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! Lots of sunshine this morning and cooler temps. I am getting so lazy in the morning, I usually don't roll out of bed until sevenish, although I am awake long before then. So, this morning, I got up and stripped the bed to wash them and now am waiting for the sheets to dry, so I can put them back on
the bed.
Yesterday's bike/breakfast ride was so much fun! David took us to Skyway Jack's for breakfast...the first time I had been there, and we enjoyed chatting while eating. Then we saddled up and went over to Tampa, riding along Bayshore where workers were busy with preparations for the Gasparilla parade Sat. David took me to Davis Island and on out to Peter O. Knight airport and back to the marina, which I didn't even know was there! Lots of boats were moored in the very still, quiet waters and very few cars on the road.. On the way out of the marina, I noticed serious looking buzzards perched on each pole, just waiting. I really don't like them, because they look menacing to me, although they do the job God created them to do.
Rain had been predicted to come through, and as we traveled, we could see the clouds .building up, and by the time we got near home, the sky was covered, but the weather held until we completed with my birthday/breakfast/just for fun ride! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 5
O Lord, hear me as I pray;
pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God
for I will never pray to anyone but you.
Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
Each morning I bring my request to you
and wait expectantly...
because of your unfailing love I can enter your house;
with deepest awe I will worship at your Temple.
Lead me in the right path, O Lord,
or my enemies will conquer me.
Tell me clearly what to do,
and show me which way to turn...
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them sing joyful praises forever.
Protect them, so all who love your name may be filled with joy.
For you bless the godly, O Lord
surrounding them with your shield of love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Bike ride
Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! There will be no Gator Bytes today because I have been invited to go on a breakfast bike (Gold Wing) ride. Hope to see you tomorrow!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Zephaniah 3:17
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! Still a bit cool in the morning, but the sun is out and the breeze is blowing, so it will be a pretty day!
I did not go out much yesterday, but did get over to the park, and was surprised to see quite a crowd there. Since it was a holiday, I guess that was to be expected. The big fat gator was once again sunning on the bank of the lake, and, as usual, attracting quite a bit of attention. Usually, people ride right by without looking that way, and it is off the road by quite a bit, so he doesn't get noticed that often.
The remaining leaves on the maple trees are a deep maroon ,now and the rest of the trees, except for oaks, are bare, so it really looks like winter in the park. No snow, though! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy , and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I did not go out much yesterday, but did get over to the park, and was surprised to see quite a crowd there. Since it was a holiday, I guess that was to be expected. The big fat gator was once again sunning on the bank of the lake, and, as usual, attracting quite a bit of attention. Usually, people ride right by without looking that way, and it is off the road by quite a bit, so he doesn't get noticed that often.
The remaining leaves on the maple trees are a deep maroon ,now and the rest of the trees, except for oaks, are bare, so it really looks like winter in the park. No snow, though! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy , and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, January 16, 2012
Serve Him
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 am glad that the weather is warming up and the sun is shining, and it promises to be a great day!
I have seen the big fat gator lounging on the bank of the lake at the park these past few days, and the little frisky moorhens swimming very near him, and very unafraid. Coexisting peacefully...wish the rest of the world could take a cue from them!
I have not been sending the morning emails for the past few days, because my old PC would not go on the standard version which allowed me to add the bcc list. However, my computer elves spent their Sunday afternoon running to Walmart to pick me up a new desktop and printer/copier and then spent hours setting it up. I am so blessed with good friends who shower me with kindness!
The following devotional is dedicated to the two of them. You know who you are!
From the little devotional Knowing God:
So prepare your minds for service and have self-control. All your hope
should be for the gift of grace that will be yours when Jesus Christ is shown
to you.
1 Peter 1:11 NCV
The teachings of Jesus are clear. We achieve greatness through service to others. But, as weak human beings, we sometimes fall short as we seek to puff ourselves up and glorify our own accomplishments. Jesus commands otherwise. He teaches us that the most esteemed men and women are not the self-congratulatory leaders of society but are instead the humblest of servants.
Today, you may feel the temptation to build yourselves up in the eyes of others. Resist that temptation. Instead, serve them quietly and without fanfare. Find a need and fill it...humbly. Lend a helping hand and share a word of kindness...anonymously, for this is God's way.
As a humble servant, you will glorify yourself not before men, but before God, and that's what God intends. After all, earthly glory is fleeting; here today and all too soon gone. But heavenly glory endures throughout eternity. So, the choice is yours: Either you can lift yourself up here on earth and be humbled in heaven, or vice versa. Choose vice versa.
Christianity, in its purest form, is nothing more than seeing Jesus. Christian service, in its purist form. is nothing more than imitating him who we see. To see his Majesty and to imitate him; that is the sum of Christianity.
Max Lucado
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I have seen the big fat gator lounging on the bank of the lake at the park these past few days, and the little frisky moorhens swimming very near him, and very unafraid. Coexisting peacefully...wish the rest of the world could take a cue from them!
I have not been sending the morning emails for the past few days, because my old PC would not go on the standard version which allowed me to add the bcc list. However, my computer elves spent their Sunday afternoon running to Walmart to pick me up a new desktop and printer/copier and then spent hours setting it up. I am so blessed with good friends who shower me with kindness!
The following devotional is dedicated to the two of them. You know who you are!
From the little devotional Knowing God:
So prepare your minds for service and have self-control. All your hope
should be for the gift of grace that will be yours when Jesus Christ is shown
to you.
1 Peter 1:11 NCV
The teachings of Jesus are clear. We achieve greatness through service to others. But, as weak human beings, we sometimes fall short as we seek to puff ourselves up and glorify our own accomplishments. Jesus commands otherwise. He teaches us that the most esteemed men and women are not the self-congratulatory leaders of society but are instead the humblest of servants.
Today, you may feel the temptation to build yourselves up in the eyes of others. Resist that temptation. Instead, serve them quietly and without fanfare. Find a need and fill it...humbly. Lend a helping hand and share a word of kindness...anonymously, for this is God's way.
As a humble servant, you will glorify yourself not before men, but before God, and that's what God intends. After all, earthly glory is fleeting; here today and all too soon gone. But heavenly glory endures throughout eternity. So, the choice is yours: Either you can lift yourself up here on earth and be humbled in heaven, or vice versa. Choose vice versa.
Christianity, in its purest form, is nothing more than seeing Jesus. Christian service, in its purist form. is nothing more than imitating him who we see. To see his Majesty and to imitate him; that is the sum of Christianity.
Max Lucado
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Decisions
Good Morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will be glad and rejoice in it! Well, no sunshine this morning and just a little rain, but the wind is blowing and the cold front is blustering its way in, once again.
But yesterday in the great warm day, I drove out to the Mall and tried to pick up our family photos from Penney's studio, only to discover they were closed on Tues. Afternoon. So, I drove back home to do a little shopping, and then visited the park, parked and walked out on the bridge to see the young gator. The water is very low and muddy, due to the construction, but still suits the fish and anhingas. It was very warm in the sun, so I walked over to the butterfly garden, avoiding lots of families. Many blooms were on the plants, but no butterflies.
I seem to be having lots of little things going wrong all at once...the lamp in my bedroom will not turn on, so I need to buy a new one, and now the drain in the shower is clogged. It does that every once in a while, but I have stuff to unclog it. Anyway, the house is warm and I have food, so God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What kind of help does God give us?
2 Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
God wants To help us make the right decisions. He is looking for us to depend fully on him. Our openness is God's opportunity.
James 1:5-8 If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.
Some people fear that they are bothering God with their problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is looking for ways to help us because he loves. us. Our commitment to him releases his resources for us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
But yesterday in the great warm day, I drove out to the Mall and tried to pick up our family photos from Penney's studio, only to discover they were closed on Tues. Afternoon. So, I drove back home to do a little shopping, and then visited the park, parked and walked out on the bridge to see the young gator. The water is very low and muddy, due to the construction, but still suits the fish and anhingas. It was very warm in the sun, so I walked over to the butterfly garden, avoiding lots of families. Many blooms were on the plants, but no butterflies.
I seem to be having lots of little things going wrong all at once...the lamp in my bedroom will not turn on, so I need to buy a new one, and now the drain in the shower is clogged. It does that every once in a while, but I have stuff to unclog it. Anyway, the house is warm and I have food, so God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What kind of help does God give us?
2 Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
God wants To help us make the right decisions. He is looking for us to depend fully on him. Our openness is God's opportunity.
James 1:5-8 If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.
Some people fear that they are bothering God with their problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is looking for ways to help us because he loves. us. Our commitment to him releases his resources for us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
He's Right Here, Right now.
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! Another sunshiny day and the promise of rain to come sometime later this week. We are blessed!
After a late afternoon trip to the doctor, I went to Wendy's to pick up my supper and then went to the park. Not to have a picnic, but just to see the long shadows, with brilliant green where the sun shone through. I saw two egrets looking beautiful in contrast to the leafless tree they were perched in and the gopher tortoise guarding his tunnel. I was surprised to see quite a few people there as close to dinner time as it was. Yellow butterflies were flitting about on their search for nectar. They are so pretty, and so are the others.
Last night I saw the "wolf moon". I had to google that to see why it is called by that name. Interesting That the native Americans gave it that name, because the full moon in January caused the wolves to howl for food when the icy snows covered their territory...things I never knew before.
God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
The Lord is with you when you are with Him.
If you seek Him, He will be found by you.
2 Chronicles 15:2 HCSB
Did you ever wonder if God is really "right here, right now"? Do you wonder if God hears your prayers, if He understands your feelings, or if He really knows your heart? If so, you're not alone: Lots of very faithful Christians have experienced periods of doubt. In fact, some of the biggest heroes in the Bible had plent of doubts-and so, perhaps, will you. But when you have doubts, remember this: God isn't on a coffee break, and He hasn't moved out of town. He's right here, right now, listening to your thoughts and prayers, watching over your every move.
If you'd like to get to know God a little bit better, He's always available--always ready to listen to your prayers, and always ready to speak to your heart. Are you ready to talk to Him? If so, congratulations. If not, what are you waiting for?
God's presence is with you, but you have to make a choice to believe--and I mean, really believe--that this is true. This conscious decision is yours alone.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
After a late afternoon trip to the doctor, I went to Wendy's to pick up my supper and then went to the park. Not to have a picnic, but just to see the long shadows, with brilliant green where the sun shone through. I saw two egrets looking beautiful in contrast to the leafless tree they were perched in and the gopher tortoise guarding his tunnel. I was surprised to see quite a few people there as close to dinner time as it was. Yellow butterflies were flitting about on their search for nectar. They are so pretty, and so are the others.
Last night I saw the "wolf moon". I had to google that to see why it is called by that name. Interesting That the native Americans gave it that name, because the full moon in January caused the wolves to howl for food when the icy snows covered their territory...things I never knew before.
God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
The Lord is with you when you are with Him.
If you seek Him, He will be found by you.
2 Chronicles 15:2 HCSB
Did you ever wonder if God is really "right here, right now"? Do you wonder if God hears your prayers, if He understands your feelings, or if He really knows your heart? If so, you're not alone: Lots of very faithful Christians have experienced periods of doubt. In fact, some of the biggest heroes in the Bible had plent of doubts-and so, perhaps, will you. But when you have doubts, remember this: God isn't on a coffee break, and He hasn't moved out of town. He's right here, right now, listening to your thoughts and prayers, watching over your every move.
If you'd like to get to know God a little bit better, He's always available--always ready to listen to your prayers, and always ready to speak to your heart. Are you ready to talk to Him? If so, congratulations. If not, what are you waiting for?
God's presence is with you, but you have to make a choice to believe--and I mean, really believe--that this is true. This conscious decision is yours alone.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, January 9, 2012
John 3:16
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 sun is shining, and the temps are warming up, so it will be another beautiful day! We are blessed!
I was so excited last night watching the Broncos game and Tim Tebow's inspired playing, I was shouting at the TV, trying to urge on the players! A columnist in the Times this morning wrote, "did you notice that there was not a sideline reporter? And now that you know, did you miss one?" I have to say, no and no. I don't really like the gals out there when they have never played football...
So, win or lose, I am looking forward to Sat. and the game with the Patriots. Go, Broncos!
I saw an unusual sight on my way to church yesterday. A small flock of five woodstorks were moving through a private yard. I have never seen them in a yard, before, just sitting by ditches and lakes. And, I stepped outside in the morning, in time to see a flock of ibis pecking its way through my yard and into the neighbors. They do a good job of aereating. When I drove to the park after church, I found it crowded with lots of people and dog-walkers, big folks and little folks. It was a good day to be out in the warm weather. Also, a cluster of black turtles were sunning themselves on the bank of the weir. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Remembering Tebow's yardage yesterday and eyeblack scripture from college...
John 3:16-21
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.
There is no judgment awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. Their judgment is based on this fact. The light from heaven came into the world, but they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and Hugs,
Amaryllis
I was so excited last night watching the Broncos game and Tim Tebow's inspired playing, I was shouting at the TV, trying to urge on the players! A columnist in the Times this morning wrote, "did you notice that there was not a sideline reporter? And now that you know, did you miss one?" I have to say, no and no. I don't really like the gals out there when they have never played football...
So, win or lose, I am looking forward to Sat. and the game with the Patriots. Go, Broncos!
I saw an unusual sight on my way to church yesterday. A small flock of five woodstorks were moving through a private yard. I have never seen them in a yard, before, just sitting by ditches and lakes. And, I stepped outside in the morning, in time to see a flock of ibis pecking its way through my yard and into the neighbors. They do a good job of aereating. When I drove to the park after church, I found it crowded with lots of people and dog-walkers, big folks and little folks. It was a good day to be out in the warm weather. Also, a cluster of black turtles were sunning themselves on the bank of the weir. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Remembering Tebow's yardage yesterday and eyeblack scripture from college...
John 3:16-21
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.
There is no judgment awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. Their judgment is based on this fact. The light from heaven came into the world, but they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and Hugs,
Amaryllis
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