Good Thanksgiving morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! As we think of things we are thankful for, I am thankful for all of you who encourage me daily and for God Who provides for all my needs!
I am especially thankful that I can still walk and hear and see and enjoy the antics of a young otter at the gator nest yesterday. I watched him swim all around it and sleekly raise his head and munch away on something! God is good!!
Enjoy your family and friends and try not to eat too much!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thanksgiving
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! It is good to be back online and hopefully, will stay that way for a while!
We have been having such good weather. I have enjoyed my walks in the park, except for Sunday afternoon. There is something about solitude for me that I really like, but hordes of people were out Sunday afternoon, quite a crowd hanging over the railings at the shelter trying to see the baby gators.
Mama has wisely moved them up aways, so I saw her Monday on my way out, but she was under the water when I came back. I did not see the babies, but I'm sure they were around.
I also enjoy seeing the fat, black lazy gators sunning on the banks these days. We have lots of woodstorks by every body of water nearby. Seems like they are more visible than last year. We also have the tiny wren like birds hopping on our yard, very energetically.
I heard a soft noise coming down the boardwalk from the tower, and stopped and looked in all the leaves, and finally spied a woodpecker intent on clearing off the bark on a maple tree. God is Good!
From the Guideposts 2006 planner, here are some Thanksgiving thoughts:
"Children dressed as pilgrims, families gathered around turkey and pumpkin pie, football on the front lawn, cold crisp air, a fire in the grate. these are the treasures of November.
How long has it been since you've counted the treasure buried in your life? Unearth a unique spiritual treasure each day . Uncover a hidden potential God has placed inside you. Discover a new friend, rediscover an old one. Dig up a forgotten promise in the Bible.
Open your eyes to the invisible ways God is loving you. You will find that you are richer than you think!"
A Prayer for November
My heart is filled with thanks, Lord,
For the harvest You bestow,
Not only for the grains and fruits
that you have caused to grow,
But for the harvest of the soul.
The good things that I feel,
The closeness of my family,
The friendships that are real...
and Thank You, Lord, for planting
These seeds within me too,
A thirst for knowledge,
cherished dreams,
A faith that's deep and true.
--Alice Joyce Davidson
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (I am thankful for friends and family and God's Love)
We have been having such good weather. I have enjoyed my walks in the park, except for Sunday afternoon. There is something about solitude for me that I really like, but hordes of people were out Sunday afternoon, quite a crowd hanging over the railings at the shelter trying to see the baby gators.
Mama has wisely moved them up aways, so I saw her Monday on my way out, but she was under the water when I came back. I did not see the babies, but I'm sure they were around.
I also enjoy seeing the fat, black lazy gators sunning on the banks these days. We have lots of woodstorks by every body of water nearby. Seems like they are more visible than last year. We also have the tiny wren like birds hopping on our yard, very energetically.
I heard a soft noise coming down the boardwalk from the tower, and stopped and looked in all the leaves, and finally spied a woodpecker intent on clearing off the bark on a maple tree. God is Good!
From the Guideposts 2006 planner, here are some Thanksgiving thoughts:
"Children dressed as pilgrims, families gathered around turkey and pumpkin pie, football on the front lawn, cold crisp air, a fire in the grate. these are the treasures of November.
How long has it been since you've counted the treasure buried in your life? Unearth a unique spiritual treasure each day . Uncover a hidden potential God has placed inside you. Discover a new friend, rediscover an old one. Dig up a forgotten promise in the Bible.
Open your eyes to the invisible ways God is loving you. You will find that you are richer than you think!"
A Prayer for November
My heart is filled with thanks, Lord,
For the harvest You bestow,
Not only for the grains and fruits
that you have caused to grow,
But for the harvest of the soul.
The good things that I feel,
The closeness of my family,
The friendships that are real...
and Thank You, Lord, for planting
These seeds within me too,
A thirst for knowledge,
cherished dreams,
A faith that's deep and true.
--Alice Joyce Davidson
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (I am thankful for friends and family and God's Love)
Friday, November 16, 2007
Psoaring thru Psalms
Good chilly morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Brrr! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The windows are clouded over with moisture and the air outside is clear and cold. Winter has arrived for a day or two! I saw a duck fly over the house while I was writing in my prayer notebook... not a pretty duck, but one of the Muscovy ducks that we have too many of in our neighborhood. It's strange that they do not inhabit the park, but then, again, maybe they know that gators love ducks!
Speaking of the park, another of the staff has left, so that means they have very few left to take care of three parks: Sawgrass, Lealman, and Joe's Creek. Big jobs for about four guys!
Psalm 111:1-10
Praise the Lord!
I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. Who can forget the wonders he performs?
How gracious and merciful is our Lord! He gives food to those who trust him, he always remembers his covenant. He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations. All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity. He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has! Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him.
- From the Promise Bible NLT
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (I am thankful for God's provision)
Speaking of the park, another of the staff has left, so that means they have very few left to take care of three parks: Sawgrass, Lealman, and Joe's Creek. Big jobs for about four guys!
Psalm 111:1-10
Praise the Lord!
I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. Who can forget the wonders he performs?
How gracious and merciful is our Lord! He gives food to those who trust him, he always remembers his covenant. He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations. All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity. He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has! Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him.
- From the Promise Bible NLT
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (I am thankful for God's provision)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Peace
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool, beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I stepped outside this morning early, and just stood in the very cool pre-dawn darkness and admired the galaxy of stars! Seems like they were all visible with Venus still outshining them all in the high east.
The baby gators were not visible yesterday, but as I looked up the canal, I think I saw Mama's head a little ways up from the shelter. Perhaps she has had enough of people climbing down to get at her babies, and moved them away from the shelter. I hope so!
As I approached the tower, I was delighted to see an osprey soaring, gliding and hovering over the lake. Since this is mating time, maybe they had already built a nest and one was sitting on eggs, because this was a lone one. I just stood and watched the osprey and the skimmers swooping down to skim fish out of the lake.
On my way home, I saw a Cooper's hawk on the wire by our lake, and later, saw a drama when a mother duck and four babies wee in the middle of the street and the Cooper hawk came swooping low for a baby. Mama clucked and spread her wings as the babies gathered close to her. She had about two dozen babies a couple days ago, so apparently the hawks have been busy. ..The survival of the fittest!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I find peace within?
Isaiah 9:6-7
"A child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. these will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the lord Almighty will guarantee this! "
Lasting peace comes only from Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. He rules over all creation!
Psalm 29:11
"You are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory."
Our peace comes from knowing that we are under God's protection. As a watchman keeps guard over a city, so the Lord watches over us day and night.
Isaiah 26:3
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!"
We find peace when we remove our eyes from our problems and rivet our attention on our Lord."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, love and joy!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis ( I am thankful for friends who care, and for God's provision.)
The baby gators were not visible yesterday, but as I looked up the canal, I think I saw Mama's head a little ways up from the shelter. Perhaps she has had enough of people climbing down to get at her babies, and moved them away from the shelter. I hope so!
As I approached the tower, I was delighted to see an osprey soaring, gliding and hovering over the lake. Since this is mating time, maybe they had already built a nest and one was sitting on eggs, because this was a lone one. I just stood and watched the osprey and the skimmers swooping down to skim fish out of the lake.
On my way home, I saw a Cooper's hawk on the wire by our lake, and later, saw a drama when a mother duck and four babies wee in the middle of the street and the Cooper hawk came swooping low for a baby. Mama clucked and spread her wings as the babies gathered close to her. She had about two dozen babies a couple days ago, so apparently the hawks have been busy. ..The survival of the fittest!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I find peace within?
Isaiah 9:6-7
"A child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. these will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the lord Almighty will guarantee this! "
Lasting peace comes only from Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. He rules over all creation!
Psalm 29:11
"You are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory."
Our peace comes from knowing that we are under God's protection. As a watchman keeps guard over a city, so the Lord watches over us day and night.
Isaiah 26:3
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!"
We find peace when we remove our eyes from our problems and rivet our attention on our Lord."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, love and joy!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis ( I am thankful for friends who care, and for God's provision.)
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Encouragement con't
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I hope most of you were able to see the new moon last night... looked like an Arabian nights moon in the clear sky!
This morning when I stepped outside, the moon was not visible, but Venus was shining brightly still in the East (reminds me we are getting close to Christmas).
A big black, shiny gator was sunning himself on the concrete on the weir yesterday, as I drove into the Park. He has been there twice in the past week. Yesterday he had a leg hanging down very casually and looked totally comfortable taking his sunbath. Two ibises were pecking along very unconcerned about him, just a few feet away. God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
Colossians 1:11-14
"We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins."
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
What good can my struggles produce?
2 Corinthians 1:5
"You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ."
Just as food tastes better when we are hungry, God's comfort is most vivid when we are struggling.
1 Peter 5:10:11
"In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power is his forever and ever. Amen."
Suffering lasts for a brief time, but God's blessing is forever. He not only restores what was lost, but brings new support, strength, and stability to our lives.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, and Happy Birthday, Sue!
Amaryllis
I hope most of you were able to see the new moon last night... looked like an Arabian nights moon in the clear sky!
This morning when I stepped outside, the moon was not visible, but Venus was shining brightly still in the East (reminds me we are getting close to Christmas).
A big black, shiny gator was sunning himself on the concrete on the weir yesterday, as I drove into the Park. He has been there twice in the past week. Yesterday he had a leg hanging down very casually and looked totally comfortable taking his sunbath. Two ibises were pecking along very unconcerned about him, just a few feet away. God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
Colossians 1:11-14
"We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins."
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
What good can my struggles produce?
2 Corinthians 1:5
"You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ."
Just as food tastes better when we are hungry, God's comfort is most vivid when we are struggling.
1 Peter 5:10:11
"In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power is his forever and ever. Amen."
