Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the gorgeous day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
When I stepped outside early this morning, the moon with just a tiny bit of the side gone, was shining brilliantly in the southwestern sky with not a cloud in sight. It was almost out beaming the stars!
What a great walk I had yesterday! I came upon the first covered shelter and heard the raucous cry of a bird. Curious, and not recognizing the call, I looked up, and in a dead tree, an osprey was busily snacking on a fish which was being held down by one claw, while he crowed about it to anyone listening. Fortunately, I was far enough away to escape the fall-out when he eliminated the part he had already eaten. It landed on the roof of the shelter! Whew! Close! Not a pretty sight!
I went on to the tower and there were four ospreys soaring and gliding around, and, yes, I saw the hovering! And as I came back to the shelter, there was a large gator sunning himself on the bank, and the osprey was still eating his fish! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 1:9... Paul's prayer
"So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you.We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
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 enables 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Energy Crisis
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the Monday that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
When I stepped outside this morning, I was surprised by the coolness and also the full moon which was shining through the thin cloud cover. Gorgeous!
I saw two gators sunning themselves on the bank of the canal both days of the weekend. Fat, lazy and black and shiny... guess I never will get over the excitement of seeing gators this close to my home. Just a kid at heart!!
But I have been chasing Muscovy ducks out of our big oak tree, because they like to roost there at night and make a big mess on the driveway. I enjoy nature, but not what some of the critters do.
Once again, I was admiring the jacarandas in our neighborhood. they are so beautiful every spring and then, just as they start to fade, the royal poincianas will bloom in all their fiery glory! God is good!
From the devotional book, Quiet Moments with God:
Nehemiah 8:10 "The joy of the Lord is your strength."
Most of us have a daily routine--a series of repetitious chores, errands, and tasks that demand our time and are required to maintain life at tis most basic level. "Routine," says Jewish theologian Abraham Heschel, "Makes us resistant to wonder." When we let our sense of wonder and awe drain away, we lose the sense of our preciousness to God.
Jesus recognized our preoccupation with these duties in His sermon on the Mount. He said, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" Matthew 6:25
But how do we apprehend the life that is "more important than food," when so much of our time and energy are spent providing and maintaining the essentials of food, clothing, and shelter? The "daily grind" can cause us to lose our sense of God's purpose and presence. We may feel like Job, who despaired, "When he passes me, I cannot see him, when he goes by, I cannot perceive him." Job 9:11
A fourteenth-century English mystic, had a perspective that can help restore joy to even the most lackluster days. She said, "Joy is to see God in everything." the psalmist wrote, "The heavens declare the glory of God". Psalm 19:1 KJV, and the prophet Isaiah wrote, "The whole earth is full of his glory." Isiah 6:3 KJV. The glory of creation is that it points us to the greater glory of the Creator.
If life's routines are wearing down your enthusiasm and joy, take time to seek out His love, majesty, and goodness revealed in creation. Be renewed in your joy of who God is - and who you are to Him - and find his strength and purpose in even your most routine tasks.
PEOPLE NEED JOY QUITE AS MUCH AS CLOTHING. SOME OF THEM NEED IT FAR MORE.
Martha Collier Graham
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, I was surprised by the coolness and also the full moon which was shining through the thin cloud cover. Gorgeous!
I saw two gators sunning themselves on the bank of the canal both days of the weekend. Fat, lazy and black and shiny... guess I never will get over the excitement of seeing gators this close to my home. Just a kid at heart!!
But I have been chasing Muscovy ducks out of our big oak tree, because they like to roost there at night and make a big mess on the driveway. I enjoy nature, but not what some of the critters do.
Once again, I was admiring the jacarandas in our neighborhood. they are so beautiful every spring and then, just as they start to fade, the royal poincianas will bloom in all their fiery glory! God is good!
From the devotional book, Quiet Moments with God:
Nehemiah 8:10 "The joy of the Lord is your strength."
Most of us have a daily routine--a series of repetitious chores, errands, and tasks that demand our time and are required to maintain life at tis most basic level. "Routine," says Jewish theologian Abraham Heschel, "Makes us resistant to wonder." When we let our sense of wonder and awe drain away, we lose the sense of our preciousness to God.
Jesus recognized our preoccupation with these duties in His sermon on the Mount. He said, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" Matthew 6:25
But how do we apprehend the life that is "more important than food," when so much of our time and energy are spent providing and maintaining the essentials of food, clothing, and shelter? The "daily grind" can cause us to lose our sense of God's purpose and presence. We may feel like Job, who despaired, "When he passes me, I cannot see him, when he goes by, I cannot perceive him." Job 9:11
A fourteenth-century English mystic, had a perspective that can help restore joy to even the most lackluster days. She said, "Joy is to see God in everything." the psalmist wrote, "The heavens declare the glory of God". Psalm 19:1 KJV, and the prophet Isaiah wrote, "The whole earth is full of his glory." Isiah 6:3 KJV. The glory of creation is that it points us to the greater glory of the Creator.
If life's routines are wearing down your enthusiasm and joy, take time to seek out His love, majesty, and goodness revealed in creation. Be renewed in your joy of who God is - and who you are to Him - and find his strength and purpose in even your most routine tasks.
PEOPLE NEED JOY QUITE AS MUCH AS CLOTHING. SOME OF THEM NEED IT FAR MORE.
Martha Collier Graham
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Character
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! It is still chilly in the mornings, but warms up quickly in the afternoons, so how refreshing the cool air is! God is good!
When I stepped outside this morning, it was really cool, but the sky was clear and stars were all in their places twinkling and shining.
We drove into the Park yesterday and saw the boy scouts still working on their bat houses. The first one was built right in a road, so they moved that one and are still working on the second one. It seems to be a lot of work, judging from the number of guys there.
We saw the peacocks up close and personal by the street and they look much bigger up close. The feathers on the neck were more blue than turquoise. God used his prettiest colors to create the peacock.
Guess it is too cool for the gators, so we haven't seen any for a couple days. I'm sure they'll be back as it is mating season. God is Awesome!
From the little devotional book Knowing God, 2 Minutes a Day:
UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARACTER
Psalm 25:21 NIV "May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you."
It has been said that character is what we are when nobody is watching. How true. But, as Bill Hybels correctly observed, "Every secret act of character, conviction, and courage has been observed in living color by our omniscient God" And isn't that a sobering thought?
When we do things that we know aren't right, we try to hide our misdeeds from family members and friends. But even then, God is watching.
If you sincerely wish to walk with God, you must seek, to the best of your ability, to follow His commandments. When you do, your character will take care of itself... and you won't need to look over your shoulder to see who, besides God, is watching.
Great Thoughts
Character is formed by doing the thing we are supposed to do when it should be done, whether we feel like doing it or not.
Father Flanagan
Maintaining your integrity in a world of sham is no small accomplishment.
Wayne Oates.
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, it was really cool, but the sky was clear and stars were all in their places twinkling and shining.
We drove into the Park yesterday and saw the boy scouts still working on their bat houses. The first one was built right in a road, so they moved that one and are still working on the second one. It seems to be a lot of work, judging from the number of guys there.
We saw the peacocks up close and personal by the street and they look much bigger up close. The feathers on the neck were more blue than turquoise. God used his prettiest colors to create the peacock.
Guess it is too cool for the gators, so we haven't seen any for a couple days. I'm sure they'll be back as it is mating season. God is Awesome!
From the little devotional book Knowing God, 2 Minutes a Day:
UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARACTER
Psalm 25:21 NIV "May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you."
It has been said that character is what we are when nobody is watching. How true. But, as Bill Hybels correctly observed, "Every secret act of character, conviction, and courage has been observed in living color by our omniscient God" And isn't that a sobering thought?
When we do things that we know aren't right, we try to hide our misdeeds from family members and friends. But even then, God is watching.
If you sincerely wish to walk with God, you must seek, to the best of your ability, to follow His commandments. When you do, your character will take care of itself... and you won't need to look over your shoulder to see who, besides God, is watching.
Great Thoughts
Character is formed by doing the thing we are supposed to do when it should be done, whether we feel like doing it or not.
Father Flanagan
Maintaining your integrity in a world of sham is no small accomplishment.
Wayne Oates.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Cruisin' thru Colossians
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the chilly, clear day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
A little late this morning, because of a sleepy head in the family. When I stepped outside this morning, the stars were visible and Venus seemed to be brighter. God is good!
Yesterday, the two big peacocks were on the other side of the street for a change, pecking around on the ground. I am sure the residents there feed the birds, so they keep hanging around. Speaking of hanging, they sleep in the trees and it's a funny sight to see the very long tails hanging down!
Our Pryme Tymers group from church had a picnic in the Park yesterday, even though it was chilly with a brisk wind blowing. They had a good turnout and lots of good food. They know how to have a good time!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
ENCOURAGEMENT
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 the 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
A little late this morning, because of a sleepy head in the family. When I stepped outside this morning, the stars were visible and Venus seemed to be brighter. God is good!
Yesterday, the two big peacocks were on the other side of the street for a change, pecking around on the ground. I am sure the residents there feed the birds, so they keep hanging around. Speaking of hanging, they sleep in the trees and it's a funny sight to see the very long tails hanging down!
Our Pryme Tymers group from church had a picnic in the Park yesterday, even though it was chilly with a brisk wind blowing. They had a good turnout and lots of good food. They know how to have a good time!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
ENCOURAGEMENT
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 the 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
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Shining Through
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, overcast chilly, day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It isn't cold enough, but it sure looks like snow outside with the gray sky. The wind is blowing and , hopefully, it will blow this cold front away, and once more, we will have the sunshine and warm weather.
Yesterday the peacocks were preening and strutting in front of garage doors in the Park neighborhood. They seem to know that they show off best in front of a backdrop. They turn around and around with the fantails spread out, even if no one or a peahen is not there to see. We saw two gators sunning themselves on the banks... one of them looked so shiny and boneless, he reminded me of black licorice. Don't know why. God is good!
From the devotional Quiet Moments for Teachers:
Matthew 5:16 NKJV
"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven".
A little girl was in a group of people being guided through a great cathedral. She was gazing intently at a stained glass window. For a long time she silently pondered the window . Looking up at the various figures, her face was bathed in a rainbow of color as the afternoon sun poured into the transept of the huge cathedral.
As the group was about to move on, she gathered enough courage to ask the tour conductor a question, "Who are those people in that pretty window?"
"Those are the saints," the guide replied.
That night, as the little girl was preparing for bed, she told her mother proudly: "I know who the saints are."
"Oh, " replied the mother. "And just who are the saints?"
Without a moment''s hesitation the little girl replied: "They are the people who let the light shine through."
As Christians, we are called to share the light of Jesus in a world of darkness. Like rays of light that break through gloom and darkness, we can bring hope and encouragement.
Remember, the light of your life gives those around you a glimpse of Jesus, the Source of eternal and constant light. As you let your light shine, it will grow brighter!
Should first my lamp spread light, and purist rays bestow.
The oil must then from you, my dearest Jesus flow.
Angelus Silestus
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday the peacocks were preening and strutting in front of garage doors in the Park neighborhood. They seem to know that they show off best in front of a backdrop. They turn around and around with the fantails spread out, even if no one or a peahen is not there to see. We saw two gators sunning themselves on the banks... one of them looked so shiny and boneless, he reminded me of black licorice. Don't know why. God is good!
From the devotional Quiet Moments for Teachers:
Matthew 5:16 NKJV
"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven".
A little girl was in a group of people being guided through a great cathedral. She was gazing intently at a stained glass window. For a long time she silently pondered the window . Looking up at the various figures, her face was bathed in a rainbow of color as the afternoon sun poured into the transept of the huge cathedral.
As the group was about to move on, she gathered enough courage to ask the tour conductor a question, "Who are those people in that pretty window?"
"Those are the saints," the guide replied.
That night, as the little girl was preparing for bed, she told her mother proudly: "I know who the saints are."
"Oh, " replied the mother. "And just who are the saints?"
Without a moment''s hesitation the little girl replied: "They are the people who let the light shine through."
As Christians, we are called to share the light of Jesus in a world of darkness. Like rays of light that break through gloom and darkness, we can bring hope and encouragement.
Remember, the light of your life gives those around you a glimpse of Jesus, the Source of eternal and constant light. As you let your light shine, it will grow brighter!
Should first my lamp spread light, and purist rays bestow.
The oil must then from you, my dearest Jesus flow.
Angelus Silestus
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, April 14, 2008
Work
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! Well, it turned out to be a little cool this morning... guess this is the last cool spell before summer sets in! When I stepped outside this morning, the puffy clouds were visible in the dark sky and only Venus was showing. I know the half moon is up there somewhere, because I saw it last night.
I think St. Petersburg should be called the "Lavender City" in April, because the jacaranda trees are almost in full bloom and clouds of lavender are visible everywhere. God did a good thing when He created the jacaranda!
We saw Mr. Peacock with tail outspread in front of a blue garage door yesterday, on our way in to the park. He didn't show up so well against blue, but still gorgeous.
Boy Scouts have built a couple of bat houses at the park for a project, I guess. They look like condos for the bats, but I don't know if the bats will leave the pine trees for them or not. They need bats to eat the plentiful mosquitoes that come out at night and a lot in the daytime!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How is my work important to the Lord?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "This should be your ambition" to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs."
Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work(1) having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and (2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.
Proverbs 13:11 "Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows."
Honest, hard work is much better than get-rich-quick schemes. Money quickly gotten is often quickly wasted.
Romans 12:8 "If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."
God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I think St. Petersburg should be called the "Lavender City" in April, because the jacaranda trees are almost in full bloom and clouds of lavender are visible everywhere. God did a good thing when He created the jacaranda!
We saw Mr. Peacock with tail outspread in front of a blue garage door yesterday, on our way in to the park. He didn't show up so well against blue, but still gorgeous.
Boy Scouts have built a couple of bat houses at the park for a project, I guess. They look like condos for the bats, but I don't know if the bats will leave the pine trees for them or not. They need bats to eat the plentiful mosquitoes that come out at night and a lot in the daytime!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How is my work important to the Lord?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "This should be your ambition" to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs."
Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work(1) having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and (2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.
Proverbs 13:11 "Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows."
Honest, hard work is much better than get-rich-quick schemes. Money quickly gotten is often quickly wasted.
Romans 12:8 "If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."
God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, April 11, 2008
Encouragement
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, I could see lots of stars, but not the moon, which I know is shining somewhere! The weather is predicted to be in the forties by Tuesday, but it is hard to believe with the seventies we are enjoying right now.
Yesterday, on my walk, I saw a gator sunning himself on the bank across from the first shelter, but when I walked there, he was gone, and had probably slipped into the canal. I went on to the tower and watched a skimmer dive into the water two times, making a big splash as it spied fish in the lake.
On the way in to the Park, Mr. Peacock was spreading out his tail feathers in front of his favorite garage door, strutting for all to see.
God is good!
From a little devotional book, Knowing God:
Romans 15:5 "Patience and encouragement come from God. And I pray that God will help you all agree with each other the way Christ Jesus wants."
Here's a question only you can answer. During a typical day, how many opportunities will you have to encourage other human beings? Unless you're living on a deserted island, the answer is "a lot"! And here's a follow-up question: How often do you take advantage of those opportunities? Hopefully, the answer is "More often than not."
Romans 14:19 advises us to "Pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another."(HCSB) And whenever we do, God smiles.
Whether you realize it or not , you're surrounded by people who need an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a pat on the back. And every time you encourage one of these folks, you'll be doing God's will by obeying God's Word. So without further ado, let the encouragement begin.
Today's Prayer
Lord, make us mindful of our words. This world can be a difficult place, and many of Your children are discouraged and afraid. Make each member of our family a powerful source of encouragement to those in need, and let our words and deeds be worthy of Your Son, the One who gives us courage and strength, this day and for all eternity.
Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, on my walk, I saw a gator sunning himself on the bank across from the first shelter, but when I walked there, he was gone, and had probably slipped into the canal. I went on to the tower and watched a skimmer dive into the water two times, making a big splash as it spied fish in the lake.
On the way in to the Park, Mr. Peacock was spreading out his tail feathers in front of his favorite garage door, strutting for all to see.
God is good!
From a little devotional book, Knowing God:
Romans 15:5 "Patience and encouragement come from God. And I pray that God will help you all agree with each other the way Christ Jesus wants."
Here's a question only you can answer. During a typical day, how many opportunities will you have to encourage other human beings? Unless you're living on a deserted island, the answer is "a lot"! And here's a follow-up question: How often do you take advantage of those opportunities? Hopefully, the answer is "More often than not."
Romans 14:19 advises us to "Pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another."(HCSB) And whenever we do, God smiles.
Whether you realize it or not , you're surrounded by people who need an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a pat on the back. And every time you encourage one of these folks, you'll be doing God's will by obeying God's Word. So without further ado, let the encouragement begin.
Today's Prayer
Lord, make us mindful of our words. This world can be a difficult place, and many of Your children are discouraged and afraid. Make each member of our family a powerful source of encouragement to those in need, and let our words and deeds be worthy of Your Son, the One who gives us courage and strength, this day and for all eternity.
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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