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!
As I stepped outside this morning, I felt a few sprinkles, so maybe we will be getting rain from Fay, which is pouring rain on the East coast.
Yesterday I was so excited to watch Mama gator as she moved out of the water and kept lifting her head as if listening. I know that the babies make grunting noises as they break the eggs, so that must be what she heard. She crawled up on top of the nest and started scraping with her muscular foot to uncover them, and then started down the side where we couldn't see her.
She had an audience of two Canadians, who were delaying their trip back home, just to watch the babies hatch, and another visitor who was as interested as we were in the happening.
I called Francia, the teacher, to tell her, and she came walking out very excited. Perfect timing, as school just started and now as she conducts tours for the students, she will really have something to show them! God is good!
I hope to get back today to see if they have hatched!
From the Bible NLT:
Psalm 37:1-11
Don't worry about the wicked.
Don't envy those who do wrong,
For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like springtime flowers, they
soon wither.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the
land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence
as clear as the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will
shine like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others--
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord
will possess the land.
In a little while, the wicked will disappear.
Though you look for them, they
will be gone.
Those who are gentle and lowly
will possess the land.
They will live in prosperous security.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Blessings
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! The wind is blowing and clouds are racing across the sky, but no rain and no hurricane! God is good!
When I stepped outside this morning, I could actually see the waning moon through the bumpy clouds that were passing in front of it.
Since all the county parks were closed yesterday, I did not take my walk in the Park, but hope to do that today. Our bird of paradise and the beauty berry bush have many blooms as a result of the rains we have had. The birds love the beauty berry bush, because of the purple berries. I think that is how we came to have the bush, since we did not plant it. :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Blessings: How has God promised to bless his people?
Numbers 6:24-26 May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.
God's blessing encompasses all of life. We live in his protection, his presence, and his peace. Nothing this world offers can compare in scope or duration with the blessing of God.
Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God, the creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.
1 Corinthians 12:13 The only thing I didn't do, which I do in the other churches, was to become a burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong!
Jesus Christ blesses us with forgiveness and redemption. God the Father blesses us with the assurance that we are loved and of infinite worth. The Holy Spirit blesses us with fellowship and the continual presence of God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside this morning, I could actually see the waning moon through the bumpy clouds that were passing in front of it.
Since all the county parks were closed yesterday, I did not take my walk in the Park, but hope to do that today. Our bird of paradise and the beauty berry bush have many blooms as a result of the rains we have had. The birds love the beauty berry bush, because of the purple berries. I think that is how we came to have the bush, since we did not plant it. :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Blessings: How has God promised to bless his people?
Numbers 6:24-26 May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.
God's blessing encompasses all of life. We live in his protection, his presence, and his peace. Nothing this world offers can compare in scope or duration with the blessing of God.
Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God, the creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.
1 Corinthians 12:13 The only thing I didn't do, which I do in the other churches, was to become a burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong!
Jesus Christ blesses us with forgiveness and redemption. God the Father blesses us with the assurance that we are loved and of infinite worth. The Holy Spirit blesses us with fellowship and the continual presence of God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Will of God
I see dark, rainy-looking clouds outside now, and the wind is picking up, but nothing like a storm.
God is good!
Yesterday I stopped in the Park, after Terry called to say he was back from vacation. We had a nice chat about his trip and other issues. His time at the park will end in five weeks, when he will retire because of all the changes coming up. I will miss seeing him and all the others assigned to various other work, as well.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Does God really have a plan for my lift?
Psalm 139:3 You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am.
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
Ephesians 1:11 Because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as he decided long ago.
Psalm 138:8 The Lord will work out his plans for my life--for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me.
God has a plan for our lives. It is not an unthinking, automated script that we must follow. It is a journey with various destinations and appointments and a great deal of freedom as to the pace and scope of the travel. God's plan for us will always have a sense of mystery, but we can be certain that he will guide us as long as we rely on his leading.
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."
Sometimes we are tempted to question God's will for our lives, thinking he has made a mistake. God promises to give us the best as we follow his ways. Ultimately, even what looks like a mistake can become the means to something wonderful.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, August 18, 2008
Integrity
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! Well, all is sunshiny and calm before the storm which is to come tomorrow. Hard to believe today, though.
Did you all happen to see the full moon yesterday and today? The sky has been so clear the past two mornings, that the moon is shining brightly high in the southwest. Gorgeous!
I was able to take a walk Saturday morning, before the heat set in, and still cannot figure out why the young Mama gator went to all the trouble to build a high nest to lay her eggs in, so far from the water. I haven't seen her, yet, but she may be hidden. I continued on out to big Mama's nest and spoke to her, as she waits patiently for the grunts coming from hatching eggs. They may hatch the end of this month, if that is about 65 days. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does God respond to my commitment to integrity?
Psalm 18:20-25 The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all his laws are constantly before me; I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.
The psalmist claims a high level of personal integrity that makes some of us uncomfortable. It makes sense, however, when we realize that he isn't boasting in his accomplishment but thanking God for giving him the power and direction to live according to God's ways. This passage offers the same promise to us: God will empower our obedience.
1 Peter 2:19 Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world.
Our integrity may not bring immediate rewards, but we are certain that it will one day be recognized.
What are the benefits of integrity?
Proverbs 11:3,5 Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty...The godly are directed by their honesty, the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.
Integrity keeps us from the trap of dishonesty and the destruction that can result.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Did you all happen to see the full moon yesterday and today? The sky has been so clear the past two mornings, that the moon is shining brightly high in the southwest. Gorgeous!
I was able to take a walk Saturday morning, before the heat set in, and still cannot figure out why the young Mama gator went to all the trouble to build a high nest to lay her eggs in, so far from the water. I haven't seen her, yet, but she may be hidden. I continued on out to big Mama's nest and spoke to her, as she waits patiently for the grunts coming from hatching eggs. They may hatch the end of this month, if that is about 65 days. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does God respond to my commitment to integrity?
Psalm 18:20-25 The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all his laws are constantly before me; I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.
The psalmist claims a high level of personal integrity that makes some of us uncomfortable. It makes sense, however, when we realize that he isn't boasting in his accomplishment but thanking God for giving him the power and direction to live according to God's ways. This passage offers the same promise to us: God will empower our obedience.
1 Peter 2:19 Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world.
Our integrity may not bring immediate rewards, but we are certain that it will one day be recognized.
What are the benefits of integrity?
Proverbs 11:3,5 Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty...The godly are directed by their honesty, the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.
Integrity keeps us from the trap of dishonesty and the destruction that can result.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, August 15, 2008
Encouragement
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! Well, it is still cloudy today after a mostly rainy day yesterday. We spent a quiet day at home, because of the weather, but we did enjoy a good visit with our nephew in the afternoon.
It is always good when families can get together.
We managed to take a short, rainy drive through the Park yesterday and saw people scrambling to get to there cars in the downpour. I was caught in the rain on the boardwalk, once, a long time ago, and before I could reach a shelter, I looked like a drowned rat! Glad it was warm! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Joshua 23:10 Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has provided.
-Be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies against us. God used David to overcome Goliath, Gideon's three hundred soldiers to defeat the armies of Midian, and one hundred and twenty disciples to establish the church in Acts. He joys when working through our weaknesses and limitations.
Colossians 1:11-14 We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enables you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
Where do I find the strength to keep going when I'm tempted to give up?
Galatians 6:9 Don't get tired of doing what is good, Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
Endurance comes from keeping our thoughts on the promise of the harvest, not the problems of the moment.
Philippians 2:12-13 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.
We do not endure through our own strength alone. God is at work in our lives. He gives us the strength to keep going when we are exhausted and the reasons to keep believing when we are discouraged.
1 Peter 2:20 You get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing right and are patient beneath the blows, God is pleased with you.
God sees the injustices we suffer. Just as he was pleased with Jesus' submission to the cross, he is pleased when we put his honor above all else.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
It is always good when families can get together.
We managed to take a short, rainy drive through the Park yesterday and saw people scrambling to get to there cars in the downpour. I was caught in the rain on the boardwalk, once, a long time ago, and before I could reach a shelter, I looked like a drowned rat! Glad it was warm! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Joshua 23:10 Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has provided.
-Be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies against us. God used David to overcome Goliath, Gideon's three hundred soldiers to defeat the armies of Midian, and one hundred and twenty disciples to establish the church in Acts. He joys when working through our weaknesses and limitations.
Colossians 1:11-14 We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enables you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
Where do I find the strength to keep going when I'm tempted to give up?
Galatians 6:9 Don't get tired of doing what is good, Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
Endurance comes from keeping our thoughts on the promise of the harvest, not the problems of the moment.
Philippians 2:12-13 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.
We do not endure through our own strength alone. God is at work in our lives. He gives us the strength to keep going when we are exhausted and the reasons to keep believing when we are discouraged.
1 Peter 2:20 You get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing right and are patient beneath the blows, God is pleased with you.
God sees the injustices we suffer. Just as he was pleased with Jesus' submission to the cross, he is pleased when we put his honor above all else.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Contentment
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! Rain is predicted for most of today, but we will wait and see. The wind is blowing the trees outside my window, which helps cool the air down.
We have several bird of paradise blooms on our large plant, and a lone azalea bravely blooming in front... from all the rain, I guess. It is very much out of season!
I took a walk yesterday, and looked and looked for the Mama gator that made her nest in such a strange place, Unless she is under the boardwalk (reminds me of a song), I don't know where she could hang out, because of so little water. I hope to see her one day soon.
Meantime, I walked on to visit Mama gator, who was patiently waiting , as usual, for the eggs to make a noise... probably the end of this month. I spoke to her, but she just looked at me sleepily.
God is Awesome!
Seems that there have been so many attacks lately against friends and family, I just read more and more scripture to give comfort and assurance that God is in control.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I experience contentment
1 Timothy 6:6:7 True religion with contentment is great wealth. After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Contentment begins with realizing our eternal destiny. It isn't how much we own, but where we are headed. When we realize that there is more to life than our time on earth, everything takes on a new value.
How can we find freedom from the sins of comparison, competition, and jealousy that disturb our contentment?
The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green meadows.; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Contentment is found in God's continual care for us. The opening verses of this beloved psalm remind us that God guards us with his love, rest, protection. provision, and direction. Nothing else in this world can satisfy us as deeply and completely.
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid , for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
We have several bird of paradise blooms on our large plant, and a lone azalea bravely blooming in front... from all the rain, I guess. It is very much out of season!
I took a walk yesterday, and looked and looked for the Mama gator that made her nest in such a strange place, Unless she is under the boardwalk (reminds me of a song), I don't know where she could hang out, because of so little water. I hope to see her one day soon.
Meantime, I walked on to visit Mama gator, who was patiently waiting , as usual, for the eggs to make a noise... probably the end of this month. I spoke to her, but she just looked at me sleepily.
God is Awesome!
Seems that there have been so many attacks lately against friends and family, I just read more and more scripture to give comfort and assurance that God is in control.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I experience contentment
1 Timothy 6:6:7 True religion with contentment is great wealth. After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Contentment begins with realizing our eternal destiny. It isn't how much we own, but where we are headed. When we realize that there is more to life than our time on earth, everything takes on a new value.
How can we find freedom from the sins of comparison, competition, and jealousy that disturb our contentment?
The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green meadows.; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Contentment is found in God's continual care for us. The opening verses of this beloved psalm remind us that God guards us with his love, rest, protection. provision, and direction. Nothing else in this world can satisfy us as deeply and completely.
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid , for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
God's Armor
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 in the darkness this morning, the sky was covered with clouds. Amazing how they all clear off in just a couple hours and the sky becomes blue again!
God is good!
I didn't have time to walk yesterday, before the heat set in, but did ride through the park and enjoyed seeing the ibis and the egrets. Turtles were drying and sunning on the banks of the weir.
I noticed, Francia, the teacher, was back, preparing the classroom for the students who will come. I thought maybe this would be the year she would retire, but she loves her work. She knows more about critters than I ever will. She picks up roadkill, takes it home and buries it, and then brings the bones into the classroom for instruction. Her car has a different "air" about it! :o)
Excerpts from Ephesians NLT:
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
For your struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the ruler, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand. In addition to the armor, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Eph. 6:10-13
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 an undying love.
Amen
Eph.6:23,24
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
God is good!
I didn't have time to walk yesterday, before the heat set in, but did ride through the park and enjoyed seeing the ibis and the egrets. Turtles were drying and sunning on the banks of the weir.
I noticed, Francia, the teacher, was back, preparing the classroom for the students who will come. I thought maybe this would be the year she would retire, but she loves her work. She knows more about critters than I ever will. She picks up roadkill, takes it home and buries it, and then brings the bones into the classroom for instruction. Her car has a different "air" about it! :o)
Excerpts from Ephesians NLT:
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
For your struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the ruler, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand. In addition to the armor, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Eph. 6:10-13
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 an undying love.
Amen
Eph.6:23,24
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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