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! It was good to see the stars as I stepped outside this morning, after the cloudiness of the last couple days! What a lot of rain came down! But since April is usually drier, the showers were most welcome. What is that old saying... "April showers bring May flowers." It's true, except on our trip Thursday, we saw wild phlox growing alongside the highways and in the median. Pinks, and whites, and lavender, just really beautiful! God is good!
I know the Park is full of water, now. We went through yesterday before the rain, and saw a few people enjoying nature, and looking at the anhingas, tiny wrens and tall herons. It is a lovely place.
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 those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.
Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, April 7, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
Hoppin' thru Hebrews
Good morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Yesterday we took off early and drove up to Dunnellon to visit my niece in her new (to her) vacation home. It was a good, clear day for driving, which Brian did well, and we made good time.
There is something to be said for country living... two acres, no close neighbors and totally dark at night. We went to Blue Run river and while the boys had fun swimming, we watched tubers and canoes float past on the big part of the river. A sudden rain came up while we were in the house, but it was a good visiting time and we were tired and happy to get back home.
We watched a moorhen couple swimming among the reeds and on the way up, I was thrilled to see an eagle flying with a fish in his claws!
God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments for Teachers:
"Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Hebrews 13:16 NIV
Weekends are traditionally a time for reflecting on the work week, and chatting with friend. Perhaps because we are more relaxed, we may be more careless in our conversation and include not-so-kind opinions about others.
Just as sugar and cream are slipped into the tea, verbal raspberries, lemons and sour grapes may slip into the conversation.
Consider sharing this little poem with your friends at the beginning of your time together.
I Know Something Good About You
Wouldn't this world be better,
If folks whom we meet would say,
"I know something good about you",
And treat you just that way?
Wouldn't it be splendid,
If each handshake, good and true,
Carried with it this assurance:
"I know something good about you"?
Wouldn't life be happier,
If the good that's in us all,
Were the only thing about us
That people would recall?
If we praised the good we see:
For there is a lot of goodness,
In the worst of you and me?
Wouldn't it be fine to practice,
This way of thinking too;
You know something good about me,
I know something good about you?"
Author Unknown
Good friends are worth much and cost little.
George Herbert
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday we took off early and drove up to Dunnellon to visit my niece in her new (to her) vacation home. It was a good, clear day for driving, which Brian did well, and we made good time.
There is something to be said for country living... two acres, no close neighbors and totally dark at night. We went to Blue Run river and while the boys had fun swimming, we watched tubers and canoes float past on the big part of the river. A sudden rain came up while we were in the house, but it was a good visiting time and we were tired and happy to get back home.
We watched a moorhen couple swimming among the reeds and on the way up, I was thrilled to see an eagle flying with a fish in his claws!
God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments for Teachers:
"Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Hebrews 13:16 NIV
Weekends are traditionally a time for reflecting on the work week, and chatting with friend. Perhaps because we are more relaxed, we may be more careless in our conversation and include not-so-kind opinions about others.
Just as sugar and cream are slipped into the tea, verbal raspberries, lemons and sour grapes may slip into the conversation.
Consider sharing this little poem with your friends at the beginning of your time together.
I Know Something Good About You
Wouldn't this world be better,
If folks whom we meet would say,
"I know something good about you",
And treat you just that way?
Wouldn't it be splendid,
If each handshake, good and true,
Carried with it this assurance:
"I know something good about you"?
Wouldn't life be happier,
If the good that's in us all,
Were the only thing about us
That people would recall?
If we praised the good we see:
For there is a lot of goodness,
In the worst of you and me?
Wouldn't it be fine to practice,
This way of thinking too;
You know something good about me,
I know something good about you?"
Author Unknown
Good friends are worth much and cost little.
George Herbert
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Psoaring thu Psalms
Good evening Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Because of leaving fairly early tomorrow morning for a day trip to Dunnellon, I thought I would send this Psalm as a reminder of the glory and majesty of our Almighty God. These was one of my favorite choir songs,
Psalm 8
O Lord, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
You have taught children and nursing infants to give you praise.
They silence your enemies who were seeking revenge.
When I look at the night sky and see the
work of your fingers-
the moon and stars you have set in place-
what are mortals that you should think of us,
Mere humans that you should care for us?
For you made us only a little lower than God.
And you crowned us with glory and honor.
You put us in charge of everything you made,
giving us authority over all things-
the sheep and the cattle, and all the wild animals,
the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.
O Lord, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth!
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Psalm 8
O Lord, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
You have taught children and nursing infants to give you praise.
They silence your enemies who were seeking revenge.
When I look at the night sky and see the
work of your fingers-
the moon and stars you have set in place-
what are mortals that you should think of us,
Mere humans that you should care for us?
For you made us only a little lower than God.
And you crowned us with glory and honor.
You put us in charge of everything you made,
giving us authority over all things-
the sheep and the cattle, and all the wild animals,
the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.
O Lord, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth!
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Discernment
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, the moon is almost hidden, at least it was this morning early. It was very low in the east and I could barely see it sparkling through the treetops! Venus was very visible, though and will become more so later this month. God's Creation is Awesome!
Seems like the gators are liking this warm spring weather. Yesterday, another one was sunning, almost hidden in the weeds, across from the canal as we entered the Park. A lady walking two dogs, was keeping her distance. There are many dog-walkers in the park, and one man in particular, walks his dog several times a day, smoking his pipe. He gets lots of exercise, because its about a mile from his house to the bench where he sits and watches the people go by. Life 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 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, bu sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave if 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 the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Seems like the gators are liking this warm spring weather. Yesterday, another one was sunning, almost hidden in the weeds, across from the canal as we entered the Park. A lady walking two dogs, was keeping her distance. There are many dog-walkers in the park, and one man in particular, walks his dog several times a day, smoking his pipe. He gets lots of exercise, because its about a mile from his house to the bench where he sits and watches the people go by. Life 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 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, bu sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave if 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 the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Easin' Thru Ephesians
Good morning, and Happy April Fool's day, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I hope some of you early risers saw the gorgeous, large crescent moon low in the southeast this morning. It was awesome! Looks like another warm day in April. I turned on the A/C day before yesterday and again yesterday. Seems too early for that but the house warmed up quite a bit.
Lots of people are enjoying the Park since many are on spring break. We saw lots of children and many out-of-state tags. I enjoy the walk and the anhingas and turtles as much as they do. Speaking of turtles, a father and daughter were looking at a big gopher tortoise at the fence. Hard to believe that many people never get to see nature in the wild. God is good!
Ephesians 5 NLT
"So 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 to 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 your selves 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.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. 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."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I hope some of you early risers saw the gorgeous, large crescent moon low in the southeast this morning. It was awesome! Looks like another warm day in April. I turned on the A/C day before yesterday and again yesterday. Seems too early for that but the house warmed up quite a bit.
Lots of people are enjoying the Park since many are on spring break. We saw lots of children and many out-of-state tags. I enjoy the walk and the anhingas and turtles as much as they do. Speaking of turtles, a father and daughter were looking at a big gopher tortoise at the fence. Hard to believe that many people never get to see nature in the wild. God is good!
Ephesians 5 NLT
"So 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 to 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 your selves 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.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. 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."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, March 31, 2008
Joy
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the crescent moon was valiantly shining through the clouds and the wind was blowing and quite cool, but a mockingbird was loudly chirping his good morning in the dark, telling all the other birds to get up! God is good!
I didn't walk yesterday, because my foot was quite painful, but we saw two peacocks with the tails spread... one had his back turned and he is not so lovely from the rear. :o) Then a little further in the park, we watched a gator lazily soaking in the sun. He looked black and shiny. The one I saw last week at the first shelter, was all dried out, and looked tan. They change color as they get older. The babies are black and yellow striped and very difficult to see under the fern, so God has given them protection from predators. God is Wise!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where does Joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 "Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is to be a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength! "
Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with a great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song."
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 "He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For all the old world and its evils are gone forever."
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
For those of you working today these words of wisdom:
Colossians 3:23-24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward and the Master you are serving is Christ."
God promises a reward to those who work hard. that reward can include - but is not limited to - financial prosperity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction or the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.
How will God help me when my work is hard?
Psalm 145:14 "The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads".
As with any burden we bear, we can trust God to help us on the job.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I didn't walk yesterday, because my foot was quite painful, but we saw two peacocks with the tails spread... one had his back turned and he is not so lovely from the rear. :o) Then a little further in the park, we watched a gator lazily soaking in the sun. He looked black and shiny. The one I saw last week at the first shelter, was all dried out, and looked tan. They change color as they get older. The babies are black and yellow striped and very difficult to see under the fern, so God has given them protection from predators. God is Wise!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where does Joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 "Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is to be a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength! "
Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with a great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song."
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 "He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For all the old world and its evils are gone forever."
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
For those of you working today these words of wisdom:
Colossians 3:23-24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward and the Master you are serving is Christ."
God promises a reward to those who work hard. that reward can include - but is not limited to - financial prosperity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction or the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.
How will God help me when my work is hard?
Psalm 145:14 "The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads".
As with any burden we bear, we can trust God to help us on the job.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, March 28, 2008
Integrity, con't.
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! As I stepped outside this morning, I saw big puffy, clouds dimming the glow of the half moon, but Venus was shining brightly in the darkness. God is good!
I had mentioned the Parks situation with the cutbacks and for those of you who read the St. Pete Times, you may have noticed the article about it on the Metro section. I wrote a letter to the county parks director relating my concerns about safety, etc. and mailed it off yesterday. Perhaps it will do some good.
I wrote my concerns about the dog excrement all over the park, a couple years ago, and now there are signs, telling people to please pick up after their pets. Letters work! Anyway, it is a lovely place and I enjoy walking there. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of integrity?
Proverbs 11:3,5 "Good people are guided by their honesty; Treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty... the godly are directed by their honesty, the wicked fall beneath their load of sin."
Integrity keeps us from the trap of dishonesty and the destruction that can result.
A Prayer of Praise Jude 1:24
"And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now and forevermore.
Amen"
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy, and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had mentioned the Parks situation with the cutbacks and for those of you who read the St. Pete Times, you may have noticed the article about it on the Metro section. I wrote a letter to the county parks director relating my concerns about safety, etc. and mailed it off yesterday. Perhaps it will do some good.
I wrote my concerns about the dog excrement all over the park, a couple years ago, and now there are signs, telling people to please pick up after their pets. Letters work! Anyway, it is a lovely place and I enjoy walking there. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of integrity?
Proverbs 11:3,5 "Good people are guided by their honesty; Treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty... the godly are directed by their honesty, the wicked fall beneath their load of sin."
Integrity keeps us from the trap of dishonesty and the destruction that can result.
A Prayer of Praise Jude 1:24
"And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now and forevermore.
Amen"
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy, and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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