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! As I stepped outside early this morning, the three quarter moon was beaming brightly in a cloudless sky and all the stars were brilliant. The air is crisp and cool, but promises to warm up nicely as the sun rises. God is Good!
The azaleas are starting to fade in the park and in our front yard, but the trees have all greened up, and once more, spring has come to our part of the world. Seems like there are more herons and ibis around than any other water bird, or maybe I am just noticing them more. The water is higher at the park than I have ever seen it, so maybe that is why the gators are on the move... plus, it's spring and mating season. Anyway, it's time to get out and enjoy!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Will God do anything to change my character, or is it all up to me?
Galatians 5:22-23 "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
Philippians 2:5, 12,13 "Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him."
A transformed character reflects God's work within us and our own choices. The Holy Spirit awakens our desire for love, integrity, and responsibility, but we must choose these in every situation.
What does God promise as we mature in godly character?
Matthew 5:8 "God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God."
We will experience an increasing sense of God's presence and his blessing.
James 1;1 "When your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."
Romans 5:3-5 "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us - they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us and character strengthens our confident expectations of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."
As we mature in our faith, we will become stronger and stronger people. Character is like a muscle-it gets stronger with exercise. As our character develops our confidence in our salvation increases, and the assurance of God's love fills our hearts.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Morning Drive
Good chilly morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Maybe this is the last cold spell of the winter, hopefully. But I read and see on TV the floods and snow in other parts of the country and I am thankful I live right where I am!
When I drove into the Park yesterday, I saw a gator sunning between the lakes on the right side of the road and as we drove on to the building, noticed lots of cars. This is spring break time for northerners and they were taking advantage of the nice weather. I walked to the first shelter and saw a very dried out tan gator almost hidden in a small cove and lots of people trying to see it.
On my way in, I saw large ripples from the bridge, and stopped to maybe see an otter, but didn't see anything, then all at once, a huge splash next to the bank under the willow tree. I was so hoping I could see what it was, but it remains a mystery. Sigh.
However, I stood and watched a majestic tri-colored heron on the other bank, walking slowly along, looking for a meal. God's creation is awesome!
From the book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Judy could take the freeway to work each morning and arrive instantly, nerves revved, almost before she is awake. But freeways are ugly. Instead she takes the scenic route around several local lakes and starts her day with mental pictures of sunrises, flowers, and people in various states of running and walking.
Affluence and architecture notwithstanding, she feels that nature is the attraction - a chance for a city slicker to enjoy a little tranquility. The slower pace gives her the occasion to see a small troop of deer or watch the ducks and geese depart for the winter and return for their spring nesting activities. She recognizes and studies the walkers and joggers who are out regularly at the crack of dawn.
She says, "When I take the time to glance at the roses along the way, I feel more fortified, just like our mothers wanted us to be with a hearty breakfast, mittens and hats."
Taking a few moments to thank God for the glories of creation will make any day start on a better note!
This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Happy Birthday, Gil!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I drove into the Park yesterday, I saw a gator sunning between the lakes on the right side of the road and as we drove on to the building, noticed lots of cars. This is spring break time for northerners and they were taking advantage of the nice weather. I walked to the first shelter and saw a very dried out tan gator almost hidden in a small cove and lots of people trying to see it.
On my way in, I saw large ripples from the bridge, and stopped to maybe see an otter, but didn't see anything, then all at once, a huge splash next to the bank under the willow tree. I was so hoping I could see what it was, but it remains a mystery. Sigh.
However, I stood and watched a majestic tri-colored heron on the other bank, walking slowly along, looking for a meal. God's creation is awesome!
From the book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Judy could take the freeway to work each morning and arrive instantly, nerves revved, almost before she is awake. But freeways are ugly. Instead she takes the scenic route around several local lakes and starts her day with mental pictures of sunrises, flowers, and people in various states of running and walking.
Affluence and architecture notwithstanding, she feels that nature is the attraction - a chance for a city slicker to enjoy a little tranquility. The slower pace gives her the occasion to see a small troop of deer or watch the ducks and geese depart for the winter and return for their spring nesting activities. She recognizes and studies the walkers and joggers who are out regularly at the crack of dawn.
She says, "When I take the time to glance at the roses along the way, I feel more fortified, just like our mothers wanted us to be with a hearty breakfast, mittens and hats."
Taking a few moments to thank God for the glories of creation will make any day start on a better note!
This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Happy Birthday, Gil!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, March 24, 2008
Power of God
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! When I stepped outside this morning, I was immediately struck by the very cool breeze blowing from the north. That means another cold front before spring heats up. The waning moon was beaming through the clouds which were scudding fast along the sky, and I couldn't see any stars. But it promises to be a beautiful day! God is good!
As we drove through the park yesterday, lots of people were enjoying picnics and egg hunts. A gator was lazily sunning himself on the bank of the creek and as people stopped to take photos, he seemed to be annoyed and raised his head and opened his mouth... scary!
But I also saw a beautiful sight... flying through the air was a roseate spoonbill over the lake near us! Breathtaking! God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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 great 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.
Psalm 44:4-7 "You are my King and my God. You command victories for your people. Only by your power can we push back our enemies. Only in your name can we trample our foes. I do not trust my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. It is you who gives us victory over our enemies; it is you who humbles those who hate us".
God's power is greater than any of the skills or resources we have at our disposal. While we may use the means that God has provided to us, we know that victory comes from God alone.
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."
2Corinthians 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.
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, lots of people were enjoying picnics and egg hunts. A gator was lazily sunning himself on the bank of the creek and as people stopped to take photos, he seemed to be annoyed and raised his head and opened his mouth... scary!
But I also saw a beautiful sight... flying through the air was a roseate spoonbill over the lake near us! Breathtaking! God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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 great 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.
Psalm 44:4-7 "You are my King and my God. You command victories for your people. Only by your power can we push back our enemies. Only in your name can we trample our foes. I do not trust my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. It is you who gives us victory over our enemies; it is you who humbles those who hate us".
God's power is greater than any of the skills or resources we have at our disposal. While we may use the means that God has provided to us, we know that victory comes from God alone.
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."
2Corinthians 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, March 21, 2008
GOoD Friday
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the coolish day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Have you seen the full moon the past two nights? Glorious in the clear sky and last night during the sunset, the sky was painted with pink reflecting on the contrails stretching across the fading blueness. God is good!
From Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Empowering
"When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.
Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Have you seen the full moon the past two nights? Glorious in the clear sky and last night during the sunset, the sky was painted with pink reflecting on the contrails stretching across the fading blueness. God is good!
From Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Empowering
"When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.
Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, March 20, 2008
A Psalm of Thanksgiving
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool wet day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I heard the rain come through early this morning, but stayed in bed and just listened, thankful for the shelter that God provides for us.
Due to the high winds, the boardwalk at the Park was closed yesterday, so I didn't walk, but did drive into the park and noticed many people walking their dogs and enjoying just sitting on the benches, enjoying the peacefulness.
Unfortunately, many changes are coming to the County parks, due to budget cuts... no more supervisors, except five, and no one to call when trees fall on the boardwalk. This all starts in July. Not being an activist, I wish I could do something, so I will keep praying for a way to let my feelings be known.
But, God is in control, and He is GOoD!
Psalm 100 NLT
Shout with joy to the Lord, O earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
For the Lord is good,
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each
generation.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Then came Sunday)
Due to the high winds, the boardwalk at the Park was closed yesterday, so I didn't walk, but did drive into the park and noticed many people walking their dogs and enjoying just sitting on the benches, enjoying the peacefulness.
Unfortunately, many changes are coming to the County parks, due to budget cuts... no more supervisors, except five, and no one to call when trees fall on the boardwalk. This all starts in July. Not being an activist, I wish I could do something, so I will keep praying for a way to let my feelings be known.
But, God is in control, and He is GOoD!
Psalm 100 NLT
Shout with joy to the Lord, O earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
For the Lord is good,
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each
generation.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Then came Sunday)
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Blessings
Good windy morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the transitional day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I enjoyed a walk out to the tower yesterday, with a brisk breeze blowing and making waves on the lake. I stopped at the first shelter to look at two gators, one looked like Mama gator and the other was younger. They were attracting a crowd. Many of our visitors have never had the opportunity to see gators in their natural habitat, so it was a treat for them and me, too!
On my way back, I heard a persistent "mew, chirp" and didn't realize at first that it was my favorite catbird. So I stood and peered into the shrubs looking for it, and saw a fleeting glimpse of black. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How has God promised to bless His people?
Numbers 6:24-26
"May the Lord bless you 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.
Can we do things that affect how much God blesses us?
Psalm 84:11
"The Lord God is our light and protector He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right."
God promises to bless those who do what is right; he doesn't extend the same promise to those who don't do what is right.
Proverbs 19:17
"If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord-and he will repay you!"
God promises to bless those who help the poor.
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."
When we are tempted to give up, new resolve comes from remembering that God promises to bring a harvest in his perfect time.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Then came Sunday)
I enjoyed a walk out to the tower yesterday, with a brisk breeze blowing and making waves on the lake. I stopped at the first shelter to look at two gators, one looked like Mama gator and the other was younger. They were attracting a crowd. Many of our visitors have never had the opportunity to see gators in their natural habitat, so it was a treat for them and me, too!
On my way back, I heard a persistent "mew, chirp" and didn't realize at first that it was my favorite catbird. So I stood and peered into the shrubs looking for it, and saw a fleeting glimpse of black. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How has God promised to bless His people?
Numbers 6:24-26
"May the Lord bless you 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.
Can we do things that affect how much God blesses us?
Psalm 84:11
"The Lord God is our light and protector He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right."
God promises to bless those who do what is right; he doesn't extend the same promise to those who don't do what is right.
Proverbs 19:17
"If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord-and he will repay you!"
God promises to bless those who help the poor.
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."
When we are tempted to give up, new resolve comes from remembering that God promises to bring a harvest in his perfect time.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Then came Sunday)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Psoaring thru Psalms
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 dark morning, I noticed Venus in the dark sky and lots of other stars dimly glittering. This must be the time of year when all the planets and stars are further away from earth, and we can't see them too well.
I missed my walk yesterday, but did go through the park and noticed it had been freshly mowed and lots of out of towners were enjoying the sun and the picnics. Some were just sitting in their lawn chairs, looking at the canal and watching the anhingas and the ibis as they went about their business. I saw a anhinga drying out flat on the ground. Very unusual. They are usually on a branch or the top of a light pole to dry out. The one on the ground must have felt very secure. God is good!
Psalm 37 excerpts from the Promise Bible NLT:
"Don't worry about the wicked. Don't envy those who do wrong.
For like the grass, they soon fade away.
Like springtime flowers, they soon wither.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him and he will help you.
He will make your conscience as clear as the dawn,
And the justice of your cause will shine
like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper.
Or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others-
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed
but those who trust in the Lord will
possess the land...
It is better to be godly and have little
than to be evil and possess much.
For the strength of the wicked will be shattered,
but the Lord takes care of the godly."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I missed my walk yesterday, but did go through the park and noticed it had been freshly mowed and lots of out of towners were enjoying the sun and the picnics. Some were just sitting in their lawn chairs, looking at the canal and watching the anhingas and the ibis as they went about their business. I saw a anhinga drying out flat on the ground. Very unusual. They are usually on a branch or the top of a light pole to dry out. The one on the ground must have felt very secure. God is good!
Psalm 37 excerpts from the Promise Bible NLT:
"Don't worry about the wicked. Don't envy those who do wrong.
For like the grass, they soon fade away.
Like springtime flowers, they soon wither.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him and he will help you.
He will make your conscience as clear as the dawn,
And the justice of your cause will shine
like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper.
Or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others-
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed
but those who trust in the Lord will
possess the land...
It is better to be godly and have little
than to be evil and possess much.
For the strength of the wicked will be shattered,
but the Lord takes care of the godly."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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