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! Well, the moon is almost hidden, at least it was this morning early. It was very low in the east and I could barely see it sparkling through the treetops! Venus was very visible, though and will become more so later this month. God's Creation is Awesome!
Seems like the gators are liking this warm spring weather. Yesterday, another one was sunning, almost hidden in the weeds, across from the canal as we entered the Park. A lady walking two dogs, was keeping her distance. There are many dog-walkers in the park, and one man in particular, walks his dog several times a day, smoking his pipe. He gets lots of exercise, because its about a mile from his house to the bench where he sits and watches the people go by. Life is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
When I am confused, where do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding, and direction?
James 1:5-8 "If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do - ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, bu sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave if 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
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Easin' Thru Ephesians
Good morning, and Happy April Fool's day, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I hope some of you early risers saw the gorgeous, large crescent moon low in the southeast this morning. It was awesome! Looks like another warm day in April. I turned on the A/C day before yesterday and again yesterday. Seems too early for that but the house warmed up quite a bit.
Lots of people are enjoying the Park since many are on spring break. We saw lots of children and many out-of-state tags. I enjoy the walk and the anhingas and turtles as much as they do. Speaking of turtles, a father and daughter were looking at a big gopher tortoise at the fence. Hard to believe that many people never get to see nature in the wild. God is good!
Ephesians 5 NLT
"So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among your selves making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I hope some of you early risers saw the gorgeous, large crescent moon low in the southeast this morning. It was awesome! Looks like another warm day in April. I turned on the A/C day before yesterday and again yesterday. Seems too early for that but the house warmed up quite a bit.
Lots of people are enjoying the Park since many are on spring break. We saw lots of children and many out-of-state tags. I enjoy the walk and the anhingas and turtles as much as they do. Speaking of turtles, a father and daughter were looking at a big gopher tortoise at the fence. Hard to believe that many people never get to see nature in the wild. God is good!
Ephesians 5 NLT
"So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among your selves making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, March 31, 2008
Joy
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
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
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
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