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! Although I have been up for some time, I am a little late getting to the PC for this message today. That means that I have been taking care of Louis and have him settled for a time.
When I stepped outside this morning, I saw Venus shining brightly again in the east , but no sign of the moon. I know it is out there somewhere, because it is supposed to be full on the 4th. Anyway, God is Awesome!
We went to the park after church yesterday and saw an almost invisible great blue heron on the bank, (almost invisible because of his dark color against the foliage.) An anhinga was dragging along on the weir, ready to dry out the wings. It was a beautiful day to walk in the park, sunshiny and a little less warm. Our Mexican petunias are a lovely purple, although the plants are scrawny, and I noticed about four blooms on our Bird of Paradise in the back yard. God's beauty is everywhere!
This will be a busy day as I start radiation on my nose, and Louis has a cardiologist appt. this afternoon. Just one of those days to start the week!
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Leviticus 26:8 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 enabled 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Gallopin' thru Galatians
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, no stars were visible, but I know they were there. It is still hazy from the rain last night, but already the sun is up and we will have a short drying out period today. God is good!
Yesterday at the Park, I took Mike a piece of his favorite cake and saw several county trucks parked in front of the building. Seems everyone was trying to get the classroom in order for the first students. I met the teacher who was high on a ladder pinning up a nature poster. All the stuffed animals were on display on top of the cabinets and the snake cages were on the wall. This teacher is much younger than Francia and seems very friendly. Mike had told her i knew how to make a sour orange pie and she is very interested, but I said there was no one there any more to bring me oranges. She said she could, so we will see! The park is not the same, but at least the teacher will be there. Mike has 31 more days til retirement.
Galatians 6
Living by the Spirit's power
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group. Envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce the kind of fruit in us : love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law....
Let us not become conceited or irritate one another or be jealous of one another.
My dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday at the Park, I took Mike a piece of his favorite cake and saw several county trucks parked in front of the building. Seems everyone was trying to get the classroom in order for the first students. I met the teacher who was high on a ladder pinning up a nature poster. All the stuffed animals were on display on top of the cabinets and the snake cages were on the wall. This teacher is much younger than Francia and seems very friendly. Mike had told her i knew how to make a sour orange pie and she is very interested, but I said there was no one there any more to bring me oranges. She said she could, so we will see! The park is not the same, but at least the teacher will be there. Mike has 31 more days til retirement.
Galatians 6
Living by the Spirit's power
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group. Envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce the kind of fruit in us : love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law....
Let us not become conceited or irritate one another or be jealous of one another.
My dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Bread For the Journey
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! More rain yesterday afternoon and more predicted today. Well, wasn't I complaining about the lack of rain a few months ago? Everything was wet as I stepped outside this morning, and I really did not expect to see any stars, but there was Venus brightly shining in the east, along with some others dimly glimmering.
As we finished errands yesterday, I noticed in the Park lots and lots of toadstools. They seem to grow in clumps and sections here and there...very large and white. So, the ground there is saturated, too. But God is good!
We saw an immature peacock along the way. I had never seen one before without any colors except brown. Very unusual for a glorious peacock! And we also saw a beautiful, majestic great white heron. Lots of beauty if we only look around.
From the book Bread For the Journey by Henri Nouwen:
We become neighbors when we are willing to cross the road for one another. There is so much separation and segregation between black people and white people, between gay people and straight people, between young people and old people, between sick people and healthy people, between Jews and Gentiles, Muslims and Christians, Protestants and Catholics,, Greek Catholics and Latin Catholics.
There is a lot of road crossing to do. We are all very busy in our own circles. We have our own people to go to and our own affairs to take care of. But if we could cross the road once in a while and pay attention to what is happening on the other side, we might indeed become neighbors.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
As we finished errands yesterday, I noticed in the Park lots and lots of toadstools. They seem to grow in clumps and sections here and there...very large and white. So, the ground there is saturated, too. But God is good!
We saw an immature peacock along the way. I had never seen one before without any colors except brown. Very unusual for a glorious peacock! And we also saw a beautiful, majestic great white heron. Lots of beauty if we only look around.
From the book Bread For the Journey by Henri Nouwen:
We become neighbors when we are willing to cross the road for one another. There is so much separation and segregation between black people and white people, between gay people and straight people, between young people and old people, between sick people and healthy people, between Jews and Gentiles, Muslims and Christians, Protestants and Catholics,, Greek Catholics and Latin Catholics.
There is a lot of road crossing to do. We are all very busy in our own circles. We have our own people to go to and our own affairs to take care of. But if we could cross the road once in a while and pay attention to what is happening on the other side, we might indeed become neighbors.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Psoaring thru Psalm 37
Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside in the wet darkness this morning, I did not expect to see any stars, but there was Venus, comforting in its brilliance, shining brightly in the east. There were also a few other stars, but after the rain last evening, I didn't know if there would still be clouds or not.
What a thunderstorm we had! I had to stop washing dishes for a while, because I am not comfortable having water in a metal sink in front of a window, when lightning and thunder are crashing all around. Better to feel safe! I took hubby to the doctor in the very hot, bright afternoon, and got him in the heavy door after a struggle. I almost dumped him out when I hit a slight incline from the driveway to the concrete entrance. Luckily, he was hanging on! :o) That wheelchair is awkward. But the nurse said I should have called them and they would have helped. I tried but they were all in the back finishing lunch. However, the nurse helped me out with him and we got safely home before the rains came. God is good!
We drove through the Park and I was pleased to see how high the water is. We saw an anhinga airing its wings as usual and looked at the numerous toadstools that have popped up on the berms. The ones at the park are white, but in our yard they are orangish. I don't think they are edible. :o)
Psalm 37 from the Promise Bible NLT:
Don't worry about the wicked.
Don't envy those who do wrong.
For like grass, they soon fade away
Like springtime flowers, the soon wither.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him and he will help you.
He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine
as the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for Him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their evil schemes.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others--
it only leads to harm
For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord
will possess the land.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
What a thunderstorm we had! I had to stop washing dishes for a while, because I am not comfortable having water in a metal sink in front of a window, when lightning and thunder are crashing all around. Better to feel safe! I took hubby to the doctor in the very hot, bright afternoon, and got him in the heavy door after a struggle. I almost dumped him out when I hit a slight incline from the driveway to the concrete entrance. Luckily, he was hanging on! :o) That wheelchair is awkward. But the nurse said I should have called them and they would have helped. I tried but they were all in the back finishing lunch. However, the nurse helped me out with him and we got safely home before the rains came. God is good!
We drove through the Park and I was pleased to see how high the water is. We saw an anhinga airing its wings as usual and looked at the numerous toadstools that have popped up on the berms. The ones at the park are white, but in our yard they are orangish. I don't think they are edible. :o)
Psalm 37 from the Promise Bible NLT:
Don't worry about the wicked.
Don't envy those who do wrong.
For like grass, they soon fade away
Like springtime flowers, the soon wither.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him and he will help you.
He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine
as the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for Him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their evil schemes.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others--
it only leads to harm
For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord
will possess the land.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Words of Wisdom from Ecclesiastes
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside in the dark this morning, Venus was very bright in the eastern sky and other stars and planets were twinkling all around the brightness. It was awesome! The darkness is lasting longer as the days shorten. Soon it will be fall and winter again. Already the acorns are falling from the oak trees, much to the delight of the squirrels in our yard. I watched two little ones sitting up and munching in identical positions yesterday. Really cute!
Water is still draining out of our yard into the gutter, so everything is really soggy from all the rain, but that is good for the lakes and rivers and all the drought we had this spring. God always supplies our needs! Seems like a lot of birds are around lately. I surprised some mockingbirds in our yard yesterday enjoying the berries from the podacarpus bushes. God is good!
From Eccl. 5&6
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.
People who work hard sleep well whether they eat little or much, but the rich are always worrying and seldom get a good night's sleep.
...and it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life-that is indeed a gift from God. People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Water is still draining out of our yard into the gutter, so everything is really soggy from all the rain, but that is good for the lakes and rivers and all the drought we had this spring. God always supplies our needs! Seems like a lot of birds are around lately. I surprised some mockingbirds in our yard yesterday enjoying the berries from the podacarpus bushes. God is good!
From Eccl. 5&6
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.
People who work hard sleep well whether they eat little or much, but the rich are always worrying and seldom get a good night's sleep.
...and it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life-that is indeed a gift from God. People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, August 24, 2009
Bread For the Journey
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 was good to feel the cooler air when I stepped outside this morning! After yesterday mornings rain, the air will be getting drier and that will be a change from the humid very wet air we have been having. Our yard is still draining out into the gutter, it is so wet, but the squirrels seem to enjoy the wetness and are already out digging and running around the tree trunks.
I was thrilled to see two roseate spoonbills at Lynch Lake the past couple days! They are so beautiful and such a bright spot against the green. I also enjoyed looking at two very solemn wood storks standing very stiffly at the lake. They never look happy!
As we visited the Park yesterday, people were scrambling to get into their cars, because heavy raindrops were falling and other than staying under a shelter or going into the building where mosquitoes are plentiful, they had no choice, but to get wet. There certainly is no drought now! God is good!
Our son, Brian, is coming home as I type, from spending the weekend with our other son and grandson. They had a good time together in Tennessee. Wish I could have been with them!
From the book, Bread for the Journey by Henri Nouwen:
Friendship in the Twilight Zones of our Hearts
There is a twilight zone in our own hearts that we ourselves cannot see. Even when we know quite a lot about ourselves-our gifts and weaknesses, our ambitions and aspirations, our motives and drives-large parts of ourselves remain in the shadow of consciousness.
This is a very good thing. We will always remain partially hidden in ourselves. Other people, especially those who love us, can often see our twilight zones better than we ourselves can. The way we are seen and understood by others is different from the way we see and understand ourselves. We will never fully know the significance of our presence in the lives of our friends. That's a grace, a grace that calls us not only to humility but also to a deep trust in those who love us. It is in the twilight zones of our hearts where true friendships are born.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was thrilled to see two roseate spoonbills at Lynch Lake the past couple days! They are so beautiful and such a bright spot against the green. I also enjoyed looking at two very solemn wood storks standing very stiffly at the lake. They never look happy!
As we visited the Park yesterday, people were scrambling to get into their cars, because heavy raindrops were falling and other than staying under a shelter or going into the building where mosquitoes are plentiful, they had no choice, but to get wet. There certainly is no drought now! God is good!
Our son, Brian, is coming home as I type, from spending the weekend with our other son and grandson. They had a good time together in Tennessee. Wish I could have been with them!
From the book, Bread for the Journey by Henri Nouwen:
Friendship in the Twilight Zones of our Hearts
There is a twilight zone in our own hearts that we ourselves cannot see. Even when we know quite a lot about ourselves-our gifts and weaknesses, our ambitions and aspirations, our motives and drives-large parts of ourselves remain in the shadow of consciousness.
This is a very good thing. We will always remain partially hidden in ourselves. Other people, especially those who love us, can often see our twilight zones better than we ourselves can. The way we are seen and understood by others is different from the way we see and understand ourselves. We will never fully know the significance of our presence in the lives of our friends. That's a grace, a grace that calls us not only to humility but also to a deep trust in those who love us. It is in the twilight zones of our hearts where true friendships are born.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, August 21, 2009
Wise words from Hebrews
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 beautiful dark sky this morning when I first stepped outside. The days are getting shorter now, because it is dark a little after six, but Venus was bright in the east and myriads of stars were twinkling all over, which meant a clear sky. Today is supposed to be very hot and clear.
I really like to see the puffy white clouds during the day. I remember as a kid, lying on the grass and looking at the different shapes and faces I could see in them. That is where I also got too much sun, and am now paying for it. Oh, well, youth. You do foolish things without thinking of the consequences!
We spent a quiet day at home waiting for the visiting nurse to do an assessment. When he came, he thought he was supposed to check up on me! Kinda got his wires crossed.
I talked to a little squirrel when I was outside and it was very interested, so I threw it a peanut, which he sat and munched on right away. They have lots of nooks in the trees where they find little places to sit. They chase each other around and around the large oak trees and seem never to tire. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Hebrews 13:16 Don't forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God.
...And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to him. Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory, forever and forever.
Amen
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I really like to see the puffy white clouds during the day. I remember as a kid, lying on the grass and looking at the different shapes and faces I could see in them. That is where I also got too much sun, and am now paying for it. Oh, well, youth. You do foolish things without thinking of the consequences!
We spent a quiet day at home waiting for the visiting nurse to do an assessment. When he came, he thought he was supposed to check up on me! Kinda got his wires crossed.
I talked to a little squirrel when I was outside and it was very interested, so I threw it a peanut, which he sat and munched on right away. They have lots of nooks in the trees where they find little places to sit. They chase each other around and around the large oak trees and seem never to tire. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Hebrews 13:16 Don't forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God.
...And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to him. Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory, forever and forever.
Amen
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Addiction
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 later start to the PC, but I have been up and busy getting things done (like taking care of hubby). What a rain we had yesterday evening! I don't have a rain gauge, but it must have been over two inches! Seemed like the thunder and lightning never would stop. Three of those orange topped toadstools popped up in the yard from the wetness, but David mowed over them. I watched a squirrel take a bite out of one, but I guess it was not to his liking. At least he did not get sick!
The park has high vegetation from all the rain and the water is high. I saw the younger gopher tortoise in his usual spot, and what looked like a goose on one of the lakes, but I think it was an egret all drawn up. When their long necks get pulled in, they look very different. God's Creation is marvelous!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can God break the power of addiction in my life?
Galatians 5:22-23 When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is not conflict with the law.
Romans 8:5-9 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of God living in them are not Christians at all.)
God can break the power of addiction in your life when you give him control. He will come into your life and change your heart and your desires. Surrender to the Holy Spirit, and God will replace addictive drives with life-affirming desires.
Romans 12:2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs
Amaryllis
A little later start to the PC, but I have been up and busy getting things done (like taking care of hubby). What a rain we had yesterday evening! I don't have a rain gauge, but it must have been over two inches! Seemed like the thunder and lightning never would stop. Three of those orange topped toadstools popped up in the yard from the wetness, but David mowed over them. I watched a squirrel take a bite out of one, but I guess it was not to his liking. At least he did not get sick!
The park has high vegetation from all the rain and the water is high. I saw the younger gopher tortoise in his usual spot, and what looked like a goose on one of the lakes, but I think it was an egret all drawn up. When their long necks get pulled in, they look very different. God's Creation is marvelous!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can God break the power of addiction in my life?
Galatians 5:22-23 When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is not conflict with the law.
Romans 8:5-9 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of God living in them are not Christians at all.)
God can break the power of addiction in your life when you give him control. He will come into your life and change your heart and your desires. Surrender to the Holy Spirit, and God will replace addictive drives with life-affirming desires.
Romans 12:2 Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs
Amaryllis
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Temptation
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 much earlier this morning, I noticed the bright star once again in the east..must be Venus, but did not see any others. God is Awesome!
Well, I have been playing a waiting game this morning. Waiting for the plumber to come, and when he did, the problem was solved in five minutes, but it cost a lot more! Also, David was late coming to mow, but now the plumber is gone and David is mowing, so soon all will be taken care of.
The park was nice and peaceful when we visited yesterday, but a large truck with two huge round pipes was parked in front of the building, so I don't know what is going on. Guess I will have to ask Mike. I was happy to see a gopher tortoise in his usual high grass, munching away at the succulent stalks. Yum!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
-Do I have the power to resist overwhelming temptation?
James 4:7 Hunble yourselves before God . Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
The devil can tempt us, but we can resist him just as Jesus did--by responding to the temptation with the truth in God's word.
1 John 4:4 Every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory. And the ones who win this battle against the world are the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
We can break free from temptation when we change our focus and our minds. Instead of thinking about our weakness, we can fill our minds with the promise of God's strength. In Christ we have power. We must never forget that the Holy Spirit is great enoiugh to overcome any threat against us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, I have been playing a waiting game this morning. Waiting for the plumber to come, and when he did, the problem was solved in five minutes, but it cost a lot more! Also, David was late coming to mow, but now the plumber is gone and David is mowing, so soon all will be taken care of.
The park was nice and peaceful when we visited yesterday, but a large truck with two huge round pipes was parked in front of the building, so I don't know what is going on. Guess I will have to ask Mike. I was happy to see a gopher tortoise in his usual high grass, munching away at the succulent stalks. Yum!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
-Do I have the power to resist overwhelming temptation?
James 4:7 Hunble yourselves before God . Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
The devil can tempt us, but we can resist him just as Jesus did--by responding to the temptation with the truth in God's word.
1 John 4:4 Every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory. And the ones who win this battle against the world are the ones who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
We can break free from temptation when we change our focus and our minds. Instead of thinking about our weakness, we can fill our minds with the promise of God's strength. In Christ we have power. We must never forget that the Holy Spirit is great enoiugh to overcome any threat against us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
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, the stars were still twinkling, with one bright one in the east... must have been Venus. A beautiful sight! God is good!
As I was running errands yesterday, I drove by a couple schools and saw that the teachers are already busily at work getting ready for the students next week. This means summer is almost over and time to get to work for the kids! Apparently, the economy has not affected parents at St. Pete Christian so much, because hundreds of cars were parked all around the campus on the grass.
As I drove through the Park. I noticed an anhinga airing its wings on the dead log that looks so much like the old Florida, with a turtle sunning on the log nearby. A wonderful natural spot. One of God's offerings to us!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
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 these, 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
As I was running errands yesterday, I drove by a couple schools and saw that the teachers are already busily at work getting ready for the students next week. This means summer is almost over and time to get to work for the kids! Apparently, the economy has not affected parents at St. Pete Christian so much, because hundreds of cars were parked all around the campus on the grass.
As I drove through the Park. I noticed an anhinga airing its wings on the dead log that looks so much like the old Florida, with a turtle sunning on the log nearby. A wonderful natural spot. One of God's offerings to us!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
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 these, 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
Monday, August 17, 2009
Psoaring thru Psalm 34
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! After a quiet, cooler, overcast day yesterday, today the sky is blue, streaked with pink clouds and the promise of sunshine and a very hot day!
Looks like the tropical disturbance in the gulf has moved on north, if that was the cause of our cloudy weather yesterday. On the one outing we had yesterday we checked in at the park and saw two peahens on the way in, and a smaller cousin of the large gopher tortoise that hangs out at the curve. They look indestructible, but I know they are not I also spied my favorite sight, a roseate spoonbill at our local lake. What beauty in the lovely pinks of that bird. God is special and good!
Even though I did not attend church because of my coughing, I can listen to the sermon online since my faithful friend put it there already! I am thankful for him!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 34:1-10
I will praise the Lord at all times;
I will constantly speak his praises,
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness,
let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me,
healing me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help
will be radiant with joy;
no shadow or shame with darken their faces.
I cried out to the Lord in my suffering
and he heard me.
He set me free from all my fears,
For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear him,
and he rescues them.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Looks like the tropical disturbance in the gulf has moved on north, if that was the cause of our cloudy weather yesterday. On the one outing we had yesterday we checked in at the park and saw two peahens on the way in, and a smaller cousin of the large gopher tortoise that hangs out at the curve. They look indestructible, but I know they are not I also spied my favorite sight, a roseate spoonbill at our local lake. What beauty in the lovely pinks of that bird. God is special and good!
Even though I did not attend church because of my coughing, I can listen to the sermon online since my faithful friend put it there already! I am thankful for him!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 34:1-10
I will praise the Lord at all times;
I will constantly speak his praises,
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness,
let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me,
healing me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help
will be radiant with joy;
no shadow or shame with darken their faces.
I cried out to the Lord in my suffering
and he heard me.
He set me free from all my fears,
For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear him,
and he rescues them.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, August 14, 2009
A Prayer
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
When I stepped outside this morning, the crescent moon was shining low is the eastern sky and a bright star was even lower. Then the sky was streaked with beautiful pinks, and golds as the sun started to come up. God is Awesome!
Our staghorn fern is getting huge because of all the rain. It hangs down to the ground now, but weighs so much it can't be pulled up higher to the tree. It is really beautiful! The squirrels like to take the banana peels out of it that i drop in the top.
Because I felt puny yesterday, I never left the house..just stayed home and coughed, but, hopefully, the antibiotics will start showing up today and I will feel better. The Great Physician is at work!
Prayer
Eternal Heavenly Father, we know that You are more eager to hear our prayers than we are to pray them, and more concerned to respond to them than we expect You to be, Forgive us now with that complete pardon that eases the troubled conscience and replaces its sharp torment with a permanent peace. This we ask that Your risen Son may be more alive among us.
Amen
-Bryan Jeffrey Leech (from Hymns for the Family of God)
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 crescent moon was shining low is the eastern sky and a bright star was even lower. Then the sky was streaked with beautiful pinks, and golds as the sun started to come up. God is Awesome!
Our staghorn fern is getting huge because of all the rain. It hangs down to the ground now, but weighs so much it can't be pulled up higher to the tree. It is really beautiful! The squirrels like to take the banana peels out of it that i drop in the top.
Because I felt puny yesterday, I never left the house..just stayed home and coughed, but, hopefully, the antibiotics will start showing up today and I will feel better. The Great Physician is at work!
Prayer
Eternal Heavenly Father, we know that You are more eager to hear our prayers than we are to pray them, and more concerned to respond to them than we expect You to be, Forgive us now with that complete pardon that eases the troubled conscience and replaces its sharp torment with a permanent peace. This we ask that Your risen Son may be more alive among us.
Amen
-Bryan Jeffrey Leech (from Hymns for the Family of God)
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, August 13, 2009
What's the Rush?
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'm back on track now, after an early appointment with the doctor yesterday, to get something done about this nagging cough. I am on antibiotics and a new cough med, so, last night I slept well for the first time in a week! PTL! The Doctor said a lot of people have coughs right now, so something is going around.
God's timing was really perfect yesterday, because when I came out of the waiting room, dark clouds were threatening, and I had to stop at the pharmacy, but made it home just as the sprinkles came. Then came the hard rain! I also had a narrow escape from a large car, which did not stop at a stop sign, and almost hit me just three doors from my house! God protects me! !I am thankful for that!
When I went to the park after the rain, everything looked fresh and green and lovely and the water was almost over the weir. Not many people were out..too hot. I did not even see the usual herons and egrets, for some reason, just the squirrels chasing each other and racing across the street. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming.
James 5:7
Rush hour traffic. What comes to mind when you hear those words? Chances are they don't put a smile on your face, cause your heartbeat to slow, or drop your blood pressure to healthy levels. More likely they bring up images of exhaust smoke, angry drivers, brake lights, and those ever-popular "Detour" or "Lane Closed Ahead" signs.
Rush hour has become an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp. Too many cars have taken the rush out of rush hour. Despite the number of people working part time, on late shifts, or at home, more cars seem to be on the road between 8:00 and 6:00 P.M. than there are people on the planet. And we all know there's absolutely nothing that can be done about it--unless you live in Thailand.
Proving that traffic cops have a sense of humor, an officer in Bangkok gave his men some rather unusual instructions. During morning rush hour at one of the worst spots in town, these traffic directors suddenly looked more like dande-troupe hopefuls than ticket-writing law enforcers.
Since the traffic wasn't going anywhere, anyway, why not do some pirouttes or some break dancing? Why not lighten the mood (if not the load) on the road?
The result has been all they had hoped. The traffic is still tied up in knots, but people are more cheerful about their situation, and the cops are happier too.
Sometimes we feel pressed on all sides, and there seems to be no way out. Perhaps those around us keep turning up the heat, and we can sense we're getting closer and closer to the breaking point.
That's when we need to realize how far we've come and that the rest of the journey will have bright moments if we'll only reach out for them. That's the time to laugh anyway, and do a few pirouettes!
We must wait for God, long,
meekly in the wind and wet,
in the thunder and lightning,
in the cold and dark. Wait,
and he will come. He never
comes to those who do not wait.
Frederick William Faber
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
God's timing was really perfect yesterday, because when I came out of the waiting room, dark clouds were threatening, and I had to stop at the pharmacy, but made it home just as the sprinkles came. Then came the hard rain! I also had a narrow escape from a large car, which did not stop at a stop sign, and almost hit me just three doors from my house! God protects me! !I am thankful for that!
When I went to the park after the rain, everything looked fresh and green and lovely and the water was almost over the weir. Not many people were out..too hot. I did not even see the usual herons and egrets, for some reason, just the squirrels chasing each other and racing across the street. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming.
James 5:7
Rush hour traffic. What comes to mind when you hear those words? Chances are they don't put a smile on your face, cause your heartbeat to slow, or drop your blood pressure to healthy levels. More likely they bring up images of exhaust smoke, angry drivers, brake lights, and those ever-popular "Detour" or "Lane Closed Ahead" signs.
Rush hour has become an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp. Too many cars have taken the rush out of rush hour. Despite the number of people working part time, on late shifts, or at home, more cars seem to be on the road between 8:00 and 6:00 P.M. than there are people on the planet. And we all know there's absolutely nothing that can be done about it--unless you live in Thailand.
Proving that traffic cops have a sense of humor, an officer in Bangkok gave his men some rather unusual instructions. During morning rush hour at one of the worst spots in town, these traffic directors suddenly looked more like dande-troupe hopefuls than ticket-writing law enforcers.
Since the traffic wasn't going anywhere, anyway, why not do some pirouttes or some break dancing? Why not lighten the mood (if not the load) on the road?
The result has been all they had hoped. The traffic is still tied up in knots, but people are more cheerful about their situation, and the cops are happier too.
Sometimes we feel pressed on all sides, and there seems to be no way out. Perhaps those around us keep turning up the heat, and we can sense we're getting closer and closer to the breaking point.
That's when we need to realize how far we've come and that the rest of the journey will have bright moments if we'll only reach out for them. That's the time to laugh anyway, and do a few pirouettes!
We must wait for God, long,
meekly in the wind and wet,
in the thunder and lightning,
in the cold and dark. Wait,
and he will come. He never
comes to those who do not wait.
Frederick William Faber
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Plans
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I am having a little trouble getting started this morning..just feel tired and unambitious. But I have accomplished a lot, laundry, breakfast and dishes, so enough of that!
When I visited the Park yesterday, I stopped to watch two anhingas sort of fighting for the same spot on a dead log. First time I had seen two together. They are usually loners, not like the moorhens who mate for life. Not many people were there because it was so hot and the first of the week, I guess. Anyway, the grass was very green as were the weeds and all was peaceful. God is good!
Planning from the Promise Bible NLT:
How am I suppose 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 gainknowledge 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 those who are faithful to him. then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and 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. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.
What if my plans fall short of God's plans for me?
Proverbs 19:21 You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail.
Our plans cannot mess up God's plans!
What gives me confidence in my plans?
Jeremiah 29:11" 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."
God is in control of all things and always has been. Jesus Christ, who is now resurrected and ruling, will govern and guide us in the best possible ways.
Do not doubt God's good intentions for us. the wonder of creation, the evidence of his constant care, and the priceless gift of Jesus Christ for our salvation give us confidence that he will establish all who trust in him.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I am having a little trouble getting started this morning..just feel tired and unambitious. But I have accomplished a lot, laundry, breakfast and dishes, so enough of that!
When I visited the Park yesterday, I stopped to watch two anhingas sort of fighting for the same spot on a dead log. First time I had seen two together. They are usually loners, not like the moorhens who mate for life. Not many people were there because it was so hot and the first of the week, I guess. Anyway, the grass was very green as were the weeds and all was peaceful. God is good!
Planning from the Promise Bible NLT:
How am I suppose 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 gainknowledge 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 those who are faithful to him. then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and 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. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.
What if my plans fall short of God's plans for me?
Proverbs 19:21 You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail.
Our plans cannot mess up God's plans!
What gives me confidence in my plans?
Jeremiah 29:11" 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."
God is in control of all things and always has been. Jesus Christ, who is now resurrected and ruling, will govern and guide us in the best possible ways.
Do not doubt God's good intentions for us. the wonder of creation, the evidence of his constant care, and the priceless gift of Jesus Christ for our salvation give us confidence that he will establish all who trust in him.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, August 10, 2009
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! When I stepped outside this morning, the three quarter moon had moved to just about straight up overhead. Seemed like it was lower in the west a few days ago. Anyway, it was beautiful and clear for a change.
After a restless night because of coughing, (but, thanks be to God, I was able to attend church yesterday) I will probably be drowsy the rest of the day. I chased a tiny frog in our house, no bigger than my fingernail, but leaping at least twelve inches at a time, and caught it with a tissue. I opened the door and deposited him outside. "All creatures great and small..." "The Lord God loves them all."
I saw a great blue heron in the park with his head all scrunched down...hard to tell just what he was at first. Not many people there, but it was very hot yesterday. We stayed in and kept cool. God is good to provide for all our needs
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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.
John 14:1 Don't be troubled . You trust in God, now trust in me.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
Our troubles do not surprise the Lord and should not surprise us. Trouble is rampant in this fallen world. Our focus should be on Jesus who has overcome this world and all its troubles.
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.
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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
After a restless night because of coughing, (but, thanks be to God, I was able to attend church yesterday) I will probably be drowsy the rest of the day. I chased a tiny frog in our house, no bigger than my fingernail, but leaping at least twelve inches at a time, and caught it with a tissue. I opened the door and deposited him outside. "All creatures great and small..." "The Lord God loves them all."
I saw a great blue heron in the park with his head all scrunched down...hard to tell just what he was at first. Not many people there, but it was very hot yesterday. We stayed in and kept cool. God is good to provide for all our needs
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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.
John 14:1 Don't be troubled . You trust in God, now trust in me.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
Our troubles do not surprise the Lord and should not surprise us. Trouble is rampant in this fallen world. Our focus should be on Jesus who has overcome this world and all its troubles.
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.
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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, August 7, 2009
Benediction
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 got up a little later this morning, but the moon was still visible, although faintly, trying to shine through a cloudy haze. All was still outside with a little promise of rain.
Yesterday, I stopped at the Park and went in to talk to Mike. I asked him how he felt about coming to work now, with all the changes, and he said he just keeps telling himself how many days he has left before retirement! He really doesn't have much left to do, now that the snakes are all gone, except two. Since they blocked off the reception windows, the large office is dark, so he thinks the teacher will be using his office, which he is trying to clear out. He is trying to stay positive, but no one has answers as to why some things have been done away with.
But, it is still a nice place to walk and see lots of birds, butterflies, and wild creatures, so God is good!
We went to the dentist yesterday for teeth cleaning, and the dentist himself, took Louis and his wheelchair out and down the temporary ramp and put him in the car. We have been patients of his for years, so he knows us pretty well. Life is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
A prayer of Praise:
And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore.
Amen
Have a great weekend and remember I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, I stopped at the Park and went in to talk to Mike. I asked him how he felt about coming to work now, with all the changes, and he said he just keeps telling himself how many days he has left before retirement! He really doesn't have much left to do, now that the snakes are all gone, except two. Since they blocked off the reception windows, the large office is dark, so he thinks the teacher will be using his office, which he is trying to clear out. He is trying to stay positive, but no one has answers as to why some things have been done away with.
But, it is still a nice place to walk and see lots of birds, butterflies, and wild creatures, so God is good!
We went to the dentist yesterday for teeth cleaning, and the dentist himself, took Louis and his wheelchair out and down the temporary ramp and put him in the car. We have been patients of his for years, so he knows us pretty well. Life is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
A prayer of Praise:
And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore.
Amen
Have a great weekend and remember I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Paul's Final 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, I was surprised to see the star I have been seeing for a couple weeks now, but just below it was the setting full moon! I had not seen the moon since the last full moon and there it was! I guess the rains we had yesterday, washed the sky so that everything was more visible. God is Awesome!
We stayed home yesterday, because of the rain, but David came and mowed the yard, washed the A/C filter and took care of a wasp nest on the front porch. Then, after hot soup and sandwiches for us, our cleaning ladies came, so we had company in and out during the day. Life is good.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 4:4-9
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
We stayed home yesterday, because of the rain, but David came and mowed the yard, washed the A/C filter and took care of a wasp nest on the front porch. Then, after hot soup and sandwiches for us, our cleaning ladies came, so we had company in and out during the day. Life is good.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 4:4-9
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
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Psoaring thru Psalm 19
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 looked up in the west and saw the same star still shining amidst the vast emptiness, then I spied a tiny flashing light and followed it all across from north to south. I am certain it was an airplane and not a UFO! Then the sun came up like a huge orange ball and so it will be another very warm day.
I saw another large gopher tortoise in the Park yesterday...ambling along munching on the tall grass as he went at turtle speed. He looked very old and tough. An anhinga was also drying wings on the banks of the canal, and the typical looking Florida spot with the dead tree had no residents perched on it. There was an airboat in the canal spraying all the unwelcome lily plants and growth along the shores, so some are still working! But God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Excerpts from Psalm 119
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life.
Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true.
Each one is fair.
They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the cone.
They are a warning to those who hear them;
There is great reward for those who obey them.
How can I know the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
Keep me from deliberate sins!
Don't let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you,O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I saw another large gopher tortoise in the Park yesterday...ambling along munching on the tall grass as he went at turtle speed. He looked very old and tough. An anhinga was also drying wings on the banks of the canal, and the typical looking Florida spot with the dead tree had no residents perched on it. There was an airboat in the canal spraying all the unwelcome lily plants and growth along the shores, so some are still working! But God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Excerpts from Psalm 119
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life.
Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true.
Each one is fair.
They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the cone.
They are a warning to those who hear them;
There is great reward for those who obey them.
How can I know the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
Keep me from deliberate sins!
Don't let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you,O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Closing the Door
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, it looks like it will be another very hot day with lots of sun, just like yesterday. We had some clouds, but no rain. I stay out of the sun as much as possible with my skin that burns easily!
Yesterday, I saw a beautiful roseate spoonbill at Lynch Lake. They are such a pretty pink color! God made them for our looking pleasure. I went into the Park and noticed how neat the extra mowing made it look. All was quiet in the midday heat. Mike was out checking rain gauges or I would have spoken to him. His duties have diminished considerably lately and I will miss him when he retires.
There is a helicopter buzzing over the interstate as I type this. I hope it does not mean an accident. A short while ago, I heard sirens, so there probably was something that happened. I remember years ago, while walking in the park early in the morning, I was stopped by deputies from walking any more, because someone had hit another car and escaped over the fence around the park. They closed the park and escorted us back to our cars and we had to leave. That was the first time I met our friend, Terry. He took me back to the van and made sure I got out of the park safely. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.
Hebrews 6:11
Michelle looked around her office and felt a sigh rise from the depths of her soul. She had worked so hard for all of this and had put so many hours into her vision, especially at the beginning, when her company had only been a dream and her energy was committed to making the dream come true. Someone else had appreciated her creativity--a bigger, larger company that had bought her out in a forceful merger. Now all that was once hers belonged to an unseen face. It was like losing a family member.
Michelle looked out of her office window at her employees. She knew they had been looking to her, waiting to see how she would handle herself over the past four weeks. She was tempted to throw all her energy into a new pursuit, but she also knew that she had a commitment to see this old one to its end. It was a matter of integrity. The new company would never know if she spent her time--their time now--on this new pursuit. But she would know, and her employees would know. No, when she finally handed this company over, she would do so knowing that she had done her best to the very end.
Change takes place in all of our lives. One season end, and another begins. We may say good-bye to a job, a relationship, a town or a dream. With each ending, we have a choice. We can walk away without looking back, ignoring the closure and attention that's needed, or we can take the time to finish well--to tie up loose ends, to say our good-byes, to work hard right to the end. Only then can we know we have closed out the old chapter with integrity.
Is there an area of your life that needs attention today? Something that needs to be finished well? Take a moment and ask God to help you close the door. Then you can face your new beginning with confidence.
Thecrossroads are down here. Which way to pull the rein?
The left bring you but loss, the right nothing but gain.
Angelus Silesius
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
(This devotional reminds me of Pastor Don's leaving and Pastor Rick coming.)
Yesterday, I saw a beautiful roseate spoonbill at Lynch Lake. They are such a pretty pink color! God made them for our looking pleasure. I went into the Park and noticed how neat the extra mowing made it look. All was quiet in the midday heat. Mike was out checking rain gauges or I would have spoken to him. His duties have diminished considerably lately and I will miss him when he retires.
There is a helicopter buzzing over the interstate as I type this. I hope it does not mean an accident. A short while ago, I heard sirens, so there probably was something that happened. I remember years ago, while walking in the park early in the morning, I was stopped by deputies from walking any more, because someone had hit another car and escaped over the fence around the park. They closed the park and escorted us back to our cars and we had to leave. That was the first time I met our friend, Terry. He took me back to the van and made sure I got out of the park safely. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.
Hebrews 6:11
Michelle looked around her office and felt a sigh rise from the depths of her soul. She had worked so hard for all of this and had put so many hours into her vision, especially at the beginning, when her company had only been a dream and her energy was committed to making the dream come true. Someone else had appreciated her creativity--a bigger, larger company that had bought her out in a forceful merger. Now all that was once hers belonged to an unseen face. It was like losing a family member.
Michelle looked out of her office window at her employees. She knew they had been looking to her, waiting to see how she would handle herself over the past four weeks. She was tempted to throw all her energy into a new pursuit, but she also knew that she had a commitment to see this old one to its end. It was a matter of integrity. The new company would never know if she spent her time--their time now--on this new pursuit. But she would know, and her employees would know. No, when she finally handed this company over, she would do so knowing that she had done her best to the very end.
Change takes place in all of our lives. One season end, and another begins. We may say good-bye to a job, a relationship, a town or a dream. With each ending, we have a choice. We can walk away without looking back, ignoring the closure and attention that's needed, or we can take the time to finish well--to tie up loose ends, to say our good-byes, to work hard right to the end. Only then can we know we have closed out the old chapter with integrity.
Is there an area of your life that needs attention today? Something that needs to be finished well? Take a moment and ask God to help you close the door. Then you can face your new beginning with confidence.
Thecrossroads are down here. Which way to pull the rein?
The left bring you but loss, the right nothing but gain.
Angelus Silesius
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
(This devotional reminds me of Pastor Don's leaving and Pastor Rick coming.)
Monday, August 3, 2009
Coping Skills
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 star that I have seen in the southwest is now in the west, but still the only one I can see shining brightly for some reason. Maybe because it is so light so early, now.
Well, The sign and map of the Park have been taken down at Sawgrass, and benches put in their place. The windows of the office are covered up with plaques of the history of Sawgrass. Guess it is to avoid vandalism, since no one will be there to keep track of who does what. The mowing has been done over a little larger area, so it looks better, but no one is there to keep the sidewalk cleared of trash after the rains. It is really sad, but God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
My times are in your hand.
Psalm 31:15 NRSV
How we handle delays tells us a lot about ourselves. How do you handle a traffic jam when you left the house already late or work? What do you do when your flight is delayed because of mechanical difficulty or bad weather? How do you respond when the register in your checkout lane runs out of tape just you get to the head of the line? Can you take a deep breath and enjoy a five minute break at the railroad crossing when the guard rail goes down to allow a train to pass?
Consider how one man handled a delay. Just as the light turned green at the busy intersection, his car stalled in heavy traffic. He tried everything he knew to get the car started again, but all his efforts failed. The chorus of honking behind him put him on edge, which only made matters worse.
Finally he got out of his car and walked back to the first driver and said, "I'm sorry, but I can't seem to get my car started. If you'll go up there and give it a try, I'll stay here and blow your horn for you."
Things rarely go as smoothly as we would like, and we don't usually schedule ourselves any extra time just in case something goes wrong.
The ability to accept disappointments, delays, and setbacks with a pleasant, generous spirit is a gift of graciousness that comes from one who has received grace from others in pressured circumstances. Life is a series of choices, and no matter what situation we are in, we always have the freedom to choose how we are going to respond.
Refuse to get out of sorts the next time your schedule gets interrupted or turned upside down. Pray for enough strength to remain calm, cheerful, relaxed, and refreshed in the midst of the crisis. And always remember: God's plans for you are not thwarted by delays!
Never become irritable while waiting: if you are patient, you'll find that you can wait much faster.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, The sign and map of the Park have been taken down at Sawgrass, and benches put in their place. The windows of the office are covered up with plaques of the history of Sawgrass. Guess it is to avoid vandalism, since no one will be there to keep track of who does what. The mowing has been done over a little larger area, so it looks better, but no one is there to keep the sidewalk cleared of trash after the rains. It is really sad, but God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
My times are in your hand.
Psalm 31:15 NRSV
How we handle delays tells us a lot about ourselves. How do you handle a traffic jam when you left the house already late or work? What do you do when your flight is delayed because of mechanical difficulty or bad weather? How do you respond when the register in your checkout lane runs out of tape just you get to the head of the line? Can you take a deep breath and enjoy a five minute break at the railroad crossing when the guard rail goes down to allow a train to pass?
Consider how one man handled a delay. Just as the light turned green at the busy intersection, his car stalled in heavy traffic. He tried everything he knew to get the car started again, but all his efforts failed. The chorus of honking behind him put him on edge, which only made matters worse.
Finally he got out of his car and walked back to the first driver and said, "I'm sorry, but I can't seem to get my car started. If you'll go up there and give it a try, I'll stay here and blow your horn for you."
Things rarely go as smoothly as we would like, and we don't usually schedule ourselves any extra time just in case something goes wrong.
The ability to accept disappointments, delays, and setbacks with a pleasant, generous spirit is a gift of graciousness that comes from one who has received grace from others in pressured circumstances. Life is a series of choices, and no matter what situation we are in, we always have the freedom to choose how we are going to respond.
Refuse to get out of sorts the next time your schedule gets interrupted or turned upside down. Pray for enough strength to remain calm, cheerful, relaxed, and refreshed in the midst of the crisis. And always remember: God's plans for you are not thwarted by delays!
Never become irritable while waiting: if you are patient, you'll find that you can wait much faster.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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