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 much earlier this morning, the thin crescent moon was shining brightly in the east and stars were twinkling all over the sky, which means no rain but much heat today.
God is good!
I walked in the park yesterday, which is still very wet, and walked past a tractor and ditch digger, which had trenched a long area where the guys were aiming to string electric wires through pipe for the irrigation system. The dirt looked black and very rich... good for planting. Terry was working the tractor and Mark was working the rest.
I walked on out to see Mama gator and she was in almost the same place as Saturday, still with the garland across her face. A lot more water for her babies whenever they hatch, which I hope is soon.
When I came back from the tower I stopped at the first covered shelter to look at a large gator on the bank on the other side, catching some rays. He was huge! God is Awesome!
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 121:8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
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.
Is there anything I can do to cultivate greater confidence?
Psalm 112:5-8 All goes well for those who are generous, who lend freely and conduct their business fairly. Such people will not be overcome by evil circumstances. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. they do not fear bad news, they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.
Following God's principles gives us the confidence of a clear conscience.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Righteous Fruit
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
When I stepped outside in the darkness this morning, I was surprised to see the quarter moon hanging in the east, brightly shining, with what looked like the little dipper to the right of it. (I don't know my constellations too well). But the surprise was, no clouds! The sky is clear and blue this morning. Yay!
I walked Saturday with my umbrella for shade and for protection from the drippy trees. Much water is now everywhere in the Park and Mama gator was at the base of the nest with a garland of leaves across her nose. She reminded me of the Olympic wreath. :o) Still no sign of the babies hatching after the excitement of last week.
After church yesterday, we drove through the park, and saw two police cars and a couple civilian cars on the weir, along with a Channel 8 truck. I was pretty curious, so watched the news and it seems a gator was found wandering around the street not far away, so the deputies brought him to Sawgrass to release him into the water. They had him taped and tied up, of course. but, at least, they didn't dispose of him. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
The role of quiet places played a very important role in the Bible, especially in the area of faith. Christ was alone during much of his life on earth. He would often retreat from the multitudes for quiet reflection. Moses went alone to the mountain to speak with God. While there, he received the Ten Commandments, one of the cornerstones of our faith. Daniel risked death three times a day, when he would cease from his labors and pray.
The Holy Spirit often speaks to us when we are alone. Quiet places produce peace and contentment. Noise breeds confusion. Order is often regained in silence.
Restaurants and other public places have become so congested with noise that it makes some of these places uncomfortable to sit in..
Yet we may yearn for times when we can think, be quiet, and listen to God. Finding time-actually, making time -for the still times is often a daunting challenge.
If righteousness is sown in peace, then the quiet times when we just sit, listen, and wait for the Lord to speak must produce what is essential for spiritual growth. Seeking quiet time for reflection helps us commune with God. As a result, His righteousness wears off on us, and we begin to pick up some of His characteristics.
The Lord has time to spend with us and is ready to grow His Spirit within us. It is up to us to make the appointment.
The seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace
James 3:18 NASB
We all need a quiet hideaway
where the mind can rest
and the soul can heal.
Cherie Rayburn
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside in the darkness this morning, I was surprised to see the quarter moon hanging in the east, brightly shining, with what looked like the little dipper to the right of it. (I don't know my constellations too well). But the surprise was, no clouds! The sky is clear and blue this morning. Yay!
I walked Saturday with my umbrella for shade and for protection from the drippy trees. Much water is now everywhere in the Park and Mama gator was at the base of the nest with a garland of leaves across her nose. She reminded me of the Olympic wreath. :o) Still no sign of the babies hatching after the excitement of last week.
After church yesterday, we drove through the park, and saw two police cars and a couple civilian cars on the weir, along with a Channel 8 truck. I was pretty curious, so watched the news and it seems a gator was found wandering around the street not far away, so the deputies brought him to Sawgrass to release him into the water. They had him taped and tied up, of course. but, at least, they didn't dispose of him. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
The role of quiet places played a very important role in the Bible, especially in the area of faith. Christ was alone during much of his life on earth. He would often retreat from the multitudes for quiet reflection. Moses went alone to the mountain to speak with God. While there, he received the Ten Commandments, one of the cornerstones of our faith. Daniel risked death three times a day, when he would cease from his labors and pray.
The Holy Spirit often speaks to us when we are alone. Quiet places produce peace and contentment. Noise breeds confusion. Order is often regained in silence.
Restaurants and other public places have become so congested with noise that it makes some of these places uncomfortable to sit in..
Yet we may yearn for times when we can think, be quiet, and listen to God. Finding time-actually, making time -for the still times is often a daunting challenge.
If righteousness is sown in peace, then the quiet times when we just sit, listen, and wait for the Lord to speak must produce what is essential for spiritual growth. Seeking quiet time for reflection helps us commune with God. As a result, His righteousness wears off on us, and we begin to pick up some of His characteristics.
The Lord has time to spend with us and is ready to grow His Spirit within us. It is up to us to make the appointment.
The seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace
James 3:18 NASB
We all need a quiet hideaway
where the mind can rest
and the soul can heal.
Cherie Rayburn
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, August 22, 2008
Change
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 windy and cloudy today from Fay. Will that storm never leave Florida? Only God knows, and He is good!
Yesterday I had time to go to the Mall with my newly coiffed hair, and really enjoyed myself. Then I came back home and thanked Brian for the break, and decided to go to Sawgrass to check up on the gators. Well, it was hot and windy, but I walked with an umbrella to block the sun, and there was Mama gator, back at the bottom of the nest, and no babies.
I am sure she must have heard something, but the hatching time must be close or she would not have gone up on top. So, stay tuned!
On my way home, I saw beauty in the ditch alongside the road. Some roseate spoonbills were pecking alongside woodstorks and ibis. If we just take time to look, we can see God's handiwork in unexpected places!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where can I find security and hope in the midst of tumult and change?
Lamentations 5:19 Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation.
Malachi 3:6 I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already completely destroyed.
James 1:17 Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Both our security and our hope are rooted in God's unchanging character. People will make promises one day but disappoint us the next. Sin or circumstances beyond their control prevent them from keeping their promises,. God's faithfulness and love, however, are not subject to the fluctuations of time, space or human mortality. We will never suffer because of God's fickle whims, irrational mood swings , or inability to handle the circumstances.
Are there any unchanging principles that can help me stay anchored?
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.
Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever.
God's word gives us the truth that never changes. We find strength and courage when we listen--not to the voices of public opinion-but to God.
Are there some changes that are too overwhelming for our faith?
Psalm 46:1,2 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Faith is the answer to fear. No amount of change in our life will affect God's care for us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday I had time to go to the Mall with my newly coiffed hair, and really enjoyed myself. Then I came back home and thanked Brian for the break, and decided to go to Sawgrass to check up on the gators. Well, it was hot and windy, but I walked with an umbrella to block the sun, and there was Mama gator, back at the bottom of the nest, and no babies.
I am sure she must have heard something, but the hatching time must be close or she would not have gone up on top. So, stay tuned!
On my way home, I saw beauty in the ditch alongside the road. Some roseate spoonbills were pecking alongside woodstorks and ibis. If we just take time to look, we can see God's handiwork in unexpected places!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where can I find security and hope in the midst of tumult and change?
Lamentations 5:19 Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation.
Malachi 3:6 I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already completely destroyed.
James 1:17 Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Both our security and our hope are rooted in God's unchanging character. People will make promises one day but disappoint us the next. Sin or circumstances beyond their control prevent them from keeping their promises,. God's faithfulness and love, however, are not subject to the fluctuations of time, space or human mortality. We will never suffer because of God's fickle whims, irrational mood swings , or inability to handle the circumstances.
Are there any unchanging principles that can help me stay anchored?
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.
Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever.
God's word gives us the truth that never changes. We find strength and courage when we listen--not to the voices of public opinion-but to God.
Are there some changes that are too overwhelming for our faith?
Psalm 46:1,2 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Faith is the answer to fear. No amount of change in our life will affect God's care for us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Psoaring thru Psalm 37
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!
As I stepped outside this morning, I felt a few sprinkles, so maybe we will be getting rain from Fay, which is pouring rain on the East coast.
Yesterday I was so excited to watch Mama gator as she moved out of the water and kept lifting her head as if listening. I know that the babies make grunting noises as they break the eggs, so that must be what she heard. She crawled up on top of the nest and started scraping with her muscular foot to uncover them, and then started down the side where we couldn't see her.
She had an audience of two Canadians, who were delaying their trip back home, just to watch the babies hatch, and another visitor who was as interested as we were in the happening.
I called Francia, the teacher, to tell her, and she came walking out very excited. Perfect timing, as school just started and now as she conducts tours for the students, she will really have something to show them! God is good!
I hope to get back today to see if they have hatched!
From the Bible NLT:
Psalm 37:1-11
Don't worry about the wicked.
Don't envy those who do wrong,
For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like springtime flowers, they
soon wither.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the
land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence
as clear as the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will
shine like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others--
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord
will possess the land.
In a little while, the wicked will disappear.
Though you look for them, they
will be gone.
Those who are gentle and lowly
will possess the land.
They will live in prosperous security.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
As I stepped outside this morning, I felt a few sprinkles, so maybe we will be getting rain from Fay, which is pouring rain on the East coast.
Yesterday I was so excited to watch Mama gator as she moved out of the water and kept lifting her head as if listening. I know that the babies make grunting noises as they break the eggs, so that must be what she heard. She crawled up on top of the nest and started scraping with her muscular foot to uncover them, and then started down the side where we couldn't see her.
She had an audience of two Canadians, who were delaying their trip back home, just to watch the babies hatch, and another visitor who was as interested as we were in the happening.
I called Francia, the teacher, to tell her, and she came walking out very excited. Perfect timing, as school just started and now as she conducts tours for the students, she will really have something to show them! God is good!
I hope to get back today to see if they have hatched!
From the Bible NLT:
Psalm 37:1-11
Don't worry about the wicked.
Don't envy those who do wrong,
For like grass, they soon fade away.
Like springtime flowers, they
soon wither.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the
land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence
as clear as the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will
shine like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others--
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord
will possess the land.
In a little while, the wicked will disappear.
Though you look for them, they
will be gone.
Those who are gentle and lowly
will possess the land.
They will live in prosperous security.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Wednesday, August 20, 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! The wind is blowing and clouds are racing across the sky, but no rain and no hurricane! God is good!
When I stepped outside this morning, I could actually see the waning moon through the bumpy clouds that were passing in front of it.
Since all the county parks were closed yesterday, I did not take my walk in the Park, but hope to do that today. Our bird of paradise and the beauty berry bush have many blooms as a result of the rains we have had. The birds love the beauty berry bush, because of the purple berries. I think that is how we came to have the bush, since we did not plant it. :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Blessings: How has God promised to bless his people?
Numbers 6:24-26 May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.
God's blessing encompasses all of life. We live in his protection, his presence, and his peace. Nothing this world offers can compare in scope or duration with the blessing of God.
Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God, the creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.
1 Corinthians 12:13 The only thing I didn't do, which I do in the other churches, was to become a burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong!
Jesus Christ blesses us with forgiveness and redemption. God the Father blesses us with the assurance that we are loved and of infinite worth. The Holy Spirit blesses us with fellowship and the continual presence of God.
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 actually see the waning moon through the bumpy clouds that were passing in front of it.
Since all the county parks were closed yesterday, I did not take my walk in the Park, but hope to do that today. Our bird of paradise and the beauty berry bush have many blooms as a result of the rains we have had. The birds love the beauty berry bush, because of the purple berries. I think that is how we came to have the bush, since we did not plant it. :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Blessings: How has God promised to bless his people?
Numbers 6:24-26 May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.
God's blessing encompasses all of life. We live in his protection, his presence, and his peace. Nothing this world offers can compare in scope or duration with the blessing of God.
Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God, the creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.
1 Corinthians 12:13 The only thing I didn't do, which I do in the other churches, was to become a burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong!
Jesus Christ blesses us with forgiveness and redemption. God the Father blesses us with the assurance that we are loved and of infinite worth. The Holy Spirit blesses us with fellowship and the continual presence of God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Will of God
I see dark, rainy-looking clouds outside now, and the wind is picking up, but nothing like a storm.
God is good!
Yesterday I stopped in the Park, after Terry called to say he was back from vacation. We had a nice chat about his trip and other issues. His time at the park will end in five weeks, when he will retire because of all the changes coming up. I will miss seeing him and all the others assigned to various other work, as well.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Does God really have a plan for my lift?
Psalm 139:3 You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am.
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
Ephesians 1:11 Because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as he decided long ago.
Psalm 138:8 The Lord will work out his plans for my life--for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me.
God has a plan for our lives. It is not an unthinking, automated script that we must follow. It is a journey with various destinations and appointments and a great deal of freedom as to the pace and scope of the travel. God's plan for us will always have a sense of mystery, but we can be certain that he will guide us as long as we rely on his leading.
Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Sometimes we are tempted to question God's will for our lives, thinking he has made a mistake. God promises to give us the best as we follow his ways. Ultimately, even what looks like a mistake can become the means to something wonderful.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, August 18, 2008
Integrity
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, all is sunshiny and calm before the storm which is to come tomorrow. Hard to believe today, though.
Did you all happen to see the full moon yesterday and today? The sky has been so clear the past two mornings, that the moon is shining brightly high in the southwest. Gorgeous!
I was able to take a walk Saturday morning, before the heat set in, and still cannot figure out why the young Mama gator went to all the trouble to build a high nest to lay her eggs in, so far from the water. I haven't seen her, yet, but she may be hidden. I continued on out to big Mama's nest and spoke to her, as she waits patiently for the grunts coming from hatching eggs. They may hatch the end of this month, if that is about 65 days. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does God respond to my commitment to integrity?
Psalm 18:20-25 The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all his laws are constantly before me; I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.
The psalmist claims a high level of personal integrity that makes some of us uncomfortable. It makes sense, however, when we realize that he isn't boasting in his accomplishment but thanking God for giving him the power and direction to live according to God's ways. This passage offers the same promise to us: God will empower our obedience.
1 Peter 2:19 Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world.
Our integrity may not bring immediate rewards, but we are certain that it will one day be recognized.
What are the benefits of integrity?
Proverbs 11:3,5 Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty...The godly are directed by their honesty, the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.
Integrity keeps us from the trap of dishonesty and the destruction that can result.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Did you all happen to see the full moon yesterday and today? The sky has been so clear the past two mornings, that the moon is shining brightly high in the southwest. Gorgeous!
I was able to take a walk Saturday morning, before the heat set in, and still cannot figure out why the young Mama gator went to all the trouble to build a high nest to lay her eggs in, so far from the water. I haven't seen her, yet, but she may be hidden. I continued on out to big Mama's nest and spoke to her, as she waits patiently for the grunts coming from hatching eggs. They may hatch the end of this month, if that is about 65 days. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does God respond to my commitment to integrity?
Psalm 18:20-25 The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all his laws are constantly before me; I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.
The psalmist claims a high level of personal integrity that makes some of us uncomfortable. It makes sense, however, when we realize that he isn't boasting in his accomplishment but thanking God for giving him the power and direction to live according to God's ways. This passage offers the same promise to us: God will empower our obedience.
1 Peter 2:19 Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world.
Our integrity may not bring immediate rewards, but we are certain that it will one day be recognized.
What are the benefits of integrity?
Proverbs 11:3,5 Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty...The godly are directed by their honesty, the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.
Integrity keeps us from the trap of dishonesty and the destruction that can result.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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