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, the whole neighborhood was lit up with the full moon's brightness. I could see Venus in the east valiantly shining its brightest, to keep up with the moon. God created the heavens for our enjoyment!
I had a good walk yesterday, but the parking at the Park, was not so pleasant. They are still cutting up sidewalk to pour new, and concrete dust was blowing all over, so I have a coated car. But that can be washed off, so no matter. I went out to the tower, not really expecting to see Mama gator and sure enough, she was gone, as are the babies.
Ma and Pa gallinule are still there. They must have a nest somewhere, but I haven't been able to see it. One of them was on the teeter-totter limb again, walking very carefully. She must know that it tips!
On my way back to the entrance bridge, I turned into the first covered shelter, and heard a loud splash and saw ripples on the water, so, sure enough, there was a large gator looking very satisfied. Apparently, he just had breakfast! I looked once more for the large spider web and it was still there with a large dragon fly caught in it. RIP, dragon fly.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 8
O Lord, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
You have taught children and nursing infants to give you praise.
They silence your enemies who were seeking revenge.
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers--
the moon and stars you have set in place--
what are mortals that you should think of us,
mere humans that you should care for us?
For you made us only a little lower than God,
and you crowned us with glory and honor.
You put us in charge of everything you made,
giving us authority over all things--
the sheep and the cattle
and all the wild animals,
the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.
O Lord, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Decisions
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the clear day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I was totally surprised when I stepped outside this morning, to see the full moon lighting up the whole neighborhood! Surprised, because I had not seen the moon for a week or two. Lots of stars were competing with the moon for beauty.
I didn't walk yesterday , because by the time I returned from the blood draw, it was already getting quite warm, but on my walk Tuesday, I saw Mama gator at the usual place at the tower, and as I watched her, she suddenly changed direction and swam right toward me, and under the tower. I think the babies must be gone for good, because none were visible and they were right out where hawks, and other predators could see them. If they really are gone, I don't expect to see her much any more.
As I was approaching the entrance bridge on my way back, I heard a hawk, very close by, and stopped to look for it. If I hadn't done that, I would have missed a perfect spider web with the golden orb spider in it, just above my head. They are so beautiful in the early morning with the diamond- like dew drops sparkling on them. God's Creation is awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Decisions
What do we do when we don't know what to do?
2 Chronicles 20:12 "O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help."
We don't have to know what to do, but we do need to know where to look. As the saying goes, it isn't so much what we know, but who we know!
Proverbs 3:5-7 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all your do, and he will direct our paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil."
Trust the Lord to direct your steps , even when the way is confusing. God will guide you.
What kind of help does God give us?
2 Chronicles 16:9 "The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
God wants to help us make the right decisions. He is looking for us to depend fully on him. Our openness is God's opportunity.
James 1:5-8 "If you need wisdom - if you want to know what God wants you to do - ask him , and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea, that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do. "
Some people fear that they are bothering God with their problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is looking for ways to help us because he loves us. Our commitment to him releases his resources for us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I didn't walk yesterday , because by the time I returned from the blood draw, it was already getting quite warm, but on my walk Tuesday, I saw Mama gator at the usual place at the tower, and as I watched her, she suddenly changed direction and swam right toward me, and under the tower. I think the babies must be gone for good, because none were visible and they were right out where hawks, and other predators could see them. If they really are gone, I don't expect to see her much any more.
As I was approaching the entrance bridge on my way back, I heard a hawk, very close by, and stopped to look for it. If I hadn't done that, I would have missed a perfect spider web with the golden orb spider in it, just above my head. They are so beautiful in the early morning with the diamond- like dew drops sparkling on them. God's Creation is awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Decisions
What do we do when we don't know what to do?
2 Chronicles 20:12 "O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help."
We don't have to know what to do, but we do need to know where to look. As the saying goes, it isn't so much what we know, but who we know!
Proverbs 3:5-7 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all your do, and he will direct our paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil."
Trust the Lord to direct your steps , even when the way is confusing. God will guide you.
What kind of help does God give us?
