Decisions

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, the clouds were fewer, but still no stars or moon were visible. The wind is still blowing from "Ike"  in the Gulf and I pray for safety for all the people in its path.

All was quiet in the park yesterday as I drove through, but we saw a peacock in the middle of the street and had to wait for Miss Peahen to move out of the way!  When I talked with Mike, the naturalist at Ft. DeSoto now, I told him about the coyote seen in the park and he said that he was probably still in the neighborhood, because of the abundance of food. Lots of bunnies, squirrels and dog and cat food in the surrounding area. Sad to think of, but that is part of God's plan for survival.

Yesterday I backed into another Honda in the Publix parking lot, and did damage to my van and a little to the other car. I was not rejoicing at the time, but I should have been, because no one was hurt. I am weak, but He is strong! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Decisions

What do we do when we don't know what to do?

2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.

We don't have to know what do do, but we do need to know where to look. As the saying goes, it isn't so much what we know, but who we know!

Proverbs 3:5-7 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. 

Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil.

Trust the Lord  to direct your steps, even when the way is confusing. God will guide you.

I always give thanks for you., remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
 amaryllis

Justice

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!  Once again it was so cloudy when I stepped outside this morning, that no stars or moon were visible. Until Ike moves out of the area, I think this will be the norm for the a day or two.

Yesterday, I walked to the first nest and saw fresh tracks in the underbrush, and looked out to the huge mound, and saw what looked like broken egg shells on it, but no sign of babies or big mom. Mark, one of the staff, told me that they had hatched out and were all clinging to the nest, but I didn't have my binocs with me, so didn't get to see them.

None were visible at the second nest, either, so I went on to see Mama gator and her babies. The babies were scattered yesterday, with two at the base of the nest by themselves and nine clustered together some distance away, under a fern covering. I really had to look to see them, and while I was standing there, a butterfly fluttered between my feet! Cool! No sign of Mama, though. She must have been on a break, or under the boardwalk. God is Awesome!

Well, we went to the retirement party at War Vet's Park, and found the proceedings were moved from the "point" which is on the water, to inland #4 shelter. The wind was blowing and the tide was up, so the "point" had water coming up. There was lots of good food, and just about every park worker in the county was there, so it was a noisy, good time. We sat at Terry's table and chatted with Gail, over the din. Sigh. The parks will really be different when Oct. first comes around.

From the Promise Bible NLT:

What can I do when I suffer injustice?

Romans 12:17-19 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible. 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.

Proverbs 20:22 Don't say, "I will get even for this wrong." Wait for the Lord to handle the matter.

God teaches us to respond differently to injustice than the world does. Vengeance and retribution are the way of the world. God teaches us to trust in him and allow him to settle the score.

How can I respond to persecution?

Matthew 5:11-12 God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.

2 Thessalonians 1:3-6 God will use this persecution to show his justice. For he will make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering, and in his justice he will punish those who persecute you.

Persecution is part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. God blesses those who bear dishonor and hardship for his sake.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

My Morning Prayer

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!

When I stepped outside in the darkness this morning, not a star was showing for the covering of clouds. the wind is still blowing, but not as strong as yesterday. I hear we are due some thunderstorms today along with the wind.

We have been invited to a retirement party for Terry, our friend from Sawgrass , and another super. who is also retiring. If it rains, we won't go, but they are planning for a hundred people at War Veterans' Park. Ribs, chicken, all grilled outdoors! YUM!

We had a doctors' app't yesterday morning, so once again, I missed my walk. The doctor has a cute puppy that he brought in with him on a leash. He wants to train her to be a therapy dog and she will be a good one, I'm sure. He has built a ramp, so she can climb into his bed and sleep with him. He was very happy, because she did her business outside  for the first time. :o)  The doc is a character, but very good.  God is good!

This is a prayer that I pray every morning. I have sent it before, but I still think it is worth repeating.

"Oh, God, for another day, for another morning, for another hour, for another minute, for another chance to live and serve Thee, I am truly grateful."

Do thou this day free me
  from all fear of the future
  from all bitterness toward anyone
  from all cowardice in face of danger
  from all laziness in face of work
  from all failure before opportunity
  from all weakness when Thy power is at hand.

But fill me
  with Love that knows no barrier
  with Sympathy that reaches all
  with Courage that cannot be shaken
  with Faith strong enough for darkness
  with Strength sufficient  for my tasks
  with Loyalty to Thy Kingdom Goal
  with Power to lift me to Thee.

Be Thou with me for another day and use me as Thou wilt for Christ's sake, I pray.
   Amen

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love! 

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

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! When I stepped outside this morning, the stars were twinkling in the clear sky...just a few puffy clouds drifting by. It is usually quiet before the neighborhood wakes up. The wind was blowing again, reminding me of fall coming. But our acorns have not started coming down yet, although when the tree trimmers come, there will be plenty!

I was not able to take a walk yesterday,  because of a slight computer glitch, so the gators had to get along without me, ;o) However, maybe I will get to do that later today. We saw two peahens when driving down into the park, and they were getting pretty big. I haven't seen the peacock lately, though. God is good!

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.

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 wil 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.

Romans 8:38-39 I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't and life can't . The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord..

Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost noghing or with everything; I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.

Our happiness  rises and falls, but our steady confidence comes from the consistency of Christ. We depend on Christ - not on circumstances.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

God Knows

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 very early this morning, the stars were very bright and especially, Venus, which was visible in the east. God is Awesome!

I walked Saturday before it got too scorching, and stood at the third gator trail for a few minutes, hoping to see the mama, but, although the trail was freshly muddy and the traces of her tail were plain to see, no sign of her. I looked far out to the nest and it is a high mound, but doesn't look like anything has hatched. I guess she will have to carry them in her mouth to find water after they hatch.

I went on to the second nest and they were all under the boardwalk, so I couldn't see them, either. So, I walked on to Mama gator, and there i counted 18 of the little critters crawling all over the wet bank of the nest. One of them was croaking, but Mama didn't pay any attention to it. She was right under me with her nose visible.

One lady of a group. said. "Baby what?"  Duuh. I have to smile at some of the remarks I hear.

From Quiet Moments with God:

Matthew 10:30 AMP
Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Do you ever wonder if God has lost your address? Do you ever think perhaps He has lost track of you or even forgotten you altogether? God's Word answers those thoughts with a resounding, "Not so!"

Jesus taught His followers, "Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's leave (consent) and notice...Fear not, then, you are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29, 31 AMP}

The psalmist also recognized God's thorough and intimate knowledge of us. Read these words from Psalm 139 and be encouraged. The Lord not only knows you, but He knows precisely what you are facing and experiencing today. Even if you are not aware of His presence, you can rest assured He is by your side..

O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment, you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head.

This is too glorious, too wonderful...I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!

You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!

How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day  your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!
    Psalms 139:1-7, 16-18 TLB

Before God created the universe, He already had you in mind.
Erwin Lutzer

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

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! When I stepped outside early this morning, the darkness was cool again and the stars were twinkling brightly. 

Our azaleas are blooming more, very out of season, but I hope this doesn't mean that they will not bloom when they are supposed to.

Our bird-of-paradise has more blooms on it, because of all the rain, so everything is slurping up the extra rain we have had.

Since I told you all about the baby gators, yesterday, in a bulletin, there is nothing more to add, except that I hope to find the third nest today. I will see if I can get a better description from Francia today. I am seeing more of our church people walking there lately, so sooner or later, you will see someone you know! I certainly look different than the way I dress to go to church!! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

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.

Psalm 15:1-5 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives, and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise persistent sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend, and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.

Our character affects our ability to worship and enjoy fellowship with God. Worship is more acceptable to God and more meaningful to us when we honor the Lord in our daily conduct.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Night Watch

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, I was pleased to feel the cooler breeze blowing. Maybe fall is in the air at last? One can only hope.

The stars were shining brightly, as most of the clouds have blown away from Gustav. God is good!

I was too late to walk yesterday, but drove through the park a couple times as I did errands and not many people were out and about. Work and school cut down on traffic in the park. After I finish here, though, I hope to take a walk and check up on Mama gator.

I just finished meeting with the tree man who has arranged to trim our oak trees, which are drooping over the street light lines. He does a good job and they clean up nicely.

From Quiet Moments with God:

Vaclav Havel is a former president of what used to be Czechoslovakia. In 1948 the Communists took power in his country and confiscated his family land holdings. From that time, Havel was part of a defiant underground that opposed the Soviet government.

When the soviets marched into Prague twenty years later, Havel remained to form a coalition that would be ready to take over when the time was right. He spoke out boldly, writing defiantly against communism. He was put under surveillance and eventually jailed for his activities.

After being offered by the United States legislation that would allow dissidents to immigrate to the West, Havel replied by saying he was not interested going to the West. "What good would that do? he asked. "Only by staying here and struggling here can we ever hope to change things." Like a watchman in the night, Havel stayed on duty in his country.

Times of trial and struggle often seem like long, dark nights. But doing the right thing-even the hard thing--gives us hope. How do we maintain those long night watches when there seems to be little change in our circumstances?

1. Take one step at a time. Don't attempt to tackle
the whole task at once. "A man's steps are directed by the Lord." Proverbs 20:24

2. Keep your struggles in perspective. Separate the mountains from the molehills. "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

3. Cultivate the discipline of delayed gratification. "Let patience have here perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." James 1:4 (KJV)

4. Learn to recognize the invisible God in the world around you. "By faith he (Moses) left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible." Hebrews 11:27

Placing your hope in the Lord helps you to do all these things. He will lead you; he will remove your mountinas; He will strengthen you, helping you to be patient; and He will open your eyes to His works all around you.

If it were not for hope
the Heart would break.
English Proverb

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis