Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the crescent moon was valiantly shining through the clouds and the wind was blowing and quite cool, but a mockingbird was loudly chirping his good morning in the dark, telling all the other birds to get up! God is good!
I didn't walk yesterday, because my foot was quite painful, but we saw two peacocks with the tails spread... one had his back turned and he is not so lovely from the rear. :o) Then a little further in the park, we watched a gator lazily soaking in the sun. He looked black and shiny. The one I saw last week at the first shelter, was all dried out, and looked tan. They change color as they get older. The babies are black and yellow striped and very difficult to see under the fern, so God has given them protection from predators. God is Wise!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where does Joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 "Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is to be a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength! "
Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with a great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song."
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 "He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For all the old world and its evils are gone forever."
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
For those of you working today these words of wisdom:
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.
How will God help me when my work is hard?
Psalm 145:14 "The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads".
As with any burden we bear, we can trust God to help us on the job.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Integrity, con't.
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! As I stepped outside this morning, I saw big puffy, clouds dimming the glow of the half moon, but Venus was shining brightly in the darkness. God is good!
I had mentioned the Parks situation with the cutbacks and for those of you who read the St. Pete Times, you may have noticed the article about it on the Metro section. I wrote a letter to the county parks director relating my concerns about safety, etc. and mailed it off yesterday. Perhaps it will do some good.
I wrote my concerns about the dog excrement all over the park, a couple years ago, and now there are signs, telling people to please pick up after their pets. Letters work! Anyway, it is a lovely place and I enjoy walking there. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of integrity?
Proverbs 11:3,5 "Good people are guided by their honesty; Treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty... the godly are directed by their honesty, the wicked fall beneath their load of sin."
Integrity keeps us from the trap of dishonesty and the destruction that can result.
A Prayer of Praise Jude 1:24
"And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now and forevermore.
Amen"
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy, and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had mentioned the Parks situation with the cutbacks and for those of you who read the St. Pete Times, you may have noticed the article about it on the Metro section. I wrote a letter to the county parks director relating my concerns about safety, etc. and mailed it off yesterday. Perhaps it will do some good.
I wrote my concerns about the dog excrement all over the park, a couple years ago, and now there are signs, telling people to please pick up after their pets. Letters work! Anyway, it is a lovely place and I enjoy walking there. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of integrity?
Proverbs 11:3,5 "Good people are guided by their honesty; Treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty... the godly are directed by their honesty, the wicked fall beneath their load of sin."
Integrity keeps us from the trap of dishonesty and the destruction that can result.
A Prayer of Praise Jude 1:24
"And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now and forevermore.
Amen"
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy, and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Integrity
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the glorious day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, I noticed the half moon , still bright, but waning enough so that the stars were even more visible. God is Awesome!
Last night I looked all over the northwestern sky to try to spy the space shuttle, but could only see an airplanes' blinking lights far up above. As soon as I came in the house, though, the tremendous double sonic boom rattled the windows! Cool!
I enjoyed a pleasant walk yesterday morning, even though I didn't have my walking shoes on. I had not been planning to walk... just out on a few errands. I took off my jacket because I warmed up so fast, and enjoyed the cool breeze on my face.
Francia, the teacher, hailed me outside her classroom and told me about the squirrels that come in looking for birdseed. There are three pregnant squirrels now, so soon she will have little ones begging. She has a wonderful job!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does God respond to my commitment to integrity?
Psalm 18:20-25 "The Lord rewarded me for doing right, he compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all his laws are constantly before me. I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God. I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right because of the innocence of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity."
The psalmist claims a high level of personal integrity that makes some of us uncomfortable. It makes sense, however, when we realize that he isn't boasting in his accomplishment but thanking God for giving him the power and direction to live according to God's ways. This passage offers the same promise to us. God will empower our obedience.
1 Peter 2:12 "Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world."
Our integrity may not bring immediate rewards, but we are certain that it will one day be recognized.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Last night I looked all over the northwestern sky to try to spy the space shuttle, but could only see an airplanes' blinking lights far up above. As soon as I came in the house, though, the tremendous double sonic boom rattled the windows! Cool!
I enjoyed a pleasant walk yesterday morning, even though I didn't have my walking shoes on. I had not been planning to walk... just out on a few errands. I took off my jacket because I warmed up so fast, and enjoyed the cool breeze on my face.
Francia, the teacher, hailed me outside her classroom and told me about the squirrels that come in looking for birdseed. There are three pregnant squirrels now, so soon she will have little ones begging. She has a wonderful job!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does God respond to my commitment to integrity?
Psalm 18:20-25 "The Lord rewarded me for doing right, he compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all his laws are constantly before me. I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God. I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right because of the innocence of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity."
The psalmist claims a high level of personal integrity that makes some of us uncomfortable. It makes sense, however, when we realize that he isn't boasting in his accomplishment but thanking God for giving him the power and direction to live according to God's ways. This passage offers the same promise to us. God will empower our obedience.
1 Peter 2:12 "Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world."
Our integrity may not bring immediate rewards, but we are certain that it will one day be recognized.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Character
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
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)