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! I realize this is very late, but I overslept this morning, after a restless night, so I will be catching up this morning! I always feel guilty when I step outside and it is already daylight. No reason to, because nothing has to be done right away. Oh, well, the aide comes this afternoon and then I will go to the Mall, I think. Freedom!!

When I went to the Park yesterday, I noticed how unkempt it looks. It is in dire need of mowing, but, apparently, that will be the case with all the county parks, with mowing only every month or so. Francia said the floor in her classroom had not been cleaned all year, so neglect has already started. But, there is not much we can do about it. Still there is beauty all around. The butterfly garden is attracting many butterflies, orange and black, yellow frittilaries, and others I cannot name. God is good!

Psalm 119:19-29 NLT:

Open for me the gates where the righteous enter,
And I will go in and thank the Lord.
These gates lead to the presence of the Lord,
and the godly enter there.
I thank you for answering my prayer and saving me!
The stone rejected by the builders
has now become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord's doing,
and it is marvelous to see.
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Please Lord, please save us.
Please, Lord, please give us success.
Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is good, shining upon us.
Bring forward the sacrifice and put it on the altar.
You are my God, and I will praise you!
You are my God and I will exalt you!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever!

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Encouragement

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, a little later than usual, I was immediately enveloped in a warm, moist , cushion of air. It is already 80 and will probably get even warmer when the sun breaks through the clouds. A lone heron was standing in the front yard, looking at me, but I carefully walked past him as he turned his body to keep watch, then, deciding I meant no harm, went on pecking at the ground. God is Awesome!

I went to the Park yesterday to deliver some cake, and found Francia busy cleaning out her classroom. She is all finished with classes and will be retired as soon as school is over. She is taking everything home, and what a collection she has! Dried gator heads, gator teeth, tarantulas, (already home) snakes, various spiders, turtles, and all kinds of animal artifacts. The stuffed birds have already been given away, but the little screech owls are hers and they are at her house. She was told that another teacher will be there in the fall, but I was told that the classroom will be closed. Interesting to find out just what will happen. She has devoted her teaching career to the environment and has never taught in a regular classroom. She will be missed.

From the Promise Bible NLT:

What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?

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 us 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

Cruisin' thru Colossians

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Once again, last night we had thunderstorms and showers, so this morning, although everything is wet and puddles are here and there, the sun is shining and a little frog was sitting on the driveway, trying to be the early bird to get the worm, I guess. David came to mow the yard yesterday, so it looks nice, even though the grass is sparse.

Speaking of David, he was telling me about an encounter he had with a large gator at Boca Ciega Park where he works. The gator was wandering too far and getting on the road, so David in the cart, tried to chase him back, and the gator got stuck in a barricade, got mad and bit down on the metal, losing several teeth in the process. The gator got loose, finally and went to one of the lakes where he should have been.David collected a couple gator teeth.

After a trip to Walmart, which made their stock go up, I went to the Park and saw green grass and trees simmering in the hot sun, people walking dogs, and just enjoying the weather. God is good!

From Colossians NLT selections:

We ask God to give you a complete understanding as to what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need.

Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high--sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world and not from Christ. For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe.

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.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Love

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! Well, I went to bed hearing thunder in the distance and woke up to a clear sky and signs of rain during the night, but yesterday was warm and a good picnicking day.

We visited the cemetery where is was quiet and very warm, and ended up having hot dogs for lunch. I was flying our flag in honor of all our soldiers and armed forces people. We took a drive through the park and saw a peacock on the way in. There was a great blue heron by the bank, as usual, and people walking dogs and enjoying the good weather. It was a good day!

Then in the afternoon, I went shopping and came across two good friends,so we had a nice chat. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How will God help me love others more?

Galatians 6:8-10 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up. for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we shoulde do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sister.

The Holy Spirit awakens our love for others. We can ask God to make us willing to love others--even those who are difficult--and God will hear our prayer.


How do I show my love for God?

John 15:10-11 When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that yu will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

Our obedience expresses our love for God. This should not be confused with earning God's love by good works. We obey God because we are already loved, not in order to be loved. And as we obey, we are promised joy.


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Give me a Dream

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 clouds once more were covering the sky and everything was still wet and dripping from the strong thunderstorms we had yesterday afternoon and evening.

When we left the doctor's office mid afternoon, it had already started raining, so I put off going to the Publix, and got home just as the rain was coming down pretty hard. I really don't care to be driving in the rain!

Well, today we start with the Home Care nurse for three hours and see how that goes. I am planning to leave to have the battery in the van checked out and also to recharge my own batteries. :o) Also, a wheelchair is being delivered for Louis, so, hopefully, I can take him with me when I walk in the park! God is good!

Give me a Dream

Father,
Once I had such big dreams, so much anticipation of the future.
Now no shimmering horizon beckons me; my days are lack lustre.
I see so little of lasting value in the daily round.
Where is your plan for my life?

You have told us that without vision, we men perish. So. Father
in Heaven, knowing that I can ask in confidence for what is Your expressed will to give me, I ask You to deposit in my mind and heart that particular dream, the special vision You have for my life.

And along with the dream, will You give me whatever graces,
Patience and stamina it takes to see the dream through to fruition?

I sense this may involve adventures I have not bargained for,

But I want to trust you enough to follow even if You lead along new paths.

I admit to liking some of my ruts.

But I know that habit patterns that seem like cozy nests from the inside, from your vantage point may be prison cells.

Lord, if, you have to break down any prisons of mine before I can see the stars and catch the vision, then, Lord, begin the process now.

In joyous expectation,
Amen _- Catherine Marshall


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Planning

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! What a wet morning! We had thundershowers last night that lasted for a long time and it looks like it might have rained all night. Well, we needed the rain and God gave it. God is good!

The van was in the shop most of the day, so we didn't get out until afternoon and then just to visit the Park between rain showers. The water is up and all the aquatic creatures are happy. The grass is green and growing, keeping the mowers busy. I saw a beautiful egret standing by the water and the ever present anhingas drying wings. It was a good respite! And later, Kris Allen won the American idol contest! Yay! He's a young man who has done mission work and sings in his church.

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How am I supposed to plan my life?

Proverbs 2:1-11 My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions,. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly.l He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the pats of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom wil enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.

A plan is only as good as the information upon which it's based. Our human intellect is limited and inadequate. Apark from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on the Spirit.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

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! Another cloudy, damp day, but we prayed for rain, so God, in His kindness and provision, has provided it! The air is still cool, so the A/C has been off for a couple days. God is good!

The rain stopped, and the sun shone long enough for me to go the the library and return books and check out more. Then we drove to the park, and admired a peacock lying down (first time I have ever seen one lying on the ground.) All was pretty quiet because of the rainy day, but Ibises were pecking on the ground, and squirrels were scampering about. Rain doe not stop them! I also saw a beautiful egret keeping a vigil by the bank, looking intently for a fish. Then, back home before the rain started again.. It was good to get out .

From the book Quiet Moments with God:

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 life seems to be suspended between opposites. We grow up learning to label things as good or bad, hurtful or helpful, naughty or 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 help us release stress as well.

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 woodcarving or needlework. Those in sterile, well ordered environments look forward to going home to weed their gardens.

Structured tasks and routines are good relaxation for those involved in the creative arts. The musician runs home to the 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, And cold and heat, And winter and summer, And day and night shall not cease" (gen. *:22) Human beings were 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.

Renewal and restoration are not luxuries. They are essentials.
Charles R. Swindoll

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Words from Paul

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Rain is predicted today as the cold front moves through, but when I stepped outside this morning, the sky was almost clear, although I could not see the waning moon and the planet very close to it like yesterday. However, it was very windy and almost chilly!

The only time we ventured out yesterday, in the short time it was not raining hard, was to the Park. We saw two peacocks on the way in, and on the bank by the canal was a very large gator taking a break. He wasn't basking in the sun, because there wasn't any. We drove on in the park, and very few people were there, but some hardy ones were enjoying walking in the sprinkles. The water is up and the park looks good and green. God is good!

Philippians 4:4

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

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.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing and the God of peace will be with you.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Roamin' thru Romans 8

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the rainy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yes, I mean rainy!! The sound of thunder is rumbling all around and the morning is dark, so far. It is great! Not so good for those who have to drive to work, however.

We spent a quiet Sunday yesterday..not going to church because of a difficult Saturday night, with changed sleeping patterns in hubby's confused mind. But, hopefully, we will overcome that problem this week and be back to normal. (for us)

We went out for awhile and drove through the greener Park. I noticed that the water was almost up to the road across the weir, and saw evidence that the water had been over the road. All the grass is growing and green and things are looking much better! God is good!

We also watched the Rays interesting and unusual game with the mobbing on the field, and DH mix up. Fun!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 8:24.

For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently.
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know how we should pray, nor what we should pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Proverbs

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! Well, another beautiful thunderstorm and rain last night. When I stepped outside this morning, the trees were still dripping and water was in the gutter. I heard what sounded like cicadas humming across the street, but the half moon was shining through the haze and everything looked fresh and green!

David mowed our yard yesterday, what's left of it, and it looks good. He always does a good job.
When I went into the park, we passed a peacock, with his tail feathers gleaming in the sun. I had never noticed before how iridescent the colors are when the light is on them. Beautiful! God is good!

That was the beautiful, but the ugly was all the trash that washed down from behind the houses that border the park. The canal was full of it. Not a good thing! But I am hoping it will soon be cleaned up.

I had a good walk in Walmart and picked a good day to go. While the parking lot seemed full, the store had not so many people in it, so I didn't have a problem getting through the aisles. Seems like they have widened the aisles and have less merchandise.. Hmmm.

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Proverbs 2 The benefits of Wisdom

My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects hose who are faithful to him. then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalm 23

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! What a storm we had last night! Be careful what you pray for, because God will answer in a most unexpected way. We had pouring rain for about an hour... streets were flooded, lightning flashing, thunder booming, it was great!! It is still raining in our front yard, because the trees are wet and dripping every time the wind blows.

Yesterday was kind of unusual in that the phone rang a lot, and one of the calls was from an old school days friend who missed me at the reunion last week and just called to check up on me. We really have not kept in touch, but were friends in high school. She now has my email address and has already sent an email. It was good to hear from her.

I am eager to get over to the park to see how fresh and green everything will look after the rain. Yesterday all was simmering in the heat and not many people were out. But, I saw the gopher tortoise I had been missing! He was munching on the grass in his usual spot. An ibis glided gracefully in front of the car and came to a landing, only to be scared by a feisty squirrel. God is good!

Psalm 23 NLT

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
He leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk
through the dark valley of death,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies,
you welcome me as a guest,
anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

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

Love and hugs,
amaryllis

Rescue Part 2

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 didn't really want to get out of bed this morning, but finally did, a little after six. When I stepped outside, it was already daylight and still the lopsided moon was in the same place as yesterday...guess it didn't move in twenty four hours. :o)

Yesterday afternoon was really busy..I went to the support group meeting, left early, so John could go to work, and then the rep from the Home Care org. came to talk to us about hiring a person for three hours a week. That took almost all the rest of the afternoon, so no walks in the park yesterday. But this morning, so many birds were chirping, it sounded like a heavenly choir all singing a different song. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Why can't we depend on our own resources and rescue ourselves?

Psalm 33:16-22 The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Don't count on your warhorse to give you victory--for all its strength, it cannot save you. But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. We depend on the Lord alone to save us. Only he can help us, protecting us like a shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us. Lord, for our hope is in you alone.

When trouble comes, our first reaction is usually to try and solve the problem using our financial assets, human connections, talents, and abilities. Though these will all fail us in time, God never will. God alone is our greatest defense. God alone has the infinite resources we need.

Is there anything we can do to rescue ourselves?

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked way, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.

There are times when we bring problems on ourselves through our own disobedience. Our rescue depends on our faith and obedience. God call us to humility and repentance to make way for his rescue.

How does God rescue us from the spiritual forces of evil and darkness?

Matthew 6:13 Don't let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Prayer is a primary means by which God rescues us.

Ephesians 6:10-13 Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Matthew 10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.

Though we are embroiled in a spiritual war with this world, we stand tall because we have full confidence in Christ's authority. We stand strong in the strength and protection of the Lord. This faith overcomes all fear.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Rescue! The Lord.

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is getting daylight earlier and earlier these days. When I stepped outside at six it was already daylight, but the moon was still in place and shining brightly. God is good!

After running errands yesterday morning, including stopping at the library to return books and checking out more, it was already too warm to walk, so I drove through the park to see what was going on, and saw an egret, standing by the water, like a sentinel keeping watch. An anhinga was perched on the banks of the weir getting in place to spread its wings, but still no sign of the gopher tortoise. I hope nothing has happened to it. He is huge and very old.

P.S. I already read and finished one of the books I checked out... couldn't wait! But the ironing is still waiting!!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How will God rescue those who depend on him?

Psalm 91:9-16 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone. You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions ans serpents under your feet. The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation."

The Lord gives us absolute assurance: "I will rescue those who love me." This passage does not give us license to be reckless. But it gives us the promise that when people and circumstances turn against us, God is for us.


Psalm 72:12-14 He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy and he will rescue them. He will save them from oppression and from violence, for their lives are precious to him.

2 Corinthians 1:8-10 I think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead. And he did deliver us from mortal danger. And we are confident that he will continue to deliver us.

No situation is too difficult for the Lord. The greater our need, the greater the depth of his love and compassion is for us.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Window of the World

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 brilliant moon was beaming in the cloudless sky and one bright star was in the southeast. Beautiful! God is Good!

We had a wonderfully, quiet day yesterday after a meaningful worship service aimed toward mothers. Brian brought in dinner from Applebee's and ran an errand for me. Then John, a young friend, brought flowers from his Mom to me. Such thoughtfulness!

We drove through the Park after church and I saw a peacock with tail feathers spread, and just inside the park, a great, blue heron, standing very still and tall waiting for a fish to come along. Alongside him, was a white egret, also waiting. All kinds of activity in the park, early, with families staking out tables for picnics for Mom. It was a very good day!

From Quiet Moments with God:

O Lord, I pray. Open his eyes that he may see.
2 Kings 6:17 NASB

A story from England called, "The Wonderful Window" tells about a London clerk who worked in drab and depressing circumstances. His office building was in a rundown part of the city and had not been maintained.

But that ordinary clerk was not about to let his outlook on life be determined by the dreariness of his surroundings. So one day he bought a beautiful, multicolored Oriental window painted with an inspiring scene.

The clerk took his window to his workplace and had it installed high up on the wall in his office. When the hardworking, dispirited clerk looked through his window he did not see the familiar slum scenes, with dark streets and dirty marketplaces. Instead he saw a fair city with beautiful castles and towers, green parks and lovely homes on wide tree-lined streets. On the highest tower of the window there was a large white banner with a strong knight protecting the fair city from a fierce and dangerous dragon.This wonderful window put a "halo" on the everyday tasks of the young man.

Somehow as he worked long hours at tedious book work and accounting, trying to make everything balance, he felt he was working for that knight on the banner. this feeling produced a sense of honor and dignity. He had found a noble purpose helping the knight keep the city happy, beautiful, properous, and strong.

You don't have to let your circumstances or surroundings discourage you, either. God has sent you to your place of work-whether it is at home, in an office, at a school, or in a factory-to do noble work for Him. You are His worker, bringing His beauty to everyone around you.

It is our best work that God wants, not the dregs of our exhaustion. I think He must prefer quality to quantity.
Gordon MacDonald

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Problems

Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The wind has calmed down and the air is warm and moist, so it looks like another very warm day in Paradise. Guess I will have to go out and water some plants today to help them survive. Please, Dear God, send rain!

We still have the hyper squirrel in our trees. I threw out a peanut to one squirrel who was looking at me and coming closer, so the little hyper one started chasing him up the limbs, over to the other tree, as fast as they could run, out on the branch close to the roof, gave a mighty leap to the house and the one with the peanut in his mouth, flattened out on the gutter to rest for a minute, while the hyper one crept closer and closer. Then off and running, leaping to the branch, racing down the tree trunk and finally, the little one got tired and the peanut holder ran off to the neighbor's yard to eat in peace, or bury the peanut. Such entertainment! All the time, I had another peanut for the hyper one, but he would rather chase the nice one. Happens every time!

Not much going on at the park, on a quiet afternoon. We had to be gone from the house for two hours while my two neighbors came in to clean. What a blessing to come home to a sparkling, clean house! They do cleaning for a living and do it well. God is good!

From Hymns for the Family of God:

So be glad-yes, actually be glad that you have problems. Be grateful for them as implying that God has confidence in your ability to handle these problems with which He has entrusted you. Adopt this attitude toward problems and it will tend to syphon off the depression you may have developed from a negative reaction to them. And as you develop the habit of thinking in hopeful terms about your problems, you will find yourself doing much better with them.

This will add to your enjoyment of life too, for one of the few greatest satisfactions of this life is to handle problems efficiently and well. Moreover, this successful handling tends to build up your faith that, through God's help and guidance, you have what it takes to deal with anything that may ever face you.
Norman Vencent Peale

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms

Psoaring through Psalm 139

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 noticed an old nest of some kind had fallen right in front of the porch, so I stepped around it.(it was too dark to see clearly) and then marveled how light it is at 6 AM. Dawn is breaking earlier and the sun is setting earlier. I swept the nest off after full daylight.

Yesterday, I determined to take a walk, but saw that Mike was in his office, so I stopped to speak to him and he immediately told me that his number 1 cake is now number 2. The orange cake is now his favorite and lemon cake is #2.

I asked him if was going to retire in Oct. and Francia came walking up and asked what he said. He said "probably" and then said it was 140 days, so that sounds definite. Francia has three weeks to go before she retires. Then everyone will be gone that I knew, :o( Well, anyway, after chatting awhile about the state of affairs, I walked to the covered shelter and there was Mama gator in her usual place. No babies, though. The sun was getting very warm, but the breeze was welcome, so I enjoyed the walk. God is good!

From Psalm 139 (thinking of the Walk for Life)

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me,
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to know!

I can never escape from your spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.

...You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother's womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous-and how well I know it....

Search me, O God, and know my heart.
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Cruisin' thru Colossians

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! Well, another warm day in paradise! When I stepped outside this morning, i was surprised by the warm and humid air. We have used the A/C since March, although not steadily. Looks like a long, hot summer!

After a trip to downtown St. Petersburg yesterday to visit a skin doc, we cruised through the Park in time to see Francia leave. Teachers put in long hours, even if they are not in a school building. A beautiful white egret was perched on a rail, letting the wind blow the fine feathers, and the huge tri-colored heron was on the opposite side stalking along the bank's edge. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Excerpts from Colossians

We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better....

Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world , and not from Christ. For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe....

You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony...

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.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

A Body of Work

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The sun is up, just a few puffy clouds in the sky and the stars are all hidden until night falls! Another beautiful dry day in store for us and we should be grateful for the beauty of it.

We had a busy, running around day yesterday. I don't like to be on the road and in the car so much, but that's the way things work out sometimes. Anyway, I noticed beauty spots on the way; A roseate spoonbill in the lake near home, and peacocks on the way in the park. I walked to the canal and sat on a memorial bench and watched an anhinga try to catch some dragon flies flitting by overhead, then give up and swim toward some tilapia beds near the bank. Looks like the babies are gone as soon as they hatch!

Anyway, the breeze was blowing and the shade was cool, so it was a brief respite in a busy day. God is good!

From the book Quiet Moments with God:

Christ Jesus...gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (Purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for himself a people to be peculiarly his own!
Titus 2:13-14 AMP

Sixty-five years has within it exactly 569,400 hours. If you subtract the number of hours that a person spends growing up and receiving a basic high school education, and then subtract the hours that a person normally spends eating, sleeping, and engaging in recreation, you will still have 134,000 hours for work between the ages of eighteen and sixty five.

That's a lot of time! Yet, many people reach retirement age, look back over their years, and conclude "I was only putting in time and drawing a paycheck."

Take a different approach, starting today. Choose to create a "body of work" with the time that you have!

A body of work is more than a career or a pile of achievements, awards, and accomplishments. A "body" of work is just that-physical and human. A body of work is people.

King David desired to build a great temple for the Lord. The prophet Nathan came to Him with God's Word on the idea: "The Lord declares to you that he will make for you a house." David had in mind mortar and cedar. The Lord had in mind family and relationships! (See 2 Samuel 7).

Get to know the people with whom you work. Spend time with them. Value them. Share experiences with them. Be there when they face crises and when they celebrate milestones. Count your colleagues-and also those above and below you on the organizational ladder-among your friends, and treat them as friends. Build relationships that endure through the years, regardless of who is transferred, promoted, or laid off. People are what will matter to you far more than possessions when you reach your retirement years.

See everything;overlook a a great deal; correct a little.
Pope John XX111

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

n Progress

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the windy, warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the wind was blowing and the air felt like a warm blanket. A few stars were faintly shining, but the dawn was slowly dimming them. It is light much earlier now, than just a couple weeks ago.

On our way in to the park yesterday, we watched three peacocks, strutting about the two houses they seem to like. Then I saw a turtle sunning himself on the weir, but the anhinga was not in his usual place. However, an egret swiftly pecked into the water and came up with a fish! His timing was excellent! I am wondering what has happened to the gopher tortoise that I used to see regularly in his spot behind the fence, because I haven't seen him lately. Mike has an Earth Google photo that clearly shows the tortoise holes grouped very close together in their area. Amazing!

From Quiet Moments with God:

"He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6 NKJV

A sign in a hotel lobby that was being remodeled stated, "Please be patient. Renovation in progress to produce something new and wonderful." Perhaps we all need to wear a sign like that! We are all unfinished projects under construction, being made into something wonderful. Being mindful of this, we might have greater grace and patience for others, as well as for ourselves, while the work is underway.

Hope is the anticipation of good. Like the hotel lobby in the disarray of renovation, our hope is often in spite of our present circumstances. What is the basis for our hope?

For the Christian, hope is not simple optimism or a denial of reality. The Reason for our hope is Jesus Christ, the solid Rock of our faith. As the hymn writer wrote, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." We are never without hope for our lives if we know the Lord Jesus.

The focus of our hope is to be like Jesus. This goal may seem too great and way beyond our ability to achieve, and it is.So how do we reach it?

The Scriptures tell us it is "Christ in you" that is our hope. (Colossians 1:27) The transformation of our lives into Christlikeness is a goal that is larger than life. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, to have hope only for this life is to be miserable. The Christian hope is for this life and for eternity.

A little chapel in the hills of the Scottish Highlands has a sign chiseled in Gaelic on the front door. Translated into English it reads: "Come as you are, but don't leave as you came." When we come to Jesus, we can come as we are. But He will not leave us the same. That is our sure hope."

Our hope lies not in the man we put on the moon, but in the man we put on the cross.
Don Basham

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Happy May Day!

Good Morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is already a beautiful day after the stars early this morning and a cool breeze to start the day. Still no rain, but we trust God to supply all our needs, including rain.

I remember being in third grade at Woodlawn Elem. and having a May pole with ribbons all around it (back in the days when school was a good place to be). I almost won Queen of the May for my talent??in singing "Harbor Lights", a popular song at the time. But, I came down with chicken pox and had to stay home. :o( Ah, those were the days! I had a tall friend who always would rush out at recess time and save me a swing. I don't even remember her name, now.


Well, those days are over and so is my voice, at least for singing. Now, all I can do is make a joyful noise! :o) But when I walk I don't have to sing, I can just enjoy nature..birds, the shrubbery and gators and little squirrels. God is good!

From the NLT:

Ephesians 3:16-23

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.
Amen

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis