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! We had a little rain during the early morning hours, but not enough. At least the oak pollen is dampened, so the air is a bit cleaner. While it's a little cooler, it is still not cold, so it's a nice change.
My handy yardman was here this morning, to take care of some chores, so that is why this is a little late in coming.
I saw lots of people and birds out yesterday at the park, including a long row of ibis over at Lynch Lake. They were lined up perfectly along one of the drainage outlets. Lots of seagulls and ducks, also, one of which dunked his head down while the tail stuck up in the air, while I watched. Very funny!
At the park, I saw turtles sunning, egrets on the bank, with people taking photos of them, and squirrels running all over the ground. I also spotted the gopher on his front porch again. Guess he just likes to watch people go by. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 16:23
Without wavering, let us hold tight to the hope we say we have , for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness, When everything else falls apart, we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
John 14:1
Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you may have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, for I have overcome the world.
Our troubles do not surprise the Lord and should not surprise us. Trouble is rampant in this fallen world. Our focus should be on Jesus who has overcome this world and all its troubles.
Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace, all who trust, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, love, and joy!
Love and hugs
Amaryllis
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Conflict
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! God has gifted us with another warm day. Yesterday it was so warm, that I actually had a short sleeved shirt on, and was very comfortable. But the warm weather will be gone by tomorrow, though only for a short time, and then the weekend will be nice again, for the Gasparilla parade Sat.
After my cleaning friends left yesterday, I went to the P.O. and bought some forever stamps, and then did a little shopping. Afterwards, I drove to the park with the shadows getting long. I always like to see the changing play of sunshine and shadow when it's late in the afternoon, but it is not too good for driving, because when the visor doesn't hide the sun, it is right in my eyes!
Once again I saw the white egret outstanding against the green of the canal bank..typical Florida scenery and moorhens happily paddling around in the water. They are such busy little ducks! Lots of people were hanging over the bridge looking at different things in the water, but I did not see any gators. It's time for the azaleas to start blooming, and I saw where my hidden bush in the back of the house has already had two blooms. Nothing in the front, though. Maybe later. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I find strength to respond to conflict in God's way?
Romans 12:19-21
Dear Friends, never avenge yourselves, leave that to God. For it is written, "I will take vengeance. I will repay those who deserve it", says the Lord. Instead do what the scriptures say. "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you." Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.
1 Peter 3:9-12
Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, "If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies. 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, and His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil".
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
After my cleaning friends left yesterday, I went to the P.O. and bought some forever stamps, and then did a little shopping. Afterwards, I drove to the park with the shadows getting long. I always like to see the changing play of sunshine and shadow when it's late in the afternoon, but it is not too good for driving, because when the visor doesn't hide the sun, it is right in my eyes!
Once again I saw the white egret outstanding against the green of the canal bank..typical Florida scenery and moorhens happily paddling around in the water. They are such busy little ducks! Lots of people were hanging over the bridge looking at different things in the water, but I did not see any gators. It's time for the azaleas to start blooming, and I saw where my hidden bush in the back of the house has already had two blooms. Nothing in the front, though. Maybe later. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I find strength to respond to conflict in God's way?
Romans 12:19-21
Dear Friends, never avenge yourselves, leave that to God. For it is written, "I will take vengeance. I will repay those who deserve it", says the Lord. Instead do what the scriptures say. "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you." Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.
1 Peter 3:9-12
Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, "If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies. 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, and His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil".
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Character
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 temp is supposed to climb up to 82 today! It doesn't seem like this is still January, because the weather is so warm. The weatherman said yesterday that we would need to turn on the A/C today because of the humidity. I think I need to, because I believe I have developed an allergy to oak leaves, which are falling like rain around here!
Yesterday, as I was driving alongside Turner's creek at low tide, I saw a great gray egret having a fish for lunch, Funny thing, was, two vultures were sitting at the top of the bank, hopefully, waiting for leftovers. The water fowl and birds of prey like low tide because it is easier to fish. Speaking of birds of prey, I saw the baby osprey sticking his head out of the nest on the elem. school grounds. They will probably be nesting over in the parking lot of Gateway Mall any day, now.
