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! The lopsided moon was peeking through the clouds and haze earlier when I stepped outside, but, hopefully, we will have some rain today, preceding the cold front that is coming.
We have used the heat very little and the fireplace not at all this winter, so it has been very mild.There is a house down the street, that has beautiful flowers in season all year, and I admire the different colors each time I drive by. Also, I drive by a nursery that has lovely colors planted along the busy street..very eye-catching!
We went through the Park yesterday and once more, the workmen were busy covering up post holes and working on the new path along the east side by the lake. I did not see the gopher tortoises walking around and hope they are not scared away by all the activity. I haven't seen the big gator since the fence was taken down, but he could be back to sun himself later. God is good!
From my Daily Blessings calendar this morning, I read this:
As new life comes out of death, love and renewal come forth as
your failures are taken before God. He can do more with the ashes
of your life than you could do with the whole thing.
Renewal
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring
forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the
wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can God's power help me?
Psalm 60:19 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.
2 Corinthians 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 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
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Power of God
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! No glorious sunrise this morning, as a cold front approaches. Looks like we will have the coldest weather of the winter coming in toward the end of the week! But that's Okay. It means we can wear our winter clothes for a change, instead of our usual shorts and tees. :o)
Yesterday I drove through the Park and we enjoyed looking at two peacocks and admiring their colors. God is an artist! On the way home, I watched a Cooper's hawk take off from the line overhead. There have been lots of woodstorks around the lakes and canals in the neighborhood this fall and winter and I saw a lovely reflection of white ibis reflected in the dark waters of the canal at the Park. God is beauty!
Well, I watched as Tim Tebow announced his return for his senior year at UF. Go Gators!
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 is 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday I drove through the Park and we enjoyed looking at two peacocks and admiring their colors. God is an artist! On the way home, I watched a Cooper's hawk take off from the line overhead. There have been lots of woodstorks around the lakes and canals in the neighborhood this fall and winter and I saw a lovely reflection of white ibis reflected in the dark waters of the canal at the Park. God is beauty!
Well, I watched as Tim Tebow announced his return for his senior year at UF. Go Gators!
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 is 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, January 9, 2009
Psoaring thru Psalm 138
Good morning,. Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool, sunshiny day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, I was a sleepyhead this morning, after staying up late to watch the Gators win the National Championship! Go Gators!! I really like to watch Tim Tebow play, because he is so intense. He had a different scripture on his faceblack last night, Instead of Phil. 4:13 he had John 3:16 under his eyes. He always give thanks to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ... a remarkable young man of faith! God is good!!
Well, I found out what is going on at the Park yesterday. I talked with Mike and he said all the fencing will be taken down, and people will be able to walk their dogs next to the deep lake between the interstate and the park road. I would not want to do that, because I have seen gators come out of the water and walk to the gate, plus snakes. Also, the gopher tortoises will be exposed. Yesterday, I saw two huge ones ambling about behind the fence which is still up in that section. Mike sent an email to the powers that be, about his concerns, but has not received an answer. The chain link fencing will be stored or maybe used in another park, and the posts will be sold for scrap. I do not know whose idea that is, but it is not a wise one. Sigh. I guess it is not my problem. I told Mike I appreciated him and am glad he is back at Sawgrass. He said he is glad to be back, too.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 138
I give you thanks,O Lord, with all my heart.
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
When I pray, you answer me,
you encourage me by giving me the
strength I need.
Every king in all the earth will give you
thanks, O Lord,
for all of them will hear your words.
Yet they will sing about the Lord's ways,
for the glory of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
but keeps his distance from the proud.
Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will preserve me against the anger of my enemies!
You will clench your fist against my angry enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out this plans for my life--
for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don't abandon me, for you made me.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, I found out what is going on at the Park yesterday. I talked with Mike and he said all the fencing will be taken down, and people will be able to walk their dogs next to the deep lake between the interstate and the park road. I would not want to do that, because I have seen gators come out of the water and walk to the gate, plus snakes. Also, the gopher tortoises will be exposed. Yesterday, I saw two huge ones ambling about behind the fence which is still up in that section. Mike sent an email to the powers that be, about his concerns, but has not received an answer. The chain link fencing will be stored or maybe used in another park, and the posts will be sold for scrap. I do not know whose idea that is, but it is not a wise one. Sigh. I guess it is not my problem. I told Mike I appreciated him and am glad he is back at Sawgrass. He said he is glad to be back, too.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 138
I give you thanks,O Lord, with all my heart.
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
When I pray, you answer me,
you encourage me by giving me the
strength I need.
Every king in all the earth will give you
thanks, O Lord,
for all of them will hear your words.
Yet they will sing about the Lord's ways,
for the glory of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
but keeps his distance from the proud.
Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will preserve me against the anger of my enemies!
You will clench your fist against my angry enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out this plans for my life--
for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don't abandon me, for you made me.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Worry Wednesday
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! We had very little rain with the cold front that blew through yesterday and we could really use more, but God knows our every need and He will provide, I am sure.We had a little excitement here last night, when Louis fell in the bathroom and Brian and I could not get him up, so I called the paramedics. They were here in five minutes, and lifted him up on a chair. He was not hurt, so we got him ready for bed and he slept about ten hours and seems fine this morning, with no memory of falling or anything else, for that matter. Sometimes expecting the unexpected is difficult!
Well, I intend to stay up tonight and watch the Gators win the National Championship! (I hope)!
We went to the Park yesterday and lots of stuff going on. The fencing has been removed, for some reason, and big piles of dirt are heaped where no one can walk. I will have to call Mike to find out what is going on. Just curious. :o) Turtles were sunning along the weir, and anhingas drying their wings. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Matthew 6:14 NKJV
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.
Sufficient for the day is it's own trouble.
Many people lose sleep by worrying. They lie awake in bed, wondering if they made a right decision the day before--if they did the wrong thing--and what they should do tomorrow.
Here's a creative way one woman handled worry. With so many things to worry about, she decided to set aside one day each week to worry. As worrying situations occurred, she wrote them down and put them in her worry box. Then, on Worry Wednesday, she read through each worry. To her amazement, most of the things she had been disturbed about had already been taken care of in some way. Thus, she learned there was seldom a justifiable reason to worry. As the psalmist wrote in Psalm 127:2 NKJV, it is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows, for so He gives His beloved sleep.
As a child of God, you can rest in the knowledge that you are surrounded by a loving Father who cares for you. Jesus said, " Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26 NKJV) The same Creator who placed each star in the sky is watching over you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Go Gators!!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Psoaring thru Psalm 4
Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the windy, transition day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Did you happen to see the brilliant Venus in the southwestern sky right after sunset last night? I was totally surprised to see the swollen moon right overhead in the darkening but still blue sky! Gorgeous! God is Awesome!
Yesterday I took a walk in the Park, and saw lots of activity going on. Apparently, the Audubon Society was out in full force with tables set up with refreshments, and lots of cars in the circle... people with cameras and telescopes, dressed in their hats and boots, ready for a tour to see what birds have migrated from the snowy North.
As for me, I just walked and looked and saw Mama gator in her same spot where she has been for months, but I didn't see a baby. I saw a flock of birds circling over the lake, but couldn't tell what they were, and then, two ospreys suddenly appeared and I watched to see if one would hover, but it didn't. It was a lovely morning for a walk, but I was very warm when I finished. God is good! BTW, apparently Francia did not retire, as she was teaching a class when I arrived. Good for the pupils who learn a lot about nature from her teaching.
Psalm 4:1-8 NLT
Answer me when I call,
O God who declares me innocent.
Take away my distress,
Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
How long will you people ruin my reputation?
How long will you make these
groundless accusations?
How long will you pursue lies?
You can be sure of this;
The Lord has set apart the godly for himself.
The Lord will answer when I call to him.
Don't sin by letting anger gain control over you.
Think about it overnight and remain silent.
Offer proper sacrifices, and trust in the Lord.
Many people say, "Who will show us
better times?Let the smile of your face shine on us, Lord.
You have given me greater joy
than those who have abundant harvests
of grain and wine.
I will lie down in peace and sleep
for you alone, O Lord, will keep me
safe.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Happy Birthday, Lee!
Yesterday I took a walk in the Park, and saw lots of activity going on. Apparently, the Audubon Society was out in full force with tables set up with refreshments, and lots of cars in the circle... people with cameras and telescopes, dressed in their hats and boots, ready for a tour to see what birds have migrated from the snowy North.
As for me, I just walked and looked and saw Mama gator in her same spot where she has been for months, but I didn't see a baby. I saw a flock of birds circling over the lake, but couldn't tell what they were, and then, two ospreys suddenly appeared and I watched to see if one would hover, but it didn't. It was a lovely morning for a walk, but I was very warm when I finished. God is good! BTW, apparently Francia did not retire, as she was teaching a class when I arrived. Good for the pupils who learn a lot about nature from her teaching.
Psalm 4:1-8 NLT
Answer me when I call,
O God who declares me innocent.
Take away my distress,
Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
How long will you people ruin my reputation?
How long will you make these
groundless accusations?
How long will you pursue lies?
You can be sure of this;
The Lord has set apart the godly for himself.
The Lord will answer when I call to him.
Don't sin by letting anger gain control over you.
Think about it overnight and remain silent.
Offer proper sacrifices, and trust in the Lord.
Many people say, "Who will show us
better times?Let the smile of your face shine on us, Lord.
You have given me greater joy
than those who have abundant harvests
of grain and wine.
I will lie down in peace and sleep
for you alone, O Lord, will keep me
safe.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Happy Birthday, Lee!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
GOD KNOWS!
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! Once again we have a beautiful day with sun and warm temps. But tomorrow we are supposed to get some rain, which we need, and cooler weather. This is the time of year, when no A/C and no heat are needed.
When I stepped outside this morning, I was able to see some stars high overhead, even though fog was predicted... maybe on the highway, but not here. I need to go to the Park today to see if Francia has retired. She has been teaching about thirty years and never in a regular classroom. She really knows all about bugs and creatures of the wild. She is very interesting to talk with and to hear her adventures. God brings interesting people into our lives. He is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Do you ever wonder if God has lost your address? Perhaps He has lost track of you or even forgotten you? God's Word answers that thought with a resounding, "Not so!"
Jesus taught His followers, "Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's leave {consent} and notice...Fear not, then, you are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31 AMP)
Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Matthew 10:30 Amp
The psalmist also recognized God's thorough and innate knowledge of us. Read these words from Psalm 139 and be encouraged.
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment, you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head. This is too glorious, too wonderful... I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!...
You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!
How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!
Psalm 139:1-7, 16-18 TLB
Consider then thyself, O noble
soul, and the nobility within
thee for thou art honored above
all creatures in that thou art an image of God...
thou art destined to greatness!
Meister Eckhardt
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside this morning, I was able to see some stars high overhead, even though fog was predicted... maybe on the highway, but not here. I need to go to the Park today to see if Francia has retired. She has been teaching about thirty years and never in a regular classroom. She really knows all about bugs and creatures of the wild. She is very interesting to talk with and to hear her adventures. God brings interesting people into our lives. He is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Do you ever wonder if God has lost your address? Perhaps He has lost track of you or even forgotten you? God's Word answers that thought with a resounding, "Not so!"
Jesus taught His followers, "Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's leave {consent} and notice...Fear not, then, you are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31 AMP)
Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Matthew 10:30 Amp
The psalmist also recognized God's thorough and innate knowledge of us. Read these words from Psalm 139 and be encouraged.
O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment, you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head. This is too glorious, too wonderful... I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God!...
You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!
How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!
Psalm 139:1-7, 16-18 TLB
Consider then thyself, O noble
soul, and the nobility within
thee for thou art honored above
all creatures in that thou art an image of God...
thou art destined to greatness!
Meister Eckhardt
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, January 5, 2009
Opportunities
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 early this morning, the clouds were thick and the air was a little cool, but now the clouds have mostly gone and the sun is shining! Another beautiful day in Paradise!
We enjoyed a quiet day yesterday after church. I finished a book I had started, and then watered the staghorn fern, which was looking droopy. We haven't had much rain for a couple weeks, so I also watered the azaleas, which have a few blooms on them. Afterward, we took a drive to beautiful downtown St. Petersburg, and admired the lovely waterfront... saw lots of people walking, sitting at outside tables in front of restaurants, biking, running, and lots of dogs in the dog park near the water.
We also visited Sawgrass and noticed the Vietnamese society was having their yearly gathering under the large covered shelter. Lots of people there! On the way in we saw two peacocks looking at themselves in a window, and a big, fat gator sunning on the bank of the lake on the right. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I face challenging, sometimes intimidating, opportunities?
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Our ability to face challenges is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. With Christ's help, we can make the most of every opportunity.
Revelation 3:6 I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.
We can trust that nothing will prevent us from fulfilling the opportunity God has for us.
How do I know if an opportunity is from the Lord?
Joshua 1:7:9 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Bood of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Ephesians 5:15-20 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 yourselves, 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.
God's opportunities conform to his word. Anything that contradicts God's word is not an opportunity from God.
What does God promise to those who make the most of his opportunities?
Matthew 25:29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away.
God honors faithfulness in little things with the privilege of responsibility for greater things.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We enjoyed a quiet day yesterday after church. I finished a book I had started, and then watered the staghorn fern, which was looking droopy. We haven't had much rain for a couple weeks, so I also watered the azaleas, which have a few blooms on them. Afterward, we took a drive to beautiful downtown St. Petersburg, and admired the lovely waterfront... saw lots of people walking, sitting at outside tables in front of restaurants, biking, running, and lots of dogs in the dog park near the water.
We also visited Sawgrass and noticed the Vietnamese society was having their yearly gathering under the large covered shelter. Lots of people there! On the way in we saw two peacocks looking at themselves in a window, and a big, fat gator sunning on the bank of the lake on the right. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I face challenging, sometimes intimidating, opportunities?
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Our ability to face challenges is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. With Christ's help, we can make the most of every opportunity.
Revelation 3:6 I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.
We can trust that nothing will prevent us from fulfilling the opportunity God has for us.
How do I know if an opportunity is from the Lord?
Joshua 1:7:9 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Bood of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Ephesians 5:15-20 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 yourselves, 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.
God's opportunities conform to his word. Anything that contradicts God's word is not an opportunity from God.
What does God promise to those who make the most of his opportunities?
Matthew 25:29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away.
God honors faithfulness in little things with the privilege of responsibility for greater things.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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