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! It seems that a "cold front" is coming through with the clouds and cooler wind blowing...must be a last of the cool air before summer, since this is spring already. :o)
I was able to take a nice walk Saturday morning and enjoyed getting out fairly early. I stopped at the gator spot and watched as Mama popped up out of the water, and then stopped at the new gator nest, but saw no activity. After walking to the tower, I was looking for maybe an osprey, but instead, saw something I had never seen before. A banded kingfisher swooped over the water and hovered for several seconds over the lake!! I was so excited! I have seen smaller kingfishers, but never a banded one hovering. God is good! Then, on the way back, I stopped again to check out Mama gator, and there was a baby! I only saw one, but it was wiggling under a bank.
When I came home, I checked in my bird book and, sure enough, banded kingfishers do hover! There was an illustration of one doing just that! I really was blessed!
I thought I would send a copy of My Morning Prayer again, which I pray every day; a good way to start the week...
"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
Monday, March 23, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Psoaring thru Psalm 119
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 birds were already chirping and dawn was breaking. the air was cool and promising to be warm later on.
We are still very dry and needing a good rain. We keep praying that God will provide because He knows our needs.
Speaking of birds, my little bowl of water on the wall is attracting all critters. A large cat was drinking the other day, and bluejays always drink. Yesterday, a tiny warbler landed and twittered about...they are nervous little birds. Even the squirrels come to get water. This drought affects everyone and everything.
I saw a great blue heron at the Park yesterday, silently keeping watch over the canal, as he waited for his lunch to come along. Lots of ibis and squirrels scampering about. There is one large turtle that has been hanging out there for years...seems like he knows how to escape the gators! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 119:1-8
Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully
Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws, I will thank you by living as I should!
I will obey your principles.
Please don't give up on me!
156... Lord how great is your mercy;
in your justice, give me back my life.
Many persecute and trouble me,
yet I have not swerved from your decrees.
I hate these traitors because they care nothing for your word.
See how I love your commandments, Lord.
Give me back my life because of your unfailing love.
All your words are true; all your just laws will stand forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We are still very dry and needing a good rain. We keep praying that God will provide because He knows our needs.
Speaking of birds, my little bowl of water on the wall is attracting all critters. A large cat was drinking the other day, and bluejays always drink. Yesterday, a tiny warbler landed and twittered about...they are nervous little birds. Even the squirrels come to get water. This drought affects everyone and everything.
I saw a great blue heron at the Park yesterday, silently keeping watch over the canal, as he waited for his lunch to come along. Lots of ibis and squirrels scampering about. There is one large turtle that has been hanging out there for years...seems like he knows how to escape the gators! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 119:1-8
Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully
Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws, I will thank you by living as I should!
I will obey your principles.
Please don't give up on me!
156... Lord how great is your mercy;
in your justice, give me back my life.
Many persecute and trouble me,
yet I have not swerved from your decrees.
I hate these traitors because they care nothing for your word.
See how I love your commandments, Lord.
Give me back my life because of your unfailing love.
All your words are true; all your just laws will stand forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Neighbors and discernment
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
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
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
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