BTW, my colorful birthday balloons are still flying high against my ceiling and I have been enjoying wisely the box of Godiva chocolates, I was given. I should put them in the fridge where I won't be so tempted. :o)
I went on to the park when I finished my shopping and lots of people were out enjoying the great weather. Lots of turtles, egrets, and the big gator were also enjoying the weather. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What does God promise us 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, for 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
Yesterday, as I was driving alongside Turner's creek at low tide, I saw a great gray egret having a fish for lunch, Funny thing, was, two vultures were sitting at the top of the bank, hopefully, waiting for leftovers. The water fowl and birds of prey like low tide because it is easier to fish. Speaking of birds of prey, I saw the baby osprey sticking his head out of the nest on the elem. school grounds. They will probably be nesting over in the parking lot of Gateway Mall any day, now.
BTW, my colorful birthday balloons are still flying high against my ceiling and I have been enjoying wisely the box of Godiva chocolates, I was given. I should put them in the fridge where I won't be so tempted. :o)
I went on to the park when I finished my shopping and lots of people were out enjoying the great weather. Lots of turtles, egrets, and the big gator were also enjoying the weather. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What does God promise us 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, for he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
As we mature in our faith, we will become stronger and stronger people. Character is like a muscle--it gets stronger with exercise. As our character develops, our confidence in our salvation increases, and the assurance of God's love fills our hearts.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Change
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! This is such wonderful weather at the end of January...cool nights and warm days. Lots of sunshine and just lots of blessings!
After taking care of laundry yesterday and other chores around the house, including sweeping a basket full of leaves off the porch, I took a trip to the park. Not many people, but lots of turtles plastered against the banks of the weir, and one lone large one some distance away on the grassy bank of the canal.I have been seeing the large gator sunning on the other side of the road at the lake, but he wasn't there yesterday.
Some group has built a platform and there is a cage on top that has a furry critter in it, but I have not walked over to see what it is. Guess I will have to do that soon. The gopher tortoises have been on the move and I see them nearly every day. They seem to be coming closer to the parking area and getting very used to people standing around looking at them. Always something going on! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where can I find security and hope in the midst of tumult and change?
Lamentations 5:19 Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation.
Malachi 3 :6 I am the Lord and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already completely destroyed.
James 12:17 Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all Heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Both our security and our hope are rooted in God's unchanging character. People will make promises one day but disappoint us the next. Sin or circumstances beyond their control prevent them from keeping their promises. God's faithfulness and love, however, are not subject to fluctuations of time, space or human mortality. We will never suffer because of God's fickle whims, irrational mood swings, or inability to handle the circumstances.
Are there any unchanging principles that can help me stay anchored?
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.
Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever.
God's word gives us the truth that never changes. We find strength and courage when we listen--not to the voices of public opinion- but to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
After taking care of laundry yesterday and other chores around the house, including sweeping a basket full of leaves off the porch, I took a trip to the park. Not many people, but lots of turtles plastered against the banks of the weir, and one lone large one some distance away on the grassy bank of the canal.I have been seeing the large gator sunning on the other side of the road at the lake, but he wasn't there yesterday.
Some group has built a platform and there is a cage on top that has a furry critter in it, but I have not walked over to see what it is. Guess I will have to do that soon. The gopher tortoises have been on the move and I see them nearly every day. They seem to be coming closer to the parking area and getting very used to people standing around looking at them. Always something going on! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where can I find security and hope in the midst of tumult and change?
Lamentations 5:19 Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation.
Malachi 3 :6 I am the Lord and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already completely destroyed.
James 12:17 Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all Heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Both our security and our hope are rooted in God's unchanging character. People will make promises one day but disappoint us the next. Sin or circumstances beyond their control prevent them from keeping their promises. God's faithfulness and love, however, are not subject to fluctuations of time, space or human mortality. We will never suffer because of God's fickle whims, irrational mood swings, or inability to handle the circumstances.
Are there any unchanging principles that can help me stay anchored?
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.
Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever.
God's word gives us the truth that never changes. We find strength and courage when we listen--not to the voices of public opinion- but to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, January 23, 2012
Ephesians 1
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 light clouds this morning, but like yesterday, it will be another warm day in January! In fact, the weatherman say we will have temps in the eighties for a couple days! I'll take it!
I have had the most wonderful week of birthday surprises! I think it started with a breakfast bike ride on my friend David's Gold Wing, then a small group potluck and prayer meeting on Thursday and Brian took me out to dinner on Friday, which resulted in a free dessert for me, because Brian mentioned it was my birthday. I was very glad they didn't sing!! Finally, I was told by Brian that he wanted to take me to Miller's in Bradenton for dinner Saturday. That's about an hour drive, so I was not very enthusiastic and he told me he wanted to stop by a friend's house to say "Hi". I told him I was not going in because she lives in a two story house, which requires walking up stairs, and I don't do that very well any more. Well, sure enough, when we got there, we went in to a totally surprise party. I was almost speechless!! Turns out this had been in the planning for about six months. Mari is very devious. It was a well kept secret and I did not suspect a thing. We had a wonderful dinner with four dear friends and Brian and I now have nine balloons floating on my ceiling plus lovely gifts from everyone, and a beautiful dish garden from my boys. Brian said it's not every day a person turns 85, so that is why the long celebration. If I never live to have another one, I will die happy! It has been a wonderful week! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom
Ephesians 1
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for Christians everywhere, I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize the rich and glorious inheritance he has given his people.
I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with his presence.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I have had the most wonderful week of birthday surprises! I think it started with a breakfast bike ride on my friend David's Gold Wing, then a small group potluck and prayer meeting on Thursday and Brian took me out to dinner on Friday, which resulted in a free dessert for me, because Brian mentioned it was my birthday. I was very glad they didn't sing!! Finally, I was told by Brian that he wanted to take me to Miller's in Bradenton for dinner Saturday. That's about an hour drive, so I was not very enthusiastic and he told me he wanted to stop by a friend's house to say "Hi". I told him I was not going in because she lives in a two story house, which requires walking up stairs, and I don't do that very well any more. Well, sure enough, when we got there, we went in to a totally surprise party. I was almost speechless!! Turns out this had been in the planning for about six months. Mari is very devious. It was a well kept secret and I did not suspect a thing. We had a wonderful dinner with four dear friends and Brian and I now have nine balloons floating on my ceiling plus lovely gifts from everyone, and a beautiful dish garden from my boys. Brian said it's not every day a person turns 85, so that is why the long celebration. If I never live to have another one, I will die happy! It has been a wonderful week! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom
Ephesians 1
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for Christians everywhere, I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize the rich and glorious inheritance he has given his people.
I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with his presence.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, January 20, 2012
Galatians 6
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 gettting a late start today because of the bug man coming , but hopefully, I will be catching up soon. The sun is shining and the cool wind blowing, and, as usual, I am always chilly. Guess my age is catching up with me.
Yesterday I went to the park after shopping at the newly remodeled Sweetbay near my house. I actually had good customer service. A man putting up yogurt products went into the back to see if the truck had delivered the product that I could not find, and brought it out for me. Yay, him!
Then I was rewarded at the park by seeing the big gator sunning full length on the bank of the lake. On the other side, a patron was taking a pic of an anhinga with wings outspread. The water in the canal was much higher due to the rain Wed. afternoon, so it looks much better. The big gophers seem to be on the move, because I saw the really old one standing in his front door, and the smaller one around the corner standing on his front porch. We were always warned as kids, not to put our hands down in the tunnels, because there might be snakes in there. Of course, I had to see for myself. Fortunately, I did not find one. God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
We reap what we sow
Dear Brothers and Sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly, should gently and humbly help that person back into the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each others burdens and problems and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone in need, you are only fooling yourself. You are really a nobody...
Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love,
Amaryllis
Yesterday I went to the park after shopping at the newly remodeled Sweetbay near my house. I actually had good customer service. A man putting up yogurt products went into the back to see if the truck had delivered the product that I could not find, and brought it out for me. Yay, him!
Then I was rewarded at the park by seeing the big gator sunning full length on the bank of the lake. On the other side, a patron was taking a pic of an anhinga with wings outspread. The water in the canal was much higher due to the rain Wed. afternoon, so it looks much better. The big gophers seem to be on the move, because I saw the really old one standing in his front door, and the smaller one around the corner standing on his front porch. We were always warned as kids, not to put our hands down in the tunnels, because there might be snakes in there. Of course, I had to see for myself. Fortunately, I did not find one. God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
We reap what we sow
Dear Brothers and Sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly, should gently and humbly help that person back into the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each others burdens and problems and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone in need, you are only fooling yourself. You are really a nobody...
Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love,
Amaryllis
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Psoaring thru Psalm 5
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
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
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