Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the hazy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I could not see the stars or moon or even the sky clearly, when I stepped out a while ago. Perhaps God will bring us rain today!
I walked along the butterfly garden at the Park yesterday and saw a butterfly fluttering its wings as it flew by - ..black and yellow ones, yellow, orange and black ..all are so colorful!
Then we stood and watched the baby hawks moving about in the nest and heard and saw Mama fly by calling loudly! God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
How can I be sure God will guide me?
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."
Psalm 37:23-24 "The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."
Luke 12:6-7 " What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid, you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows."
Jesus gives this promise to all his followers. If God values the littlest things of his creation, how much more must he value us for whom he gave his own precious Son. When we are anxious or concerned, we need to remind ourselves that God does indeed care about and is watching over us.
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."
God is always seeking the best future for us. There are times that we delay it through our disobedience, but when we come back to God, he is always ready to give us his best.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Cruisin' thru Colossians
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! Have you noticed that now the Royal Poinciana trees are flaming with their orange blossoms? Now, that the jacarandas are fading, God give new beauty in the Poinciana tree...always something of color and beauty to see!
We watched the baby hawks moving around in the tree at the Park yesterday. They certainly are big, now, but Ma and Pa continue to fly in lizards, frogs, snakes and other delicacies to stuff the little mouths.
Speaking of little mouths, Mama duck and at least, 13 pin-feathered babies were moving along the street yesterday morning, They flow so fast they are hard to count, but she clucks at them and they stay fairly close together. God is awesome!
From the Promise Bible:
Colossians 3:13
Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
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. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace.
And always be thankful.
Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (24 and counting)
We watched the baby hawks moving around in the tree at the Park yesterday. They certainly are big, now, but Ma and Pa continue to fly in lizards, frogs, snakes and other delicacies to stuff the little mouths.
Speaking of little mouths, Mama duck and at least, 13 pin-feathered babies were moving along the street yesterday morning, They flow so fast they are hard to count, but she clucks at them and they stay fairly close together. God is awesome!
From the Promise Bible:
Colossians 3:13
Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
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. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace.
And always be thankful.
Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (24 and counting)
Friday, May 25, 2007
Psoaring thru Psalm 119
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool, dry day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I see the bright, morning star each morning as I step out but no sign of the moon. I think the haze is keeping the other stars hidden.
Yesterday I saw a funny sight. The majestic, proud peacock was running and he was NOT majestic. His knobby knees and bent legs looked so funny as he loped along, I had to laugh! His long, beautiful tailfeathers were dragging behind him and looked kinda ragged-guess courting season is over.
From the Promise Bible:
Psalm 119
"Happy are people of integrity,
who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced
when I compare my life with
your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you for living as I should!
I will obey your principles.
Please don't give up on me!...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (27 and counting)
Yesterday I saw a funny sight. The majestic, proud peacock was running and he was NOT majestic. His knobby knees and bent legs looked so funny as he loped along, I had to laugh! His long, beautiful tailfeathers were dragging behind him and looked kinda ragged-guess courting season is over.
From the Promise Bible:
Psalm 119
"Happy are people of integrity,
who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced
when I compare my life with
your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you for living as I should!
I will obey your principles.
Please don't give up on me!...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (27 and counting)
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Conflict
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the hazy, dry day that the Lord has made and we will be glad and rejoice in it!
I took my morning walk in the evening last night, and enjoyed the cool wind on my face. It was really windy at the tower from the lake and I noticed on my way out, how beautiful the lacy white elderberry blossoms are. It looks like a good crop, in spite of the rain. The raccoons love to eat them and when they are close enough to the boardwalk, I help myself to a few.!
On my way back, "what to my wondering eyes did appear,
but a red-shouldered hawk, swooping ever so near.."
He looked huge and I was excited to see him. I also was just in time to see Mr. Gator glide in to the covered shelter and look at me before sinking to cover his back and most of his face. God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible:
Shouldn't those who believe in Jesus Christ be free from conflict?
Psalm 27:1-3 "The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger-so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident."
Evil is inevitable. Because we live in a fallen world filled with broken people, we will find ourselves in many types of conflict. Our focus should not be on the dark forces that attack us but on the Lord who defends us.
Psalm 55:18 "He rescues me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, even though many still oppose me."
While God doesn't keep us out of all conflict, he is present with us in it.
How can I find strength to respond to conflict in God's way?
Matthew 5:9 "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."
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 he ears are open to their prayers, But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."
Peace lies in the power of love, not the love of power. If we trust in God, he promises to protect and vindicate us. Followers of Christ know better than to take revenge into their own hands They know that fighting according to the world's way brings even greater problems. We are to practice "the principle of paradox"; bless when cursed, give when threatened, and feed those who would take our food. This principle unleashes God's power into the situation.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I took my morning walk in the evening last night, and enjoyed the cool wind on my face. It was really windy at the tower from the lake and I noticed on my way out, how beautiful the lacy white elderberry blossoms are. It looks like a good crop, in spite of the rain. The raccoons love to eat them and when they are close enough to the boardwalk, I help myself to a few.!
On my way back, "what to my wondering eyes did appear,
but a red-shouldered hawk, swooping ever so near.."
He looked huge and I was excited to see him. I also was just in time to see Mr. Gator glide in to the covered shelter and look at me before sinking to cover his back and most of his face. God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible:
Shouldn't those who believe in Jesus Christ be free from conflict?
Psalm 27:1-3 "The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger-so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident."
Evil is inevitable. Because we live in a fallen world filled with broken people, we will find ourselves in many types of conflict. Our focus should not be on the dark forces that attack us but on the Lord who defends us.
Psalm 55:18 "He rescues me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, even though many still oppose me."
While God doesn't keep us out of all conflict, he is present with us in it.
How can I find strength to respond to conflict in God's way?
Matthew 5:9 "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."
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 he ears are open to their prayers, But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."
Peace lies in the power of love, not the love of power. If we trust in God, he promises to protect and vindicate us. Followers of Christ know better than to take revenge into their own hands They know that fighting according to the world's way brings even greater problems. We are to practice "the principle of paradox"; bless when cursed, give when threatened, and feed those who would take our food. This principle unleashes God's power into the situation.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
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! The bright morning star has been brilliant in its aloneness these past few mornings. Don't know where the others are...perhaps the haze is hiding them.
Due to appointments and commitments, I didn't get to walk yesterday, but did ride through the park and noticed the anhingas were sunning their wings as usual, after their underwater swims. I wonder what they do when it rains and they need to dry off? I mentioned to Terry, our friend the super., about not being able to walk to the tower because of the closing and he said he would see if they could finish the spraying and open up. Perhaps today, I will find time to walk.
From the Promise Bible:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Leviticus 26:8 "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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Due to appointments and commitments, I didn't get to walk yesterday, but did ride through the park and noticed the anhingas were sunning their wings as usual, after their underwater swims. I wonder what they do when it rains and they need to dry off? I mentioned to Terry, our friend the super., about not being able to walk to the tower because of the closing and he said he would see if they could finish the spraying and open up. Perhaps today, I will find time to walk.
From the Promise Bible:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Leviticus 26:8 "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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Discernment
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I took a much longer walk than I had planned yesterday, because the tower walk was closed off in front of the covered shelter, so I walked up the sidewalk to the second bridge and backtracked to see where the construction had started, and then on to the third bridge. I enjoyed the shade and shadows, and was glad to see the ferns still thriving in spite of the dryness.
Several turtles were drying out on the logs along the canal and lots of splashes from the fish were making widening circles in the water. I stood and watched the baby hawks moving about in the nest . They seem to be really cozy.
BTW, I noticed yesterday how beautiful the oleanders are this year, as the jacarandas slowly fade into green and the gorgeous yellow tabebuia trees (not sure of spelling) start to glow in all their beauty. God's Creation is marvelous!
From the Promise Bible:
Psalm 119:125 "Give discernment to me, your servant,; then I will understand your decrees."
Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom.It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies", God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.
Proverbs 3:13 "Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding."
Proverbs 3:21-23 "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. they keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling."
Discernment enhances the quality of our life and our discipleship. Godly wisdom and understanding keep us from tripping over the lies and deceptions of the devil.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (30 and counting)
I took a much longer walk than I had planned yesterday, because the tower walk was closed off in front of the covered shelter, so I walked up the sidewalk to the second bridge and backtracked to see where the construction had started, and then on to the third bridge. I enjoyed the shade and shadows, and was glad to see the ferns still thriving in spite of the dryness.
