Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cooling down day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yes, the grass has slowed down growing and the air in the morning, is somewhat cooler. I really think fall is coming!
I haven't walked in the Park since Friday, when I was dismayed to see only one baby gator, and no Mama! But then a tall man came up and could see over the nest, and he counted eight or more babies around back. Soon they came swimming around to be with the one in front and Mama came around front also, covered with mud, so I think she had been taking a mud bath in the back of the nest. I walked on to the tower and there is always a nice breeze blowing from the lake, so I enjoyed cooling off a bit. I watched a little green heron intently looking for a fish and noticed some of the maple leaves are starting to turn color already. God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
More than Positive Thinking
"As he thinks in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7 NKJV
What we think about determines what we do. Even more important, the Scriptures tell us that what we think about shapes our attitudes and how we live our lives.
The Greek city of Philippi was one of the places where the apostle Paul had a fruitful ministry. Paul wrote to the Philippians:
"Whatsoever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things."
Philippians 4:8 NKJV
It's interesting to note Paul wrote this immediately after addressing three other concerns in Philippians, chapter 4. First, he told two women who were having an argument to become of "the same mind in the Lord." Paul wanted them to be at peace with each other and to rejoice together in the Lord.
Second, Paul told them to be gentle with all men. That's descriptive of having peace with those who don't know the Lord. And third, Paul advised them not to be anxious or worried about anything, but to turn all their troubles over to the Lord. He wanted them to have total peace of mind and heart.
As we look for the good in others , and meditate on the unending goodness of our Creator, we find the path toward peace with others and the peace that passes all understanding in whatever situation we find ourselves.
Thinking right is more than positive thinking-it is living a life that is filled with God's goodness, wisdom, and mercy!
The soul is tinged with the color and complexion of its thoughts.
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, September 10, 2007
Friday, September 7, 2007
Blessings
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cooler day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, I was pleasantly surprised at the cool breeze that was blowing, and the clear sky. The crescent moon was brilliant and I saw the Little Dipper and myriads of stars in the heavens. What beauty!
Yesterday I was called into the office at the Park, by Terry, who wanted me to see the slides that Francia, the teacher was showing on her PC. She and Steve, the naturalist, took the camera and recorded the hatching out of the baby gators, for over an hour; at the same time this gave an excellent opportunity for educating the many people who stopped by during this time. Francia was kind enough to email the pix to me, which I passed on to you all yesterday.
Mama gator was directly under me yesterday, watching over the many young'uns that were gently grunting and moving about in clumps. When I started taking pictures, she moved swiftly over to the main group and nosed them. I only counted 15 and out of the 32 that hatched, probably only one or two will survive to be three feet or more. Already the hawks and snapping turtles are moving in. :o( But that is God's plan.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How has God promised to bless his people?
Numbers 6:24-26 "May the Lord bless and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace."
God's blessing encompasses all of life. We live in his protection, his presence, and his peace. Nothing this world offers can compare in scope or duration with the blessing of God.
Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence."
We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God, the creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday I was called into the office at the Park, by Terry, who wanted me to see the slides that Francia, the teacher was showing on her PC. She and Steve, the naturalist, took the camera and recorded the hatching out of the baby gators, for over an hour; at the same time this gave an excellent opportunity for educating the many people who stopped by during this time. Francia was kind enough to email the pix to me, which I passed on to you all yesterday.
Mama gator was directly under me yesterday, watching over the many young'uns that were gently grunting and moving about in clumps. When I started taking pictures, she moved swiftly over to the main group and nosed them. I only counted 15 and out of the 32 that hatched, probably only one or two will survive to be three feet or more. Already the hawks and snapping turtles are moving in. :o( But that is God's plan.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How has God promised to bless his people?
Numbers 6:24-26 "May the Lord bless and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace."
God's blessing encompasses all of life. We live in his protection, his presence, and his peace. Nothing this world offers can compare in scope or duration with the blessing of God.
Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence."
We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God, the creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, September 6, 2007
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, I could see lots of stars and the brilliant crescent moon, so I thought the sky was clear, but off in the west, I saw flashes of lightning, so someone is getting rain.
As I walked yesterday there was a nice breeze and the air actually felt a degree or two cooler. Could Fall be approaching? I walked to the gator nest and didn't see Mama, but counted 11 babies, very well camouflaged in the ferns. They wiggle and swim, so it's hard to count them. I am sure Mama was not far away, perhaps behind the nest with the rest of the young'uns. God's creation is marvelous!
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 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 cares 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
Happy birthday, Lizzy!
As I walked yesterday there was a nice breeze and the air actually felt a degree or two cooler. Could Fall be approaching? I walked to the gator nest and didn't see Mama, but counted 11 babies, very well camouflaged in the ferns. They wiggle and swim, so it's hard to count them. I am sure Mama was not far away, perhaps behind the nest with the rest of the young'uns. God's creation is marvelous!
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 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 cares 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
Happy birthday, Lizzy!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
God's Power
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, yesterday the gators had to get along without me. Because of my painful, infected finger, I did not walk, but instead got ready to pop into the doctor's office as early as possible to get it treated.
I am happy to say that after treatment , I can now type without pain from that finger and am taking a different anti-biotic and dressing the wound, but am on the way to recovery.
I did drive through the Park though, and saw the freshly mowed grass, ibises pecking, anhingas airing out their wings, but only a few people in the simmering heat. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can God's power help me?
Psalm 60:12 "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 resources can get in the way if we rely on them instead of on the Lord. God's 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.
Acts 1:8 "When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem , throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
1 Peter 1:5 "God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. "
God's power preserves and protects us until we reach our eternal home.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I am happy to say that after treatment , I can now type without pain from that finger and am taking a different anti-biotic and dressing the wound, but am on the way to recovery.
I did drive through the Park though, and saw the freshly mowed grass, ibises pecking, anhingas airing out their wings, but only a few people in the simmering heat. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can God's power help me?
Psalm 60:12 "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 resources can get in the way if we rely on them instead of on the Lord. God's 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.
Acts 1:8 "When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem , throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
1 Peter 1:5 "God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. "
God's power preserves and protects us until we reach our eternal home.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Power of God
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it The moon was shining as I stepped outside this morning, but then the clouds moved in and now it is mostly overcast.
I counted seventeen tiny, yellow and black striped baby gators yesterday morning, but that was a moving count. I listened to the little grunts and watched them move about, while Mama laid quietly nearby, watching over them. God's creation is miraculous!
I walked on out to the tower and saw another gator waiting for his breakfast to show up. We also saw two peacocks across the canal inside the Park. God is good
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Power of God - 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 his good 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I counted seventeen tiny, yellow and black striped baby gators yesterday morning, but that was a moving count. I listened to the little grunts and watched them move about, while Mama laid quietly nearby, watching over them. God's creation is miraculous!
I walked on out to the tower and saw another gator waiting for his breakfast to show up. We also saw two peacocks across the canal inside the Park. God is good
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Power of God - 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 his good 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, September 3, 2007
Time
Good Labor day 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 waning moon was shining brightly when I stepped outside this morning...I would like to have slept a little later, but I have an infected cuticle and the pain woke me up early. Yes, I have been to the doctor and will go back tomorrow, but it is very painful!
When I went through the Park Saturday, it had been raining, and the trees were dripping, but we saw a wedding party being photographed. It was an Asian couple...the bride in white satin and the attendants in pink satin. I wondered how they could keep their gowns from being ruined on the hem by the wetness, but I guess you have to take your chances on the weather, when you plan an outdoor wedding!
Just a short word about work from the Promise Bible NLT, since this is a holiday:
Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to lose. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak up. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. What do people really get for all their hard work? I have thought about this in connection with the various kinds of work God has given people to do. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end."
Valuing time begins with seeing it from God's perspective. When we do this, we learn that there is always time for accomplishing God's plans for our lives.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The waning moon was shining brightly when I stepped outside this morning...I would like to have slept a little later, but I have an infected cuticle and the pain woke me up early. Yes, I have been to the doctor and will go back tomorrow, but it is very painful!
When I went through the Park Saturday, it had been raining, and the trees were dripping, but we saw a wedding party being photographed. It was an Asian couple...the bride in white satin and the attendants in pink satin. I wondered how they could keep their gowns from being ruined on the hem by the wetness, but I guess you have to take your chances on the weather, when you plan an outdoor wedding!
Just a short word about work from the Promise Bible NLT, since this is a holiday:
Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to lose. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak up. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. What do people really get for all their hard work? I have thought about this in connection with the various kinds of work God has given people to do. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end."
Valuing time begins with seeing it from God's perspective. When we do this, we learn that there is always time for accomplishing God's plans for our lives.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, August 31, 2007
John 15:17
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the slightly cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! As I stepped outside this morning, there was a really nice breeze blowing, and thin clouds were moving swiftly across the sky and the moon, which was still shining brightly. Beautiful!
I had a very humid walk yesterday and looked for Mama gator, but she must have been under the boardwalk. However...I thought I detected movement behind the nest in the dark water and underbrush and I am wondering if the babies, at least some of them have hatched out. The top of the nest looks a little disturbed, so maybe I will find out today . This is just about the time for the hatching!! God is good!
I also was pleased to see a moorhen couple at the tower. They mate for life, and I hadn't seen any for a while. They used to be plentiful at the Park, but gradually left for some reason. Maybe the hawks got them. Survival of the fittest.
From the Quiet Moments with God devotional:
In our busy world, we often ignore one another. Many of us are overworked and overextended, and we find that it's easy to make a habit of ignoring others, including those we love the most. But we can make a difference in the lives of the people around us by taking the time to listen to them--by showing them that they are precious to God and to us.
Jesus Christ said that the greatest commandment of all is to love one another and that His followers would be known by their love--a deep and abiding love. So today, as you go about your day, take a moment from your busyness. Make a call and tell a friend that you think she is special. Not only will you brighten up your friend's day, you'll also speak volumes to a hurting and neglected world.
John 15:17 "These things I command you; that you love one another."
Faith, like light, should always be simple and unbending; while love, like warmth, should beam forth on every side and bend to every necessity of our brethren.
Martin Luther
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had a very humid walk yesterday and looked for Mama gator, but she must have been under the boardwalk. However...I thought I detected movement behind the nest in the dark water and underbrush and I am wondering if the babies, at least some of them have hatched out. The top of the nest looks a little disturbed, so maybe I will find out today . This is just about the time for the hatching!! God is good!
I also was pleased to see a moorhen couple at the tower. They mate for life, and I hadn't seen any for a while. They used to be plentiful at the Park, but gradually left for some reason. Maybe the hawks got them. Survival of the fittest.
From the Quiet Moments with God devotional:
In our busy world, we often ignore one another. Many of us are overworked and overextended, and we find that it's easy to make a habit of ignoring others, including those we love the most. But we can make a difference in the lives of the people around us by taking the time to listen to them--by showing them that they are precious to God and to us.
Jesus Christ said that the greatest commandment of all is to love one another and that His followers would be known by their love--a deep and abiding love. So today, as you go about your day, take a moment from your busyness. Make a call and tell a friend that you think she is special. Not only will you brighten up your friend's day, you'll also speak volumes to a hurting and neglected world.
John 15:17 "These things I command you; that you love one another."
Faith, like light, should always be simple and unbending; while love, like warmth, should beam forth on every side and bend to every necessity of our brethren.
Martin Luther
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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