Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Roamin' thru Romans

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! I am a little late this morning, but not because I slept later. Phone calls and other things took time away from my devotional time

I hope some of you were outside to see the moon and Jupiter, I think, last night. What a beautiful sight! They were very close and the sky was clear, so the beauty was there for all to see. Looks like some rain is coming our way tonight or tomorrow. Thank you, Jesus! The wind is blowing and the humidity is definitely higher, so my bones are aching. Perhaps this wind will blow the last of the acorns off the trees. I can only hope.

Yesterday, I heard Christmas music while shopping in Sweetbay... not only popular songs, but real carols. Even though it is not Thanksgiving yet, still it was nice to hear the Christmas carols. Of course, not to preach, but every day should be thanksgiving!

Well, the woodstorks were at Lynch Lake again, even sitting with the ducks that are always there. I saw one woodstork lying on the ground, resting, First time I had seen one on the ground, but I guess they nest on the ground, just not out in the open!.

There were the usual turtles on the bank of the weir yesterday, but the gator was not in sight. A great blue heron was all twisted up, preening the feathers. It was a funny sight! God is good!

Romans 4:4 NLT:

When people work, their wages are not a gift. Workers earn what they receive. But people are declared righteous because of their faith, not because of their work.

King David spoke of this, describing the happiness of an undeserving sinner who is declared to be righteous.

"Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sins are put out of sight.
"Yes, what joy for those whose sin is no longer counted against them by the Lord."

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, November 15, 2010

Teaching About Money and Possessions

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 been having a long run of beautiful weather, but once again, we pray God will bless us with rain. He knows our needs and He will provide in his time.

I thought the acorns had just about finished falling, but I still hear the clunk as they hit the front porch gutter on the way down, and the driveway is covered with crushed and uncrushed acorns. I suggested to David C. that he come and clean out the gutter and blow off the driveway. I have a blower he gave me, but it is electric and the extension cord is so heavy, I don't use it. But, meantime, they keep falling.

I noticed over the weekend that a lot of woodstorks are here now. I saw at least six sitting around Lynch Lake, and yesterday, on my way to church, I saw my favorite, the roseate spoonbill, a bit of pink beauty among the white and black of the woodstorks and a lot of ducks. Also, I saw the gator back in his usual spot, sunning on the bank at the park. More turtles were on the bank of the weir enjoying the warm sun. I also see more little sparrows hopping around in the front yard, escaping the cold north. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 12:26

Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food or clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put good in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?
Look at the lilies and how they grow! They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food--what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, November 12, 2010

My Morning Prayer

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! A few puffy, white clouds drifting along this morning , but mostly blue skies and sunshine. What a glorious day! It has warmed up so, that the sun is back to our usual sunburn level, but we still need rain, please, Lord.

Yesterday was a busy day for me. I drove the van to one close by touch-free car wash, and couldn't get it to take cash or credit, so left it and drove five miles to another one where it was friendly and got the van washed right away. The humidity was so low, that by the time I got to Bay Pines cemetery, the car was dry.

I didn't go for the morning ceremony honoring and remembering our fallen and still active heroes. I went in the early afternoon. Lots of people were there in the newer sections and I am sure lots of stories about the people being remembered. One young woman was on the ground in front of the headstone belonging to her loved one, and placing her hand on the name, and obviously, grieving. I wondered what her story was and whether it was husband or just who she was remembering. The sun was hot and while I had my umbrella for shade, she was in the bright sun....then six motorcycles came noisily riding in,,parked in a row and walked over to a grave. They all had West Coast Bikers on their vests. They were respectful, but talking, so I decided it was time to leave. As I said many stories...

I went to the Park, and had to wait for two care ride vans to load up with several wheelchair riders. For some reason they parked right on the curve, making it hard to get by. But that didn't disturb the great blue egret fishing in the canal or the ibis trying to hide in a tree. Could have done it if he hadn't been so white! God is good!

I have posted this prayer before, but I still pray it every morning, and it seems to cover a lot; Have a Jesus filled weekend everybody!

My Morning Prayer

"Oh, God, for another day, for another morning,
for another hour for another minute, for another
chance to live and serve Thee, I am truly grateful."
Do thou this day free me
from all fear of the future.
from all bitterness toward anyone.
from all cowardice in face of danger
from all laziness in face of work,
from all failure before opportunity
from all weakness when Thy power is at hand.

But fill me
with Love that knows no barrier
with Sympathy that reaches all
with Courage that cannot be shaken
with Faith strong enough for darkness.
With Strength sufficient for my tasks
with Loyalty to Thy Kingdom Goal,
with Power to lift me to Thee.

Be Thou with me for another day and use
me as Thou wilt for Christ's sake , I pray.
Amen

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love,

Love and hugs, Amaryllis

Thursday, November 11, 2010

God Can Handle It

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! I hope some of you saw the sunset last night. Once again the line of clouds in the east were colored with pinks from the sunset in the west. They were gorgeous! This is another cool morning, but if it warms up again like yesterday, it will be hot!

There will be lots of celebrations today to honor our servicemen and women who are protecting their country in various ways. It is not easy being away from home and family and I thank them for sacrifices, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice! I remembered to put my flag out this morning, early. I hope many on the street will do the same.

While I was praying this morning and writing names down, I noticed a wild swinging of the branches in the oak tree in the backyard. and sure enough, the squirrels were playing. Back and forth, and hopping from the branch to the roof of the old shed and back. They know how to have fun, but they also work for food most of the day, and use lots of energy zipping across the street and circling round and round the tree trunks. The squirrels at the park are fat from people feeding them, When they see a parked car in the circle, they sit and beg, trying to look pitiful, while all around they are surrounded by acorns and other goodies.

The turtles were all gathered on the bank of the weir again yesterday. All sizes crowded together, and one larger loner away from the crowd. God is good!

From the little devotional book, Knowing God:

So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 NLT

Every life-including yours-is a series of wins and losses. Every step of the way, through every triumph and tragedy, God walks with you, ready and willing to strengthen you. So the next time you find your courage tested to the limit, remember to take your fears to God. If you call upon Him, you will be comforted. Whatever your challenge, whatever your trouble, God can handle it.

When you place your faith, your trust, indeed your life in the hands of your Heavenly Father, you'll be amazed at the marvelous things He can do with you and through you. So strengthen your faith through praise, through worship, through Bible study, and through prayer, And trust God's plans .With Him, all things are possible, and He stands ready to open a world of possibilities to you,,,if you have faith.

Great Thoughts
Faith is always tested for three reasons to prove whether our faith is real; to help our faith grow, and to bring glory to the Lord.
Warren Wiersbe

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Verses from 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! I am almost used to the bright sun shining in the windows so early now, and the darkness coming early, also. And My internal clock is now on EST, so I am sleeping better. Sure wish the time would stay the same year round. Sigh!

Well, the sparrows have arrived from the North. Yesterday, as I was sweeping off the porch, and, I am happy to say, most of the acorns have fallen, yay! I saw the tiny brown creatures hopping about on the ground and then flitting off to the trees. They are such busy little birds!

When I went to the Park, over a dozen turtles of all sizes were sunning on the bank of the weir. Maybe the temp. of the water has dropped a degree or two to cause them to climb out. I thought they were cold-blooded like the gators, but maybe not. I'll have to check them out in the little golden book Daryl has had since he was old enough to read. I know there is always the internet, but this little book has a lot of info, too. Everything else seemed to be very quiet. Lots of children in the park, I think maybe from a home-schooling group. It is a good place to get an education on nature and God's creations. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ecc: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....

5:19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it.So enjoy your work and accept your lot in life-that is indeed a gift from God. People who do this, rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Trust God's 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!

I can't believe it is almost ten already! Where did the morning go? I had the Roachbuster man in already and we chatted about our respective trips to TN and NC recently. He makes enough income as an independent business man to have a house in Hiawassee near Murphy, NC. He must have been up there at the same time as I. He has been spraying my house for many years. once a month.

This weather is still a little chilly for me, but really beautiful. As I went to the Park yesterday, I saw a bunch of turtles drying out on the weir. Big and little snappers, but the gator was not visible on the other side. Not many people were in the park, but it was a school day and , although there was a crowd gathered on the bridge, they must have been locals, because the car tags were all Florida. They were all looking at the anhinga who was posing on the stump with outstretched wings.

The beauty berry bushes that were planted in the middle of the circle, are heavy with berries, as is mine in my backyard. The bushes were planted there to eliminate mowing, when all the budget cuts were made. Sigh. Lots of changes, but God is good!

From the little devotional book Knowing God:
"understanding is like a fountain which gives life to those who use it." Proverbs 16:22 NCV

The world has its own brand of wisdom, a brand of wisdom that is often wrong and sometimes dangerous. God, on the other hand, has a different brand of wisdom, a wisdom that will lead you closer to Him.

Where will you place your trust today? Will you trust in the wisdom of fallible men and women, or will you place your faith in God's perfect wisdom? The answer to this question will determine the direction of your day and the quality of your decisions. Are you tired? Discouraged? Fearful? Be comforted and trust God. Are you worried or anxious? Be confident in God's power. Are you confused? Listen to the quiet voice of your Heavenly Father.He is not a God of confusion. Talk with Him, listen to Him, trust Him. His wisdom, unlike the "wisdom" of the world will never let you down.

Great Thoughts

God does not give His counsel to the curious or the careless. He reveals His will to the concerned and to the consecrated.
-Warren Wiersbe

-Prayer for today-

Dear Lord, You are my Teacher. Help me to learn from You. and then, let me show others what it means to be a kind, generous, loving Christian. Amen.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, November 8, 2010

The Future Glory

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! It is a beautiful sunshiny , but chilly day. It is supposed to be gradually warming up all this week, so just as well I didn't put my new flannel sheets on the bed!

Something about this change in time takes me a long time to get used to. I cannot sleep well for a few days afterwards. Seems like with the extra hour sleep, I would be doing well, but maybe it's just me. Oh, well, I should be ready to catch a nap this afternoon.

I went to the Park yesterday, and my, was it crowded! The sunshine brought many turtles out of the water to dry out on the banks of the weir, and across the street, the chubby middle-sized gator was sunning. Then, as I rounded the circle corner, there was the old, big gopher tortoise. Now I grew up in this city and we always had gophers around the vacant lot we lived next to, so they were not a big deal to us, but for people new to this area, they are something novel. Many people get up close and take pictures of these strange looking creatures.

Also, as I was coming back from an errand, I saw an osprey on one line, and what I think was a kingfisher on another line. I looked in my Peterson bird guide, but can't quite identify for sure just what the bird is. I thought perhaps a shrike, but it looks more like the kingfisher. Maybe I should study up more on my birds! But, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 8:18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, everything on earth was subjected to God's curse. All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom. For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet , we must wait patiently and confidently. And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis