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!
When I stepped outside this morning, Venus and the moon had disappeared! But in the west and directly overhead, I could see all the stars and in the darkness, I stood still and saw a tiny light blinking far above...a plane I am sure flying swiftly to its destination.
Yesterday I enjoyed the breeze on my face as I walked on the boardwalk. I was a little later than usual walking , but there were not many people, so it was good, I could hear little rustlings in the shrubbery, but could not see the creatures making the noise. Did not see any gators or babies, but they are around somewhere, I am sure.
As I approached the bridge, I could see reflected in the calm water, the trees and ibis. Occasionally, a great white heron is posing, while intently gazing at the water, looking for that elusive fish. A great picture of Florida! God is good!
Here is an anonymous poem with a lot of good suggestions:
Take time to work,
It is the price of success.
Take time to think,
It is the source of power.
Take time to play,
It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read,
It is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly,
It is the road to happiness.
Take time to love and be loved,
It is the privilege of the gods.
take time to share,
Live is too short to be selfish.
Take time to laugh,
Laughter is the music of the soul.
And I would add, Take time to pray... It is the foundation of your day.
"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 all; 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, December 7, 2007
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Fulfillment
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! All early risers who looked at the sky this morning, would have seen Venus brilliant in the eastern sky and the equally brilliant crescent moon hanging low in the eastern sky. Myriads of stars all trying to outdo each other! God is Awesome!
A fat, black, sleek looking gator was sunning himself on the bank of the canal yesterday at the Park and anhingas, as usual, were spreading out their wings and drying them. Great white herons and tri-colored herons were also busy hunting for fish and whatever else they could find. I haven't seen my catbirds for a couple weeks and am looking forward to seeing them again.
But there is so much of God's Creation to see and hear, if we only take time. I am thankful that the Park is just one mile from my home. It is easy to get to and a place of peace.
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
Fulfillment is something for which every person seems to long. In its simplest meaning, fulfillment refers to being "fully filled"--having a complete sense of accomplishment.
If you lack a sense of fulfillment at day's end, ask yourself, "what did I not do that I felt I should have done?" You'll be calling into question your values, priorities, and goals. As you see areas in which you have fallen short, ask the Lord to help you discipline yourself to achieve what you know is good, adjust your priorities and goals, and refine your values.
A lack of fulfillment isn't the fault of circumstances or another person's behavior. To experience fulfillment, your outer life must be in harmony with your inner life; you must live outwardly what you profess with your mouth and believe in your heart.
Robert Louis Stevenson said this was the definition of a successful life:
"That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much, who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it, who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had."
There's time to make today fulfilling. Take a moment to reflect upon your goals, priorities, and values. Ask the Lord to show you where they may need some adjusting. As you rethink these important issues, you will be filled with the knowledge that true fulfillment comes in simply knowing and obeying Him.
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly,"
John 10:10 NKJ
You have made us for yourself and our heart's are restless until they rest in you.
Saint Augustine of Hippo
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
A fat, black, sleek looking gator was sunning himself on the bank of the canal yesterday at the Park and anhingas, as usual, were spreading out their wings and drying them. Great white herons and tri-colored herons were also busy hunting for fish and whatever else they could find. I haven't seen my catbirds for a couple weeks and am looking forward to seeing them again.
But there is so much of God's Creation to see and hear, if we only take time. I am thankful that the Park is just one mile from my home. It is easy to get to and a place of peace.
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
Fulfillment is something for which every person seems to long. In its simplest meaning, fulfillment refers to being "fully filled"--having a complete sense of accomplishment.
If you lack a sense of fulfillment at day's end, ask yourself, "what did I not do that I felt I should have done?" You'll be calling into question your values, priorities, and goals. As you see areas in which you have fallen short, ask the Lord to help you discipline yourself to achieve what you know is good, adjust your priorities and goals, and refine your values.
A lack of fulfillment isn't the fault of circumstances or another person's behavior. To experience fulfillment, your outer life must be in harmony with your inner life; you must live outwardly what you profess with your mouth and believe in your heart.
Robert Louis Stevenson said this was the definition of a successful life:
"That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much, who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it, who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had."
There's time to make today fulfilling. Take a moment to reflect upon your goals, priorities, and values. Ask the Lord to show you where they may need some adjusting. As you rethink these important issues, you will be filled with the knowledge that true fulfillment comes in simply knowing and obeying Him.
"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly,"
John 10:10 NKJ
You have made us for yourself and our heart's are restless until they rest in you.
Saint Augustine of Hippo
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Wisdom
Good chilly morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Temps down in the lower fifties mean the furnace is on in the house and we are wearing our cool weather duds! But this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! And we will be glad knowing that it will soon warm up to eighty again!
How Great Thou Art was what I thought when I looked up at the early morning sky! Venus and the crescent moon were only about five feet apart to my earthly eyes and shining gloriously! What a display! God is awesome!
I walked to the second bridge at the park yesterday to check out the sour orange trees. I have a request for a sour orange pie already. I don't think the oranges are quite ready yet, although I picked one from off the ground and brought it home, and it looks okay. I can't tell by the taste because they are so sour.
I enjoyed the serenity of the water, with the reflections of the trees and anhingas in it. The breeze was still, so no movement was visible...just a little ripple now and then from the fish hidden below. God's creation is marvelous!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding."
Psalm 111:10 "Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!"
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures; it is understanding that an all-powerful, all-knowing God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.
Proverbs 3:21-26 "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap."
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
How Great Thou Art was what I thought when I looked up at the early morning sky! Venus and the crescent moon were only about five feet apart to my earthly eyes and shining gloriously! What a display! God is awesome!
I walked to the second bridge at the park yesterday to check out the sour orange trees. I have a request for a sour orange pie already. I don't think the oranges are quite ready yet, although I picked one from off the ground and brought it home, and it looks okay. I can't tell by the taste because they are so sour.
I enjoyed the serenity of the water, with the reflections of the trees and anhingas in it. The breeze was still, so no movement was visible...just a little ripple now and then from the fish hidden below. God's creation is marvelous!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding."
Psalm 111:10 "Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!"
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures; it is understanding that an all-powerful, all-knowing God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.
Proverbs 3:21-26 "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap."
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Planning, con't
Good chilly 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! Well, we finally have another taste of December weather to get us all in the mood for Christmas! The weather will soon warm up again, though, so we enjoy the coolness while we can.
Yesterday I was quite warm when I finished my walk, but did stop to enjoy the cool wind that was blowing the cool front our way. I kept hearing the hawks calling to each other, in fact, it seemed like three or four, so I kept looking up toward the canal and, sure enough, there was one high in a dead tree, fluffing and preening. I never spotted the other across the canal, though, so I don't know where it was. I walked on to the tower and saw a green heron intently gazing at the water. They are always so fierce looking and close to the water on a branch. The gallinule couple were still pecking around and looking like they were walking on water, because they require such tiny water foliage to walk on.
For the first time, the maple leaves were falling on me as I walked, They are red and brown and gold... very pretty in the fall.
I chatted with Terry for a minute or two, but he was busy ordering supplies. He always takes time for me. He's a man with lots of responsibilities.
God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What if my plans fall short of God's plans for me?
Proverbs 19:21 "You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail." Our plans cannot mess up God's plans!"
What gives me confidence in any plans?
Ephesians 1:9-10 " God's secret plan has now been revealed to us; it is a plan centered on Christ' designed long ago according to his good pleasure. And this is his plan; at the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ--everything in heaven and on earth."
God is in control of all things and always has been. Jesus Christ, who is now resurrected and ruling, will govern and guide us in the best possible ways.
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."
Do not doubt God's good intentions for us. the wonder of creation, the evidence of his constant care, and the priceless gift of Jesus Christ for our salvation give us confidence that he will establish all who trust in him.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday I was quite warm when I finished my walk, but did stop to enjoy the cool wind that was blowing the cool front our way. I kept hearing the hawks calling to each other, in fact, it seemed like three or four, so I kept looking up toward the canal and, sure enough, there was one high in a dead tree, fluffing and preening. I never spotted the other across the canal, though, so I don't know where it was. I walked on to the tower and saw a green heron intently gazing at the water. They are always so fierce looking and close to the water on a branch. The gallinule couple were still pecking around and looking like they were walking on water, because they require such tiny water foliage to walk on.
For the first time, the maple leaves were falling on me as I walked, They are red and brown and gold... very pretty in the fall.
I chatted with Terry for a minute or two, but he was busy ordering supplies. He always takes time for me. He's a man with lots of responsibilities.
God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What if my plans fall short of God's plans for me?
Proverbs 19:21 "You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail." Our plans cannot mess up God's plans!"
What gives me confidence in any plans?
Ephesians 1:9-10 " God's secret plan has now been revealed to us; it is a plan centered on Christ' designed long ago according to his good pleasure. And this is his plan; at the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ--everything in heaven and on earth."
God is in control of all things and always has been. Jesus Christ, who is now resurrected and ruling, will govern and guide us in the best possible ways.
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."
Do not doubt God's good intentions for us. the wonder of creation, the evidence of his constant care, and the priceless gift of Jesus Christ for our salvation give us confidence that he will establish all who trust in him.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, December 3, 2007
Planning
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! If any of you early risers stepped outside this morning, you would have seen the glory of Venus and the crescent moon shining brilliantly in the southeastern sky! God created the heavens for us to enjoy! And to marvel at His artistry.
This is a little late this morning, due to the PC not connecting with the internet for some reason. Anyway, here I am and ready for a Monday as I hope you all are.
I had a funny experience with one of the squirrels living in our oak tree. He was fussing and fussing and I looked up to find him, and discovered him looking down at me from high up. So I asked him what was wrong and he scampered down the long branch and sat right over my head fussing. I went into the garage and brought out two peanuts and placed one on the tree where he likes to sit (sometimes I put crunchy peanut butter on it). Well, anyway, curiosity got the best of him, so he raced down the tree, picked up the peanut and climbed back up to eat it. This family of squirrels is not as friendly as the old family, but they moved on. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How am I supposed to plan my life?
Proverbs 2:1-11 "My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense for the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart , and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe."
A plan is only as good as the information upon which it is based . Our human intellect is limited and inadequate. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.
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."
As we seek God he will guide us in making our plans.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
This is a little late this morning, due to the PC not connecting with the internet for some reason. Anyway, here I am and ready for a Monday as I hope you all are.
I had a funny experience with one of the squirrels living in our oak tree. He was fussing and fussing and I looked up to find him, and discovered him looking down at me from high up. So I asked him what was wrong and he scampered down the long branch and sat right over my head fussing. I went into the garage and brought out two peanuts and placed one on the tree where he likes to sit (sometimes I put crunchy peanut butter on it). Well, anyway, curiosity got the best of him, so he raced down the tree, picked up the peanut and climbed back up to eat it. This family of squirrels is not as friendly as the old family, but they moved on. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How am I supposed to plan my life?
Proverbs 2:1-11 "My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense for the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart , and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe."
A plan is only as good as the information upon which it is based . Our human intellect is limited and inadequate. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.
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."
As we seek God he will guide us in making our plans.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, November 30, 2007
Patience
Good foggy morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the very foggy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
No moon, no stars this morning. Everything is shrouded in a heavy fog and so the sounds of traffic are quieted.
I took the day off from walking because I wanted to rest my foot, but did drive through the park and noticed the anhingas drying their wings and the turtles lined up on the banks sunning themselves. People were having picnics and enjoying themselves.
This is a good place to be in winter! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do I find resources to be patient?
Galatians 5:22 "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness."
The Holy Spirit produces patience in our lives. As we relax and trust in him, we release our need to control life's circumstances.
Colossians 1:11 "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."
Prayer infuses patience into our lives. When we admit a need in prayer, the Lord begins to meet that need.
Psalm 37:34 "Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed."
Patience comes from simply trusting God day by day, Even when we don't think we can last very long, Christ gives us the strength to "travel steadily."
Our commitments to faith and obedience will keep us on God's path for longer than we thought possible.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
No moon, no stars this morning. Everything is shrouded in a heavy fog and so the sounds of traffic are quieted.
I took the day off from walking because I wanted to rest my foot, but did drive through the park and noticed the anhingas drying their wings and the turtles lined up on the banks sunning themselves. People were having picnics and enjoying themselves.
This is a good place to be in winter! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do I find resources to be patient?
Galatians 5:22 "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness."
The Holy Spirit produces patience in our lives. As we relax and trust in him, we release our need to control life's circumstances.
Colossians 1:11 "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."
Prayer infuses patience into our lives. When we admit a need in prayer, the Lord begins to meet that need.
Psalm 37:34 "Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed."
Patience comes from simply trusting God day by day, Even when we don't think we can last very long, Christ gives us the strength to "travel steadily."
Our commitments to faith and obedience will keep us on God's path for longer than we thought possible.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Challenges
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! Would you believe that we had a wonderful rain last night? It was just pouring as we had supper and then, later in the evening it came down again! I have been praying for rain for a long time, and God finally answered. Praise Him!
The ferns in the park are wilting and turning brown, so I hope the rain fell over there...just one mile from here. I thoroughly enjoyed my walk yesterday, which started out with chatting with Terry, who always is exuberant and full of laughter. We've known him for a couple decades.
I stopped at the first shelter to check on the baby gators, but only saw Mama keeping watch over something, so I walked on to the Tower and watched the gallinule couple busily pecking around on the foliage in the water. They look like they walk on water because they are so light they can walk on the tiniest weed in the water.
On my way back, I stopped once more at the shelter and Mama gator had moved and had her nose almost up to the bank, but I still could not see the babies. Well, I guess she could, and that's what counts! God is Wonderful!
From the Promise Bible NLT
Why does God allow challenges in our lives?
James 1:2,4 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."
Challenges that threaten and try us are the very tools that God uses to strengthen and mature us. As we endure, we gain greater wisdom, integrity, and courage to face whatever comes our way.
Are some challenges too small to bother God?
Psalm 37:3 "Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you."
Nothing is too small for God. When we commit our plans to the Lord, he commits himself and his infinite resources to us.
What has God given me to help me face my challenges?
Joshua 1:7 "Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do."
God has given us his word to direct us. The promise of success is embedded in our commitment to obedience.
1 Chronicles 28:20 "David continued, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly."
Instead of being discouraged by the size of the task, we should be encouraged by the limitless power of God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The ferns in the park are wilting and turning brown, so I hope the rain fell over there...just one mile from here. I thoroughly enjoyed my walk yesterday, which started out with chatting with Terry, who always is exuberant and full of laughter. We've known him for a couple decades.
I stopped at the first shelter to check on the baby gators, but only saw Mama keeping watch over something, so I walked on to the Tower and watched the gallinule couple busily pecking around on the foliage in the water. They look like they walk on water because they are so light they can walk on the tiniest weed in the water.
On my way back, I stopped once more at the shelter and Mama gator had moved and had her nose almost up to the bank, but I still could not see the babies. Well, I guess she could, and that's what counts! God is Wonderful!
From the Promise Bible NLT
Why does God allow challenges in our lives?
James 1:2,4 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."
Challenges that threaten and try us are the very tools that God uses to strengthen and mature us. As we endure, we gain greater wisdom, integrity, and courage to face whatever comes our way.
Are some challenges too small to bother God?
Psalm 37:3 "Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you."
Nothing is too small for God. When we commit our plans to the Lord, he commits himself and his infinite resources to us.
What has God given me to help me face my challenges?
Joshua 1:7 "Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do."
God has given us his word to direct us. The promise of success is embedded in our commitment to obedience.
1 Chronicles 28:20 "David continued, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly."
Instead of being discouraged by the size of the task, we should be encouraged by the limitless power of God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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