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!
Well, better late than never!
Yesterday, after a trip to Lowe's, I felt strong enough to take a walk with Matthew, out to see the baby gators. We thought we would be disappointed, but after carefully looking, I discovered three of them almost hidden in the mud under a bush. The biggest one has really grown.. he is about a foot long and very fat, so whatever they eat, agrees with them. It was good to walk again, even though a little warm.
And, I discovered this morning, that not only do I have an amaryllis blooming, but another stalk is about to pop open with blossoms! God is good!
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.
Romans 12:8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
God blesses us us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Today in the Word
Good morning, a little late, 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 much earlier, the half moon was beaming brightly in the clear sky and the air was cool! It felt wonderful and promises to be a good day!
We drove through the Park yesterday, and already throngs of people were gathering for picnics. We had our picnic at home, and tried to save the driving.
But we did see the peacocks and watched the anhingas and lot of ibis pecking in the yards and all around the park. The park looked really nice, since it is all mowed.
From Today in the Word by Moody:
Today's devotional focuses on Jonah, who disobeyed God by running from his assignment. He sailed in the opposite direction and was thrown overboard, and as he thought he was drowning, he called out to God, and God answered. He sent a fish to swallow Jonah and save him.
Jonah's redeeming moment came after he was swallowed. He didn't exactly acknowledge his sin, although he did know he was being punished. He didn't promise to obey the command of God.
The most compelling part of Jonah's prayer was when he acknowledged the very fact about God he would later come to regret: salvation comes from Him. Jonah knew he desperately needed the Lord's help.
Today along the way
Jonah didn't reach the pinnacle of godly behavior or attitude, but God still used him to deliver His message to Nineveh, and to us. His saving grace was that he recognized his need for God, and he called on Him for help. If you ever doubt your ability to accomplish what God has called you do do, call out to Him for help. Don't rely on your strength alone to achieve great things for God. If He can send a fish to save a reluctant prophet, He can provide for you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We drove through the Park yesterday, and already throngs of people were gathering for picnics. We had our picnic at home, and tried to save the driving.
But we did see the peacocks and watched the anhingas and lot of ibis pecking in the yards and all around the park. The park looked really nice, since it is all mowed.
From Today in the Word by Moody:
Today's devotional focuses on Jonah, who disobeyed God by running from his assignment. He sailed in the opposite direction and was thrown overboard, and as he thought he was drowning, he called out to God, and God answered. He sent a fish to swallow Jonah and save him.
Jonah's redeeming moment came after he was swallowed. He didn't exactly acknowledge his sin, although he did know he was being punished. He didn't promise to obey the command of God.
The most compelling part of Jonah's prayer was when he acknowledged the very fact about God he would later come to regret: salvation comes from Him. Jonah knew he desperately needed the Lord's help.
Today along the way
Jonah didn't reach the pinnacle of godly behavior or attitude, but God still used him to deliver His message to Nineveh, and to us. His saving grace was that he recognized his need for God, and he called on Him for help. If you ever doubt your ability to accomplish what God has called you do do, call out to Him for help. Don't rely on your strength alone to achieve great things for God. If He can send a fish to save a reluctant prophet, He can provide for you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 23, 2008
Problems
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the sky was covered with heavy clouds and I could see brightness where the moon was hidden, so I waited and soon a triangular break blew over the moon and it was revealed for a brief moment! God is good!
Now, the sun has come out and blue sky is showing in some areas, but looks like another partly rainy day in here. This is good after our long drought.
We saw the showy peacock with tail feathers fanned out, as we drove into the park yesterday. He always picks a garage door to stand in front of as he flaunts his beauty! Proud as a peacock!
I also saw several anhingas drying out their wings.. not nearly as beautiful as a peacock, but God made all creatures different and lovely in their own ways.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when problems overwhelm me?
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid?
The Lord protects me from danger--so why should I tremble?
Problems can turn our eyes from the Lord. Use them, instead, as opportunities to turn our eyes to the Lord for his protection, his guiding light, and his saving power.
Psalm 145:14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
God finds the fallen and never passes them by. When we feel we can't go another step he shoulders our loads, easing our pain and burden.
Psalm 42:5-6 Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember your kindness-from Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar.
Remember God's mercy. He has been faithful in the past and will faithful in the future. Memory ignites the fire of hope and drives away the darkness of despair.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Now, the sun has come out and blue sky is showing in some areas, but looks like another partly rainy day in here. This is good after our long drought.
We saw the showy peacock with tail feathers fanned out, as we drove into the park yesterday. He always picks a garage door to stand in front of as he flaunts his beauty! Proud as a peacock!
I also saw several anhingas drying out their wings.. not nearly as beautiful as a peacock, but God made all creatures different and lovely in their own ways.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when problems overwhelm me?
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid?
The Lord protects me from danger--so why should I tremble?
Problems can turn our eyes from the Lord. Use them, instead, as opportunities to turn our eyes to the Lord for his protection, his guiding light, and his saving power.
Psalm 145:14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
God finds the fallen and never passes them by. When we feel we can't go another step he shoulders our loads, easing our pain and burden.
Psalm 42:5-6 Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember your kindness-from Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar.
Remember God's mercy. He has been faithful in the past and will faithful in the future. Memory ignites the fire of hope and drives away the darkness of despair.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Prayers for protection
Good morning, a little late, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the rainy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I was surprised when I stepped outside and felt sprinkles earlier and since then, we have had a nice shower. Hopefully, the rain will pass on by the time I am ready to go shopping.
Yesterday was sunny and so hot, I thought it unusual to see only a few cars in the Park. The grass and trees were simmering in the sun, so the shade of the trees was most welcome. I am still not up to walking, but the good thing about that, is that my sore foot is not sore from the long rest! :o) God is good!
I asked Terry, my friend the superintendent of the Park, if he knew if the baby gators were still at the shelter. He said he didn't have a clue! He is so busy with paperwork and meetings he doesn't have a chance to get on the boardwalk!
I thought it would be a good day to share the scripture prayers I pray for most of you each morning. I have been adding to the list of names that I insert over the years, to make the prayers personal for all of you.
Eph. 1:16 I have not stopped giving thanks for _____remembering you in my prayers.
Isa. 40:31 ____hopes in the Lord, who will renew ___strength.
____will soar on wings like eagles.
____ will run and not grow weary.
____ will walk and not be faint.
____be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God, ____, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
For ____struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, ____, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. In addition to the armor, ____,take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Eph. 6:10-13
You, dear ones, are from God, and have overcome, because the one who is in You, is greater than the one Who is in the world.
1 John 4:4
No weapon forges against you all will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of ____, who trusts in Him. Nahum 1:7
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in you all, To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen!
Eph. 3:20,21
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was surprised when I stepped outside and felt sprinkles earlier and since then, we have had a nice shower. Hopefully, the rain will pass on by the time I am ready to go shopping.
Yesterday was sunny and so hot, I thought it unusual to see only a few cars in the Park. The grass and trees were simmering in the sun, so the shade of the trees was most welcome. I am still not up to walking, but the good thing about that, is that my sore foot is not sore from the long rest! :o) God is good!
I asked Terry, my friend the superintendent of the Park, if he knew if the baby gators were still at the shelter. He said he didn't have a clue! He is so busy with paperwork and meetings he doesn't have a chance to get on the boardwalk!
I thought it would be a good day to share the scripture prayers I pray for most of you each morning. I have been adding to the list of names that I insert over the years, to make the prayers personal for all of you.
Eph. 1:16 I have not stopped giving thanks for _____remembering you in my prayers.
Isa. 40:31 ____hopes in the Lord, who will renew ___strength.
____will soar on wings like eagles.
____ will run and not grow weary.
____ will walk and not be faint.
____be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God, ____, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
For ____struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, ____, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. In addition to the armor, ____,take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Eph. 6:10-13
You, dear ones, are from God, and have overcome, because the one who is in You, is greater than the one Who is in the world.
1 John 4:4
No weapon forges against you all will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of ____, who trusts in Him. Nahum 1:7
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in you all, To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen!
Eph. 3:20,21
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Ecclesiastes
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the full moon was shining through a few clouds, but it was the first morning in a while that the sky has been clear enough to see the moon. God is Awesome!
Since this bronchitis is slow to go away, I am still not walking, but drove through the Park yesterday and saw a gator swimming toward the bank across from the shop... probably heading for the bank to catch a few rays! A hawk flew across from us in a pine tree, so even though I am not walking, I still get to enjoy God's creatures!
From Ecclesiastes 3 NLT
There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
What do people really get for all their hard work? I have thought about this in connection with the various kinds of work God has given people to do. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. So I concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Since this bronchitis is slow to go away, I am still not walking, but drove through the Park yesterday and saw a gator swimming toward the bank across from the shop... probably heading for the bank to catch a few rays! A hawk flew across from us in a pine tree, so even though I am not walking, I still get to enjoy God's creatures!
From Ecclesiastes 3 NLT
There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
What do people really get for all their hard work? I have thought about this in connection with the various kinds of work God has given people to do. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. So I concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Personal Ideals
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! We had such a nice hard rain yesterday, that I didn't set out sprinklers this morning. Funny thing, I can water with the well water, but let it rain, and the grass greens up right away! God is good!
I ventured out yesterday evening, after taking care not to exert all day... my voice was gone anyway, and we drove over to the Park after supper. Surprisingly, there were a lot of people there. Some kind of a meeting , for they all formed a circle and were waiting for others to come. I was interested, but we didn't stick around to see what it was.
I haven't seen the tiny screech owl peeking out of the box, ever since the tree trimmers came a few days ago. I hope she didn't get scared away!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?
What do you hold to be your personal ideals-the qualities you consider to be foremost in defining good character?
This is what Sir William Osler once said about his own ideals:
I have three personal ideals:
One, to do the day's work well and not to bother about tomorrow. The second ideal has been to act the Golden Rule, as far as in me lay, toward my professional brethren and toward the patients committed to my care. And the third has been to cultivate such a measure of equanimity as would enable me to bear success with humility, the affection of my friends without pride, and to be ready when the day of sorrow and grief come to meet it with the courage befitting a man.
This morning, give some thought to what you hold to be the characteristics if a respected life. What do you aspire to in your own character?
As you identify these traits, you can then see more clearly how you desire to live your life and what must change in order to live up to your ideals.
Fame is vapor, popularity an accident: riches take wings, and only one thing endures and that is character.
Horace Greeley
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I ventured out yesterday evening, after taking care not to exert all day... my voice was gone anyway, and we drove over to the Park after supper. Surprisingly, there were a lot of people there. Some kind of a meeting , for they all formed a circle and were waiting for others to come. I was interested, but we didn't stick around to see what it was.
I haven't seen the tiny screech owl peeking out of the box, ever since the tree trimmers came a few days ago. I hope she didn't get scared away!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God?
What do you hold to be your personal ideals-the qualities you consider to be foremost in defining good character?
This is what Sir William Osler once said about his own ideals:
I have three personal ideals:
One, to do the day's work well and not to bother about tomorrow. The second ideal has been to act the Golden Rule, as far as in me lay, toward my professional brethren and toward the patients committed to my care. And the third has been to cultivate such a measure of equanimity as would enable me to bear success with humility, the affection of my friends without pride, and to be ready when the day of sorrow and grief come to meet it with the courage befitting a man.
This morning, give some thought to what you hold to be the characteristics if a respected life. What do you aspire to in your own character?
As you identify these traits, you can then see more clearly how you desire to live your life and what must change in order to live up to your ideals.
Fame is vapor, popularity an accident: riches take wings, and only one thing endures and that is character.
Horace Greeley
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, May 19, 2008
Planning
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the overcast day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I know we should give thanks in all things, but I am really not thankful for this cough and laryngitis that I have. I have only been in the car one time in the last two days though, so I am thankful we are saving gas!
I am thankful for the little bit of rain we had yesterday and maybe last night, because everything was wet this morning. I am not walking until I get over this bug and have more energy, so the baby gators will have to get along without me.
Speaking of gators, that was a terrific story Jeff Klinkenburg wrote in yesterday's Saint Petersburg Times on the woman gator catcher! With pictures of huge gators!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 3: 21-26 "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap."
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I know we should give thanks in all things, but I am really not thankful for this cough and laryngitis that I have. I have only been in the car one time in the last two days though, so I am thankful we are saving gas!
I am thankful for the little bit of rain we had yesterday and maybe last night, because everything was wet this morning. I am not walking until I get over this bug and have more energy, so the baby gators will have to get along without me.
Speaking of gators, that was a terrific story Jeff Klinkenburg wrote in yesterday's Saint Petersburg Times on the woman gator catcher! With pictures of huge gators!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 3: 21-26 "My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap."
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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