Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool, clear day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside very early this morning, I noticed the brilliant crescent moon shining brightly just under Venus, just as brilliant. What a beautiful, breath-taking sight in the eastern sky! God is Awesome!
I had an enjoyable walk yesterday, a little later than usual. There were more people walking, but for the most part, I enjoyed the solitude. I once again heart the mewing chirp of the catbird, and saw the shrubbery move, but did not catch a glimpse of it. They are very elusive!
The young Mama gator was guarding her babes, which were nowhere in sight, but I guess she knew where they were. The water has receded to the point where they will have to craw; through mud to get to their nest.
I spoke with Francia, who was setting up her classroom for the day. Every afternoon, she takes the three little screech owls home, along with the tarantula and other assorted critters, then brings them back the next school day. She loves her work!
From Quiet Moments:
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Most of us at some time indulge in the endless chase for perfection in our lives: perfect home, perfect job, no conflicts. And most of us discover quickly the futility of such expectations.
Every year Dear Abby prints a familiar story written by Emily Kingsley called, "Welcome to Holland." Emily, a writer, lecturer, and talented mother of an adult child with Down syndrome, knows about expectations. Others have asked her what it's like raising a child with disabilities. In her story, Emily uses a metaphor. She compares the expectation of a child's birth to planning a vacation trip to Italy. She mentions the joy of deciding on tourist spots to visit and the anticipation of all the sights you would see upon your arrival.
She then describes the scenario upon landing in your vacation spot. Surely a mistake has been made, because the stewardess on your plane welcomes you not to Italy, but to Holland. You argue, but nothing changes. You are in Holland, and there you will stay.
Anyone who has ever been to Holland knows that tulips, windmills, and Remrbandts make Holland a beautiful place. Emily points out that it's just not what you expected. You planned on going to Italy.
In her poignant illustration, Kingsley challenges the reader to focus not on unmet expectations (Italy), but on the beauty of where you are (Holland).
When life doesn't turn out perfectly--the way we planned--we have a choice. Whether it's as minor as a holiday gone awry or as major as a prince charming that turned into an ugly frog, God wants us to celebrate that "very special, very lovely thing" about our circumstance.
Nothing with God can be accidental.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
Cruisin' thru Corinthians
Good chilly 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 don't know about you, but I had to get up in the wee hours and put another blanket on the bed. Not complaining, mind you, but just wish I had done it before turning in for the night! Tonight I will put a heavier blankie on and then have to throw it off if I get too warm.
But the weather is beautiful. However, I can't quite get used to the sunshine so early in the morning... makes me feel like I should have been up hours ago!
We had a nice quiet afternoon yesterday. Because of the sky-rocketing price of gas, we did not go anyplace, except church in the morning.
I enjoyed the walk Saturday and will go again this morning, to see how the baby gators are doing in the chilly weather. I am sure the water is warmer than the air, but gators are usually scarce in winter. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Corinthians 3:7-9
"The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work. We work together as partners who belong to God."
"But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, the builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, I don't know about you, but I had to get up in the wee hours and put another blanket on the bed. Not complaining, mind you, but just wish I had done it before turning in for the night! Tonight I will put a heavier blankie on and then have to throw it off if I get too warm.
But the weather is beautiful. However, I can't quite get used to the sunshine so early in the morning... makes me feel like I should have been up hours ago!
We had a nice quiet afternoon yesterday. Because of the sky-rocketing price of gas, we did not go anyplace, except church in the morning.
I enjoyed the walk Saturday and will go again this morning, to see how the baby gators are doing in the chilly weather. I am sure the water is warmer than the air, but gators are usually scarce in winter. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Corinthians 3:7-9
"The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work. We work together as partners who belong to God."
"But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, the builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Glorious morning!
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! Just couldn't help sending a greeting on this glorious morning that the Lord has made. I have already rejoiced in it because I took a walk and saw two of the baby gators, but no Mama in sight. I believe that this is a younger mama because she is much smaller than old Mama. I counted 7 Wednesday and saw several last evening, hiding under the orange tree branch that was thrown at them.
I rounded the corner and heard the pounding on a tree, so I stopped and looked up and finally spied the very large red-headed woodpecker pecking away at a maple. I also heard the catbird mewing, but didn't seen it.
I hope you all are enjoying this wonderful weather. We have been waiting a long hot summer for cool air!
"The Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His peace endures forever!"
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I rounded the corner and heard the pounding on a tree, so I stopped and looked up and finally spied the very large red-headed woodpecker pecking away at a maple. I also heard the catbird mewing, but didn't seen it.
I hope you all are enjoying this wonderful weather. We have been waiting a long hot summer for cool air!
"The Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His peace endures forever!"
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, November 2, 2007
Opportunities
Good cool morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the lovely fall day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Wow! I stepped outside this morning to the coolest morning, yet. I am tempted to turn off the A/C and open windows. We usually can do that in October, but yesterday was very warm!
Because David, our jack-of-all-trades, surprised me by coming early yesterday, I didn't get to take my morning walk, but after he had mowed, I noticed a tiny, wren hopping happily on the driveway, pecking at something in the newly mown grass. It hung around for quite awhile, so the birds must be migrating from the north already.
I did drive through the Park later and marveled at the beautiful colors in the peacock feathers, in the three that we saw on the way in. God made them beautiful, but He must have a sense of humor, because they have a loud, raucous "yeoww" that you never forget if you hear it!
The grass in the park has greened up since the rain and it looks really nice with the water in the canal up. When I saw Mama gator on Wednesday, fish were swimming all around her, and she was not paying attention, so she must not have been hungry. God provides!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I face challenging, sometimes intimidating, opportunities?
Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need."
Our ability to face challenges is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. With Christ's help, we can make the most of every opportunity.
Revelation 3:8 "I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me."
We can trust that nothing will prevent us from fulfilling the opportunity God has for us.
How do I know if an opportunity is from the Lord?
Joshua 1:7-9 "Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. "
Ephesians 5:15-20
"Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you do do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
God's opportunities conform to his word. Anything that contradicts God's word is not an opportunity from God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wow! I stepped outside this morning to the coolest morning, yet. I am tempted to turn off the A/C and open windows. We usually can do that in October, but yesterday was very warm!
Because David, our jack-of-all-trades, surprised me by coming early yesterday, I didn't get to take my morning walk, but after he had mowed, I noticed a tiny, wren hopping happily on the driveway, pecking at something in the newly mown grass. It hung around for quite awhile, so the birds must be migrating from the north already.
I did drive through the Park later and marveled at the beautiful colors in the peacock feathers, in the three that we saw on the way in. God made them beautiful, but He must have a sense of humor, because they have a loud, raucous "yeoww" that you never forget if you hear it!
The grass in the park has greened up since the rain and it looks really nice with the water in the canal up. When I saw Mama gator on Wednesday, fish were swimming all around her, and she was not paying attention, so she must not have been hungry. God provides!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I face challenging, sometimes intimidating, opportunities?
Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need."
Our ability to face challenges is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. With Christ's help, we can make the most of every opportunity.
Revelation 3:8 "I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me."
We can trust that nothing will prevent us from fulfilling the opportunity God has for us.
How do I know if an opportunity is from the Lord?
Joshua 1:7-9 "Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. "
Ephesians 5:15-20
"Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you do do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
God's opportunities conform to his word. Anything that contradicts God's word is not an opportunity from God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Planning
Happy November First! And Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another cloudy, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I saw the almost half moon peeking through the clouds when I stepped outside earlier, but no stars were visible. The air is still cooler than last month, so winter is not far away!
I had a most enjoyable walk yesterday... chatted with Terry first, who was on his way to a meeting, and then enjoyed the coolness of the air on my face as I walked toward the first shelter. There were people there with cameras, so I knew a gator must be hanging out there, and it was. I walked on toward the tower and heard a catbird, but couldn't see where it was. The gallinule couple were not visible, but I watched the wind-whipped lake and then started back. Just as I rounded one of the turns, a catbird zoomed across in front of me, under the bottom rail of the boardwalk!
I stopped at the shelter again to see the gator, and much to my surprise, there were seven babies under a canopy of vines!! The rumor I mentioned a couple days ago was true! They are about nine inches long now, and seem to be thinner, but thriving. If they are the same ones that hatched out at the gator nest, they have traveled a very long way to get where they are now. They are much more visible now, because of lack of cover, and already people are throwing whatever they can find at them and Mama, Sigh.
But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How am I supposed to plan my life?
Proverbs 2:1-11 "My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe."
A plan is only as good as the information upon which its based. Our human intellect is limited and inadequate. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths."
As we seek God, He will guide us in making our plans.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had a most enjoyable walk yesterday... chatted with Terry first, who was on his way to a meeting, and then enjoyed the coolness of the air on my face as I walked toward the first shelter. There were people there with cameras, so I knew a gator must be hanging out there, and it was. I walked on toward the tower and heard a catbird, but couldn't see where it was. The gallinule couple were not visible, but I watched the wind-whipped lake and then started back. Just as I rounded one of the turns, a catbird zoomed across in front of me, under the bottom rail of the boardwalk!
I stopped at the shelter again to see the gator, and much to my surprise, there were seven babies under a canopy of vines!! The rumor I mentioned a couple days ago was true! They are about nine inches long now, and seem to be thinner, but thriving. If they are the same ones that hatched out at the gator nest, they have traveled a very long way to get where they are now. They are much more visible now, because of lack of cover, and already people are throwing whatever they can find at them and Mama, Sigh.
But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How am I supposed to plan my life?
Proverbs 2:1-11 "My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe."
A plan is only as good as the information upon which its based. Our human intellect is limited and inadequate. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths."
As we seek God, He will guide us in making our plans.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Easin' thru Ephesians
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! This must be part of Noel, the tropical disturbance, but here it is 7:30am and still very dark. I guess when the time changes in a few days, it will mean more light in the morning, and less in the evening... or is that the other way around? I always get confused at the spring ahead, fall back, thingy.
Because of the misty weather yesterday, we did not walk in the park, but drove through much later in the morning, to see that the water has come up nicely as a result of the rain and a few people were enjoying the scenery. We had a long drive out to Bay Pines to the VA hospital for an appointment and looking out from the fifth floor, could see what looked like heavy rain coming in from the Gulf. It disappeared before we left, so no driving in it! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 6 Excerpts
"A final word; be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the devil. for we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against the mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms ..."
"Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come fearlessly into God's Presence, assured of his glad welcome." Ephesians 3:12
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Because of the misty weather yesterday, we did not walk in the park, but drove through much later in the morning, to see that the water has come up nicely as a result of the rain and a few people were enjoying the scenery. We had a long drive out to Bay Pines to the VA hospital for an appointment and looking out from the fifth floor, could see what looked like heavy rain coming in from the Gulf. It disappeared before we left, so no driving in it! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 6 Excerpts
..."Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free."
"A final word; be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the devil. for we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against the mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms ..."
"Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come fearlessly into God's Presence, assured of his glad welcome." Ephesians 3:12
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Use that powerful engine!
Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the wind was cool and the sky was cloudy, but Venus was visible in the East, bravely shining through the little opening through the clouds and the waning moon was also casting its light through an open spot. God is good!
I enjoyed a walk yesterday among the falling leaves and watched the gallinule pair at the tower busily pecking among the dying hyacinths for whatever they could find. Surprisingly, no birds were around and I did not hear any.
Terry is back from vacation and I spoke to him as he was catching up on the work that accumulated while he was gone. He is always willing to help us out with things around the house ... when he has time! I am thankful for good friends!
From the book Quiet Moments:
"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect". Psalm 18:12
What a pleasure it is to drive a car with a powerful engine on a level highway. Picture a sunny day when there's no traffic and you're not in a hurry to get anywhere. You sing along with your favorite CD and enjoy driving solely for driving's sake.
But is it possible to ride the rougher road and have the same peace and tranquility inside as when we drive the level highway? The Bible says it is.
The difference is simply the powerful engine, which makes the hills seem less steep and rush hour less tedious. It's a lot easier to keep moving steadily through traffic when you have a continuous hum from the motor instead of lunching, dying, starting-lurching, dying, starting in your own strength.
God is our powerful engine. He makes the difficult highway become manageable.
Perhaps your day started out smoothly, but by now you've left the easy stretch of road and come to the rolling hills. Now more than ever is the time to remind yourself that your Father in Heaven loves you and wants to help you.
With God's strength, you can stay alert and focused, maintaining an even pace and an even temperament regardless of the challenge. Ask Him, and He will help you work through any problems that arise without compromising your integrity, He may even show you some shortcuts--and the gas mileage is great!
When a man has no strength, if he leans on God, He becomes powerful.
Dwight Lyman Moody
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I enjoyed a walk yesterday among the falling leaves and watched the gallinule pair at the tower busily pecking among the dying hyacinths for whatever they could find. Surprisingly, no birds were around and I did not hear any.
Terry is back from vacation and I spoke to him as he was catching up on the work that accumulated while he was gone. He is always willing to help us out with things around the house ... when he has time! I am thankful for good friends!
From the book Quiet Moments:
"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect". Psalm 18:12
What a pleasure it is to drive a car with a powerful engine on a level highway. Picture a sunny day when there's no traffic and you're not in a hurry to get anywhere. You sing along with your favorite CD and enjoy driving solely for driving's sake.
But is it possible to ride the rougher road and have the same peace and tranquility inside as when we drive the level highway? The Bible says it is.
The difference is simply the powerful engine, which makes the hills seem less steep and rush hour less tedious. It's a lot easier to keep moving steadily through traffic when you have a continuous hum from the motor instead of lunching, dying, starting-lurching, dying, starting in your own strength.
God is our powerful engine. He makes the difficult highway become manageable.
Perhaps your day started out smoothly, but by now you've left the easy stretch of road and come to the rolling hills. Now more than ever is the time to remind yourself that your Father in Heaven loves you and wants to help you.
With God's strength, you can stay alert and focused, maintaining an even pace and an even temperament regardless of the challenge. Ask Him, and He will help you work through any problems that arise without compromising your integrity, He may even show you some shortcuts--and the gas mileage is great!
When a man has no strength, if he leans on God, He becomes powerful.
Dwight Lyman Moody
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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