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 know, I know, I am late this morning, because I overslept. Last night I went to sleep later than usual, listening to the distant thunder and the sound of rain on the roof. I stayed up later because I knew sleep was not possible with the thunder booming. Had weird dreams, too.
Yesterday, after a trip to the podiatrist to get my painful toe treated, I went to the park and admired the lovely azaleas in full bloom. They were in stark contrast to the gnarly, gray limbs and trunks of the oak trees above them. The moss was hanging down, in great weeping strands overhead, while the pink blooms were smiling up at them.
The leaves are all over the road, so that you can hardly see where the pavement ends and the grass begins. Few people were out, but that was because school was still in session, I think. But God is good, and His Creation is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why should I be faithful?
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join with scoffers. But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants; day and night they think about his law. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.
The quality of our character affects the quality of our life. Integrity brings continual vitality and bears lasting fruit.Psalm 1:1-3
Proverbs 3:3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
One of our greatest securities in life is that of a good name. Faithfulness brings a good reputation and trust from others. When we have problems, sometimes our reputation can be the key to a positive outcome.
A reward in heaven awaits those who are faithful to God. Faithfulness brings eternal rewards.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Psalm 34
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! A little cool and overcast this morning, but the sun came up and the sunrise was gorgeous! The oak seeds are falling like rain and no matter how much I sweep the porch, they are covering it again in no time. Well, summer will soon be here and I really appreciate the shade the trees bring.
On my way into the park yesterday, I noticed new signs warning people of the danger of getting too close to the gator who suns on the bank. they always try to get as close as they can, not knowing how fast the creatures can move. As I drove further in, I crushed a lot of leaves on the road. It was covered, but doesn't bother the squirrels who scamper across here and there. I saw a great blue heron dipping his beak in the water for a drink. First time I had seen one drinking. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 34:8
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.
Come my children and listen to me,
and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
If any of you want to live
a life that is long and good?
Then watch your tongue!
Keep your lips from telling lies!
Turn away from evil and do good
Work hard at living at peace with others.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs and Happy Birthday, Gil,
Amaryllis
On my way into the park yesterday, I noticed new signs warning people of the danger of getting too close to the gator who suns on the bank. they always try to get as close as they can, not knowing how fast the creatures can move. As I drove further in, I crushed a lot of leaves on the road. It was covered, but doesn't bother the squirrels who scamper across here and there. I saw a great blue heron dipping his beak in the water for a drink. First time I had seen one drinking. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 34:8
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.
Come my children and listen to me,
and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
If any of you want to live
a life that is long and good?
Then watch your tongue!
Keep your lips from telling lies!
Turn away from evil and do good
Work hard at living at peace with others.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs and Happy Birthday, Gil,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Ministry
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! It's a little cooler this morning,...good for joggers and early morning walkers, but since I am neither of these, I turned on the heat for a little while. Temps will be up in the seventies later on, though.
I took a short walk in the park yesterday, because it was such a beautiful day and had to pause and watch a young blue heron just below me on the bank of the canal, busily looking for a snack, and then an ibis came alongside and they were both involved in the business of looking for food. An anhinga had landed on the drain pipe and stretched out its wings to dry, and then two more ibis came flying gracefully in for a landing. As I walked on the second bridge, I saw a huge ripple in the water, and I suspect a gator had just submerged. They usually just sink and hardly leave a bubble, so maybe it was something else. Anyhow, God is good and His creation is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is God calling me to do?
Matthew 9:37 He said to his disciples. "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few."
People are ready to hear and receive the Good News of God's love, but with this promise domes the responsibility to work and to pray. The Lord expects us to enter fully into his work of reaching the world with the love of God.
Matthew 16:18-19 Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you lack on earth will be locked in heaven, and whatever you open on earth will be opened in heaven.
As followers of Christ, we are part of the church, or the people of God. God has promised that we will overcome the kingdom of darkness and secure his victory. We must not be on the defensive, thinking we will one day lose. We should take the offensive and overcome evil with good.
How do I know God will help me minister for him?
Acts 1:8 When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
When God calls, God equips. He has given us his promised Holy Spirit to help us fulfill the responsibility of telling the world about Jesus Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I took a short walk in the park yesterday, because it was such a beautiful day and had to pause and watch a young blue heron just below me on the bank of the canal, busily looking for a snack, and then an ibis came alongside and they were both involved in the business of looking for food. An anhinga had landed on the drain pipe and stretched out its wings to dry, and then two more ibis came flying gracefully in for a landing. As I walked on the second bridge, I saw a huge ripple in the water, and I suspect a gator had just submerged. They usually just sink and hardly leave a bubble, so maybe it was something else. Anyhow, God is good and His creation is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is God calling me to do?
Matthew 9:37 He said to his disciples. "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few."
People are ready to hear and receive the Good News of God's love, but with this promise domes the responsibility to work and to pray. The Lord expects us to enter fully into his work of reaching the world with the love of God.
Matthew 16:18-19 Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you lack on earth will be locked in heaven, and whatever you open on earth will be opened in heaven.
As followers of Christ, we are part of the church, or the people of God. God has promised that we will overcome the kingdom of darkness and secure his victory. We must not be on the defensive, thinking we will one day lose. We should take the offensive and overcome evil with good.
How do I know God will help me minister for him?
Acts 1:8 When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
When God calls, God equips. He has given us his promised Holy Spirit to help us fulfill the responsibility of telling the world about Jesus Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Excerpts from Isaiah
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! It is a little cooler this morning and Daryl said they actually had snow flurries and sleet yesterday in Tenn. so winter is not through with us yet, even though the calendar says it is spring.
The wind was strong yesterday when I went to the Park, but I saw two gators sunning..one on the right and one on the left on the canal bank. A great blue heron was all drawn up like he was cold, but the sun was actually very warm. Leaves and seeds are still falling from the oaks and this is the allergy season, but the azaleas are blooming and are very lovely at the park, Mine here at home have still not shown all their blossoms, but new growth is showing, so God is good!
From the NKJV:
Isaiah 40:29:31
He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary , they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel:
Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God,...
Since you were precious in My sight
You have been honored and I have loved you...
Fear not, for I am with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy an love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The wind was strong yesterday when I went to the Park, but I saw two gators sunning..one on the right and one on the left on the canal bank. A great blue heron was all drawn up like he was cold, but the sun was actually very warm. Leaves and seeds are still falling from the oaks and this is the allergy season, but the azaleas are blooming and are very lovely at the park, Mine here at home have still not shown all their blossoms, but new growth is showing, so God is good!
From the NKJV:
Isaiah 40:29:31
He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary , they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel:
Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned. Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God,...
Since you were precious in My sight
You have been honored and I have loved you...
Fear not, for I am with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy an love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, March 22, 2010
Encouragement, Part 2
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! After a rainy Sunday, today has dawned bright and sunny, but a little cooler. But we know spring has come, so soon the weather will be warmer than we like!
I saw a gorgeous peacock on my way into the park yesterday. The sun was shining on his jade feathers and they were gleaming! God's creation is beautiful! Instead of the gator on the bank, four little moorhens were swimming about where he usually suns. Apparently they knew he was not lurking about. I have never seen them there before. Not many people were out, because it was still cloudy and drippy. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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 1:6 I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
Philippians2:12-13 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 in 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! After a rainy Sunday, today has dawned bright and sunny, but a little cooler. But we know spring has come, so soon the weather will be warmer than we like!
I saw a gorgeous peacock on my way into the park yesterday. The sun was shining on his jade feathers and they were gleaming! God's creation is beautiful! Instead of the gator on the bank, four little moorhens were swimming about where he usually suns. Apparently they knew he was not lurking about. I have never seen them there before. Not many people were out, because it was still cloudy and drippy. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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 1:6 I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
Philippians2:12-13 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 in 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, March 19, 2010
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! Looks like sunshine most of the day and temps around 70, so spring is just a day away! Still cool enough to have heat on this morning, though.
Yesterday was so windy, I did not walk in the park, but just admired the long gator stretched out on the bank. Patrons of the park that stop and walk over to see it, do not realize how fast they can move. Signs are posted now, warning them of the danger. A great blue heron was standing very near the gator, just watching him. They seem to co-exist peacefully for the most part. The motorized blower had been through and the leaves were blown off the road, so it could be seen again. My yard is scheduled to be cleaned up today whenever David C., my yard caretaker comes. I swept off a bushel of leaves from the porch yesterday and enjoyed the sun while I worked. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Leviticus 26:5 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons.
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 promised.
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 enabled 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday was so windy, I did not walk in the park, but just admired the long gator stretched out on the bank. Patrons of the park that stop and walk over to see it, do not realize how fast they can move. Signs are posted now, warning them of the danger. A great blue heron was standing very near the gator, just watching him. They seem to co-exist peacefully for the most part. The motorized blower had been through and the leaves were blown off the road, so it could be seen again. My yard is scheduled to be cleaned up today whenever David C., my yard caretaker comes. I swept off a bushel of leaves from the porch yesterday and enjoyed the sun while I worked. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Leviticus 26:5 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons.
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 promised.
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 enabled 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Greetings From Paul!
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! My weather report said "cloudy" but the sun is shining and it is cool and looks like a beautiful day ahead.
Yesterday, I surprised myself by taking a walk on the boardwalk. I took Louis' cane with me for balance and walked to the first shelter and felt strong, so I went to the "Y" and decided to go on the the tower !My arm is a little sore today from the unexpected use with the cane, but, otherwise, I felt good! I stopped several times to look at all the water flooding the usually dry spots and stayed in one spot watching a lone white heron, wading in the water and each time it pecked at something the tail would wiggle! It looked almost like a dance! It finally went under some shrubs and I couldn't see it any more. I saw twin gators on the bank as I drove in, but when I went out, only one was visible. There also was a large turtle lying on the point where the great blue heron usually hangs out. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 1:9
We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please he Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the endurance and patience that you need.
Colossians 3:13
You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony.
Colossians 3:23
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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, I surprised myself by taking a walk on the boardwalk. I took Louis' cane with me for balance and walked to the first shelter and felt strong, so I went to the "Y" and decided to go on the the tower !My arm is a little sore today from the unexpected use with the cane, but, otherwise, I felt good! I stopped several times to look at all the water flooding the usually dry spots and stayed in one spot watching a lone white heron, wading in the water and each time it pecked at something the tail would wiggle! It looked almost like a dance! It finally went under some shrubs and I couldn't see it any more. I saw twin gators on the bank as I drove in, but when I went out, only one was visible. There also was a large turtle lying on the point where the great blue heron usually hangs out. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 1:9
We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please he Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the endurance and patience that you need.
Colossians 3:13
You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony.
Colossians 3:23
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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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