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 week will be kinda mixed up because of catching up with appointments that were rescheduled because of our too short visit with Matthew.
We had our last visit to the Park Friday and stopped by the old gator nest to find Mama gator there and the eggs laid on the mound she had made three or four years ago. So, in about two months , we will have many more babies to watch! Mama is really huge...about 8 or 9 feet long. Believe it or not, gators look different in the face, and it's easy to tell them apart! Matthew was impressed with her size, even though we could only see her head.
From the Promise Bible for all you workers at home and away from home, a few words from the Word:
Proverbs 13:11Wealth from get-rich-schemes quickly disappears, wealth from hard work grows.
Honest hard work is much better than get-rich-quick schemes. Money quickly gotten is often quickly wasted.
Romans 12:8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriouslyl. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
Colossians 3:23-24 Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.
God promises a reward to those who work hard. That reward can include-but is not limited to--financial prospeerity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction or the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Power of Prayer
Good morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, we had another doctor's appointment yesterday in the rain, but this time the doc's office was only a short distance away and the rain was light. Due to the weather they had a lot of cancellations, so we were able to get in right away.
We drove through the park in the rain and only a couple cars were there; the canal is full and all the trees and shrubs are very green. We saw ibis, they are everywhere, and herons, no anhingas drying, because the rain was falling., but we saw a bedraggled peacock on the way out. They are not so regal in the wet! But God is good!
Matthew had a huge fun day at Busch Gardens yesterday and didn't come home until just before ten. He is still sleeping, but told me last night about all the rides he went on, including the one that thoroughly wet him down. He was soaked! He will be leaving us tomorrow. :o( Pray for a safe trip home for him and Brian as they go halfway and Daryl meets him just south of Atlanta!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
1 Peter 3:12 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.
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. We must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
Philippians 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
There is no limit on prayer. Big requests, small requests, and all sizes in between are welcomed by God. If something bothers us, it should be brought to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We drove through the park in the rain and only a couple cars were there; the canal is full and all the trees and shrubs are very green. We saw ibis, they are everywhere, and herons, no anhingas drying, because the rain was falling., but we saw a bedraggled peacock on the way out. They are not so regal in the wet! But God is good!
Matthew had a huge fun day at Busch Gardens yesterday and didn't come home until just before ten. He is still sleeping, but told me last night about all the rides he went on, including the one that thoroughly wet him down. He was soaked! He will be leaving us tomorrow. :o( Pray for a safe trip home for him and Brian as they go halfway and Daryl meets him just south of Atlanta!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
1 Peter 3:12 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.
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. We must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
Philippians 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
There is no limit on prayer. Big requests, small requests, and all sizes in between are welcomed by God. If something bothers us, it should be brought to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thoughts for the day
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We have been waiting for friends to pick Matthew up for a trip to Busch Gardens, so that's the reason for the delay.
We were at the Park in time to see the helicopter dropping the mixture for mosquito control yesterday. The pilot swoops so low, he is clearly visible in the bubble, so we were excited to stay and watch.
Last evening, Louis had a 5 o'clock appt. with the Podiatrist, and it was pouring and storming at that time, but, foolish me, we took off because I could not get through on the phone to cancel. Anyway, we drove through the hail and lots of water and got soaked going into the doctor's office. We got home and dried off and changed clothes, then went out to dinner with our friends. God is good!
From the little book You're a Blessing to Me:
I believe that God brings us many precious gifts during our lives-spectacular sunsets, good food, the warmth of the sunshine, and the refreshment of cool rains.
But even with all those great gifts, and many more besides, He didn't stop there. He gave us people, people like you, who bless our lives with kindness.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We were at the Park in time to see the helicopter dropping the mixture for mosquito control yesterday. The pilot swoops so low, he is clearly visible in the bubble, so we were excited to stay and watch.
Last evening, Louis had a 5 o'clock appt. with the Podiatrist, and it was pouring and storming at that time, but, foolish me, we took off because I could not get through on the phone to cancel. Anyway, we drove through the hail and lots of water and got soaked going into the doctor's office. We got home and dried off and changed clothes, then went out to dinner with our friends. God is good!
From the little book You're a Blessing to Me:
I believe that God brings us many precious gifts during our lives-spectacular sunsets, good food, the warmth of the sunshine, and the refreshment of cool rains.
But even with all those great gifts, and many more besides, He didn't stop there. He gave us people, people like you, who bless our lives with kindness.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Opposites Balanced
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 saw the sun rise painting the clouds pink this morning as I stepped outside. Beautiful! God is Awesome!
Yesterday we walked in the morning, and it was already very warm. It doesn't seem to bother Matthew-he just drips, but it bothers me. I was glad for the breeze, but as soon as it stopped, the dripping started. We watched two circling ospreys when we arrived at the tower, but they didn't hover. No sign of the gators, so we were a little disappointed. Matthew asked where they were, and I said wherever they want to be!
We did see butterflies and anhingas and great blue herons, so we enjoyed the beauty. Yesterday, Matthew discovered a black snake in our shed and was disappointed that he couldn't catch it. His dad was great at catching snakes and, as a matter of fact, we still have a pickled one in his old room.
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Opposites Balanced
The day is yours, the night also is yours.
You have prepared the light and the sun.
You have set all the borders of the earth:
You have made summer and winter.
Psalm 74:16,17 NKJV
Much of our lives seem to be suspended between opposites. We grow up learning to label things as good and bad, hurtful and helpful, naughty and nice. People are kind or mean. The thermostat can be adjusted to avoid extremes of heat and cold. We look forward to the changing of seasons from summer to winter. Time is divided by day and night.
Not only are these opposites helpful to us in defining or "bordering "our lives, but they can also help us release stress.
Very often people who are engaged in physical, muscle-intensive work all day choose a mental activity with which to relax and unwind. Those who have idea-intensive jobs often enjoy relaxing with hobbies that make use of their hands, such as wood carving or needlework. Those in sterile, well-ordered environments look forward to coming home to weed their gardens.
Structured tasks and routines are good relaxation for those involved in the creative arts. The musician runs home to his computer. The surgeon delights in growing orchids in a hothouse. The factory worker enjoys crossword puzzles. the executive unwinds in the kitchen, preparing gourmet meals.
The Lord created us for this rhythm of opposites. God told Noah as he and his family left the ark that Noah would experience "seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease." (Genesis 8:22 NKJV) Mankind was set in a world of opposites.
When you feel stressed out at day's end, try engaging in an activity that is opposite in nature to the work you have been doing. If you have been using your mind, turn to an activity that is physical. If you have been exerting physical energy, turn to an activity that is mental.
Let the pendulum swing back to rest in a central location!
People who cannot find time for recreation are obliged sooner or later to find time for illness.
John Wanamaker
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I saw the sun rise painting the clouds pink this morning as I stepped outside. Beautiful! God is Awesome!
Yesterday we walked in the morning, and it was already very warm. It doesn't seem to bother Matthew-he just drips, but it bothers me. I was glad for the breeze, but as soon as it stopped, the dripping started. We watched two circling ospreys when we arrived at the tower, but they didn't hover. No sign of the gators, so we were a little disappointed. Matthew asked where they were, and I said wherever they want to be!
We did see butterflies and anhingas and great blue herons, so we enjoyed the beauty. Yesterday, Matthew discovered a black snake in our shed and was disappointed that he couldn't catch it. His dad was great at catching snakes and, as a matter of fact, we still have a pickled one in his old room.
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Opposites Balanced
The day is yours, the night also is yours.
You have prepared the light and the sun.
You have set all the borders of the earth:
You have made summer and winter.
Psalm 74:16,17 NKJV
Much of our lives seem to be suspended between opposites. We grow up learning to label things as good and bad, hurtful and helpful, naughty and nice. People are kind or mean. The thermostat can be adjusted to avoid extremes of heat and cold. We look forward to the changing of seasons from summer to winter. Time is divided by day and night.
Not only are these opposites helpful to us in defining or "bordering "our lives, but they can also help us release stress.
Very often people who are engaged in physical, muscle-intensive work all day choose a mental activity with which to relax and unwind. Those who have idea-intensive jobs often enjoy relaxing with hobbies that make use of their hands, such as wood carving or needlework. Those in sterile, well-ordered environments look forward to coming home to weed their gardens.
Structured tasks and routines are good relaxation for those involved in the creative arts. The musician runs home to his computer. The surgeon delights in growing orchids in a hothouse. The factory worker enjoys crossword puzzles. the executive unwinds in the kitchen, preparing gourmet meals.
The Lord created us for this rhythm of opposites. God told Noah as he and his family left the ark that Noah would experience "seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease." (Genesis 8:22 NKJV) Mankind was set in a world of opposites.
When you feel stressed out at day's end, try engaging in an activity that is opposite in nature to the work you have been doing. If you have been using your mind, turn to an activity that is physical. If you have been exerting physical energy, turn to an activity that is mental.
Let the pendulum swing back to rest in a central location!
People who cannot find time for recreation are obliged sooner or later to find time for illness.
John Wanamaker
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Psoaring thru Psalms
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, it was almost daylight, which is coming earlier and earlier. The moon was not visible because of a light covering of clouds, but the air was a little cooler! God is good!
All was quiet at the Park yesterday. Not many people venturing out in the heat, but we saw a peacock sitting against a window in a house which has a basement. Imagine looking out your window and seeing beady eyes staring at you! The males have lost their gorgeous tails and have only bare whatevers dragging along behind them. I don't know what the hard part that holds the feathers is called, but it isn't pretty. :o)
from the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 20
In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.
May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings.
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 his great power.
Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm.
Give victory to our king, O Lord!
Respond to our cry for help.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
All was quiet at the Park yesterday. Not many people venturing out in the heat, but we saw a peacock sitting against a window in a house which has a basement. Imagine looking out your window and seeing beady eyes staring at you! The males have lost their gorgeous tails and have only bare whatevers dragging along behind them. I don't know what the hard part that holds the feathers is called, but it isn't pretty. :o)
from the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 20
In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.
May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings.
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 his great power.
Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm.
Give victory to our king, O Lord!
Respond to our cry for help.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 23, 2008
Joy
Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the clear, sunshiny day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside earlier , the waning moon was visible in the southern sky, just short of three-quarters full, but I didn't see any stars. After all the rain and very dark clouds we have had, the blue sky is most welcome!
Matthew's flat bicycle tire was fixed by our friend, Terry, so he enjoyed riding as fast as he could on it. He is also enjoying his new Ron-Jon skateboard and was brave enough to ride it all the way down our driveway, and into the street, after checking to see that no cars were coming. He has also taken it to the Park, but can only ride it on the sidewalk there.
I heard a bird that sounded just like a hawk in one of our trees yesterday, but couldn't see if it was a mockingbird. The water is way up in the park and everything looks really green and pretty. God sends rain when we need it! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where does joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Zephaniah 3:17 the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song.
Our joy springs from God's love which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever.
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
How can I be joyful in hard times?
Philippians 4:4, 12 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything . I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever truble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.
Troubles remind us of two things; First they remind us that this is a fallen world, full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in him. this kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Matthew's flat bicycle tire was fixed by our friend, Terry, so he enjoyed riding as fast as he could on it. He is also enjoying his new Ron-Jon skateboard and was brave enough to ride it all the way down our driveway, and into the street, after checking to see that no cars were coming. He has also taken it to the Park, but can only ride it on the sidewalk there.
I heard a bird that sounded just like a hawk in one of our trees yesterday, but couldn't see if it was a mockingbird. The water is way up in the park and everything looks really green and pretty. God sends rain when we need it! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where does joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Zephaniah 3:17 the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song.
Our joy springs from God's love which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever.
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
How can I be joyful in hard times?
Philippians 4:4, 12 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything . I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever truble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.
Troubles remind us of two things; First they remind us that this is a fallen world, full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in him. this kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, June 20, 2008
Power naps
When I stepped outside this morning, the full moon was shining brightly with a star directly above it! God is Awesome!
We went walking at the Park yesterday, Matthew with his rip-stik, but saw Terry in his office, so we chatted with him about the changes coming to everyone at the parks in the county and they are not good. I fear for the cleanliness of the grounds and safety of the patrons for the coming months.
Anyway, we walked out to the shelter to look for the babies and they have gone on their ways. Even no sign of Mama. Like all children, they leave home after awhile. We did see a great blue heron, and as we were walking back, I stopped and watched a white ibis. fly by right in front of me! Cool! God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
With Him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles and the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah King of Judah.
2 Chronicles 32:8 KJV
Only one thing is required for people to fall asleep this quickly and benefit fully from a power nap--the ability to "turn off the mind." We quiet our minds by not thinking about all that remains to be done, worrying about all that might happen, or fretting over events in the past.
Power nappers are experts at inducing a form of inner peace that comes from knowing all will be well with the world while they check out for a few minutes. What they believe with their minds actually helps their bodies relax.
When King Hezekiah told the people that the Lord was with them and would fight their battles, they rested upon his words. His words gave them inner peace, confidence, and a rest for their souls.
We can take those same words to heart today. the Lord is with us also, to help us and to fight our battles.
These simple lyrics from a Bible-school chorus say it well:
You worry and you wonder how you're gonna get it done, from the rising of the moon 'til the setting of the sun. Plenty to do when your rest is through. Let him have the world for a turn or two. there will be plenty to do when you wake up so sleep on for a few minutes, not without design does God write the music of our lives, be ours to learn the time, and not be discouraged at the rests. They are not to be slurred over, not to be omitted, not to destroy the melody, not to change the keynote. If we look up God Himself will beat the time for us. With the eye on Him we shall strike the next note full and clear.
John Ruskin
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy
and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Ephesians 6
Good rainy morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I was awakened early this morning by a brilliant flash of lightning and the boom of thunder. When I arose later, everything was wet and more rain started to come down. A good way to start the day! I should have just stayed in bed and slept!!
Anyway, breakfast is over for the big people and waiting for the smaller person to get up. Yesterday we walked down the sidewalk at the Park and saw that the tree across the canal has been removed. We saw anhingas drying wings, and turtles sunning. Because it was cloudy, the shade was most welcome! God is good!
Excerpts from Ephesians 5 and 6 NLT:
So 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.
...Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though your were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free...
May God give you peace, dear brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace be upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was awakened early this morning by a brilliant flash of lightning and the boom of thunder. When I arose later, everything was wet and more rain started to come down. A good way to start the day! I should have just stayed in bed and slept!!
Anyway, breakfast is over for the big people and waiting for the smaller person to get up. Yesterday we walked down the sidewalk at the Park and saw that the tree across the canal has been removed. We saw anhingas drying wings, and turtles sunning. Because it was cloudy, the shade was most welcome! God is good!
Excerpts from Ephesians 5 and 6 NLT:
So 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.
...Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though your were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free...
May God give you peace, dear brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace be upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
What are you doing today?
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm, humid day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside earlier, I was struck by the sauna-like feel of the air. 80 degrees at 6 AM is not cool!
However it could be worse... when I think of the people in the Midwest suffering in the floods , I am thankful for whatever the weather is here.
On our way out of the Park yesterday, I saw a brown bunny nibbling on the grass, and close beside it, a strange looking raccoon came out of the bushes and went right back in. Strange looking because it was brownish in color and not like the other raccoons. I once saw an albino raccoon before 7 AM when I was able to walk there early in the morning. It was so weird looking I stayed by the car, while it disappeared. There are all kinds of critters in them thar bushes! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
What are You doing today?
Praise the Lord all you gentiles!
Laud him, all you peoples! For
his merciful kindness is great
toward us and the truth of
the Lord endures forever.
Psalm 117:1,2
In the Middle ages a man was sent to a building site in France to see how the workers felt about their labor. He approached the first worker and asked, "What are you doing?"
The worker snapped at him, "Are you blind? I'm cutting these impossible boulders with primitive tools and putting them together the way the boss tells me. I'm sweating under this hot sun. My back is breaking. I'm bored. I make next to nothing!"
The man quickly backed away and found a second worker to whom he asked the same question, "What are you doing?"
The second worker replied, "I'm shaping these boulders into usable forms. then they are put together according to the architect's plans. I earn five francs a week, and that supports my wife and family. It's a job. Could be worse."
A little encouraged but not overwhelmed by this response, the man went to yet a third worker. "What are you doing? he asked.
Why can't you see?" the worker said as he lifted his arm to the sky. "I'm building a cathedral!"
How we regard our work may not affect whether a task gets done or not. It will, however, have an impact on the quality of our work and our productivity. Those who see value in their jobs enjoy a greater sense of purpose.
Any job can be done with grace, dignity, style, and purpose; you only have to choose to see it that way!
If your daily life seems poor;
do not blame it;
blame yourself. Tell yourself
that you are not poet enough to
call forth its riches.
Rainer Maria Rilke
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
However it could be worse... when I think of the people in the Midwest suffering in the floods , I am thankful for whatever the weather is here.
On our way out of the Park yesterday, I saw a brown bunny nibbling on the grass, and close beside it, a strange looking raccoon came out of the bushes and went right back in. Strange looking because it was brownish in color and not like the other raccoons. I once saw an albino raccoon before 7 AM when I was able to walk there early in the morning. It was so weird looking I stayed by the car, while it disappeared. There are all kinds of critters in them thar bushes! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
What are You doing today?
Praise the Lord all you gentiles!
Laud him, all you peoples! For
his merciful kindness is great
toward us and the truth of
the Lord endures forever.
Psalm 117:1,2
In the Middle ages a man was sent to a building site in France to see how the workers felt about their labor. He approached the first worker and asked, "What are you doing?"
The worker snapped at him, "Are you blind? I'm cutting these impossible boulders with primitive tools and putting them together the way the boss tells me. I'm sweating under this hot sun. My back is breaking. I'm bored. I make next to nothing!"
The man quickly backed away and found a second worker to whom he asked the same question, "What are you doing?"
The second worker replied, "I'm shaping these boulders into usable forms. then they are put together according to the architect's plans. I earn five francs a week, and that supports my wife and family. It's a job. Could be worse."
A little encouraged but not overwhelmed by this response, the man went to yet a third worker. "What are you doing? he asked.
Why can't you see?" the worker said as he lifted his arm to the sky. "I'm building a cathedral!"
How we regard our work may not affect whether a task gets done or not. It will, however, have an impact on the quality of our work and our productivity. Those who see value in their jobs enjoy a greater sense of purpose.
Any job can be done with grace, dignity, style, and purpose; you only have to choose to see it that way!
If your daily life seems poor;
do not blame it;
blame yourself. Tell yourself
that you are not poet enough to
call forth its riches.
Rainer Maria Rilke
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Beatitudes
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 earlier the sky was almost clear and the air was a little cooler from the good downpour we had yesterday afternoon.
I watched a dove hurrying busily across the driveway, not seeming to be afraid of me, but going about her business. There was a story in the paper yesterday about an osprey nest in a supermarket parking lot. We have one at a store where I frequently shop, plus two close by in the little league light, and the school I drive by daily. The offspring are big, now and should be leaving the nest soon.
We took a walk after supper last evening, and I thought it would be cooler, but it was very humid. We watched Mama gator under the shelter, with her nose sticking out, but no babies in sight. They may have left the area by now and gone on their own. Then we walked out to the Tower, and enjoyed the quiet. Lots of people were coming to enjoy the evening after the rain! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
The Beatitudes
God blesses those who realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are gentle and lowly,
for the whole earth will belong to them
God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice,
for they will receive it in full.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy,
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for god,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I watched a dove hurrying busily across the driveway, not seeming to be afraid of me, but going about her business. There was a story in the paper yesterday about an osprey nest in a supermarket parking lot. We have one at a store where I frequently shop, plus two close by in the little league light, and the school I drive by daily. The offspring are big, now and should be leaving the nest soon.
We took a walk after supper last evening, and I thought it would be cooler, but it was very humid. We watched Mama gator under the shelter, with her nose sticking out, but no babies in sight. They may have left the area by now and gone on their own. Then we walked out to the Tower, and enjoyed the quiet. Lots of people were coming to enjoy the evening after the rain! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
The Beatitudes
God blesses those who realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are gentle and lowly,
for the whole earth will belong to them
God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice,
for they will receive it in full.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy,
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for god,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 16, 2008
Encouragement
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The breeze is blowing, and the sun is shining, and it is a bit cooler this morning, so God is Good!
My amaryllis are still blooming and a potted hibiscus has had several ruffled blooms and this morning I noticed my lone caladium has a big colorful leaf showing! I had given up on it.
Yesterday, after church, we drove through the Park and Matthew saw Terry and wanted to go see him so we pulled into the Maintenance area and chatted with him for awhile. Matthew spied a couple gators swimming and then discussed with Terry the merits of different sport bikes (motorcycles).
Later in the day, I discovered I needed milk (again!) and so we once again took a detour through the Park, and noticed a car stopped on the road, so we looked and on the grass behind the fence was a large gator. We were in time to see him walk back into the water! There is always something going on at the Park!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Leviticus 26:2 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons.
Joshua 23:10 Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised.
Be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies against us. God used David to overcome Goliath, Gideon's three hundred soldiers to defeat the armies of Midian, and one hundred and twenty disciples to establish the church in Acts. He joys when working through our weaknesses and limitations.
Colossians 1:11-14 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, always thanking the Father, who has enables you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued me from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My amaryllis are still blooming and a potted hibiscus has had several ruffled blooms and this morning I noticed my lone caladium has a big colorful leaf showing! I had given up on it.
Yesterday, after church, we drove through the Park and Matthew saw Terry and wanted to go see him so we pulled into the Maintenance area and chatted with him for awhile. Matthew spied a couple gators swimming and then discussed with Terry the merits of different sport bikes (motorcycles).
Later in the day, I discovered I needed milk (again!) and so we once again took a detour through the Park, and noticed a car stopped on the road, so we looked and on the grass behind the fence was a large gator. We were in time to see him walk back into the water! There is always something going on at the Park!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Leviticus 26:2 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons.
Joshua 23:10 Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised.
Be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies against us. God used David to overcome Goliath, Gideon's three hundred soldiers to defeat the armies of Midian, and one hundred and twenty disciples to establish the church in Acts. He joys when working through our weaknesses and limitations.
Colossians 1:11-14 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, always thanking the Father, who has enables you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued me from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, June 13, 2008
Thoughts for 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! When I stepped outside this morning, I was pleased by the coolness of the air. After the strong thunderstorms we had yesterday, all the air was clean and refreshing, but very hot and humid.
Matthew wanted to buy a Bible for himself, because he forgot to bring his, so we went to the Family Christian store and shopped awhile and he finally decided on a One Year Bible, so he could pick out a day and read it before bedtime. Tonight he is going on an outing with Brian, and tomorrow to a movie to see the latest Narnia. We are enjoying him!
I was able to go to the Park by myself, yesterday, because the guys did not want to come along, so I walked just a little way on the sidewalk by the canal and noticed a large tree down across the canal toward the second bridge. Mark came along in the cart making a trash run, and stopped to talk, so I found out that due to the drastic cuts in personnel, the tree crew has to come and take out the tree. Also, a crew has to come and fix any problems with irrigation. Everything will change shortly and there will not be anyone in the park to take care of problems. I have known Mark for over twenty years. I do not like the situation and have written to the County about it.
On a cheerier note, I watched a graceful large white heron fly along the canal and it was beautiful! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,"says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me..."
Ecclesiastes 5
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people, who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Matthew wanted to buy a Bible for himself, because he forgot to bring his, so we went to the Family Christian store and shopped awhile and he finally decided on a One Year Bible, so he could pick out a day and read it before bedtime. Tonight he is going on an outing with Brian, and tomorrow to a movie to see the latest Narnia. We are enjoying him!
I was able to go to the Park by myself, yesterday, because the guys did not want to come along, so I walked just a little way on the sidewalk by the canal and noticed a large tree down across the canal toward the second bridge. Mark came along in the cart making a trash run, and stopped to talk, so I found out that due to the drastic cuts in personnel, the tree crew has to come and take out the tree. Also, a crew has to come and fix any problems with irrigation. Everything will change shortly and there will not be anyone in the park to take care of problems. I have known Mark for over twenty years. I do not like the situation and have written to the County about it.
On a cheerier note, I watched a graceful large white heron fly along the canal and it was beautiful! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,"says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me..."
Ecclesiastes 5
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people, who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Thoughts
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
When I stepped outside this morning the air felt a little cool, but it is heating up now!
Yesterday, Matthew and I took an unplanned walk out to the shelter to see the babies. The water is much higher since our heavy rains, and only the largest baby gator was visible - not even Mama. We met up with a friend from church who was also in a hurry as she is also a caregiver and has to watch her time, but we had a nice chat. God is good!
Thoughts from Steve Brown's book Jumping Hurdles, Hitting Glitches, Overcoming Setbacks.
Meditations on Daily Challenges-Those Typical Glitches
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all -surpassing power is from God and not from us.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not abandoned:
struck down, but not destroyed...Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving. for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.
Paul the Apostle
2 Corinthians 4:7-9,16-18
Meditation
What would your life be like if God had ignored you, if He had decided to let you go your own way without ever intervening? Pretty frightening thought, isn't it?
Now consider someone who may be under your care who needs you to intervene. Are you willing to step in? Do you love them enough to rebuke, to discipline, to do the hard thing?
God wouldn't give up on you. Perhaps it's time for you to do the same for someone else.
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 the air felt a little cool, but it is heating up now!
Yesterday, Matthew and I took an unplanned walk out to the shelter to see the babies. The water is much higher since our heavy rains, and only the largest baby gator was visible - not even Mama. We met up with a friend from church who was also in a hurry as she is also a caregiver and has to watch her time, but we had a nice chat. God is good!
Thoughts from Steve Brown's book Jumping Hurdles, Hitting Glitches, Overcoming Setbacks.
Meditations on Daily Challenges-Those Typical Glitches
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all -surpassing power is from God and not from us.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not abandoned:
struck down, but not destroyed...Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving. for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.
Paul the Apostle
2 Corinthians 4:7-9,16-18
Meditation
What would your life be like if God had ignored you, if He had decided to let you go your own way without ever intervening? Pretty frightening thought, isn't it?
Now consider someone who may be under your care who needs you to intervene. Are you willing to step in? Do you love them enough to rebuke, to discipline, to do the hard thing?
God wouldn't give up on you. Perhaps it's time for you to do the same for someone else.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Worry Wednesday
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, I could still see some stars shining dimly, and now, the clouds are already gathering with lots of blue sky showing.
Yesterday we had an early rain and the ground seems to be soaked, which makes the grass grow very fast, but I am thankful I don't have to water, now.
We still have not been out much, since Matthew won't put a shirt on because of the sunburn, but I think today he will find that it is much better and he can venture out. He went on the porch and caught a baby lizard yesterday and brought it in the house, but he knew not to let it get away. Life is interesting with a 12 year old! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Matthew 6:34 NKJV
Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about its own thing. Sufficient for the day is its 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.
One woman handles worry creatively.
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, 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.
God's perfect rest is described this way by American poet Ellen M. Huntington Gates:
And let no mournful yesterdays
Disturb thy peaceful heart.
Nor let tomorrow mar thy rest
with dreams of coming ills.
Thy Maker is thy changeless friend,
His love surrounds thee still.
Forget thyself and all the world,
Put out each garish light:
The stars are shining overhead
Sleep sweet! Good night! Good night!
The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.
George Muller
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday we had an early rain and the ground seems to be soaked, which makes the grass grow very fast, but I am thankful I don't have to water, now.
We still have not been out much, since Matthew won't put a shirt on because of the sunburn, but I think today he will find that it is much better and he can venture out. He went on the porch and caught a baby lizard yesterday and brought it in the house, but he knew not to let it get away. Life is interesting with a 12 year old! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Matthew 6:34 NKJV
Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about its own thing. Sufficient for the day is its 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.
One woman handles worry creatively.
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, 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.
God's perfect rest is described this way by American poet Ellen M. Huntington Gates:
And let no mournful yesterdays
Disturb thy peaceful heart.
Nor let tomorrow mar thy rest
with dreams of coming ills.
Thy Maker is thy changeless friend,
His love surrounds thee still.
Forget thyself and all the world,
Put out each garish light:
The stars are shining overhead
Sleep sweet! Good night! Good night!
The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.
George Muller
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
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 all the trees and grass were still dripping from the thunderstorm that rolled through last evening. Looks like our regular afternoon thunder boomers are here for awhile!
Matthew was hoping to see hail, but, while the rains came in huge torrential downpours, no hail came. We drove through the park again yesterday, but since Matthew was not wearing a shirt, because of his sunburn, we did not try to walk, He saw his gopher tortoise again, though, right beside the road and eating grass. He had never seen one eating before, so he was excited. God is good!
Psalm 18 excerpts NLT:
I love you, Lord; you are my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.
I will call on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
for he saves me from my enemies.
To the faithful you show yourself faithful'
to those with integrity you show integrity.
To the Pure you show yourself pure,
but to the wicked you show yourself hostile.
You rescue those who are humble,
but you humiliate the proud.
Lord, you have brought light to my life,
m y God you light up my darkness.
In your strength, I can crush an army.
with my God I can scale any wall.
As for God, his way is perfect
All the Lord's promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Matthew was hoping to see hail, but, while the rains came in huge torrential downpours, no hail came. We drove through the park again yesterday, but since Matthew was not wearing a shirt, because of his sunburn, we did not try to walk, He saw his gopher tortoise again, though, right beside the road and eating grass. He had never seen one eating before, so he was excited. God is good!
Psalm 18 excerpts NLT:
I love you, Lord; you are my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.
I will call on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
for he saves me from my enemies.
To the faithful you show yourself faithful'
to those with integrity you show integrity.
To the Pure you show yourself pure,
but to the wicked you show yourself hostile.
You rescue those who are humble,
but you humiliate the proud.
Lord, you have brought light to my life,
m y God you light up my darkness.
In your strength, I can crush an army.
with my God I can scale any wall.
As for God, his way is perfect
All the Lord's promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 9, 2008
Good planning and insight
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, we had another good thunderstorm last evening that brought some much needed rain and now everything looks green and you can just about watch the grass grow!
My out of season amaryllis blooms are still surprising me. Already three have blossomed and now, this morning, I noticed two more bloom stalks! God is good!
We did not walk in the park this weekend because of the heat and it will probably be in the nineties again today, so maybe if a certain grandson, gets up early enough, we will be able to walk in the early morning coolness. Matthew has been suffering very vocally about his sunburn he got while fishing Saturday, but is better today.
From the Promise Bible:
Wisdom
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 knowing 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.
Proverbs 3:21-26 My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling, You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My out of season amaryllis blooms are still surprising me. Already three have blossomed and now, this morning, I noticed two more bloom stalks! God is good!
We did not walk in the park this weekend because of the heat and it will probably be in the nineties again today, so maybe if a certain grandson, gets up early enough, we will be able to walk in the early morning coolness. Matthew has been suffering very vocally about his sunburn he got while fishing Saturday, but is better today.
From the Promise Bible:
Wisdom
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 knowing 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.
Proverbs 3:21-26 My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling, You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, June 6, 2008
A story of Friendship
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 air was already warm and heavy and was not fresh. The odor of the neighbor's cigar that he smokes outside in the evening was still in the air! :o(
But I am sure we will get some breezes which will blow in some fresher air and it will be a wonderful day! God is Faithful!
We did not walk yesterday because of the heat... even the weatherman said to stay indoors , so that is what we tried to do, except for errands. We did drive through the Park, though, and saw Terry on the mower. The usual anhinga was drying its wings and we saw the gopher tortoise once again, only this time behind the fence and right by his hole. God is good!
This is from an old edition of Today in the Word which I saved because it is such a beautiful story of friendship.
1 Samuel The Lord is witness between you and me forever.
The story is told of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, film critics for the two Chicago newspapers. They were asked to do a television show reviewing movies, but said they would rather do it with someone else, since they were competitors.
But something changed along the way. Siskel and Ebert did the show for 24 years, giving their famous "thumbs up" or thumbs down" to thousands of films and becoming household names in the process.
Over the years respect grew between them, and it deepened into friendship and love.
Such partnerships and friendships are valuable beyond words and that was certainly the case with David and Jonathan. This friendship kept even in the volatile atmosphere of Saul's court. Jonathan blessed David and loved him as he loved himself.
What was the standard in their relationship? " Unfailing kindness like that of the Lord" (vs 14)
What a beautiful picture of biblical friendship we see in David and Jonathan! They were friends against the odds, through tough times, wholeheartedly. My hope is that God has blessed you with at least one such friend-someone who knows you well, who sticks with you through thick and thin, and who loves you unconditionally.
Today write a "thank you" note to a friend. Tell him or her how thankful you are for the friendship, and mention a specific trouble or difficulty that person helped you through. Affirm the qualities you value in your friend, and encourage him or her to continued spiritual growth.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis.
When I stepped outside early this morning , the air was already warm and heavy and was not fresh. The odor of the neighbor's cigar that he smokes outside in the evening was still in the air! :o(
But I am sure we will get some breezes which will blow in some fresher air and it will be a wonderful day! God is Faithful!
We did not walk yesterday because of the heat... even the weatherman said to stay indoors , so that is what we tried to do, except for errands. We did drive through the Park, though, and saw Terry on the mower. The usual anhinga was drying its wings and we saw the gopher tortoise once again, only this time behind the fence and right by his hole. God is good!
This is from an old edition of Today in the Word which I saved because it is such a beautiful story of friendship.
1 Samuel The Lord is witness between you and me forever.
The story is told of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, film critics for the two Chicago newspapers. They were asked to do a television show reviewing movies, but said they would rather do it with someone else, since they were competitors.
But something changed along the way. Siskel and Ebert did the show for 24 years, giving their famous "thumbs up" or thumbs down" to thousands of films and becoming household names in the process.
Over the years respect grew between them, and it deepened into friendship and love.
Such partnerships and friendships are valuable beyond words and that was certainly the case with David and Jonathan. This friendship kept even in the volatile atmosphere of Saul's court. Jonathan blessed David and loved him as he loved himself.
What was the standard in their relationship? " Unfailing kindness like that of the Lord" (vs 14)
What a beautiful picture of biblical friendship we see in David and Jonathan! They were friends against the odds, through tough times, wholeheartedly. My hope is that God has blessed you with at least one such friend-someone who knows you well, who sticks with you through thick and thin, and who loves you unconditionally.
Today write a "thank you" note to a friend. Tell him or her how thankful you are for the friendship, and mention a specific trouble or difficulty that person helped you through. Affirm the qualities you value in your friend, and encourage him or her to continued spiritual growth.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Psoaring through Psalm 121
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the breezy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I heard a big thunderclap about midnight and listened for the rain to follow, but didn't hear any. However, this morning everything is very wet and fresh looking, so we did get a shower! God is good!
Yesterday, Matthew and I took a quick walk to the shelter, (it was late morning) and saw three gator babies in fairly clear water. The rain had cleared up the usually murky canal. Mama was under the shelter keeping a watchful eye on the brood.
Later in the afternoon, we drove in to try to see Terry, who had called, and we saw a lovely bride in her white gown and the groom in his tux, having photos taken on the berm by the canal. It was hot and humid but they took a lot of pictures, on the bench ,and moved on elsewhere, just the couple and the photographer and assistant.
Meanwhile, Matthew had spied a gopher tortoise near the couple, and wanted me to stop so he could pick it up. I did stop, but he got cold feet and didn't want to interfere with the photo-taking, I told him people were walking dogs and walking right by the couple, and finally, after I agreed to walk to the edge of the road with him, he quickly pick up the gopher, just so he could tell his Dad. Life is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 121
I look up to the mountains-
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made the heavens and the earth!
He will not let you stumble and fall,
the one who watches over you will not sleep.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never tires and never sleeps.
The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go.
both now and forever.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I heard a big thunderclap about midnight and listened for the rain to follow, but didn't hear any. However, this morning everything is very wet and fresh looking, so we did get a shower! God is good!
Yesterday, Matthew and I took a quick walk to the shelter, (it was late morning) and saw three gator babies in fairly clear water. The rain had cleared up the usually murky canal. Mama was under the shelter keeping a watchful eye on the brood.
Later in the afternoon, we drove in to try to see Terry, who had called, and we saw a lovely bride in her white gown and the groom in his tux, having photos taken on the berm by the canal. It was hot and humid but they took a lot of pictures, on the bench ,and moved on elsewhere, just the couple and the photographer and assistant.
Meanwhile, Matthew had spied a gopher tortoise near the couple, and wanted me to stop so he could pick it up. I did stop, but he got cold feet and didn't want to interfere with the photo-taking, I told him people were walking dogs and walking right by the couple, and finally, after I agreed to walk to the edge of the road with him, he quickly pick up the gopher, just so he could tell his Dad. Life is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 121
I look up to the mountains-
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made the heavens and the earth!
He will not let you stumble and fall,
the one who watches over you will not sleep.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never tires and never sleeps.
The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go.
both now and forever.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
A Garden in the Mountains
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 little late this morning, but the household is finally up and ready to go!
Yesterday we had a wonderful thunderstorm, which poured rain for about thirty minutes. That added to the watering that I did yesterday morning, so all the plants slurped it up!
Since we went to Walmart in the morning, that was my daily walk, which is very different from the Park. We did ride down into the Park, and saw the peacock on the way in, but everything was quiet, and hot in the simmering heat. Not many people there, We saw an anhinga drying its wings on the banks and this morning, I listened to a mockingbird singing his songs high on a pole. God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
Matthew 6:28 NASB
Why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow. They do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.
After the mountains of Alaska begin shedding their heavy white coats, the tundra bursts forth in bloom. No one plants flowers on the mountainside, but the bloom of wildflowers is still as predictable as spring itself. Blue lupine, bright pink fireweed, and many other colorful varieties announce that winter has departed. Dark, gloomy days are gradually replaced with more and more light. By midsummer, the days extend almost until dawn. In the twilight's glow this mountain garden flourished along endless miles of pristine wilderness.
Every time the sun rises, the seasons change, and the flowers bloom, all of nature seems to be announcing, "God is faithful." In a world of human made chaos, God is dependable, not only in matters of creation, but in our personal lives as well. Remembering God's dependability is helpful, especially when circumstances are not going our way.
When divorce rips the marriage vows or the doctor diagnoses cancer or the telephone call delivers shocking news, we often wonder if God has forgotten us. Yet when we reflect upon the past events of our lives, we can trace His faithful provision. Just as He adorns the lilies of the field, He will take care of our concerns. So, we need not be anxious . When difficulties arise, we can pray, knowing the Master Gardener is always there, year in and year out.
Just as spring follows winter and renews a harsh landscape, our Jehovah Jireh---the Lord who provides--brings peace to still the turmoil in our hearts and newfound joy with the blessing of each day.
Finding God, you have no need to seek peace, for He himself is your peace.
Francis J. Roberts
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday we had a wonderful thunderstorm, which poured rain for about thirty minutes. That added to the watering that I did yesterday morning, so all the plants slurped it up!
Since we went to Walmart in the morning, that was my daily walk, which is very different from the Park. We did ride down into the Park, and saw the peacock on the way in, but everything was quiet, and hot in the simmering heat. Not many people there, We saw an anhinga drying its wings on the banks and this morning, I listened to a mockingbird singing his songs high on a pole. God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
Matthew 6:28 NASB
Why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow. They do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.
After the mountains of Alaska begin shedding their heavy white coats, the tundra bursts forth in bloom. No one plants flowers on the mountainside, but the bloom of wildflowers is still as predictable as spring itself. Blue lupine, bright pink fireweed, and many other colorful varieties announce that winter has departed. Dark, gloomy days are gradually replaced with more and more light. By midsummer, the days extend almost until dawn. In the twilight's glow this mountain garden flourished along endless miles of pristine wilderness.
Every time the sun rises, the seasons change, and the flowers bloom, all of nature seems to be announcing, "God is faithful." In a world of human made chaos, God is dependable, not only in matters of creation, but in our personal lives as well. Remembering God's dependability is helpful, especially when circumstances are not going our way.
When divorce rips the marriage vows or the doctor diagnoses cancer or the telephone call delivers shocking news, we often wonder if God has forgotten us. Yet when we reflect upon the past events of our lives, we can trace His faithful provision. Just as He adorns the lilies of the field, He will take care of our concerns. So, we need not be anxious . When difficulties arise, we can pray, knowing the Master Gardener is always there, year in and year out.
Just as spring follows winter and renews a harsh landscape, our Jehovah Jireh---the Lord who provides--brings peace to still the turmoil in our hearts and newfound joy with the blessing of each day.
Finding God, you have no need to seek peace, for He himself is your peace.
Francis J. Roberts
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Psoaring thru Psalms
Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
While I was setting out the sprinklers this morning, I heard a beautiful song and looked up to see a brilliant, scarlet cardinal greeting the day with a joyous song! What a day brightener!
Matthew and I took a walk in the Park yesterday, (the first long walk since my bout with bronchitis,) and found crowds of people, coming toward us. From the ages, it looked like day care children and chaperones. We walked on out to the tower and were blessed to see two ospreys circling and gliding. I told Matthew we might see them hover, and, sure enough, he saw the first one and then the other hovered!
We were excited to see that!
On our way back, we stopped at the shelter to look at the baby gators, and no one was there, so we took our time looking and could only see two, which are getting much bigger. Mama gator was under the shelter, keeping watch. It was a good walk! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 145:5-10 Happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the one who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He is the one who keeps every promise forever, who gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads. The Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever, O Jerusalem.,your God is King in every generation! Praise the Lord!
Our hope is rooted in the wonderful acts of God in creation and history. The Bible gives full testimony to the fact that God is able to deliver us from any and every circumstance. He will either get us out of it or bring us through it--for his glory and our joy.
Romans 15:13 I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 94:19 When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Romans 5:1-5 Since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Expectation builds endurance. We can get through a great deal when we realize the wonderful gifts God has for us in this life and in the life to come.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
While I was setting out the sprinklers this morning, I heard a beautiful song and looked up to see a brilliant, scarlet cardinal greeting the day with a joyous song! What a day brightener!
Matthew and I took a walk in the Park yesterday, (the first long walk since my bout with bronchitis,) and found crowds of people, coming toward us. From the ages, it looked like day care children and chaperones. We walked on out to the tower and were blessed to see two ospreys circling and gliding. I told Matthew we might see them hover, and, sure enough, he saw the first one and then the other hovered!
We were excited to see that!
On our way back, we stopped at the shelter to look at the baby gators, and no one was there, so we took our time looking and could only see two, which are getting much bigger. Mama gator was under the shelter, keeping watch. It was a good walk! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 145:5-10 Happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the one who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He is the one who keeps every promise forever, who gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads. The Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever, O Jerusalem.,your God is King in every generation! Praise the Lord!
Our hope is rooted in the wonderful acts of God in creation and history. The Bible gives full testimony to the fact that God is able to deliver us from any and every circumstance. He will either get us out of it or bring us through it--for his glory and our joy.
Romans 15:13 I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 94:19 When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
Romans 5:1-5 Since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Expectation builds endurance. We can get through a great deal when we realize the wonderful gifts God has for us in this life and in the life to come.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 2, 2008
Hope
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 we had a good hard shower for about fifteen minutes, and this morning the Mexican petunias look more purple, and everything looks so green! God is Awesome!
It doesn't seem to matter how much you water, a little rain does more good! After a good church service with preaching on forgiveness and communion, we drove through the Park, and saw the peacocks around the same two houses. Very few people were in the park that early; hopefully they were in church.
I am feeling so much better that I hope to walk with Matthew this morning, before it gets too hot!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is my hope?
1 Peter 1:21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God.
The resurrection, the greatest event in history, is the foundation of our hope.
1 Peter 1:3-6 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, beyond the reach of change and decay. And 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 a while.
When people get motion sickness, they need to fix their eyes on the horizon in order to regain composure. Remaining fixed on a point in the distance helps us travel. Jesus' followers fix their eyes on an eternal horizon. This gives us hope in all the discomforts of daily life.
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 10:23 Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
It doesn't seem to matter how much you water, a little rain does more good! After a good church service with preaching on forgiveness and communion, we drove through the Park, and saw the peacocks around the same two houses. Very few people were in the park that early; hopefully they were in church.
I am feeling so much better that I hope to walk with Matthew this morning, before it gets too hot!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is my hope?
1 Peter 1:21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God.
The resurrection, the greatest event in history, is the foundation of our hope.
1 Peter 1:3-6 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, beyond the reach of change and decay. And 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 a while.
When people get motion sickness, they need to fix their eyes on the horizon in order to regain composure. Remaining fixed on a point in the distance helps us travel. Jesus' followers fix their eyes on an eternal horizon. This gives us hope in all the discomforts of daily life.
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 10:23 Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Hope
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 we had a good hard shower for about fifteen minutes, and this morning the Mexican petunias look more purple, and everything looks so green! God is Awesome!
It doesn't seem to matter how much you water, a little rain does more good! After a good church service with preaching on forgiveness and communion, we drove through the Park, and saw the peacocks around the same two houses. Very few people were in the park that early; hopefully they were in church.
I am feeling so much better that I hope to walk with Matthew this morning, before it gets too hot!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is my hope?
1 Peter 1:21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God.
The resurrection, the greatest event in history, is the foundation of our hope.
1 Peter 1:3-6 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, beyond the reach of change and decay. And 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 a while.
When people get motion sickness, they need to fix their eyes on the horizon in order to regain composure. Remaining fixed on a point in the distance helps us travel. Jesus' followers fix their eyes on an eternal horizon. This gives us hope in all the discomforts of daily life.
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 10:23 Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
It doesn't seem to matter how much you water, a little rain does more good! After a good church service with preaching on forgiveness and communion, we drove through the Park, and saw the peacocks around the same two houses. Very few people were in the park that early; hopefully they were in church.
I am feeling so much better that I hope to walk with Matthew this morning, before it gets too hot!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is my hope?
1 Peter 1:21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God.
The resurrection, the greatest event in history, is the foundation of our hope.
1 Peter 1:3-6 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, beyond the reach of change and decay. And 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 a while.
When people get motion sickness, they need to fix their eyes on the horizon in order to regain composure. Remaining fixed on a point in the distance helps us travel. Jesus' followers fix their eyes on an eternal horizon. This gives us hope in all the discomforts of daily life.
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 10:23 Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Hope
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 we had a good hard shower for about fifteen minutes, and this morning the Mexican petunias look more purple, and everything looks so green! God is Awesome!
It doesn't seem to matter how much you water, a little rain does more good! After a good church service with preaching on forgiveness and communion, we drove through the Park, and saw the peacocks around the same two houses. Very few people were in the park that early; hopefully they were in church.
I am feeling so much better that I hope to walk with Matthew this morning, before it gets too hot!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is my hope?
1 Peter 1:21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God.
The resurrection, the greatest event in history, is the foundation of our hope.
1 Peter 1:3-6 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, beyond the reach of change and decay. And 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 a while.
When people get motion sickness, they need to fix their eyes on the horizon in order to regain composure. Remaining fixed on a point in the distance helps us travel. Jesus' followers fix their eyes on an eternal horizon. This gives us hope in all the discomforts of daily life.
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 10:23 Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
It doesn't seem to matter how much you water, a little rain does more good! After a good church service with preaching on forgiveness and communion, we drove through the Park, and saw the peacocks around the same two houses. Very few people were in the park that early; hopefully they were in church.
I am feeling so much better that I hope to walk with Matthew this morning, before it gets too hot!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is my hope?
1 Peter 1:21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God.
The resurrection, the greatest event in history, is the foundation of our hope.
1 Peter 1:3-6 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, beyond the reach of change and decay. And 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 a while.
When people get motion sickness, they need to fix their eyes on the horizon in order to regain composure. Remaining fixed on a point in the distance helps us travel. Jesus' followers fix their eyes on an eternal horizon. This gives us hope in all the discomforts of daily life.
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 10:23 Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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