Friday, October 29, 2010

Deuteronomy 26:11 and a word from Abby

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 were promised a cold front would come through and this morning, it is definitely cooler. Not cold, but very pleasant, with lower humidity. We so need rain, though. I hope God hears our prayers for rain and answers soon.

Well, God certainly had different plans for me yesterday morning than I had. Since my friend, David C. was coming over to mow, I asked him to pick up the new dryer from Sears outlet, which he did. After it was hooked up he tested it, and a loud clunking noise issued from the barrel as it turned. After an hour and a half, at least, of frustrating phone calls, trying to get someone to pick up the phone at the outlet, and then calling the 800 number, we decided to go out there with the dryer and exchange it for another. Then another wait of over 45 minutes for someone to wait on us. Seems they were having a big sale, and only two sales people were scheduled. Like many other businesses these days, they have cut service, so I guess they would rather lose customers than pay people to help. Anyway, the lone saleslady called the manager from somewhere and we finally got the transaction completed and left with the dryer. I told David they better hurry up, because I get mean when I'm hungry. He just grinned, because in all the years I've known him, he has never seen me get mean. We finally got back home here about 1:30 and got the dryer hooked up and it seems to work ok, although I was too tired to do laundry yesterday. But God was in control and He is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

"O Lord, I have brought you the a token of the first crops you have given me from the ground. Then place the produce before the Lord your God, and worship him. Afterward, go and celebrate because of all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household."

Words from Dear Abby:

Take time to work,
It is the price of success.
Take time to think,
it is the source of power
Take time to play,
It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read,
It is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly,
It is the road to happiness.
Take time to love and be loved,
It is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to share,
Life is too short to be selfish.
Take time to laugh,
Laughter is the music of the soul.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Let God Guide the Way

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 of you have been enjoying the sunsets lately. I know the sun sets in the west, but the reflection on the clouds in the east have been spectacular! Lavenders, pinks and bits of yellow. God knows how to paint!

I noticed this morning, that my amaryllis have died, yellow leaves, not all of them, but I am wondering if the tenting of the house next door had anything to do with it. Maybe when the tent was taken off some of the gas escaped. Scary thought. I will water them thoroughly today and see if that helps.

Well, yesterday was a different day. After I discovered that the dryer was defunct, I loaded the wet sheets in the basket and put them in the back of the car, then drove out to Sears outlet and bought a new, inexpensive dryer. They wanted a large sum of money for delivery, but I am blessed to have friends who have trucks, so it will be delivered today for the cost of a piece of pie. Can't beat the price! God is good!

After the trip to get the new dryer. I stopped at a laundrymat (that's actually the way it's spelled) and used one of their dryers. Since I was close to a supermarket, I stopped in and bought things I was totally out of at home. Whew! I was one tired biker chick when I got back home!

From the little devotional book: Knowing God

The true children of God are those who let God's Spirit lead them. Romans 8:14 NCV

The Bible promises that God will guide you if you let Him. Your job is to let Him. But sometimes, you will be tempted to do otherwise. Sometimes, you'll be tempted to go along with the crowd, other times, you'll be tempted to do things your way, not God's way, When you feet these temptations, resist them.

God has promised that when you ask for His help, He will not withhold it. So ask. Ask Him to meet the needs of your day. Ask Him to lead you, to protect you, and to correct you. And trust the answers He gives.

God stands at the door and waits. When you knock, He opens. When you ask, He answers. Your task, of course, is to seek His guidance prayerfully, confidently, and often.

Great Thoughts

We have ample evidence that the Lord is able to guide. The promises cover ever imaginable situation. All we need to do is to take the hand he stretches out.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Challenges

Good morning , Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The air is much drier this morning, and cool, but it will get much warmer this afternoon, I'm sure. Here it is almost November and summer clothes are still appropriate for wearing!

Since my clothes drier decided not to work this morning, if I had a clothesline, I could hang my sheets on it, and they would be dry in no time. Oh, well, looks like a trip to the laundry is on the agenda for today. Good thing I am flexible with my time!

The weather was a little warm yesterday, but I found a table under the shade of a pine tree at the park, and had a picnic lunch with my friend, Dave, who is a Park Ranger, now. He is one of the few who still has a job with the county, after all the cuts. We always have interesting conversations because he is an unbeliever. We are polar opposites in our beliefs, but have been friends for a long time and he cuts my yard, when it needs it and does other things for me that need doing. I keep on praying for him, which he doesn't believe in, and maybe, in God's timing....who knows?

According to him, there are about three gator nests along the boardwalk, which I have not seen, although I saw signs of the nests on my walks. One at the original nest, and another off to the side, besides the babies which are at the first covered shelter. Lots of birds were out yesterday, including a cardinal flitting about in a magnolia tree. God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

Why does God allow challenges in our lives?

James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.

Challenges that threaten and try us are the very tools that God uses to strengthen and mature us. As we endure, we gain greater wisdom, integrity, and courage to face whatever comes our way.

Are some challenges too small to bother God?

Psalm, 27:5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.

Nothing is too small for God When we commit our plans to the Lord, he commits himself and his infinite resources to us.

What has God given me to help me face my challenges?

Joshua 1:7 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do.

God has given us his word to direct us. The promise of success is embedded in our commitment to obedience.

1 Chronicles 28:20 David continued, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid for discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly."

Instead of being discouraged by the size of the task, we should be encouraged by the limitless power of God.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Blessings

Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, even though the thermometer read 78, the breeze was cool on my face and the sun was coming up, so it was really nice.

Yesterday, I decided to sweep off the porch, even though the acorns are falling daily, and as I swept, I got pelted with the falling acorns. In fact, I came in the house with one in my hair! If the squirrels are storing up for the winter, they don't have to work very hard, because hundreds are on the ground.

It has been so dry, I watered the staghorn fern again, because it was looking very droopy. It is a huge plant, so when it droops, it looks very sad and neglected. I also watered the plumbago, which still has a few blooms on it. They are such a pretty flower, but it is sort of hidden, so no one can see it very well.

I went over to the park, and acorns have carpeted everything there, also. But the squirrels keep coming around if you park in the circle, because people keep feeding them as picnickers toss out food. My friend, Dave, who is a park ranger, is now patrolling at Sawgrass and he is trying to restore some of the rules posted, since they have been pretty much ignored since full-time staff is no more.He is even walking the boardwalk, trying to eliminate the dog walkers who ignore the signs saying no dogs. He says "there's a new sheriff in town." Ha, But, I say, good for him! I am having a picnic lunch with him at the park today. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How has God promised to bless his people?
Numbers 6:24-26 May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

God's blessing encompasses all of life. We live in his protection, his presence, and his peace. Nothing this world offers can compare in scope or duration with the blessings of God.

Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God, the Creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.

2 Corinthians 12:13 The only thing I didn't do, which I do in other churches was to become a burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong!

Jesus Christ blesses us with forgiveness and redemption. God the Father blesses us with the assurance that we are loved and of infinite worth. The Holy Spirit blesses us with fellowship and the continual presence of God.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, October 25, 2010

Ready to Move Mountains?

From: Amaryllis Green
Date: Mon, Oct 25, 2010 at 9:49 AM
Subject: Ready to Move Mountains?
To: Prayer Partners


Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! This morning we have a cool wind blowing and lots of sunshine. As I stood outside I saw two mockingbirds perched on the wire and a cardinal went flying by as an airplane flew up, made a right turn then another and headed north. Lots of activity early in the day. Speaking of activity, I think there is a new squirrel family in the oak trees in the back yard. Two small ones were chasing each other around and around the tree, and then a third joined in. I usually see them leap from the tree to the telephone wire in the back, so I think they must come from those trees.

I went for a walk Saturday in the park. Walked up the sidewalk to the second bridge and on to the third bridge. The only signs of life I saw, human or animal , were four moorhens splashing quietly in the shallow water at the third bridge. They didn't look small, so they must have been two couples, since they stay together for life. Humans could take a lesson from their devotion.

God's timing is perfect, since the weather last week was so great for my trip to Tenn. and NC. Today it has been stormy up there, and I would not look forward to flying in stormy weather! But God is good!

From the devotional, Knowing God;

For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this moiuntain, "Move from here to there", and it shall move, and nothing shall be impossible to you.
Matthew 17:20 NASB

Because we live in a demanding world, all of us have mountains to climb and mountains to move. Moving those mountains requires faith.

