Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Character

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! I know the weather is frightful just a few hundred miles north of us, but we can't complain here, as we have windows open and enjoy this springlike weather.

Instead of walking yesterday, to give my sore knee and foot a rest, we just drove through the park, but still saw turtles sunning, anhingas drying out wings in the trees and ibis everywhere! Lots of people from all over were enjoying the sun...Maine, Ontario, New Hampshire, and of course, lots of Florida tags.

As I turned off sprinklers in the back yard, I disturbed Mama duck and her three half grown ducklings, splashing in a puddle and enjoying a bath. She looked at me and quickly called her babes away from me, but I just walked the other way. They really stick together as a family and the little quackers mind Mama immediately. God is Awesome!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Will God do anything to change my character, or is it all up to me?

Galatians 5:22-23 "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law."

Philippians 2:5, 12-13 "Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had...Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him."

A transformed character reflects God's work within us and our own choices. The Holy Spirit awakens our desire for love, integrity, and responsibility, but we must choose these in every situation.

What does God promise as we mature in godly character?

Matthew 5:8 "God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. We will experience an increasing sense of God's presence and his blessing."

James 1:4 "When your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."

Romans 5:3-5 "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us - they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."

As we mature in our faith, we will become stronger and stronger people. Character is like a muscle - it gets stronger with exercise. As our character develops, our confidence in our salvation increases, and the assurance of God's love fills our hearts.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Excerpts from Ephesians

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 much earlier, the air was coolish and the stars were almost hidden under mist, but now the sky is blue and the day holds much promise!

The first unusual thing I noticed when I walked toward the entrance bridge at the park yesterday were two great white herons - in the very top of a large maple tree across the canal. These very large birds were preening and perching on tiny branches, just as though they were on the ground. It was a stark contrast, because the tree only has a few red leaves left on it. God is full of surprises!

I enjoyed the walk with a slight breeze blowing and noticed an osprey soaring off from a tree and circling higher and higher as I walked. Then, from the largest to the tiniest, I watched as a tiny wren flitted among the leaves in the trees. Very nervous and quick. God is Awesome!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Living by the Spirit's Power

"So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among your selves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ....

"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord, rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free."

"And in the same way, you masters must treat your slaves right. Don't threaten them: remember you both have the same Master in heaven and he has no favorites."


I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, February 4, 2008

Joy

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayers Partners! This is the warmer day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! As I stepped outside this morning, the moon was gone, but I could dimly see stars through the hazy mist. The weatherman promises eighties warmth today, so all the shrubs will be blooming, because it feels like spring!

Well, for all you who watched the Super Bowl, joy for the Giant fans, and gloom for the Patriot fans. I watched and was for the underdogs, the Giants, but didn't expect them to win. I was overjoyed when they did!

We saw lots of people at the Park yesterday, enjoying the warm weather, walking dogs, kids rolling down the hills and lots of family together time! God is good!

It seems to me that I cannot remember ever seeing so many wood storks around the neighborhood. I don't know where they are in the summer, but I have seen dozens at the lakes, canals, and even yards of homes. Always on the ground...I haven't seen them fly. As I have mentioned before, they never seem happy. But they are some of God's creatures!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I be joyful in hard times?

Habakkuk 3:17-18 "Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine, even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation."

Philippians 4:4, 12 "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!,,,I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or in little."

Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.

James 1:2 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy."

Troubles remind us of two things: first, they remind us that this is a fallen world full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in him. This kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, February 1, 2008

Have you Forgiven?

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners, and happy first of February! This is the windy, cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will be glad and rejoice in it!

When I stepped outside this morning, I noticed that the quarter moon was hazy, and now the wind has picked up and the skies are cloudy, so it looks like rain and another cold front moving in. After yesterday's eighty degree weather, it will be quite a change!

After a long spell of not seeing any, yesterday I saw a gator lazily floating in the canal as I went into the Park. They don't show themselves in the cooler weather, but I also saw one on Sunday curled up on the bank, almost hidden in a lake on the right as I drove in..

I noticed at the lake near our house, a flock of ibis, lots of little ducks, and woodstorks, fluffing their feathers. One little duck was busily taking a bath in the shallow water near the shore. What a great splash he made! God is good!

From the book Quiet Moments for Teachers:

Matthew 6:15 "If you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

One day Corrie ten Boom visited a friend in the hospital Though her friend was quite ill, Corrie noticed that she was also quite bitter.

At first, the two women spent time catching up on each other's lives. Finally the woman said that her husband disliked having a sick wife, and as a result, he had left and was living with a younger woman. Knowing that her friend was greatly distressed, Corrie asked, "Haven you forgiven him?"

The woman said, "Certainly not!"

Corrie remembered a time when she herself had been unforgiving. After World War II, she had recognized a nurse who had been cruel to her dying sister while they were detained in the Ravensbruck concentration camp. The memories flooded back, and she recalled how her sister had suffered because of this nurse.

She knew she must forgive, but she couldn't seem to bring herself to do it. So finally she had a talk with God.

"Lord," she said, "You know I cannot forgive her. My sister suffered too much because of her cruelties." The Lord revealed Romans 5:5 KJV to Corrie. '"The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us."Then she prayed, "Thank You, Father, that Your love in me is stronger than my bitterness."

When she finally met the nurse, Corrie told her that although she had been bitter about what happened to her sister, now she loved her. By the end of their conversation, Corrie shared the way to salvation, and the nurse accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior."

Forgiving someone else is powerful. It is a blessing to the one forgiven, but it also releases the one forgiving from the bondage of bitterness. If you need to forgive someone today, ask God to show you how.

Forgiveness is man's deepest need and highest achievement.
Horace Bushnell

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Easin' Thru Ephesians

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the lovely day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

As I stepped outside this morning, I looked up to see the quarter moon shining brightly among the stars, but I still cannot see Venus. Not knowing much about the rotation, I don't quite know where to look. But anyway, the ones I could see, were twinkling reassuringly, seeming to say "All is well with the Universe."

I noticed on my walk yesterday, that the water level in the park has come up and the old gator hole is once more filled with water. The breeze was blowing briskly and it was so warm that I did not need a sweater. I noticed a lady ahead of me, peeling off her jacket and scarf in the brilliant sunshine.

I saw an anhinga dive into the water as I approached the bridge and stood to watch it swim and dive underwater. Four of them were drying out in the tall shrubs hanging over the water out at the tower. They seem to find plenty to eat.

I took a grapefruit pie to Terry, to share with the staff, but I don't know how much they got to eat. They all say once it gets to Terry, they don't see it! :o) I can always make another one. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians 6

"Be strong in the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood. But against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world; against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. ....Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

"May God give you peace , dear brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace be upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying love."

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Psoaring thru Psalms

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 hope some of you saw the gorgeous pink sunrise this morning, that matched the sunset last night, God has really excelled in painting the sky these days!

Another family of ducks has come to the neighborhood. Mama duck has about a dozen babies (hard to make a running count), but the other family remains at three young'uns . They are now pin-feather size and not nearly so cute as fuzzy, yellow babies. Strangely, the Muscovys do not come to the park. Maybe because there are too many predators there. They wouldn't last long with the hawks and the eagles flying around. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Conflict

Shouldn't those who believe in Jesus Christ be free from conflict?

Psalm 27:1-3 "The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger-so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident."

Evil is inevitable. Because we live in a fallen world filled with broken people, we will find ourselves in many types of conflict. Our focus should not be on the dark forces that attack us but on the Lord who defends us.

Psalm 55:18 "He rescues me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, even though many still oppose me."

While God doesn't keep us out of all conflict, he is present with us in it.

How can I find strength to respond to conflict in God's way?

Matthew 5:9 "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

Romans 12:19-21 "Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, "I will take vengeance: I will repay those who deserve it," says the Lord. Instead, do what the Scriptures say: "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you. " Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good."

Peace lies in the power of love, not the love of power. If we trust in God, he promises to protect and vindicate us. Followers of Christ know better than to take revenge into their own hands. They know that fighting according to the world's ways brings even greater problems. We are to practice "the principle of paradox"; bless when cursed, give when threatened, and feed those who would take our food. This principle unleashes God's power into the situation.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Psoaring thru Psalms

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!

Oh, what a beautiful morning! The sun is shining and mostly the sky is clear. When I stepped outside this morning early, a half moon was very brightly shining, but for some reason, Venus is no longer in sight. The heavens declare the glory of God!

I had a good walk yesterday in the Park, and will be glad when the trees no longer look so stark. All the leaves are off the maples, but, of course, there is plenty of green shrubbery and trees. The wind was blowing, and making waves on the lake, but I stood at the tower and watched an osprey gliding and enjoying the thermals... he hardly flapped his wings as he soared higher and higher. God is great!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 34

"I will praise the Lord at all times,
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only of the Lord;
let all who are encouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness'
let us exalt his name together.

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me,
freeing me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be
radiant with joy;
no shadow or shame will darken their faces.
I cried out to the Lord in my suffering,
and he heard me.
He set me free from all my fears
For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear him
And he rescues them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him reverence,
For those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry.
But those who trust in the Lord will
never lack any good thing."


I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis