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 another short thunderstorm in the middle of the afternoon yesterday, but the yard got mowed, anyway, and it looks nice, but growing fast!
I had an earlier walk yesterday, and could not see Mama gator. She may have been behind the nest or have left for lunch, but she can go for a month without eating. I watched the osprey circle lazily over the lake, hoping, once again, I could see it hover, but it wasn't interested in food, I guess. Even though we have had rains, not a lot of water has come down at the Park, so the water is still receding, but God brings rain in His time! God is Awesome!
From Quiet Moments:
...Often we wonder if what we do throughout our day has any significance at all. In many cases, it takes more strength to do the trivial tasks than the monumental ones.
If the job we do is difficult, we must ask God to show us how to make the job less strenuous. If the job is dull, we need to ask God to reveal ways to make it more interesting. If we think our work is unimportant, we need to remember that being in God's will and doing a good job for Him, will not only bring blessing to others, but will bless us now and for eternity.
Often it is the People factor that keeps us motivated. God gives us purpose and makes our lives meaningful, but he is always working to bless us, so we can turn around and bless other people.
The tasks you face today are significant as you work to meet a need or to see growth in others. You will see God's love moving through your life to others in everything you do for them-from putting a bandage on a child's skinned knee to inventing a machine that helps people with asthma breathe.
"All service ranks the same with God."
Robert Browning
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13 KJV
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Abundance
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm, humid day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, I expected to feel a little coolness, but not this morning! Looks like another very warm day, but this is Florida in July! Thank God for air conditioning!
I had the garage door open yesterday while tending to laundry, and glanced up at the car, to see the bluejay perched there, looking at me expectantly for peanuts. Sorry, but I don't intentionally feed bluejays!
They were working on the entrance bridge at the Park yesterday..seems like there is always repair and fix up work to do..keeps the crew busy. I heard and saw an anhinga fly up into a tree to dry out the wings for awhile,so it could dive once again and seek the fish for a tasty meal. The hawks don't seem to be as visible any more, since the babies are out of the nest. God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
Abundance
Under what circumstances does God promise abundance to us?
Malachi 3:10-11 "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. "If you do," says the Lord Almighty, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not shrivel before they are ripe." says the Lord Almighty.
Philippians 4:19 "This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
God's abundant provision is a gracious gift. When we give what God requires we receive more than we could ever desire.
Deuteronomy 30:9 "The Lord your God will make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and your fields will produce abundant harvests, for the Lord will delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors."
God is not stingy and resentful in supplying our needs. He loves to lavish his abundance on those with grateful hearts.
Why does God give us abundant gifts?
2 Corinthians 9:8 "God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others."
God wants us to have everything we need, But we don't get to keep what we receive: we get to give it away. God is looking for us to share his abundance with others.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had the garage door open yesterday while tending to laundry, and glanced up at the car, to see the bluejay perched there, looking at me expectantly for peanuts. Sorry, but I don't intentionally feed bluejays!
They were working on the entrance bridge at the Park yesterday..seems like there is always repair and fix up work to do..keeps the crew busy. I heard and saw an anhinga fly up into a tree to dry out the wings for awhile,so it could dive once again and seek the fish for a tasty meal. The hawks don't seem to be as visible any more, since the babies are out of the nest. God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
Abundance
Under what circumstances does God promise abundance to us?
Malachi 3:10-11 "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. "If you do," says the Lord Almighty, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not shrivel before they are ripe." says the Lord Almighty.
Philippians 4:19 "This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
God's abundant provision is a gracious gift. When we give what God requires we receive more than we could ever desire.
Deuteronomy 30:9 "The Lord your God will make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and your fields will produce abundant harvests, for the Lord will delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors."
God is not stingy and resentful in supplying our needs. He loves to lavish his abundance on those with grateful hearts.
Why does God give us abundant gifts?
2 Corinthians 9:8 "God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others."
God wants us to have everything we need, But we don't get to keep what we receive: we get to give it away. God is looking for us to share his abundance with others.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Stress, con't.
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the calm day after the storm that the Lord had made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Lots of lightning and thunder just at supper time last night, gave the grass another good soaking and now it really needs mowing!
I had to look closely yesterday to see Mama Gator. She was almost hidden-just her eyes showing, but the water is receding because of not much rain,so I don't know how much longer she will hang around the nest. In a way, the trash and limbs that are broken and almost covering her hidey-hole, are a good thing because she can hide under the stuff.
I heard lots of birds singing and felt a coolness in the shade, but was still drippy when I finished my walk. Oh, well, that's summer!
I am blessed that I still have the ability to walk and see and hear and enjoy God's Creation! God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
What do we learn from stress?
Stress exposes our human limitations so that we can better realize God's limitless power and love.
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."
We keep going because God has promised a rich harvest in his perfect time.
Romans 5:3-4 "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 expectations of salvation."
James 1:2-4 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."
While stress exposes our true character, it also helps develop our true character.
