Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, it turned out to be a little cool this morning... guess this is the last cool spell before summer sets in! When I stepped outside this morning, the puffy clouds were visible in the dark sky and only Venus was showing. I know the half moon is up there somewhere, because I saw it last night.
I think St. Petersburg should be called the "Lavender City" in April, because the jacaranda trees are almost in full bloom and clouds of lavender are visible everywhere. God did a good thing when He created the jacaranda!
We saw Mr. Peacock with tail outspread in front of a blue garage door yesterday, on our way in to the park. He didn't show up so well against blue, but still gorgeous.
Boy Scouts have built a couple of bat houses at the park for a project, I guess. They look like condos for the bats, but I don't know if the bats will leave the pine trees for them or not. They need bats to eat the plentiful mosquitoes that come out at night and a lot in the daytime!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How is my work important to the Lord?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "This should be your ambition" to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs."
Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work(1) having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and (2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.
Proverbs 13:11 "Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows."
Honest, hard work is much better than get-rich-quick schemes. Money quickly gotten is often quickly wasted.
Romans 12:8 "If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."
God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, April 14, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Encouragement
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, I could see lots of stars, but not the moon, which I know is shining somewhere! The weather is predicted to be in the forties by Tuesday, but it is hard to believe with the seventies we are enjoying right now.
Yesterday, on my walk, I saw a gator sunning himself on the bank across from the first shelter, but when I walked there, he was gone, and had probably slipped into the canal. I went on to the tower and watched a skimmer dive into the water two times, making a big splash as it spied fish in the lake.
On the way in to the Park, Mr. Peacock was spreading out his tail feathers in front of his favorite garage door, strutting for all to see.
God is good!
From a little devotional book, Knowing God:
Romans 15:5 "Patience and encouragement come from God. And I pray that God will help you all agree with each other the way Christ Jesus wants."
Here's a question only you can answer. During a typical day, how many opportunities will you have to encourage other human beings? Unless you're living on a deserted island, the answer is "a lot"! And here's a follow-up question: How often do you take advantage of those opportunities? Hopefully, the answer is "More often than not."
Romans 14:19 advises us to "Pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another."(HCSB) And whenever we do, God smiles.
Whether you realize it or not , you're surrounded by people who need an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a pat on the back. And every time you encourage one of these folks, you'll be doing God's will by obeying God's Word. So without further ado, let the encouragement begin.
Today's Prayer
Lord, make us mindful of our words. This world can be a difficult place, and many of Your children are discouraged and afraid. Make each member of our family a powerful source of encouragement to those in need, and let our words and deeds be worthy of Your Son, the One who gives us courage and strength, this day and for all eternity.
Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, on my walk, I saw a gator sunning himself on the bank across from the first shelter, but when I walked there, he was gone, and had probably slipped into the canal. I went on to the tower and watched a skimmer dive into the water two times, making a big splash as it spied fish in the lake.
On the way in to the Park, Mr. Peacock was spreading out his tail feathers in front of his favorite garage door, strutting for all to see.
God is good!
From a little devotional book, Knowing God:
Romans 15:5 "Patience and encouragement come from God. And I pray that God will help you all agree with each other the way Christ Jesus wants."
Here's a question only you can answer. During a typical day, how many opportunities will you have to encourage other human beings? Unless you're living on a deserted island, the answer is "a lot"! And here's a follow-up question: How often do you take advantage of those opportunities? Hopefully, the answer is "More often than not."
Romans 14:19 advises us to "Pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another."(HCSB) And whenever we do, God smiles.
Whether you realize it or not , you're surrounded by people who need an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a pat on the back. And every time you encourage one of these folks, you'll be doing God's will by obeying God's Word. So without further ado, let the encouragement begin.
Today's Prayer
Lord, make us mindful of our words. This world can be a difficult place, and many of Your children are discouraged and afraid. Make each member of our family a powerful source of encouragement to those in need, and let our words and deeds be worthy of Your Son, the One who gives us courage and strength, this day and for all eternity.
Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, April 10, 2008
John
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 in the cool darkness this morning, I could not see the stars because of fog, I guess, but now the sky is blue and streaked with pink from the rising sun. The day is full of promises!
Yesterday, I was able to take my usual walk, without too much talk-back from my foot. As I arrived at the tower I was excited to see an osprey circling closer and closer over the lake, and was hoping to see it hover. Sure enough! As soon as it got nearly overhead, it hovered in place for a few seconds and then was joined by its mate, and they glided and circled on. God is so good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Crisis
Shouldn't those who believe in God be free from crisis?
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."
Crisis should not surprise us. We expect crisis and difficulty because we live in a fallen world. Jesus' warning keeps us from panic, and his promise of victory keeps us from discouragement.
Psalm 46:1,3 "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!"
Nothing in this world is stable or safe. We can find no lasting shelter apart from the Lord. When we rely on him, though everything else is shaken, our faith will never be.
Psalm 50:15 "Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory."
God promises to rescue us for our own welfare and for his glory.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, I was able to take my usual walk, without too much talk-back from my foot. As I arrived at the tower I was excited to see an osprey circling closer and closer over the lake, and was hoping to see it hover. Sure enough! As soon as it got nearly overhead, it hovered in place for a few seconds and then was joined by its mate, and they glided and circled on. God is so good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Crisis
Shouldn't those who believe in God be free from crisis?
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."
Crisis should not surprise us. We expect crisis and difficulty because we live in a fallen world. Jesus' warning keeps us from panic, and his promise of victory keeps us from discouragement.
Psalm 46:1,3 "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!"
Nothing in this world is stable or safe. We can find no lasting shelter apart from the Lord. When we rely on him, though everything else is shaken, our faith will never be.
Psalm 50:15 "Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory."
God promises to rescue us for our own welfare and for his glory.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Assurance
I walked a short ways in the park yesterday and saw lots of leaves still on the ground and a large group of people gathered at the picnic shelter, having a lecture from someone. They were all sitting outdoors, because the weather was so beautiful. The peacock was in his usual place in front of a garage door, to show off his finery, on our way in to the park and two beautiful white herons were fishing in the lake.
"All creatures great and small, the Lord God loves them all!"
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be assured of God's love in difficult times?
Isiah 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."
Romans 8:35, 38-39 "Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity or are persecuted or are are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? ...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."
Life's circumstances don't come between God and his people. They don't get in God's way. Hard times are often when God reveals his infinite love and care for us.
What does this assurance do for me when I confront everyday problems?
Hebrews 4:14-16 "We have a great high Priest who has gone to heaven. Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it."
Ephesians 3:12 "Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly into God's presence, assured of his glad welcome."
The assurance of God's love gives us courage to come to him with any problem, struggle, or concern. Our prayers are never interruptions to the Lord. When we knock, the door is always open to us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Proverbs
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Even though it is cloudy and windy, this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
As I walked a short walk in the park yesterday, I was in time to see a gator swimming toward the bridge, and then watched two hawks calling to each other and slowly circling over the trees. God's timing is perfect!
From Steve Brown's book Jumping Hurdles, Hitting glitches and Overcoming Setbacks come these words of wisdom:
From Proverbs 12:17-18
"An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies."
"Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing."
Steve was with his friend having lunch with a very well known personality. During lunch, the friend kept contradicting this particular man, correcting him several times. As they were walking away, Steve asked his friend what he was doing.
His friend replied that he might be the only friend the personality has who will tell him the truth. He knows that the friend doesn't want anything from him and he knows that he has this friend, who can give him the gift of truth.
Did you ever think that you owed your friends the truth that is what friends do. They love each other enough to tell each other the truth. That's sometimes painful and sometimes it causes heartbreak, but it must be done anyway.
So go. Tell the truth. Do it with love and compassion and gentleness, but do it. Your friend will come to appreciate you more for it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
As I walked a short walk in the park yesterday, I was in time to see a gator swimming toward the bridge, and then watched two hawks calling to each other and slowly circling over the trees. God's timing is perfect!
From Steve Brown's book Jumping Hurdles, Hitting glitches and Overcoming Setbacks come these words of wisdom:
From Proverbs 12:17-18
"An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies."
"Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing."
Steve was with his friend having lunch with a very well known personality. During lunch, the friend kept contradicting this particular man, correcting him several times. As they were walking away, Steve asked his friend what he was doing.
His friend replied that he might be the only friend the personality has who will tell him the truth. He knows that the friend doesn't want anything from him and he knows that he has this friend, who can give him the gift of truth.
Did you ever think that you owed your friends the truth that is what friends do. They love each other enough to tell each other the truth. That's sometimes painful and sometimes it causes heartbreak, but it must be done anyway.
So go. Tell the truth. Do it with love and compassion and gentleness, but do it. Your friend will come to appreciate you more for it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, April 7, 2008
Whole armor of God
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
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
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
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