Good morning, Good Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! There must be fog overhead, because as I stepped outside this morning, I had to really peer intently to see the stars and I have received fog warnings from the weather forecast. After the tragedy due to the fog yesterday, I'm sure people will really want to know what the conditions are.
I strolled along the sidewalk yesterday at the Park and watched the ripples in the water, seeing a fish now and then, and walked toward the sour orange trees at the second bridge. All of the low-hanging oranges are gone, picked by patrons thinking they have a good orange, but lots are on the ground with a bite or two taken out. Surprise! Even the raccoons do not eat much of the orange. The pies turn out to be very tasty...just like a sour lemon, good things come out of the least likely fruit. God is good!
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 3:5 "I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me."
Psalm 4:8 " I will lie down in peace and sleep. for you along, O Lord, will keep me safe."
Psalm 29:11 "The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace."
Psalm 32:7 "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 deeps guard over a city, so the Lord watches over us day and night.
Philippians 4:6,7 " Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
Prayer is a gateway to peace. Our spirits lighten as we unburden our soul to he Lord. His peace is like a guard on patrol, protecting us from any assaults of anxiety or concern.
Isiah 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, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Discernment
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day full of promise that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, I noticed that Venus has moved down so it was barely visible through the trees, but still shining brightly!
We saw two peacocks right beside the street, on the way to the park yesterday. Their tails were not spread, but full enough so that the gorgeous colors showed through. They were the young offspring of the two older head of the flock. God used his imagination in their creation!
The water was still and anhingas were drying their wings. Three or four ibis gather across the canal and peck around for hours, their stark whiteness gleaming against the browns and grays of the winter foliage. There is beauty everywhere if I open my eyes to see! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Discernment
When I am confused, where 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 our 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.
Proverbs 2:13 "Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We saw two peacocks right beside the street, on the way to the park yesterday. Their tails were not spread, but full enough so that the gorgeous colors showed through. They were the young offspring of the two older head of the flock. God used his imagination in their creation!
The water was still and anhingas were drying their wings. Three or four ibis gather across the canal and peck around for hours, their stark whiteness gleaming against the browns and grays of the winter foliage. There is beauty everywhere if I open my eyes to see! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Discernment
When I am confused, where 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 our 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.
Proverbs 2:13 "Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
More Hope
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! A little late this morning, because of an early Dr. Appointment, but all is well, and I hope you are enjoying this day that the Lord has made!
I enjoyed a good walk out to the tower at the park yesterday, and on the way, a man with a telescope pointed out a big, fat hawk that he was looking at. As I watched, the hawk took off and flew into another tree, silently. Usually you can tell where they are by the raucous calls. then I saw and heard a lady cardinal and blackbirds and wrens, along with the usual anhingas drying their wings.
It was a most enjoyable walk, admiring the red leaves on the maples. Trees do turn here, but just later than in the North.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 10:23 "Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise."
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
John 14:1 "Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me."
John 16:33 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
Our troubles do not surprise the Lord and should not surprise us. Trouble is rampant in this fallen world. Our focus should be on Jesus who has overcome this world and all its troubles.
Isiah 26:3-4 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock."
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I enjoyed a good walk out to the tower at the park yesterday, and on the way, a man with a telescope pointed out a big, fat hawk that he was looking at. As I watched, the hawk took off and flew into another tree, silently. Usually you can tell where they are by the raucous calls. then I saw and heard a lady cardinal and blackbirds and wrens, along with the usual anhingas drying their wings.
It was a most enjoyable walk, admiring the red leaves on the maples. Trees do turn here, but just later than in the North.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 10:23 "Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise."
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
John 14:1 "Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me."
John 16:33 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
Our troubles do not surprise the Lord and should not surprise us. Trouble is rampant in this fallen world. Our focus should be on Jesus who has overcome this world and all its troubles.
Isiah 26:3-4 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock."
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, January 7, 2008
Hope
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 early this morning, the bright star, Venus, was visible through the clouds, but no other stars, just blackness and white puffy, clouds. God's Creation is awesome!
I went for a short walk in the park yesterday and lots of other people had the same idea. The Vietnamese group that meets there every year, had a big turnout for their celebration, with banners and lots of food. I was not invited, :o(
There were also cars from many different states, including several from NY here for the football game, no doubt. The weather could not have been better!
I noticed the butterfly garden is flourishing, with many berries and blossoms for the flutterbyes to enjoy. Terry brought me some sour oranges, so I will be making a pie, soon. With the cold weather we had, they should be as ripe as they get... still sour!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is my hope?
1 Peter 1:21 "Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God."
The resurrection, the greatest event in history, is the foundation of our hope.
1 Peter 1:3-6 "All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation ; because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while."
When people get motion sickness, they need to fix their eyes on the horizon in order to regain composure. Remaining fixed on a point in the distance helps us travel. Jesus' followers fix their eyes on an eternal horizon. This gives us hope in all the discomforts on daily life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I went for a short walk in the park yesterday and lots of other people had the same idea. The Vietnamese group that meets there every year, had a big turnout for their celebration, with banners and lots of food. I was not invited, :o(
There were also cars from many different states, including several from NY here for the football game, no doubt. The weather could not have been better!
I noticed the butterfly garden is flourishing, with many berries and blossoms for the flutterbyes to enjoy. Terry brought me some sour oranges, so I will be making a pie, soon. With the cold weather we had, they should be as ripe as they get... still sour!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is my hope?
1 Peter 1:21 "Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God."
The resurrection, the greatest event in history, is the foundation of our hope.
1 Peter 1:3-6 "All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation ; because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while."
When people get motion sickness, they need to fix their eyes on the horizon in order to regain composure. Remaining fixed on a point in the distance helps us travel. Jesus' followers fix their eyes on an eternal horizon. This gives us hope in all the discomforts on daily life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, January 4, 2008
Jeremiah 29:11
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The misty quarter moon and the misty Venus were valiantly striving to cast their light when I stepped out this morning. But the day is clear and cold now, with promises to warm up to the sixties.
Yesterday, Mama duck with her five ducklings were right outside the garage door when I opened it, and did not seem to be bothered by the cold. They just seem to bed down in someone's yard for the night and she spreads her wings and keeps them all warm. I always thought ducks liked to be near water, but no water is near in our street and they waddle up and down all day. God has created all things!
I drove through the park yesterday and very few people were brave enough to be out walking... only those intrepid people with dogs! Everything was quiet and green, except for the trees that are now barren. I saw ibises and anhingas with feathers ruffled, but no sign of gators! Too cold!
"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."
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
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.
"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." Ephesians 1:9-10
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.
A Prayer for the New Year
For answering my many prayers,
For helping me through trials and cares,
I thank you!
For dreams to dream, for plans to make,
For brand new goals to undertake,
I thank you!
For giving me the zest and will
To keep me reaching higher still.
I thank you, Lord, I thank you!
Alice Joyce Davidson
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, Mama duck with her five ducklings were right outside the garage door when I opened it, and did not seem to be bothered by the cold. They just seem to bed down in someone's yard for the night and she spreads her wings and keeps them all warm. I always thought ducks liked to be near water, but no water is near in our street and they waddle up and down all day. God has created all things!
I drove through the park yesterday and very few people were brave enough to be out walking... only those intrepid people with dogs! Everything was quiet and green, except for the trees that are now barren. I saw ibises and anhingas with feathers ruffled, but no sign of gators! Too cold!
"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."
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
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.
"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." Ephesians 1:9-10
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.
A Prayer for the New Year
For answering my many prayers,
For helping me through trials and cares,
I thank you!
For dreams to dream, for plans to make,
For brand new goals to undertake,
I thank you!
For giving me the zest and will
To keep me reaching higher still.
I thank you, Lord, I thank you!
Alice Joyce Davidson
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Abundance
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cold day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I am glad the furnace is working and keeping us warm inside.
I stepped outside this morning to see the clear sky with Venus and the crescent waning moon shining brightly in the pre-dawn chill. It was 35 by my indoor-outdoor thermometer, so I did not linger long, admiring the sky!
But, this being Florida, it is expected to warm up by this weekend and, once more, we will be in the seventies. God is good!
The squirrels have been nesting this time of year, for some reason, and cutting twigs all over the yard. Also, a mama duck and her babies started out with ten and now she is down to five, but I didn't see her yesterday. I saw her rush at a dog the other day, whose owner let the dog get too close to her. She fiercely defends them!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Malachi 3:10-11 "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,"says the Lord Almighty, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not shrivel before they are ripe," says the Lord Almighty.
Philippians 4:19 "This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
God's abundant provision is a gracious gift. When we give what God requires we receive more than we could ever desire.
Deuteronomy 30:9 "The Lord your God will make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and your fields will produce abundant harvests, for the Lord will delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors. "
Why does God give us abundant gifts?
2 Corinthians 9:8 "God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty lift over to share with others."
God wants us to have everything we need. But we don't get to keep what we receive : we get to give it away. God is looking for us to share his abundance with others.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I stepped outside this morning to see the clear sky with Venus and the crescent waning moon shining brightly in the pre-dawn chill. It was 35 by my indoor-outdoor thermometer, so I did not linger long, admiring the sky!
But, this being Florida, it is expected to warm up by this weekend and, once more, we will be in the seventies. God is good!
The squirrels have been nesting this time of year, for some reason, and cutting twigs all over the yard. Also, a mama duck and her babies started out with ten and now she is down to five, but I didn't see her yesterday. I saw her rush at a dog the other day, whose owner let the dog get too close to her. She fiercely defends them!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Malachi 3:10-11 "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,"says the Lord Almighty, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not shrivel before they are ripe," says the Lord Almighty.
Philippians 4:19 "This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
God's abundant provision is a gracious gift. When we give what God requires we receive more than we could ever desire.
Deuteronomy 30:9 "The Lord your God will make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and your fields will produce abundant harvests, for the Lord will delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors. "
Why does God give us abundant gifts?
2 Corinthians 9:8 "God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty lift over to share with others."
God wants us to have everything we need. But we don't get to keep what we receive : we get to give it away. God is looking for us to share his abundance with others.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Philippians 4:8
Good Morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Even though it is a very windy and very cold day, this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I hope you all had a wonderful and joyous Christmas with family and friends. The weather was warm and perfect for our family from Tenn., so we were most thankful for that!
New Year's Eve brought a five hour stay in the ER to discern whether or not Louis had pneumonia, which he did not, Praise God! That is not what I would recommend for anyone! The pneumonia or the ER wait! He has a bad cold and cough which he is recovering from.
Well, Brian did a masterful job of taking the decorations and tree down yesterday, while I spent twenty or thirty minutes standing in line at Walmart. Bad decision to go as late as I did! But, now, all I have to do is finish the de-decorating and clean up... a good day to stay indoors.
I have driven through the Park almost daily, and talked to Terry yesterday, but have not walked for awhile. Lots of people were out over the holidays having picnics and walking their pooches. If you live in the snow covered north, even cooler weather here seems warm!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 4:8
"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming soon.
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all that he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure, lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I hope you all had a wonderful and joyous Christmas with family and friends. The weather was warm and perfect for our family from Tenn., so we were most thankful for that!
New Year's Eve brought a five hour stay in the ER to discern whether or not Louis had pneumonia, which he did not, Praise God! That is not what I would recommend for anyone! The pneumonia or the ER wait! He has a bad cold and cough which he is recovering from.
Well, Brian did a masterful job of taking the decorations and tree down yesterday, while I spent twenty or thirty minutes standing in line at Walmart. Bad decision to go as late as I did! But, now, all I have to do is finish the de-decorating and clean up... a good day to stay indoors.
I have driven through the Park almost daily, and talked to Terry yesterday, but have not walked for awhile. Lots of people were out over the holidays having picnics and walking their pooches. If you live in the snow covered north, even cooler weather here seems warm!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 4:8
"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming soon.
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all that he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure, lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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