Good morning, and Happy Valentine's Day dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the chilly day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I enjoyed walking yesterday in the warm sunshine and cool breezes, but the park was very crowded with tourists and few regulars, It is interesting to hear them talking about the different "birds" and taking pictures . Some of them borrow the guides from the building which are very helpful in identifying the different plants. Anyway, the azaleas are blooming and everything looks lovely after the rain! God is good!
1 Corinthians 13 NLT
"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear. Now we know only a little and even the gift of prophecy reveals little! But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear....
There are three things that will endure--faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love."
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Protection
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the changing day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, God protected us from any tornadoes and severe weather last night and I, for one, am thankful! When I stepped outside in the pre-dawn darkness, I could tell the sky was partly clear, because a few stars were dimly sparkling. God is good!
We had some much needed rain that is sure to settle the pollen, which is a good thing. The ducks around here seem to like the gutter water better than the lake and canals that are nearby. I saw the mama duck and her three, almost grown, ducklings splashing in the gutter yesterday. They seem to like to nestle down in the corner of our yard every noonday. They walk for miles during the day, up and down the street. Funny quackers!
Nothing much was going on at the Park yesterday, Francia was leading a group of students off the boardwalk, after teaching them the joys of being out in nature and learning much they didn't know. She takes the screech owls home on the weekends and during the summer, and they fly around her house. Hmm.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where can I find protection and safety?
Psalm 121:2-8 "My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall - the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. the Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go both now and forever."
Our protection is directly related to the character, competence, and capability of our protector. The Lord is unsurpassed in all areas. The Maker of heaven and earth is our personal protector. He never sleeps and never turns his attention from us. We walk securely because he guards our every step.
1 Samuel 2:9 "He will protect his godly ones, but the wicked will perish in darkness. No one will succeed by strength alone."
Job 5:19 "He will rescue you again and again so that no evil can touch you."
Psalm 9:9 "The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."
Though troubles and threats will find us in this fallen rebellious world, they are not a surprise to the Lord. He never tires of saving us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had some much needed rain that is sure to settle the pollen, which is a good thing. The ducks around here seem to like the gutter water better than the lake and canals that are nearby. I saw the mama duck and her three, almost grown, ducklings splashing in the gutter yesterday. They seem to like to nestle down in the corner of our yard every noonday. They walk for miles during the day, up and down the street. Funny quackers!
Nothing much was going on at the Park yesterday, Francia was leading a group of students off the boardwalk, after teaching them the joys of being out in nature and learning much they didn't know. She takes the screech owls home on the weekends and during the summer, and they fly around her house. Hmm.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where can I find protection and safety?
Psalm 121:2-8 "My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall - the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. the Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go both now and forever."
Our protection is directly related to the character, competence, and capability of our protector. The Lord is unsurpassed in all areas. The Maker of heaven and earth is our personal protector. He never sleeps and never turns his attention from us. We walk securely because he guards our every step.
1 Samuel 2:9 "He will protect his godly ones, but the wicked will perish in darkness. No one will succeed by strength alone."
Job 5:19 "He will rescue you again and again so that no evil can touch you."
Psalm 9:9 "The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble."
Though troubles and threats will find us in this fallen rebellious world, they are not a surprise to the Lord. He never tires of saving us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Work
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, overcast day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Storms are predicted for tonight, so I didn't set out the sprinklers this morning. The Lord usually provides.
Have you noticed pollen on your cars from the oak trees? Sunday I noticed it after church from the oak trees in the parking lot. Be forewarned all those with allergies! I haven't washed off the pollen from last spring from the windowsills!
When I walked in the park yesterday, I noticed the maples that have lost their leaves, are now covered with seeds and many seeds were on the boardwalk. Lots of people were out, enjoying the bright sun and a little breeze which cooled things off. A crowd was gathered at the first shelter looking at an alligator, of course. I forget how common it is for me to see them, and how exciting it is for a tourist to see one in the wild. I still, after all these years, enjoy watching them. God is Great!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What does the Lord promise to those who work hard?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs."
Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work.
(1)having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and
(2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.
