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! Rain is predicted for most of today, but we will wait and see. The wind is blowing the trees outside my window, which helps cool the air down.
We have several bird of paradise blooms on our large plant, and a lone azalea bravely blooming in front... from all the rain, I guess. It is very much out of season!
I took a walk yesterday, and looked and looked for the Mama gator that made her nest in such a strange place, Unless she is under the boardwalk (reminds me of a song), I don't know where she could hang out, because of so little water. I hope to see her one day soon.
Meantime, I walked on to visit Mama gator, who was patiently waiting , as usual, for the eggs to make a noise... probably the end of this month. I spoke to her, but she just looked at me sleepily.
God is Awesome!
Seems that there have been so many attacks lately against friends and family, I just read more and more scripture to give comfort and assurance that God is in control.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I experience contentment
1 Timothy 6:6:7 True religion with contentment is great wealth. After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Contentment begins with realizing our eternal destiny. It isn't how much we own, but where we are headed. When we realize that there is more to life than our time on earth, everything takes on a new value.
How can we find freedom from the sins of comparison, competition, and jealousy that disturb our contentment?
The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green meadows.; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Contentment is found in God's continual care for us. The opening verses of this beloved psalm remind us that God guards us with his love, rest, protection. provision, and direction. Nothing else in this world can satisfy us as deeply and completely.
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid , for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
God's Armor
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! When I stepped outside in the darkness this morning, the sky was covered with clouds. Amazing how they all clear off in just a couple hours and the sky becomes blue again!
God is good!
I didn't have time to walk yesterday, before the heat set in, but did ride through the park and enjoyed seeing the ibis and the egrets. Turtles were drying and sunning on the banks of the weir.
I noticed, Francia, the teacher, was back, preparing the classroom for the students who will come. I thought maybe this would be the year she would retire, but she loves her work. She knows more about critters than I ever will. She picks up roadkill, takes it home and buries it, and then brings the bones into the classroom for instruction. Her car has a different "air" about it! :o)
Excerpts from Ephesians NLT:
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
For your struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the ruler, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand. In addition to the armor, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Eph. 6:10-13
May God give you peace, dear brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace be upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Amen
Eph.6:23,24
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
God is good!
I didn't have time to walk yesterday, before the heat set in, but did ride through the park and enjoyed seeing the ibis and the egrets. Turtles were drying and sunning on the banks of the weir.
I noticed, Francia, the teacher, was back, preparing the classroom for the students who will come. I thought maybe this would be the year she would retire, but she loves her work. She knows more about critters than I ever will. She picks up roadkill, takes it home and buries it, and then brings the bones into the classroom for instruction. Her car has a different "air" about it! :o)
Excerpts from Ephesians NLT:
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
For your struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the ruler, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand. In addition to the armor, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Eph. 6:10-13
May God give you peace, dear brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace be upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Amen
Eph.6:23,24
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Conflict
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 thought today was the day for seeing a meteor shower early, but when I stepped outside the clouds were so covering the sky, that I couldn't see even a star!
I walked yesterday, even though it was already too warm, and stopped at the new gator nest, but not a sign of Mom gator. Really, it is so far from the water, I don't know how the little ones will find food when they hatch. I guess that is for Mama to worry about. I walked on to the tower, stopping at Mama gator's nest to speak to her, and found her on the back by the nest again. She was looking at me, but didn't move. There are now a bottle and a root beer can tossed into her lair. Sigh.
At the tower I enjoyed the strong wind, making waves on the lake, and was pleased to see an osprey perched on a limb overlooking the water. Rarely, do I see them in a tree. God is good!
The worker I was talking to the other day, told me that they saw a coyote near the entrance gate a few days ago, eating a turtle. I guess the county is so urbanized, they take food where they can find it.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Shouldn't those who believe in Jesus Christ be free from conflict?
Psalm 27:1-3 The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger-so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident.
Evil is inevitable. Because we live in a fallen world filled with broken people, we will find ourselves in many types of conflict. Our focus should not be on the dark forces that attack me but on the Lord who defends us.