Even when we fall short of the mark, God has promised to work within us, shaping us into the image of Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had to look closely yesterday to see Mama Gator. She was almost hidden-just her eyes showing, but the water is receding because of not much rain,so I don't know how much longer she will hang around the nest. In a way, the trash and limbs that are broken and almost covering her hidey-hole, are a good thing because she can hide under the stuff.
I heard lots of birds singing and felt a coolness in the shade, but was still drippy when I finished my walk. Oh, well, that's summer!
I am blessed that I still have the ability to walk and see and hear and enjoy God's Creation! God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
What do we learn from stress?
Stress exposes our human limitations so that we can better realize God's limitless power and love.
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."
We keep going because God has promised a rich harvest in his perfect time.
Romans 5:3-4 "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 expectations of salvation."
James 1:2-4 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."
While stress exposes our true character, it also helps develop our true character.
Even when we fall short of the mark, God has promised to work within us, shaping us into the image of Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 16, 2007
Stress
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! Not a breeze was stirring when I stepped outside earlier, but now, a slight one is blowing and it doesn't feel as humid as the past few days.
I had a real treat when I walked Saturday. Not only was Mama gator stirring around amidst all the branches and trash that almost covers her now, but I discovered that the old nest is trampled at the bottom and freshly dug at the top, which leads me to think that she has laid her eggs and now we just have to wait a few months.
The treat was, as I was walking back I saw a HUGE gator across the canal, on the bank. He was about 11 feet long and very fat. As I watched, he slid backward into the water with something in his jaws. I couldn't tell what it was, but Pa gator took it in the water and held it for a minute or two, then slowly sank out of sight. God's Creation is great!!
From the Promise Bible:
Should I be surprised by the stress of life?
John 16:33 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
Jesus warned us to expect stress. This world is filled with trials and sorrows that generate stress in our lives. Christ gives us lasting peace because his power and grace are able to overcome all sources of stress in our lives.
What can I do to find relief from stress and anxiety?
Isaiah 41:10 "Don't be afraid for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."
We can turn from fear and anxiety to faith and peace. God promises to supply the power to get us through the hard times.
Matthew 11 28:29 "Jesus said, "Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls."
Resting in Christ breaks the hold of stress. When we are yoked together in service to him, we are free from the unrealistic and destructive expectations that can overwhelm us. Jesus' humility and gentleness overcome every conflict and stress in this life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had a real treat when I walked Saturday. Not only was Mama gator stirring around amidst all the branches and trash that almost covers her now, but I discovered that the old nest is trampled at the bottom and freshly dug at the top, which leads me to think that she has laid her eggs and now we just have to wait a few months.
The treat was, as I was walking back I saw a HUGE gator across the canal, on the bank. He was about 11 feet long and very fat. As I watched, he slid backward into the water with something in his jaws. I couldn't tell what it was, but Pa gator took it in the water and held it for a minute or two, then slowly sank out of sight. God's Creation is great!!
From the Promise Bible:
Should I be surprised by the stress of life?
John 16:33 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
Jesus warned us to expect stress. This world is filled with trials and sorrows that generate stress in our lives. Christ gives us lasting peace because his power and grace are able to overcome all sources of stress in our lives.
What can I do to find relief from stress and anxiety?
Isaiah 41:10 "Don't be afraid for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."
We can turn from fear and anxiety to faith and peace. God promises to supply the power to get us through the hard times.
Matthew 11 28:29 "Jesus said, "Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls."
Resting in Christ breaks the hold of stress. When we are yoked together in service to him, we are free from the unrealistic and destructive expectations that can overwhelm us. Jesus' humility and gentleness overcome every conflict and stress in this life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, July 13, 2007
Problems
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm, humid day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
When you step outside before sunrise, and the temperature is over 80, then you know it will be a hot day! But the sunrise is beautiful and this is Florida, so this is what we can expect...
I stopped in at the Park to see Terry and wish him and Gail a good trip to Michigan. He leaves today, not caring that it is Friday the 13th. :o) Several people that I know are leaving on vacations, but we expect to be here holding down the fort, so to speak.
From the Promise Bible:
What do I do when problems overwhelm me?
Psalm 27:1 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?"
Problems can turn our eyes from the Lord. Use them, instead, as opportunities to turn our eyes to the Lord for his protection, his guiding light, and his saving power.
Psalm 145:14 "The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads."
God finds the fallen and never passes them by. When we feel we can't go another step, he shoulders our loads, easing our pain and our burden.
Psalm 42:5-6 "Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will prase him again-my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember your kindness-from Mt. Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar."
Remember God's mercy. He has been faithful in the past and will be faithful in the future. Memory ignites the fire of hope and drives away the darkness of despair.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When you step outside before sunrise, and the temperature is over 80, then you know it will be a hot day! But the sunrise is beautiful and this is Florida, so this is what we can expect...
I stopped in at the Park to see Terry and wish him and Gail a good trip to Michigan. He leaves today, not caring that it is Friday the 13th. :o) Several people that I know are leaving on vacations, but we expect to be here holding down the fort, so to speak.
From the Promise Bible:
What do I do when problems overwhelm me?
Psalm 27:1 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?"
Problems can turn our eyes from the Lord. Use them, instead, as opportunities to turn our eyes to the Lord for his protection, his guiding light, and his saving power.
Psalm 145:14 "The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads."
God finds the fallen and never passes them by. When we feel we can't go another step, he shoulders our loads, easing our pain and our burden.
Psalm 42:5-6 "Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will prase him again-my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember your kindness-from Mt. Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar."
Remember God's mercy. He has been faithful in the past and will be faithful in the future. Memory ignites the fire of hope and drives away the darkness of despair.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Psoaring thru Psalm 139
Good Morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is another warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, yesterday must have been the last phase of the moon, because it was not visible today. Just the stars in the warm, misty morning.
We went to the Park, and saw a few people strolling and walking their dogs, but not much activity, because of the heat index of 100. It is wise to stay in as much as possible these days!
The heat doesn't seem to bother our furry friends, the squirrels, who run back and forth all day, gathering their acorns, and mushrooms and banana peels that we throw in our staghorn fern. They are busy little creatures. We have a bluejay who flies into the garage when the door is open and knows right where to look for peanuts. He has in imperious look on his face that says he is entitled! Very bold!
God is awesome!
From Quiet Moments:
God Knows!
Do you ever wonder if God has lost your address? Perhaps he has lost track of you or even forgotten you? God's Word answers with a resounding "Not so!"
The psalmist also recognized God's thorough and intimate knowledge of us. Read these words from Psalm 139 and be encouraged.
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me when to stop and rest. Every moment, you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head.
This is too glorious, too wonderful...I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!...
You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!
How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!
Psalm 139:1-7, 16-18 TLB
Consider then thyself, O noble soul,
and the nobility within thee,
for thou art honored above all
creatures in that thou art an image of God....Thou art
destined to greatness!
Meister Eckhart
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We went to the Park, and saw a few people strolling and walking their dogs, but not much activity, because of the heat index of 100. It is wise to stay in as much as possible these days!
The heat doesn't seem to bother our furry friends, the squirrels, who run back and forth all day, gathering their acorns, and mushrooms and banana peels that we throw in our staghorn fern. They are busy little creatures. We have a bluejay who flies into the garage when the door is open and knows right where to look for peanuts. He has in imperious look on his face that says he is entitled! Very bold!
God is awesome!
From Quiet Moments:
God Knows!
Do you ever wonder if God has lost your address? Perhaps he has lost track of you or even forgotten you? God's Word answers with a resounding "Not so!"
The psalmist also recognized God's thorough and intimate knowledge of us. Read these words from Psalm 139 and be encouraged.
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me when to stop and rest. Every moment, you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head.
This is too glorious, too wonderful...I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!...
You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!
How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!
Psalm 139:1-7, 16-18 TLB
Consider then thyself, O noble soul,
and the nobility within thee,
for thou art honored above all
creatures in that thou art an image of God....Thou art
destined to greatness!
Meister Eckhart
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
a Prayer
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside early this morning, the moon was just a sliver of a crescent in the east, but still shining brilliantly.
It is getting entirely too warm to walk, even early in the morning... makes me want to lie in the water all day like Mama gator!
We drove through the park yesterday, looking at the peacocks on the way in, and stopped to talk with Terry, who is getting ready to travel to Michigan on vacation. He likes to work in the fields, harvesting, but this time the harvest in already in.
I was reading my Morning Prayer as I do every morning, and even though I have sent it before, I felt strongly that I should send it again:
"Oh, God, for another day, for another morning, for another hour, for another minute, for another chance to live and serve Thee, I am truly grateful."
Do Thou this day free me
from all fear of the future
from all bitterness toward anyone,
From all cowardice in face of danger
from all laziness in face of work,
from all failure before opportunity
from all weakness when Thy power is
at hand.
But fill me
with love that knows no barrier
with Sympathy that reaches all.
with Courage that cannot be shaken
with Faith strong enough for darkness
with Strength sufficient for my tasks
with Loyalty to Thy Kingdom Goal,
with Power to lift me to Thee.
Be Thou with me for another day and use me as Thou wilt for Christ's sake, I pray.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
It is getting entirely too warm to walk, even early in the morning... makes me want to lie in the water all day like Mama gator!
We drove through the park yesterday, looking at the peacocks on the way in, and stopped to talk with Terry, who is getting ready to travel to Michigan on vacation. He likes to work in the fields, harvesting, but this time the harvest in already in.
I was reading my Morning Prayer as I do every morning, and even though I have sent it before, I felt strongly that I should send it again:
"Oh, God, for another day, for another morning, for another hour, for another minute, for another chance to live and serve Thee, I am truly grateful."
Do Thou this day free me
from all fear of the future
from all bitterness toward anyone,
From all cowardice in face of danger
from all laziness in face of work,
from all failure before opportunity
from all weakness when Thy power is
at hand.
But fill me
with love that knows no barrier
with Sympathy that reaches all.
with Courage that cannot be shaken
with Faith strong enough for darkness
with Strength sufficient for my tasks
with Loyalty to Thy Kingdom Goal,
with Power to lift me to Thee.
Be Thou with me for another day and use me as Thou wilt for Christ's sake, I pray.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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