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, we now have several big bags of leaves waiting to be disposed of. After much sneezing and blowing, the student and his Mom got a bunch of the leaves and "feathers" raked up, and after I decided that they were not going to be able to get them all, I pitched in and raked enough to get a blister on the lower part of my thumb. Now, the yard just needs mowing.
While I was out, many of the neighbors were walking dogs, or just getting exercise. Mr. Soon , (from Cambodia, I think)Was out walking with his daughter. He used to bring me flowers on Friday nights, but had to retire from his job due to his health...the neighbors across the street and others shouted out encouragement and greetings! It was a good evening!
I walked to the tower yesterday, after I gave Mike some shamrock cookies. He was fishing for the aquarium fish and turtles, and he showed me his catch of the day. Then I started my walk and discovered a new gator nest, and also saw Mama gator in her usual spot by the shelter. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NT:
When I am confused, where do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding, and direction?
James 1:5-8 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. they can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.
Psalm 119:125 Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your decrees.
Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom. It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies," God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
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, the clouds from yesterday have disappeared and now the sky is clear and the sun is shining! Believe it or not, as I came out of the Library yesterday, a fine sprinkle was falling, but it soon quit...not enough to wet anything, but maybe a promise.
There seem to be more and more people finding Sawgrass Park these days. Maybe because it is free and a great place just to set up your comfy chair and read or enjoy gazing at the canal and all the wildlife. It always seems to have a crowd at all hours. We had to stop behind a truck yesterday while the passenger snapped some shots of a peacock that walked right up to the person, thinking they had a handout for him. He ran his ungainly self away when the truck drove off. :o) They are beautiful but awkward.
From a little book, God's Promises:
Courage to be men of integrity
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalm 1:1-6
Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight. When Pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom, the integrity of the upright will guide them. But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
Proverbs 11:1-3
The righteous man walks in his integrity, His children are blessed after him.
Proverbs 20:7
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
There seem to be more and more people finding Sawgrass Park these days. Maybe because it is free and a great place just to set up your comfy chair and read or enjoy gazing at the canal and all the wildlife. It always seems to have a crowd at all hours. We had to stop behind a truck yesterday while the passenger snapped some shots of a peacock that walked right up to the person, thinking they had a handout for him. He ran his ungainly self away when the truck drove off. :o) They are beautiful but awkward.
From a little book, God's Promises:
Courage to be men of integrity
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalm 1:1-6
Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight. When Pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom, the integrity of the upright will guide them. But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
Proverbs 11:1-3
The righteous man walks in his integrity, His children are blessed after him.
Proverbs 20:7
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Happy St. Patrick's day!
Happy March 17th, 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 overcast, but I don't see rain in our future any time soon, so we keep on praying. Yesterday, I watered our staghorn fern and it is so weird to see the blanket of oak seeds on the ground. and that is what it is, a blanket. If the youth from church don't come soon, I will have to get out and start raking.
I know they have a lot of yards to do, because everyone is raking leaves and seeds.
We saw two peacocks on the way to the park yesterday...beautiful feathers! God used his palette when he created them!
A few scriptures from a little book I have:
Therefore is there is any consolation in Christ, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:1-4
But those who wait on the Lord
shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the Lord,
They shall inherit the earth.
Psalm 37:7-9
The end of a thing is better than its beginning;
The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Ecclesiastes 7:8
And now, An Irish Blessing;
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields,
and until we meet again
May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I know they have a lot of yards to do, because everyone is raking leaves and seeds.
We saw two peacocks on the way to the park yesterday...beautiful feathers! God used his palette when he created them!
A few scriptures from a little book I have:
Therefore is there is any consolation in Christ, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:1-4
But those who wait on the Lord
shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the Lord,
They shall inherit the earth.
Psalm 37:7-9
The end of a thing is better than its beginning;
The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Ecclesiastes 7:8
And now, An Irish Blessing;
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields,
and until we meet again
May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, March 16, 2009
Excerpts from Ecclesiastes
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it1 When I stepped outside in the darkness this morning, the half moon had lost some of its brilliance, so I could see the stars faintly twinkling all around it. Now, I think it must be a little misty because the sun is not shining, yet.
I spied two peacocks yesterday on our trip to the Park...the male has very long tail feathers, which do not seem to bother him when he hops up on cars or fences. I have seen them roost in trees, with the long feathers hanging down. Sometimes they fly up on roof tops. I also saw a beautiful egret reflected in the canal and yesterday a lady cardinal came to get water from a bowl I put out on our wall. She just sat and let the breeze blow her tiny feathers on her top knot. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ecclesiastes 4
The Advantages of Companionship
I observed yet another example of meaninglessness in our world. This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, "Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?" It is all so meaningless and depressing.
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I spied two peacocks yesterday on our trip to the Park...the male has very long tail feathers, which do not seem to bother him when he hops up on cars or fences. I have seen them roost in trees, with the long feathers hanging down. Sometimes they fly up on roof tops. I also saw a beautiful egret reflected in the canal and yesterday a lady cardinal came to get water from a bowl I put out on our wall. She just sat and let the breeze blow her tiny feathers on her top knot. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ecclesiastes 4
The Advantages of Companionship
I observed yet another example of meaninglessness in our world. This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, "Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?" It is all so meaningless and depressing.
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, March 13, 2009
Paul's Prayer
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 moon was hidden by clouds, but I could tell it was valiantly trying to shine through them. The sky is still pretty cloudy, but I don't think it will bring rain.
Yesterday, I walked to the tower at the Park, stopping along the way, to look at Mama gator, still in her spot at the first shelter. She was in the water, with her head out at the bank. She is gray, but the large one on the bank across from the entrance bridge, was very black. The sun was hot, because it was almost noon, so I should have carried an umbrella for shade, but I enjoyed the walk, anyway, It was odd that I didn't see any squirrels and no birds, but God is good!
From Ephesians 1:15-23
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for Christians everywhere, I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.
I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with his presence.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, I walked to the tower at the Park, stopping along the way, to look at Mama gator, still in her spot at the first shelter. She was in the water, with her head out at the bank. She is gray, but the large one on the bank across from the entrance bridge, was very black. The sun was hot, because it was almost noon, so I should have carried an umbrella for shade, but I enjoyed the walk, anyway, It was odd that I didn't see any squirrels and no birds, but God is good!
From Ephesians 1:15-23
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for Christians everywhere, I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.
I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with his presence.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Send in the Clowns
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 about 6 AM The moon was still brightly shining, even though a little lop-sided. Now, the sun is shining, as usual, and the day will be warm.
Yesterday as I was taking some lemon cake to Mike at Sawgrass, I saw a gator's tail on the bank, but the rest of the gator was in the water..guess his tail needed some sun.:o) Mike and a volunteer have been working on locating all the gopher tortoise holes in the Park, and were using an Earth Google photo. I was amazed that the white sand shows up clearly, indicating where the holes are. Mike is worried about the gophers being vulnerable to the dogs and people that can now walk to where they are, since the fence was taken down. He is very interesting to talk to. While I was there, he had a phone call from someone who wanted to know who owned the place. Mike told him "As a matter of fact, you do. This is a public park belonging to the taxpayers." Click. End of telemarketing. He gets several calls like that periodically.
From the book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23
When the circus came to town, posters, bulletin boards, billboards announced the performance dates, and TV commercials urged everyone to "Come one, come all!" The most anticipated performance of all the acts were the clowns. With their crazy antics and outlandish costumes, they livened up each performance.
Clowns work hard at their profession. In fact, in order to travel with the Ringling Bros. Circus, clowns must successfully complete clown college-an intense course of study that covers everything from makeup to pratfalls,costuming to making balloon animals, juggling to sleight of hand. Only after clowns have mastered all of these skills can they take their place in the circus ring.
As Sheila stood at the stove sauteing vegetables for supper, she sensed a connection to this group of performers in the circus. Though she didn't wear a costume or makeup, she worked hard at juggling-balancing her time among home, family, students, friends and church. She wasn't skilled at card tricks or sleight of hand, but she could work "magic," explaining math concepts in ways any student could understand. And while she might not know the ins and outs of balloon animal art, Sheila make lots of other things, from costumes for school plays to crafty Christmas gifts and decorated birthday cakes.
God's Word says that we are to work at whatever we do with all our hearts, remembering that whatever we do is for the Lord. Whether we're clowns or cooks, tightrope walkers or teachers, we need to work hard at our professions. And when we do, we might just provide our students and families with some laughter along the way!
The average person puts only 25 percent of his energy and ability into his work.
Andrew Carnegie
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday as I was taking some lemon cake to Mike at Sawgrass, I saw a gator's tail on the bank, but the rest of the gator was in the water..guess his tail needed some sun.:o) Mike and a volunteer have been working on locating all the gopher tortoise holes in the Park, and were using an Earth Google photo. I was amazed that the white sand shows up clearly, indicating where the holes are. Mike is worried about the gophers being vulnerable to the dogs and people that can now walk to where they are, since the fence was taken down. He is very interesting to talk to. While I was there, he had a phone call from someone who wanted to know who owned the place. Mike told him "As a matter of fact, you do. This is a public park belonging to the taxpayers." Click. End of telemarketing. He gets several calls like that periodically.
From the book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23
When the circus came to town, posters, bulletin boards, billboards announced the performance dates, and TV commercials urged everyone to "Come one, come all!" The most anticipated performance of all the acts were the clowns. With their crazy antics and outlandish costumes, they livened up each performance.
Clowns work hard at their profession. In fact, in order to travel with the Ringling Bros. Circus, clowns must successfully complete clown college-an intense course of study that covers everything from makeup to pratfalls,costuming to making balloon animals, juggling to sleight of hand. Only after clowns have mastered all of these skills can they take their place in the circus ring.
As Sheila stood at the stove sauteing vegetables for supper, she sensed a connection to this group of performers in the circus. Though she didn't wear a costume or makeup, she worked hard at juggling-balancing her time among home, family, students, friends and church. She wasn't skilled at card tricks or sleight of hand, but she could work "magic," explaining math concepts in ways any student could understand. And while she might not know the ins and outs of balloon animal art, Sheila make lots of other things, from costumes for school plays to crafty Christmas gifts and decorated birthday cakes.
God's Word says that we are to work at whatever we do with all our hearts, remembering that whatever we do is for the Lord. Whether we're clowns or cooks, tightrope walkers or teachers, we need to work hard at our professions. And when we do, we might just provide our students and families with some laughter along the way!
The average person puts only 25 percent of his energy and ability into his work.
Andrew Carnegie
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
More Prayer
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, there was no doubt where the full moon was this morning when I stepped outside! There it was, like a big floodlight, beaming down right over the house. It outshone all the stars around it. I heard and then saw a tiny airplane very high flying right over it. Their view must have been magnificent!. The plane looked tiny because of the distance, of course.
When we went to the Park yesterday, a lot of people still were there. This is spring break for a lot of kids, I guess, but lots of adults were there, also. PIcnics, reading, strolling, and just walking their dogs; all were enjoying the spring weather. I saw turtles sunning again, and a great white heron looking for a fish, plus the tribe of ibis. They all seem to stick together. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why is prayer important?
Matthew 7:7-11 Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. You parents--if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
There's more to prayer than just getting an answer. God also does a work of grace in our own hearts through the act of prayer. As we persist in asking, seeking, and knocking, we gain a greater understanding of ourselves and of God.
How will God respond to my prayers?
Psalm 9:12 He who avenges murder cares for the helpless. He does not ignore those who cry to him for help.
Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and care to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
We experience freedom when we give a burden over to the Lord in prayer--even before the prayer is answered. The assurance of God's love and concern refreshes us and renews our hope.
Philippians 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
There's no limit on prayer. Big requests, small requests, and all sizes in between are welcomed by God. If something bothers us, it should be brought to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When we went to the Park yesterday, a lot of people still were there. This is spring break for a lot of kids, I guess, but lots of adults were there, also. PIcnics, reading, strolling, and just walking their dogs; all were enjoying the spring weather. I saw turtles sunning again, and a great white heron looking for a fish, plus the tribe of ibis. They all seem to stick together. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why is prayer important?
Matthew 7:7-11 Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. You parents--if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
There's more to prayer than just getting an answer. God also does a work of grace in our own hearts through the act of prayer. As we persist in asking, seeking, and knocking, we gain a greater understanding of ourselves and of God.
How will God respond to my prayers?
Psalm 9:12 He who avenges murder cares for the helpless. He does not ignore those who cry to him for help.
Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and care to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
We experience freedom when we give a burden over to the Lord in prayer--even before the prayer is answered. The assurance of God's love and concern refreshes us and renews our hope.
Philippians 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
There's no limit on prayer. Big requests, small requests, and all sizes in between are welcomed by God. If something bothers us, it should be brought to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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