Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Joy

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 weather is still beautiful  with lots of sunshine and wind blowing this morning. However we still desperately need rain all over the state!

My day did not start off too well, I knocked over a large glass of water while I was enjoying breakfast, so had to stop and mop . Well, it could have been milk, so it wasn't all bad...just took a lot longer than I had planned. And this afternoon I go to my dermatologist where I will probably come out stinging where he freezes all the potential skin cancers that develop  every six months. That goes with pale skin and living in Florida.

Yesterday I saw in my backyard, a squirrel sitting on top of the fence very still. I stood and watched him for a while, wondering if he was sick, but he just sat there sunning. I checked later and he was gone, so I guess he was just resting, which is unusual for squirrels! And over at the park, the squirrels seem to have thinned out, because the workers have to capture them for relocation after they get so aggressive from people giving them peanuts. I did not see the gator at the lake, but turtles were on the other side and lots of people were enjoying that spot of beauty very near the city. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How Can I be joyful in hard times?

Habakkuk 3:17,18 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!

Philippians 4:4,12 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! I know how to live on almost nothing, or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach, or empty, with plenty or little.
 


Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods, and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
 

James 1:2 Dear Brothers and Sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. 

Troubles remind us of two things. First, they remind us that this is a fallen world full of futility and frustration. Second they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises us lasting joy for all those who believe in him. This kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.

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


Love and hugs, 
Amaryllis

Monday, January 30, 2012

Colossians 1:7-14

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We have had such beautiful weather, with blue skies and sunshine, cool temps at night and nice in the day time. The only flaw is a lack of rain which makes for wildfires, so I pray God will send us rain in his time.

I have been fascinated by cloud formations and contrails these past few days. As I was driving a couple days ago, I noticed two different contrails, quite wide because of wind, and one of them had just a strip of rainbow colors. The other had none. But my niece had posted a pic of the halo around the sun and she said the rainbow went all around. I just could see part of it. but it was beautiful! Then yesterday I saw contrails in the making as the plane flew so high I could not see it. Reminds me of the old movie, "High and Mighty", one of my favorite John Wayne films.

I spied two big gators sunning on the bank of the lake at the park Sat. and lots of turtles on the other side of the road. Then, yesterday, only one of the gators was sunning and about a dozen turtles were on the bank of the weir. A tri-colored heron was standing straight and tall and looking very majestic on the bank of the canal, while several ibis were pecking in the muddy water. I just happened to think that I have not seen a robin yet this winter, and usually they are all over. Hmm. Maybe just not in this neighborhood. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Colossians 1:7

Epaphras, our much-loved co-worker, was the one who brought you the Good News. He is Christ's faithful servant, and he is helping us in your place. He is one who told us about the great love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.

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

We also pray that you will be strengthened  with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance that 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 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.

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


Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, January 27, 2012

Hope

Good morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!  We had a little rain during the early morning hours, but not enough. At least the oak pollen is dampened, so the air is a bit cleaner. While it's a little cooler, it is still not cold, so it's a nice change.

My handy yardman was here this morning, to take care of some chores, so that is why this is a little late in coming.

I saw lots of people and birds out yesterday at the park, including a long row of ibis over at Lynch Lake. They were lined up perfectly along one of the drainage outlets. Lots of seagulls and ducks, also, one of which dunked his head down while the tail stuck up in the air, while I watched. Very funny!

At the park, I saw turtles sunning, egrets on the bank, with people taking photos of them, and squirrels running all over the ground. I also spotted the gopher on his front porch again. Guess he just likes to watch people go by. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I have hope when times are tough? 

 
Hebrews 16:23 
Without wavering, let us hold tight to the hope we say we have , for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
 


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

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

John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you may have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, for I have overcome the world.

 

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

Isaiah 26:3-4 
You will keep in perfect peace, all who trust, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

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


Love and hugs

Amaryllis

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Conflict

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! God has gifted us with another warm day. Yesterday it was so warm, that I actually had a short sleeved shirt on, and was very comfortable. But the warm weather will be gone by tomorrow, though only for a short time, and then the weekend will be nice again, for the Gasparilla parade Sat.

After my cleaning friends left yesterday, I went to the P.O. and bought some forever stamps, and then did a little shopping. Afterwards, I drove to the park with the shadows getting long. I always like to see the changing play of sunshine and shadow when it's late in the afternoon, but it is not too good for driving, because when the visor doesn't hide the sun, it is right in my eyes!

Once again I saw the white egret outstanding against the green of the canal bank..typical Florida scenery and moorhens happily paddling around in the water. They are such busy little ducks! Lots of people were hanging over the bridge looking at different things in the water, but I did not see any gators. It's time for the azaleas to start blooming, and I saw where my hidden bush in the back of the house has already had two blooms. Nothing in the front, though. Maybe later. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I find strength to respond to conflict in God's way?

Romans 12:19-21
Dear Friends, never avenge yourselves, leave that to God. For it is written, "I will take vengeance. I will repay those who deserve it", says the Lord. Instead do what the scriptures say. "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you." Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.

1 Peter 3:9-12
Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, "If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil".

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


Love and hugs, Amaryllis

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Character

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The temp is supposed to climb up to 82 today! It doesn't seem like this is still January, because the weather is so warm. The weatherman said yesterday that we would need to turn on the A/C today because of the humidity. I think I need to, because I believe I have developed an allergy to oak leaves, which are falling like rain around here!

Yesterday, as I was driving alongside Turner's creek at low tide, I saw a great gray egret having a fish for lunch, Funny thing, was, two vultures were sitting at the top of the bank, hopefully, waiting for leftovers. The water fowl and birds of prey like low tide because it is easier to fish. Speaking of birds of prey, I saw the baby osprey sticking his head out of the nest on the elem. school grounds. They will probably be nesting over in the parking lot of Gateway Mall any day, now.

BTW, my colorful birthday balloons are still flying high against my ceiling and I have been enjoying  wisely the box of Godiva chocolates, I was given. I should put them in the fridge where I won't be so tempted. :o)

I went on to the park when I finished my shopping and lots of people were out enjoying the great weather. Lots of turtles, egrets, and the big gator were also enjoying the weather. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

What does God promise us as we mature in godly character?

Matthew 5:8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 


We will experience an increasing sense of God's presence and his blessing.

James 1:4  When your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.

Romans 5: 3-5
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, for he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
 


As we mature in our faith, we will become stronger and stronger people. Character is like a muscle--it gets stronger with exercise. As our character develops, our confidence in our salvation increases, and the assurance of God's love fills our hearts.

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


Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Change

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! This is such wonderful weather at the end of January...cool nights and warm days. Lots of sunshine and just lots of blessings!

After taking care of laundry yesterday and other chores around the house, including sweeping a basket full of leaves off the porch, I took a trip to the park. Not many people, but lots of turtles plastered against the banks of the weir, and one lone large one some distance away on the grassy bank of the canal.I have been seeing the large gator sunning on the other side of the road at the lake, but he wasn't there yesterday.
 

Some group has built a platform and there is a cage on top that has a furry critter in it, but I have not walked over to see what it is. Guess I will have to do that soon. The gopher tortoises have been on the move and I see them nearly every day. They seem to be coming closer to the parking area and getting very used to people standing around looking at them. Always something going on! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:


Where can I find security and hope in the midst of tumult and change?

Lamentations 5:19 Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation.

Malachi 3 :6 I am the Lord and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already completely destroyed.

James 12:17 Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all Heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
 


Both our security and our hope are rooted in God's unchanging character. People will make promises one day but disappoint us the next. Sin or circumstances beyond their control prevent them from keeping their promises. God's faithfulness and love, however, are not subject to fluctuations of time, space or human mortality. We will never suffer because of God's fickle whims, irrational mood swings, or inability to handle the circumstances.

Are there any unchanging principles that can help me stay anchored?

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.

Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever.
 


God's word gives us the truth that never changes. We find strength and courage when we listen--not to the voices of public opinion- but to God.

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


Love and hugs, 
Amaryllis

Monday, January 23, 2012

Ephesians 1

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Lots of light clouds this morning, but like yesterday, it will be another warm day in January! In fact, the weatherman say we will have temps in the eighties for a couple days! I'll take it!

I have had the most wonderful week of birthday surprises! I think it started with a breakfast bike ride on my friend David's Gold Wing, then a small group potluck and prayer meeting on Thursday and Brian took me out to dinner on Friday, which resulted in a free dessert for me, because Brian mentioned it was my birthday. I was very glad they didn't sing!! Finally, I was told by Brian that he wanted to take me to Miller's in Bradenton for dinner Saturday. That's about an hour drive, so I was not very enthusiastic and he told me he wanted to stop by a friend's house to say "Hi". I told him I was not going in because she lives in a two story house, which requires  walking up stairs, and I don't do that very well any more. Well, sure enough, when we got there, we went in to a totally surprise party. I was almost speechless!! Turns out this had been in the planning for about six months. Mari is very devious. It was a well kept secret and I did not suspect a thing. We had a wonderful dinner with four dear friends and Brian and I now have nine balloons floating on my ceiling plus lovely gifts from everyone, and a beautiful dish garden from my boys. Brian said it's not every day a person turns 85, so that is why the long celebration. If I never live to have another one, I will die happy! It has been a wonderful week! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom


Ephesians 1
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for Christians everywhere, I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray  that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize the  rich and glorious inheritance  he has given his people.

I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with his presence.

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


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, January 20, 2012

Galatians 6

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I am gettting a late start today because of the bug man coming , but hopefully, I will be catching up soon. The sun is shining and the cool wind blowing, and, as usual, I am always chilly. Guess my age is catching up with me.

Yesterday I went to the park after shopping at the newly remodeled Sweetbay near my house. I actually had good customer service. A man putting up yogurt products went into the back to see if the truck had delivered  the product that I could not find, and brought it out for me. Yay, him!

Then I was rewarded at the park by seeing the big gator sunning full length on the bank of the lake. On the other side, a patron was taking a pic of an anhinga with wings outspread. The water in the canal was much higher due to the rain Wed. afternoon, so it looks much better. The big gophers seem to be on the move, because I saw the really old one standing in his front door, and the smaller one around the corner standing on his front porch. We were always warned as kids, not to put our hands down in the tunnels, because there might be snakes in there. Of course, I had to see for myself. Fortunately, I did not find one. God is Good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

We reap what we sow

Dear Brothers and Sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly, should gently and humbly help that person  back into the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each others burdens and problems and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone in need, you are only fooling yourself. You are really a nobody...

Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit....

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


Love,
Amaryllis

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Psoaring thru Psalm 5

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! Lots of sunshine this morning and cooler temps. I am getting so lazy in the morning, I usually don't roll out of bed until sevenish, although I am awake long before then. So, this morning, I got up and stripped the bed to wash them and now am waiting for the sheets  to dry, so I can put them back on
the bed.

Yesterday's bike/breakfast ride was so much fun! David took us to Skyway Jack's for breakfast...the first time I had been there, and we enjoyed chatting while eating. Then we saddled up and went over to Tampa, riding along Bayshore where workers were busy with preparations for the Gasparilla parade Sat. David took me to Davis Island and on out to Peter O. Knight airport and back to the marina, which I didn't even know was there! Lots of boats were moored in the very still, quiet waters and very few cars on the road.. On the way out of the marina, I noticed  serious looking buzzards perched on each pole, just waiting. I really don't like them, because they look menacing to me, although they do the job God created them to do.

Rain had been predicted to come through, and as we traveled, we could see the clouds .building up, and by the time we got near home, the sky was covered, but the weather held until we completed with my birthday/breakfast/just for fun ride! God is Good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:


Psalm 5
O Lord, hear me as I pray;
pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God
for I will never pray to anyone but you.
Listen  to my voice in the morning, Lord.
Each morning I bring my request to you
and wait expectantly...

because of your unfailing love I can enter your house;
with deepest awe I will worship at your Temple.
Lead me in the right path, O Lord,
or my enemies will conquer me.
Tell me clearly what to do,
and show me which way to turn...

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them sing joyful praises forever.
Protect them, so all who love your name may be filled with joy.
For you bless the godly, O Lord
surrounding them with your shield of love.

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


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Bike ride

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners!  There will be no Gator Bytes today because I have been invited to go on a breakfast bike (Gold Wing)  ride. Hope to see you tomorrow!

Love and hugs,

Amaryllis

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Zephaniah 3:17

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! Still a bit cool in the morning, but the sun is out and the breeze is blowing, so it will be a pretty day! 

I did not go out much yesterday, but did get over to the park, and was surprised to see quite a crowd there. Since it was a holiday, I guess that was to be expected. The big fat gator was once again sunning on the bank of the lake, and, as usual, attracting quite a bit of attention. Usually, people ride right by without looking that way, and it is off the road by quite a bit, so he doesn't get noticed that often.

 
The remaining leaves on the maple trees are a deep maroon ,now and the rest of the trees, except for oaks, are bare, so it really looks like winter in the park. No snow, though! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

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

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


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, January 16, 2012

Serve Him

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer   Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it!  I am glad that the weather is warming up and the sun is shining, and it promises to be a great day!


I have seen the big fat gator lounging on the bank of the lake at the park these past few days, and the little frisky moorhens swimming very near him, and very unafraid. Coexisting peacefully...wish the rest of the world could take a cue from them!


I have not been sending the morning emails for the past few days, because my old PC would not go on the standard version which allowed me to add the bcc list. However, my computer elves spent their Sunday afternoon running to Walmart to pick me up a new desktop and printer/copier and then spent hours setting it up. I am so blessed with good friends who shower me with kindness!

The following devotional is dedicated to the two of them. You know who you are!

From the little devotional
Knowing God:


So prepare your minds for service and have self-control. All your hope
should be for the gift of grace that will be yours when Jesus Christ is shown
to you.
1 Peter 1:11 NCV 


The teachings of Jesus are clear. We achieve greatness through service to others. But, as weak human beings, we sometimes  fall short as we seek to puff ourselves up  and glorify our own accomplishments. Jesus commands otherwise. He teaches us that the most esteemed men and women are not the self-congratulatory leaders of society but are instead the humblest of servants.


Today, you may feel the temptation to build yourselves up in the eyes of others. Resist that temptation. Instead, serve them quietly and without fanfare. Find a need and fill it...humbly. Lend a helping hand and share a word of kindness...anonymously, for this is God's way.


As a humble servant, you will glorify yourself not before men, but before God, and that's what God intends. After all, earthly glory is fleeting; here today and all too soon gone. But heavenly  glory endures throughout eternity. So, the choice is yours: Either you can lift yourself up here on earth and be humbled in heaven, or vice versa. Choose vice versa. 
                                 
                           -Great Thoughts-

Christianity, in its purest form, is nothing more than seeing Jesus. Christian service, in its purist form. is nothing more than imitating him who we see. To see his Majesty and to imitate him; that is the sum of Christianity.

                             Max Lucado



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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Decisions

Good Morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will be glad and rejoice in it!  Well, no sunshine this morning and just a little rain, but the wind is blowing and the cold front is blustering its way in, once again.

But yesterday in the great warm day, I drove out to the Mall and tried to pick up our family photos from Penney's studio, only to discover they were closed on Tues. Afternoon. So, I drove back home to do a little shopping, and then visited the park, parked and walked out on the bridge to see the young gator. The water is very low and muddy, due to the construction, but still suits the fish and anhingas. It was very warm in the sun, so I walked over to the butterfly garden, avoiding lots of families. Many blooms were on the plants, but no butterflies.

I seem to be having lots of little things going wrong all at once...the lamp in my bedroom will not turn on, so I need to buy a new one, and now the drain in the shower is clogged. It does that every once in a while, but I have stuff to unclog it. Anyway, the house is warm and I have food, so God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:


What kind of help does God give us?

2 Chronicles 16:9  The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 


God wants To help us make the right decisions. He is looking for us to depend fully on him. Our openness is God's opportunity.

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.
 

Some people fear that they are bothering God with their problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is looking for ways to help us because he loves. us. Our commitment to him releases his resources for us.

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


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

He's Right Here, Right now.

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 sunshiny day and the promise of rain to come sometime later this week. We are blessed!

After a late afternoon trip to the doctor, I went to Wendy's to pick up my supper and  then went to the park. Not to have a picnic, but just to see the long shadows, with brilliant green where the sun shone through. I saw two egrets looking beautiful in contrast to the leafless tree they were perched in and the gopher tortoise guarding his tunnel. I was surprised to see quite a few people there as close to dinner time as it was. Yellow butterflies were flitting about on their search for nectar. They are so pretty, and so are the others. 

Last night I saw the "wolf moon". I had to google that to see why it is called by that name. Interesting That the native Americans gave it that name, because the full moon in January caused the wolves to howl for food when the icy snows covered their territory...things I never knew before.

God is good!

From the little devotional book Knowing God:


The Lord is with you when you are with Him.
If you seek Him, He will be found by you.
2 Chronicles 15:2 HCSB
Did you ever wonder if God is really "right here, right now"? Do you wonder if God hears your prayers, if He understands your feelings, or if He really knows your heart? If so, you're not alone: Lots of very faithful Christians have experienced periods of doubt. In fact, some of the biggest heroes in the Bible had plent of doubts-and so, perhaps, will you. But when you have doubts, remember this: God isn't on a coffee break, and He hasn't moved out of town. He's right here, right now, listening to your thoughts and prayers, watching over your every move.

If you'd like to get to know God a little bit better, He's always available--always ready to listen to your prayers, and always ready to speak to your heart. Are you ready to talk to Him? If so, congratulations. If not, what are you waiting for?

                                             Great Thoughts

God's presence is with you, but you have to make a choice to believe--and I mean, really believe--that this is true. This conscious decision is yours alone.
                                                         Bill Hybels

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


Love and hugs, 
Amaryllis

Monday, January 9, 2012

John 3:16

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 temps are warming up, so it will be another beautiful day! We are blessed!

I was so excited last night watching the Broncos game and Tim Tebow's inspired playing, I was shouting at the TV, trying to urge on the players!  A columnist in the Times this morning wrote, "did you notice that there was not a sideline reporter? And now that you know, did you miss one?" I have to say, no and no. I don't really like the gals out there when they have never played football...
 

So, win or lose, I am looking forward to Sat. and the game with the Patriots. Go, Broncos!

I saw an unusual sight on my way to church yesterday. A small flock of five woodstorks were moving through a private yard. I have never seen them in a yard, before, just sitting by ditches and lakes. And, I stepped outside  in the morning, in time to see a flock of ibis pecking its way through my yard and into the neighbors. They do a good job of aereating. When I drove to the park after church, I found it crowded with lots of people and dog-walkers, big folks and little folks. It was a good day to be out in the warm weather. Also, a cluster of black turtles were sunning themselves on the bank of the weir. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Remembering Tebow's yardage yesterday and eyeblack scripture from college...
 

John 3:16-21

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.

There is no judgment awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged  for not believing in the only Son of God.  Their judgment is based on this fact. The light from heaven came into the world, but they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants.

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

Love and Hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Psoaring thru Psalm 95

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the slightly warmer day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Temps are going up instead of down and by this weekend we will be in the seventies again! Yay! My hands stay so cold that it's hard to warm them up even to type...guess I would not be happy in snowy country!

I was ambitious this morning and felt like making cheese biscuits, so, as usual, when I took them out of the very hot oven, the detector went off  with a loud screech. At least I know it works. And the biscuits were good, but maybe not as good as Red Lobster!

But the sun is shining and it is a beautiful day! After doing some cleaning yesterday, I went over to the park and saw a tri-colored heron all huddled up looking very sad, an anhinga with wings outspread, drying, and  an ibis in the water, looking for lunch. The maples have lost their leaves now, and the bare branches look very stark, as they are reflected in the water. It is good to see the seasons change even in Florida...just a little later than north of here. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 95
Come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us give a joyous shout to the rock of our salvation!
Let us come before him with thanksgiving.
Let us sing him psalms of praise.
For the Lord is a great God,
the great King above all gods,
He owns the depths of the earth,
and even the mightiest mountains are his.

The sea belongs to him, for he made it .
His hands formed the dry land, too.

Come, let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,
for He is our God.
We are the people he watches over,
the sheep under his care.

Oh, that you would listen to his voice today!
The Lord says, "Don't harden your hearts,
as Israel did at Meribah,
as they did at Massah in the wilderness.For there your ancestors tried my patience,
they courted my wrath though they had seen my many miracles.
For forty years I was angry with them and I said,
They are a people whose hearts turn away from me.
They refuse to do what I tell them
So in my anger I made a vow.
They will never enter my place of rest.

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


Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis