A New Song

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 opened the drapes this morning, I could hardly see across the street because of the fog! But it has lifted from the ground and is still overhead, but it will probably burn off soon and be another very warm day!

When I stepped outside I found out why there were dark spots on the porch when I swept off the leaves. Dozens of robins were zooming all around and probably had been eating berries off the Brazilian pepper trees all around. I wish they hadn't gotten rid of them on the porch. Actually, that is the first time I have seen flocks of robins this year. They hung around quite a while, filling the air with their chirps while they called to each other.

I went to the park yesterday afternoon, but did not walk, as it was late and very warm. I would have had to take my umbrella to keep the sun off. But all the trees are now blooming out and turning green, so it is getting cheerier to look at every day. I was just in time to see a beautiful egret take off in graceful flight down the canal. It was a peaceful moment in the day. God is good!

From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:

He put a new song in my mouth, A hymn of praise to our God. Psalm 40:3
Singer and songwriter Bobby Michaels tells how one summer he sensed a growing hunger to come up with a new song, , but he could not find it within him. As he was visiting his publishing company to discuss a new album, he met a young man working as an intern. The young man mentioned that he wrote songs, and Bobby found himself pouring his heart out to the young man.

"Forget what might be appealing or what might sell," said the young man. "Just tell me what you think God wants you to sing about." Bobby's story inspired the young man to write a beautiful song that uncannily communicated Bobby's heart. The  name of the song is "My Redeemer is Faithful and True." It is an unpretentious and simple prayer of thanksgiving to our Creator. It is a reverent statement of faith in God's faithfulness. It literally made Bobby's heart sing anew his love for his Savior.

The sales staff and editors did not like the song. In fact, they did not believe that it would sell. "Too slow," they said. "Too redundant." On and on they went.  But Bobby remained  adamant that this song was directly from God and that it was anointed of God. He was convinced that it ministered to Him, and it would minister to others.

Guess what? Bobby was right. God has used the song to bless countless  numbers of individuals, and the testimony he gives at his concerts prior to singing the song makes thousands of hearts sing right along with him. And the young man who wrote the song was Steven Curtis Chapman, winner of numerous Dove and Grammy awards.

Isn't God simply amazing! What new song does He  want to put in your heart today?

                                    A bird doesn't sing because
                                     he has an answer_he sings
                                     because he has a song.
                                         Joan Angelund

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Comfort

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, there is not so much to rejoice about with the news of another police officer killed in the line of duty last night. When will the violence stop!? My heart and prayers go out to those in law enforcement including my two nephews and a friend who is an officer locally. I haven't heard in the last hour, whether or not the suspect has been caught, but hopefully, very soon. And all this took place right behind AAA where I have been frequently. So scary!

But God in His mercy is still Good!

Scriptures of Comfort from the Promise Bible NLT:

How does God comfort us?

Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Psalm 30:5 His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes in the morning.

Matthew 5:4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 
God comforts us by staying close beside us in difficulty, by blessing us even when we are in mourning and by promising us joy to come.

Psalm 14:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds. 
God comforts us by healing our hearts, even when they are broken.

Psalm 145:14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.

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. 
When we are overwhelmed, God comforts us with his presence. He calms our hearts, renews our confidence and awakens our hope.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Trust the Future to God

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 looks like the same old weather we have had for a couple weeks now! Just perfect!  We really could use some rain, though, to dampen the pollen. The leaves are falling like rain, now, because the new little green ones are pushing them off! I have to take the broom to my porch this morning, because it is pretty well filled. When I get those off, more will be there before the day is over.


The leaves are really falling in the Park! The road was covered and so was everything else when I went there yesterday. I didn't see the gator, but a couple of turtles were sunning on the bank of the weir. I also saw lots of birds and ducks around Lynch lake when I passed it. I also noticed benches have been place all around the lake. That is a nice touch from the city. Since it needs mowing, it will be interesting to see how they maneuver around the benches. But God is still Good!

I say this because I know what I am planning for you,"says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future." Jeremiah 29:11

How can you get to know God if you're unwilling to trust Him? The answer, of course, is that you can't. That's why you should trust God in everything (and that means entrusting your future to God).

Do you trust in the ultimate goodness of God's plan for your life? Will you face tomorrow's challenges with optimism and hope? You should. After all, God created you for a very important reason: His reason. And you still have important work to do: His work.

Today, as you live in the present and look to the future, remember that God has an amazing plan for you. Act--and believe--accordingly.

                                 -Great thoughts-
Take courage. We walk in the wilderness today and in the Promised Land tomorrow/
                         D. L. Moody

                   -Today's Prayer-
Lord, sometimes when I think about the future, I worry. Today, I will do a better job of trusting You. If I become discouraged, I will turn to You. If I am afraid, I will seek strength in You. You are my Father, and I will place my hope, my trust, and my faith in You. Amen
(From the little devotional book Knowing God.)


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

Amaryllis

Paul's Prayer

Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The moon was full last night, which usually causes me to have a fitful night's sleep, but since I was tired, I really slept well. And today is another beautiful one, already almost seventy! We are blessed!

Since I took my walk at Walmart yesterday, I did not have the energy to walk in the park. As I was walking from one end to the other at the big store, I was a little disturbed at how politeness seems to be a thing of the past. Even older men, who should know better, cut in front of me, and the women stop in the middle of the aisle, just looking, not caring that they hold up someone else. I did come across one polite person at the tea aisle, though. He was riding an electric cart and told a stock man that I had found a box of tea that was torn open. It was the kind I wanted, but the only one on the shelf. At least the stock man took it off the shelf, but guess I'll have to look elsewhere for the tea. Publix didn't have it, either.

Even though I did not walk in the park, I still drove there. I was looking for the bird's nest in one of the arborvitae that I saw a man photographing a couple days ago. I hope it has not been abandoned. I could see five white eggs in it. I didn't see the nest but maybe it was just covered up. Big and little turtles were on the bank of the weir again and the gator was high on the bank. The white egrets are so lovely against the gray mud and gnarly trunks and branches of the trees! The green leaves have not grown enough to cover the gray branches, so everything is still pretty stark. But my oaks have tiny green leaves, now, so spring is almost here! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 1:15-23

"Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for Christians everywhere, I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people."

I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. and God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything every where with his presence.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalm 103

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I was surprised when I stepped outside this morning, to see the heavy fog hanging tree top height. It was white and very thick. But I am sure when it burns off the sun will warm us up into the seventies again today. The weather has really been perfect!

Yesterday, I just had to get out and enjoy the day, so I walked on the sidewalk at the park, out to the second bridge, and then crossed it and went on to the third bridge. Lots of people were in the park, but only  two or three where I was. I passed turtles on logs sunning, and several egrets looking for food, and the cheerful little moorhens, happily swimming about in pairs. A baby squirrel fussed at me as it scampered up a tree with an acorn in its mouth, and some tiny wrens flitted past, flying from tree to tree. When I got to the third bridge, several people were looking over the rail at a fat gator on the bank. She actually looked full of eggs. She had her mouth open and a gray ibis was only about two or three feet from her head, but, although looking warily at the gator, did not seem afraid. On the other side of the canal a beautiful white egret was looking in the dark water for a fish for lunch. Lots of life always at the park! God is good!

From the Promise Bible continued from yesterday:
 
Psalm 103:12
He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him
for he understands how weak we are, he knows we are only dust.
Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
The wind blows, and we are gone---as though we had never been here.
But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him.
His salvation extends to the children's children
of those who are faithful to his covenant of those who obey his commandments!

The Lord has made the heavens his throne;
from there he rules over everything. Praise the Lord, you angels of his,
you mighty creatures who carry out his plans; listening for each of his commands.
Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels, who serve him and do his will!
Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everywhere in his kingdom.
As for me--I, too, will praise the Lord!

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalm 103

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! What beautiful weather we are having! Blue skies and lots of sun; still chilly in the mornings, but warm in the rest of the day! Just perfect! The fruit trees next door are loaded with oranges and grapefruit, and my beauty berry bush in the backyard is all bloomed out and filling in with leaves. It seems like spring is here, but this is only Feb. so we should have more cold weather, before it really warms up.

After spending a couple hours in the doctors's office yesterday, to find out I'm in good shape for the shape I'm in, I decided to shop a little, which I did, in a quiet store without many people. It was good just to look around and take my time, with no rush. BTW, I really like my doctor. He takes his time and we chat and he really listens. Now everything is electronic and so no paper work. The doctors and nurses walk around with their laptops that contain all the info on every patient. Even the next appointments are on paper now, and you have to cut them out  to post them, Sure don't want the doctors to be robots, next! After watching Watson, the robot, beat two smart guys at Jeopardy last night, I have to remind myself that humans still had to program everything. So we are still good for something!

I went to the Park yesterday afternoon, and was reminded of how God is still in control, and created everything! The big gator was sunning on the bank of the lake on one side and lots of turtles sunning on the other side. Flocks of ibis and the great blue heron were busy doing their thing, which is getting as much to eat as they can every day. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 103; excerpts

Praise the Lord, I tell myself;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, I tell myself, and never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins, and heals all my diseases. He ransoms me from death
and surrounds me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed  like the eagle's.
The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, He is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love,
He will not constantly accuse us , nor remain angry forever.
He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve.
For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. ..
(con't tomorrow)

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Open up Your Heart

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 chilly this morning, like yesterday, but we will have sunny skies and warm temps later on. Beautiful weather!

I hope you all had a  wonderful  Valentine's Day, as I did. I received a loving card from a friend, and a beautiful bouquet in a lovely vase from my sons. Then an evening with our Faith Group friends. It was a good day!

I saw the gator sunning full length on the bank of the lake at the Park Sunday,, but yesterday he was not there, but on the other side, on the bank of the weir, was a cluster of turtles of all sizes drying out. The park was so crowded Sunday, there was hardly a parking space to be found, so I decided not to walk. I would really rather walk in solitude, than with a crowd of people, but that's just me. I see lots of maple seeds everywhere, on the boardwalk, and floating on the water in the canal. The pollen count is high and I sneeze and blow, but it will yellow up the cars and windowsills, and then relief for awhile. But God is good!

From the little devotional book, Knowing God

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV
If you want to know God in a more meaningful way, you'll need to open up your heart and let Him in. C.S. Lewis observed, "A person's spiritual health is exactly proportional to his love for God." If you hope to receive a full measure of God's spiritual blessings, you must invite your Creator to rule over your heart. When you honor God in this way, His love expands to fill your heart and bless your life.

St. Augustine wrote, "I love you. Lord, not doubtingly, but with absolute certainty. Your Word beat upon my heart until I fell in love with you, and now the universe and everything in it tells me to love you."
 
Today, open your heart to the Father. And let your obedience be a fitting response to His never-ending love.

                                       Great Thoughts
You will trust God only as much as you love him. And you will love him not because you have studied him; you will love him because you have touched him-in response to his touch.
                                                 -Brennan Manning-

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis