Friday, September 14, 2007

Love is the greatest!

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!

When I stepped outside in the darkness this morning, I could see some of the stars dimly, because of a slight haze, but it is definitely a tad cooler than it has been.

Already our acorns are falling , but they are green. I don't think the squirrels like the green ones. Speaking of squirrels, I think they are busier than ants - they leap, fly across the streets, dig furiously in the grass, race up trees and once in a while, I see one lying flat on the tummy resting. They take time to have fun, though, because the young ones roll around with staghorn leaves, playing with them. They are fun to watch.

I noticed the canal as I started across the bridge at the Park yesterday. The mist was rising off it, just like winter. The air was a little cooler because of the rain the night before and that made the difference between the temperature of the water and the air.

I splashed through puddles on the boardwalk, and enjoyed the slight breeze.

When I got to the gator nest, no Mama gator or babies, but I looked across the boardwalk, and there she was with about five or six babies. Soon she backed up and turned around and headed back under the boardwalk, so I walked to the other side to watch her come out, but all I could see was her nose. The babies were grunting quite a lot yesterday, and soon Mama crawled all the way to the side of the nest. What is so fascinating to me, is that here is this great, huge creature not four feet under me, and I get to see it up close and personal! God is Good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Corinthians 13
...but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear. Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little! But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear.

...There are three things that will endure------faith, hope, and love---and the greatest of these is love.


I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Worry

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! When I stepped outside this morning, I was refreshed by the Cool air! The storm we had last night had washed the sky and all the stars were twinkling in the clear sky. God is Awesome!

I enjoyed my walk yesterday, listening to a songbird somewhere in the shrubbery. Now, it is getting to be a game of hide and seek to find the baby gators. I was a little startled to find Mama directly beneath me, as I looked over the rail. Two of the babies were near her, but I looked across the boardwalk and saw way off about five, at least, some distance away from Mama gator. They are really getting bolder now in moving away from home.

I went on to the tower, and was chuckling at the two gallinules, (coots) Who were balanced on a partly submerged branch. When one would move down the other would go up in the air, just like a teeter-totter! :o)

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Where can I go when worry overwhelms me?

Matthew 6:25-34 "So I tell you , don't worry about everyday life--ask whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. they don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. Do don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."

The evidence of our heavenly Father's care is everywhere, even in the most fleeting and unnoticeable aspects of creation. God knows our needs and promises to supply them. Worry erodes our faith and robs us of the joy of anticipating God's faithful provision.

What can I do with the problems that worry me?

Psalm 55:22 "Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you, He will not permit the godly to slip and fall."

Philippians 4:6 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."

1 Peter 5:7 "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you."

Prayer and a godly perspective drive worry from our minds and hearts. Peace comes when we pray, release all our cares to the Lord, and focus our minds on the promises of God.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Strength

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 couldn't see any stars again this morning for the clouds, but it is supposed to be another warm day .

Yesterday turned out to be quite breezy, so it was pleasant walking. I saw signs that the raccoons had been eating well, at the Park. They leave their evidence right at the entrance of the bridge...lots of berries.

I had to really look for the baby gators yesterday, but discovered that they are moving around now, and were quite aways from the nest, about 9 or ten all clumped together. Three were exclusive and by themselves some distance away, but all in all, about eleven were visible. No Mama, though. She might have been taking another refreshing mudbath. God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

Strength

How Can I experience God's strength in my life?

Nehemiah 8:10 " Nehemiah continued," Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"

Strength starts in the heart long before it is exerted in other aspects of life. The joy of the Lord gives us strength to obey, to endure, and to triumph in all circumstances.

Isaiah 40:29,31 "He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak...Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."

Life wears us out, but waiting on the Lord renews our strength. Our limitations remind us to rely more fully on the Lord..

Psalm 138:3 "When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need."

God's strength comes through prayer.

What can I do in God's strength?

Philippians 4:13 " I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need."

There are no limits to what God can do in and through us.

Psalm 181-2,29-30 "I love you, Lord, you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold...In your strength I can crush an army, with my God I can scale any wall. As for God, his way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection."

Ephesians 3:20 "Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope."

God's strength in us is a result of his love for us. In his strength we have the power to do things that we could never do on our own. We can withstand the toughest attacks and can take the offensive to overcome our problems.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Reputation

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, looks like rain, day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

The moon was not visible, nor were the stars, because of the clouds, but we haven't had rain for a while, so it will be welcome.

I walked out to the gator nest yesterday and only saw one baby and no Mama. I stood on the rail and stretched to look over the nest, but could see no signs of life, so I don't know if they have moved or were just where I couldn't see them. The little maverick looked like he/she was content to be alone. I went on to the tower, enjoying the wind that was blowing and saw the gallinule busily swimming around, perhaps having a nest under the tower.

I heard a woodpecker close by on my way back, but could not see where it was...lots of sights and sounds if I only listen. I heard a fairly loud noise in the shrubs as I walked by, but could not see what it was. It might have been an armadillo. They are quite noisy as they root around. God is amazing!

And in our own backyard, we have a beautiful berry bush in full color. It's a large bush we did not plant, but it is thriving with no care. This was featured in the garden section of the Times on Sunday...not our bush, but the beauty berry bush and how colorful it is!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Reputation

Does God care about my reputation?

Colossians 3:23-24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."

What matters most is not what others think of us, but what God thinks of us. When we seek to please the Lord, he will give us favor with others.

What is the basis for my reputation?

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 "God alone made it possible for you to be in Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Christ to be wisdom itself. He is the one who made us acceptable to God. He made us pure and holy, and he gave himself to purchase our freedom. As the Scriptures say, "The person who wishes to boast should boast only of what the Lord has done."

Ultimately , we should be known not for what we have done but for what the Lord has done.

How can I maintain a godly reputation?

Proverbs 3:3-4 "Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation."

God promises to give a good name to those who show kindness, loyalty, and love to their neighbor.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, September 10, 2007

More than positive Thinking

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cooling down day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yes, the grass has slowed down growing and the air in the morning, is somewhat cooler. I really think fall is coming!

I haven't walked in the Park since Friday, when I was dismayed to see only one baby gator, and no Mama! But then a tall man came up and could see over the nest, and he counted eight or more babies around back. Soon they came swimming around to be with the one in front and Mama came around front also, covered with mud, so I think she had been taking a mud bath in the back of the nest. I walked on to the tower and there is always a nice breeze blowing from the lake, so I enjoyed cooling off a bit. I watched a little green heron intently looking for a fish and noticed some of the maple leaves are starting to turn color already. God is good!

From Quiet Moments:

More than Positive Thinking

"As he thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7 NKJV

What we think about determines what we do. Even more important, the Scriptures tell us that what we think about shapes our attitudes and how we live our lives.

The Greek city of Philippi was one of the places where the apostle Paul had a fruitful ministry. Paul wrote to the Philippians:

"Whatsoever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things."
Philippians 4:8 NKJV

It's interesting to note Paul wrote this immediately after addressing three other concerns in Philippians, chapter 4. First, he told two women who were having an argument to become of "the same mind in the Lord." Paul wanted them to be at peace with each other and to rejoice together in the Lord.

Second, Paul told them to be gentle with all men. That's descriptive of having peace with those who don't know the Lord. And third, Paul advised them not to be anxious or worried about anything, but to turn all their troubles over to the Lord. He wanted them to have total peace of mind and heart.

As we look for the good in others , and meditate on the unending goodness of our Creator, we find the path toward peace with others and the peace that passes all understanding in whatever situation we find ourselves.

Thinking right is more than positive thinking-it is living a life that is filled with God's goodness, wisdom, and mercy!

The soul is tinged with the color and complexion of its thoughts.
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, September 7, 2007

Blessings

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cooler day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, I was pleasantly surprised at the cool breeze that was blowing, and the clear sky. The crescent moon was brilliant and I saw the Little Dipper and myriads of stars in the heavens. What beauty!

Yesterday I was called into the office at the Park, by Terry, who wanted me to see the slides that Francia, the teacher was showing on her PC. She and Steve, the naturalist, took the camera and recorded the hatching out of the baby gators, for over an hour; at the same time this gave an excellent opportunity for educating the many people who stopped by during this time. Francia was kind enough to email the pix to me, which I passed on to you all yesterday.

Mama gator was directly under me yesterday, watching over the many young'uns that were gently grunting and moving about in clumps. When I started taking pictures, she moved swiftly over to the main group and nosed them. I only counted 15 and out of the 32 that hatched, probably only one or two will survive to be three feet or more. Already the hawks and snapping turtles are moving in. :o( But that is God's plan.

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How has God promised to bless his people?

Numbers 6:24-26 "May the Lord bless and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace."

God's blessing encompasses all of life. We live in his protection, his presence, and his peace. Nothing this world offers can compare in scope or duration with the blessing of God.

Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence."

We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God, the creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Prayer

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! When I stepped outside this morning, I could see lots of stars and the brilliant crescent moon, so I thought the sky was clear, but off in the west, I saw flashes of lightning, so someone is getting rain.

As I walked yesterday there was a nice breeze and the air actually felt a degree or two cooler. Could Fall be approaching? I walked to the gator nest and didn't see Mama, but counted 11 babies, very well camouflaged in the ferns. They wiggle and swim, so it's hard to count them. I am sure Mama was not far away, perhaps behind the nest with the rest of the young'uns. God's creation is marvelous!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Why is prayer important?

Matthew 7:7-11 "Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. You parents--if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him."

There's more to prayer than just getting an answer. God also does a work of grace in our own hearts through the act of prayer. As we persist in asking, seeking, and knocking, we gain greater understanding of ourselves and of God.

How will God respond to my prayers?

Psalm 9:12 "He who avenges murder cares for the helpless. He does not ignore those who cry to him for help."

Psalm 55:22 "Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall."

1 Peter 5:7 "Give all your worries and cares to God,for he cares about what happens to you."

We experience freedom when we give a burden over to the Lord in prayer--even before the prayer is answered. The assurance of God's love and concern refreshes us and renews our hope.

Philippians 4:6-7 "Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

There's no limit on prayer. Big requests, small requests, and all sizes in between are welcomed by God. If something bothers us, it should be brought to God.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Happy birthday, Lizzy!