Several turtles were drying out on the logs along the canal and lots of splashes from the fish were making widening circles in the water. I stood and watched the baby hawks moving about in the nest . They seem to be really cozy.
BTW, I noticed yesterday how beautiful the oleanders are this year, as the jacarandas slowly fade into green and the gorgeous yellow tabebuia trees (not sure of spelling) start to glow in all their beauty. God's Creation is marvelous!
From the Promise Bible:
Psalm 119:125 "Give discernment to me, your servant,; then I will understand your decrees."
Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom.It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies", God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.
Proverbs 3:13 "Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding."
Proverbs 3:21-23 "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. they keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling."
Discernment enhances the quality of our life and our discipleship. Godly wisdom and understanding keep us from tripping over the lies and deceptions of the devil.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (30 and counting)
Monday, May 21, 2007
Faith
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool start to the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Seems like we are having one beautiful day after another and the only thing missing is rain!
Yesterday I saw a small gator basking in the sun on the bank and a larger one curled on the other side of the road on the bank of the lake. Colorful butterflies were flitting among the shrubs that were planted for their benefit. Francia has several butterfly gardens at the Park and they all attract yellow, black, large and small butterflies.
Also, the big daddy hawk was keeping a watchful eye out for food for the babies, high in a dead tree across the canal. God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
Faith is a Verb
2Corinthians 5:7 "We live by faith, not by sight."
In "You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought," John Roger and Peter McWilliams offered a new description of faith. They chose the word "faithing" to describe their proactive approach to confidence in life's outcomes.
In their thinking, faithing works in the present, acknowledging that there is a purpose to everything and that life in unfolding exactly as it should. It is actively trusting that God can handle our troubles and needs better than we can. All we must do is let them go so that He can do His work.
The Two Boxes
I have in my hand two boxes
Which God gave me to hold.
He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black,
And all your joys in the gold".
I heeded His words, and in the two boxes
Both my joys and sorrows I store,
But though the gold became heavier each day
The black was as light as before.
With curiosity I opened the black.
I wanted to find out why
And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole
Which my sorrows had fallen out by.
I showed the hole to God, and mused aloud,
"I wonder where all my sorrows could be.
He smiled a gentle smile at me,
"My child, they're all here, with Me."
I asked, "God, why give me the boxes,
Why the gold, and the black with the hole?"
"My child, the gold is to count your blessings,
the black is for you to let go."
Faith can put a candle in the darkest night.
Margaret Sangster
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (31 and counting)
Yesterday I saw a small gator basking in the sun on the bank and a larger one curled on the other side of the road on the bank of the lake. Colorful butterflies were flitting among the shrubs that were planted for their benefit. Francia has several butterfly gardens at the Park and they all attract yellow, black, large and small butterflies.
Also, the big daddy hawk was keeping a watchful eye out for food for the babies, high in a dead tree across the canal. God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
Faith is a Verb
2Corinthians 5:7 "We live by faith, not by sight."
In "You Can't Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought," John Roger and Peter McWilliams offered a new description of faith. They chose the word "faithing" to describe their proactive approach to confidence in life's outcomes.
In their thinking, faithing works in the present, acknowledging that there is a purpose to everything and that life in unfolding exactly as it should. It is actively trusting that God can handle our troubles and needs better than we can. All we must do is let them go so that He can do His work.
The Two Boxes
I have in my hand two boxes
Which God gave me to hold.
He said, "Put all your sorrows in the black,
And all your joys in the gold".
I heeded His words, and in the two boxes
Both my joys and sorrows I store,
But though the gold became heavier each day
The black was as light as before.
With curiosity I opened the black.
I wanted to find out why
And I saw, in the base of the box, a hole
Which my sorrows had fallen out by.
I showed the hole to God, and mused aloud,
"I wonder where all my sorrows could be.
He smiled a gentle smile at me,
"My child, they're all here, with Me."
I asked, "God, why give me the boxes,
Why the gold, and the black with the hole?"
"My child, the gold is to count your blessings,
the black is for you to let go."
Faith can put a candle in the darkest night.
Margaret Sangster
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (31 and counting)
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