Proverbs 13:11 "Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears, wealth from hard work grows".
Honest hard work is much better than get-rich-quick schemes. Money quickly gotten is often quickly wasted.
Romans 12:8 "If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."
God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
Colossians 3:23-24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."
God promises a reward to those who work hard. That reward can include-but is not limited to-financial prosperity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction or the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Have you noticed pollen on your cars from the oak trees? Sunday I noticed it after church from the oak trees in the parking lot. Be forewarned all those with allergies! I haven't washed off the pollen from last spring from the windowsills!
When I walked in the park yesterday, I noticed the maples that have lost their leaves, are now covered with seeds and many seeds were on the boardwalk. Lots of people were out, enjoying the bright sun and a little breeze which cooled things off. A crowd was gathered at the first shelter looking at an alligator, of course. I forget how common it is for me to see them, and how exciting it is for a tourist to see one in the wild. I still, after all these years, enjoy watching them. God is Great!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What does the Lord promise to those who work hard?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs."
Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work.
(1)having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and
(2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.
Proverbs 13:11 "Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears, wealth from hard work grows".
Honest hard work is much better than get-rich-quick schemes. Money quickly gotten is often quickly wasted.
Romans 12:8 "If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."
God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
Colossians 3:23-24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."
God promises a reward to those who work hard. That reward can include-but is not limited to-financial prosperity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction or the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, February 11, 2008
Praise Him!
Good morning, a little later than usual, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Due to oversleeping, (it felt good), I am late in everything, but as I stepped outside, a little mockingbird hopped along in front of me before flying off, and another puffy mocker was sitting on the rain gutter looking at me as I came back inside. God's Creation is good!
From a little devotional book Two Minutes a Day, Knowing God:
Praise Him!
"I will praise You with my whole heart."
Psalm 138:1 NKJV
If you're like most folks on the planet, you're busy. Your life is probably hectic, demanding, and complicated.
And when the demands of life leave you rushing from place to place with scarcely a moment to spare, you may not take time to praise your Creator. Big mistake.
The Bible makes it clear: it pays to praise God. Worship and praise should be a part of everything you do. Otherwise, you quickly lose perspective as you fall prey to the demands of every day life.
Do you sincerely desire to know God in a more meaningful way? Then praise Him for who He is and for what He has done for you; and please don't wait until Sunday morning-praise Him all day long, every day, for as long as you live....and then for all eternity.
Great Thoughts:
Maintaining our focus on God will take our praise to heights that nothing else can.
Jeff Walling
Praise opens the window of our hearts, preparing us to walk more closely with God. Prayer raises the window of our spirit, enabling us to listen more clearly to the Father.
Max Lucado
Today's Prayer
Heavenly, Father, I come to You today with hope in my heart and praise on my lips. I place my trust in You, Dear Lord, knowing that with You as my Protector, I have nothing to fear. I thank you, Lord, for Your grace, for your love, and for Your Son. Let me follow in Christ's footsteps today and every day that I live. And then, when my work here is done, let me live with You forever. Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
From a little devotional book Two Minutes a Day, Knowing God:
Praise Him!
"I will praise You with my whole heart."
Psalm 138:1 NKJV
If you're like most folks on the planet, you're busy. Your life is probably hectic, demanding, and complicated.
And when the demands of life leave you rushing from place to place with scarcely a moment to spare, you may not take time to praise your Creator. Big mistake.
The Bible makes it clear: it pays to praise God. Worship and praise should be a part of everything you do. Otherwise, you quickly lose perspective as you fall prey to the demands of every day life.
Do you sincerely desire to know God in a more meaningful way? Then praise Him for who He is and for what He has done for you; and please don't wait until Sunday morning-praise Him all day long, every day, for as long as you live....and then for all eternity.
Great Thoughts:
Maintaining our focus on God will take our praise to heights that nothing else can.
Jeff Walling
Praise opens the window of our hearts, preparing us to walk more closely with God. Prayer raises the window of our spirit, enabling us to listen more clearly to the Father.
