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, the air was not a tidge cooler like yesterday, in fact, it felt very warm. I could not see stars, or any moon-just hazy sky.
Yesterday, because we left the house so early, I saw the beautiful sunrise, all pink and blue. After we finished at the VA hospital, it was still very early, so I took a cruise through War Veterans Park - very few people there at that early hour, but it is a pretty park, right on Boca Ciega Bay.
Later, we went through Sawgrass, which was simmering in the heat, but I always enjoy the peace I feel there, and the anhingas drying their feathers. We also saw a gopher making his slow way in the bushes, and a great blue heron flying down the canal. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Energy
Why do I sometimes find myself weary and tired?
Isaiah 40:28,31 "Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out.; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. "
2 Corinthians 4:7 "This precious treasure-this light and power that now shine within us_is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own."
As human beings we have limitations. We get hungry, tired and hurt. We are not self-sufficient. Instead of relying on ourselves, we need to rely on the Lord. Like the eagle that soars on currents of wind, we can trust the Lord to carry us onward.
Where do I turn for energy when I am feeling exhausted?
Matthew 11:28-30 "Jesus said ,"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you , because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls.For my yoke fits perfectly and the burden I give you is light."
Jesus invites us to come to him for rest from the weariness of life, strength for the burdens of life, and instruction for the puzzles and problems of life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, August 24, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Breaking news!
Good evening, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! I hope you have had an enjoyable day that the Lord gave you.
The reason I am writing this tonight instead of tomorrow morning, is that we have to leave before seven in order to get to Bay Pines by 7:30 for a fasting appointment for Louis.
Anyway, the breaking news is that the Maple Trail at the Park is open after about six months of construction. I walked half of it this morning, but wanted to go check on Mama gator, which was the other way, so turned around and went back, and found her there, almost hidden in the black water and mud. Since she is black, too, it is really hard to spot her. I have a feeling she is under the boardwalk, when we can't see her. I have spotted a trail through the elephant ears which I think she has made going in and out. Just my theory...
Encouragement from the Promise Bible NLT
What do I do when I feel overhwelmed?
Leviticus 26:8 "Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons.
Joshua 23:10 "Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised."
Be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies against us. God used David to overcome Goliath. Gideon's three hundred soldiers to defeat the armies of Midian, and one hundred and twenty disciples to establish the church in Acts. He joys when working through our weaknesses and limitations.
Colossians 1:11-14 "We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enables you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For 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 the 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
The reason I am writing this tonight instead of tomorrow morning, is that we have to leave before seven in order to get to Bay Pines by 7:30 for a fasting appointment for Louis.
Anyway, the breaking news is that the Maple Trail at the Park is open after about six months of construction. I walked half of it this morning, but wanted to go check on Mama gator, which was the other way, so turned around and went back, and found her there, almost hidden in the black water and mud. Since she is black, too, it is really hard to spot her. I have a feeling she is under the boardwalk, when we can't see her. I have spotted a trail through the elephant ears which I think she has made going in and out. Just my theory...
Encouragement from the Promise Bible NLT
What do I do when I feel overhwelmed?
Leviticus 26:8 "Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons.
Joshua 23:10 "Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised."
Be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies against us. God used David to overcome Goliath. Gideon's three hundred soldiers to defeat the armies of Midian, and one hundred and twenty disciples to establish the church in Acts. He joys when working through our weaknesses and limitations.
Colossians 1:11-14 "We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enables you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For 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 the 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
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Decisions
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the air was humid and very warm..I could see only a few stars, but I know it will get much warmer. Yesterday set a record for heat, but my walk in the morning, was very pleasant.
There was a good breeze blowing and it actually felt a little cooler. I watched Mark and James sawing a fallen tree in the canal, using a boat, front end loader and lots of muscle to get the tree across the water and up on the bank on the other side, to place it in the undergrowth and leave it for all kinds of critters to hide in. There's a lot of work that goes in to keeping the park looking nice and keep the water flowing. They also have to take care of Joe's Creek Park and Lealman Park, and will soon have the Friendship Trail and Pinellas Trail added to their responsibilities...just five guys to do all that work!
I did not see Mama gator for the second day, but four new signs are now posted warning about severe consequences if anyone bothers her or any of the other gators. I hope they do some good. If I walk early enough today, perhaps Mama will be back . God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT
What do we do when we don't know what to do?
2 Chronicles 20:12 "O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help."
We don't have to know what do do, but we do need to know where to look. As the saying goes, it isn't so much what we know, but WHO we know!
Proverbs 3:5-7 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek him in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom, . Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil."
Trust the Lord to direct your steps, even when the way is confusing. God will guide you.
Romans 8:26-27 "The Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for , nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will."
When we are overwhelmed, confused, or uncertain, we should not hesitate to pray. In fact, these are the best times to pray because the Holy Spirit can then help us the most. We describe our situation and trust God to prescribe the solution.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
There was a good breeze blowing and it actually felt a little cooler. I watched Mark and James sawing a fallen tree in the canal, using a boat, front end loader and lots of muscle to get the tree across the water and up on the bank on the other side, to place it in the undergrowth and leave it for all kinds of critters to hide in. There's a lot of work that goes in to keeping the park looking nice and keep the water flowing. They also have to take care of Joe's Creek Park and Lealman Park, and will soon have the Friendship Trail and Pinellas Trail added to their responsibilities...just five guys to do all that work!
I did not see Mama gator for the second day, but four new signs are now posted warning about severe consequences if anyone bothers her or any of the other gators. I hope they do some good. If I walk early enough today, perhaps Mama will be back . God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT
What do we do when we don't know what to do?
2 Chronicles 20:12 "O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help."
We don't have to know what do do, but we do need to know where to look. As the saying goes, it isn't so much what we know, but WHO we know!
Proverbs 3:5-7 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek him in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom, . Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil."
Trust the Lord to direct your steps, even when the way is confusing. God will guide you.
Romans 8:26-27 "The Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for , nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will."
When we are overwhelmed, confused, or uncertain, we should not hesitate to pray. In fact, these are the best times to pray because the Holy Spirit can then help us the most. We describe our situation and trust God to prescribe the solution.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Good warm morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! As I stepped outside this morning, I could see stars dimly through the haze and a few puffy clouds. We still have water running in our gutters, even though there has been no rain this week. But the ducks like it!
As I walked yesterday, there was a nice breeze blowing, which helped with the cooling. Mama gator was not visible, so I don't know if she was under the boardwalk, or stepped out for breakfast. I stopped at the second level of the tower to enjoy the breeze and watch the skimmers swooping low on the water for a tasty fish, and on my way back, I noticed the larger gator had climbed up on the bank to enjoy the sun. He looked like the same one that swam so fast under the tower the other day. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT
When I am confused, where do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding and direction?
James 1:5-8 "If you need wisdom__if you want o 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."
Psalm 119:125 "Give discernment to me , your servant, then I will understand your decrees."
Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom. It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies," God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.
1 Corinthians 2:12-16"God has actually given us his Spirit (not the world's spirit) so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. When we tell you this, we do not use words of human wisdom. We speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them because only those who have the Spirit understand these things, but others can't understand us at all. How could they? For, "Who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who can give him counsel?" But we can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ."
Those who believe in Jesus Christ will find that God gives them a new perspective on life. We have the mind of Christ, coming primarily from God's word. It also comes through the Holy Spirit's guiding our thought and decisions.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
As I walked yesterday, there was a nice breeze blowing, which helped with the cooling. Mama gator was not visible, so I don't know if she was under the boardwalk, or stepped out for breakfast. I stopped at the second level of the tower to enjoy the breeze and watch the skimmers swooping low on the water for a tasty fish, and on my way back, I noticed the larger gator had climbed up on the bank to enjoy the sun. He looked like the same one that swam so fast under the tower the other day. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT
When I am confused, where do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding and direction?
James 1:5-8 "If you need wisdom__if you want o 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."
Psalm 119:125 "Give discernment to me , your servant, then I will understand your decrees."
Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom. It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies," God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.
1 Corinthians 2:12-16"God has actually given us his Spirit (not the world's spirit) so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. When we tell you this, we do not use words of human wisdom. We speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them because only those who have the Spirit understand these things, but others can't understand us at all. How could they? For, "Who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who can give him counsel?" But we can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ."
Those who believe in Jesus Christ will find that God gives them a new perspective on life. We have the mind of Christ, coming primarily from God's word. It also comes through the Holy Spirit's guiding our thought and decisions.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, August 20, 2007
As Time Goes By (a repeat)
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I notice on my weather report that the heat index is to be 106 this afternoon!! Thank God for A/C!
If I don't get my walking done in the morning, I don't walk, because the air is too hot!
I walked Saturday and as we drove in the Park, a chocolate colored bunny, with unusual outlined eyes, was munching on grass beside the road. It must have been a domestic that someone turned loose in the Park, Not a good thing to do.
Mama Gator was back at her nest, but I almost didn't see her, because she was directly below me with just her head showing. When I came back from the tower, she had moved and was pointed toward the nest.
I watched a small gator swim alongside the bank, on my way back and climb up on the bank, where he has been sunning every day the past week.
Then I waited while Mark and James came in their cart, on the way to clean out trash in the gator nest. I told them she was there, and there was only one bottle right next to her. They thought maybe it would not be a good time to get the bottle. :o)
From Quiet Moments:
"This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 NKJV
"Where does the time go?" we ask. Here it is-a new day on the horizon- and we can't remember how it arrived so quickly. Why, last week seems like yesterday, and last year flew by like a video in fast forward.
Singer Jim Croce mused in his hit song "Time in a Bottle" that "there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do, once you find them." We search so hard for happiness. But often, we don't understand that happiness is not a goal to be won, but a by-product of a life well spent.
The "Old English Prayer," offers simple instruction for enjoying the day that the Lord has made:
Take time to work; it is the price of success.
Take time to think' it is the source of power.
Take time to play; it is the secret if perpetual youth.
Take time to read; it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream; it is hitching your wagon to a star.
Take time to love and be loved; it is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to look around, it is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul.
True happiness comes
from the job of deeds
well done, the zest of
creating things new.
Antoine de Saint Exupery
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
If I don't get my walking done in the morning, I don't walk, because the air is too hot!
I walked Saturday and as we drove in the Park, a chocolate colored bunny, with unusual outlined eyes, was munching on grass beside the road. It must have been a domestic that someone turned loose in the Park, Not a good thing to do.
Mama Gator was back at her nest, but I almost didn't see her, because she was directly below me with just her head showing. When I came back from the tower, she had moved and was pointed toward the nest.
I watched a small gator swim alongside the bank, on my way back and climb up on the bank, where he has been sunning every day the past week.
Then I waited while Mark and James came in their cart, on the way to clean out trash in the gator nest. I told them she was there, and there was only one bottle right next to her. They thought maybe it would not be a good time to get the bottle. :o)
From Quiet Moments:
"This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 NKJV
"Where does the time go?" we ask. Here it is-a new day on the horizon- and we can't remember how it arrived so quickly. Why, last week seems like yesterday, and last year flew by like a video in fast forward.
Singer Jim Croce mused in his hit song "Time in a Bottle" that "there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do, once you find them." We search so hard for happiness. But often, we don't understand that happiness is not a goal to be won, but a by-product of a life well spent.
The "Old English Prayer," offers simple instruction for enjoying the day that the Lord has made:
Take time to work; it is the price of success.
Take time to think' it is the source of power.
Take time to play; it is the secret if perpetual youth.
Take time to read; it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream; it is hitching your wagon to a star.
Take time to love and be loved; it is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to look around, it is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul.
True happiness comes
from the job of deeds
well done, the zest of
creating things new.
Antoine de Saint Exupery
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, August 17, 2007
Calming Down
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!
We went to bed to the sounds of another thunderstorm, which started right after we arrived home from an evening out. God's timing is perfect!
I splashed through water yesterday on the boardwalk, and I am sure it will be wet again, after the downpour last night. All is well, though, with Mama gator. She was back at the nest yesterday, with just her head visible directly below the railing. I spoke to her and told her I was glad to see her, but she was surly and didn't answer. Sigh...
The small gator was sunning on the bank again and getting plenty warm, I'm sure. It was a pleasant walk yesterday, because the wind was blowing so that made the heat bearable. When I stopped, though, I was drippy. But God is good to send rain and wind when we need them!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Jeremiah 31:26
"My sleep had been pleasant to me."
It's virtually impossible for you to sleep if you are wound up. Do memories of the day's events keep you from falling asleep? Do you sometimes feel as if you spent the day pushing a boulder up a mountain with a very small stick? If so, memorize these words:
"I lift up my eyes to the hills__Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2
Are you worried about making mistakes, disappointing your boss, or letting your family down? If so, memorize these words:
"He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber, indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121:3-4
Does unnecessary anxiety sometimes get the best of you, causing you to fear for your won safety or health? If so, memorize these words:
"The Lord watches over you___the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night."
Psalm 121:5-6
Are you already starting to agonize over next month's deadline, next year's taxes, the college tuition that has to be paid ten years from now, or funding your own retirement in thirty years? Are you taking all of that on when your head hits the pillow at night? If so, memorize these words:
"The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
Psalm 121:7-8
You have just memorized an entire psalm! Repeat it to yourself every night. Substitute My for your and me for you. Then rest in the knowledge that God has your life, and the rest of the universe under control.
WORRY IS AN INDICATION THAT WE THINK GOD CANNOT LOOK AFTER US.
Oswald Chambers
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We went to bed to the sounds of another thunderstorm, which started right after we arrived home from an evening out. God's timing is perfect!
I splashed through water yesterday on the boardwalk, and I am sure it will be wet again, after the downpour last night. All is well, though, with Mama gator. She was back at the nest yesterday, with just her head visible directly below the railing. I spoke to her and told her I was glad to see her, but she was surly and didn't answer. Sigh...
The small gator was sunning on the bank again and getting plenty warm, I'm sure. It was a pleasant walk yesterday, because the wind was blowing so that made the heat bearable. When I stopped, though, I was drippy. But God is good to send rain and wind when we need them!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Jeremiah 31:26
"My sleep had been pleasant to me."
It's virtually impossible for you to sleep if you are wound up. Do memories of the day's events keep you from falling asleep? Do you sometimes feel as if you spent the day pushing a boulder up a mountain with a very small stick? If so, memorize these words:
"I lift up my eyes to the hills__Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2
Are you worried about making mistakes, disappointing your boss, or letting your family down? If so, memorize these words:
"He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber, indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121:3-4
Does unnecessary anxiety sometimes get the best of you, causing you to fear for your won safety or health? If so, memorize these words:
"The Lord watches over you___the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night."
Psalm 121:5-6
Are you already starting to agonize over next month's deadline, next year's taxes, the college tuition that has to be paid ten years from now, or funding your own retirement in thirty years? Are you taking all of that on when your head hits the pillow at night? If so, memorize these words:
"The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."
Psalm 121:7-8
You have just memorized an entire psalm! Repeat it to yourself every night. Substitute My for your and me for you. Then rest in the knowledge that God has your life, and the rest of the universe under control.
WORRY IS AN INDICATION THAT WE THINK GOD CANNOT LOOK AFTER US.
Oswald Chambers
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Night Watch
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! After last night's storm, this morning is clear and promises to be hot!
I walked on the dry boardwalk yesterday, but today it will be puddly again. I am eager to see if Mama gator has come back, because two days in a row she has not been seen. I hope she has not deserted her nest.
It seemed to be just a little cooler yesterday, or at least, a breeze was blowing, so I wasn't so warm while walking... plenty drippy when I stopped moving, though. I was admiring the thick ferns, which are thriving from all the rain. Many of them are in water, and tiny sounds are always being heard, from the different little critters living in the water. God is marvelous!
From Quiet Moments:
...Times of trial and struggle often seem like long, dark nights. But doing the right thing - even the hard thing - gives us hope. How do we maintain those long night watches when there seems to be little change in our circumstances?
1. Take one step at a time. Don't attempt to tackle the whole task at once. "A man's steps are directed by the Lord." (Proverbs 20:24)
2. Keep your struggles in perspective. Separate the mountains from the molehills.
"What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
3. Cultivate the discipline of delayed gratification.
"Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."(James 1:4 KJV)
4. Learn to recognize the invisible God in the world around you.
"By faith he [Moses] left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:27)
Placing your hope in the Lord helps you to do all these things. He will lead you; He will remove your mountains; He will strengthen you, helping you to be patient; and He will open your eyes to His works all around you.
If it were not for hope
the heart would break.
English proverb
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I walked on the dry boardwalk yesterday, but today it will be puddly again. I am eager to see if Mama gator has come back, because two days in a row she has not been seen. I hope she has not deserted her nest.
It seemed to be just a little cooler yesterday, or at least, a breeze was blowing, so I wasn't so warm while walking... plenty drippy when I stopped moving, though. I was admiring the thick ferns, which are thriving from all the rain. Many of them are in water, and tiny sounds are always being heard, from the different little critters living in the water. God is marvelous!
From Quiet Moments:
...Times of trial and struggle often seem like long, dark nights. But doing the right thing - even the hard thing - gives us hope. How do we maintain those long night watches when there seems to be little change in our circumstances?
1. Take one step at a time. Don't attempt to tackle the whole task at once. "A man's steps are directed by the Lord." (Proverbs 20:24)
2. Keep your struggles in perspective. Separate the mountains from the molehills.
"What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
3. Cultivate the discipline of delayed gratification.
"Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."(James 1:4 KJV)
4. Learn to recognize the invisible God in the world around you.
"By faith he [Moses] left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:27)
Placing your hope in the Lord helps you to do all these things. He will lead you; He will remove your mountains; He will strengthen you, helping you to be patient; and He will open your eyes to His works all around you.
If it were not for hope
the heart would break.
English proverb
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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