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! Although it is cloudy and very overcast, I saw the moon much earlier trying to peek through the surrounding clouds. We had another good thunderstorm last night, and I think the rain has caused my phone to go berserk. It has a lot of static, so I called Verizon to see if I could get it repaired soon.
I was so busy yesterday, I didn't have time to walk in the Park, but did my exercising in Walmart... from one side to the other, The scenery is not nearly so relaxing there and is certainly not peaceful and quiet, but it does require a lot of walking!
I, of course, had to drive through the Park on our way home and noticed that once again, the water had gone over the weir, and lots of trash washed down from the houses backing up to the canal. Lots of food for the ibises who were busy pecking in the ground and not many people out because of the sprinkles. But God is good and He provides for our needs!
From the book Quiet Moments with God for teachers:
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
2 Samuel 22:33
The sun is barely up and that annoying alarm clock is blaring in your ear. Groggily you reach over and fumble around until you hit the snooze button. Just a few more minutes, you think, and then I can get up and face the day. The alarm sounds again. You know you can't put it off any longer.
After a couple of cups of coffee, your brain is finally humming. Now the question is, which of today's tasks should you tackle first? Before you head off to work, you might seek inspiration from this prayer written by Jacob Boehme, a German shoemaker who was born more than 400 years ago.
Rule over me this day, O God, leading me on the path of righteousness. Put your Word in my mind and your Truth in my heart, that this day I neither think nor feel anything except what is good and honest. Protect me from all lies and falsehood, helping me to discern deception wherever I meet it. Let my eyes always look straight ahead on the road you wish me to tread, that I might not be tempted by any distraction. And make my eyes pure, that no false desires may be awakened within me.
A day without distractions,
focused only on the important.
A day viewed through pure eyes.
A day marked by goodness and
honesty. A day of clear direction
and no deception. A day without
falsehood and lies. A day in
which God's Word rules our
minds and his truth reigns
in our hearts. Now that's
a day worth getting up for!
William Cowper
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wisdom
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!
When I stepped outside earlier, the football shaped moon was trying to beam through the layer of clouds and was indeed, casting some light.
What a thunderstorm we had yesterday evening! The water still had not dried up in our gutters and now there is more!
I took a walk out to the tower at the Park yesterday, even though it was getting oppressively warm. I stopped at the gator nest and looked and looked for Mama gator. If she was there, she was hiding under a thick canopy of ferns. But then I walked on to the tower where a lot of trash and lilies have washed in, and there was a big gator amidst the trash... looked like Mama gator taking a break, but I couldn't be sure.
I was just in time to see an osprey swoop up from the water with a fish in it's claws and make a beeline toward it's nest, which is probably the one on top of a field light pole at Sawgrass Elementary. Then I watched as two more ospreys glided and soared in their graceful flight around and around the lake. They didn't hover as I was hoping, but they were still beautiful.
Many dragonflies were flying back and forth in front of me, catching mosquitoes, I hope! God is Good!
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 wee 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's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and
situations.
Proverbs 9:11-12 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
Psalm 25:8-9 The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in what is right, teaching them his way.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Heed his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside earlier, the football shaped moon was trying to beam through the layer of clouds and was indeed, casting some light.
What a thunderstorm we had yesterday evening! The water still had not dried up in our gutters and now there is more!
I took a walk out to the tower at the Park yesterday, even though it was getting oppressively warm. I stopped at the gator nest and looked and looked for Mama gator. If she was there, she was hiding under a thick canopy of ferns. But then I walked on to the tower where a lot of trash and lilies have washed in, and there was a big gator amidst the trash... looked like Mama gator taking a break, but I couldn't be sure.
I was just in time to see an osprey swoop up from the water with a fish in it's claws and make a beeline toward it's nest, which is probably the one on top of a field light pole at Sawgrass Elementary. Then I watched as two more ospreys glided and soared in their graceful flight around and around the lake. They didn't hover as I was hoping, but they were still beautiful.
Many dragonflies were flying back and forth in front of me, catching mosquitoes, I hope! God is Good!
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 wee 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's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and
situations.
Proverbs 9:11-12 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
Psalm 25:8-9 The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in what is right, teaching them his way.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Heed his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 21, 2008
Presence of God
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! A little late this morning, but this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! As I stepped outside this morning, the moon was getting a little lop-sided, as it wanes, but was slightly hazy. No stars were visible, but the sky seemed cloudless... a beautiful warm day ahead!
Yesterday was so hot, we stayed in as much as possible after church, but did get out for a short ride to the park. Only about five cars were there... the brave ones walking in the heat. It doesn't seem to bother the ibises or the herons or the squirrels, who are always running about , and the ibis are always poking intently in the ground. God is good!
We also drove over to Joe's Creek Park, but only one car was there. It's a nice small park with a good walking trail, but not used very much.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Is it possible to experience God's presence today?
Hebrews 10:22-24 Let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him. For our evil consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.
During Old Testament times, God's presence was expressed in limited ways. For example, the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies only once a year. In Jesus Christ, the veil between us and God is torn away, and we all enter freely into his presence. Let's not take for granted the privilege that is ours.
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.
Colossians 1:22 Now he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
When we have a free pass to an event, we do not hesitate to enter. We are given the privilege of admission based on the generosity of the giver.Our faith in Jesus Christ is God's free pass to his presence. When we put our trust in Jesus Christ, we can enter God's presence confidently.
Are there times or places when God leaves me?
Joshua 1:9 I command you--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday was so hot, we stayed in as much as possible after church, but did get out for a short ride to the park. Only about five cars were there... the brave ones walking in the heat. It doesn't seem to bother the ibises or the herons or the squirrels, who are always running about , and the ibis are always poking intently in the ground. God is good!
We also drove over to Joe's Creek Park, but only one car was there. It's a nice small park with a good walking trail, but not used very much.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Is it possible to experience God's presence today?
Hebrews 10:22-24 Let us go right into the presence of God, with true hearts fully trusting him. For our evil consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.
During Old Testament times, God's presence was expressed in limited ways. For example, the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies only once a year. In Jesus Christ, the veil between us and God is torn away, and we all enter freely into his presence. Let's not take for granted the privilege that is ours.
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.
Colossians 1:22 Now he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
When we have a free pass to an event, we do not hesitate to enter. We are given the privilege of admission based on the generosity of the giver.Our faith in Jesus Christ is God's free pass to his presence. When we put our trust in Jesus Christ, we can enter God's presence confidently.
Are there times or places when God leaves me?
Joshua 1:9 I command you--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, July 18, 2008
Rescue
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! And it is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
This morning, for the first time in a week, I saw stars, when I stepped outside. that means the sky is clear and no rain for today! Be careful what you pray for because just last month I was praying for rain. Wow, Did the Lord ever answer!
I did my daily walk at the VA hospital yesterday. That place is huge! I am sure that I walked a mile in increments, most of it pushing Louis in a wheelchair, because his legs give out after just a short distance. But I am thankful for the caring staff and doctors who do a great job of caring for our veterans and always thank him for serving his country, so many years ago.
We drove through the park and noticed the high water, which flowed over the weir during the hard rain Wednesday. The canal is up, also, and grass is growing in our front yard. Everybody is out mowing. God is good!
Two squirrels came up to me looking for peanuts,which they are not supposed to have, at the first shelter when I walked the other day. Someone had been feeding them and they get used to it, but I just told them I did not have anything for them. :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How will God rescue those who depend on him?
Psalm 91:9-16 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone. You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will answer them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation."
The Lord gives us absolute assurance: "I will rescue those who love me." This passage does not give us license to be reckless, But it gives us the promise that when people and circumstances turn against us, God is for us.
Psalm 6:4 Return, O Lord, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love.
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 not only for our welfare, but for his glory.
Psalm 72:12-14 He will rescue the poor when they cry to him, he will help the oppressed who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them. He will save them from oppression and from violence, for their lives are precious to him.
No situation is too difficult for the Lord. The greater our need, the greater the depth of his love and compassion for us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
This morning, for the first time in a week, I saw stars, when I stepped outside. that means the sky is clear and no rain for today! Be careful what you pray for because just last month I was praying for rain. Wow, Did the Lord ever answer!
I did my daily walk at the VA hospital yesterday. That place is huge! I am sure that I walked a mile in increments, most of it pushing Louis in a wheelchair, because his legs give out after just a short distance. But I am thankful for the caring staff and doctors who do a great job of caring for our veterans and always thank him for serving his country, so many years ago.
We drove through the park and noticed the high water, which flowed over the weir during the hard rain Wednesday. The canal is up, also, and grass is growing in our front yard. Everybody is out mowing. God is good!
Two squirrels came up to me looking for peanuts,which they are not supposed to have, at the first shelter when I walked the other day. Someone had been feeding them and they get used to it, but I just told them I did not have anything for them. :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How will God rescue those who depend on him?
Psalm 91:9-16 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone. You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will answer them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation."
The Lord gives us absolute assurance: "I will rescue those who love me." This passage does not give us license to be reckless, But it gives us the promise that when people and circumstances turn against us, God is for us.
Psalm 6:4 Return, O Lord, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love.
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 not only for our welfare, but for his glory.
Psalm 72:12-14 He will rescue the poor when they cry to him, he will help the oppressed who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them. He will save them from oppression and from violence, for their lives are precious to him.
No situation is too difficult for the Lord. The greater our need, the greater the depth of his love and compassion for us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Psalm 139
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We are having a downpour right now, but I am hoping for dry weather tomorrow for the drive to the VA. (I am writing this Wed. night).
Today I walked unexpectedly out to see Mama gator. Unexpectedly, because I did not have my walking shoes on, and only intended to go a little ways. But, anyway, I looked and looked and then saw her behind the nest almost hidden. She is very vigilant.
I had an ultrasound on my heart today, and as I looked at the screen I could see and hear the heart as it beat and heard it sound like a washing machine. I couldn't help thinking how we are "fearfully and wonderfully made", so that is why some quotes from Psalm 139 are being passed on to you.
Psalm 139 NIV
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me,
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.
You hem me in---behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.
too lofty for me to attain.
For you created my inmost being.
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
...Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts
See if there is any offensive way
in me and lead me in the way everlasting.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Pious thoughts...
See if there is any offensive way
in me and lead me in the way everlasting.
Today I walked unexpectedly out to see Mama gator. Unexpectedly, because I did not have my walking shoes on, and only intended to go a little ways. But, anyway, I looked and looked and then saw her behind the nest almost hidden. She is very vigilant.
I had an ultrasound on my heart today, and as I looked at the screen I could see and hear the heart as it beat and heard it sound like a washing machine. I couldn't help thinking how we are "fearfully and wonderfully made", so that is why some quotes from Psalm 139 are being passed on to you.
Psalm 139 NIV
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me,
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.
You hem me in---behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.
too lofty for me to attain.
For you created my inmost being.
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
...Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts
See if there is any offensive way
in me and lead me in the way everlasting.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Pious thoughts...
See if there is any offensive way
in me and lead me in the way everlasting.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Hope
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the rainy morning that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Due to an early morning appointment to have a heart monitor attached, I am a little late. Tomorrow I have to go at the same time and have it removed, so I may not make it at all.
I drove by a moorhen family beside the street, near a ditch and was thinking how faithful they are to each other. Ma and Pa are together for life and the little ones are under their protection until they are on their own. Humans could use them for a model.
As we came out of the park today, two community service workers were cleaning out the trash washed down from the canal behind the houses and a gator was swimming down the water toward them. I wanted to stay and watch their reaction, but didn't. I think they would move out of the way!
Two of my favorite verses:
There is surely a future hope for you and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18
This was from an Edwards pie box.
Romans 15:13 NKJV 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Due to an early morning appointment to have a heart monitor attached, I am a little late. Tomorrow I have to go at the same time and have it removed, so I may not make it at all.
I drove by a moorhen family beside the street, near a ditch and was thinking how faithful they are to each other. Ma and Pa are together for life and the little ones are under their protection until they are on their own. Humans could use them for a model.
As we came out of the park today, two community service workers were cleaning out the trash washed down from the canal behind the houses and a gator was swimming down the water toward them. I wanted to stay and watch their reaction, but didn't. I think they would move out of the way!
Two of my favorite verses:
There is surely a future hope for you and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18
This was from an Edwards pie box.
Romans 15:13 NKJV 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 14, 2008
Wisdom from Ephesians
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! What a rain we had Saturday night and Sunday! I was awakened at midnight by the sound of the pouring rain and when I awoke Sunday morning it was still raining, but the rain stopped for us to go to church and didn't start again until we were home! God is good!
God gives us beauty everywhere, even in unlikely places. As I was driving home Saturday along a street with ditches on each side, there in the ditch were two roseate spoonbills, just glorious with their very pink feathers! I also saw one at our lake just a block or so away.
When we drove through the soggy park, I noticed how full the canal is, and saw a great blue heron smacking a fish on the ground, so he could swallow it! Very cool!
Living by the Spirit's Power; 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 do do. ...Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in our hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus 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 your 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
God gives us beauty everywhere, even in unlikely places. As I was driving home Saturday along a street with ditches on each side, there in the ditch were two roseate spoonbills, just glorious with their very pink feathers! I also saw one at our lake just a block or so away.
When we drove through the soggy park, I noticed how full the canal is, and saw a great blue heron smacking a fish on the ground, so he could swallow it! Very cool!
Living by the Spirit's Power; 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 do do. ...Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in our hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus 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 your 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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