Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cold day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice in it! I am rejoicing that I am still alive and coughing and blowing and taking antibiotics for bronchitis. I have been outside about three times this morning, because the leaves were piled up so far in front of the front door, that I had to sweep them out of the way.
Also, I took the dumpster down to the curb and brought it back, but this afternoon I have to make another trip to CVS to pick up more tissues. My indoor-outdoor thermometer read 38 this morning and hasn't moved much since.
Well, I always give thanks for you, and hope you are remembering me in prayer, as I am you.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Easin' thru Ephesians
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, after a near perfect day yesterday, we have rain this morning, but that's all right with me, since we still need the rain. However, all the remaining yellow leaves on the oak tree that is shedding are now on the porch and wet. So, no sweeping until they are dry.
We saw an unexpected spot of beauty yesterday as we drove along Turner's creek. The tide was out , so the mud flats, (not beautiful) were showing and there was a roseate spoonbill down in the unlovely creek, just glowing in all its pink gorgeousness! God is good! Also, up on a line was the kingfisher, which seems to be hanging out along the creek.
As we drove to the Park, two peacocks raced across the road, with their scrawny legs looking so funny. But the tail feathers are fully grown out now, for courting, and look lovely. There was also one on a fence with very long tail feathers hanging down. All around us is beauty, if we just open our eyes to see.
From the NIV
Ephesians 3: 14:4-6
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom the whole family of believers in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more that all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called-one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love,
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We saw an unexpected spot of beauty yesterday as we drove along Turner's creek. The tide was out , so the mud flats, (not beautiful) were showing and there was a roseate spoonbill down in the unlovely creek, just glowing in all its pink gorgeousness! God is good! Also, up on a line was the kingfisher, which seems to be hanging out along the creek.
As we drove to the Park, two peacocks raced across the road, with their scrawny legs looking so funny. But the tail feathers are fully grown out now, for courting, and look lovely. There was also one on a fence with very long tail feathers hanging down. All around us is beauty, if we just open our eyes to see.
From the NIV
Ephesians 3: 14:4-6
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom the whole family of believers in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more that all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called-one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love,
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, January 30, 2009
Servanthood
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the rainy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I was surprised when I opened the front door this morning to see the quiet rain coming down! We really need this kind of soaking rain, and, as always, God knew it, so since yesterday, it has been coming down. God is wise!
Of course, the Superbowl activities have been dampened a bit, but since that doesn't affect me in any way, it is not my problem. :o)
I had a very nice thing happen to me yesterday. As I was at the desk in the dentist's office, I looked out the window and saw that it was raining quite hard, and I said to the receptionist that I knew I should have brought my umbrella in. With that, a young man who I thought was asleep, got up and went outside and came back with his umbrella! He handed it to me and said I could use his! He was so kind to do that, so I went to the car dry, and came to the door to pick up Louis, and gave the umbrella to the receptionist to give back to the young man with my thanks!! God puts very good people in my path! He is good!
We drove through the park in the rain and saw a turtle under a tree with his head stuck up high. I think he was a snapper, but could not tell too well from a distance. There were only four cars parked, and a couple of people with an umbrella were bravely headed for a walk. Just walkin' in the rain...reminds me of a song! :o) The oak trees were quite colorful with the last of the yellow leaves falling and covering the road. Also the maples are losing the last of their red leaves. It was quite peaceful there.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 20:28 "Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must become your slave. For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."
This was Jesus, talking to his disciples, because James and John had asked if they could sit at his right and left in heaven, and the other ten were indignant.
This is all I am sending today. Have a great weekend watching the Superbowl, or engaging in other activities!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Of course, the Superbowl activities have been dampened a bit, but since that doesn't affect me in any way, it is not my problem. :o)
I had a very nice thing happen to me yesterday. As I was at the desk in the dentist's office, I looked out the window and saw that it was raining quite hard, and I said to the receptionist that I knew I should have brought my umbrella in. With that, a young man who I thought was asleep, got up and went outside and came back with his umbrella! He handed it to me and said I could use his! He was so kind to do that, so I went to the car dry, and came to the door to pick up Louis, and gave the umbrella to the receptionist to give back to the young man with my thanks!! God puts very good people in my path! He is good!
We drove through the park in the rain and saw a turtle under a tree with his head stuck up high. I think he was a snapper, but could not tell too well from a distance. There were only four cars parked, and a couple of people with an umbrella were bravely headed for a walk. Just walkin' in the rain...reminds me of a song! :o) The oak trees were quite colorful with the last of the yellow leaves falling and covering the road. Also the maples are losing the last of their red leaves. It was quite peaceful there.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 20:28 "Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must become your slave. For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."
This was Jesus, talking to his disciples, because James and John had asked if they could sit at his right and left in heaven, and the other ten were indignant.
This is all I am sending today. Have a great weekend watching the Superbowl, or engaging in other activities!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Integrity
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, I am waiting for the clouds to roll in and the rain to start. We have dental appointments this afternoon across town, so that's when the rain will probably come down.
We have very windy day today, but the temp. is 70 and supposed to be dropping when the front comes through. We can really use the rain, though, so God is good! My arthritic foot is painful today so I think that is a sign it's going to rain. :o)
People are flocking into the park these days, picnicking and exercising because the weather has been so nice. Great for the Superbowl!
I saw another kingfisher perched on a wire overlooking the lake near us... the third one lately. After not seeing any for about a year, all of a sudden they are all around here! Cute little birds with very long beaks! But I still have not seen my favorite, the catbird!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does God respond to my commitment to integrity?
Psalm 18: 20-25 The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all his laws are constantly before me. I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God. I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to those with integrity you show integrity.
The psalmist claims a high level of personal integrity that makes some of us uncomfortable. It makes sense, however, when we realize that he isn't boasting in his accomplishment but thanking God for giving him the power and direction to live according to God's ways. this passage offers the same promise to us; God will empower our obedience.
1 Peter 2:12 Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong; they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world.
Our integrity may not bring immediate rewards, but we are certain that it will one day be recognized.
What are the benefits of integrity?
Proverbs 11:3,5 Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty... The godly are directed by their honesty, the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.
Integrity keeps us from the trap of dishonesty and the destruction that can result.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We have very windy day today, but the temp. is 70 and supposed to be dropping when the front comes through. We can really use the rain, though, so God is good! My arthritic foot is painful today so I think that is a sign it's going to rain. :o)
People are flocking into the park these days, picnicking and exercising because the weather has been so nice. Great for the Superbowl!
I saw another kingfisher perched on a wire overlooking the lake near us... the third one lately. After not seeing any for about a year, all of a sudden they are all around here! Cute little birds with very long beaks! But I still have not seen my favorite, the catbird!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does God respond to my commitment to integrity?
Psalm 18: 20-25 The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all his laws are constantly before me. I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God. I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to those with integrity you show integrity.
The psalmist claims a high level of personal integrity that makes some of us uncomfortable. It makes sense, however, when we realize that he isn't boasting in his accomplishment but thanking God for giving him the power and direction to live according to God's ways. this passage offers the same promise to us; God will empower our obedience.
1 Peter 2:12 Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong; they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world.
Our integrity may not bring immediate rewards, but we are certain that it will one day be recognized.
What are the benefits of integrity?
Proverbs 11:3,5 Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty... The godly are directed by their honesty, the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.
Integrity keeps us from the trap of dishonesty and the destruction that can result.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The World Needs Men
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the lord has made and we wil rejoice and be glad in it! What a warm spell we are having! Yesterday got up to 80 and all the people here for the Superbowl are rejoicing! However, it will not last. We are supposed to get another cold wave this weekend, but only up to 60 in the daytime. That still sounds good for football, though.
I took a walk yesterday and found Mama gator in her usual place by the first shelter. She has been there for several months, which is a puzzle to me. Maple seeds were scattered on the boardwalk and it seems like spring is in the air, even though it is only January. I stopped by a swampy place, which was sheltered by overhanging branches, with the sunlight peeking through, and admired the water and young elephant ears...looked like old Florida.
The breeze was blowing as I approached the tower and I was quite surprised to see a pelican taking off from the lake. I believe that is the first pelican I have seen out there. He might have been scared off by the young gator swimming across the lake. This was much to the delight of several tiny people on the second level along with their big people. Many squeals and chatter! God is good!
The World Needs Men
---who cannot be bought:
---whose word is their bond:
---who put character above wealth:
---who are larger than their vocations:
---who do not hesitate to take chances;
---who will not lose their identity in a crowd;
---who will be as honest in small things as in great things;
---who will make no compromise with wrong;
---whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires;
---who will not say they do it "because everybody else does it";
---who are true to their friends through good report and evil report;
in adversity as will as in prosperity;
---who do not believe that shrewdness and cunning are the best qualities for
winning success;
---who are not ashamed to stand for the truth when it is unpopular;
---who can say "no" with emphasis, although the rest of the world say "yes".
Leonard Wagner
(from Hymns For the Family of God)
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I took a walk yesterday and found Mama gator in her usual place by the first shelter. She has been there for several months, which is a puzzle to me. Maple seeds were scattered on the boardwalk and it seems like spring is in the air, even though it is only January. I stopped by a swampy place, which was sheltered by overhanging branches, with the sunlight peeking through, and admired the water and young elephant ears...looked like old Florida.
The breeze was blowing as I approached the tower and I was quite surprised to see a pelican taking off from the lake. I believe that is the first pelican I have seen out there. He might have been scared off by the young gator swimming across the lake. This was much to the delight of several tiny people on the second level along with their big people. Many squeals and chatter! God is good!
The World Needs Men
---who cannot be bought:
---whose word is their bond:
---who put character above wealth:
---who are larger than their vocations:
---who do not hesitate to take chances;
---who will not lose their identity in a crowd;
---who will be as honest in small things as in great things;
---who will make no compromise with wrong;
---whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires;
---who will not say they do it "because everybody else does it";
---who are true to their friends through good report and evil report;
in adversity as will as in prosperity;
---who do not believe that shrewdness and cunning are the best qualities for
winning success;
---who are not ashamed to stand for the truth when it is unpopular;
---who can say "no" with emphasis, although the rest of the world say "yes".
Leonard Wagner
(from Hymns For the Family of God)
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Just the Facts
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! Yesterday was so warm that I got a little sunburn from being outside with our friend Terry, who came over to put long chains around the staghorn, which had broken one and was tipped. He also worked on priming our pump, but that didn't take after an hour of trying. All this time I was mostly in the sun with him and it was Hot! Today is supposed to get up to 80! Good for the Superbowl fans and players, some of whom came from freezing temps in Pittsburgh.
The park was full again by the time I got over there yesterday, but we saw Mrs. Peahen sitting on a window sill of a house on our way in.Lots of ibis and anhingas, but ever since the fence was taken down, no gator on the bank. Maybe he will come back. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbor. But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
Proverbs 11:12 KJV
There was once a man that John Wesley thought of an miserly; therefore, he had little respect for him. He felt so strongly about this man that, on an occasion when the man gave only a small gift to a worthy charity, Wesley openly criticized him.
Not long after, the gentleman paid a visit to Wesley. He was surprised to hear that this man--someone whom he assumed was simply greedy--had actually been living on parsnips and water for several weeks. The man told him that, in his past, he had amassed a great deal of debt. But since his conversion, he had made a choice to pay off all of his creditors and, therefore, was buying nothing for himself and spending as little as possible elsewhere in order to do so.
"Christ has made me an honest man," he said, "and so with all these debts to pay, I can give only a few offerings above my tithe. I must settle up with my worldly neighbors and show them what the grace of God can do in the heart of a man who was once dishonest."
Wesley than apologized to the man and asked his forgiveness.
It's easy to find fault with others when we don't know their circumstances or the reasons for their actions. It's also amazing how a few facts can forever alter our perception of a situation. When we feel compelled to judge, it's a good time to ask God for wisdom and patience to understand the facts..
Every man should have a fair
sized cemetery in which to bury
the faults of his friends.
Henry Ward Beecher
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The park was full again by the time I got over there yesterday, but we saw Mrs. Peahen sitting on a window sill of a house on our way in.Lots of ibis and anhingas, but ever since the fence was taken down, no gator on the bank. Maybe he will come back. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbor. But a man of understanding holdeth his peace.
Proverbs 11:12 KJV
There was once a man that John Wesley thought of an miserly; therefore, he had little respect for him. He felt so strongly about this man that, on an occasion when the man gave only a small gift to a worthy charity, Wesley openly criticized him.
Not long after, the gentleman paid a visit to Wesley. He was surprised to hear that this man--someone whom he assumed was simply greedy--had actually been living on parsnips and water for several weeks. The man told him that, in his past, he had amassed a great deal of debt. But since his conversion, he had made a choice to pay off all of his creditors and, therefore, was buying nothing for himself and spending as little as possible elsewhere in order to do so.
"Christ has made me an honest man," he said, "and so with all these debts to pay, I can give only a few offerings above my tithe. I must settle up with my worldly neighbors and show them what the grace of God can do in the heart of a man who was once dishonest."
Wesley than apologized to the man and asked his forgiveness.
It's easy to find fault with others when we don't know their circumstances or the reasons for their actions. It's also amazing how a few facts can forever alter our perception of a situation. When we feel compelled to judge, it's a good time to ask God for wisdom and patience to understand the facts..
Every man should have a fair
sized cemetery in which to bury
the faults of his friends.
Henry Ward Beecher
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, January 26, 2009
Endurance and Perseverance
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 getting warmer day by day and this morning was only 57 and expected to go up to 75, so another beautiful day in St. Petersburg! God is good! All the while I was having my quiet time, I could hear squirrels stomping on the roof overhead. They may not weigh much, but they sound like they are wearing combat boots!
I noticed two osprey nests in busy places. There are two ospreys building a nest in the parking lot at Gateway Mall near the Publix, and also on the light pole at Sawgrass Elementary. Apparently, if the city builds around them, they do what they have to do, with the places at hand. I also noticed one on the light pole overlooking the creek near our house, looking for an unwary fish to take home.
We saw a peacock peeking in the window of a house on the way in to the Park, so even though it is still January, Love is stirring in the hearts of all the animals! :o) Our azaleas are blooming more and more and look really pretty.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
If I sent this recently, please bear with me, it seems I hear more and more of difficulties families and businesses are going through, so thought it very pertinent.
What purposes do endurance and perseverance serve in my life?
1 Peter 1:6-7 Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
2 Peter 1:5-9 Make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind, or at least, very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin.
Endurance is like the fire that purifies precious metals and hardens valuable pottery. It cleanses, clarifies, and solidifies our faith. Living through the trials and tests of life is often the most significant way to discover the riches of our faith.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I noticed two osprey nests in busy places. There are two ospreys building a nest in the parking lot at Gateway Mall near the Publix, and also on the light pole at Sawgrass Elementary. Apparently, if the city builds around them, they do what they have to do, with the places at hand. I also noticed one on the light pole overlooking the creek near our house, looking for an unwary fish to take home.
We saw a peacock peeking in the window of a house on the way in to the Park, so even though it is still January, Love is stirring in the hearts of all the animals! :o) Our azaleas are blooming more and more and look really pretty.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
If I sent this recently, please bear with me, it seems I hear more and more of difficulties families and businesses are going through, so thought it very pertinent.
What purposes do endurance and perseverance serve in my life?
1 Peter 1:6-7 Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
2 Peter 1:5-9 Make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind, or at least, very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin.
Endurance is like the fire that purifies precious metals and hardens valuable pottery. It cleanses, clarifies, and solidifies our faith. Living through the trials and tests of life is often the most significant way to discover the riches of our faith.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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