Max Lucado
Today's Prayer
Heavenly, Father, I come to You today with hope in my heart and praise on my lips. I place my trust in You, Dear Lord, knowing that with You as my Protector, I have nothing to fear. I thank you, Lord, for Your grace, for your love, and for Your Son. Let me follow in Christ's footsteps today and every day that I live. And then, when my work here is done, let me live with You forever. Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, February 8, 2008
Prayer
Good rainy 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! Well, we need the rain and already it is turning cooler, but that is good because yesterday I had to turn on the A/C, it was so warm and humid! This cold front will not last very long, but is most welcome!
Yesterday on the way to the park, we saw the male peacock, strutting his stuff, with his tail feathers fully fanned out, and two peahens pecking around in front of him not paying any attention. It is amazing to me, how, with the little pea brains they have, he somehow knows just what will show him off better, because he always stands in front of a garage door. God is amazing!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Prayer: How can I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 145:18 "The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely."
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land."
1 Peter 3:12 "The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. We must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
1 John 5:13-15 "We can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we know he is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for."
While we may not know God's specific will for every situation, we do know that his will is to empower our obedience; to overcome evil with good, and to equip us to be his witnesses. We can pray confidently, for his power and guidance, knowing that we are asking for the very things he must long to give.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday on the way to the park, we saw the male peacock, strutting his stuff, with his tail feathers fully fanned out, and two peahens pecking around in front of him not paying any attention. It is amazing to me, how, with the little pea brains they have, he somehow knows just what will show him off better, because he always stands in front of a garage door. God is amazing!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Prayer: How can I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 145:18 "The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely."
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land."
1 Peter 3:12 "The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. We must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
1 John 5:13-15 "We can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we know he is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for."
While we may not know God's specific will for every situation, we do know that his will is to empower our obedience; to overcome evil with good, and to equip us to be his witnesses. We can pray confidently, for his power and guidance, knowing that we are asking for the very things he must long to give.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Peace
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, looks like rain day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We always need the rain and the humidity is so high, everything is wet outside.
Yesterday, I walked the Hammock trail, instead of the maple trail out to the tower. I only planned to walk a little ways, but my knee and foot felt good, so I walked all the way, and came back along the sidewalk by the canal. I paused at the swampy areas and saw lots of activity, and saw a young gator trying to hide under the shrubs in the canal. I only met one person on my long walk, because everyone likes to take the shorter walk, hoping to see gators. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be at peace with others?
Psalm 34:14-15 "Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right: his ears are open to their cries for help."
When we pursue peace with others, the Lord supports us in every way. He guards our steps and hears our prayers. We can pray confidently for him to change our won hearts and to touch the lives of those with whom we want to be reconciled.
Matthew 5:9 "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."
God blesses us as we seek to bring his peace to others.
Psalm 37:37 " Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future lies before those who love peace."
Bitterness and revenge can never bring lasting satisfaction. Anger and conflict will destroy our future. God promises a great future to those who make loving him and living at peace with others a way of life.
Proverbs 12:20 "Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!"
Seeking peace with others is one of the surest ways to release streams of joy and peace into our own hearts.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, I walked the Hammock trail, instead of the maple trail out to the tower. I only planned to walk a little ways, but my knee and foot felt good, so I walked all the way, and came back along the sidewalk by the canal. I paused at the swampy areas and saw lots of activity, and saw a young gator trying to hide under the shrubs in the canal. I only met one person on my long walk, because everyone likes to take the shorter walk, hoping to see gators. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be at peace with others?
Psalm 34:14-15 "Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right: his ears are open to their cries for help."
When we pursue peace with others, the Lord supports us in every way. He guards our steps and hears our prayers. We can pray confidently for him to change our won hearts and to touch the lives of those with whom we want to be reconciled.
Matthew 5:9 "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."
God blesses us as we seek to bring his peace to others.
Psalm 37:37 " Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future lies before those who love peace."
Bitterness and revenge can never bring lasting satisfaction. Anger and conflict will destroy our future. God promises a great future to those who make loving him and living at peace with others a way of life.
Proverbs 12:20 "Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!"
Seeking peace with others is one of the surest ways to release streams of joy and peace into our own hearts.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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
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
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