgeous peacock on my way into the park yesterday. The sun was shining on his jade feathers and they were gleaming! God's creation is beautiful! Instead of the gator on the bank, four little moorhens were swimming about where he usually suns. Apparently they knew he was not lurking about. I have never seen them there before. Not many people were out, because it was still cloudy and drippy. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

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

Galatians 6:9 Don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.

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

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.

Philippians2:12-13 Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.

We do not endure in our own strength alone. God is at work in our lives. He gives us the strength to keep going when we are exhausted and the reasons to keep believing when we are discouraged.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, March 19, 2010

Encouragement

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! Looks like sunshine most of the day and temps around 70, so spring is just a day away! Still cool enough to have heat on this morning, though.

Yesterday was so windy, I did not walk in the park, but just admired the long gator stretched out on the bank. Patrons of the park that stop and walk over to see it, do not realize how fast they can move. Signs are posted now, warning them of the danger. A great blue heron was standing very near the gator, just watching him. They seem to co-exist peacefully for the most part. The motorized blower had been through and the leaves were blown off the road, so it could be seen again. My yard is scheduled to be cleaned up today whenever David C., my yard caretaker comes. I swept off a bushel of leaves from the porch yesterday and enjoyed the sun while I worked. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?

Leviticus 26:5 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons.

Joshua 23:10 Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you,just as he has promised.

Be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies against us. God used David to overcome Goliath , Gideon's three hundred soldiers to defeat the armies of Midian, and one hundred and twenty disciples to establish the church in Acts. He joys when working through our weaknesses and limitations.

Colossians 1:11-14 We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so 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.

Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Greetings From Paul!

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! My weather report said "cloudy" but the sun is shining and it is cool and looks like a beautiful day ahead.

Yesterday, I surprised myself by taking a walk on the boardwalk. I took Louis' cane with me for balance and walked to the first shelter and felt strong, so I went to the "Y" and decided to go on the the tower !My arm is a little sore today from the unexpected use with the cane, but, otherwise, I felt good! I stopped several times to look at all the water flooding the usually dry spots and stayed in one spot watching a lone white heron, wading in the water and each time it pecked at something the tail would wiggle! It looked almost like a dance! It finally went under some shrubs and I couldn't see it any more. I saw twin gators on the bank as I drove in, but when I went out, only one was visible. There also was a large turtle lying on the point where the great blue heron usually hangs out. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Colossians 1:9
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 he 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 so that you will have all the endurance and patience that you need.

Colossians 3:13
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.

Colossians 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

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Good Morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We are supposed to get more rain today, and it certainly looks like it! Took a long time for daylight to break through. But this gives me no excuse to not iron today since it doesn't look too promising for going out.

I did a lot of running around yesterday, though, with a doctor's post-op visit, a meeting at church, and card shopping at the Family Bookstore. I also took time to go to the Park and there were two gators sunning on the bank of the borrow pit! One was big and fat, and the other was smaller. A flock of ibis was pecking on the ground, and I noticed some immature ones in the flock. I have never seen an ibis nest, so they must be well hidden. More azaleas are blooming in the park and look very pretty. God is good!

From Quiet Moments with God:

Benediction

The very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 NKV

A benediction is the pronouncing of a divine blessing. It is usually associated with the final words of a worship service, given by a spiritual leader, but you can give yourself a benediction right where you are, this very night!

The only requirement for a benediction is this: that no sin or unforgiveness stands between you and the Lord Jesus Christ. If you question the purity of your heart, tonight is a good time to ask the Lord to cleanse you and renew a right spirit within you.

Then face yourself in a mirror before you turn off the lights for the night, and pronounce a benediction upon yourself. Speak it with faith and boldness, in full confidence that the Lord desires this blessing to take root in you and bear good fruit. If you have a family, you may want to pronounce a blessing on them or on each member individually.

By doing so, you can end each day with a keen awareness of God's blessing and His claim on your life.

The benediction inscribed at Gloucester Cathedral is one you may want to use:

Go on your way in peace.
Be of good courage.
Hold fast that which is good.
Render to no man evil for evil.
Strengthen the fainthearted,
Support the weak.
Help and cheer the sick.
Honor all men.
Love and serve the Lord.
May the blessing of God be upon you
And remain with you forever.
So be it. And have a blessed good night!

IT IS DISTRUST OF GOD TO BE
TROUBLED ABOUT WHAT IS TO
COME; IMPATIENCE AGAINST GOD
TO BE TROUBLED WITH WHAT IS
PRESENT; AND ANGER AT GOD TO
BE TROUBLED FOR WHAT IS PAST.
Simon Patrick

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Psoaring thru Psalms

Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners!