Suffering lasts for a brief time, but God's blessing is forever. He not only restores what was lost, but brings new support, strength, and stability to our lives.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, and Happy Birthday, Sue!
Amaryllis
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Encouragrment
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has make and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I stepped outside this morning and saw a misty Venus dimly sparkling through the trees, with all the other stars not as bright because of the mist.
As I walked yesterday, enjoying the solitude and listening to the birds chirping, I stopped and looked for the baby gators, which were not visible and Mama wasn't either. Would you believe someone has climbed over the shelter rails and gone down in the mud just to get at the gators!? There are several footprints in the mud all put there around six in the evening according to Francia.
But, on to the tower and on my way, I was delighted to see the osprey pair soaring and gliding and HOVERING over the lake. I just caught my breath and marveled at the way God created them to be able to hang in the air in one spot and flap their wings rapidly and just hover for a few seconds! God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
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
As I walked yesterday, enjoying the solitude and listening to the birds chirping, I stopped and looked for the baby gators, which were not visible and Mama wasn't either. Would you believe someone has climbed over the shelter rails and gone down in the mud just to get at the gators!? There are several footprints in the mud all put there around six in the evening according to Francia.
But, on to the tower and on my way, I was delighted to see the osprey pair soaring and gliding and HOVERING over the lake. I just caught my breath and marveled at the way God created them to be able to hang in the air in one spot and flap their wings rapidly and just hover for a few seconds! God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
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
Friday, November 9, 2007
Flower Power
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another chilly day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside in the pre-dawn hours, Venus was brilliant in the eastern sky and the clear sky showed off the beauty of the other stars! God is Awesome!
I enjoyed my walk yesterday with a heavier jacket on, which I soon took off on the way back. It doesn't take long to warm up. I stopped at the first shelter to check on the babies, but couldn't see any, so went on my way, heard a hawk, but didn't see it. I could hear the little gallinule couple, but they must have been under the tower.
On my way back the Mama gator was visible just under the shelter, and five babies were very actively swimming about just at the edge of the shelter.
Sometimes the boardwalk can be a holy place. I overheard a man praying for two women who seemed to have problems with evil, and, of course, that is the place where our grandson asked Jesus into his heart. God is very present wherever we are.
From Quiet Moments with God:
Butchart Gardens is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Victoria, British Columbia. Since 1904, when Jenny Butchart decided to transform her husband's limestone quarry into a sunken garden. It is open all year and includes a botanical display of breathtaking beauty. (We had the pleasure of visiting it some years ago.)
Walking through the delightful grounds, it is impossible to choose the most outstanding exhibition. The plants are obviously healthy and well attended. Each provides colorful blossoms that are distinct, yet make a significant contribution in the overall scheme and design.
Likewise, part of our spiritual growth is to realize our importance in god's garden, especially when we exercise the talents and abilities He has given. Many feel inferior about their own gifts and they compare themselves unfavorably with others. And yet God designs different people just as He created various kinds of flowers. The lily and the rose each have their own features. In fact, every blossom has its own unique characteristics. Tulips, lilacs, and hyacinths are not alike yet each kind of flower adds a particular fragrance and beauty to any arrangement.
The same is true in life. Take a few moments to make an inventory of your gifts. Then ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Through His power, you can make a difference in the lives of others as will as your own.
"We dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, among themselves, are not wise. "
2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I enjoyed my walk yesterday with a heavier jacket on, which I soon took off on the way back. It doesn't take long to warm up. I stopped at the first shelter to check on the babies, but couldn't see any, so went on my way, heard a hawk, but didn't see it. I could hear the little gallinule couple, but they must have been under the tower.
On my way back the Mama gator was visible just under the shelter, and five babies were very actively swimming about just at the edge of the shelter.
Sometimes the boardwalk can be a holy place. I overheard a man praying for two women who seemed to have problems with evil, and, of course, that is the place where our grandson asked Jesus into his heart. God is very present wherever we are.
From Quiet Moments with God:
Butchart Gardens is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Victoria, British Columbia. Since 1904, when Jenny Butchart decided to transform her husband's limestone quarry into a sunken garden. It is open all year and includes a botanical display of breathtaking beauty. (We had the pleasure of visiting it some years ago.)
Walking through the delightful grounds, it is impossible to choose the most outstanding exhibition. The plants are obviously healthy and well attended. Each provides colorful blossoms that are distinct, yet make a significant contribution in the overall scheme and design.
Likewise, part of our spiritual growth is to realize our importance in god's garden, especially when we exercise the talents and abilities He has given. Many feel inferior about their own gifts and they compare themselves unfavorably with others. And yet God designs different people just as He created various kinds of flowers. The lily and the rose each have their own features. In fact, every blossom has its own unique characteristics. Tulips, lilacs, and hyacinths are not alike yet each kind of flower adds a particular fragrance and beauty to any arrangement.
The same is true in life. Take a few moments to make an inventory of your gifts. Then ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Through His power, you can make a difference in the lives of others as will as your own.
"We dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, among themselves, are not wise. "
2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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