Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the overcast day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I know we should give thanks in all things, but I am really not thankful for this cough and laryngitis that I have. I have only been in the car one time in the last two days though, so I am thankful we are saving gas!
I am thankful for the little bit of rain we had yesterday and maybe last night, because everything was wet this morning. I am not walking until I get over this bug and have more energy, so the baby gators will have to get along without me.
Speaking of gators, that was a terrific story Jeff Klinkenburg wrote in yesterday's Saint Petersburg Times on the woman gator catcher! With pictures of huge gators!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 3: 21-26 "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap."
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, May 19, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
A benediction
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!
It is hard for me to be glad that I have a cold, but I do rejoice in the day. :o)
Since I have been pampering myself by not doing much except reading a novel, I have little to report. I did have to get a few groceries yesterday, so I spent a few minutes watching a large baby osprey in the sloppy nest on top of a light pole at Publix. The nests have no sides, so it looks like it would be very easy to fall out, but I guess they would learn to fly in a hurry on the way down!
I took a ride to the Park and noticed a large class that Francia was lecturing at the entrance bridge. If the children listen (and Parents) they can learn a lot from her. I believe this will be her last day for classes, as Steve said the buses stop running the 15th, or maybe I'm wrong. She has two baby birds in boxes in the classroom that someone brought in and left at different times. One was left in the bathroom and one in front of the classroom door. People must know her reputation!
From the New King James Bible:
Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and Hugs,
Amaryllis
It is hard for me to be glad that I have a cold, but I do rejoice in the day. :o)
Since I have been pampering myself by not doing much except reading a novel, I have little to report. I did have to get a few groceries yesterday, so I spent a few minutes watching a large baby osprey in the sloppy nest on top of a light pole at Publix. The nests have no sides, so it looks like it would be very easy to fall out, but I guess they would learn to fly in a hurry on the way down!
I took a ride to the Park and noticed a large class that Francia was lecturing at the entrance bridge. If the children listen (and Parents) they can learn a lot from her. I believe this will be her last day for classes, as Steve said the buses stop running the 15th, or maybe I'm wrong. She has two baby birds in boxes in the classroom that someone brought in and left at different times. One was left in the bathroom and one in front of the classroom door. People must know her reputation!
From the New King James Bible:
Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and Hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Psalm 100
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!
Due to the smoggy air from the wildfires on the other coasts, I am staying in as much as possible and treating cold symptoms.
Please pray that the Zicam and prayers will have me back to my old self soon!
Psalm 100 NLT
Shout with joy to the Lord, O earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
For the Lord is good;
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Due to the smoggy air from the wildfires on the other coasts, I am staying in as much as possible and treating cold symptoms.
Please pray that the Zicam and prayers will have me back to my old self soon!
Psalm 100 NLT
Shout with joy to the Lord, O earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
For the Lord is good;
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
I saw the sunrise!
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The sunrise was glorious this morning, in spite of the ozone, which is unhealthy today. Last night the sunset was lovely, too.
Yesterday, the air was so cool, there was no way I was staying in, so off to the Park we went! The tree trimming crew was at work, blocking off most of the sidewalk around the building, but I headed off to the boardwalk. That part that leads to the tower will be closed off today because of resealing, but I was able to head for the shelter to check on the baby gators. There was a very large one on the bank across from the canal, but I only saw one baby and then another came and was lying on the big baby's back. I looked under the shelter and saw another one, so at least three survived.
We saw two peacocks with fully spread tail feathers, slowly turning around and around, attracting lots of attention! The colors are really beautiful. God is Awesome!
I have been putting chunky peanut butter on a part of our oak tree that sticks out and the little squirrels love it! Let's see you hang upside down by your toenails and eat sticky peanut butter! :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding."
Psalm 111:10 "Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him Praise his name forever!"
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures' it is understanding that an all-powerful, all-knowing God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.
Proverbs 3: 21-26 "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. they keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap."
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what is right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, the air was so cool, there was no way I was staying in, so off to the Park we went! The tree trimming crew was at work, blocking off most of the sidewalk around the building, but I headed off to the boardwalk. That part that leads to the tower will be closed off today because of resealing, but I was able to head for the shelter to check on the baby gators. There was a very large one on the bank across from the canal, but I only saw one baby and then another came and was lying on the big baby's back. I looked under the shelter and saw another one, so at least three survived.
We saw two peacocks with fully spread tail feathers, slowly turning around and around, attracting lots of attention! The colors are really beautiful. God is Awesome!
I have been putting chunky peanut butter on a part of our oak tree that sticks out and the little squirrels love it! Let's see you hang upside down by your toenails and eat sticky peanut butter! :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding."
Psalm 111:10 "Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him Praise his name forever!"
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures' it is understanding that an all-powerful, all-knowing God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.
Proverbs 3: 21-26 "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. they keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap."
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what is right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Judgment
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I was surprised to feel the cool air when I stepped outside this morning! 68 may not seem cool to some of you all, but after lows of high seventies, it was most welcome.
When I set out the sprinklers, I noticed and heard a mockingbird singing on our roof, and then saw another one with a twig in its beak flying to build a nest. Spring and summer all around! God is good!
As I walked out to the shelter yesterday, I noticed Mama gator a little distance away, almost submerged in the water. This one is younger than the Mama gator that built her nest at the old place. I didn't see any babies at first, but then one finally came out from under the bridge. I think they try to avoid people, because a coke can and water bottle and styrofoam cup were all thrown down where they hang out, and there is a trash can just across the boardwalk. I don't understand the thinking of people who do things like that. If I had had a "grabber" I would have picked the trash up. Sigh. Anyway, I walked on to the Tower and when I came back, Mama was under the shelter and two babies were out. She really guards them.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How will I be able to face the judgment of God?
Romans 5:9-10 "Since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's judgment. For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life."
Our hope is based on the fact that Jesus Christ stood in our place for judgment. God no longer looks at us as enemies but as friends-even as his own children.
Romans 8:1-2 Now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-given Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death."
Jesus Christ has relieved us from the threat of condemnation and death.
How does the future judgment affect my life now?
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 No one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have-Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 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 that 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."
The promise of salvation does not eliminate our responsibility. God has given us all that is necessary to lead meaningful, spiritually productive lives. We ignore his promises and provisions at great risk.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I set out the sprinklers, I noticed and heard a mockingbird singing on our roof, and then saw another one with a twig in its beak flying to build a nest. Spring and summer all around! God is good!
As I walked out to the shelter yesterday, I noticed Mama gator a little distance away, almost submerged in the water. This one is younger than the Mama gator that built her nest at the old place. I didn't see any babies at first, but then one finally came out from under the bridge. I think they try to avoid people, because a coke can and water bottle and styrofoam cup were all thrown down where they hang out, and there is a trash can just across the boardwalk. I don't understand the thinking of people who do things like that. If I had had a "grabber" I would have picked the trash up. Sigh. Anyway, I walked on to the Tower and when I came back, Mama was under the shelter and two babies were out. She really guards them.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How will I be able to face the judgment of God?
Romans 5:9-10 "Since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's judgment. For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life."
Our hope is based on the fact that Jesus Christ stood in our place for judgment. God no longer looks at us as enemies but as friends-even as his own children.
Romans 8:1-2 Now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-given Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death."
Jesus Christ has relieved us from the threat of condemnation and death.
How does the future judgment affect my life now?
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 No one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have-Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. 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 that 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."
The promise of salvation does not eliminate our responsibility. God has given us all that is necessary to lead meaningful, spiritually productive lives. We ignore his promises and provisions at great risk.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, May 12, 2008
Psoaring Thru Psalms
Good Monday 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 heavy and humid, but the wind was blowing. The stars were shining dimly, but it promises to be another beautiful summer day! God is good!
We saw two peacocks on our way into the Park yesterday. People were getting ready for picnics for Mother's day out. Birds were singing and the little screech owl was peeking out of her box. The anhingas spend about as much time airing their wings, as they do swimming under water for food. There is always something interesting to see at the park!
Psalm 119 NLT
Happy are people of integrity,
who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced
when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you by living as I should!
I will obey your principles.
Please don't give up on me!
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you , O Lord;
teach me your principles.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside this morning, the air was heavy and humid, but the wind was blowing. The stars were shining dimly, but it promises to be another beautiful summer day! God is good!
We saw two peacocks on our way into the Park yesterday. People were getting ready for picnics for Mother's day out. Birds were singing and the little screech owl was peeking out of her box. The anhingas spend about as much time airing their wings, as they do swimming under water for food. There is always something interesting to see at the park!
Psalm 119 NLT
Happy are people of integrity,
who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced
when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you by living as I should!
I will obey your principles.
Please don't give up on me!
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you , O Lord;
teach me your principles.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 9, 2008
Coping Skills
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, only Venus was visible, and puffy clouds were scudding across the sky with the wind pushing them.
I now have an amaryllis blooming! It is the first one since October, so both blooms are kinda out of season, but I'm happy about it! And yesterday, I received a beautiful pink rose and carnation bouquet from my boys and grandson, in a rose teapot. Life is good!
I walked out to the first covered shelter yesterday to see the baby gators, but none were in sight, so I stuck around looking under and at the sides, until the biggest one came out from under the bridge. So they were there - just hidden. On the way to the entrance bridge, I stopped to look at a black, shiny gator on the bank across the water. He was just enjoying the sun.
The mama screech owl was peering out of her box, with her tiny eyes taking in everything. Maybe one day I will see the baby owl. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
"My times are in your hand."
Psalm 31:15 NRSV
How we handle delays tells us a lot about ourselves. How do you handle a traffic jam when you left the house already late for work? What do you do when your flight is delayed because of mechanical difficulty or bad weather? How do you respond when the register in your checkout lane runs out of tape just as you get to the head of the line? Can you take a deep breath and enjoy a five minute break at the railroad crossing when the guard rail goes down to allow a train to pass?
Things rarely go as smoothly as we would like, and we don't usually schedule ourselves any extra time just in case something goes wrong.
The ability to accept disappointments, delays and setbacks with a pleasant, generous spirit is a gift of graciousness that comes from one who has received grace from others in pressured circumstances. Life is a series of choices, and no matter what situation we are in. we always have the freedom to choose how we are going to respond.
Refuse to get out of sorts the next time your schedule gets interrupted or turned upside down. Pray for strength to remain calm, cheerful, relaxed, and refreshed in the midst of the crisis. And always remember; God's plans for you are not thwarted by delays!
Never become irritable while waiting. If you are patient, you'll find that you can wait much faster.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I now have an amaryllis blooming! It is the first one since October, so both blooms are kinda out of season, but I'm happy about it! And yesterday, I received a beautiful pink rose and carnation bouquet from my boys and grandson, in a rose teapot. Life is good!
I walked out to the first covered shelter yesterday to see the baby gators, but none were in sight, so I stuck around looking under and at the sides, until the biggest one came out from under the bridge. So they were there - just hidden. On the way to the entrance bridge, I stopped to look at a black, shiny gator on the bank across the water. He was just enjoying the sun.
The mama screech owl was peering out of her box, with her tiny eyes taking in everything. Maybe one day I will see the baby owl. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
"My times are in your hand."
Psalm 31:15 NRSV
How we handle delays tells us a lot about ourselves. How do you handle a traffic jam when you left the house already late for work? What do you do when your flight is delayed because of mechanical difficulty or bad weather? How do you respond when the register in your checkout lane runs out of tape just as you get to the head of the line? Can you take a deep breath and enjoy a five minute break at the railroad crossing when the guard rail goes down to allow a train to pass?
Things rarely go as smoothly as we would like, and we don't usually schedule ourselves any extra time just in case something goes wrong.
The ability to accept disappointments, delays and setbacks with a pleasant, generous spirit is a gift of graciousness that comes from one who has received grace from others in pressured circumstances. Life is a series of choices, and no matter what situation we are in. we always have the freedom to choose how we are going to respond.
Refuse to get out of sorts the next time your schedule gets interrupted or turned upside down. Pray for strength to remain calm, cheerful, relaxed, and refreshed in the midst of the crisis. And always remember; God's plans for you are not thwarted by delays!
Never become irritable while waiting. If you are patient, you'll find that you can wait much faster.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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