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! Another cool morning and a warm afternoon in store for us. Actually, my yard and staghorn fern could use some water. Guess I will have to use the hose sometime when I don't mind getting all wet, because it leaks.
Heard a good sermon yesterday and then drove through the park on the way back home. A flock of ibis was by Lynch Lake on my way to church along with one lone woodstork, with feathers all ruffled from the wind. At the park, lots of people were hanging over the bridge rail looking at the gator, always hanging around there. He is growing up right in plain sight. Also, a lady was standing right in front of one of the gopher holes, apparently looking at him. I guess they are quite unusual to our northern visitors.
I missed the chili dinner at church last night, because I took a nap and woke up too late to take the chili and go. As a result I have a lot of white chicken chili left over, which is pretty tasty! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Belonging
What happens to those who belong to God?
Isaiah 26:19
We have this assurance; Those who belong to God will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! For God's light of life will fall like dew on his people in the place of the dead!
Belonging to God is an eternal relationship, not merely for this world, but for the world to come. The grave is not the last chapter, merely the transitional one.
John 15:9-17 I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here is how to measure it--the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. You are my friends if you obey me. I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn't confide in his servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn't choose me, I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for using my name. I command you to love each other.
When we belong to God we belong to each other. Jesus' command to love is rooted in his promise of love for us. The fact that we belong to Jesus compels us to love one another. As friends of God we are responsible to all our fellow believers.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, November 21, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Joy
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, sure enough, our one day cool front is here, but will soon move out and we will have warm weather clear through to Thanksgiving, so we enjoy the change while we can!
I had an appointment with my cardiologist yesterday, whose office is attached to the St. Anthony's complex. They have finally finished the outside of the new ER and other rooms enough so that the regular route to the office is now open, after months of driving through a maze to get to it! The new addition still has finish work to do on the inside, but is already landscaped on the grounds. Nice!
After waiting thirty minutes in the waiting room (I always bring a book),I was taken back to the examining room and, surprisingly, only waited five mins. for the doctor to come in. He's a talker and I have to interrupt him to tell him anything or ask any questions, but he is tops in his field and has interesting stories to tell. BTW, I checked out ok.
It was late when I left, so I went to the park when the shadows were long, and the sun was brilliant setting in the west...not good driving. The gopher was still sitting on his front porch, in the same position as Wed. and the squirrels were gathered under the same oak. Sometimes it seems like time stands still there, although everything is constantly moving. Then I drove to Wendy's and ordered a Jr. cheeseburger and small salad. When I got home, I discovered no burger, but the salad. So, I got in the car and drove back to Wendy's where they were very apologetic and gave me a free Frosty because of the mistake. I actually thought it was my fault, because I assumed both items were in the same bag, but they simply forgot to give the burger to me. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be joyful in hard times?
Habakkuk 3:17-18 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
Philippians 4:4,12 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again---rejoice!...I know how to live on almost nothing 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.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had an appointment with my cardiologist yesterday, whose office is attached to the St. Anthony's complex. They have finally finished the outside of the new ER and other rooms enough so that the regular route to the office is now open, after months of driving through a maze to get to it! The new addition still has finish work to do on the inside, but is already landscaped on the grounds. Nice!
After waiting thirty minutes in the waiting room (I always bring a book),I was taken back to the examining room and, surprisingly, only waited five mins. for the doctor to come in. He's a talker and I have to interrupt him to tell him anything or ask any questions, but he is tops in his field and has interesting stories to tell. BTW, I checked out ok.
It was late when I left, so I went to the park when the shadows were long, and the sun was brilliant setting in the west...not good driving. The gopher was still sitting on his front porch, in the same position as Wed. and the squirrels were gathered under the same oak. Sometimes it seems like time stands still there, although everything is constantly moving. Then I drove to Wendy's and ordered a Jr. cheeseburger and small salad. When I got home, I discovered no burger, but the salad. So, I got in the car and drove back to Wendy's where they were very apologetic and gave me a free Frosty because of the mistake. I actually thought it was my fault, because I assumed both items were in the same bag, but they simply forgot to give the burger to me. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be joyful in hard times?
Habakkuk 3:17-18 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
Philippians 4:4,12 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again---rejoice!...I know how to live on almost nothing 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.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Teaching About Giving to the Needy
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, there was a peculiar light to the sky, almost yellowish, so I knew something was going to happen with the weather, Sure enough, when I turned on the TV, I saw the long line of showers that was moving toward us, bringing cooler air behind it. So I was hoping for a downpour, but instead, we had a very short rain and water is still dripping off the roof, but the rain looks to be over. The clouds are breaking up and it looks like a nice day coming up.
My ladies came to clean house yesterday afternoon, and they are always fun to be with and catch up on the neighborhood news! One likes to talk and the other likes to clean, but they make a good team together. I enjoy them and enjoy the way the house looks when they finish. Cheryl is a caregiver at heart, and always reminds me to lock the door when they leave.
I went to the park yesterday and saw a couple turtles clinging to the side of the weir, and further down, the large gopher tortoise was crouched outside his tunnel home, watching the world go by. Not many people were out, but the busy squirrels certainly were. they are getting fat and sassy! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 6:1-4
"Take care! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give a gift to someone in need, don't shout about it as the hypocrites do---blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I assure you, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone, don't tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in secret, and your Father who knows all secrets, will reward you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My ladies came to clean house yesterday afternoon, and they are always fun to be with and catch up on the neighborhood news! One likes to talk and the other likes to clean, but they make a good team together. I enjoy them and enjoy the way the house looks when they finish. Cheryl is a caregiver at heart, and always reminds me to lock the door when they leave.
I went to the park yesterday and saw a couple turtles clinging to the side of the weir, and further down, the large gopher tortoise was crouched outside his tunnel home, watching the world go by. Not many people were out, but the busy squirrels certainly were. they are getting fat and sassy! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 6:1-4
"Take care! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give a gift to someone in need, don't shout about it as the hypocrites do---blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I assure you, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone, don't tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in secret, and your Father who knows all secrets, will reward you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
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! Another overcast day with fog, I guess, although not visible around here. This was how yesterday started, but it got up in the lower eighties by afternoon. So warm, in fact, that I turned on the A/C for awhile. Changeable weather!
I had to take the van to Ray at Cartek in the morning, because the button on my ac blower decided not to stay on, and even though this is Nov., the car still gets warm. So after taking time, to look up the problem, he showed me how to make it stay on and didn't have to work on the car. I am blessed to have a good mechanic who knows what he is doing and is reliable!
I drove to the car wash, but discovered I didn't have the right change, so came on back home to the park and observed the peace and quiet. I had seen a woodstork by Lynch Lake preening his feathers, but saw just the ibis and squirrels at the park. I think I have only seen one woodstork there, for some reason. The trees are shedding and seem to be getting ready for winter to come, when all will be a grayish color, because the greenery will mostly be gone. A time for sleeping ....God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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
I had to take the van to Ray at Cartek in the morning, because the button on my ac blower decided not to stay on, and even though this is Nov., the car still gets warm. So after taking time, to look up the problem, he showed me how to make it stay on and didn't have to work on the car. I am blessed to have a good mechanic who knows what he is doing and is reliable!
I drove to the car wash, but discovered I didn't have the right change, so came on back home to the park and observed the peace and quiet. I had seen a woodstork by Lynch Lake preening his feathers, but saw just the ibis and squirrels at the park. I think I have only seen one woodstork there, for some reason. The trees are shedding and seem to be getting ready for winter to come, when all will be a grayish color, because the greenery will mostly be gone. A time for sleeping ....God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
When the Path is Dark
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! No sunshine this morning, because of fog, but that usually means a very warm day, later on.
Yesterday, in the late afternoon, I went to the park and walked out on the bridge to check on the gators. Sure enough, they were hanging in the water...the three footer and the smaller one closer together and at the other end of the bridge the small one was almost invisible in the lily pads. I watched an anhinga swallowing a fish, which was very visible going down his long neck. I have often wondered is the fish tickles when it gets to the craw or wherever it goes inside the bird. Probably it is better not to think about the eventual demise. But God means for everything in creation to have a purpose and I guess the fishes is to feed the anhinga. I saw a lot of ripples, but could not tell if they were turtles or something else. It was a very warm afternoon, so I avoided the sun as much as possible, and walked a ways in the shade. It was a good walk and God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
Micah 7:8 HCSB
Doubts come in several shapes and sizes: doubts about God, doubts about the future, and doubts about our own abilities, for starters. But when doubts creep in, as they will from time to time, we need not despair. As Sheila Walsh observed, "To wrestle with God does not mean that we have lost faith, but that we are fighting for it."
God never leaves our side, not for an instant. He is always with us, always willing to calm the storms of life. When we sincerely seek His presence-and when we genuinely seek to establish a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him--God is prepared to touch our hearts, to calm our fears, to answer oiur doubts, and to restore oiur confidence.
Struggling with God over the issues of life doesn't show a lack of faith-that is faith.
Lee Strobel
Doubting may temporarily disturb, but will not permanently destroy, your faith in Christ.
Charles Swindoll
Dear God, sometimes this world can be a puzzling place, filled with uncertainty and doubt. When I am unsure of my next step, keep me mindful that You are always near and that you can overcome any challenge. Give me faith, Father, and let me remember always that with Your love and Your power, I can live courageously and faithfully today and every day. Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, in the late afternoon, I went to the park and walked out on the bridge to check on the gators. Sure enough, they were hanging in the water...the three footer and the smaller one closer together and at the other end of the bridge the small one was almost invisible in the lily pads. I watched an anhinga swallowing a fish, which was very visible going down his long neck. I have often wondered is the fish tickles when it gets to the craw or wherever it goes inside the bird. Probably it is better not to think about the eventual demise. But God means for everything in creation to have a purpose and I guess the fishes is to feed the anhinga. I saw a lot of ripples, but could not tell if they were turtles or something else. It was a very warm afternoon, so I avoided the sun as much as possible, and walked a ways in the shade. It was a good walk and God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
Micah 7:8 HCSB
Doubts come in several shapes and sizes: doubts about God, doubts about the future, and doubts about our own abilities, for starters. But when doubts creep in, as they will from time to time, we need not despair. As Sheila Walsh observed, "To wrestle with God does not mean that we have lost faith, but that we are fighting for it."
God never leaves our side, not for an instant. He is always with us, always willing to calm the storms of life. When we sincerely seek His presence-and when we genuinely seek to establish a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him--God is prepared to touch our hearts, to calm our fears, to answer oiur doubts, and to restore oiur confidence.
Struggling with God over the issues of life doesn't show a lack of faith-that is faith.
Lee Strobel
Doubting may temporarily disturb, but will not permanently destroy, your faith in Christ.
Charles Swindoll
Dear God, sometimes this world can be a puzzling place, filled with uncertainty and doubt. When I am unsure of my next step, keep me mindful that You are always near and that you can overcome any challenge. Give me faith, Father, and let me remember always that with Your love and Your power, I can live courageously and faithfully today and every day. Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, November 14, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 112
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is another beautiful day in a string of cool, warm days. Good for the visitors and good for us natives!
I visited the park yesterday and it was packed! Some group was having a meeting under the shelter and I waited for a three wheeled motorcycle to back into a space. It was really packed with a lot of traveling equipment, but I couldn't see the tag to see where he was from. John, the Ranger, was holding court under the first shelter talking to patrons, which is what he likes to do. He is a real people person. The squirrels were hanging out by all the cars parked in the circle, looking for handouts, which they have gotten used to. I think they wouldn't need much encouragement to hop in the cars, if invited. :o) God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 112:1-5
Happy are those who fear the Lord.
Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what he commands.
Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
They themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will never be forgotten.
When darkness overtakes the godly,
light will come bursting in.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
All goes well for those who are generous,
who lend freely and conduct their business fairly.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I visited the park yesterday and it was packed! Some group was having a meeting under the shelter and I waited for a three wheeled motorcycle to back into a space. It was really packed with a lot of traveling equipment, but I couldn't see the tag to see where he was from. John, the Ranger, was holding court under the first shelter talking to patrons, which is what he likes to do. He is a real people person. The squirrels were hanging out by all the cars parked in the circle, looking for handouts, which they have gotten used to. I think they wouldn't need much encouragement to hop in the cars, if invited. :o) God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 112:1-5
Happy are those who fear the Lord.
Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what he commands.
Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
They themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will never be forgotten.
When darkness overtakes the godly,
light will come bursting in.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
All goes well for those who are generous,
who lend freely and conduct their business fairly.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, November 11, 2011
Veteran's Day
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! Brrr! It is finally chilly! The wind is blowing, making the fifties seem a lot colder. When I went out at daylight to put the flag up, the wind caught it before I really had it in the holder! People are wearing coats at the outdoor services commemorating Veteran's Day today.
Well, I have more information about the incident that brought out the Sheriff's Deputies to Sawgrass Monday. It seems that a couple of patrons got into a shoving match, because one was feeding the gators (illegal) and the other objected. I have often wanted to say something , but kept quiet because you never know what the reaction will be!
Also, Dave C. the Park Ranger who does my yard, said there were about ten complaints of squirrels biting people who didn't feed them, so he and another ranger took a walk with traps and got about six to relocate them to Weedon Island. It always seems such a peaceful place on the surface, but much is going on behind the scenes, so to speak. God is good!
Psoaring thru Psalm 82 NLT:
God presides over heaven's court:
he pronounces judgment on the judges:
How long will you judges hand down unjust decisions?
How long will you shower special favors on the wicked?
Give fair treatment to the poor and orphan;
uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
Rescue the poor and helpless;
deliver them from the grasp of evil people.
But these oppressors know nothing; they are so ignorant!
And because they are in darkness,
the whole world is shaken to the core.
I say, "You are gods and children of the most High.
But in death you are mere men.
You will fall as any prince, for all must die.
Rise up, O God, and judge the earth,
for all the nations belong to you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, I have more information about the incident that brought out the Sheriff's Deputies to Sawgrass Monday. It seems that a couple of patrons got into a shoving match, because one was feeding the gators (illegal) and the other objected. I have often wanted to say something , but kept quiet because you never know what the reaction will be!
Also, Dave C. the Park Ranger who does my yard, said there were about ten complaints of squirrels biting people who didn't feed them, so he and another ranger took a walk with traps and got about six to relocate them to Weedon Island. It always seems such a peaceful place on the surface, but much is going on behind the scenes, so to speak. God is good!
Psoaring thru Psalm 82 NLT:
God presides over heaven's court:
he pronounces judgment on the judges:
How long will you judges hand down unjust decisions?
How long will you shower special favors on the wicked?
Give fair treatment to the poor and orphan;
uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
Rescue the poor and helpless;
deliver them from the grasp of evil people.
But these oppressors know nothing; they are so ignorant!
And because they are in darkness,
the whole world is shaken to the core.
I say, "You are gods and children of the most High.
But in death you are mere men.
You will fall as any prince, for all must die.
Rise up, O God, and judge the earth,
for all the nations belong to you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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