Are you a mountain-moving Christian whose faith is evident for all to see? Or, are you a spiritual underachiever? As you think about the answer to that question, consider this: God needs more people who are willing to move mountains for His glory and for His kingdom.

Are you willing to let God help you move mountains, or are you still stumbling around over a few little molehills? The answer should be obvious. And so, with no more delays, let the mountain moving begin!

-- Great Thoughts
My faith does not rest on what I am or will be or will feel or will know, but in what Christ is, in what he has done, and in what he is now doing for me.
C. H. Spurgeon

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, October 22, 2010

Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Empowering

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 are blessed with another clear, cool day today, in fact, I believe it is the coolest yet. In the sixties this morning, but warming up to about 80 this afternoon, so I guess this is the "cold front" that was predicted.

Last Friday at this time I was in the air, flying toward Chattanooga, to see Matthew's appearance at the last home game for Cleveland High, and watch him play the trombone and march. It was a very cold windy night in the bleachers, but I really enjoyed it. It is a great band and has always placed well in competitions.

Speaking of last weekend, as we were on the mountain roads, winding up and then down, we saw lots of other vehicles, including a Lotus. Now, I don't know my cars well, but Daryl spotted it behind us and he and Matthew were quite excited to see it. Out of respect for the Lotus, as soon as he could, Daryl pulled over to let him fly by, which resulted in a wave through the moon roof. Unfortunately, the Lotus wound up behind a slower camper van, but not for long. As soon as he could, the driver flashed by the camper and before long was lost to sight. He probably was a state or two away while we were still winding down the mountain!

We stopped at Robbinsville that day or the next to have lunch, at a small place with excellent barbeque. I had a cup of veggie soup which was homemade with lots of chunky veggies in it, along with my pulled pork sandwich, served with two kinds of sauce, vinegar and sweet. Yum. Then to top it off, I had fresh peach cobbler served with a big scoop of ice cream. I'm making myself hungry, since I haven't had breakfast yet! We still had time to admire the granite mountainsides, set off by the russets, oranges, reds and yellow colors of the leaves! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians 3:14-21;
When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan. I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And May you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

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

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

Love and hugs,
Am

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Energy

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 believe it is 3 PM in Rome) Another clear, cool start to the day, which I hope will be productive.

I was so pleased with myself that I did my ironing yesterday, as well as getting some other things done that needed doing. Life is good!

Another anecdote about my trip...we drove up in the NC mountains, almost to the 5,000 ft level and stopped at a pretty overlook, rest area, got out and stretched, and I took photos of Daryl and Matthew, which I hope will turn out well, and also of the scenery, which was just beautiful! We were very close to Deal's Gap, the twistiest highway in the U.S., with 138 turns in 11 miles of hiway. (I think that number is correct.) Anyway, that accounted for the many motorcycles we passed or were passed by. All kinds of bikers-some pulling trailers, and some three wheelers, all out enjoying the weather and beautiful leaves and colorful scenery. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Why do I sometimes find myself weary and tired?

Isaiah 40:28-31 Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out: he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

2 Corinthians 4:7 This precious treasure--this light and power that now shine within us--is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own.
As human beings, we have limitations. We get hungry, tired, and hurt. We are not self-sufficient. Instead of relying on ourselves, we need to rely on the Lord. Like the eagle that soars on the currents of wind, we can trust the Lord to carry us onward.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Worry Less

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's another clear, cool day but very dry. Hopefully, God will send rain when He desires. It was very dry in Tenn. and not much better in NC, but did not keep the colors from showing!

When I arrived in Chattanooga on Friday, Daryl and I had breakfast and then did some sight-seeing and looked forward to the football game that night. It reminded me of "Friday Night Lights". Small towns really turn out for their high school football games! It was so cold, with a cutting wind blowing in the stands, I had layers on and a long scarf wrapped around my neck and was still shivering. Daryl had offered me his warm gator coat before we left the house, but silly me, I didn't think I would need it! But, anyway, I was able to watch Matthew play and march and he saw us sitting in the stands. The band is really good, and they keep entering competitions and winning second or third place. They have an invitation to march in the Thanksgiving parade in Chicago, which will be exciting for them.

We left at half time after the marching, because it was so cold, and we met up with Matthew when the members were dismissed. It had been a long time since I had watched my own boys march in their bands at Northeast Hi.! Time flies!

We started on our trip to the mountains Sunday and had barbeque and saw lots of bikers on all kinds of bikes! More about that tomorrow! God is good!

From the little devotional, Knowing God;

Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. Phil. 4:6 NCV

In the game of life, you win some, and you lose some. Life is risky business; you live in an uncertain world, a world in which trouble may come calling at any moment. No wonder you may find yourself feeling a little panicky at times.

Do you sometimes spend more time worrying about a problem than you spend solving it? If so, here's a strategy for dealing with your worries. Take them to God. Take your troubles to Him; take your fears to Him; take your doubts to Him; take your weaknesses to Him, take your sorrows to Him; ...and leave them all there. God is the Rock that cannot be moved. When you build your life upon that Rock, you have absolutely no need to worry... not now, not ever.

Great thoughtsl
Anxiety is not only a pain which we must ask God to assuage, but also a weakness we must ask him to pardon-for he's told us to take no care for tomorrow.
C. S. Lewis

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Faith and Endurance

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 know I am late this morning, because I just decided to be lazy after the busy long weekend. I saw a gorgeous sunrise yesterday morning in Tenn. and an equally beautiful sunset in Florida last evening. God certainly had his paintbrush out with pinks and the blue of the sky showing!

I didn't see any gators, but saw beautiful oranges, reds, yellows and browns on the trees. It looked to be the peak of the colors in NC and all through the mountains. I was so hoping to see the colors of the changing trees as they shed their leaves for the winter. And God granted my wish!

I also met my great-granddaughters for the first time and they are adorable. Tiny Emma is only a few weeks old, but she gave me a huge smile and I don't think it was gas, because she was wide awake! More later about the trip, But, as always, God is good!

James 1:2

Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it ber an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.

If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants you to do-ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive any thing from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.

Christians who are poor should be glad, for God has honored them. and those who are rich should be glad, for God has humbled them. They will fade away like a flower in the field. The hot sun rises and dries up the grass; the flower withers, and its beauty fades away. So, also, wealthy people will fade away with all their achievements.

God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him....

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Haggai

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 of you saw the sunrise this morning. It was a beautiful pink with the blue sky streaked between the pink clouds, So Pretty! I love the different colors God gives us at sunset and sunrise!

On my way to the park yesterday, I was so pleased to see black, shiny, wet gator on the bank of the lake as you drive in. He has not been there for months, because the water was so high, there is really no place for him to catch some rays. The water was down yesterday, though, so that gave him a bank . Mama gator, by contrast, is gray and looks like she needs a lot of moisturizer. I walked a bit down the sidewalk, and stopped to enjoy the breeze and watch two fat turtles on different logs and a big anhinga perched in a tree drying out the wings. God is good!

From Haggai 1:11 MSG

Caught up with Taking care of Your Own Houses

On the first day of the sixth month of the second year in the reign of King Darius of Persia, God's Message was delivered by the prophet Haggai to the governor of Judah, Zerubbabek son of Shealtiel, and to the high priest, Joshua son of Jehozadak.

A Message from God of the Angel Armies: The people procrastinate." They say this isn't the right time to rebuild my temple, the temple of God."
Shortly after that, God said more and Haggai spoke it: "How is it that it's the right time for you to live in your fine new homes while the Home, God's Temple is in ruins?"

And then a little later, God of the Angel Armies spoke out again;
Take a good hard look at your life,
think it over.
You have spent a lot of money.
but you haven't much to show for it.
You keep filling your plates
but you never get filled up.
you keep drinking and drinking and drinking,
but you're always thirsty.
You put on layer after layer of clothes
but you don't get warm,
and the people who work for you,
what are they getting out of it?

Not much--
a leaky, rusted -out bucket, that's what.

That's why the God of the Angel said:

Take a good hard look at your life
Think it over.

Here's what I want you to do:
Climb into the hills and cut some timber.
Bring it down and build the temple.
Do it just for me, Honor me.
You've had great ambitions for yourselves.
but nothing has come of it.
The little you have brought to my temple
I've blown away--there was nothing to it.

To read the rest, go on to your Bibles, It is very interesting and relates to church, work or home.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

PS I will not be back until Tuesday, as I am leaving for a long weekend in Tenn.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Holiness before Happiness

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 went out last night to see what was supposed to be a spectacular sunset, but no unusual colors, still it was pretty and I enjoyed it for a few minutes. Each sunset is different and each sunrise is welcome, because I still have eyes to see. The days are getting shorter now, and darkness comes a lot earlier.

When I was in the Park yesterday, I saw a gopher tortoise at the front of the park, instead of the usual spot on the curve, but this was a smaller one. When Mike, the naturalist, was working there, he showed me a photo taken from the air, and it showed all the gopher nests. There were over ten white sandy, spots showing, which means lots of tunnels for the gophers. I also heard lots of birds, one very close, but I could not see it and did not recognize the sound. It was early morning, and that's why so many birds were out and about to get the worm or berries.

I was pondering this morning, on how blessed I am and still surprised when my friends do such unexpected acts of kindness for me. After so many years of taking care of my dear husband, I guess I am still not used to receiving, but I am so grateful for the caring and loving I receive from sons and friends. Just thought I would advise everyone to be thankful every day for those who love and care for us. God is good!

From the little devotional Knowing God:

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6 NIV

Because you are an imperfect human being, you are not "perfectly" happy-and that's perfectly okay with God. He is far less concerned with your happiness than He is with your holiness.

God continuously reveals Himself in everyday life, but He does not do so in order to make you contented. He does so in order to lead you to His Son. Do don't be overly concerned with your current level of happiness, it will change. Be more concerned with the current state of your relationship with Christ. He does not change. And because your Savior transcends time and space, you can be comforted in the knowledge that in the end, His joy will become your joy...for all eternity.

-Great Thoughts-
You don't have to be like the world to have an impact on the world. You don't have to be like the crowd to change the crowd. You don't have to lower yourself down to their level to lift them up to your level. Holiness doesn't seek to be odd. Holiness seeks to be like God.
-Max Lucado-

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

The Future Glory

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I am late with this because I took an early morning walk, and really enjoyed seeing the sun rise and the colors in back of the puffy clouds. When I came out from our Faith Group meeting last night the quarter moon was hanging low in the sky and was beautiful! "The heavens declare the Glory of God!" His handiwork is all around us.

I walked Friday out to the shelter at the park and Mama gator was stretched full length just in front of the shelter, drying out her back. she is really big, about 8 feet , but the babies were no where in sight. But this morning about 8 babies were clumped together and no sign of Mama. I'm sure she was around somewhere, though. I was at the park early enough to see the mist rising from the canal, and when I arrived at the Tower, the ibis were still nesting in the bushes across Sawgrass. The handrails were wet from the the dew, but , except for sirens somewhere, it was very peaceful and lovely. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 8:18
Yet what we suffer is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will , everything on earth was subjected to God's curse. All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time....

For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently.

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying , for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes all things to work for good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance and He chose them to become like his Son...

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, October 11, 2010

Live on purpose

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! Nice and cool again this morning, with a touch of morning fog. Perfect! I saw one neighbor just heading home after his morning walk, and another walking his dog by the house. We exchanged waves, just to be neighborly, but I don't know the dog-walkers name.

After a wonderful and moving worship service yesterday, I stayed for the picnic at the church and then headed home to change and rest for the evenings activities. Not much rest, though, since I was watching the Rays win...takes a lot of energy to cheer them on! Then I enjoyed a friend's birthday party for an hour and left to get ready for a concert with Brian.

We went to the Fla. Orchestra concert at Ruth Eckerd Hall and got there early for the talk by the Maestro himself, Thom Wilkins. There was standing room only in the room and people were bringing in extra chairs, but we were left standing, until a very kind man gave up his seat for me. Brian had to stand. But, anyway, we saw Thom coming down the stairs, and after smooches and hugs, chatted with him briefly. The concert was wonderful, and it was a full day with lots of blessings! God is good!

From the little devotional book Knowing God:

God chose you to be his people, so I urge you now to live the life to which God called you.
Ephesians 4:1 NCV

Life is best lived on purpose. And purpose, like everything else in the universe, begins with God. Whether you realize it or not, God has a plan for your life, a divine calling, a direction in which He is leading you. When you welcome God into your heart and establish a genuine relationship with Him, He will begin, in time, to make His purposes known.

Sometimes, God's intentions will be clear to you, other times, God's plan will seem uncertain at best, But even on those difficult days when you are unsure which way to turn, you must never lose sight of these overriding facts: God created you for a reason. He has important work for you to do, and He's waiting patiently for you to do it.

And the next step is up to you.

{I beg you do not squander life
And don't live for this world only} Billy Graham

- Today's Prayer-

Lord, You've got something You want me to do-help me to figure out exactly what it is. Give me Your blessings and lead me along a path that is pleasing to You...today, tomorrow, and forever.
Amen

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, October 8, 2010

Easin' thru Ephesians 3

Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is a little too cool for me for just sitting still, but I am so thankful for this weather, because it will be warming up the next two days and we will have a last gasp from summer, I think.

I went to the park yesterday after doing some needed chores around the house and running shopping errands. I walked up the sidewalk in front of the memorial bench that has the quote "He leadeth me beside the still waters" and was standing there contemplating the circles in the water when the cart came up and stopped and the driver said, "I know you!." It turned out to be one of the employees who had worked many years ago at Sawgrass and was in on the goodies I used to take in for the guys in appreciation for all their hard work in keeping the park neat and clean. He wanted to talk, so we did for about fifteen minutes, then he had to get back to work emptying the garbage cans. He had a court ordered worker with him, but she didn't say anything. You never know who God will place in your path! I never did see what was making the circles and splashes, but that is for another day. I really did enjoy the cool, dry air! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Empowering

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

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

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Roamin Thru Romans 15

Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Another beautiful, cool day in paradise! We have had Fallish weather all week and it is wonderful! The air is so dry, we have fire warnings and this close to the gulf and on a peninsula, we just don't have 35% humidity very often. We are blessed!

After my wonderful bike trip Tuesday, I decided I needed to do a little household work yesterday, so, while I did get out for a little bit, I mostly stayed home and vacuumed and did laundry... oh, and watched the Rays lose. I am hoping for better results today for them.

I went to the Park, to enjoy the beauty and great day... no clouds and lots of sunshine. All was quiet with just a few people walking and running, but the usual anhinga with wings folded this time hanging out on the log. That's the same log I saw a turtle on a couple days ago, and what I think are leeches. Ewww, they give me the creeps! There were two very fat ones on the log just below the turtle, but God made all creatures and God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 15:2
We should please others. IF we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord.For even Christ didn't please himself. As the Scriptures say, "Those who insult you are also insulting me." Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises.

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other-each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We accept each other just as Christ has accepted you, then God will be glorified. Remember that Christ came as a servant to Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. And he came so the Gentiles might also give glory to God for his mercies to them. ..

...So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Great Adventure #3

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Wow! 66 this morning! That doesn't seem chilly to most folks, but what a change for us! Low humidity and lots of sunshine and blue skies..perfect! Yesterday was perfect, too, and I was blessed to be second choice for David to take for a long bike ride. Cheryl had papers to work on for class, so at 8 AM off we went!

David has a GPS on the Gold Wing, and he kept showing me the route, but most of the time, I had no clue where we were. I know we went to New Port Richey to connect with his brother, Ed, and then Ed rode along with us to a MacDonald's somewhere for a mid-morning snack. It was a very clean Mickey D's with a lady cleaning constantly. I told her she was doing a good job. Then we took off again to go to Deep South Barbeque, only to find it was not open until Thursday. But, meantime, we enjoyed riding on country roads. I was so glad to see fields with cows and goats, and horses and open spaces, after the built-up roads and noise of the city. Lots of talking, listening to music, talking, and just enjoying friendship and God's Creation. We came home about 3 PM. It was a long, enjoyable ride. Oh, instead of Barbeque we went to a place near Dunnellon called Coney Island for hot dogs, fried pickles and onion rings. Not my usual diet, but really good. God is so good!

Ecclesiastes 5:9-13

Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two undeer the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

5:19 It is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life-that is indeed a gift from God. People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Roamin' thru Romans 16

Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I am writing this in the evening, because tomorrow morning I am going on another great adventure with David. This was unexpected, as I just found out about it tonight, but I am always ready for another bike ride! You will be sure to hear about it tomorrow!

I went to the Park today after I got all my errands run, and it was lovely and cool with turtles sunning on the logs and lots of people out walking. I did not have time to walk, which I should have done early in the morning, but maybe Wed. I will be able to.

We had a good Bible study tonight and lots of friends having a good time with each other. Chuck Swindoll will talk about the lack of spontaneous affection in the church this week. He has titled his sermons, "Love and Kisses." about the holy kiss in church. This is not true in my church, where displays of affection between guys and gals is always shown when greeting each other. I receive "holy kisses" just about every week. God's love is always evident. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 16:14 And please give my greeting to Asyneritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers and sisters who are with them. Greet each other in Christian love. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, October 4, 2010

Be Humble

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, are all windows open? This is the cool weather we have all been waiting for. It is 69 outside at my house and only 72 inside without the A/C! Perfect!

Good news over the weekend for the Rays! Champions of the ALE. PLayoffs this week. Not so good news for Gators fans, though. They need a lot of practice this week and hopefully, will do better Saturday. But, one thing remains the same and that is that God loves us and we can always rely on His blessings.

I walked Saturday out to the first shelter in the Park, just to look at the baby gators, which are very hard to see, due to all the undergrowth and water, I did spy a couple of them because they were moving and Mama was taking it easy in the bushes off to the right. She only comes out when she thinks the babies are in danger. Just as I was leaving, the crowds started coming in with lots of happy children making loud noises, That is when she feels threatened.

I found out the name of the yellow blossomed tree. It is Golden Rain, and that is just what it does. The blooms only last for a short time and then it rains down. I also walked back to the butterfly garden at the park and saw that the Beauty Berry bush was full of dark red berries. Ah, lots of food for the birds! I could see they had been eating, because of all the purple splotches on the sidewalk. God is Good!

From the little devotional book, Knowing God:

1 Peter 5:6 NIV Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

On the road to spiritual growth, pride is an enormous roadblock. The more prideful you are, the more difficult it is to know God. When you experience success, it's easy to puff out your chest and proclaim, "I did that!" Easy , but wrong.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer observed, "It is very easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements,," and he was right. So the next time you're tempted to take too much credit for something you've done, resist the temptation . Instead of hogging all the glory, give God His fair share of the credit...and His share, by the way, is far bigger than your share.

Great Thoughts;
God exalts humility. When God works in our lives, helping us to become humble, he gives us a permanent joy. Humility gives us a joy that cannot be taken away.
Max Lucado

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, October 1, 2010

God's Creation

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! Finally, our cool air is here, well, we can call in the seventies cool, because that is definitely a change from the lows in the eighties! And the air is dry! Usually means good hair days! :o)

I was so inspired by the air that I took a walk yesterday just before supper. I really did not intend to walk very far..no walking stick and no walking shoes, but I walked out to the first shelter at the park, and saw big mama gator and lots of little babies. When I got there a man and his small son were just leaving, so I had it to myself for awhile, then I went on to the tower and even climbed the stairs, just to see if I could. No problem, but I really hung on to the rails. The wind was blowing and I was grateful, because I was quite warm, by the time I had walked through the sunny parts of the boardwalk into the shade. I stood for awhile hoping for some ospreys, but they didn't show up.

I have finally gotten most of my strength back from the surgery in Feb., but it has really taken a long time.

By the time I started my walk back, the boardwalk was filling up with families and noisy children excited over the babies. Mama gator gets pretty disturbed when there is a lot of noise, so she came out from her hiding place in the shrubs and was really guarding them. I just kept walking and headed for the car and blessed A/C. Whew! I headed for the shower! Brian stopped by on his way home and did a few things for me that needed doing and showed me his bandaged temple from a basal cell carcinoma removal yesterday. Seems like that must run in the family. But God is good!

From the devotional book, Knowing God:

Take a look at God's Creation
You are the God of miracles and wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. Psalm 77:14 NLT

If we want to know God, we should examine His handiwork. And when we consider God's glorious universe, we marvel a the miracle of nature. The smallest seedlings and grandest stars are all part of God's infinite creation. God has placed His handiwork on display for all to see, and if we are wise, we will make time each day to celebrate the world that surrounds us.

Today as you fulfill the demands of everyday life, pause to consider the majesty of heaven and earth. It is as miraculous as it is beautiful, as incomprehensible as it is breathtaking.

The Psalmist reminds us that the heavens are a declaration of God's glory. May we never cease to praise the Father for a universe that stands as an awesome testimony to His presence and His power.

Because God created the Natural-invented it out of His love and artistry-it demands our reverence.
-C.S. Lewis

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis