Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the chilly day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! They sky is blue and the wind is sharp, but the day promises to be warmer and brighter!
Yesterday, after church, I drove through the Park, seeing very few people, but a fat, shiny gator sunning on the bank of one of the lakes. A flock of ibis were gathered in one spot under the almost bare trees and a large tri-colored heron standing majestically beside the river. God's creation is awesome!
Well, today I am another day older, and our son Brian, took us out for a birthday lunch, which I enjoyed very much. We had a nice visit, and then a quiet day, Life is good at my advanced age!!
From the Promise Bible:
How is my work important to the Lord?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "This should be your ambition; to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, People who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs."
Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently, experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work: (1) having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and (2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.
Colossians 3:23-24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.."
God promises a reward to those who work hard. That reward can include - but is not limited to - financial prosperity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction or the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, January 21, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Needs
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! Well, it is cloudy and looks like rain again, but that's all right, because we surely need the rain.
As we drove through the Park yesterday, I noticed that the water is up, which is good, so the little rain we had did a lot of good. I saw four peacocks and admired their beautiful colors. Since our bathroom is being redecorated, I got some ideas for colors from God's Creation.
Yesterday we had a surprise visit from a young friend and that was one of God's blessings of the day. I am thankful for friends that care and for unexpected pleasures. I had to go to Home Depot, which to me, is not a pleasure, but met a very helpful sales associate, who walked to one end of the store for me, while I stayed in the middle looking at towel bars. Then I had to walk to the other back end of the store, so I was able to get my exercise indoors... not the same as the Park!! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be sure my needs will be met?
Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need."
The starting point for our assurance is the promise of God's love. Even as sheep must depend fully on a good shepherd, we must depend fully on the Lord. He is eager to graciously lead us through life.
Romans 8:31,32 "What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us , who can be against us? Since God did not even spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, won't God , who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?"
If someone was offering you millions of dollars, you would not hesitate to ask to ask them for just a few. God has met our greatest need by giving us His own Son to redeem us. Now his great joy is supplying all our other needs for the glory of his name.
Philippians 4:19 "The same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
God's resources far exceed my greatest needs.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
As we drove through the Park yesterday, I noticed that the water is up, which is good, so the little rain we had did a lot of good. I saw four peacocks and admired their beautiful colors. Since our bathroom is being redecorated, I got some ideas for colors from God's Creation.
Yesterday we had a surprise visit from a young friend and that was one of God's blessings of the day. I am thankful for friends that care and for unexpected pleasures. I had to go to Home Depot, which to me, is not a pleasure, but met a very helpful sales associate, who walked to one end of the store for me, while I stayed in the middle looking at towel bars. Then I had to walk to the other back end of the store, so I was able to get my exercise indoors... not the same as the Park!! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be sure my needs will be met?
Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need."
The starting point for our assurance is the promise of God's love. Even as sheep must depend fully on a good shepherd, we must depend fully on the Lord. He is eager to graciously lead us through life.
Romans 8:31,32 "What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us , who can be against us? Since God did not even spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, won't God , who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?"
If someone was offering you millions of dollars, you would not hesitate to ask to ask them for just a few. God has met our greatest need by giving us His own Son to redeem us. Now his great joy is supplying all our other needs for the glory of his name.
Philippians 4:19 "The same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
God's resources far exceed my greatest needs.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Joy
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the rainy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We certainly needed the rain and now the wind is blowing and I think we will have much colder weather by this weekend. At least, that is what the prediction is.
Mama duck and her three ducklings came in the backyard unexpectedly yesterday, while a new hose was being attached to the faucet. Since she found water there last week, I guess she though she would try again. Those ducklings really mind her and stick with her until they are fully grown. Papa duck is off playing the field, I guess! :o)
I saw another pair of gallinules, (coots) in the park. This time they were in the canal and they are together for life, very busy talking to each other, well, clucking, as they swim and peck around the growth in the water. God is great!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be joyful in hard times?
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.
James 1:2 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for you."
Troubles remind us of two things., First, they remind us that this is a fallen world full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in him. this kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Mama duck and her three ducklings came in the backyard unexpectedly yesterday, while a new hose was being attached to the faucet. Since she found water there last week, I guess she though she would try again. Those ducklings really mind her and stick with her until they are fully grown. Papa duck is off playing the field, I guess! :o)
I saw another pair of gallinules, (coots) in the park. This time they were in the canal and they are together for life, very busy talking to each other, well, clucking, as they swim and peck around the growth in the water. God is great!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be joyful in hard times?
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.
James 1:2 "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for you."
Troubles remind us of two things., First, they remind us that this is a fallen world full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in him. this kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Discernment
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We haven't seen much of the rising sun, so far, but if we have rain today, that will be a blessing. Everything is very dry. I can see pink streaks out of my window, now, so the clouds are clearing off, and God is busy with his paintbrush. All is well!
We are in the midst of having our master bathroom redecorated and it is a mess right now, but will be very nice in a few days. Just as we sometimes go through troubled times, in the end we see the beauty and are thankful for the good that comes!
All was quiet at the Park yesterday, with workmen busy clearing out the exotic vines that cover some of the shrubs, people walking their dogs and joggers exercising. It is still a peaceful place for me to walk and observe. God has placed it there for me, I think, :o)
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 shat 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
We are in the midst of having our master bathroom redecorated and it is a mess right now, but will be very nice in a few days. Just as we sometimes go through troubled times, in the end we see the beauty and are thankful for the good that comes!
All was quiet at the Park yesterday, with workmen busy clearing out the exotic vines that cover some of the shrubs, people walking their dogs and joggers exercising. It is still a peaceful place for me to walk and observe. God has placed it there for me, I think, :o)
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 shat 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, January 15, 2008
Encouragement
Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another chilly day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Yes, at least, we don't have to shovel it! Just rake up leaves that are blowing in from next door. A couple days ago the wind was from the south, and our leaves blew over to the neighbors!
We had a busy day yesterday, with a dentist's appointment, and a friend here to start tearing off wallpaper in the bathroom to start painting it. There is always something to do when you have an old house!
We got in a trip to the park, though, and not many people were out in the wind. It was really cool, and at this time of year, the trees bowing over the canal water, look really stark, with leafless branches, and gray. It makes the snow white ibises look very beautiful in contrast. Of course, I think they are beautiful and graceful, anyway. God has created marvelous creatures!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do I find the strength to keep going when I'm tempted to give up?
Galatians 6:9 "Don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time."
Endurance comes from keeping our thoughts on the promise of the harvest, not the problems of the moment.
Philippians 1:6 "I am sure that god, who began the good work within you, wil continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again."
Philippians 2:12-13 "Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you, And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him."
We also do not endure through our own strength alone. God is at work in our lives. He gives us the strength to keep going when we are exhausted and the reasons to keep believing when we are discouraged.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yes, at least, we don't have to shovel it! Just rake up leaves that are blowing in from next door. A couple days ago the wind was from the south, and our leaves blew over to the neighbors!
We had a busy day yesterday, with a dentist's appointment, and a friend here to start tearing off wallpaper in the bathroom to start painting it. There is always something to do when you have an old house!
We got in a trip to the park, though, and not many people were out in the wind. It was really cool, and at this time of year, the trees bowing over the canal water, look really stark, with leafless branches, and gray. It makes the snow white ibises look very beautiful in contrast. Of course, I think they are beautiful and graceful, anyway. God has created marvelous creatures!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do I find the strength to keep going when I'm tempted to give up?
Galatians 6:9 "Don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time."
Endurance comes from keeping our thoughts on the promise of the harvest, not the problems of the moment.
Philippians 1:6 "I am sure that god, who began the good work within you, wil continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again."
Philippians 2:12-13 "Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you, And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him."
We also do not endure through our own strength alone. God is at work in our lives. He gives us the strength to keep going when we are exhausted and the reasons to keep believing when we are discouraged.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, January 14, 2008
Encouragement
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the kinda chilly day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I stepped outside this morning, and brrr! A little surprise in the cool, but after all, this is the middle of January, so we can expect more of the winter air to come from the North. But, we nearly always have sunshine! God is good!
When I set out the sprinklers in the yard, Saturday, Mama duck and three ducklings, came to enjoy the puddles and the spray. She started out with ten and is now down to three. "The survival of the fittest," Sad, but true. She looked at me warily, each time I came to move the sprinklers in a different spot, but I tried to ignore her to make her feel welcome. I can't understand why they come down this street where there is no water, instead of staying by the lake a couple blocks away??? Curious.
I had a nice walk Friday, scuffling through the fallen leaves from the maple trees. Seems like since our last cold spell, all the leaves are falling , but I noticed seeds and buds on the azaleas, so the warm weather we had last week, makes the plants think it is spring! God is awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT;
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Leviticus 26:8 "Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons."
Joshua 23:10 "Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised."
Be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies against us. God used David to overcome Goliath, Gideon's three hundred soldiers to defeat the armies of Midian, and one hundred and twenty disciples to establish the church in Acts. He joys when working through our weaknesses and limitations.
Colossians 1:11-14 "We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins."
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I set out the sprinklers in the yard, Saturday, Mama duck and three ducklings, came to enjoy the puddles and the spray. She started out with ten and is now down to three. "The survival of the fittest," Sad, but true. She looked at me warily, each time I came to move the sprinklers in a different spot, but I tried to ignore her to make her feel welcome. I can't understand why they come down this street where there is no water, instead of staying by the lake a couple blocks away??? Curious.
I had a nice walk Friday, scuffling through the fallen leaves from the maple trees. Seems like since our last cold spell, all the leaves are falling , but I noticed seeds and buds on the azaleas, so the warm weather we had last week, makes the plants think it is spring! God is awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT;
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Leviticus 26:8 "Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons."
Joshua 23:10 "Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised."
Be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies against us. God used David to overcome Goliath, Gideon's three hundred soldiers to defeat the armies of Midian, and one hundred and twenty disciples to establish the church in Acts. He joys when working through our weaknesses and limitations.
Colossians 1:11-14 "We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins."
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, January 11, 2008
More Peace
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! A little cool, and a little hazy, but the day promises to be warm and bright.
The sun was casting long shadows through the trees at the Park yesterday, late afternoon... a contrast to the morning haze that rises from the water in the morning. The water is still, except for the fish making ripples. I saw a flock of woodstorks gathered at the lake near our house and mullet jumping in the canal that flows from the bay. The mullet were of a good size and would have looked good in a skillet!
I watched a tiny girl with her daddy, making friends with a large dog, that another person was walking. A man riding a very low recumbent bike is always coming in the park, several times a day. He almost lies down on the bike, but seems to enjoy it. Then there is a man from the neighborhood, who smokes a pipe and walks his dog frequently. We always wave. Life is good, and God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 119:165 "Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble."
Peace comes from knowing and living according to the Scripture. God's wisdom and direction guide us into the ways of life and lead us out of conflict, compromise and deception.
John 14:27 "I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid."
Galatians 5:22 "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."
The Holy Spirit brings peace into our lives.
How can I be at peace with others?
Psalm 34:14-15 "Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help".
When we pursue peace with others, the Lord supports us in every way. He guards our steps and hears our prayers. We can pray confidently for him to change our own hearts and to touch the lives of those with whom we want o be reconciled.
Matthew 5:9 "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."
God blesses us as we seek to bring his peace to others.
Psalm 37:37 "Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future lies before those who love peace."
Bitterness and revenge can never bring lasting satisfaction. Anger and conflict will destroy our future. God promises a great future to those who make loving him and living at peace with others a way of life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The sun was casting long shadows through the trees at the Park yesterday, late afternoon... a contrast to the morning haze that rises from the water in the morning. The water is still, except for the fish making ripples. I saw a flock of woodstorks gathered at the lake near our house and mullet jumping in the canal that flows from the bay. The mullet were of a good size and would have looked good in a skillet!
I watched a tiny girl with her daddy, making friends with a large dog, that another person was walking. A man riding a very low recumbent bike is always coming in the park, several times a day. He almost lies down on the bike, but seems to enjoy it. Then there is a man from the neighborhood, who smokes a pipe and walks his dog frequently. We always wave. Life is good, and God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 119:165 "Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble."
Peace comes from knowing and living according to the Scripture. God's wisdom and direction guide us into the ways of life and lead us out of conflict, compromise and deception.
John 14:27 "I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid."
Galatians 5:22 "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."
The Holy Spirit brings peace into our lives.
How can I be at peace with others?
Psalm 34:14-15 "Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help".
When we pursue peace with others, the Lord supports us in every way. He guards our steps and hears our prayers. We can pray confidently for him to change our own hearts and to touch the lives of those with whom we want o be reconciled.
Matthew 5:9 "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."
God blesses us as we seek to bring his peace to others.
Psalm 37:37 "Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future lies before those who love peace."
Bitterness and revenge can never bring lasting satisfaction. Anger and conflict will destroy our future. God promises a great future to those who make loving him and living at peace with others a way of life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)