Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the kinda chilly day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I stepped outside this morning, and brrr! A little surprise in the cool, but after all, this is the middle of January, so we can expect more of the winter air to come from the North. But, we nearly always have sunshine! God is good!
When I set out the sprinklers in the yard, Saturday, Mama duck and three ducklings, came to enjoy the puddles and the spray. She started out with ten and is now down to three. "The survival of the fittest," Sad, but true. She looked at me warily, each time I came to move the sprinklers in a different spot, but I tried to ignore her to make her feel welcome. I can't understand why they come down this street where there is no water, instead of staying by the lake a couple blocks away??? Curious.
I had a nice walk Friday, scuffling through the fallen leaves from the maple trees. Seems like since our last cold spell, all the leaves are falling , but I noticed seeds and buds on the azaleas, so the warm weather we had last week, makes the plants think it is spring! God is awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT;
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.
Colossians 1:11-14 "We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins."
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, January 14, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
More Peace
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! A little cool, and a little hazy, but the day promises to be warm and bright.
The sun was casting long shadows through the trees at the Park yesterday, late afternoon... a contrast to the morning haze that rises from the water in the morning. The water is still, except for the fish making ripples. I saw a flock of woodstorks gathered at the lake near our house and mullet jumping in the canal that flows from the bay. The mullet were of a good size and would have looked good in a skillet!
I watched a tiny girl with her daddy, making friends with a large dog, that another person was walking. A man riding a very low recumbent bike is always coming in the park, several times a day. He almost lies down on the bike, but seems to enjoy it. Then there is a man from the neighborhood, who smokes a pipe and walks his dog frequently. We always wave. Life is good, and God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 119:165 "Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble."
Peace comes from knowing and living according to the Scripture. God's wisdom and direction guide us into the ways of life and lead us out of conflict, compromise and deception.
John 14:27 "I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid."
Galatians 5:22 "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."
The Holy Spirit brings peace into our lives.
How can I be at peace with others?
Psalm 34:14-15 "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; his ears are open to their cries for help".
When we pursue peace with others, the Lord supports us in every way. He guards our steps and hears our prayers. We can pray confidently for him to change our own hearts and to touch the lives of those with whom we want o be reconciled.
Matthew 5:9 "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."
God blesses us as we seek to bring his peace to others.
Psalm 37:37 "Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future lies before those who love peace."
Bitterness and revenge can never bring lasting satisfaction. Anger and conflict will destroy our future. God promises a great future to those who make loving him and living at peace with others a way of life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The sun was casting long shadows through the trees at the Park yesterday, late afternoon... a contrast to the morning haze that rises from the water in the morning. The water is still, except for the fish making ripples. I saw a flock of woodstorks gathered at the lake near our house and mullet jumping in the canal that flows from the bay. The mullet were of a good size and would have looked good in a skillet!
I watched a tiny girl with her daddy, making friends with a large dog, that another person was walking. A man riding a very low recumbent bike is always coming in the park, several times a day. He almost lies down on the bike, but seems to enjoy it. Then there is a man from the neighborhood, who smokes a pipe and walks his dog frequently. We always wave. Life is good, and God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 119:165 "Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble."
Peace comes from knowing and living according to the Scripture. God's wisdom and direction guide us into the ways of life and lead us out of conflict, compromise and deception.
John 14:27 "I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid."
Galatians 5:22 "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."
The Holy Spirit brings peace into our lives.
How can I be at peace with others?
Psalm 34:14-15 "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; his ears are open to their cries for help".
When we pursue peace with others, the Lord supports us in every way. He guards our steps and hears our prayers. We can pray confidently for him to change our own hearts and to touch the lives of those with whom we want o be reconciled.
Matthew 5:9 "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."
God blesses us as we seek to bring his peace to others.
Psalm 37:37 "Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future lies before those who love peace."
Bitterness and revenge can never bring lasting satisfaction. Anger and conflict will destroy our future. God promises a great future to those who make loving him and living at peace with others a way of life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Peace
Good morning, Good Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! There must be fog overhead, because as I stepped outside this morning, I had to really peer intently to see the stars and I have received fog warnings from the weather forecast. After the tragedy due to the fog yesterday, I'm sure people will really want to know what the conditions are.
I strolled along the sidewalk yesterday at the Park and watched the ripples in the water, seeing a fish now and then, and walked toward the sour orange trees at the second bridge. All of the low-hanging oranges are gone, picked by patrons thinking they have a good orange, but lots are on the ground with a bite or two taken out. Surprise! Even the raccoons do not eat much of the orange. The pies turn out to be very tasty...just like a sour lemon, good things come out of the least likely fruit. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I find peace within?
Isaiah 9:6-7 " A child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the Lord Almighty will guarantee this!"
Lasting peace comes only from Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. He rules over all creation!
Psalm 3:5 "I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me."
Psalm 4:8 " I will lie down in peace and sleep. for you along, O Lord, will keep me safe."
Psalm 29:11 "The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace."
Psalm 32:7 "You are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory."
Our peace comes from knowing that we are under God's protection. As a watchman deeps guard over a city, so the Lord watches over us day and night.
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."
Prayer is a gateway to peace. Our spirits lighten as we unburden our soul to he Lord. His peace is like a guard on patrol, protecting us from any assaults of anxiety or concern.
Isiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you; whose thoughts are fixed on you!"
We find peace when we remove our eyes from our problems and rivet our attention on our Lord!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I strolled along the sidewalk yesterday at the Park and watched the ripples in the water, seeing a fish now and then, and walked toward the sour orange trees at the second bridge. All of the low-hanging oranges are gone, picked by patrons thinking they have a good orange, but lots are on the ground with a bite or two taken out. Surprise! Even the raccoons do not eat much of the orange. The pies turn out to be very tasty...just like a sour lemon, good things come out of the least likely fruit. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I find peace within?
Isaiah 9:6-7 " A child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the Lord Almighty will guarantee this!"
Lasting peace comes only from Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. He rules over all creation!
Psalm 3:5 "I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me."
Psalm 4:8 " I will lie down in peace and sleep. for you along, O Lord, will keep me safe."
Psalm 29:11 "The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace."
Psalm 32:7 "You are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory."
Our peace comes from knowing that we are under God's protection. As a watchman deeps guard over a city, so the Lord watches over us day and night.
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."
Prayer is a gateway to peace. Our spirits lighten as we unburden our soul to he Lord. His peace is like a guard on patrol, protecting us from any assaults of anxiety or concern.
Isiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you; whose thoughts are fixed on you!"
We find peace when we remove our eyes from our problems and rivet our attention on our Lord!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Discernment
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day full of promise that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, I noticed that Venus has moved down so it was barely visible through the trees, but still shining brightly!
We saw two peacocks right beside the street, on the way to the park yesterday. Their tails were not spread, but full enough so that the gorgeous colors showed through. They were the young offspring of the two older head of the flock. God used his imagination in their creation!
The water was still and anhingas were drying their wings. Three or four ibis gather across the canal and peck around for hours, their stark whiteness gleaming against the browns and grays of the winter foliage. There is beauty everywhere if I open my eyes to see! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Discernment
When I am confused, where do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding, and direction?
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 our 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."
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 2:13 "Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We saw two peacocks right beside the street, on the way to the park yesterday. Their tails were not spread, but full enough so that the gorgeous colors showed through. They were the young offspring of the two older head of the flock. God used his imagination in their creation!
The water was still and anhingas were drying their wings. Three or four ibis gather across the canal and peck around for hours, their stark whiteness gleaming against the browns and grays of the winter foliage. There is beauty everywhere if I open my eyes to see! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Discernment
When I am confused, where do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding, and direction?
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 our 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."
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 2:13 "Happy is the person who finds wisdom and gains understanding."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
More Hope
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! A little late this morning, because of an early Dr. Appointment, but all is well, and I hope you are enjoying this day that the Lord has made!
I enjoyed a good walk out to the tower at the park yesterday, and on the way, a man with a telescope pointed out a big, fat hawk that he was looking at. As I watched, the hawk took off and flew into another tree, silently. Usually you can tell where they are by the raucous calls. then I saw and heard a lady cardinal and blackbirds and wrens, along with the usual anhingas drying their wings.
It was a most enjoyable walk, admiring the red leaves on the maples. Trees do turn here, but just later than in the North.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 10:23 "Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise."
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
John 14:1 "Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me."
John 16:33 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
Our troubles do not surprise the Lord and should not surprise us. Trouble is rampant in this fallen world. Our focus should be on Jesus who has overcome this world and all its troubles.
Isiah 26:3-4 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock."
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I enjoyed a good walk out to the tower at the park yesterday, and on the way, a man with a telescope pointed out a big, fat hawk that he was looking at. As I watched, the hawk took off and flew into another tree, silently. Usually you can tell where they are by the raucous calls. then I saw and heard a lady cardinal and blackbirds and wrens, along with the usual anhingas drying their wings.
It was a most enjoyable walk, admiring the red leaves on the maples. Trees do turn here, but just later than in the North.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 10:23 "Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise."
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
John 14:1 "Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me."
John 16:33 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
Our troubles do not surprise the Lord and should not surprise us. Trouble is rampant in this fallen world. Our focus should be on Jesus who has overcome this world and all its troubles.
Isiah 26:3-4 "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock."
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, January 7, 2008
Hope
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 early this morning, the bright star, Venus, was visible through the clouds, but no other stars, just blackness and white puffy, clouds. God's Creation is awesome!
I went for a short walk in the park yesterday and lots of other people had the same idea. The Vietnamese group that meets there every year, had a big turnout for their celebration, with banners and lots of food. I was not invited, :o(
There were also cars from many different states, including several from NY here for the football game, no doubt. The weather could not have been better!
I noticed the butterfly garden is flourishing, with many berries and blossoms for the flutterbyes to enjoy. Terry brought me some sour oranges, so I will be making a pie, soon. With the cold weather we had, they should be as ripe as they get... still sour!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is my hope?
1 Peter 1:21 "Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God."
The resurrection, the greatest event in history, is the foundation of our hope.
1 Peter 1:3-6 "All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation ; because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while."
When people get motion sickness, they need to fix their eyes on the horizon in order to regain composure. Remaining fixed on a point in the distance helps us travel. Jesus' followers fix their eyes on an eternal horizon. This gives us hope in all the discomforts on daily life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I went for a short walk in the park yesterday and lots of other people had the same idea. The Vietnamese group that meets there every year, had a big turnout for their celebration, with banners and lots of food. I was not invited, :o(
There were also cars from many different states, including several from NY here for the football game, no doubt. The weather could not have been better!
I noticed the butterfly garden is flourishing, with many berries and blossoms for the flutterbyes to enjoy. Terry brought me some sour oranges, so I will be making a pie, soon. With the cold weather we had, they should be as ripe as they get... still sour!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is my hope?
1 Peter 1:21 "Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God."
The resurrection, the greatest event in history, is the foundation of our hope.
1 Peter 1:3-6 "All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation ; because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while."
When people get motion sickness, they need to fix their eyes on the horizon in order to regain composure. Remaining fixed on a point in the distance helps us travel. Jesus' followers fix their eyes on an eternal horizon. This gives us hope in all the discomforts on daily life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, January 4, 2008
Jeremiah 29:11
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The misty quarter moon and the misty Venus were valiantly striving to cast their light when I stepped out this morning. But the day is clear and cold now, with promises to warm up to the sixties.
Yesterday, Mama duck with her five ducklings were right outside the garage door when I opened it, and did not seem to be bothered by the cold. They just seem to bed down in someone's yard for the night and she spreads her wings and keeps them all warm. I always thought ducks liked to be near water, but no water is near in our street and they waddle up and down all day. God has created all things!
I drove through the park yesterday and very few people were brave enough to be out walking... only those intrepid people with dogs! Everything was quiet and green, except for the trees that are now barren. I saw ibises and anhingas with feathers ruffled, but no sign of gators! Too cold!
"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."
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
God is in control of all things and always has been. Jesus Christ, who is now resurrected and ruling, will govern and guide us in the best possible ways.
"God's secret plan has now been revealed to us; it is a plan centered on Christ, designed long ago according to his good pleasure. And this is his plan: at the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ--everything in heaven and on earth." Ephesians 1:9-10
Do not doubt God's good intentions for us. The wonder of creation, the evidence of his constant care, and the priceless gift of Jesus Christ for our salvation give us confidence that he will establish all who trust in him.
A Prayer for the New Year
For answering my many prayers,
For helping me through trials and cares,
I thank you!
For dreams to dream, for plans to make,
For brand new goals to undertake,
I thank you!
For giving me the zest and will
To keep me reaching higher still.
I thank you, Lord, I thank you!
Alice Joyce Davidson
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, Mama duck with her five ducklings were right outside the garage door when I opened it, and did not seem to be bothered by the cold. They just seem to bed down in someone's yard for the night and she spreads her wings and keeps them all warm. I always thought ducks liked to be near water, but no water is near in our street and they waddle up and down all day. God has created all things!
I drove through the park yesterday and very few people were brave enough to be out walking... only those intrepid people with dogs! Everything was quiet and green, except for the trees that are now barren. I saw ibises and anhingas with feathers ruffled, but no sign of gators! Too cold!
"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."
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
God is in control of all things and always has been. Jesus Christ, who is now resurrected and ruling, will govern and guide us in the best possible ways.
"God's secret plan has now been revealed to us; it is a plan centered on Christ, designed long ago according to his good pleasure. And this is his plan: at the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ--everything in heaven and on earth." Ephesians 1:9-10
Do not doubt God's good intentions for us. The wonder of creation, the evidence of his constant care, and the priceless gift of Jesus Christ for our salvation give us confidence that he will establish all who trust in him.
A Prayer for the New Year
For answering my many prayers,
For helping me through trials and cares,
I thank you!
For dreams to dream, for plans to make,
For brand new goals to undertake,
I thank you!
For giving me the zest and will
To keep me reaching higher still.
I thank you, Lord, I thank you!
Alice Joyce Davidson
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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