Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I hope some got to see the rising sun this morning! It started out orange and quickly rose to its usual brilliance. I have already had a heat warning, so I will try to be careful going out today. I always carry a bottle of water with me now.
Yesterday, when Brian S. was here, I spied a tiny anole... just about an inch and a half long wriggling up the wall. He caught it and we watched as it clung to his finger, then he let it go and the stripes really hid it in the grass. God makes all kinds of creatures for his and our pleasure.
I drove through the park last night after a meeting at church and was surprised to find lots of cars there. I guess people like to take a walk just before closing, instead of the heat of the day time. I had been there earlier and hardly any cars were there. I noticed the fence that was left has now been taken down, so the gopher tortoise has no barrier in his way. He used to have to dig his way under the fence. Parts of the grass had been mowed, but tall weeds cover the other grounds. It doesn't bother the ibis and the squirrels, though. That is their natural habitat. I was hoping to see some bunnies, but it probably was not late enough. But, God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up to the mountain by himself to pray; and when it was evening, he was there alone. Matthew 14:23
Hon," the petite supermarket employee said in her southern drawl, "everybody I know says they are Just worn out." She took a deep breath, brushed a wisp of unruly brunette hair away from her blue eyes, and continued checking groceries.
Stress has become a buzzword for Americans, especially in the last decade. At some point in our lives we are all overcome with hectic schedules and perfectionistic tendencies.
In his article "Confessions of a Workaholic," psychiatrist Paul Meier wrote: Having grown up with an overdose of the Protestant work ethic, I was an honor student who was somewhat overzealous...I was proud of myself for being one. I thought that was what God wanted of me." But later through the help of friends, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and biblical teaching. Dr. Meier established new priorities. At the top of his list was: "Know God personally.z'
He observed, "I've learned to accept living in an imperfect world. Every need is not a call for any involvement. I have learned to trust God instead of myself to rescue the world. He can do a much better job of it anyway."
Jesus, too, must have been exhausted by demands placed upon him. When He departed to pray in quiet solitude, He left a significant example for us to follow--daily.
God is a tranquil being and abides
in a tranquil eternity
so must your spirit become
a tranquil and clear little pool,
wherein the serene light
of God can be mirrored.
Gerhard Tersteegen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Letting Go
Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We had lots of thunder and dark clouds late afternoon yesterday, but no rain. The sun is already brilliant today and it will be another very hot summer day.
The mockingbirds are really enjoying the podacarpus hedge next door. It is right outside my window and they have been flying in and out of the hedge all morning, pulling off the gray-blue berries. The berries are pretty large, but I guess the birds are able to peck at them enough to swallow them.
As I was coming back from my second of six radiation treatments yesterday, I saw another roseate spoonbill, down in the ditch...almost missed it, because it was so far down. They always give me a lift, because of their pink beauty!
A little ways beyond a large flock of ibis, immature and mature were busily aerating the ground near a retention pond. They always look so serious, intent on getting the grubs and worms out of the earth.
Brian S. came over to work on a corner of the house that had a broken block. It was good that we did not have rain, because he had to mix up cement which had to harden, but God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
The spider monkey is a tiny animal native to South and Central America. Quick as lightning, it is a very difficult animal to capture in the wild. For years, people attempted to shoot spider monkeys with tranquilizer guns or capture them with nets, but they discovered the monkeys were nearly always faster than their fastest draw or quickest trap.
Then somebody discovered the best method for capturing this elusive creature. they found that if you take a clear narrow-mouth glass bottle, put one peanut inside it, and wait, you can catch a spider monkey.
What happens? The spider monkey reaches into the bottle to get the peanut, and it can't get its hand out of the bottle as long as it is clenching the peanut. The bottle is so heavy in proportion to its size, it can't drag it along---and the spider monkey is too persistent to let go of a peanut once it has grasped it. In fact, you can dump a wheelbarrow full of peanuts or bananas right next to it, and it still won't let go of that one peanut.
How many of us are like that---unwilling to change a habit, be a little flexible, try a new method, or give up something we know is bringing destruction to our lives? We stubbornly cling to our way , even if it brings pain or suffering.
Today, don't cling to a negative situation that may be draining you of your full vitality, energy, creativity, and enthusiasm for living. As the well-known phrase advises, "Let go and let God!"
Trust the Lord to lead you to the wise counsel and new opportunities He has for you. Have faith in Him to provide what you truly need to live a peaceful, balanced, and fulfilling life. You may never lose your taste for peanuts, but with the Lord's help you can discern when they are trapped in glass bottles!
I asked God for all things
so I could enjoy life. He gave me life
so I could enjoy all things.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
The mockingbirds are really enjoying the podacarpus hedge next door. It is right outside my window and they have been flying in and out of the hedge all morning, pulling off the gray-blue berries. The berries are pretty large, but I guess the birds are able to peck at them enough to swallow them.
As I was coming back from my second of six radiation treatments yesterday, I saw another roseate spoonbill, down in the ditch...almost missed it, because it was so far down. They always give me a lift, because of their pink beauty!
A little ways beyond a large flock of ibis, immature and mature were busily aerating the ground near a retention pond. They always look so serious, intent on getting the grubs and worms out of the earth.
Brian S. came over to work on a corner of the house that had a broken block. It was good that we did not have rain, because he had to mix up cement which had to harden, but God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
The spider monkey is a tiny animal native to South and Central America. Quick as lightning, it is a very difficult animal to capture in the wild. For years, people attempted to shoot spider monkeys with tranquilizer guns or capture them with nets, but they discovered the monkeys were nearly always faster than their fastest draw or quickest trap.
Then somebody discovered the best method for capturing this elusive creature. they found that if you take a clear narrow-mouth glass bottle, put one peanut inside it, and wait, you can catch a spider monkey.
What happens? The spider monkey reaches into the bottle to get the peanut, and it can't get its hand out of the bottle as long as it is clenching the peanut. The bottle is so heavy in proportion to its size, it can't drag it along---and the spider monkey is too persistent to let go of a peanut once it has grasped it. In fact, you can dump a wheelbarrow full of peanuts or bananas right next to it, and it still won't let go of that one peanut.
How many of us are like that---unwilling to change a habit, be a little flexible, try a new method, or give up something we know is bringing destruction to our lives? We stubbornly cling to our way , even if it brings pain or suffering.
Today, don't cling to a negative situation that may be draining you of your full vitality, energy, creativity, and enthusiasm for living. As the well-known phrase advises, "Let go and let God!"
Trust the Lord to lead you to the wise counsel and new opportunities He has for you. Have faith in Him to provide what you truly need to live a peaceful, balanced, and fulfilling life. You may never lose your taste for peanuts, but with the Lord's help you can discern when they are trapped in glass bottles!
I asked God for all things
so I could enjoy life. He gave me life
so I could enjoy all things.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
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! The sun is shining, the birds are zipping by and the squirrels are climbing up and down the oak trees, and God is in charge, so all is well.
Have you all noticed how many butterflies there are this summer?. I see yellow ones, copper colored, brown, and large and small. It seems they are more plentiful this year than most for some reason. My beauty berry bush has really expanded this year, but I haven't noticed any berries on it. It reminds me of the mulberry tree we had in our yard when I was growing up. Of course, that was before clothes dryers, so the purple stains were not welcome on the clean clothes. But the birds like the purple beauty berries, too!
I was in time at the park yesterday to see an anhinga shaking his feathers vigorously before spreading his wings to dry..sort of like wringing out the water or shaking like a dog. It never lost its balance on the dead log, though. There were few people out in the heat of the day, but I am always impressed with the gnarly , twisted branches of the oak trees, contrasted with the green of the leaves and the deep shade. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How do I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers.But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. We must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
Philippians 4:6,7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
There's no limit on prayer. Big requests, small requests, and all sizes in between are welcomed by God. If something bothers us, it should be brought to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Have you all noticed how many butterflies there are this summer?. I see yellow ones, copper colored, brown, and large and small. It seems they are more plentiful this year than most for some reason. My beauty berry bush has really expanded this year, but I haven't noticed any berries on it. It reminds me of the mulberry tree we had in our yard when I was growing up. Of course, that was before clothes dryers, so the purple stains were not welcome on the clean clothes. But the birds like the purple beauty berries, too!
I was in time at the park yesterday to see an anhinga shaking his feathers vigorously before spreading his wings to dry..sort of like wringing out the water or shaking like a dog. It never lost its balance on the dead log, though. There were few people out in the heat of the day, but I am always impressed with the gnarly , twisted branches of the oak trees, contrasted with the green of the leaves and the deep shade. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How do I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers.But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. We must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
Philippians 4:6,7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
There's no limit on prayer. Big requests, small requests, and all sizes in between are welcomed by God. If something bothers us, it should be brought to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Psoaring thru Psalm 5
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yesterday was a beautiful day with the rain coming in the morning, instead of evening. at least, it rained in this part of town. As I was leaving for my radiation treatment, I could see heavy rain falling in the east, but I was heading west, so the big drops splattered on me only for a couple blocks. I outran it! :o)
I saw flocks of ibis alongside the road, but no roseates this time. However when I drove in the park, I watched a graceful egret stretching its neck over the water, the better to see some tasty fish. I like to watch their necks undulate when they are really intent on looking for whatever they look for. The water lilies have been sprayed and are now brown, but this has to be done to avoid blocking the flow of the canal, which goes all the way under the interstate and to Turner's creek and then to the Bay. Before the canal, the streets in this neighborhood would flood, but that was years ago. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
O Lord, hear me as I pray
pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and My God,
for I will never pray to anyone but you.
Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
Each morning I bring my requests to you
and wait expectantly.
O God, you take no pleasure in
wickedness;
You cannot tolerate the slightest sin.
Therefore, the proud will not be allowed
to stand in your presence,
for you hate all who do evil.
You will destroy those who tell lies.
The Lord detests murderers and deceivers.
Because of your unfailing love, I can enter
your house;
with deepest awe I will worship at your
Temple.
Lead me to the right path, O Lord,
for my enemies will conquer me.
Tell me clearly what to do
and show me which way to turn....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I saw flocks of ibis alongside the road, but no roseates this time. However when I drove in the park, I watched a graceful egret stretching its neck over the water, the better to see some tasty fish. I like to watch their necks undulate when they are really intent on looking for whatever they look for. The water lilies have been sprayed and are now brown, but this has to be done to avoid blocking the flow of the canal, which goes all the way under the interstate and to Turner's creek and then to the Bay. Before the canal, the streets in this neighborhood would flood, but that was years ago. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
O Lord, hear me as I pray
pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King and My God,
for I will never pray to anyone but you.
Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
Each morning I bring my requests to you
and wait expectantly.
O God, you take no pleasure in
wickedness;
You cannot tolerate the slightest sin.
Therefore, the proud will not be allowed
to stand in your presence,
for you hate all who do evil.
You will destroy those who tell lies.
The Lord detests murderers and deceivers.
Because of your unfailing love, I can enter
your house;
with deepest awe I will worship at your
Temple.
Lead me to the right path, O Lord,
for my enemies will conquer me.
Tell me clearly what to do
and show me which way to turn....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 26, 2010
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! Last night we had a good thunderstorm, but after I left church and drove home, I saw beautiful clouds in the sky with the last rays of the sun shining through. When I rounded the corner near home, a giant ray was shining like a round funnel straight through. Awesome!
On the way home from an appointment Friday, I saw the most beautiful roseate spoonbills pecking along in a ditch. They don't even know how much pleasure they give me just by looking at them. God painted them with gorgeous pinks! I also saw two graceful egrets in the park and one tri-colored heron. The heron was in stark contrast to the roseates, because he is quite drab next to them.
This morning when I stepped outside, I could hear a chorus of frogs in the distance. that's how much rain we have had! Also, those little bitty ones are still in the yard, and a baby, I mean really little, anole was right on the doorframe. I don't think it can get in the house, though. God is good
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.
Psalm 111:10 Reverence for the Lord is the foudation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures. It is understanding that an all-powerful, all-knowing God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.
Proverbs 3:21-26 My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Wisdom produces honor is our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what is right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
On the way home from an appointment Friday, I saw the most beautiful roseate spoonbills pecking along in a ditch. They don't even know how much pleasure they give me just by looking at them. God painted them with gorgeous pinks! I also saw two graceful egrets in the park and one tri-colored heron. The heron was in stark contrast to the roseates, because he is quite drab next to them.
This morning when I stepped outside, I could hear a chorus of frogs in the distance. that's how much rain we have had! Also, those little bitty ones are still in the yard, and a baby, I mean really little, anole was right on the doorframe. I don't think it can get in the house, though. God is good
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.
Psalm 111:10 Reverence for the Lord is the foudation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures. It is understanding that an all-powerful, all-knowing God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.
Proverbs 3:21-26 My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Wisdom produces honor is our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what is right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, July 23, 2010
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! Another hot day is predicted with maybe a little rain later on. But this is not the only place that is hot. I received the weather email from Tn, and they are warning people about the heat from there and how to keep cool. They are not used to have 100 degree heat index days. Since they are inland, they don't get the breezes like we do most days.
I had to go grocery shopping yesterday and didn't get going until after lunch, because David C. who does my yard came unexpectedly. By the time I got to Sweetbay, it was really hot, so I parked in the shade under a tree and walked a long way into the store. I should have taken an umbrella for shade while walking in, but I always slather on #45 sunblock before going out. I was really glad I parked in the shade, though, because the van was much cooler.
While I was outside (in the shade) talking with David after he mowed, we noticed a red-headed woodpecker in the oak tree, hopping around and pecking on the tree. I had not seen one of them in a while. Then a mocker flew to a branch just over our heads. When I drove to the park, I saw four ibis pecking around the trunk of one of the oak trees, but that was the only time I saw birds. God is good!
From Hymns for the Family of God hymnal;
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
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had to go grocery shopping yesterday and didn't get going until after lunch, because David C. who does my yard came unexpectedly. By the time I got to Sweetbay, it was really hot, so I parked in the shade under a tree and walked a long way into the store. I should have taken an umbrella for shade while walking in, but I always slather on #45 sunblock before going out. I was really glad I parked in the shade, though, because the van was much cooler.
While I was outside (in the shade) talking with David after he mowed, we noticed a red-headed woodpecker in the oak tree, hopping around and pecking on the tree. I had not seen one of them in a while. Then a mocker flew to a branch just over our heads. When I drove to the park, I saw four ibis pecking around the trunk of one of the oak trees, but that was the only time I saw birds. God is good!
From Hymns for the Family of God hymnal;
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
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Message
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 hot day in store for us, but, hopefully with slight breezes. When the heat index gets up to 100, it is time to get indoors and cool down.
I drove into the park yesterday on the way back from an appointment and noticed few people, but even the squirrels were not running across the road or zipping up and down the trees. It was just hot!
Speaking of squirrels, I spied a baby squirrel sitting in the oak tree... just a tiny one. It must have ventured out of the nest for the first or second time. They are cute but can be nuisances. Another unwelcome visitor was in the garage on a bucket. One of those giant lubbers! The huge grasshoppers! That's what has been eating all the leaves off my amaryllis. No sooner than they grow new leaves, than they get eaten off. Well, needless to say, I dispatched him to wherever grasshoppers go.
So many people have been having sinus troubles, I just wonder if the beautiful, yellow blossoms are the cause of the pollen. They really are pretty, but maybe not so good to have around if you have allergies. I still have some blooms on my crape myrtle and they are a pretty pink . So, God is good!
This is from The Message
A fight to the Finish, Ephesians 1o:13
...And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you , well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting, you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out....
Good-bye, friends. Love mixed with faith be yours from God the Father and from the Master, Jesus Christ. Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I drove into the park yesterday on the way back from an appointment and noticed few people, but even the squirrels were not running across the road or zipping up and down the trees. It was just hot!
Speaking of squirrels, I spied a baby squirrel sitting in the oak tree... just a tiny one. It must have ventured out of the nest for the first or second time. They are cute but can be nuisances. Another unwelcome visitor was in the garage on a bucket. One of those giant lubbers! The huge grasshoppers! That's what has been eating all the leaves off my amaryllis. No sooner than they grow new leaves, than they get eaten off. Well, needless to say, I dispatched him to wherever grasshoppers go.
So many people have been having sinus troubles, I just wonder if the beautiful, yellow blossoms are the cause of the pollen. They really are pretty, but maybe not so good to have around if you have allergies. I still have some blooms on my crape myrtle and they are a pretty pink . So, God is good!
This is from The Message
A fight to the Finish, Ephesians 1o:13
...And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you , well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting, you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out....
Good-bye, friends. Love mixed with faith be yours from God the Father and from the Master, Jesus Christ. Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
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! We had a little shower for a few minutes last night...one of those unexpected blessings after a very hot day! Not a breath of air is stirring right now, but hopefully, we will have something to relieve the humidity soon. I stepped outside this morning, and felt like I was in a sauna immediately! But, once again the squirrels don't care. One was hanging upside on the tree with a large acorn in his mouth and the other went galloping across the street to see how the food was over there. There is a very large nest hanging over the street and one just above the porch. that's probably where they sleep at night. Just a guess.
Well, yesterday I had a busy day starting with a hair appointment, so I would look pretty for my photo later in the afternoon. In between times, I attended the luncheon in honor of Pat and Pastor Rick, and then took a turn as hostess for the people to be photographed. I took time to come home and freshen up and change, before going back, but I also went to the park, where very few people were out. It was just too hot to walk. But the usual ibis, squirrels and egrets were present and doing their usual thing. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Don't worry about the wicked.
Don't envy those who do wrong
For like the grass, they soon fade away.
Like springtime flowers, they 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
like 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 wicked schemes.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others--
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed,
for 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
Well, yesterday I had a busy day starting with a hair appointment, so I would look pretty for my photo later in the afternoon. In between times, I attended the luncheon in honor of Pat and Pastor Rick, and then took a turn as hostess for the people to be photographed. I took time to come home and freshen up and change, before going back, but I also went to the park, where very few people were out. It was just too hot to walk. But the usual ibis, squirrels and egrets were present and doing their usual thing. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Don't worry about the wicked.
Don't envy those who do wrong
For like the grass, they soon fade away.
Like springtime flowers, they 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
like 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 wicked schemes.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others--
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed,
for 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, July 20, 2010
Psoaring thru Psalm 138
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 hot day coming up, but already a breeze is blowing, so that is always good even if it is humid. The heat doesn't seem to bother the squirrels in the yard, Yesterday I was amused to watch two little squirrels acting squirrely by chasing each other around and around the oak tree, and up in the branches and then down and around. It was pretty exhausting just to watch them.
Speaking of exhausting, I have been watching portions of the Tour de France, and seeing those racers pedaling up the Alps, drinking while on the way, and eating bars of something still pedaling, just makes me amazed to see all the energy they need. I heard that they need 4000 calories a day and gallons of water to keep hydrated! There have been wrecks and bike problems, but they just get up and keep going. Now, that's perseverance!
i saw two egrets in the park yesterday, posing like a still life, because they can stand still for so long, waiting for dinner to show up, then they strike like lightning! I also saw my old friend, the gopher tortoise, slowly making his way through the weeds, which are pretty high now, all over the park. except where the mowing crew managed to cut the grass. But, it is still enjoyable! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 138:1-8
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name.
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
When I pray , you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me the
strength I need.
Every king in all the earth will give you thanks,
O Lord, for all of them will hear your words.
Yes, they will sing about the Lord's ways,
for the glory of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the
humble,
but he keeps his distance from the proud.
Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will preserve me against
the anger of my enemies.
You will clench your fist against
my angry enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life--
For your faithful love. O Lord, endures forever.
Don't abandon me, for you made me.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Speaking of exhausting, I have been watching portions of the Tour de France, and seeing those racers pedaling up the Alps, drinking while on the way, and eating bars of something still pedaling, just makes me amazed to see all the energy they need. I heard that they need 4000 calories a day and gallons of water to keep hydrated! There have been wrecks and bike problems, but they just get up and keep going. Now, that's perseverance!
i saw two egrets in the park yesterday, posing like a still life, because they can stand still for so long, waiting for dinner to show up, then they strike like lightning! I also saw my old friend, the gopher tortoise, slowly making his way through the weeds, which are pretty high now, all over the park. except where the mowing crew managed to cut the grass. But, it is still enjoyable! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 138:1-8
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name.
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
When I pray , you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me the
strength I need.
Every king in all the earth will give you thanks,
O Lord, for all of them will hear your words.
Yes, they will sing about the Lord's ways,
for the glory of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the
humble,
but he keeps his distance from the proud.
Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will preserve me against
the anger of my enemies.
You will clench your fist against
my angry enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life--
For your faithful love. O Lord, endures forever.
Don't abandon me, for you made me.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 19, 2010
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! Where does the time go? I spent a little extra time in prayer this morning, because of new and ongoing prayer requests and needs. Lon Allison of the Billy Graham Evang. Assn. is in Rwanda this week, preaching to 10,000 nightly and needing a lot of prayer, fall programs at FCC, and the precious people on my list , including family, that I regularly pray for....Seems like God is being bombarded these days with so much going on. Good thing He hears us all and knows before we pray, what is in our minds and thoughts!
I went to the park yesterday and saw quite a few people enjoying the shade and cool, humid breeze. This was before the rain came last night. Water is still dripping off my roof from the thunderstorm, but I am always thankful for rain.
I enjoyed leftovers from Pipo's for lunch yesterday. Brian asked me out Sat. night and since I had never been to Pipo's before, I gladly accepted. They serve so much food, I could only eat a small portion of it, but, that's OK, since leftovers are always nice.
God is good!
Today's scripture is from the Message, which is a little difficult for me to read, because the book is written in paragraphs. But it does have some pointed things to say;
Colossians 3
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offence. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all purpose garment. Never be without it.
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ--the Message--have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good comment sense. And sing, sing your hearts to God! Let every detail in your lives--works, actions, whatever--be done in the name of the Master , Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I went to the park yesterday and saw quite a few people enjoying the shade and cool, humid breeze. This was before the rain came last night. Water is still dripping off my roof from the thunderstorm, but I am always thankful for rain.
I enjoyed leftovers from Pipo's for lunch yesterday. Brian asked me out Sat. night and since I had never been to Pipo's before, I gladly accepted. They serve so much food, I could only eat a small portion of it, but, that's OK, since leftovers are always nice.
God is good!
Today's scripture is from the Message, which is a little difficult for me to read, because the book is written in paragraphs. But it does have some pointed things to say;
Colossians 3
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offence. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all purpose garment. Never be without it.
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ--the Message--have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good comment sense. And sing, sing your hearts to God! Let every detail in your lives--works, actions, whatever--be done in the name of the Master , Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, July 16, 2010
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! What a storm we had last night. Everything was dark at seven and the wind was blowing and the oak tree leaves were thrashing back and forth and the rain poured down. David C. had just mowed and blew all the driveway and porch clean. But that was yesterday. Today you would never know it. Twigs and leaves all over, but they will be easy to clean up. God is good to give us shelter and protect us when we need it!
I was kinda groggy all day from lack of sleep, but did better last night. Some nights are like that. I went to Walmart and filled the gas tank, and then stopped at the park to look around. An immature ibis and a white one were pecking side by side, but not many people were there. It was hot, for one thing. People always walk dogs around there and the dogs seem to enjoy it. The canal probably overflowed the weir last night, because a lot of water came down. I wonder where the butterflys and birds go for protection from a storm? I guess God takes care of them. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
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 ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. we must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
1 John 5:14-15 We can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we know he is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for.
While we may not know God's specific will for every situation, we do know that his will is to empower our obedience, to overcome evil with good, and to equip us to be his witnesses. We can also pray confidently for his power and guidance, knowing that we are asking for the very things he most longs to give.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was kinda groggy all day from lack of sleep, but did better last night. Some nights are like that. I went to Walmart and filled the gas tank, and then stopped at the park to look around. An immature ibis and a white one were pecking side by side, but not many people were there. It was hot, for one thing. People always walk dogs around there and the dogs seem to enjoy it. The canal probably overflowed the weir last night, because a lot of water came down. I wonder where the butterflys and birds go for protection from a storm? I guess God takes care of them. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
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 ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. we must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
1 John 5:14-15 We can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we know he is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for.
While we may not know God's specific will for every situation, we do know that his will is to empower our obedience, to overcome evil with good, and to equip us to be his witnesses. We can also pray confidently for his power and guidance, knowing that we are asking for the very things he most longs to give.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, July 15, 2010
My Morning Prayer
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Although it is overcast and supposed to rain today. it's still very warm and humid. But the birds and butterflies do not mind. As I was sweeping the porch off yesterday, I stopped and watched a large swallowtail butterfly flitting all over the yard and the lawn across the street. I can see out my window the mockingbirds landing in the podacarpus hedge and picking off the berries. they have plenty of them to eat!
Hopefully, I won't fall asleep while typing this. Last night I slept about two hours, then got up at 1:30am and read until three, still not feeling sleepy, and came back to bed, but finally got up at 6 and dozed all through my prayer time. Some nights are like that!
Yesterday was a quiet day for me, with no appointments, so I went shopping, and then to the park. I enjoyed seeing the green grass, shrubs and lots of hydrilla on the canal. I saw a little moorhen this side of the weir, paddling happily about. I believe that is the first time I have seen a moorhen at that particular spot. It is good to see them come back. All of the lilies were destroyed when the first cuts were made in the budget, so there was no place for them to build nests. Now that the plants are back in plenty, I believe that is why they are showing up once again. God is good!
I pray this each morning for myself and have sent it before, but it is good to repeat:
"Oh, God, for another day, for another morning, for another hour, for another minute, for another chance to live and serve Thee, I am truly grateful."
Do Thou this day free me
from all fear of the future
from all bitterness toward anyone.
from all cowardice in face of danger,
from all laziness in face of work,
from all failure before opportunity
from all weakness when Thy power is at hand.
But fill me
with Love that knows no barrier
with Sympathy that reaches all
with Courage that cannot be shaken
with Faith strong enough for darkness.
with Strength sufficient for my tasks
with Loyalty to Thy Kingdom Goal,
with Power to lift me to Thee.
Be Thou with me for another day and use
me as Thou will for Christ's sake, I pray.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Hopefully, I won't fall asleep while typing this. Last night I slept about two hours, then got up at 1:30am and read until three, still not feeling sleepy, and came back to bed, but finally got up at 6 and dozed all through my prayer time. Some nights are like that!
Yesterday was a quiet day for me, with no appointments, so I went shopping, and then to the park. I enjoyed seeing the green grass, shrubs and lots of hydrilla on the canal. I saw a little moorhen this side of the weir, paddling happily about. I believe that is the first time I have seen a moorhen at that particular spot. It is good to see them come back. All of the lilies were destroyed when the first cuts were made in the budget, so there was no place for them to build nests. Now that the plants are back in plenty, I believe that is why they are showing up once again. God is good!
I pray this each morning for myself and have sent it before, but it is good to repeat:
"Oh, God, for another day, for another morning, for another hour, for another minute, for another chance to live and serve Thee, I am truly grateful."
Do Thou this day free me
from all fear of the future
from all bitterness toward anyone.
from all cowardice in face of danger,
from all laziness in face of work,
from all failure before opportunity
from all weakness when Thy power is at hand.
But fill me
with Love that knows no barrier
with Sympathy that reaches all
with Courage that cannot be shaken
with Faith strong enough for darkness.
with Strength sufficient for my tasks
with Loyalty to Thy Kingdom Goal,
with Power to lift me to Thee.
Be Thou with me for another day and use
me as Thou will for Christ's sake, I pray.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Faithfulness
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's kinda cloudy this morning and not a breeze is stirring, so it looks like another hot day in paradise!
I have the front porch to sweep off this morning, because there are some peculiar tiny brown spots in a three foot wide circle on it. There is a squirrel nest high up over the circle. Daryl said the squirrels were probably cleaning house. If so, they certainly had a messy house and now I have a messy porch! :o)
While driving on Park Blvd yesterday after an appointment, I went by a Subway, (freestanding) and went around the block and back to it, and discovered they have a drive-thru! Since it was almost lunch time, I ordered a sandwich.I was so happy to find the drive-thru, because I dislike going in any place by myself...not used to it for one thing.
I started out to the supermarket later on, but ran into raindrops and it looked like a downpour ahead, so I came on back home and waited until the shower stopped, then tried again. I came through the park on the way back, all fresh with the rain and saw quite a few people out. Anhingas and ibis, one drying wings, the others pecking on the ground. I wonder if they ever look up? They seem to be consumed with eating all day. Since I mentioned last week that I had not seen lavender crape myrtles before, I have been noticing them everywhere! I guess God opened my eyes! :o) God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why should I be faithful?
Psalm 1:1-3 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight is doing every thing the Lord wants, day and night they think about his law. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.
The quality of our character affects the quality of our life. Integrity brings continual vitality and bears lasting fruit.
Proverbs 3:3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace, write them deep within your heart. then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
One of our greatest securities in life is that of a good name. Faithfulness brings a good reputation and trust from others. When we have problems, sometimes our reputation can be the key to a positive outcome.
2 Timothy 2:11-13 This is a true saying: if we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
Faithfulness is not optional. When we fail and fall, we must fall to our knees. Faithfulness is seen not only in our obedience, but also in our repentance.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I have the front porch to sweep off this morning, because there are some peculiar tiny brown spots in a three foot wide circle on it. There is a squirrel nest high up over the circle. Daryl said the squirrels were probably cleaning house. If so, they certainly had a messy house and now I have a messy porch! :o)
While driving on Park Blvd yesterday after an appointment, I went by a Subway, (freestanding) and went around the block and back to it, and discovered they have a drive-thru! Since it was almost lunch time, I ordered a sandwich.I was so happy to find the drive-thru, because I dislike going in any place by myself...not used to it for one thing.
I started out to the supermarket later on, but ran into raindrops and it looked like a downpour ahead, so I came on back home and waited until the shower stopped, then tried again. I came through the park on the way back, all fresh with the rain and saw quite a few people out. Anhingas and ibis, one drying wings, the others pecking on the ground. I wonder if they ever look up? They seem to be consumed with eating all day. Since I mentioned last week that I had not seen lavender crape myrtles before, I have been noticing them everywhere! I guess God opened my eyes! :o) God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why should I be faithful?
Psalm 1:1-3 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight is doing every thing the Lord wants, day and night they think about his law. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.
The quality of our character affects the quality of our life. Integrity brings continual vitality and bears lasting fruit.
Proverbs 3:3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace, write them deep within your heart. then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
One of our greatest securities in life is that of a good name. Faithfulness brings a good reputation and trust from others. When we have problems, sometimes our reputation can be the key to a positive outcome.
2 Timothy 2:11-13 This is a true saying: if we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
Faithfulness is not optional. When we fail and fall, we must fall to our knees. Faithfulness is seen not only in our obedience, but also in our repentance.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Phlippin' thru Philippians
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 in the eighties and promises to be warmer, but this is Florida in the summer, so we can expect steamy and be thankful for shade!
My eyes are still bloodshot from the drops put in them yesterday at the eye exam, but thankfully, the eyes are healthy and no change. I was blessed that Karin drove me and brought along enough reading material for the two hours I was there. I could not get out until about 8, because of the dilation, which lasted for six hours, but was able to go to the Park. Lots of people were out in the evening, walking and picnicking. I saw a beautiful white egret reflected in the water, looking for a fish, a bedraggled looking anhinga on the weir, and several ibis pecking along in the grass. The path on the right had been freshly mowed, so several people were walking their dogs along it. I was a nice evening. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Words from Paul Phil. 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
My eyes are still bloodshot from the drops put in them yesterday at the eye exam, but thankfully, the eyes are healthy and no change. I was blessed that Karin drove me and brought along enough reading material for the two hours I was there. I could not get out until about 8, because of the dilation, which lasted for six hours, but was able to go to the Park. Lots of people were out in the evening, walking and picnicking. I saw a beautiful white egret reflected in the water, looking for a fish, a bedraggled looking anhinga on the weir, and several ibis pecking along in the grass. The path on the right had been freshly mowed, so several people were walking their dogs along it. I was a nice evening. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Words from Paul Phil. 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
Monday, July 12, 2010
Forever Young
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 overcast for just a little while this morning, but now the sun is shining brightly. I kinda wish it would be overcast because i am having my eyes dilated today for an exam and I will probably be tearful all the way home because of the brightness!
I mentioned last week that I had never seen a lavender crape myrtle until then. Well, duh, the church parking lot and all along the street are lined with lavender colored crape myrtles!! Why did I not notice them before? They really are pretty. I saw some families having a picnic in the park yesterday. While it was very hot, it's about ten degrees cooler under the thick shade of the trees with the breezes blowing. I walked past Arrow Lake and watched two pair of moorhens swimming about. They mate for life and the male always helps with the nest when there are eggs in it. Very domestic! We could learn from them. God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
You will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine.
1 Timothy 4:6
General Douglas MacArthur once said:
Whatever your years, there is in every being's heart the love of wonder, the undaunted challenge of events, the unfailing childlike appetite for what is next, and the joy and the game of life. You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as our fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair. In the central place of every heart there is a recording chamber; so long as it receives messages of beauty, cheer, and courage, so long are you young.
We are never too old to learn or to be used for good. We are never too old to be awed by a thing of beauty or to be thirsty for knowledge. Joyful living knows no age limits, and filling our minds with delight in life may in some ways keep us forever young. Our age is not truly measured in physical characteristics and weaknesses, but by our spirit. We are always of value to our Lord. If we are willing to learn new things, develop new skills , and renew our spirits with the nourishment of His Word, we can always grow, regardless of our age.
The growth process never really stops, even when we say we don't want to learn any more. Something inside us is always taking in something. Our choice is in whether we allow what we are learning to help us grow or not. (Even riding on a motorcycle or Sea-Doo)
Be not afraid of growing slowly,
be afraid only of standing still.
Chinese Proverb
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
I mentioned last week that I had never seen a lavender crape myrtle until then. Well, duh, the church parking lot and all along the street are lined with lavender colored crape myrtles!! Why did I not notice them before? They really are pretty. I saw some families having a picnic in the park yesterday. While it was very hot, it's about ten degrees cooler under the thick shade of the trees with the breezes blowing. I walked past Arrow Lake and watched two pair of moorhens swimming about. They mate for life and the male always helps with the nest when there are eggs in it. Very domestic! We could learn from them. God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
You will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine.
1 Timothy 4:6
General Douglas MacArthur once said:
Whatever your years, there is in every being's heart the love of wonder, the undaunted challenge of events, the unfailing childlike appetite for what is next, and the joy and the game of life. You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as our fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair. In the central place of every heart there is a recording chamber; so long as it receives messages of beauty, cheer, and courage, so long are you young.
We are never too old to learn or to be used for good. We are never too old to be awed by a thing of beauty or to be thirsty for knowledge. Joyful living knows no age limits, and filling our minds with delight in life may in some ways keep us forever young. Our age is not truly measured in physical characteristics and weaknesses, but by our spirit. We are always of value to our Lord. If we are willing to learn new things, develop new skills , and renew our spirits with the nourishment of His Word, we can always grow, regardless of our age.
The growth process never really stops, even when we say we don't want to learn any more. Something inside us is always taking in something. Our choice is in whether we allow what we are learning to help us grow or not. (Even riding on a motorcycle or Sea-Doo)
Be not afraid of growing slowly,
be afraid only of standing still.
Chinese Proverb
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Friday, July 9, 2010
RED MARBLES
Dear Friends and Prayer Partners. this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I think this story will take the place of anything I could send , so have a wonderful weekend and remember to be kind to someone, because you may meet an angel unawares.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Fri, Jul 9, 2010 at 6:52 AM
Subject: RED MARBLES
To:
RED MARBLES
I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas.
I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.
Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.
'Hello Barry, how are you today?'
'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.'
'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'
'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'
'Good. Anything I can help you with?'
'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'
'Would you like to take some home?' asked Mr. Miller..
'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'
'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'
'All I got's my prize marble here.'
'Is that right? Let me see it' said Miller..
'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'
'I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked.
'Not zackley but almost..'
'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble'. Mr. Miller told the boy.
'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'
Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.'
I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.
Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died.
They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.
Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her, and moved on to the casket.
Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one; each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes..
Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket.
'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size......they came to pay their debt.'
'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho.'
With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.
The Moral: We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath...
Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ~ A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself...An unexpected phone call from an old friend...Green stoplights on your way to work...The fastest line at the grocery store...A good sing-along song on the radio...Your keys found right where you left them.
Send this to the people you'll never forget. I just Did....
If you don't send it to anyone, it means you are in way too much of a hurry to even notice the ordinary miracles when they occur.
IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED
Have a Great Day!
I think this story will take the place of anything I could send , so have a wonderful weekend and remember to be kind to someone, because you may meet an angel unawares.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Fri, Jul 9, 2010 at 6:52 AM
Subject: RED MARBLES
To:
RED MARBLES
I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas.
I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.
Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.
'Hello Barry, how are you today?'
'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.'
'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'
'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'
'Good. Anything I can help you with?'
'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'
'Would you like to take some home?' asked Mr. Miller..
'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'
'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'
'All I got's my prize marble here.'
'Is that right? Let me see it' said Miller..
'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'
'I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked.
'Not zackley but almost..'
'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble'. Mr. Miller told the boy.
'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'
Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.'
I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.
Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died.
They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.
Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her, and moved on to the casket.
Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one; each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes..
Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket.
'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size......they came to pay their debt.'
'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho.'
With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.
The Moral: We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath...
Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ~ A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself...An unexpected phone call from an old friend...Green stoplights on your way to work...The fastest line at the grocery store...A good sing-along song on the radio...Your keys found right where you left them.
Send this to the people you'll never forget. I just Did....
If you don't send it to anyone, it means you are in way too much of a hurry to even notice the ordinary miracles when they occur.
IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED
Have a Great Day!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Psoaring thru Psalm 20
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 almost have to wear my sunglasses indoors for a few minutes each morning since our trees were trimmed! The sun comes in now under the branches and shines across the living and dining rooms, very brightly for about five minutes, now. Quite surprising how much difference a little trimming can do!
But it was good for the grass, because now where there was no sun and the grass died, now it is slowly growing back, so it looks much better. Not good, yet, but better. I haven't seen anyone else using their sprinklers lately. Our gutters are still running with water and it is oozing out of the driveways. We are wet!!
I could see over at the park where the water came up over the weir and lots of weeds were wrapped around the posts. Someone picked up all the trash, though, so it looked really good. I saw a bedraggled anhinga drying out on the concrete drive. For some reason he did not preen his feathers, so he looked unkempt. A great blue heron was fishing and the usual squirrels were scampering across the road and up the trees.They scare me sometimes, when they race out in front of the car! I am always afraid I will hit one. But they are swift and so far I have missed them. God is good!
Psalm 20 NLT;
In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.
May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from his sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May he remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings.
May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory
flying banners to honor our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.
Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed king.
He will answer him from his holy heaven
and rescue him by his great power.
Some nations boast of their armies and weapons.
but we boast in the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse
but we will rise up and stand firm.
Give victory to our king, O Lord,
Respond to our cry for help.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
But it was good for the grass, because now where there was no sun and the grass died, now it is slowly growing back, so it looks much better. Not good, yet, but better. I haven't seen anyone else using their sprinklers lately. Our gutters are still running with water and it is oozing out of the driveways. We are wet!!
I could see over at the park where the water came up over the weir and lots of weeds were wrapped around the posts. Someone picked up all the trash, though, so it looked really good. I saw a bedraggled anhinga drying out on the concrete drive. For some reason he did not preen his feathers, so he looked unkempt. A great blue heron was fishing and the usual squirrels were scampering across the road and up the trees.They scare me sometimes, when they race out in front of the car! I am always afraid I will hit one. But they are swift and so far I have missed them. God is good!
Psalm 20 NLT;
In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.
May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from his sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May he remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings.
May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory
flying banners to honor our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.
Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed king.
He will answer him from his holy heaven
and rescue him by his great power.
Some nations boast of their armies and weapons.
but we boast in the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse
but we will rise up and stand firm.
Give victory to our king, O Lord,
Respond to our cry for help.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Protection
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!. "Sunshine on my shoulders, makes me happy"...can you hear John Denver singing that? While I liked the coolness that the rain and overcast skies brought, I do like the sun shining brightly, and perking everything up. Water drops are still shining like diamonds on plants and bushes, and my porch is wet, but will soon dry up. God knows our needs and He provides.
My crape myrtle is still showing beauty with pink blooms, although it is in the back yard and not visible from the front, but I can see it from my prayer room. Also. I saw a lavender one in front of the Christian Bookstore when I visited them yesterday. I had never seen that color before on a crape myrtle. The yellow golden rain tree in a yard on the way into the park, had shed yellow blossoms all over the driveway of the house. They looked very pretty , but the house is vacant and no one is there to look after it.
I saw more white toadstools scattered around the ground in the park , which we used to call "fairy rings" when I was a kid. There are dozens of them all over, which shows how wet the ground is. Sometimes the squirrels eat the ones in my yard, but the ones in the park must not be good for them, because they are untouched. I saw the great white heron fishing with his neck stretched out. They are so lovely and graceful! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does the Lord protect me?
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.
When enemies come against us, they really come against the Lord,. we are continually reminded that victory is assured when we let the Lord fight our battles. He can turn our enemies against each other so that they destroy themselves while we walk away unscathed.
Psalm 91:1-4 Those who live in the Shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the Lord. He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I am trusting him. For he will rescue you from every shelter with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
God guards us from the dangers that stalk us. God is a refuge, a shelter, and a place of safety from all threats. His promises shield us and inspire our faith and courage.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My crape myrtle is still showing beauty with pink blooms, although it is in the back yard and not visible from the front, but I can see it from my prayer room. Also. I saw a lavender one in front of the Christian Bookstore when I visited them yesterday. I had never seen that color before on a crape myrtle. The yellow golden rain tree in a yard on the way into the park, had shed yellow blossoms all over the driveway of the house. They looked very pretty , but the house is vacant and no one is there to look after it.
I saw more white toadstools scattered around the ground in the park , which we used to call "fairy rings" when I was a kid. There are dozens of them all over, which shows how wet the ground is. Sometimes the squirrels eat the ones in my yard, but the ones in the park must not be good for them, because they are untouched. I saw the great white heron fishing with his neck stretched out. They are so lovely and graceful! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does the Lord protect me?
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.
When enemies come against us, they really come against the Lord,. we are continually reminded that victory is assured when we let the Lord fight our battles. He can turn our enemies against each other so that they destroy themselves while we walk away unscathed.
Psalm 91:1-4 Those who live in the Shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the Lord. He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I am trusting him. For he will rescue you from every shelter with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
God guards us from the dangers that stalk us. God is a refuge, a shelter, and a place of safety from all threats. His promises shield us and inspire our faith and courage.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Joy
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's overcast this morning, but no rain so far. Hooray! Maybe the rain is finally moving off, although I will certainly miss the cooler temps. that we have enjoyed the past few days. Back to the 90's soon!
I decided to take a walk last night after supper, because the rain had let up and it was just sprinkling a little, so off to the Park I went. Very few people were there, and no one when I started across the bridge. I stopped to watch an anhinga try to swallow a rather fat fish, He was so determined, he was paddling in circles, all the while juggling the fish in his beak, trying not to let it get away. I think he was headed for the bank which is quite overgrown where he was, but since he disappeared, I walked on. Coming toward me from the Hammock trail was a rather large, raccoon. He looked at me and I looked at him, and told him to stay where he was, because I did not care to have a close encounter with him. I walked on to the first shelter and kept looking over my shoulder to see where he was, and he was just ambling along some distance behind me.
After waiting at the shelter for a bit, I decided to walk back, and sure enough, he was still coming. I walked steadily toward him, and Mr. Raccoon turned around and found a rail he could fit between and off he went into the brush. I must say, I was relieved! Then, as I walked off, who should I meet but David Massey, coming from a run. Now, that was a divine encounter that I was happy for, instead of the raccoon! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Zephaniah 3:11 The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song.
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever.
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully anf finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
How can I be joyful in hard times?
Habakkuk 3::17-18 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine, even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren, even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet i will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I decided to take a walk last night after supper, because the rain had let up and it was just sprinkling a little, so off to the Park I went. Very few people were there, and no one when I started across the bridge. I stopped to watch an anhinga try to swallow a rather fat fish, He was so determined, he was paddling in circles, all the while juggling the fish in his beak, trying not to let it get away. I think he was headed for the bank which is quite overgrown where he was, but since he disappeared, I walked on. Coming toward me from the Hammock trail was a rather large, raccoon. He looked at me and I looked at him, and told him to stay where he was, because I did not care to have a close encounter with him. I walked on to the first shelter and kept looking over my shoulder to see where he was, and he was just ambling along some distance behind me.
After waiting at the shelter for a bit, I decided to walk back, and sure enough, he was still coming. I walked steadily toward him, and Mr. Raccoon turned around and found a rail he could fit between and off he went into the brush. I must say, I was relieved! Then, as I walked off, who should I meet but David Massey, coming from a run. Now, that was a divine encounter that I was happy for, instead of the raccoon! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Zephaniah 3:11 The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song.
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever.
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully anf finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
How can I be joyful in hard times?
Habakkuk 3::17-18 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine, even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren, even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet i will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 5, 2010
July Fifth
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the wet day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Even though it rained nearly all day and night, it did not stop the fireworks from popping off in the neighborhood until well after eleven last night. I stayed in bed as long as I could this morning, because of the loud popping, which sounded like it was right outside my window. I didn't want to call the authorities, because they have enough to do without chasing down illegal fireworks.
Church was pretty well attended yesterday, in spite of the rain. The very appropriate theme this year for VBS, is "Rainforest" . I know God is laughing at that. However, the people in charge of activities are probably having to exercise the children inside, instead of in the rain.
Denny was practicing "random acts of kindness" yesterday, as he met me at the car door with a big umbrella and escorted me to the overhang out of the rain. That was very thoughtful of him. Thanks again, Denny! We had a good preview of the puppet show, and I am sure VBS will be a big success again this year, due to the volunteers and Miss Jan and Jeannie's planning.
Brian and I decided to drive down to the outlet mall in Ellenton, even though it was late in the afternoon. The skyway was beautiful in the overcast light, but the water was choppy enough that there were few boats out. The mall was very crowded as it most always is, but there were special sales yesterday, so I got a bargain in sandals!
I have noticed the gorgeous display of golden flowers on what I think are "golden rain trees". It seems like a good name for the tree because the blossoms are falling like rain all over the streets and yards, just as the jacaranda dripped lavendar blooms all over for a while. There is always color on something! God is good!
I thought I would send along something written by Arthur Gordon for Guideposts planning calendar a few years ago;
Isaiah 43:4
Since you were precious in my sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you.
I once heard a talk given by Gen Mark Clark. Honor, the general said, is the ability to put morality ahead of expediency, duty ahead of self-indulgence, and to do this instinctively and every time. But, he added this shining quality does not occur spontaneously in people. It has to be learned. Parents have to teach it. Schools have to teach it. Churches have to teach it. Unless they do, our society will begin to crumble.
The sense of honor that our ancestors knew, the general said, has become weakened and diminished. We no longer understand how important honor is in the conduct of our daily lives. The men who signed the Declaration of Independence did understand, In the last line of that document, so dangerous to the signers, all of them pledged to one another "our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." To them, honor was not just some casual concept. It was sacred.
---Arthur Gordon
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Church was pretty well attended yesterday, in spite of the rain. The very appropriate theme this year for VBS, is "Rainforest" . I know God is laughing at that. However, the people in charge of activities are probably having to exercise the children inside, instead of in the rain.
Denny was practicing "random acts of kindness" yesterday, as he met me at the car door with a big umbrella and escorted me to the overhang out of the rain. That was very thoughtful of him. Thanks again, Denny! We had a good preview of the puppet show, and I am sure VBS will be a big success again this year, due to the volunteers and Miss Jan and Jeannie's planning.
Brian and I decided to drive down to the outlet mall in Ellenton, even though it was late in the afternoon. The skyway was beautiful in the overcast light, but the water was choppy enough that there were few boats out. The mall was very crowded as it most always is, but there were special sales yesterday, so I got a bargain in sandals!
I have noticed the gorgeous display of golden flowers on what I think are "golden rain trees". It seems like a good name for the tree because the blossoms are falling like rain all over the streets and yards, just as the jacaranda dripped lavendar blooms all over for a while. There is always color on something! God is good!
I thought I would send along something written by Arthur Gordon for Guideposts planning calendar a few years ago;
Isaiah 43:4
Since you were precious in my sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you.
I once heard a talk given by Gen Mark Clark. Honor, the general said, is the ability to put morality ahead of expediency, duty ahead of self-indulgence, and to do this instinctively and every time. But, he added this shining quality does not occur spontaneously in people. It has to be learned. Parents have to teach it. Schools have to teach it. Churches have to teach it. Unless they do, our society will begin to crumble.
The sense of honor that our ancestors knew, the general said, has become weakened and diminished. We no longer understand how important honor is in the conduct of our daily lives. The men who signed the Declaration of Independence did understand, In the last line of that document, so dangerous to the signers, all of them pledged to one another "our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." To them, honor was not just some casual concept. It was sacred.
---Arthur Gordon
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, July 2, 2010
Psoaring thru Psalm 146
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We have had rain all morning, but my friend, my yardman came and mowed and edges in the sprinkle. He also trimmed the azaleas, which look much better.
However, before he left, I listened to his diatribe on why he doesn't believe in God. I told him I still pray for him, and he thinks that is OK, but he won't change his mind. He was raised in an ungodly home with sisters who have been in trouble with the law and a brother who is a drinker, so , although he was raised in a Catholic church, he still is convinced that he can get to heaven, (if there is one) he says, because he is a good person. Sigh. I have known him for about ten years or more, but I am not giving up on him! He still doesn't mind if I pray for him...says he is covering all his bases. Pray for him. His name is Dave.
I felt ambitious yesterday, so I vacuumed the house and mopped the kitchen floor, then ran a few errands and visited Publix, getting more than I went in for. Lots of cakes, decorated with red, white and blue, and cookies, the same and lots of picnic stuff prominently displayed. There was a short checkout line which I was waiting in, when an assistant mgr. opened up a register for me, so shopping really is a pleasure at Publix!
I went on to Sawgrass and saw very few people there, but it was shady and cool, so I parked and drank my bottle of water, (Thanks, Cheryl) I saw an egret looking for a tasty fish, but not much else. The city mowers were mowing around Lynch Lake near my house and lots of ibis were pecking in the newly mown grass and a couple of moorhens were walking on it, also. Mowing must stir up the bugs. God is good!
from The Message
Psalm 146
Hallelujah!
O my soul, praise God!
All my life long I'll praise God,
singing songs to my God as long
as I live.
Don't put your life in the hands of experts
who know nothing of life, of salvation life.
Mere humans don't have what it takes,
when they die, their projects die with them.
Instead, get help from the God of Jacob,
Put your hope in God and know real blessing!
God made sky and soil,
sea and the fish in it.
He always does what he says--
he defends the wronged,
he feeds the hungry.
God frees prisoners--
he gives sight to the blind,
he lifts up the fallen.
God loves good people, protects strangers,
takes the side of widows and orphans,
but makes short work of the wicked.
God's in charge---always.
Zion's God is God for good!
Hallelujah!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis Have a happy and safe fourth of July weekend!
However, before he left, I listened to his diatribe on why he doesn't believe in God. I told him I still pray for him, and he thinks that is OK, but he won't change his mind. He was raised in an ungodly home with sisters who have been in trouble with the law and a brother who is a drinker, so , although he was raised in a Catholic church, he still is convinced that he can get to heaven, (if there is one) he says, because he is a good person. Sigh. I have known him for about ten years or more, but I am not giving up on him! He still doesn't mind if I pray for him...says he is covering all his bases. Pray for him. His name is Dave.
I felt ambitious yesterday, so I vacuumed the house and mopped the kitchen floor, then ran a few errands and visited Publix, getting more than I went in for. Lots of cakes, decorated with red, white and blue, and cookies, the same and lots of picnic stuff prominently displayed. There was a short checkout line which I was waiting in, when an assistant mgr. opened up a register for me, so shopping really is a pleasure at Publix!
I went on to Sawgrass and saw very few people there, but it was shady and cool, so I parked and drank my bottle of water, (Thanks, Cheryl) I saw an egret looking for a tasty fish, but not much else. The city mowers were mowing around Lynch Lake near my house and lots of ibis were pecking in the newly mown grass and a couple of moorhens were walking on it, also. Mowing must stir up the bugs. God is good!
from The Message
Psalm 146
Hallelujah!
O my soul, praise God!
All my life long I'll praise God,
singing songs to my God as long
as I live.
Don't put your life in the hands of experts
who know nothing of life, of salvation life.
Mere humans don't have what it takes,
when they die, their projects die with them.
Instead, get help from the God of Jacob,
Put your hope in God and know real blessing!
God made sky and soil,
sea and the fish in it.
He always does what he says--
he defends the wronged,
he feeds the hungry.
God frees prisoners--
he gives sight to the blind,
he lifts up the fallen.
God loves good people, protects strangers,
takes the side of widows and orphans,
but makes short work of the wicked.
God's in charge---always.
Zion's God is God for good!
Hallelujah!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis Have a happy and safe fourth of July weekend!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Change
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 will try a repeat of yesterday's email that did not go through and hope the computer works the way it is supposed to.
We had more rain yesterday evening and night, so everything is soaked and weird looking toadstool are popping up in the yard. That's how wet it is. Can't complain, though, because now the water level is up where it should be and for once we do not have a drought.
The sky is overcast again today, so we may get more rain this morning, but I finished all my running around yesterday, so let it rain!
To continue the saga of the gecko; A friend volunteered to come over and catch it for me, but Mr. Gecko had decided to hide someplace other than the chair, so we gave up. Then Brian Sanford came over later to check out some repair work that needed done, and meanwhile, I spied the gecko on the windowsill watching me. When I mentioned it to Brian, the chase was on! He took it as a challenge and chased the gecko down the wall, on the floor, and behind the large sofa. Out came the sofa from the wall , moving a lamp and a basket and Mr. Gecko was captured and put outside, where he belonged. Score one for Brian and zero for gecko! My hero! It is good not to have the gecko laughing at me from the chair, anymore. :o)
I went to the park yesterday and everything was very quiet and still and wet. The canal will soon be totally filled with Hydrilla, which is not a good thing, so we will see how long it takes to clean it out. But it is still a peaceful place to be and walk. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where can I find security and hope in the midst of tumult and change?
Lamentations 5:19 Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation.
Malachi 3:6 I am the Lord and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already completely destroyed.
James 1:17 Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes for casts shifting shadows.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Both our security and our hope are rooted in God's unchanging character. People will make promises one day but disappoint us the next. Sin or circumstances beyond their control prevent them from keeping their promises. God's faithfulness and love, however, are not subject to the fluctuations of time, space, or human mortality. We will never suffer because of God's fickle whims, irrational mood swings, or inability to handle the circumstances.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had more rain yesterday evening and night, so everything is soaked and weird looking toadstool are popping up in the yard. That's how wet it is. Can't complain, though, because now the water level is up where it should be and for once we do not have a drought.
The sky is overcast again today, so we may get more rain this morning, but I finished all my running around yesterday, so let it rain!
To continue the saga of the gecko; A friend volunteered to come over and catch it for me, but Mr. Gecko had decided to hide someplace other than the chair, so we gave up. Then Brian Sanford came over later to check out some repair work that needed done, and meanwhile, I spied the gecko on the windowsill watching me. When I mentioned it to Brian, the chase was on! He took it as a challenge and chased the gecko down the wall, on the floor, and behind the large sofa. Out came the sofa from the wall , moving a lamp and a basket and Mr. Gecko was captured and put outside, where he belonged. Score one for Brian and zero for gecko! My hero! It is good not to have the gecko laughing at me from the chair, anymore. :o)
I went to the park yesterday and everything was very quiet and still and wet. The canal will soon be totally filled with Hydrilla, which is not a good thing, so we will see how long it takes to clean it out. But it is still a peaceful place to be and walk. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where can I find security and hope in the midst of tumult and change?
Lamentations 5:19 Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation.
Malachi 3:6 I am the Lord and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already completely destroyed.
James 1:17 Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes for casts shifting shadows.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Both our security and our hope are rooted in God's unchanging character. People will make promises one day but disappoint us the next. Sin or circumstances beyond their control prevent them from keeping their promises. God's faithfulness and love, however, are not subject to the fluctuations of time, space, or human mortality. We will never suffer because of God's fickle whims, irrational mood swings, or inability to handle the circumstances.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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