Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the chilly day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside in the 50 degree weather this morning, a hazy half moon was shining and the very cold north wind was blowing! BRRR! But, when I look at the weather in other places, I am thankful I live in Florida! Snow and freezing conditions and icicles hanging off people's glasses... not for me!
I actually saw a couple people in shorts yesterday. It was overcast and about 60, but I guess if you have lived in the North, this is warm weather to some. When I drove to the Park, after doctor appointments, I saw a lot of cars and it looked like some patrons were watching a gator sunning on the bank, although there was not a lot of sun. A great white heron was watching intently for an unwary fish to come by, and squirrels were busily scampering around, twitching their tails, and leaping on the trees! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do I find the strength to keep going when I'm tempted to give up?
Galatians 6:9 Don't get tired of doing what is good, Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
Endurance comes from keeping our thoughts on the promise of the harvest, not the problems of the moment.
Philippians 2:12-13 Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
We do not endure through our own strength alone. God is at work in our lives. He gives us the strength to keep going when we are exhausted and the reasons to keep believing when we are discouraged.
What purposes do endurance and perseverance serve in my life?
1 Peter 1:6-7 Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
2 Peter 15-9 Make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone.. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted. they have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin.
Endurance is like the fire that purifies precious metals and hardens valuable pottery. It cleanses, clarifies, and solidifies our faith. Living through the trials and tests of life is often the most significant way to discover the riches of our faith.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, January 16, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Talk with the Creator
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the chilly day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the three quarter moon was shining brightly and casting shadows almost as bright as the sun, in contrast to the overcast rainy day of yesterday.
I was looking out the window at the rain when I noticed a large gopher tortoise, heading for the driveway. This is most unusual, because gophers have not been around here for a long time. He looked up at the driveway, then I guess he decided it was too steep, so he turned, crossed the street, and headed north in the water-filled gutter. I watched him for awhile as he was speeding :o) along, and lost sight of him, hoping a car would not hit him.
The only time we went out, was for a trip to the post office, and, of course, took a ride through the park. There were only three cars there, the fewest I have ever seen, except for years ago, when I used to walk at daybreak. But God is good to give us rain!
From Quiet Moments for Teachers:
Psalm 111:10
Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord. Those who obey his orders have good understanding.
"There is literally nothing that I have ever wanted to do, that I asked the blessed Creator to help me do, that I have not been able to accomplish. It's all very simple if one knows how to talk with the Creator. It is simply seeking the Lord and finding him." these are the words of the great scientist, George Washington Carver, the American botanist who literally rebuilt the southern agricultural economy after the Civil War.
Born a slave, Carver eventually became head of the Agriculture Department at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He developed more than three hundred uses for the peanut and dozens of products from the sweet potato and the soy bean. Much of Carver's research was conducted in his laboratory, which he called "God's Little Workshop."
"No books are ever brought in here," he said, "and what is the need of books? Here I talk to the little peanut, and it reveals its secrets to me. I lean upon the twenty-ninth verse of the first chapter of Genesis,"And God said, Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat."
Carver had a habit of seeking the Lord early in the morning. He said, "There He gives me my orders for the day. I gather specimens and listen to what God has to say to me. After my morning's talk with God I go into my laboratory and begin to carry out His wishes for the day".
You can begin each day asking your Creator what He would have you do that day and how He would have you do it! If you are facing a challenge, God can reveal a new perspective. If you need inspiration, God can stir you up. If you feel you are in a dead-end situation, God can show you His way out. Seek your Creator today!
Wisdom is oftentimes
nearer when we stoop
than when we soar.
William Wordsworth
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was looking out the window at the rain when I noticed a large gopher tortoise, heading for the driveway. This is most unusual, because gophers have not been around here for a long time. He looked up at the driveway, then I guess he decided it was too steep, so he turned, crossed the street, and headed north in the water-filled gutter. I watched him for awhile as he was speeding :o) along, and lost sight of him, hoping a car would not hit him.
The only time we went out, was for a trip to the post office, and, of course, took a ride through the park. There were only three cars there, the fewest I have ever seen, except for years ago, when I used to walk at daybreak. But God is good to give us rain!
From Quiet Moments for Teachers:
Psalm 111:10
Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord. Those who obey his orders have good understanding.
"There is literally nothing that I have ever wanted to do, that I asked the blessed Creator to help me do, that I have not been able to accomplish. It's all very simple if one knows how to talk with the Creator. It is simply seeking the Lord and finding him." these are the words of the great scientist, George Washington Carver, the American botanist who literally rebuilt the southern agricultural economy after the Civil War.
Born a slave, Carver eventually became head of the Agriculture Department at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He developed more than three hundred uses for the peanut and dozens of products from the sweet potato and the soy bean. Much of Carver's research was conducted in his laboratory, which he called "God's Little Workshop."
"No books are ever brought in here," he said, "and what is the need of books? Here I talk to the little peanut, and it reveals its secrets to me. I lean upon the twenty-ninth verse of the first chapter of Genesis,"And God said, Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat."
Carver had a habit of seeking the Lord early in the morning. He said, "There He gives me my orders for the day. I gather specimens and listen to what God has to say to me. After my morning's talk with God I go into my laboratory and begin to carry out His wishes for the day".
You can begin each day asking your Creator what He would have you do that day and how He would have you do it! If you are facing a challenge, God can reveal a new perspective. If you need inspiration, God can stir you up. If you feel you are in a dead-end situation, God can show you His way out. Seek your Creator today!
Wisdom is oftentimes
nearer when we stoop
than when we soar.
William Wordsworth
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Power of God continued
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 lopsided moon was peeking through the clouds and haze earlier when I stepped outside, but, hopefully, we will have some rain today, preceding the cold front that is coming.
We have used the heat very little and the fireplace not at all this winter, so it has been very mild.There is a house down the street, that has beautiful flowers in season all year, and I admire the different colors each time I drive by. Also, I drive by a nursery that has lovely colors planted along the busy street..very eye-catching!
We went through the Park yesterday and once more, the workmen were busy covering up post holes and working on the new path along the east side by the lake. I did not see the gopher tortoises walking around and hope they are not scared away by all the activity. I haven't seen the big gator since the fence was taken down, but he could be back to sun himself later. God is good!
From my Daily Blessings calendar this morning, I read this:
As new life comes out of death, love and renewal come forth as
your failures are taken before God. He can do more with the ashes
of your life than you could do with the whole thing.
Renewal
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring
forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the
wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can God's power help me?
Psalm 60:19 With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.
We should not look at the size of the problem but at the size of our God. When there are great things to be done, we have a great God who will do them through us.
Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak.
2 Corinthians 12:9 each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.
God's power does not depend on human strength and power. In fact, our power flows through our weaknesses like electric current through a wire. The wire is simply a conductor, with no power in itself. But without the wire, the current doesn't flow. God is looking for people who are wired for his service.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We have used the heat very little and the fireplace not at all this winter, so it has been very mild.There is a house down the street, that has beautiful flowers in season all year, and I admire the different colors each time I drive by. Also, I drive by a nursery that has lovely colors planted along the busy street..very eye-catching!
We went through the Park yesterday and once more, the workmen were busy covering up post holes and working on the new path along the east side by the lake. I did not see the gopher tortoises walking around and hope they are not scared away by all the activity. I haven't seen the big gator since the fence was taken down, but he could be back to sun himself later. God is good!
From my Daily Blessings calendar this morning, I read this:
As new life comes out of death, love and renewal come forth as
your failures are taken before God. He can do more with the ashes
of your life than you could do with the whole thing.
Renewal
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring
forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the
wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can God's power help me?
Psalm 60:19 With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.
We should not look at the size of the problem but at the size of our God. When there are great things to be done, we have a great God who will do them through us.
Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak.
2 Corinthians 12:9 each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.
God's power does not depend on human strength and power. In fact, our power flows through our weaknesses like electric current through a wire. The wire is simply a conductor, with no power in itself. But without the wire, the current doesn't flow. God is looking for people who are wired for his service.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, January 12, 2009
Power of God
Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the overcast day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! No glorious sunrise this morning, as a cold front approaches. Looks like we will have the coldest weather of the winter coming in toward the end of the week! But that's Okay. It means we can wear our winter clothes for a change, instead of our usual shorts and tees. :o)
Yesterday I drove through the Park and we enjoyed looking at two peacocks and admiring their colors. God is an artist! On the way home, I watched a Cooper's hawk take off from the line overhead. There have been lots of woodstorks around the lakes and canals in the neighborhood this fall and winter and I saw a lovely reflection of white ibis reflected in the dark waters of the canal at the Park. God is beauty!
Well, I watched as Tim Tebow announced his return for his senior year at UF. Go Gators!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is God's power like?
Psalm 20:4-7 May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers. Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by is great power. Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the Lord our God.
God's power is greater than that of the greatest kings who ever ruled or the mightiest armies that ever marched. That power is ours as we trust him, obey him, and honor his name.
Psalm 44:4-7 You are my King and my God. You command victories for your people. Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes. I do not trust my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. It is you who gives us victory over our enemies; it is you who humbles those who hate us.
God's power is greater than any of the skills or resources we have at our disposal. While we may use the means that God has provided to us, we know that victory comes from God alone.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday I drove through the Park and we enjoyed looking at two peacocks and admiring their colors. God is an artist! On the way home, I watched a Cooper's hawk take off from the line overhead. There have been lots of woodstorks around the lakes and canals in the neighborhood this fall and winter and I saw a lovely reflection of white ibis reflected in the dark waters of the canal at the Park. God is beauty!
Well, I watched as Tim Tebow announced his return for his senior year at UF. Go Gators!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is God's power like?
Psalm 20:4-7 May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers. Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by is great power. Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the Lord our God.
God's power is greater than that of the greatest kings who ever ruled or the mightiest armies that ever marched. That power is ours as we trust him, obey him, and honor his name.
Psalm 44:4-7 You are my King and my God. You command victories for your people. Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes. I do not trust my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. It is you who gives us victory over our enemies; it is you who humbles those who hate us.
God's power is greater than any of the skills or resources we have at our disposal. While we may use the means that God has provided to us, we know that victory comes from God alone.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, January 9, 2009
Psoaring thru Psalm 138
Good morning,. Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool, sunshiny day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, I was a sleepyhead this morning, after staying up late to watch the Gators win the National Championship! Go Gators!! I really like to watch Tim Tebow play, because he is so intense. He had a different scripture on his faceblack last night, Instead of Phil. 4:13 he had John 3:16 under his eyes. He always give thanks to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ... a remarkable young man of faith! God is good!!
Well, I found out what is going on at the Park yesterday. I talked with Mike and he said all the fencing will be taken down, and people will be able to walk their dogs next to the deep lake between the interstate and the park road. I would not want to do that, because I have seen gators come out of the water and walk to the gate, plus snakes. Also, the gopher tortoises will be exposed. Yesterday, I saw two huge ones ambling about behind the fence which is still up in that section. Mike sent an email to the powers that be, about his concerns, but has not received an answer. The chain link fencing will be stored or maybe used in another park, and the posts will be sold for scrap. I do not know whose idea that is, but it is not a wise one. Sigh. I guess it is not my problem. I told Mike I appreciated him and am glad he is back at Sawgrass. He said he is glad to be back, too.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 138
I give you thanks,O Lord, with all my heart.
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
When I pray, you answer me,
you encourage me by giving me the
strength I need.
Every king in all the earth will give you
thanks, O Lord,
for all of them will hear your words.
Yet they will sing about the Lord's ways,
for the glory of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
but keeps his distance from the proud.
Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will preserve me against the anger of my enemies!
You will clench your fist against my angry enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out this plans for my life--
for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don't abandon me, for you made me.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, I found out what is going on at the Park yesterday. I talked with Mike and he said all the fencing will be taken down, and people will be able to walk their dogs next to the deep lake between the interstate and the park road. I would not want to do that, because I have seen gators come out of the water and walk to the gate, plus snakes. Also, the gopher tortoises will be exposed. Yesterday, I saw two huge ones ambling about behind the fence which is still up in that section. Mike sent an email to the powers that be, about his concerns, but has not received an answer. The chain link fencing will be stored or maybe used in another park, and the posts will be sold for scrap. I do not know whose idea that is, but it is not a wise one. Sigh. I guess it is not my problem. I told Mike I appreciated him and am glad he is back at Sawgrass. He said he is glad to be back, too.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 138
I give you thanks,O Lord, with all my heart.
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
When I pray, you answer me,
you encourage me by giving me the
strength I need.
Every king in all the earth will give you
thanks, O Lord,
for all of them will hear your words.
Yet they will sing about the Lord's ways,
for the glory of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
but keeps his distance from the proud.
Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will preserve me against the anger of my enemies!
You will clench your fist against my angry enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out this plans for my life--
for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don't abandon me, for you made me.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Worry Wednesday
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We had very little rain with the cold front that blew through yesterday and we could really use more, but God knows our every need and He will provide, I am sure.We had a little excitement here last night, when Louis fell in the bathroom and Brian and I could not get him up, so I called the paramedics. They were here in five minutes, and lifted him up on a chair. He was not hurt, so we got him ready for bed and he slept about ten hours and seems fine this morning, with no memory of falling or anything else, for that matter. Sometimes expecting the unexpected is difficult!
Well, I intend to stay up tonight and watch the Gators win the National Championship! (I hope)!
We went to the Park yesterday and lots of stuff going on. The fencing has been removed, for some reason, and big piles of dirt are heaped where no one can walk. I will have to call Mike to find out what is going on. Just curious. :o) Turtles were sunning along the weir, and anhingas drying their wings. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Matthew 6:14 NKJV
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.
Sufficient for the day is it's own trouble.
Many people lose sleep by worrying. They lie awake in bed, wondering if they made a right decision the day before--if they did the wrong thing--and what they should do tomorrow.
Here's a creative way one woman handled worry. With so many things to worry about, she decided to set aside one day each week to worry. As worrying situations occurred, she wrote them down and put them in her worry box. Then, on Worry Wednesday, she read through each worry. To her amazement, most of the things she had been disturbed about had already been taken care of in some way. Thus, she learned there was seldom a justifiable reason to worry. As the psalmist wrote in Psalm 127:2 NKJV, it is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows, for so He gives His beloved sleep.
As a child of God, you can rest in the knowledge that you are surrounded by a loving Father who cares for you. Jesus said, " Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26 NKJV) The same Creator who placed each star in the sky is watching over you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Go Gators!!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Psoaring thru Psalm 4
Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the windy, transition day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Did you happen to see the brilliant Venus in the southwestern sky right after sunset last night? I was totally surprised to see the swollen moon right overhead in the darkening but still blue sky! Gorgeous! God is Awesome!
Yesterday I took a walk in the Park, and saw lots of activity going on. Apparently, the Audubon Society was out in full force with tables set up with refreshments, and lots of cars in the circle... people with cameras and telescopes, dressed in their hats and boots, ready for a tour to see what birds have migrated from the snowy North.
As for me, I just walked and looked and saw Mama gator in her same spot where she has been for months, but I didn't see a baby. I saw a flock of birds circling over the lake, but couldn't tell what they were, and then, two ospreys suddenly appeared and I watched to see if one would hover, but it didn't. It was a lovely morning for a walk, but I was very warm when I finished. God is good! BTW, apparently Francia did not retire, as she was teaching a class when I arrived. Good for the pupils who learn a lot about nature from her teaching.
Psalm 4:1-8 NLT
Answer me when I call,
O God who declares me innocent.
Take away my distress,
Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
How long will you people ruin my reputation?
How long will you make these
groundless accusations?
How long will you pursue lies?
You can be sure of this;
The Lord has set apart the godly for himself.
The Lord will answer when I call to him.
Don't sin by letting anger gain control over you.
Think about it overnight and remain silent.
Offer proper sacrifices, and trust in the Lord.
Many people say, "Who will show us
better times?Let the smile of your face shine on us, Lord.
You have given me greater joy
than those who have abundant harvests
of grain and wine.
I will lie down in peace and sleep
for you alone, O Lord, will keep me
safe.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Happy Birthday, Lee!
Yesterday I took a walk in the Park, and saw lots of activity going on. Apparently, the Audubon Society was out in full force with tables set up with refreshments, and lots of cars in the circle... people with cameras and telescopes, dressed in their hats and boots, ready for a tour to see what birds have migrated from the snowy North.
As for me, I just walked and looked and saw Mama gator in her same spot where she has been for months, but I didn't see a baby. I saw a flock of birds circling over the lake, but couldn't tell what they were, and then, two ospreys suddenly appeared and I watched to see if one would hover, but it didn't. It was a lovely morning for a walk, but I was very warm when I finished. God is good! BTW, apparently Francia did not retire, as she was teaching a class when I arrived. Good for the pupils who learn a lot about nature from her teaching.
Psalm 4:1-8 NLT
Answer me when I call,
O God who declares me innocent.
Take away my distress,
Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
How long will you people ruin my reputation?
How long will you make these
groundless accusations?
How long will you pursue lies?
You can be sure of this;
The Lord has set apart the godly for himself.
The Lord will answer when I call to him.
Don't sin by letting anger gain control over you.
Think about it overnight and remain silent.
Offer proper sacrifices, and trust in the Lord.
Many people say, "Who will show us
better times?Let the smile of your face shine on us, Lord.
You have given me greater joy
than those who have abundant harvests
of grain and wine.
I will lie down in peace and sleep
for you alone, O Lord, will keep me
safe.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Happy Birthday, Lee!
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