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 beautiful day with sunshine and maybe a few clouds, but warm. I have had my windows closed for a week and the A/C runs occasionally. but my nose is much happier with the pollen outside, instead of in. Until the oak trees stop shedding, the pollen count will remain high, but other blooming trees and shrubs are taking their place. A good rain would dampen everything down, once we are blessed with it.
There wasn't much going on at the park when I finally got over there yesterday. It was later in the day, because of the yard work being done. Next week, Dave will bring his hedge trimmer and the azaleas will get trimmed. After they bloomed, they really started to shoot up.
I saw an anhinga sunning and drying out, and egrets and ibises, standing and pecking, but the gators are pretty scarce, now. It's amazing how many turtles exist in the canal and the lakes, because I think they are a food source for the gators. But God is good to provide for all the critters He created!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
James 1:2-4
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy., For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
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.
Hebrews 13:29-21
And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to Him. Jesus is the great shepherd of the sheep by an everlasiing covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory, forever and ever. Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Happy Birthday, Gil!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Proverbs 3:21-26
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 air is a little cooler and lots of humidity this morning, but still very nice. I have been outside with Dave, my friend and yard man, showing him a few tasks that need doing. I am happy to have someone reliable to take care of the outside for me. Those pesky baby lubbers have still been eating my amaryllis leaves, so I don't think I will have any blooms this year. Some have already bloomed and finished in the neighborhood. Oh, well, I really don't have a green thumb, but I try.
I saw the very large tri colored heron at the park yesterday, standing in the water, which was so shallow it was just up to his ankles. He looked very majestic, though. I also saw lots of birds, but I haven't seen many butterflies, so far. Guess I will have to walk back to the butterfly garden behind the building. I have a lot of the yellow ones all the time. They are so pretty! 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 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 is 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 saw the very large tri colored heron at the park yesterday, standing in the water, which was so shallow it was just up to his ankles. He looked very majestic, though. I also saw lots of birds, but I haven't seen many butterflies, so far. Guess I will have to walk back to the butterfly garden behind the building. I have a lot of the yellow ones all the time. They are so pretty! 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 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 is 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
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Keep Growing
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! This is another in the long string of cloud free, sunny days. Great weather for the Grand Prix this weekend, and spring training, but we could really use some rain. Time to start praying for rain!
I am feeling the effects of my long walk from yesterday, so I guess i did not stretch enough afterwards. My leg muscles and feet are achy this morning, but, unfortunately, my appetite is not. I had an egg instead of my usual oatmeal. Not just an egg, but a couple slices of bacon, hash browns and toast. It was good for a change!
The oak trees in the park are still shedding their dust. On the way back to the car I had to walk under the trees and the wind picked up and showered me with the stuff. That is why I was using up tissues so fast!. I went back to the park yesterday afternoon, but did not walk. Lots of people were, though and also enjoying picnics. I was on my way to Walmart, where I discovered gas had gone down about ten cents from last week when I bought it, so I filled up the tank, along with a lot of other people. Then I decided to check out the parking situation to see if I could find one within sight of the store, and was pleasantly surprised to see a space close to the entrance, so I went in and shopped from one end to the other. I got lots of exercise yesterday! But I did not see beautiful sights in there like I did at the park! No birds, no fish in the wild, no gators, just lots of people and lots of merchandise. But God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
As newborn babies want milk, you should want the pure and simple teaching, By it you can grow up and be saved. 1 Peter 2:2 NCV
If you sincerely want to know God, then you can't be satisfied to be a stagnant believer. God's plan for you includes a lifetime of prayer, praise, and spiritual growth. As a Christian, you can--and should--continur to grow in the love and the knowledge of your Savior as long as you live.
I fyou cease to grow, either emotionally or spiritually, you do yourself a profound disservice. But, if you study God's Word, if you obey His commandments, and if you live for the protection of His will, you will not be a stagnant believer, you will, instead, ba a growing Christian...and that;s exactly what God wants you to be.
God loves us
the way we are,
but He loves us
too much to leave
us that way.
Leighton Ford
I've never met anyone who became instantly mature. It's a painstaking process that God takes us through, and it includes
such things as waiting, failing, losing, and being misunderstood-each calling for extra doses of perseverance.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I am feeling the effects of my long walk from yesterday, so I guess i did not stretch enough afterwards. My leg muscles and feet are achy this morning, but, unfortunately, my appetite is not. I had an egg instead of my usual oatmeal. Not just an egg, but a couple slices of bacon, hash browns and toast. It was good for a change!
The oak trees in the park are still shedding their dust. On the way back to the car I had to walk under the trees and the wind picked up and showered me with the stuff. That is why I was using up tissues so fast!. I went back to the park yesterday afternoon, but did not walk. Lots of people were, though and also enjoying picnics. I was on my way to Walmart, where I discovered gas had gone down about ten cents from last week when I bought it, so I filled up the tank, along with a lot of other people. Then I decided to check out the parking situation to see if I could find one within sight of the store, and was pleasantly surprised to see a space close to the entrance, so I went in and shopped from one end to the other. I got lots of exercise yesterday! But I did not see beautiful sights in there like I did at the park! No birds, no fish in the wild, no gators, just lots of people and lots of merchandise. But God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
As newborn babies want milk, you should want the pure and simple teaching, By it you can grow up and be saved. 1 Peter 2:2 NCV
If you sincerely want to know God, then you can't be satisfied to be a stagnant believer. God's plan for you includes a lifetime of prayer, praise, and spiritual growth. As a Christian, you can--and should--continur to grow in the love and the knowledge of your Savior as long as you live.
I fyou cease to grow, either emotionally or spiritually, you do yourself a profound disservice. But, if you study God's Word, if you obey His commandments, and if you live for the protection of His will, you will not be a stagnant believer, you will, instead, ba a growing Christian...and that;s exactly what God wants you to be.
God loves us
the way we are,
but He loves us
too much to leave
us that way.
Leighton Ford
I've never met anyone who became instantly mature. It's a painstaking process that God takes us through, and it includes
such things as waiting, failing, losing, and being misunderstood-each calling for extra doses of perseverance.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
1 Peter 3
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 lop-sided moon was still high in the southwest when I looked out as I arose, still a beautiful sight in the clear sky!
I decided to go walking early today as I used to, long ago, so I did my stretches and waited for daylight, went over to the park, and there was only one other car there, A couple walking their dog. I took my walking stick and crossed over the bridge, listening to all the birds who were out everywhere. I didn't know there were so many fuzzy shrubs in bloom, so although I had filled my pocket with tissues, I had used most of them by the time I had gone just half way. I heard a rooster crowing across the canal behind the building,, but I never did see it. He sure was waking everybody up, though. When I got to the overlook, I saw a large bird zip across the lake, so I looked to see if it was an osprey, but when he came back, I saw it was an eagle!! I was so excited! I haven't seen an eagle for over a year. It had something in it's mouth, so there must be a nest some place close.
The yellow barrier across the lake where the work is going on, was lined with ibises. Looks like they have claimed it for their own! When I started back, only a couple people were on the boardwalk, so I broke trail. I sure hope spider webs are good for the complexion, because the little spiders had been busy last night! I paused on the bridge going back and a pileated woodpecker flew into a tree right in front of me! Beautiful red crest and black and white stripes on his neck. First time I had ever seen one, so I came home and looked it up in my Peterson's Guide. God is so good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Peter 3:8-12
Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say,
If you want a happy life and good days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil,
and keep your lips from telling lies.
Turn away from evil and do good.
Work hard at living in peace with others.
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I decided to go walking early today as I used to, long ago, so I did my stretches and waited for daylight, went over to the park, and there was only one other car there, A couple walking their dog. I took my walking stick and crossed over the bridge, listening to all the birds who were out everywhere. I didn't know there were so many fuzzy shrubs in bloom, so although I had filled my pocket with tissues, I had used most of them by the time I had gone just half way. I heard a rooster crowing across the canal behind the building,, but I never did see it. He sure was waking everybody up, though. When I got to the overlook, I saw a large bird zip across the lake, so I looked to see if it was an osprey, but when he came back, I saw it was an eagle!! I was so excited! I haven't seen an eagle for over a year. It had something in it's mouth, so there must be a nest some place close.
The yellow barrier across the lake where the work is going on, was lined with ibises. Looks like they have claimed it for their own! When I started back, only a couple people were on the boardwalk, so I broke trail. I sure hope spider webs are good for the complexion, because the little spiders had been busy last night! I paused on the bridge going back and a pileated woodpecker flew into a tree right in front of me! Beautiful red crest and black and white stripes on his neck. First time I had ever seen one, so I came home and looked it up in my Peterson's Guide. God is so good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Peter 3:8-12
Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say,
If you want a happy life and good days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil,
and keep your lips from telling lies.
Turn away from evil and do good.
Work hard at living in peace with others.
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
and his ears are open to their prayers.
But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Hope of Eternal Life
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 had to turn on the A/C yesterday, because the house got so stuffy. Looks like we are zooming right from winter to summer with very little break in between. But from the looks of the crowds at the beaches, it is very welcome for the spring breakers and all others!
Did you all see the awesome "super moon" a couple nights ago? It was a gorgeous orange as it rose and brilliant as it floated across to the west. I saw it this morning, also, shining brightly as it slowly started to set. God created the heavens and the earth and all that is in...Praise Him!
Not many critters were visible as I drove into the Park yesterday. A couple turtles were on the bank of the weir, and something was attracting the attention of 4 0r 5 people who were standing very close to where the gators hang out on the lake bank. There may have been a gator in a different place. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Peter 1:3-7
All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled. God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for awhile.
These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise, and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Did you all see the awesome "super moon" a couple nights ago? It was a gorgeous orange as it rose and brilliant as it floated across to the west. I saw it this morning, also, shining brightly as it slowly started to set. God created the heavens and the earth and all that is in...Praise Him!
Not many critters were visible as I drove into the Park yesterday. A couple turtles were on the bank of the weir, and something was attracting the attention of 4 0r 5 people who were standing very close to where the gators hang out on the lake bank. There may have been a gator in a different place. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Peter 1:3-7
All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled. God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for awhile.
These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise, and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, March 18, 2011
Patience
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! This is another of the string of beautiful days we have had and even though spring is not officially here yet, it is spring like weather Baseball starts soon, and the NCAA games are being played in Tampa, the beaches are full of spring breakers, so it really is spring in Florida!
Dave, my yard man came yesterday, and although the grass is not really growing yet, there is always something to do around the yard. Hundreds of baby lubbers, (those huge grasshoppers) are eating up my amaryllis leaves, and the worms are still hanging from the oak trees, but not as many. Strange plants grow up everywhere and need pulling, so something always needs doing. I appreciate having someone to do the work for me.
When I went to the park, later on yesterday, I saw the big tree trimming trucks just leaving, actually parked across from the workshed, so I guess they had been working, but I don't know where. I could see no signs of freshly trimmed trees, but they could have been working somewhere on the boardwalk. I watched a large turtle stroll across the road the other day, and watched to see that he made it ok before I drove on. Then I watched a white ibis, very vividly standing out, against the gray mud and gray tree roots across the water. What a painting that would make!
Well, yesterday, I had no sooner sent the gator bytes email out, than my friend, Karin, called and said she had left over corned beef and cabbage if I wanted it. Of course, I did, so she and Jim brought it over, and I enjoyed it for supper. It was good, and so thoughtful of her to think of me! Thanks, Karin! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where can I find the resources to be patient?
Galatians 5:22 When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
The Holy Spirit produces patience in our lives. As we relax and trust in Him, we release our need to control life's circumstances.
Colossians 1:11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy.
Prayer infuses patience into our lives. When we admit a need in prayer, the Lord begins to meet that need.
Psalm 37:34 Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed.
Patience comes from simply trusting God day by day. Even when we don't think we can last very long, Christ gives us the strength to "travel steadily." Our commitments to faith and obedience will keep us on God's path for longer than we thought possible.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Dave, my yard man came yesterday, and although the grass is not really growing yet, there is always something to do around the yard. Hundreds of baby lubbers, (those huge grasshoppers) are eating up my amaryllis leaves, and the worms are still hanging from the oak trees, but not as many. Strange plants grow up everywhere and need pulling, so something always needs doing. I appreciate having someone to do the work for me.
When I went to the park, later on yesterday, I saw the big tree trimming trucks just leaving, actually parked across from the workshed, so I guess they had been working, but I don't know where. I could see no signs of freshly trimmed trees, but they could have been working somewhere on the boardwalk. I watched a large turtle stroll across the road the other day, and watched to see that he made it ok before I drove on. Then I watched a white ibis, very vividly standing out, against the gray mud and gray tree roots across the water. What a painting that would make!
Well, yesterday, I had no sooner sent the gator bytes email out, than my friend, Karin, called and said she had left over corned beef and cabbage if I wanted it. Of course, I did, so she and Jim brought it over, and I enjoyed it for supper. It was good, and so thoughtful of her to think of me! Thanks, Karin! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where can I find the resources to be patient?
Galatians 5:22 When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
The Holy Spirit produces patience in our lives. As we relax and trust in Him, we release our need to control life's circumstances.
Colossians 1:11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy.
Prayer infuses patience into our lives. When we admit a need in prayer, the Lord begins to meet that need.
Psalm 37:34 Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed.
Patience comes from simply trusting God day by day. Even when we don't think we can last very long, Christ gives us the strength to "travel steadily." Our commitments to faith and obedience will keep us on God's path for longer than we thought possible.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Haggai 1:5-11
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! Happy St. Patrick's Day to all! I am wearing green today, but I really don't have to since I am green! How many are having corned beef and cabbage today? As far as I know, I am not, but it's a good thought.
I spend a quiet day yesterday, seeing a couple people who came for various services. Read most of the day, but did get out to the park. Once again the turtles were plastered against the weir bank and a great blue heron was looking down in the water for an unwary fish to come his way. The oak trees are almost through shedding, thankfully, so the road is not covered as much. Also, my front porch stays cleaner longer, now. However, my window sills are yellow with pollen, which needs to be washed off. But God is good!
The scripture this morning, is from an email sent in 2003 from the friend that this morning devotional was started for...actually for him and his business.
-- Haggai 1:5-11 NIV
Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it. " This is what the Lord Almighty says; "Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and and be honored," says the Lord. You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. why?" declares the Lord Almighty, "because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands. "
The words of Haggai are a warning as well as a blessing. We need to focus on the author of our faith and less on our own selfish ways. When we are able to focus our worship on HIM and on HIS plan for our lives, then the "details" of our lives get sorted out according to HIS will.
(thanks, Gil.)
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I spend a quiet day yesterday, seeing a couple people who came for various services. Read most of the day, but did get out to the park. Once again the turtles were plastered against the weir bank and a great blue heron was looking down in the water for an unwary fish to come his way. The oak trees are almost through shedding, thankfully, so the road is not covered as much. Also, my front porch stays cleaner longer, now. However, my window sills are yellow with pollen, which needs to be washed off. But God is good!
The scripture this morning, is from an email sent in 2003 from the friend that this morning devotional was started for...actually for him and his business.
-- Haggai 1:5-11 NIV
Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it. " This is what the Lord Almighty says; "Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and and be honored," says the Lord. You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. why?" declares the Lord Almighty, "because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands. "
The words of Haggai are a warning as well as a blessing. We need to focus on the author of our faith and less on our own selfish ways. When we are able to focus our worship on HIM and on HIS plan for our lives, then the "details" of our lives get sorted out according to HIS will.
(thanks, Gil.)
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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