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 hope some of you saw the sunrise this morning... Gorgeous! God had His paintbrush out and was using oranges and pinks liberally.
Yesterday I splashed along on the wet boardwalk, enjoying the coolness of the breeze on my skin, and visited Mama gator. She was back on the right side of the nest, in her usual spot with a flip-flop on her nose. People are still dropping things on her, trying to get her to move, I guess.
I went on out to the tower, passing and being passed by children and parents and "Meemaw" and saw an old timer regular, who said he had moved to Kissimmee. He was just here to visit family. He has a thick foreign accent and usually walks with weights and looks to be in good shape. Then there were some Vietnamese, well dressed ladies and a guy. All kinds of people enjoy Sawgrass! God is good!
From the Book Quiet Moments with God:
Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest.
The story is told of a potato farmer who encountered some problems due to hot weather. Because potatoes are a very temperamental crop and must be in the ground a certain period of time, the farmer was concerned that the planting be done on time.
The weather broke, however, and he planted the potatoes only five days late. As the cultivation process began, everything looked good except for two plots where weeds began to grow out of control two weeks before the harvest. It was too late to destroy the weeds. The farmer had to let them keep growing.
Another more severe problem emerged when a truck strike interfered with the targeted harvest date. the farmer knew that leaving his potatoes too long in the Arizona summer heat would destroy the crop. In the meantime, the "carpet weeds" continued to flourish and provided an almost blanket-like protection over the potatoes, while taller weeds gave additional shade..
Later as the harvesters examined the fields, they discovered that wherever the weeds had grown up, there was no spoilage of potatoes. In weed-free areas, the potatoes were ruined because of the heat. The weeds saved his crops. He had only 5 percent spoilage.
God often uses seemingly adverse circumstances to shield and shade us from "spoilage" in our lives. The very "weeds" we chafe about-petty irritations, chronic interruptions, "Irregular" people-are often the means He uses to enhance our ultimate growth and develop a harvest of Godly character in us.
Nothing with God can be accidental.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
What a Friend
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the Monday morning that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I stepped outside to a wet world after the rain last night. Dripping trees and running gutters, but it makes up for all the dry weather we went through this spring.
My foot felt so good Saturday, I went for a walk to see Mama gator and she had moved so her nose was pointing toward the nest hill. I am wondering if the eggs are almost ready to hatch, although it won't be sixty five days until toward the end of this month. Anyway, I will try to get out there more often, if the foot stays healthy. God is Good!
When I walked into church yesterday, the first thing I saw on the screen were these words... I thought what a good reminder this would be for all of us...
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Joseph Scriven & Charles Converse
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged--take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness--take it to the Lord in prayer!
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge--take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake You? Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In his arms he'll take and shield You--You will find a solace there.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My foot felt so good Saturday, I went for a walk to see Mama gator and she had moved so her nose was pointing toward the nest hill. I am wondering if the eggs are almost ready to hatch, although it won't be sixty five days until toward the end of this month. Anyway, I will try to get out there more often, if the foot stays healthy. God is Good!
When I walked into church yesterday, the first thing I saw on the screen were these words... I thought what a good reminder this would be for all of us...
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Joseph Scriven & Charles Converse
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged--take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness--take it to the Lord in prayer!
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge--take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake You? Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In his arms he'll take and shield You--You will find a solace there.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, August 1, 2008
Blessings
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! Happy first day of August! So far, it doesn't seem any different than July, but maybe we will start noticing a few changes toward the end of the month.
"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth."
Yesterday, because of my arthritic foot, I only walked a short distance to the canal at the park, and stood watching a great white heron preening his glowing, white feathers, while a flock of ibis pecked around nearby. A curious squirrel peered at me from the oak tree I was standing under, thinking about peanuts, no doubt.
Then I saw a squirrel chasing a Cooper's hawk out of a tree! Apparently, the squirrel must have had a nest nearby and didn't want the hawk around. However, after the hawk moved to another branch, he stayed there smoothing his ruffled feathers! God is Awesome!
The little lizard that I wrote about yesterday, has gone someplace else, but I didn't feel sticky little feet on my face last night!
An Irish blessing:
May God grant you always...
A sunbeam to warm you,
a moonbeam to charm you,
a sheltering, Angel
so nothing can harm you.
Faithful friends near you,
And whenever you pray,
Heaven to hear you .
Prayer
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
Unuttered or expressed,
The motion of a hidden fire
that trembles in the breast.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
the upward glancing of an eye,
when none but God is near.
James Montgomery
(1771-1854)
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth."
Yesterday, because of my arthritic foot, I only walked a short distance to the canal at the park, and stood watching a great white heron preening his glowing, white feathers, while a flock of ibis pecked around nearby. A curious squirrel peered at me from the oak tree I was standing under, thinking about peanuts, no doubt.
Then I saw a squirrel chasing a Cooper's hawk out of a tree! Apparently, the squirrel must have had a nest nearby and didn't want the hawk around. However, after the hawk moved to another branch, he stayed there smoothing his ruffled feathers! God is Awesome!
The little lizard that I wrote about yesterday, has gone someplace else, but I didn't feel sticky little feet on my face last night!
An Irish blessing:
May God grant you always...
A sunbeam to warm you,
a moonbeam to charm you,
a sheltering, Angel
so nothing can harm you.
Faithful friends near you,
And whenever you pray,
Heaven to hear you .
Prayer
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
Unuttered or expressed,
The motion of a hidden fire
that trembles in the breast.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
the upward glancing of an eye,
when none but God is near.
James Montgomery
(1771-1854)
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Hope
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! Our rain came later yesterday, so it was good to be able to get out and run errands in the morning. Everything is very wet and drippy this morning and I have a young lizard staring at me from the curtain behind this PC. He has been in the house about a week. I wish Matthew was still with us, because he is a great lizard catcher!
The water at the Park is very high now and plentiful. The trees that are touching the water, seem to be even lower, now, so I guess the tree crew will have to come in and remove them. They have to get in a boat and work in the mud... quite a job! But God is good and we need the rain.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 146: 5-10 Happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the one who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He is the one who keeps every promise forever; who gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads. the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects the foreigners among their loads. The Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever, O Jerusalem, your God is King for every generation! Praise the Lord!
Our hope is rooted in the wonderful acts of God in creation and history. the Bible gives full testimony to the fact that God is able to deliver us from any and every circumstance. He will either get us out of it or bring us through it--for his glory and our joy.
I pray that God , who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through 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
The water at the Park is very high now and plentiful. The trees that are touching the water, seem to be even lower, now, so I guess the tree crew will have to come in and remove them. They have to get in a boat and work in the mud... quite a job! But God is good and we need the rain.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 146: 5-10 Happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the one who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He is the one who keeps every promise forever; who gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads. the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects the foreigners among their loads. The Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever, O Jerusalem, your God is King for every generation! Praise the Lord!
Our hope is rooted in the wonderful acts of God in creation and history. the Bible gives full testimony to the fact that God is able to deliver us from any and every circumstance. He will either get us out of it or bring us through it--for his glory and our joy.
I pray that God , who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through 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
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Psoaring thru Psalm 91
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 early this morning, the very thin crescent moon was low in the east and cupped. I could see the shadow of the rest of the moon above it. Awesome! It probably won't be visible at all tomorrow, as it completes it cycle.
Well, once again yesterday, we had a rainy morning, but a hot, sunny afternoon! The towering white clouds are showing this morning, but, so far, no rain. We did our errands yesterday afternoon after the rain and took a ride through the drippy Park. Quite a few people there, and workers cleaning out the weir, where all the washed down trash accumulates.
An anhinga was drying its wings on one of the rails and a tourist stopped his car and walked over to see it. I wish he could have seen a great white heron slapping a fish, trying to swallow it! Now, that's a sight! God is Marvelous!
Psalm 91 NLT:
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High,
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare of the Lord
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety"
he is my God, and I am trusting him.
For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from the fatal plague.
He will shield you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor fear the dangers of the day,
nor dread the plague that stalks in Darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around
you, these evils will not touch you.
But you will see how the wicked are punished.
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.
They 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 be with them in trouble.
I will rescue them and honor them.
I will satisfy them with a long life
and give them my salvation."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, once again yesterday, we had a rainy morning, but a hot, sunny afternoon! The towering white clouds are showing this morning, but, so far, no rain. We did our errands yesterday afternoon after the rain and took a ride through the drippy Park. Quite a few people there, and workers cleaning out the weir, where all the washed down trash accumulates.
An anhinga was drying its wings on one of the rails and a tourist stopped his car and walked over to see it. I wish he could have seen a great white heron slapping a fish, trying to swallow it! Now, that's a sight! God is Marvelous!
Psalm 91 NLT:
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High,
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare of the Lord
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety"
he is my God, and I am trusting him.
For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from the fatal plague.
He will shield you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor fear the dangers of the day,
nor dread the plague that stalks in Darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around
you, these evils will not touch you.
But you will see how the wicked are punished.
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.
They 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 be with them in trouble.
I will rescue them and honor them.
I will satisfy them with a long life
and give them my salvation."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
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!
When I stepped outside this morning, in the dark, the thin moon was shining brightly with stars twinkling all around, now, however, I hear the "rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed." How Great Thou Art!" And the rain just started!
Well, the Mexican petunias are loving the rain. They are a lovely purple and the crape myrtle is pink and just about through blooming. Strangely enough, this rain has brought blooms to the azaleas in the hot summer! God is good!
We drove through the Park in the heat of the afternoon, yesterday and saw quite a few cars there...people walking in the heat and not seeming to mind it. I know that after this rain quits this morning, the sun will come out and we will be hot again. But that's okay, after all this is Florida in summer!
From Quiet Moments with God:
The very God of Peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. "
1 Thessalonians 5:23 NIV
A benediction is the pronouncing of a divine blessing. It is usually associated with the final words of a worship service, given by a spiritual leader, but you can give yourself a benediction right where your are, this very day!
The only requirement for a benediction is this; that no sin or unforgiveness stands between you and the Lord Jesus Christ. If you question the purity of your heart, today is a good time to ask the Lord to cleanse you and renew a right spirit within you.
Then pronounce this benediction upon yourself. Speak it with faith and boldness, in full confidence that the Lord desires this blessing to take root in you and bear good fruit. If you have a family, you may want to pronounce a blessing on them or on each member individually.
The benediction inscribed at Gloucester Cathedral is one you may want to use:
Go on your way in peace.
Be of good courage.
Hold fast that which is good.
Render to no man evil for evil.
Strengthen the fainthearted.
Support the weak.
Help and cheer the sick.
Honor all men.
Love and serve the Lord.
May the blessing of God be upon you
And remain with you forever.
So be it. And have a blessed good night!
It is distrust of God to be troubled
about what is to come.
Impatience against God
to be troubles with what is
present; and anger at God to
be troubled for what is past.
Simon Patrick
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, in the dark, the thin moon was shining brightly with stars twinkling all around, now, however, I hear the "rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed." How Great Thou Art!" And the rain just started!
Well, the Mexican petunias are loving the rain. They are a lovely purple and the crape myrtle is pink and just about through blooming. Strangely enough, this rain has brought blooms to the azaleas in the hot summer! God is good!
We drove through the Park in the heat of the afternoon, yesterday and saw quite a few cars there...people walking in the heat and not seeming to mind it. I know that after this rain quits this morning, the sun will come out and we will be hot again. But that's okay, after all this is Florida in summer!
From Quiet Moments with God:
The very God of Peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. "
1 Thessalonians 5:23 NIV
A benediction is the pronouncing of a divine blessing. It is usually associated with the final words of a worship service, given by a spiritual leader, but you can give yourself a benediction right where your are, this very day!
The only requirement for a benediction is this; that no sin or unforgiveness stands between you and the Lord Jesus Christ. If you question the purity of your heart, today is a good time to ask the Lord to cleanse you and renew a right spirit within you.
Then pronounce this benediction upon yourself. Speak it with faith and boldness, in full confidence that the Lord desires this blessing to take root in you and bear good fruit. If you have a family, you may want to pronounce a blessing on them or on each member individually.
The benediction inscribed at Gloucester Cathedral is one you may want to use:
Go on your way in peace.
Be of good courage.
Hold fast that which is good.
Render to no man evil for evil.
Strengthen the fainthearted.
Support the weak.
Help and cheer the sick.
Honor all men.
Love and serve the Lord.
May the blessing of God be upon you
And remain with you forever.
So be it. And have a blessed good night!
It is distrust of God to be troubled
about what is to come.
Impatience against God
to be troubles with what is
present; and anger at God to
be troubled for what is past.
Simon Patrick
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 28, 2008
almost noon devotional
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Who knew we would have a rainy morning? When I stepped outside about 5:30am, the crescent moon was shining brightly amongst the sparkly stars in the eastern sky, which was clear at the time. Well, anyway, this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
On my way the dentist, which is why I am so late, I saw a beautiful rainbow right in front as we traveled west for awhile! God is Awesome!
I walked Saturday morning out to Mama Gator's nest and spoke to her. The water is now so high that she is completely covered except for her head. I saw lots of lizards running about, and once more, dragonflies flitting all around, hopefully catching mosquitoes. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why should I be faithful?
Proverbs 3:3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace, write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
One of our greatest securities in life is that of a good name. Faithfulness brings a good reputation and trust from others. When we have problems, sometimes our reputation can be the key to a positive outcome.
Hebrews 3:14 if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
A reward in heaven awaits those who are faithful to God. Faithfulness brings eternal rewards.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
On my way the dentist, which is why I am so late, I saw a beautiful rainbow right in front as we traveled west for awhile! God is Awesome!
I walked Saturday morning out to Mama Gator's nest and spoke to her. The water is now so high that she is completely covered except for her head. I saw lots of lizards running about, and once more, dragonflies flitting all around, hopefully catching mosquitoes. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why should I be faithful?
Proverbs 3:3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace, write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
One of our greatest securities in life is that of a good name. Faithfulness brings a good reputation and trust from others. When we have problems, sometimes our reputation can be the key to a positive outcome.
Hebrews 3:14 if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
A reward in heaven awaits those who are faithful to God. Faithfulness brings eternal rewards.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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