Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, rainy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Well, the thunder woke me about 3 AM , after I had a difficult time getting to sleep, and then I woke up early to the sound of gentle rain falling. As I was praying and having my devotions this morning, I looked out the window and watched a feisty squirrel leap from our roof to the oak tree in the backyard, and then scamper along the telephone line. Pretty soon, he came back along the same route, gave a giant leap onto the tree and back on the roof. Neither rain, nor sleet nor dark of night keeps them from digging and looking for acorns and whatever else they can find to eat.
I only went out one time yesterday and that was to accompany David C. to the dump. He had been working on a leaky faucet in my bathroom. The wind was blowing so hard, it almost took my breath away! Yesterday was a good day for ironing and staying in, and today will be a good day to read! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Does God give us success in this life?
1 Samuel 16:7 The Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions."
God's standards differ greatly from our own. Success is measured by faithfulness and fruitfulness not by results and quantities. We measure success in terms of appearances and externals, but the Lord looks on the heart. God measures success by weighing our devotion and commitment to him.
1 John 2:15-17 Stop loving this evil world and all that if offers you, for when we love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world. And this world if fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever.
Success in this world can mean failure in God's eyes. While we live in this world, we are not to be controlled by this world's system of values. God promises that if we do his will, we will have true success.
1 Corinthians 3:4,5 We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God.
Jesus' followers know that real success comes only from the Lord.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Discernment
Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We are supposed to have thunderstorms today and It sure looks like they are coming! I did all my shopping yesterday, so I am prepared!
After I did my shopping, I drove to the Park, and there was the gator in his usual spot, all stretched out. When I came back out, several cars were parked, with people rushing with cameras to take his picture. I walked out on the bridge and watched a great blue heron for a while. He is huge, and likes to stand on the point where the canal curves. He can be so still, he looks like a statue, but all at once he started to walk down the bank and waded in the water, stretching out his neck after spying a fish. The sun was very warm and it felt like summer, but I soon got very tired and was glad to get back to the car. God 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, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of 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
After I did my shopping, I drove to the Park, and there was the gator in his usual spot, all stretched out. When I came back out, several cars were parked, with people rushing with cameras to take his picture. I walked out on the bridge and watched a great blue heron for a while. He is huge, and likes to stand on the point where the canal curves. He can be so still, he looks like a statue, but all at once he started to walk down the bank and waded in the water, stretching out his neck after spying a fish. The sun was very warm and it felt like summer, but I soon got very tired and was glad to get back to the car. God 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, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of 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, March 10, 2010
More Wisdom
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! Even though the sun is shining and it is warmer than usual, I notice the trees are swaying in the wind, and heavy rain is predicted for tomorrow. Well, that means I have to get my shopping done today!
I did not get to the park yesterday. I was still achy, and had a crick in my neck from the uncomfortable seat and looking up to talk to David and Brian in the ER Monday night. Also, we had a good prayer committee meeting at church and that kind of wore me out, so I really wanted to rest. I keep forgetting that it is only two weeks since I had surgery..takes me a long time to really get my strength back.
But I always enjoy seeing the ducks and different water fowl on Lynch lake. Also, the flocks of ibis in the neighborhood. Lately, I have seen the tiny sparrows that only come in winter. They are almost disguised when they flit down under the shrubs because they look like leaves. Very cute! God is good!
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 feet 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.
Proverbs 9:11-12 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
Psalm 25:8-9 The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in what is right, teaching them his way.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man.
Wisdom will give us a richer, fuller life.
Matthew 7:24-27 Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash.
Wisdom inspires confidence and prepares us for the most difficult times. Foolishness is a great risk and leaves us vulnerable to sure catastrophe.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I did not get to the park yesterday. I was still achy, and had a crick in my neck from the uncomfortable seat and looking up to talk to David and Brian in the ER Monday night. Also, we had a good prayer committee meeting at church and that kind of wore me out, so I really wanted to rest. I keep forgetting that it is only two weeks since I had surgery..takes me a long time to really get my strength back.
But I always enjoy seeing the ducks and different water fowl on Lynch lake. Also, the flocks of ibis in the neighborhood. Lately, I have seen the tiny sparrows that only come in winter. They are almost disguised when they flit down under the shrubs because they look like leaves. Very cute! God is good!
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 feet 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.
Proverbs 9:11-12 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
Psalm 25:8-9 The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in what is right, teaching them his way.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man.
Wisdom will give us a richer, fuller life.
Matthew 7:24-27 Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash.
Wisdom inspires confidence and prepares us for the most difficult times. Foolishness is a great risk and leaves us vulnerable to sure catastrophe.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Wisdom
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 have clouds today instead of sunshine, but at least the weather has warmed up and it will be a great day!
I was kind of lazy rolling out of bed this morning, because of spending several hours in the ER with Brian. My dear friend, David, took me because Brian had called and said he was having symptoms of a heart attack and had called the paramedics. After testing, everything looked normal, so he was released and I got to bed (but not to sleep) about midnight. Praise God for warnings and answered prayer! So Brian is to make a doctor's app't today for a checkup and will probably be put on meds for BP control.
As for me, I can do without any more visits to the ER!
When I went to the Park yesterday, I saw the usual fat, black gator stretched out on the bank and people walking over to take his photo. I also saw an anhinga airing out the wings and a pretty white great heron wading in the water looking for lunch. Two peacocks were back in front of the house by the park entrance. I had not seen them in a while and didn't know if they were still in the neighborhood. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.
Psalm 111:10 Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures; it is understanding that an all powerful, all-knowng God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was kind of lazy rolling out of bed this morning, because of spending several hours in the ER with Brian. My dear friend, David, took me because Brian had called and said he was having symptoms of a heart attack and had called the paramedics. After testing, everything looked normal, so he was released and I got to bed (but not to sleep) about midnight. Praise God for warnings and answered prayer! So Brian is to make a doctor's app't today for a checkup and will probably be put on meds for BP control.
As for me, I can do without any more visits to the ER!
When I went to the Park yesterday, I saw the usual fat, black gator stretched out on the bank and people walking over to take his photo. I also saw an anhinga airing out the wings and a pretty white great heron wading in the water looking for lunch. Two peacocks were back in front of the house by the park entrance. I had not seen them in a while and didn't know if they were still in the neighborhood. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.
Psalm 111:10 Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures; it is understanding that an all powerful, all-knowng God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, March 8, 2010
As Time Goes By
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! Yesterday was a beautiful day, also, so after church I went to a car wash and got the van all spic and span. The air has been so dry that there were only a few drops of water left by the time I came home. It promises to be even warmer today!
I went to the Park with the intention of walking, but all of a sudden, I felt tired. It's hard for me to remember that it has only been less than two weeks since I had surgery, so even though I have had no pain, I still have to give myself time to get really strong again! God is Good!
I did see the fat, black gator sunning in his usual spot, and a tri-colored heron huddled by the canal bank, looking for a meal. The azaleas at the park are blooming now, but mine show no signs of buds, yet. The yellow leaves are still falling off the oaks, from the frost that hit the tops of the trees, so the yard is covered with them. The maple trees at the park are loaded with red seed pods that are falling in the water, and all over the boardwalk. Spring is not far away!Praise God!
This is from the book Quiet Moments with God and I have sent it before, but it has a good prayer which is worth repeating every year.
Where does the time go?" we ask. Here it is--a new day on the horizon--and we can't remember how it arrived so quickly. Why, last week seems like yesterday, and last year flew by like a videw in fast forward.
And worse, it's hard to remember what we spent it on.
Shouldn't I have more great memories? we wonder. What did I accomplish? Is this all I've done with all that time?
Singer Jim Croce mused in his hit song "Time in a Bottle" that there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do, once you find them" We search so hard for happiness. But often, we don't understand that happiness is not a goal to be won, but a by-product of a life well spent.
This "Old English Prayer" offeressimple instruction for enjoying the day that the Lord has made.:
Take time to work, it is the price of success.
Take time to think, it is the source of power.
Take time to play, it is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read, it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream, it is hitching your wagon to a star.
Take time to love and be loved, it is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to look around; it is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul.
True happiness comes
from the job of deeds
well done. The zest of
creating things new.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I went to the Park with the intention of walking, but all of a sudden, I felt tired. It's hard for me to remember that it has only been less than two weeks since I had surgery, so even though I have had no pain, I still have to give myself time to get really strong again! God is Good!
I did see the fat, black gator sunning in his usual spot, and a tri-colored heron huddled by the canal bank, looking for a meal. The azaleas at the park are blooming now, but mine show no signs of buds, yet. The yellow leaves are still falling off the oaks, from the frost that hit the tops of the trees, so the yard is covered with them. The maple trees at the park are loaded with red seed pods that are falling in the water, and all over the boardwalk. Spring is not far away!Praise God!
This is from the book Quiet Moments with God and I have sent it before, but it has a good prayer which is worth repeating every year.
Where does the time go?" we ask. Here it is--a new day on the horizon--and we can't remember how it arrived so quickly. Why, last week seems like yesterday, and last year flew by like a videw in fast forward.
And worse, it's hard to remember what we spent it on.
Shouldn't I have more great memories? we wonder. What did I accomplish? Is this all I've done with all that time?
Singer Jim Croce mused in his hit song "Time in a Bottle" that there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do, once you find them" We search so hard for happiness. But often, we don't understand that happiness is not a goal to be won, but a by-product of a life well spent.
This "Old English Prayer" offeressimple instruction for enjoying the day that the Lord has made.:
Take time to work, it is the price of success.
Take time to think, it is the source of power.
Take time to play, it is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read, it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream, it is hitching your wagon to a star.
Take time to love and be loved, it is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to look around; it is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul.
True happiness comes
from the job of deeds
well done. The zest of
creating things new.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, March 5, 2010
Words from Paul
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! Can't tell it from this mornings chilly weather, but it looks like a warm-up this weekend. Yay! This cold weather has lasted long enough!
I tried to walk at the park yesterday, but as soon as I walked on the bridge, the wind hit and it was cold! I had a coat on but the wind seemed to go right through it. I saw a little moorhen going about her business as usual on the water, not seeming to mind the weather. Also a flock of ibis were busily pecking the ground as they usually do, and on the way in, the gator was in its usual spot, sunning on the bank. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
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. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul's Final Advice:
Greet each other in Christian love. All the Christians here send you their greetings.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I tried to walk at the park yesterday, but as soon as I walked on the bridge, the wind hit and it was cold! I had a coat on but the wind seemed to go right through it. I saw a little moorhen going about her business as usual on the water, not seeming to mind the weather. Also a flock of ibis were busily pecking the ground as they usually do, and on the way in, the gator was in its usual spot, sunning on the bank. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
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. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul's Final Advice:
Greet each other in Christian love. All the Christians here send you their greetings.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Psalm 37
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! Another breezy, chilly day but we are promised temps in the seventies this weekend, Yay!
I went to the park yesterday and took a walk along the sidewalk to the second bridge. A few people were out in the cold, but not many. I did not bring my gloves, so I hid my hands in my sleeves, because the wind was quite cold. I noticed that the few big sour orange trees that used to be in the butterfly garden were no more and most of the butterfly shrubs were gone. It looks quite bare because the ones that are left are leafless and look dead, but they may come back in the spring.
I stopped walking long enough to watch several ibis fly by above the canal and land on the bridge railing. One was a maverick and landed in a tree nearby. There's one in every crowd! :o)
On my way in to the park, I saw a fat, lazy gator catching some rays out of the water, just trying to warm up, I guess, because the sun was shining. I always look to the right, because the gators like to sun on the bank of the borrow pit. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 37
Don't worry about the wicked,
Don't envy those who do wrong
For like the grass they soon fade away.
Like springtime flowers, they soon wither.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and
prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn
and the justice of your cause will shine
like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others--
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land....
The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will not fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I went to the park yesterday and took a walk along the sidewalk to the second bridge. A few people were out in the cold, but not many. I did not bring my gloves, so I hid my hands in my sleeves, because the wind was quite cold. I noticed that the few big sour orange trees that used to be in the butterfly garden were no more and most of the butterfly shrubs were gone. It looks quite bare because the ones that are left are leafless and look dead, but they may come back in the spring.
I stopped walking long enough to watch several ibis fly by above the canal and land on the bridge railing. One was a maverick and landed in a tree nearby. There's one in every crowd! :o)
On my way in to the park, I saw a fat, lazy gator catching some rays out of the water, just trying to warm up, I guess, because the sun was shining. I always look to the right, because the gators like to sun on the bank of the borrow pit. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 37
Don't worry about the wicked,
Don't envy those who do wrong
For like the grass they soon fade away.
Like springtime flowers, they soon wither.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and
prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn
and the justice of your cause will shine
like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others--
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land....
The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will not fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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