2 Chronicles 16:9 "The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."
God wants to help us make the right decisions. He is looking for us to depend fully on him. Our openness is God's opportunity.
James 1:5-8 "If you need wisdom - if you want to know what God wants you to do - ask him , and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea, that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do. "
Some people fear that they are bothering God with their problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is looking for ways to help us because he loves us. Our commitment to him releases his resources for us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Blessings
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 sudden thunderstorm yesterday evening, that was unexpected! I noticed that it broke off a branch of our big oak tree out front, and left it on the grass by the street...good place for it.
I could only see one bright star as I stepped outside, but it doesn't seem to be so cloudy. As I walked yesterday, I had a good wind blowing on my skin, and it was cooler! I really enjoyed it as I splashed through the water on the wet boardwalk.
Mama gator was at the tower, but I didn't see any movement from the babies. They must be in the shrubbery, because she would not be there if they weren't close around. I spoke to her, and soon she sank and all I could see were bubbles telling me where she was. She came up right in front of the bank of shrubs, so she must have heard a baby grunt. God is Awesome!
Because I sometimes get so bogged down with daily routine and sometimes difficult tasks, I chose this from the Promise Bible NLT:
How has God promised to bless his people?
Numbers 6:24,26 "May the Lord bless you 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 and 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.
2 Corinthians 12:13 "The only thing I didn't do, which I do in the other churches, was to become a burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong!"
Jesus Christ blesses us with forgiveness and redemption. God the Father blesses us with the assurance that we are loved and of infinite worth. The Holy Spirit blesses us with fellowship and the continued presence of God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I could only see one bright star as I stepped outside, but it doesn't seem to be so cloudy. As I walked yesterday, I had a good wind blowing on my skin, and it was cooler! I really enjoyed it as I splashed through the water on the wet boardwalk.
Mama gator was at the tower, but I didn't see any movement from the babies. They must be in the shrubbery, because she would not be there if they weren't close around. I spoke to her, and soon she sank and all I could see were bubbles telling me where she was. She came up right in front of the bank of shrubs, so she must have heard a baby grunt. God is Awesome!
Because I sometimes get so bogged down with daily routine and sometimes difficult tasks, I chose this from the Promise Bible NLT:
How has God promised to bless his people?
Numbers 6:24,26 "May the Lord bless you 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 and 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.
2 Corinthians 12:13 "The only thing I didn't do, which I do in the other churches, was to become a burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong!"
Jesus Christ blesses us with forgiveness and redemption. God the Father blesses us with the assurance that we are loved and of infinite worth. The Holy Spirit blesses us with fellowship and the continued presence of God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, September 24, 2007
Purpose/Mission
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, the sky was covered with clouds and not a star was in sight. We had a good rain most of the afternoon yesterday and last night it really started coming down, which was good because we still need the rain.
When I went to the Park Friday, I discovered that now they are completely redoing the existing sidewalks and putting in new ones, so concrete dust was everywhere as the men cut through the sidewalks to break them up. Terry directed us where to walk to avoid the dust, and I found a way to get on the boardwalk, without walking through the white stuff.
I walked out to the tower and watched Mama gator as she vigilantly stayed put watching over the babies, which were not visible. They must have been nearby in in the shrubs, because that's where her nose was pointed. The coots, or gallinules, are well away from her, but seem to be unafraid as they go about their business together. God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Purpose/Mission
Does God have a purpose for my life?
2 Timothy 1:9 "It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began-to show his love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus."
Our purpose in life is rooted in God's eternal plan to redeem us and make us new creatures in Christ for his glory and for his service.
John 15:16 "You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name."
As we pursue our purpose in Christ, he promises that our lives will have lasting significance and eternal results.
1 Corinthians 15:52 "My dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."
As we pursue our God-given purpose, we do not get discouraged even when it seems that nothing is happening. God wastes nothing.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I went to the Park Friday, I discovered that now they are completely redoing the existing sidewalks and putting in new ones, so concrete dust was everywhere as the men cut through the sidewalks to break them up. Terry directed us where to walk to avoid the dust, and I found a way to get on the boardwalk, without walking through the white stuff.
I walked out to the tower and watched Mama gator as she vigilantly stayed put watching over the babies, which were not visible. They must have been nearby in in the shrubs, because that's where her nose was pointed. The coots, or gallinules, are well away from her, but seem to be unafraid as they go about their business together. God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Purpose/Mission
Does God have a purpose for my life?
2 Timothy 1:9 "It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began-to show his love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus."
Our purpose in life is rooted in God's eternal plan to redeem us and make us new creatures in Christ for his glory and for his service.
John 15:16 "You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name."
As we pursue our purpose in Christ, he promises that our lives will have lasting significance and eternal results.
1 Corinthians 15:52 "My dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."
As we pursue our God-given purpose, we do not get discouraged even when it seems that nothing is happening. God wastes nothing.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, September 21, 2007
Planning
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 saw lots of clouds, but one brilliant star was twinkling in the east... Hmmm, reminds me of a story!
We had some much needed rain yesterday evening, and now the grass will grow a little bit-it's really slowed down because of the cooler air.
I enjoyed the wind and slight coolness yesterday on my walk, but still was very warm and damp when I finished.
All of the onlookers have moved to the tower, now, because of the baby gators being there. Mama gator was nearby, but someone had thrown peanuts at her and she was very restless, moving her head back and forth as if annoyed. Of course, she doesn't eat peanuts and neither do the fish and turtles!
I spoke with Francia for a few minutes and congratulated her on the great article in the paper. She was preparing for another class already, but took time to show me a huge spider in a container that had a baby sack that had hatched out hundreds of tiny babies. She was going to leave that outside last night so the babies wouldn't be loose in the classroom. God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How am I supposed to plan my life?
Proverbs 2:1-11 "My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity.He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe."
A plan is only as good as the information upon which it's based. Our human intellect is limited and inadequate. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.
Proverbs 3:5,6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths."
As we seek God, he will guide us in making our plans.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had some much needed rain yesterday evening, and now the grass will grow a little bit-it's really slowed down because of the cooler air.
I enjoyed the wind and slight coolness yesterday on my walk, but still was very warm and damp when I finished.
All of the onlookers have moved to the tower, now, because of the baby gators being there. Mama gator was nearby, but someone had thrown peanuts at her and she was very restless, moving her head back and forth as if annoyed. Of course, she doesn't eat peanuts and neither do the fish and turtles!
I spoke with Francia for a few minutes and congratulated her on the great article in the paper. She was preparing for another class already, but took time to show me a huge spider in a container that had a baby sack that had hatched out hundreds of tiny babies. She was going to leave that outside last night so the babies wouldn't be loose in the classroom. God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How am I supposed to plan my life?
Proverbs 2:1-11 "My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity.He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe."
A plan is only as good as the information upon which it's based. Our human intellect is limited and inadequate. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.
Proverbs 3:5,6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths."
As we seek God, he will guide us in making our plans.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Justice
Good cloudy morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! So far, we have only had clouds, no rain, but the coolness is a welcome relief from the blazing sun. As I stepped outside this morning, all I could see were clouds in the sky, so maybe today.
My morning walk turned into a walk in the afternoon yesterday, but Steve (the naturalist) told me that all the babies were at the tower, so I wanted to see for myself. Sure enough , I counted 15 and they were pretty cute. Mama was there when I arrived, but I don't think she likes to have a lot of people around, so she soon took a dive and sank. Two of the babies were on a log on top of each other and a third tried to climb on top of the two...didn't work. They all slid off!
I'm thinking when I saw Mama pop up out of the water Monday, she must have been leading them to the tower.
BTW, for any of you who take the St. Pete Times, there is a wonderful article about Francia Smith, the teacher who emailed me the 60 photos of the hatching. She is remarkable. She shows the children God's great creation of critters.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What can I do when I suffer injustice?
Romans 12:17-19 "Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone as much as possible. 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.
Proverbs 20:22 "Don't say, "I will get even for this wrong."
Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
God teaches us to respond differently to injustice than the world does. Vengeance and retribution are the way of the world. God teaches us to trust in him and allow him to settle the score.
How can I respond to persecution?
Matthew 5:11-12 "God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too. "
2 Thessalonians 1:5,6 "God will use this persecution to show his justice. For he will make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering, and in his justice he will punish those who persecute you."
Persecution is part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. God blesses those who bear dishonor and hardship for his sake.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My morning walk turned into a walk in the afternoon yesterday, but Steve (the naturalist) told me that all the babies were at the tower, so I wanted to see for myself. Sure enough , I counted 15 and they were pretty cute. Mama was there when I arrived, but I don't think she likes to have a lot of people around, so she soon took a dive and sank. Two of the babies were on a log on top of each other and a third tried to climb on top of the two...didn't work. They all slid off!
I'm thinking when I saw Mama pop up out of the water Monday, she must have been leading them to the tower.
BTW, for any of you who take the St. Pete Times, there is a wonderful article about Francia Smith, the teacher who emailed me the 60 photos of the hatching. She is remarkable. She shows the children God's great creation of critters.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What can I do when I suffer injustice?
Romans 12:17-19 "Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone as much as possible. 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.
Proverbs 20:22 "Don't say, "I will get even for this wrong."
Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.
God teaches us to respond differently to injustice than the world does. Vengeance and retribution are the way of the world. God teaches us to trust in him and allow him to settle the score.
How can I respond to persecution?
Matthew 5:11-12 "God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too. "
2 Thessalonians 1:5,6 "God will use this persecution to show his justice. For he will make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering, and in his justice he will punish those who persecute you."
Persecution is part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. God blesses those who bear dishonor and hardship for his sake.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Joy, con't
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
When I stepped outside this morning, all the sky was covered with racing clouds and the wind was blowing from the north! Very unusual for this time of year. I would have been chilly if I had been out for awhile. Cool! We are supposed to be in for some heavy rain today and tomorrow and we need the rain.
Yesterday, I was not too surprised to see that the two baby gators that I had watched the day before were in the same place and not moving, which means that they must be dead. I don't know if any of the 34 or so, have survived. Usually, only one or two survive out of a hatching like that. Sad, but true, although, I suppose, we would be overrun with gators, should they all survive!
I was pleased to see the large gator again at the tower, just resting with nose to the shrubbery. Mr. and Mrs. Coot were no longer in sight,though. They keep their distance from gators!
From the Promise Bible NLT :
More Joy
James 1:2 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy."
Troubles remind us of two things. First, they remind us that this is a fallen world full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in him. this kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.
2 Corinthians 4:14-18 "We know that the same God who raised our Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself along with you. All of these things are for your benefit. And as God's grace brings more and more people to Christ, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen . For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. "
The promise of our future resurrection helps us look beyond the problems of daily life. It is not escapism or wishful thinking; it is a reality that fuels our joy by keeping things in perspective.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside this morning, all the sky was covered with racing clouds and the wind was blowing from the north! Very unusual for this time of year. I would have been chilly if I had been out for awhile. Cool! We are supposed to be in for some heavy rain today and tomorrow and we need the rain.
Yesterday, I was not too surprised to see that the two baby gators that I had watched the day before were in the same place and not moving, which means that they must be dead. I don't know if any of the 34 or so, have survived. Usually, only one or two survive out of a hatching like that. Sad, but true, although, I suppose, we would be overrun with gators, should they all survive!
I was pleased to see the large gator again at the tower, just resting with nose to the shrubbery. Mr. and Mrs. Coot were no longer in sight,though. They keep their distance from gators!
From the Promise Bible NLT :
More Joy
James 1:2 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy."
Troubles remind us of two things. First, they remind us that this is a fallen world full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in him. this kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.
2 Corinthians 4:14-18 "We know that the same God who raised our Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself along with you. All of these things are for your benefit. And as God's grace brings more and more people to Christ, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen . For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. "
The promise of our future resurrection helps us look beyond the problems of daily life. It is not escapism or wishful thinking; it is a reality that fuels our joy by keeping things in perspective.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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