This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I hope some of you were up early enough to see the glorious sunrise! Beautiful oranges and pinks on the few clouds in the sky...it was worth waking up for! I have the heat on this morning because it is a little cooler than the past few days, but will soon warm up.

Well, I am off to the doctor's today for the post-op checkup. I think nothing drastic will be found. I just wish I knew how to painlessly remove the adhesive sticky on my neck. I have tried alcohol and Crisco, (not together) and all it did was loosen the stuff up. Trouble is, I can't see it well enough to get it off. Oh, well, eventually, it will wear off, I'm sure,

Yesterday I saw the usual gator sunning on the bank in his favorite spot in the Park Lots of people were out enjoying the warm weather. And that reminds me, I saw a lone robin on the ground beneath the oak tree in my yard. First time I have seen one this winter. I still like the tiny sparrows better, because they always seem so busy. The robin looks kind of fierce with his beady black eyes! But God is good!

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 the earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam,
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!."

Daily Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father. I honor you as my Lord. I acknowledge that You are always present with me. You are the only all powerful and only wise God. You are kind and loving in all Your ways. I love you and thank you that I am united with Jesus and spiritually alive in Him. I thank you for the life that I have in Christ, and ask You to fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may live my life free from sin. You are the Vine and I am the branch, apart from You I can do nothing. I take my stand against Satan and command all his evil spirits to depart from me. I ask these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, March 15, 2010

Haggai

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, I certainly made up my lost hour of sleep this morning! I did not get up until 7:30! Unbelievable! But I enjoyed being lazy for a change. And, fortunately, I am not scheduled to do anything special today, anyway.

I really enjoyed Jessie Bowman's photos of Sawgrass Park on Facebook. I recognized everything she posted, because all the animals, birds, and shrubbery are so familiar to me. I went yesterday after church and the same critters are always in their places. They can almost be named, because the same ones hang around all the time. It is a wonderful place for enjoying God's creation!

Our oaks are nearly bare, now, but the yard is not. The new leaves and seeds are on the branches now, and it is time for allergy season. I was wrong about my azaleas not blooming. I have one bush in front that has blossoms on it, and the very old one nestled in a corner in the back yard is full of fuschia colored flowers! I just never noticed. God is good!

From the NLT:

Haggai 3:11
So the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai, "Why are you living in the luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord Almighty says: Consider how things are going for you! You have food to eat, but not enough to fill you up. You have wine to drink, but not enough to satisfy your thirst. You have clothing to wear, but not enough to keep you warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!

This is what the Lord Almighty says: Consider how things are going for you! Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house, Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord. You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord Almighty, while you are all busy building your own fine houses. That is why the heavens have withheld the dew and the earth has withheld its crops. I have called for a drought on your fields and hills-a drought to wither the grain and crops, a drought to starve both you and your cattle and to ruin everything you have worked so hard to get."

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, March 12, 2010

Success

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

Well, the thunder woke me about 3 AM , after I had a difficult time getting to sleep, and then I woke up early to the sound of gentle rain falling. As I was praying and having my devotions this morning, I looked out the window and watched a feisty squirrel leap from our roof to the oak tree in the backyard, and then scamper along the telephone line. Pretty soon, he came back along the same route, gave a giant leap onto the tree and back on the roof. Neither rain, nor sleet nor dark of night keeps them from digging and looking for acorns and whatever else they can find to eat.

I only went out one time yesterday and that was to accompany David C. to the dump. He had been working on a leaky faucet in my bathroom. The wind was blowing so hard, it almost took my breath away! Yesterday was a good day for ironing and staying in, and today will be a good day to read! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Does God give us success in this life?

1 Samuel 16:7 The Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions."

God's standards differ greatly from our own. Success is measured by faithfulness and fruitfulness not by results and quantities. We measure success in terms of appearances and externals, but the Lord looks on the heart. God measures success by weighing our devotion and commitment to him.

1 John 2:15-17 Stop loving this evil world and all that if offers you, for when we love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world. And this world if fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever.

Success in this world can mean failure in God's eyes. While we live in this world, we are not to be controlled by this world's system of values. God promises that if we do his will, we will have true success.

1 Corinthians 3:4,5 We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God.
Jesus' followers know that real success comes only from the Lord.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Discernment

Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We are supposed to have thunderstorms today and It sure looks like they are coming! I did all my shopping yesterday, so I am prepared!

After I did my shopping, I drove to the Park, and there was the gator in his usual spot, all stretched out. When I came back out, several cars were parked, with people rushing with cameras to take his picture. I walked out on the bridge and watched a great blue heron for a while. He is huge, and likes to stand on the point where the canal curves. He can be so still, he looks like a statue, but all at once he started to walk down the bank and waded in the water, stretching out his neck after spying a fish. The sun was very warm and it felt like summer, but I soon got very tired and was glad to get back to the car. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

When I am confused, where do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding, and direction?

James 1:5-8 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.

Psalm 119:125 Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your decrees.

Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom. It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies," God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

More 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! Even though the sun is shining and it is warmer than usual, I notice the trees are swaying in the wind, and heavy rain is predicted for tomorrow. Well, that means I have to get my shopping done today!

I did not get to the park yesterday. I was still achy, and had a crick in my neck from the uncomfortable seat and looking up to talk to David and Brian in the ER Monday night. Also, we had a good prayer committee meeting at church and that kind of wore me out, so I really wanted to rest. I keep forgetting that it is only two weeks since I had surgery..takes me a long time to really get my strength back.

But I always enjoy seeing the ducks and different water fowl on Lynch lake. Also, the flocks of ibis in the neighborhood. Lately, I have seen the tiny sparrows that only come in winter. They are almost disguised when they flit down under the shrubs because they look like leaves. Very cute! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

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

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

Proverbs 9:11-12 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

Psalm 25:8-9 The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in what is right, teaching them his way.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.

Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man.

Wisdom will give us a richer, fuller life.

Matthew 7:24-27 Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash.

Wisdom inspires confidence and prepares us for the most difficult times. Foolishness is a great risk and leaves us vulnerable to sure catastrophe.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

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! We have clouds today instead of sunshine, but at least the weather has warmed up and it will be a great day!

I was kind of lazy rolling out of bed this morning, because of spending several hours in the ER with Brian. My dear friend, David, took me because Brian had called and said he was having symptoms of a heart attack and had called the paramedics. After testing, everything looked normal, so he was released and I got to bed (but not to sleep) about midnight. Praise God for warnings and answered prayer! So Brian is to make a doctor's app't today for a checkup and will probably be put on meds for BP control.
As for me, I can do without any more visits to the ER!

When I went to the Park yesterday, I saw the usual fat, black gator stretched out on the bank and people walking over to take his photo. I also saw an anhinga airing out the wings and a pretty white great heron wading in the water looking for lunch. Two peacocks were back in front of the house by the park entrance. I had not seen them in a while and didn't know if they were still in the neighborhood. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

What are the benefits of wisdom?

Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.

Psalm 111:10 Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures; it is understanding that an all powerful, all-knowng God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, March 8, 2010

As Time Goes By

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! Yesterday was a beautiful day, also, so after church I went to a car wash and got the van all spic and span. The air has been so dry that there were only a few drops of water left by the time I came home. It promises to be even warmer today!

I went to the Park with the intention of walking, but all of a sudden, I felt tired. It's hard for me to remember that it has only been less than two weeks since I had surgery, so even though I have had no pain, I still have to give myself time to get really strong again! God is Good!

I did see the fat, black gator sunning in his usual spot, and a tri-colored heron huddled by the canal bank, looking for a meal. The azaleas at the park are blooming now, but mine show no signs of buds, yet. The yellow leaves are still falling off the oaks, from the frost that hit the tops of the trees, so the yard is covered with them. The maple trees at the park are loaded with red seed pods that are falling in the water, and all over the boardwalk. Spring is not far away!Praise God!

This is from the book Quiet Moments with God and I have sent it before, but it has a good prayer which is worth repeating every year.

Where does the time go?" we ask. Here it is--a new day on the horizon--and we can't remember how it arrived so quickly. Why, last week seems like yesterday, and last year flew by like a videw in fast forward.

And worse, it's hard to remember what we spent it on.

Shouldn't I have more great memories? we wonder. What did I accomplish? Is this all I've done with all that time?

Singer Jim Croce mused in his hit song "Time in a Bottle" that there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do, once you find them" We search so hard for happiness. But often, we don't understand that happiness is not a goal to be won, but a by-product of a life well spent.
This "Old English Prayer" offeressimple instruction for enjoying the day that the Lord has made.:

Take time to work, it is the price of success.
Take time to think, it is the source of power.
Take time to play, it is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read, it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream, it is hitching your wagon to a star.
Take time to love and be loved, it is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to look around; it is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul.

True happiness comes
from the job of deeds
well done. The zest of
creating things new.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, March 5, 2010

Words from Paul

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! Can't tell it from this mornings chilly weather, but it looks like a warm-up this weekend. Yay! This cold weather has lasted long enough!

I tried to walk at the park yesterday, but as soon as I walked on the bridge, the wind hit and it was cold! I had a coat on but the wind seemed to go right through it. I saw a little moorhen going about her business as usual on the water, not seeming to mind the weather. Also a flock of ibis were busily pecking the ground as they usually do, and on the way in, the gator was in its usual spot, sunning on the bank. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

2 Corinthians 12:8-10
My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul's Final Advice:

Greet each other in Christian love. All the Christians here send you their greetings.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Psalm 37

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! Another breezy, chilly day but we are promised temps in the seventies this weekend, Yay!

I went to the park yesterday and took a walk along the sidewalk to the second bridge. A few people were out in the cold, but not many. I did not bring my gloves, so I hid my hands in my sleeves, because the wind was quite cold. I noticed that the few big sour orange trees that used to be in the butterfly garden were no more and most of the butterfly shrubs were gone. It looks quite bare because the ones that are left are leafless and look dead, but they may come back in the spring.

I stopped walking long enough to watch several ibis fly by above the canal and land on the bridge railing. One was a maverick and landed in a tree nearby. There's one in every crowd! :o)

On my way in to the park, I saw a fat, lazy gator catching some rays out of the water, just trying to warm up, I guess, because the sun was shining. I always look to the right, because the gators like to sun on the bank of the borrow pit. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 37
Don't worry about the wicked,
Don't envy those who do wrong
For like the grass they soon fade away.
Like springtime flowers, they soon wither.

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

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

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

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

The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will not fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Assurance

Good cloudy, windy, morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Seems like since the first day of March was nice and quiet and fairly warm that we should not be having the lion roar now. But I guess we are not over winter,yet. I am looking forward to spring and no heat, personally.

The frost-bitten leaves have really been falling and blowing all over the place since we have had so much wind. What a mess! Also, I found out who caused the deep ruts in the yards across the street and the slice off the front of my yard. It was the fire department truck! Yesterday a big ladder truck stopped out front and the men got out and started stomping the grass back in the groove. I stepped outside and one came over and introduced himself and said they had an emergency, a car was in the way, so they rode up on the yard to avoid it .

Doesn't sound plausible to me, since it looks like someone made a u-turn in the street, but anyway, at least it was not vandals.

The squirrels are having a good time with the millions of acorns that have fallen off the trees. One tried to be a dare-devil and run in front of the car as I was driving down the street. Fortunately, he made it! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I be assured of God's lasting care for me?

John 6:37 However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.

John 10:28:30 I give them eternal life they will never perish. No one will snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. So no one can take them from me. The Father and I are one.

Lamentations 3:22-23 The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness, his mercies begin afresh each day.

Our confidence is rooted in God's hold on us, not our grip on God. His mercy and love are eternally new and never exhausted.

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 rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Protection

Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners, (and I think it is still morning by a minute) This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, the wind is picking up and the rain woke me last night and from the looks of it, it was a lot of rain.

I would have been a bit earlier sending this, but realized I needed to run a couple errands before any more rain came, then when I came home I discovered some vandal had cut a slice of our yard off by the curb and cut two deep muddy grooves in the neighbor's yards across the street. Grrr! I think today's Words are very appropriate.

On a brighter note, I saw a flock of ibis pecking happily away in the yard yesterday and today seagulls were gathered on the bank of Lynch Lake, along with many ducks and woodstorks. So, God is good!

Where do I find protection from the threat of evil?

Ephesians 6:10-18 Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people make of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

This is perhaps the Bible's most comprehensive teaching about the resources believers have to overcome evil. Spiritual forces lurk behind many of our conflicts. Therefore, we should not attack the people manipulated by evil but focus directly on the evil itself. We rely on truth, faith, the power of our testimony, the wisdom of God's word, and the power of prayer. When these are mobilized, evil succumbs, God wins, and we win.

Jude 1:24-25 All glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore. Amen

Ultimately, it is God's hold on us, not our hold on him, that insures our preservation from evil. That is why we praise and worship him!

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

Monday, March 1, 2010

Endurance and perseverance

Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners and Happy March 1st! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

Since January and February were a lot different than I expected, I am hoping for a brighter March and hopefully, spring is on the way! Today is sunshiny and will be warm, but I know winter is not finished with us yet, so the heat goes on! (In the house).

Today is the day that the staples come out of my neck and after the swelling goes down and the bruises fade, I may begin to look more normal. :o) But God is good and is the Great Physician!

I went for a drive through the park, yesterday, and once more, a big black gator was sunning on the bank of the borrow pit lake. Seems like they are on the move these cold days!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

What purposes do endurance and perseverance serve in my life?

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

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

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

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis