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 noticed the wind has picked up and I just received a weather warning, to expect severe weather today, which is a surprise, although I saw the bad weather in the panhandle on radar on TV. Well, I can do without tornadoes and hail, but more rain doesn't hurt.
Yesterday when I went to the park, I saw lots of debris in the canal floating against the berm. It always washes down from behind the houses that back up to the canal. A lone turtle was trying to warm up on the bank, and as I drove on further I saw a large gopher tortoise hurrying at warp speed along the path. He definitely had a destination in mind. The hydrilla is really choking the canal in spots, now, so I suppose the crews will have to get in the boat to spray it soon. The trees are all green, and the park looks really pretty. God is good!
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 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 the world and all its troubles.
Romans 15:13 I pray that God who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our hope is rooted in the wonderful acts of God in creation and history. The Bible gives full testimony to the fact that God is able to deliver us from any and every circumstance. He will either get us out of it or bring us through it--for his glory and our joy.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Suffering
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! Wow! What a deluge we had yesterday. God answered prayers for rain, abundantly! I'll have to be careful what I pray for!
I had a couple meetings yesterday, plus an appointment in the afternoon, so I was out in the rain a lot! I had a doctor's appointment in the middle of the afternoon, and since the office is in the St. Anthony's office building, I had a tough time getting to it, because of the huge construction project going on. After asking directions of a workman, who was standing in the rain, I found the way to drive in and then got escorted through a maze of new roadways to the valet who parked for me, I have no idea where. There was a green barrier separating the road from the construction.
I was covered in prayer by my friend, I could tell, because right after I got in the car, the heavy rain started, and I drove home in the pouring rain, but got green lights all the way! Now, maybe I pray for green lights sometimes, but God never promised that we would always have them, but I really appreciated the green lights yesterday!
While I was in the waiting room, an old friend from our former church, signed in and saw my name and was talking to her daughter about me. She spotted me and we talked for about five minutes before she was called in. She was in rather frail health with two stents in her heart already. I hadn't seen her in about thirty years. She said I hadn't changed, but she had, but frail health will do that.
I did get to the park before the heavy rain started and a few people were taking advantage of the lull, to walk, and a couple bus loads of Shorecrest students were picnicing under the shelter. I think most of the pollen has been washed off the trees now, so the allergies should not be so bad. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Isaiah 43:1-2 Now, O israel, the Lord who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."
We belong to the Lord. He knows us by name and will not allow anything to cause us lasting harm. We may go through deep waters of trouble and intense fires of trial and testing, but we will not go through them alone.
Romans 8: 36,39 I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The greatest comfort in life is knowing that God will never leave us. Nothing can drive us from his presence. No matter what we are going through, he is there to comfort, sustain, encourage, and direct us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had a couple meetings yesterday, plus an appointment in the afternoon, so I was out in the rain a lot! I had a doctor's appointment in the middle of the afternoon, and since the office is in the St. Anthony's office building, I had a tough time getting to it, because of the huge construction project going on. After asking directions of a workman, who was standing in the rain, I found the way to drive in and then got escorted through a maze of new roadways to the valet who parked for me, I have no idea where. There was a green barrier separating the road from the construction.
I was covered in prayer by my friend, I could tell, because right after I got in the car, the heavy rain started, and I drove home in the pouring rain, but got green lights all the way! Now, maybe I pray for green lights sometimes, but God never promised that we would always have them, but I really appreciated the green lights yesterday!
While I was in the waiting room, an old friend from our former church, signed in and saw my name and was talking to her daughter about me. She spotted me and we talked for about five minutes before she was called in. She was in rather frail health with two stents in her heart already. I hadn't seen her in about thirty years. She said I hadn't changed, but she had, but frail health will do that.
I did get to the park before the heavy rain started and a few people were taking advantage of the lull, to walk, and a couple bus loads of Shorecrest students were picnicing under the shelter. I think most of the pollen has been washed off the trees now, so the allergies should not be so bad. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Isaiah 43:1-2 Now, O israel, the Lord who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."
We belong to the Lord. He knows us by name and will not allow anything to cause us lasting harm. We may go through deep waters of trouble and intense fires of trial and testing, but we will not go through them alone.
Romans 8: 36,39 I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The greatest comfort in life is knowing that God will never leave us. Nothing can drive us from his presence. No matter what we are going through, he is there to comfort, sustain, encourage, and direct us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, March 28, 2011
Grow In Your Walk
Good evening, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This was the day that the Lord made, and I rejoiced and was glad in it! It is almost bedtime, but since I have a Stephen Ministry class tomorrow morning, I thought I would send a word for tomorrow, tonight.
We had a good sermon, accompanied by the Concordia visiting choir (forgive me if that is not their name). Students with lovely voices on a long trip from Minnesota. The director said it was 23 degrees when they lift home and they came to 80 degrees. Quite a difference!
On my way home I saw a baby osprey high on a pole built for a nest. He was sticking his head up looking around. A true birds eye view! Lots of birds were singing as I stuck my head out before church and the wind was blowing a little stronger than usua, wafting the sweet scent of orange blossoms to freshen the air. There are supposed to be thundershowers blowing in tonight, which is good, because we need the rain! God is good!
Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
and I shall keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your Law;
Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart,
Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
For I delight in it.
Psalm 119:33-35
Now by this we know that we know Him. if we keep his commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
1 John 2:3-6
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had a good sermon, accompanied by the Concordia visiting choir (forgive me if that is not their name). Students with lovely voices on a long trip from Minnesota. The director said it was 23 degrees when they lift home and they came to 80 degrees. Quite a difference!
On my way home I saw a baby osprey high on a pole built for a nest. He was sticking his head up looking around. A true birds eye view! Lots of birds were singing as I stuck my head out before church and the wind was blowing a little stronger than usua, wafting the sweet scent of orange blossoms to freshen the air. There are supposed to be thundershowers blowing in tonight, which is good, because we need the rain! God is good!
Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
and I shall keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your Law;
Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart,
Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
For I delight in it.
Psalm 119:33-35
Now by this we know that we know Him. if we keep his commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
1 John 2:3-6
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wisdom from Hebrews and James
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! Another beautiful day with sunshine and maybe a few clouds, but warm. I have had my windows closed for a week and the A/C runs occasionally. but my nose is much happier with the pollen outside, instead of in. Until the oak trees stop shedding, the pollen count will remain high, but other blooming trees and shrubs are taking their place. A good rain would dampen everything down, once we are blessed with it.
There wasn't much going on at the park when I finally got over there yesterday. It was later in the day, because of the yard work being done. Next week, Dave will bring his hedge trimmer and the azaleas will get trimmed. After they bloomed, they really started to shoot up.
I saw an anhinga sunning and drying out, and egrets and ibises, standing and pecking, but the gators are pretty scarce, now. It's amazing how many turtles exist in the canal and the lakes, because I think they are a food source for the gators. But God is good to provide for all the critters He created!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
James 1:2-4
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy., For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you . He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.
Hebrews 13:29-21
And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to Him. Jesus is the great shepherd of the sheep by an everlasiing covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory, forever and ever. Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Happy Birthday, Gil!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
There wasn't much going on at the park when I finally got over there yesterday. It was later in the day, because of the yard work being done. Next week, Dave will bring his hedge trimmer and the azaleas will get trimmed. After they bloomed, they really started to shoot up.
I saw an anhinga sunning and drying out, and egrets and ibises, standing and pecking, but the gators are pretty scarce, now. It's amazing how many turtles exist in the canal and the lakes, because I think they are a food source for the gators. But God is good to provide for all the critters He created!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
James 1:2-4
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy., For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you . He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.
