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