Psalm 55:18 He rescues me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, even though many still oppose me.
While God doesn't keep us out of all conflict, he is present with us in it.
How can I find strength to respond to conflict in God's way?
Matthew 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
Romans 12:19-21 Dear Friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, "I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it,"says the Lord. Instead, do what the Scriptures say; "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you." Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.
1 Peter 3:9-12 Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you do do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, "If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."
Peace lies in the power of love, not the love of power. If we trust in God. he promises to protect and vindicate us. Followers of Christ know better than to take revenge into their own hands. They know that fighting according to the world's ways brings even greater problems. We are to practice "the principle of paradox.:"bless when cursed, give when threatened, and feed those who would take our food. This principle unleashes God's power into the situation.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I walked yesterday, even though it was already too warm, and stopped at the new gator nest, but not a sign of Mom gator. Really, it is so far from the water, I don't know how the little ones will find food when they hatch. I guess that is for Mama to worry about. I walked on to the tower, stopping at Mama gator's nest to speak to her, and found her on the back by the nest again. She was looking at me, but didn't move. There are now a bottle and a root beer can tossed into her lair. Sigh.
At the tower I enjoyed the strong wind, making waves on the lake, and was pleased to see an osprey perched on a limb overlooking the water. Rarely, do I see them in a tree. God is good!
The worker I was talking to the other day, told me that they saw a coyote near the entrance gate a few days ago, eating a turtle. I guess the county is so urbanized, they take food where they can find it.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Shouldn't those who believe in Jesus Christ be free from conflict?
Psalm 27:1-3 The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger-so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident.
Evil is inevitable. Because we live in a fallen world filled with broken people, we will find ourselves in many types of conflict. Our focus should not be on the dark forces that attack me but on the Lord who defends us.
Psalm 55:18 He rescues me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, even though many still oppose me.
While God doesn't keep us out of all conflict, he is present with us in it.
How can I find strength to respond to conflict in God's way?
Matthew 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
Romans 12:19-21 Dear Friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, "I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it,"says the Lord. Instead, do what the Scriptures say; "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you." Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.
1 Peter 3:9-12 Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you do do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, "If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."
Peace lies in the power of love, not the love of power. If we trust in God. he promises to protect and vindicate us. Followers of Christ know better than to take revenge into their own hands. They know that fighting according to the world's ways brings even greater problems. We are to practice "the principle of paradox.:"bless when cursed, give when threatened, and feed those who would take our food. This principle unleashes God's power into the situation.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, August 11, 2008
Letting Go
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 before dawn, the air was cooler and drier. I think a cool front must have come through. Yay!
I took a nice walk Saturday morning, and before I got very far, one of the guys I have known for a long while came along in his cart, and stopped to talk with me. I hardly see any of them any more because they have three parks to take care of. Anyway, he wanted to share with me his feelings about the upcoming layoffs. He has physical problems that would prevent him from hard work most anywhere else, so doesn't really know what to do when the time comes. He is single and his Mom , who is in bad health, lives with him, so he doesn't have a lot to be joyful about. I told him I prayed for him daily, and he said he was glad someone did!
He showed me a new gator nest, very close to the boardwalk, in an unexpected place that not many people know about. I am anxious to see it again. After he talked with me, he left, so I think he just wanted to talk. Anyway, I walked on to Mama gator, and spoke to her, and was surprised when she turned and moved right under me, and popped her head out of the water. I wondered, "can gators hear? And did she recognize my voice?" So, I came home and looked on the internet, and sure enough, gators have ears right behind their eyes! They have flaps to keep the water out, just as their noses do. God is Amazing!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14 KJV
A spider monkey is a difficult monkey to capture in the wild, in Central and South America. It is quick as lightning and nearly always faster than the quickest trap.
Then somebody discovered the best method for capturing this elusive creature. they found that if you take a clear narrow mouth glass bottle, put one peanut inside it, and wait, you can catch a spider monkey.
What happens? The spider monkey reaches into the bottle to get the peanut, and it can't get its hand out of the bottle as long as it is clenching the peanut. The bottle is so heavy in proportion to its size, it can't drag it along--and the spider monkey is too persistent to let go of a peanut once it has grasped it. In fact, you can dump a wheelbarrow full of peanuts or bananas right next to it, and it still won't let go of that one peanut.
How many of us are like that--unwilling to change a habit, be a little flexible, try a new method, or give up something we know is bringing destruction to our lives? We stubbornly cling to our way , even if it brings pain and suffering.
Today, don't cling to a negative situation that may be draining you of your full vitality, energy, creativity, and enthusiasm for living. As the well-known phrase advises, "Let go and let God!"
Trust the Lord to lead you to the wise counsel and new opportunities He has for you. Have faith in Him to provide what you truly need to live a peaceful, balanced, and fulfilling life. You may never lose your taste for peanuts, but with the Lord's help you can discern when they are trapped in glass bottles!
I asked God for all things so I
could enjoy life. He gave me life
so I could enjoy all things.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I took a nice walk Saturday morning, and before I got very far, one of the guys I have known for a long while came along in his cart, and stopped to talk with me. I hardly see any of them any more because they have three parks to take care of. Anyway, he wanted to share with me his feelings about the upcoming layoffs. He has physical problems that would prevent him from hard work most anywhere else, so doesn't really know what to do when the time comes. He is single and his Mom , who is in bad health, lives with him, so he doesn't have a lot to be joyful about. I told him I prayed for him daily, and he said he was glad someone did!
He showed me a new gator nest, very close to the boardwalk, in an unexpected place that not many people know about. I am anxious to see it again. After he talked with me, he left, so I think he just wanted to talk. Anyway, I walked on to Mama gator, and spoke to her, and was surprised when she turned and moved right under me, and popped her head out of the water. I wondered, "can gators hear? And did she recognize my voice?" So, I came home and looked on the internet, and sure enough, gators have ears right behind their eyes! They have flaps to keep the water out, just as their noses do. God is Amazing!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14 KJV
A spider monkey is a difficult monkey to capture in the wild, in Central and South America. It is quick as lightning and nearly always faster than the quickest trap.
Then somebody discovered the best method for capturing this elusive creature. they found that if you take a clear narrow mouth glass bottle, put one peanut inside it, and wait, you can catch a spider monkey.
What happens? The spider monkey reaches into the bottle to get the peanut, and it can't get its hand out of the bottle as long as it is clenching the peanut. The bottle is so heavy in proportion to its size, it can't drag it along--and the spider monkey is too persistent to let go of a peanut once it has grasped it. In fact, you can dump a wheelbarrow full of peanuts or bananas right next to it, and it still won't let go of that one peanut.
How many of us are like that--unwilling to change a habit, be a little flexible, try a new method, or give up something we know is bringing destruction to our lives? We stubbornly cling to our way , even if it brings pain and suffering.
Today, don't cling to a negative situation that may be draining you of your full vitality, energy, creativity, and enthusiasm for living. As the well-known phrase advises, "Let go and let God!"
Trust the Lord to lead you to the wise counsel and new opportunities He has for you. Have faith in Him to provide what you truly need to live a peaceful, balanced, and fulfilling life. You may never lose your taste for peanuts, but with the Lord's help you can discern when they are trapped in glass bottles!
I asked God for all things so I
could enjoy life. He gave me life
so I could enjoy all things.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, August 8, 2008
Happy 08-08-08!
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!
What a surprise when I stepped outside in the pre-dawn darkness this morning and discovered a light rain had fallen. And the thunder was heard and dark clouds came up in the southeast, but moved on off. And now, it is a sunshiny, beautiful morning! God is good!
Yesterday afternoon, I went to the new Amish store and bought us cups of ice cream and drove to the Park to eat and enjoy. After I finished, I walked out to the canal and watched a turtle sunning on a log and a pair of egrets with a dark one standing in the water very close to me. It was nice in the shade, but the sun was brutal. St. Petersburg in the summer!
Since so many challenges are going on in so many lives, I thought I would send some scripture quotes that I pray for you all each morning:
From the NIV:
You, dear ones, are from God, and have overcome, because the one Who is in you, is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 4:4
No weapon forged against you all will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. "This is the heritage of you all, servants of the Lord, and this is your vindication from me," declares the Lord.
Isa. 54:17
The Lord is good, a stronghold in times of trouble. He cares for you all, who trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in you, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen!
Ephesians 3:20.21
I insert your names as I pray these scriptures.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
What a surprise when I stepped outside in the pre-dawn darkness this morning and discovered a light rain had fallen. And the thunder was heard and dark clouds came up in the southeast, but moved on off. And now, it is a sunshiny, beautiful morning! God is good!
Yesterday afternoon, I went to the new Amish store and bought us cups of ice cream and drove to the Park to eat and enjoy. After I finished, I walked out to the canal and watched a turtle sunning on a log and a pair of egrets with a dark one standing in the water very close to me. It was nice in the shade, but the sun was brutal. St. Petersburg in the summer!
Since so many challenges are going on in so many lives, I thought I would send some scripture quotes that I pray for you all each morning:
From the NIV:
You, dear ones, are from God, and have overcome, because the one Who is in you, is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 4:4
No weapon forged against you all will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. "This is the heritage of you all, servants of the Lord, and this is your vindication from me," declares the Lord.
Isa. 54:17
The Lord is good, a stronghold in times of trouble. He cares for you all, who trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in you, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen!
Ephesians 3:20.21
I insert your names as I pray these scriptures.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Confidence
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! Seems like I start out with good intentions of doing everything early, but then life interferes and I am later. Oh, well, God is in control and He is good!
I had every intention of walking early, but when I stepped outside the heat hit me, and I decided that would not be wise. I couldn't see stars earlier, so it must have been hazy. Yesterday, I saw a lady peahen for the first time in several weeks, as I was driving into the park. Some people moved into the house where they liked to hang out, and now , I guess, they don't feel welcome.
I walked a short ways onto the sidewalk beside the canal yesterday. There is a memorial bench which says "Beside the still waters."
And the waters were serenely still. No breeze was blowing...just ibis flocks pecking in their never-ending quest for grubs.
I think a young gator was in the lake close to our home, but couldn't get close enough to tell. Occasionally, they come swimming into the lake from the series of canals, even though the water is brackish, which they don't like. God is Great!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do we find confidence for every day?
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? the Lord protects me from danger--so why should I tremble?
Psalm 121:3 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.
Many of the greatest athletes say that their real contest is a mental, not a physical one. It's the same way in our spiritual life. Our confidence comes not from looking around at our physical circumstances, but from looking to God.
How can we have confidence in the face of life's greatest hardships?
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
When we rely on God, he will not let us down. Our limited understanding is no match for his limitless love and grace.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had every intention of walking early, but when I stepped outside the heat hit me, and I decided that would not be wise. I couldn't see stars earlier, so it must have been hazy. Yesterday, I saw a lady peahen for the first time in several weeks, as I was driving into the park. Some people moved into the house where they liked to hang out, and now , I guess, they don't feel welcome.
I walked a short ways onto the sidewalk beside the canal yesterday. There is a memorial bench which says "Beside the still waters."
And the waters were serenely still. No breeze was blowing...just ibis flocks pecking in their never-ending quest for grubs.
I think a young gator was in the lake close to our home, but couldn't get close enough to tell. Occasionally, they come swimming into the lake from the series of canals, even though the water is brackish, which they don't like. God is Great!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do we find confidence for every day?
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? the Lord protects me from danger--so why should I tremble?
Psalm 121:3 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.
Many of the greatest athletes say that their real contest is a mental, not a physical one. It's the same way in our spiritual life. Our confidence comes not from looking around at our physical circumstances, but from looking to God.
How can we have confidence in the face of life's greatest hardships?
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
When we rely on God, he will not let us down. Our limited understanding is no match for his limitless love and grace.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Love your enemies
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!
When I stepped outside this morning, I could see stars dimly , so there must have been haze, but now the sky is clear and blue.
What a storm we had yesterday afternoon! I happened to be driving through it, and just about could not see the street. So much for my just washed car! We were glad to be in the safety of our home!
I haven't had a walk today, so don't know if some trees in the park are down or not. That usually happens with a strong and windy storm.
I saw a great white heron intently watching the water, even as rain poured down on it. Didn't seem to bother it in the slightest. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.
With the cold war over, Americans and Russians seem to be looking at each other in a new way. Imagine being an American soldier stationed in Bosnia Herzegovina, working alongside your Russian counterparts. How do you work together after decades of mistrust?
-American and Russian officers who were asked this question agreed that when it comes right down to it, people are people, and soldiers are soldiers. When there's a goal to reach, one finds a way to communicate. The mission is kept in focus, ground rules are established, language barriers are overcome, mutual interests are discovered, and before long, friendships develop!
The early Christian believers certainly thought they had an enemy in Saul of Tarsus, and the feeling was mutual. Saul was extremely active in persecuting Christians in Jerusalem and was determined to deal the same harsh blows to believers in Damascus.. But them Jesus appeared to him and his life was dramatically changed.
Believers in Damascus were suspicious of Saul when he arrived and declared he was also a believer in Jesus Christ. But as they witnessed his manner of living, God dramatically changed their hearts. In the end, the apostle Paul became an ardent friend of believers everywhere..
Have you secretly been at "war" with a coworker or neighbor? Beginning today make a concerted effort to find common ground with that person. Smile when your instincts tell you to grimace. Stay focused on your goals and stick to the ground rules when working or volunteering together. Talk to him or her. Seek out hobbies, concerns, or family interests you hold in common. Start treating the person as you would a friend, not an enemy. After all, it's when your enemy is no longer your enemy that the fun begins!
Men who walk in the ways of God would not grieve the hearts of their enemies.
Sa'di
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, I could see stars dimly , so there must have been haze, but now the sky is clear and blue.
What a storm we had yesterday afternoon! I happened to be driving through it, and just about could not see the street. So much for my just washed car! We were glad to be in the safety of our home!
I haven't had a walk today, so don't know if some trees in the park are down or not. That usually happens with a strong and windy storm.
I saw a great white heron intently watching the water, even as rain poured down on it. Didn't seem to bother it in the slightest. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.
With the cold war over, Americans and Russians seem to be looking at each other in a new way. Imagine being an American soldier stationed in Bosnia Herzegovina, working alongside your Russian counterparts. How do you work together after decades of mistrust?
-American and Russian officers who were asked this question agreed that when it comes right down to it, people are people, and soldiers are soldiers. When there's a goal to reach, one finds a way to communicate. The mission is kept in focus, ground rules are established, language barriers are overcome, mutual interests are discovered, and before long, friendships develop!
The early Christian believers certainly thought they had an enemy in Saul of Tarsus, and the feeling was mutual. Saul was extremely active in persecuting Christians in Jerusalem and was determined to deal the same harsh blows to believers in Damascus.. But them Jesus appeared to him and his life was dramatically changed.
Believers in Damascus were suspicious of Saul when he arrived and declared he was also a believer in Jesus Christ. But as they witnessed his manner of living, God dramatically changed their hearts. In the end, the apostle Paul became an ardent friend of believers everywhere..
Have you secretly been at "war" with a coworker or neighbor? Beginning today make a concerted effort to find common ground with that person. Smile when your instincts tell you to grimace. Stay focused on your goals and stick to the ground rules when working or volunteering together. Talk to him or her. Seek out hobbies, concerns, or family interests you hold in common. Start treating the person as you would a friend, not an enemy. After all, it's when your enemy is no longer your enemy that the fun begins!
Men who walk in the ways of God would not grieve the hearts of their enemies.
Sa'di
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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