Good dry 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!
Looks like maybe we won't have any rain today, so I will head out for a walk very soon. Yesterday we only got caught in the rain once and that was coming from church, after working on communion.
I drove through the Park and looked at the high water covering the weir, and noticed how high the water in the canal is. I followed a car from Maine, driving very slowly down the street and they stopped right in front of me, because they noticed a gator cruising in the canal right in front of the house. Guess there aren't many gators in Maine!
Anyway, Terry is back from vacation and was very busy catching up on emails. He gave me the sad news that Ralph, the former assistant supervisor, and a very nice man, had passed away in July after a long battle with cancer. I was sad because I had just prayed for him yesterday morning. He was not a believer, but he appreciated my prayers.
Here are some scriptures I pray for most of you, daily...
Ephesians 6:10-13
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 struggle is 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."
Ephesians 3:20,21
"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 you, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, forever and ever.
Amen!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, August 3, 2007
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Guidance
Good wet morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the very rainy day that the Lord has made and we shall rejoice and be glad in it! Lesson for today is; be careful what you pray for! All those prayers for rain to end the drought are being answered all at once! Psalm 68:8,9 "You sent abundant rain, O God, to refresh the weary Promised Land..." So I am not really complaining, because we really need the rain. I can almost watch the grass grow! Another good thing, I haven't had to water the yard in weeks! Yea!
I think I have mentioned this before, but we have an unusual anole living in our garage above the door. I only see her when I turn on the light after it has been dark. She is almost transparent and has those distinctive bulging anole eyes. I have no idea what the critter lives on...maybe bugs around the window, but as soon as I approach, she does her funny wiggle into any opening she is near. . God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I experience God's guidance?
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths."
The first step in guidance is knowing where to put your trust. Travelers rely on maps when visiting new places. In the same way, we must trust God to lead us and realize our own limitations. We do not understand all the complexities of life, like the Lord does.
Matthew 7:7-11 "Keep on asking and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the dooris opened to everyone who knocks. You parents-if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him."
God invites us to pray so that we will know him more fully as our loving Father and understand ourselves more clearly as well. Even as a parent gives more and more responsibility to a child as he or she grows, so the Lord expects us to take responsibility for seeking and following his direction.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I think I have mentioned this before, but we have an unusual anole living in our garage above the door. I only see her when I turn on the light after it has been dark. She is almost transparent and has those distinctive bulging anole eyes. I have no idea what the critter lives on...maybe bugs around the window, but as soon as I approach, she does her funny wiggle into any opening she is near. . God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I experience God's guidance?
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths."
The first step in guidance is knowing where to put your trust. Travelers rely on maps when visiting new places. In the same way, we must trust God to lead us and realize our own limitations. We do not understand all the complexities of life, like the Lord does.
Matthew 7:7-11 "Keep on asking and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the dooris opened to everyone who knocks. You parents-if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him."
God invites us to pray so that we will know him more fully as our loving Father and understand ourselves more clearly as well. Even as a parent gives more and more responsibility to a child as he or she grows, so the Lord expects us to take responsibility for seeking and following his direction.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
True Value
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners and happy August wunth! This is the rainy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It was raining when I stepped outside this morning, but looks like the sun is trying to peek through the clouds. I was awakened this morning about 3:30, by flashes of brilliant lightning, so God is putting on a show for us.
Because of the rain yesterday, I did not walk in the Park, but did walk in Walmart... not the same! However, I did drive through the park and saw various critters running around, but not many people and few dog-walkers. Perhaps I will be able to walk tomorrow.
From Quiet Moments:
"The last will be first and the first will be last." Matthew 20:16
...It is always good to remind ourselves of our "relative" place in society. If we are on top, we need to remember we can soon be at the bottom. If we perceive ourselves as at the bottom, we need to know that in God's order we are among "the first".
In "The Finishing Touch", Chuck Swindoll raises the issue of perceived significance by asking about the people behind these Christian greats:
Who taught Martin Luther his theology and inspired his translation of the New Testament?
Who visited with Dwight L. Moody at a shoe store and spoke to him about Christ?
Who was the elderly woman who prayed faithfully for Billy Graham for over twenty years?
Who found the Dead Sea Scrolls?
Who discipled George Mueller and snatched him from a sinful lifestyle?
We may not achieve the fame and recognition from people that we would like to have in this life, but God doesn't call on us to be well known or admired. He calls us to be faithful to Him in whatever situation we find ourselves. When we are, we can see more clearly when he promotes us and gives us favor with others.
He who knows himself best
esteems himself least.
Henry George Bohn
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Because of the rain yesterday, I did not walk in the Park, but did walk in Walmart... not the same! However, I did drive through the park and saw various critters running around, but not many people and few dog-walkers. Perhaps I will be able to walk tomorrow.
From Quiet Moments:
"The last will be first and the first will be last." Matthew 20:16
...It is always good to remind ourselves of our "relative" place in society. If we are on top, we need to remember we can soon be at the bottom. If we perceive ourselves as at the bottom, we need to know that in God's order we are among "the first".
In "The Finishing Touch", Chuck Swindoll raises the issue of perceived significance by asking about the people behind these Christian greats:
Who taught Martin Luther his theology and inspired his translation of the New Testament?
Who visited with Dwight L. Moody at a shoe store and spoke to him about Christ?
Who was the elderly woman who prayed faithfully for Billy Graham for over twenty years?
Who found the Dead Sea Scrolls?
Who discipled George Mueller and snatched him from a sinful lifestyle?
We may not achieve the fame and recognition from people that we would like to have in this life, but God doesn't call on us to be well known or admired. He calls us to be faithful to Him in whatever situation we find ourselves. When we are, we can see more clearly when he promotes us and gives us favor with others.
He who knows himself best
esteems himself least.
Henry George Bohn
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Discernment
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! What a surprise! When I stepped outside this morning, the full moon was shining brilliantly, bathing everything in its light and now, the thunder is booming and rain is falling. Who Knew? But, this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Yesterday, as I arrived at the Park and started my walk, Mark and Bob passed me in their cart and headed for the boardwalk. I came upon them later at Mama gator's nest looking down at her, so I joined them, and watched them as they cleaned some more trash away. When Mark put his long metal pole down she hissed at him, but he wasn't near her, because she had moved over to the left side of the hill, and I was looking at her head-on. She looks thin, like she isn't eating..just waiting for the eggs to hatch. But that is another month or so off, so, hopefully, she will eat before the big date.
If, after the babies hatch, people keep bothering them, they may fence off the whole area, to keep Mama and babies protected. I hope that doesn't happen.
I went on to the tower and watched an anhinga whack its catch of the day, back and forth on the limb which was in the water. The fish was about three inches long and so, in order to swallow it, it had to stop wiggling. However, the anhinga gave one whack too many and the fish got away, but the fisherman just slipped into the water and started fishing again! God is Amazing!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
When I am confused, were do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding, and direction?
James 1:5-8 "If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do."
Psalm 119:125 "Give discernment to me, your servant, then I will understand your decrees."
Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom. It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies", God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, as I arrived at the Park and started my walk, Mark and Bob passed me in their cart and headed for the boardwalk. I came upon them later at Mama gator's nest looking down at her, so I joined them, and watched them as they cleaned some more trash away. When Mark put his long metal pole down she hissed at him, but he wasn't near her, because she had moved over to the left side of the hill, and I was looking at her head-on. She looks thin, like she isn't eating..just waiting for the eggs to hatch. But that is another month or so off, so, hopefully, she will eat before the big date.
If, after the babies hatch, people keep bothering them, they may fence off the whole area, to keep Mama and babies protected. I hope that doesn't happen.
I went on to the tower and watched an anhinga whack its catch of the day, back and forth on the limb which was in the water. The fish was about three inches long and so, in order to swallow it, it had to stop wiggling. However, the anhinga gave one whack too many and the fish got away, but the fisherman just slipped into the water and started fishing again! God is Amazing!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
When I am confused, were do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding, and direction?
James 1:5-8 "If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do."
Psalm 119:125 "Give discernment to me, your servant, then I will understand your decrees."
Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom. It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies", God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 30, 2007
Roamin' thru Romans
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I saw the moon trying to peek out from behind clouds when I stepped outside this morning, but couldn't tell if it was full or not..."The moon was a ghostly galleon riding upon cloudy seas..." from The Highwayman", a poem I learned in school.
It was so warm yesterday, we didn't walk after church , but spent a quiet afternoon at home.
However, we did drive through the Park, and saw about three peacocks and many ibises. There weren't many people enjoying the heat and beauty surrounding them...probably all at the movies!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Romans 12:3-13
"As God's messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.
God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophecy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. 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.
Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.
Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful. When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get in the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I saw the moon trying to peek out from behind clouds when I stepped outside this morning, but couldn't tell if it was full or not..."The moon was a ghostly galleon riding upon cloudy seas..." from The Highwayman", a poem I learned in school.
It was so warm yesterday, we didn't walk after church , but spent a quiet afternoon at home.
However, we did drive through the Park, and saw about three peacocks and many ibises. There weren't many people enjoying the heat and beauty surrounding them...probably all at the movies!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Romans 12:3-13
"As God's messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.
God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophecy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. 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.
Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.
Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful. When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get in the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, July 27, 2007
Blessings
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the overcast day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I didn't know rain was forecast for this morning, but, so far, the sun has not shone itself for sunrise...doesn't matter, though, I will be cleaning house. :o)
Yesterday I was pleased to see Mama gator lounging gracefully directly under me, with her tail curled, so I had to take a couple pictures of her full length. Already, someone had thrown a water bottle at her, and it was right beside her head. What satisfaction people get from that, I'll never know! When Mama gator is not hungry, squirrels don't even tempt her. I saw one on the branch of a maple tree right over her head and she didn't move. Maybe the squirrels know this?
The butterflies seem to be in great abundance this year. One large black one fluttered right by my face as I was walking and the yellow ones are flitting all over, from flower to flower. The butterfly gardens are really blooming, and that is probably why there are so many. I don't know them well enough to know their names...just the Monarch and the sulphur. God's Creation is marvelous!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How has God promised to bless his people?
Numbers 6:24-28 "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace."
God's blessing encompasses all of life. We live in his protection, his presence, and his peace. Nothing this world offers can compare in scope or duration with the blessing of God.
Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence."
We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God. the creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday I was pleased to see Mama gator lounging gracefully directly under me, with her tail curled, so I had to take a couple pictures of her full length. Already, someone had thrown a water bottle at her, and it was right beside her head. What satisfaction people get from that, I'll never know! When Mama gator is not hungry, squirrels don't even tempt her. I saw one on the branch of a maple tree right over her head and she didn't move. Maybe the squirrels know this?
The butterflies seem to be in great abundance this year. One large black one fluttered right by my face as I was walking and the yellow ones are flitting all over, from flower to flower. The butterfly gardens are really blooming, and that is probably why there are so many. I don't know them well enough to know their names...just the Monarch and the sulphur. God's Creation is marvelous!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How has God promised to bless his people?
Numbers 6:24-28 "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace."
God's blessing encompasses all of life. We live in his protection, his presence, and his peace. Nothing this world offers can compare in scope or duration with the blessing of God.
Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence."
We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God. the creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, July 26, 2007
More Work
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, we did not get any rain yesterday, although it thundered and I saw lightning seemingly close by. Still it didn't seem quite so warm when I stepped outside, but it is heating up fast as the sun comes up.
As I drove down the road in the Park yesterday, a very low-flying helicopter went zooming over our heads, so I knew the boardwalk would be closed for mosquito spraying. So, I walked along the sidewalk, stopping to watch the 'copter each time it flew by so low. I could see the pilot inside the bubble. Wish I could have been up there!
I was rewarded for walking up the sidewalk to the second bridge, by seeing the quiet still water reflecting the overhanging trees like a mirror. I snapped a picture, and also took a picture of some large toadstools that had sprung up in the wet grass. I saw a "fairy ring" of the smaller ones. Fat turtles were sunning and fish were making circles in the quiet water. It was a good walk, even if I didn't see Mama gator.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What does the Lord promise to those who work hard?
Proverbs 22:29 "Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people."
Faithful work makes a way for us to do greater work. God promises to bless us as we use the gifts he has given us.
Proverbs 10:4 "Lazy people are soon poor, hard workers get rich."
Proverbs 21:5 "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."
Colossians 3:23,24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."
God promises a reward to those who work hard. That reward can include-but is not limited to-financial prosperity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction or the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.
How will God help me when my work is hard?
Psalm 145:14 "The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads."
As with any burden we bear, we can trust God to help us on the job.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
As I drove down the road in the Park yesterday, a very low-flying helicopter went zooming over our heads, so I knew the boardwalk would be closed for mosquito spraying. So, I walked along the sidewalk, stopping to watch the 'copter each time it flew by so low. I could see the pilot inside the bubble. Wish I could have been up there!
I was rewarded for walking up the sidewalk to the second bridge, by seeing the quiet still water reflecting the overhanging trees like a mirror. I snapped a picture, and also took a picture of some large toadstools that had sprung up in the wet grass. I saw a "fairy ring" of the smaller ones. Fat turtles were sunning and fish were making circles in the quiet water. It was a good walk, even if I didn't see Mama gator.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What does the Lord promise to those who work hard?
Proverbs 22:29 "Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people."
Faithful work makes a way for us to do greater work. God promises to bless us as we use the gifts he has given us.
Proverbs 10:4 "Lazy people are soon poor, hard workers get rich."
Proverbs 21:5 "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."
Colossians 3:23,24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."
God promises a reward to those who work hard. That reward can include-but is not limited to-financial prosperity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction or the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.
How will God help me when my work is hard?
Psalm 145:14 "The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads."
As with any burden we bear, we can trust God to help us on the job.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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