Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Happy June first! This is the cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Well, I was able to see the "blue Moon " this morning, but it was streaked with clouds in front of it, riding low in the southwest! The second full moon in the month of May! God is Awesome!
We went to the park yesterday, but all was pretty quiet in the stillness of the heat, but saw many butterflies flitting about. They seem to enjoy hot summer days. We also went over to Joe's Creek Park, and walked for a little way, enjoying the cool breezes off the lake. It is such a pretty little park, but no one ever seems to be there...
Psalm 5:11-12
"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."
A devotional by Ruth Stafford Peale from the Guideposts 2007:
My husband, Norman and I both knew a man who often felt discouraged and weak from the blows of life. One bleak, rainy morning, he entered a diner for breakfast. Several others were there, but no one spoke to anyone else. Our friend sat down on a stool and tried to decide what to order for breakfast. Even that was a difficult chore.
At the other end of the diner, he noticed a young mother with her little girl. Suddenly the child broke the silence by asking her mother, "don't we say grace here, Mommy?"
Behind the counter the cook looked at the little girl and said, "Sure we do, honey. Will you say it for us?"
The little girl bowed her head, clasped her hands and said in a loud voice, "God is great and God is good, and we thank Him for our food. By his hand we all are fed. Give us, Lord, our daily bread." All of a sudden, the atmosphere in the diner changed and people began talking to one another.
Our usually gloomy friend later told us how that experience was pivotal for him He saw the little girl's faith and he, too, started to believe in God, to believe in other people and to believe in himself. He began to pray regularly, no matter how much rain was coming down outside. He experienced the power of prayer in the midst of adversity and that made all the difference!
There's no sense worrying or despairing over past failures, present situations for potential mishaps. As long as we truly do our best as praying, positive-thinking people, God will see us through.
Ruth Stafford Peale
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (21 and counting)
Friday, June 1, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
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! Perhaps this is the day we will have rain...we hope and pray!
As Matthew and I were walking along the boardwalk yesterday, we were admiring the elderberry blossoms across the canal, and enjoying watching the little gator at the tower. It was fairly quiet, without many people around, so a good time to walk. We watched the hawks for awhile and saw what looked like Ma Hawk feeding the young one on a limb further away from the nest...looks like they are finally ready to leave the nest!
We saw two four foot gators on the bank of the canal on our way out. God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
How is my work important to the Lord?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "This should be your ambition; to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs."
Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work. (1) having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and (2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.
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-quick 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. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (22 and counting)
As Matthew and I were walking along the boardwalk yesterday, we were admiring the elderberry blossoms across the canal, and enjoying watching the little gator at the tower. It was fairly quiet, without many people around, so a good time to walk. We watched the hawks for awhile and saw what looked like Ma Hawk feeding the young one on a limb further away from the nest...looks like they are finally ready to leave the nest!
We saw two four foot gators on the bank of the canal on our way out. God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
How is my work important to the Lord?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "This should be your ambition; to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs."
Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work. (1) having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and (2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.
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-quick 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. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (22 and counting)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Guidance
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the hazy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I could not see the stars or moon or even the sky clearly, when I stepped out a while ago. Perhaps God will bring us rain today!
I walked along the butterfly garden at the Park yesterday and saw a butterfly fluttering its wings as it flew by - ..black and yellow ones, yellow, orange and black ..all are so colorful!
Then we stood and watched the baby hawks moving about in the nest and heard and saw Mama fly by calling loudly! God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
How can I be sure God will guide me?
Psalm 32:8 "The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
Psalm 37:23-24 "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."
Luke 12:6-7 " What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid, you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows."
Jesus gives this promise to all his followers. If God values the littlest things of his creation, how much more must he value us for whom he gave his own precious Son. When we are anxious or concerned, we need to remind ourselves that God does indeed care about and is watching over us.
Jeremiah 29:11 ""I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
God is always seeking the best future for us. There are times that we delay it through our disobedience, but when we come back to God, he is always ready to give us his best.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I walked along the butterfly garden at the Park yesterday and saw a butterfly fluttering its wings as it flew by - ..black and yellow ones, yellow, orange and black ..all are so colorful!
Then we stood and watched the baby hawks moving about in the nest and heard and saw Mama fly by calling loudly! God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
How can I be sure God will guide me?
Psalm 32:8 "The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
Psalm 37:23-24 "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."
Luke 12:6-7 " What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid, you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows."
Jesus gives this promise to all his followers. If God values the littlest things of his creation, how much more must he value us for whom he gave his own precious Son. When we are anxious or concerned, we need to remind ourselves that God does indeed care about and is watching over us.
Jeremiah 29:11 ""I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
God is always seeking the best future for us. There are times that we delay it through our disobedience, but when we come back to God, he is always ready to give us his best.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Cruisin' thru Colossians
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Have you noticed that now the Royal Poinciana trees are flaming with their orange blossoms? Now, that the jacarandas are fading, God give new beauty in the Poinciana tree...always something of color and beauty to see!
We watched the baby hawks moving around in the tree at the Park yesterday. They certainly are big, now, but Ma and Pa continue to fly in lizards, frogs, snakes and other delicacies to stuff the little mouths.
Speaking of little mouths, Mama duck and at least, 13 pin-feathered babies were moving along the street yesterday morning, They flow so fast they are hard to count, but she clucks at them and they stay fairly close together. God is awesome!
From the Promise Bible:
Colossians 3:13
Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
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.
Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (24 and counting)
We watched the baby hawks moving around in the tree at the Park yesterday. They certainly are big, now, but Ma and Pa continue to fly in lizards, frogs, snakes and other delicacies to stuff the little mouths.
Speaking of little mouths, Mama duck and at least, 13 pin-feathered babies were moving along the street yesterday morning, They flow so fast they are hard to count, but she clucks at them and they stay fairly close together. God is awesome!
From the Promise Bible:
Colossians 3:13
Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
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.
Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (24 and counting)
Friday, May 25, 2007
Psoaring thru Psalm 119
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool, dry day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I see the bright, morning star each morning as I step out but no sign of the moon. I think the haze is keeping the other stars hidden.
Yesterday I saw a funny sight. The majestic, proud peacock was running and he was NOT majestic. His knobby knees and bent legs looked so funny as he loped along, I had to laugh! His long, beautiful tailfeathers were dragging behind him and looked kinda ragged-guess courting season is over.
From the Promise Bible:
Psalm 119
"Happy are people of integrity,
who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced
when I compare my life with
your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you for living as I should!
I will obey your principles.
Please don't give up on me!...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (27 and counting)
Yesterday I saw a funny sight. The majestic, proud peacock was running and he was NOT majestic. His knobby knees and bent legs looked so funny as he loped along, I had to laugh! His long, beautiful tailfeathers were dragging behind him and looked kinda ragged-guess courting season is over.
From the Promise Bible:
Psalm 119
"Happy are people of integrity,
who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced
when I compare my life with
your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you for living as I should!
I will obey your principles.
Please don't give up on me!...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (27 and counting)
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Conflict
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the hazy, dry day that the Lord has made and we will be glad and rejoice in it!
I took my morning walk in the evening last night, and enjoyed the cool wind on my face. It was really windy at the tower from the lake and I noticed on my way out, how beautiful the lacy white elderberry blossoms are. It looks like a good crop, in spite of the rain. The raccoons love to eat them and when they are close enough to the boardwalk, I help myself to a few.!
On my way back, "what to my wondering eyes did appear,
but a red-shouldered hawk, swooping ever so near.."
He looked huge and I was excited to see him. I also was just in time to see Mr. Gator glide in to the covered shelter and look at me before sinking to cover his back and most of his face. God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible:
Shouldn't those who believe in Jesus Christ be free from conflict?
Psalm 27:1-3 "The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger-so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident."
Evil is inevitable. Because we live in a fallen world filled with broken people, we will find ourselves in many types of conflict. Our focus should not be on the dark forces that attack us but on the Lord who defends us.
Psalm 55:18 "He rescues me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, even though many still oppose me."
While God doesn't keep us out of all conflict, he is present with us in it.
How can I find strength to respond to conflict in God's way?
Matthew 5:9 "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."
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 he ears are open to their prayers, But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."
Peace lies in the power of love, not the love of power. If we trust in God, he promises to protect and vindicate us. Followers of Christ know better than to take revenge into their own hands They know that fighting according to the world's way brings even greater problems. We are to practice "the principle of paradox"; bless when cursed, give when threatened, and feed those who would take our food. This principle unleashes God's power into the situation.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I took my morning walk in the evening last night, and enjoyed the cool wind on my face. It was really windy at the tower from the lake and I noticed on my way out, how beautiful the lacy white elderberry blossoms are. It looks like a good crop, in spite of the rain. The raccoons love to eat them and when they are close enough to the boardwalk, I help myself to a few.!
On my way back, "what to my wondering eyes did appear,
but a red-shouldered hawk, swooping ever so near.."
He looked huge and I was excited to see him. I also was just in time to see Mr. Gator glide in to the covered shelter and look at me before sinking to cover his back and most of his face. God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible:
Shouldn't those who believe in Jesus Christ be free from conflict?
Psalm 27:1-3 "The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger-so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident."
Evil is inevitable. Because we live in a fallen world filled with broken people, we will find ourselves in many types of conflict. Our focus should not be on the dark forces that attack us but on the Lord who defends us.
Psalm 55:18 "He rescues me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, even though many still oppose me."
While God doesn't keep us out of all conflict, he is present with us in it.
How can I find strength to respond to conflict in God's way?
Matthew 5:9 "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."
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 he ears are open to their prayers, But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."
Peace lies in the power of love, not the love of power. If we trust in God, he promises to protect and vindicate us. Followers of Christ know better than to take revenge into their own hands They know that fighting according to the world's way brings even greater problems. We are to practice "the principle of paradox"; bless when cursed, give when threatened, and feed those who would take our food. This principle unleashes God's power into the situation.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
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! The bright morning star has been brilliant in its aloneness these past few mornings. Don't know where the others are...perhaps the haze is hiding them.
Due to appointments and commitments, I didn't get to walk yesterday, but did ride through the park and noticed the anhingas were sunning their wings as usual, after their underwater swims. I wonder what they do when it rains and they need to dry off? I mentioned to Terry, our friend the super., about not being able to walk to the tower because of the closing and he said he would see if they could finish the spraying and open up. Perhaps today, I will find time to walk.
From the Promise Bible:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Leviticus 26:8 "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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Due to appointments and commitments, I didn't get to walk yesterday, but did ride through the park and noticed the anhingas were sunning their wings as usual, after their underwater swims. I wonder what they do when it rains and they need to dry off? I mentioned to Terry, our friend the super., about not being able to walk to the tower because of the closing and he said he would see if they could finish the spraying and open up. Perhaps today, I will find time to walk.
From the Promise Bible:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Leviticus 26:8 "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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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