Hebrews 13:29-21
And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to Him. Jesus is the great shepherd of the sheep by an everlasiing covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory, forever and ever. Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Happy Birthday, Gil!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Proverbs 3:21-26
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 air is a little cooler and lots of humidity this morning, but still very nice. I have been outside with Dave, my friend and yard man, showing him a few tasks that need doing. I am happy to have someone reliable to take care of the outside for me. Those pesky baby lubbers have still been eating my amaryllis leaves, so I don't think I will have any blooms this year. Some have already bloomed and finished in the neighborhood. Oh, well, I really don't have a green thumb, but I try.
I saw the very large tri colored heron at the park yesterday, standing in the water, which was so shallow it was just up to his ankles. He looked very majestic, though. I also saw lots of birds, but I haven't seen many butterflies, so far. Guess I will have to walk back to the butterfly garden behind the building. I have a lot of the yellow ones all the time. They are so pretty! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 3:21-26 My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what is right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I saw the very large tri colored heron at the park yesterday, standing in the water, which was so shallow it was just up to his ankles. He looked very majestic, though. I also saw lots of birds, but I haven't seen many butterflies, so far. Guess I will have to walk back to the butterfly garden behind the building. I have a lot of the yellow ones all the time. They are so pretty! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 3:21-26 My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what is right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Keep Growing
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! This is another in the long string of cloud free, sunny days. Great weather for the Grand Prix this weekend, and spring training, but we could really use some rain. Time to start praying for rain!
I am feeling the effects of my long walk from yesterday, so I guess i did not stretch enough afterwards. My leg muscles and feet are achy this morning, but, unfortunately, my appetite is not. I had an egg instead of my usual oatmeal. Not just an egg, but a couple slices of bacon, hash browns and toast. It was good for a change!
The oak trees in the park are still shedding their dust. On the way back to the car I had to walk under the trees and the wind picked up and showered me with the stuff. That is why I was using up tissues so fast!. I went back to the park yesterday afternoon, but did not walk. Lots of people were, though and also enjoying picnics. I was on my way to Walmart, where I discovered gas had gone down about ten cents from last week when I bought it, so I filled up the tank, along with a lot of other people. Then I decided to check out the parking situation to see if I could find one within sight of the store, and was pleasantly surprised to see a space close to the entrance, so I went in and shopped from one end to the other. I got lots of exercise yesterday! But I did not see beautiful sights in there like I did at the park! No birds, no fish in the wild, no gators, just lots of people and lots of merchandise. But God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
As newborn babies want milk, you should want the pure and simple teaching, By it you can grow up and be saved. 1 Peter 2:2 NCV
If you sincerely want to know God, then you can't be satisfied to be a stagnant believer. God's plan for you includes a lifetime of prayer, praise, and spiritual growth. As a Christian, you can--and should--continur to grow in the love and the knowledge of your Savior as long as you live.
I fyou cease to grow, either emotionally or spiritually, you do yourself a profound disservice. But, if you study God's Word, if you obey His commandments, and if you live for the protection of His will, you will not be a stagnant believer, you will, instead, ba a growing Christian...and that;s exactly what God wants you to be.
God loves us
the way we are,
but He loves us
too much to leave
us that way.
Leighton Ford
I've never met anyone who became instantly mature. It's a painstaking process that God takes us through, and it includes
such things as waiting, failing, losing, and being misunderstood-each calling for extra doses of perseverance.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I am feeling the effects of my long walk from yesterday, so I guess i did not stretch enough afterwards. My leg muscles and feet are achy this morning, but, unfortunately, my appetite is not. I had an egg instead of my usual oatmeal. Not just an egg, but a couple slices of bacon, hash browns and toast. It was good for a change!
The oak trees in the park are still shedding their dust. On the way back to the car I had to walk under the trees and the wind picked up and showered me with the stuff. That is why I was using up tissues so fast!. I went back to the park yesterday afternoon, but did not walk. Lots of people were, though and also enjoying picnics. I was on my way to Walmart, where I discovered gas had gone down about ten cents from last week when I bought it, so I filled up the tank, along with a lot of other people. Then I decided to check out the parking situation to see if I could find one within sight of the store, and was pleasantly surprised to see a space close to the entrance, so I went in and shopped from one end to the other. I got lots of exercise yesterday! But I did not see beautiful sights in there like I did at the park! No birds, no fish in the wild, no gators, just lots of people and lots of merchandise. But God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
As newborn babies want milk, you should want the pure and simple teaching, By it you can grow up and be saved. 1 Peter 2:2 NCV
If you sincerely want to know God, then you can't be satisfied to be a stagnant believer. God's plan for you includes a lifetime of prayer, praise, and spiritual growth. As a Christian, you can--and should--continur to grow in the love and the knowledge of your Savior as long as you live.
I fyou cease to grow, either emotionally or spiritually, you do yourself a profound disservice. But, if you study God's Word, if you obey His commandments, and if you live for the protection of His will, you will not be a stagnant believer, you will, instead, ba a growing Christian...and that;s exactly what God wants you to be.
God loves us
the way we are,
but He loves us
too much to leave
us that way.
Leighton Ford
I've never met anyone who became instantly mature. It's a painstaking process that God takes us through, and it includes
such things as waiting, failing, losing, and being misunderstood-each calling for extra doses of perseverance.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
1 Peter 3
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 lop-sided moon was still high in the southwest when I looked out as I arose, still a beautiful sight in the clear sky!
I decided to go walking early today as I used to, long ago, so I did my stretches and waited for daylight, went over to the park, and there was only one other car there, A couple walking their dog. I took my walking stick and crossed over the bridge, listening to all the birds who were out everywhere. I didn't know there were so many fuzzy shrubs in bloom, so although I had filled my pocket with tissues, I had used most of them by the time I had gone just half way. I heard a rooster crowing across the canal behind the building,, but I never did see it. He sure was waking everybody up, though. When I got to the overlook, I saw a large bird zip across the lake, so I looked to see if it was an osprey, but when he came back, I saw it was an eagle!! I was so excited! I haven't seen an eagle for over a year. It had something in it's mouth, so there must be a nest some place close.
The yellow barrier across the lake where the work is going on, was lined with ibises. Looks like they have claimed it for their own! When I started back, only a couple people were on the boardwalk, so I broke trail. I sure hope spider webs are good for the complexion, because the little spiders had been busy last night! I paused on the bridge going back and a pileated woodpecker flew into a tree right in front of me! Beautiful red crest and black and white stripes on his neck. First time I had ever seen one, so I came home and looked it up in my Peterson's Guide. God is so good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Peter 3:8-12
Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say,
If you want a happy life and good days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil,
and keep your lips from telling lies.
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,
and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I decided to go walking early today as I used to, long ago, so I did my stretches and waited for daylight, went over to the park, and there was only one other car there, A couple walking their dog. I took my walking stick and crossed over the bridge, listening to all the birds who were out everywhere. I didn't know there were so many fuzzy shrubs in bloom, so although I had filled my pocket with tissues, I had used most of them by the time I had gone just half way. I heard a rooster crowing across the canal behind the building,, but I never did see it. He sure was waking everybody up, though. When I got to the overlook, I saw a large bird zip across the lake, so I looked to see if it was an osprey, but when he came back, I saw it was an eagle!! I was so excited! I haven't seen an eagle for over a year. It had something in it's mouth, so there must be a nest some place close.
The yellow barrier across the lake where the work is going on, was lined with ibises. Looks like they have claimed it for their own! When I started back, only a couple people were on the boardwalk, so I broke trail. I sure hope spider webs are good for the complexion, because the little spiders had been busy last night! I paused on the bridge going back and a pileated woodpecker flew into a tree right in front of me! Beautiful red crest and black and white stripes on his neck. First time I had ever seen one, so I came home and looked it up in my Peterson's Guide. God is so good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Peter 3:8-12
Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say,
If you want a happy life and good days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil,
and keep your lips from telling lies.
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,
and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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