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 shy about peeking out this morning, but after the mist and fog burn off, I think we will have a warm, sunshiny day like yesterday.
I had a weekend filled with sorrow and joy...I watched the full three hours of services for the fallen officers, who were gunned down and grieved with them for lives taken too soon, but saw a true demonstration of faith in our Savior by the young mother with three children . She was in church yesterday with the children and the large congregation rallied around her with prayer. This is Brian's church where they are members. This was also pictured on TV. A good witness.
My special friend, Mariagnes, had invited me to a belated birthday lunch Saturday, so we had lots of fun and good food. She is always a joy to be with. I am blessed! God is good!
From the Promise Bible 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 the armies and weapons
but we boast in the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse,
but we will rise up and stand firm.
Give victory to our king, O Lord,
Respond to our cry for help.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 23 MSG
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 and the wind is still and although it's a little cool, still a beautiful day. I awoke to the sound of helicopters flying overhead because the funeral of the two officers killed Monday takes place today and the church is not too far from my house. I am so sad for the families left behind. The men are heroes, as are the ones who work to protect us daily. God bless them all!
I took time to go to the Park yesterday and saw a big, fat gator curled up on the bank. This one was the biggest I have seen there. He must have been about 9 ft. long and very fat, so he is eating well. Just before I came to the entrance of the park, a peacock scooted across the street in front of me and went up in the yard of a house. His beautiful tail feathers were dragging behind him, gleaming in the sun. Then when I got home, a dozen ibis were pecking in the yard, very busy ignoring me. God is good!
From The Message:
Psalm 23
God, my shepherd!
I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
You find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head
My cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I took time to go to the Park yesterday and saw a big, fat gator curled up on the bank. This one was the biggest I have seen there. He must have been about 9 ft. long and very fat, so he is eating well. Just before I came to the entrance of the park, a peacock scooted across the street in front of me and went up in the yard of a house. His beautiful tail feathers were dragging behind him, gleaming in the sun. Then when I got home, a dozen ibis were pecking in the yard, very busy ignoring me. God is good!
From The Message:
Psalm 23
God, my shepherd!
I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
You find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head
My cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Storms of Life
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 is a glorious day already with the bright sunshine and no wind. The sunrise was so pretty with the oranges and pinks. I am thankful for eyes to see!
Speaking of seeing, I saw hundreds of robins flying in a group and landing on the wires around the neighborhood the other day. Looks like they finally came down from the frozen north. I also saw the baby osprey hanging on for dear life in his perch high above the field at Sawgrass Elementary, during the last two windy days. I marvel at how God takes care of his creatures. Yesterday, the gator was back on his muddy bed at the lake at the park. The water is very high after all that rain, but will soon drain off, I'm sure. I watched two graceful ibis flying together down the canal and a tri-colored heron gracefully waiting patiently for a fish to come along. The maple trees are shedding seeds already, so one of these days, spring will be here before we know it! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
One cold winter day in the 1960s, a major ice storm hit central Georgia. Power outages were rampant throughout the area. Some people owned fireplaces or gas heaters, but others who were less fortunate were forced to seek shelter in the homes of their neighbors.
One particular family didn't have any source of heat except for the gas stove in their kitchen. For days, while they huddled together around the kitchen table, the heat from the oven kept them warm.
They could cook, while some of their hapless neighbors could not. Many nearby residents brought over cans of soup to heat on their stove-top. Hospitality intensified as a bitter cold spell set in.
Sitting around that table in the glow of a single candle, the family laughed and shared stories and events that were important to each of them. They hadn't done that in months! While the television was out of order, they put their lives back into place. As a result of that storm, the family grew closer. Each one of them remembered the light from that candle for years afterwards. Sometimes we don't realize what's missing in our lives until we cease all our busyness. Spending quality family times together is important to God. But you don't need to wait for an ice storm or some other crisis to draw your family close.
God is always faithful to show goodness in every situation. Just as the glow of the candle provided light during the storm, He lights our way through the darkest and most difficult days of our lives.
God is so good that he only awaits our desire to overwhelm us with the gift of Himself.
Francois Fenelon
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Speaking of seeing, I saw hundreds of robins flying in a group and landing on the wires around the neighborhood the other day. Looks like they finally came down from the frozen north. I also saw the baby osprey hanging on for dear life in his perch high above the field at Sawgrass Elementary, during the last two windy days. I marvel at how God takes care of his creatures. Yesterday, the gator was back on his muddy bed at the lake at the park. The water is very high after all that rain, but will soon drain off, I'm sure. I watched two graceful ibis flying together down the canal and a tri-colored heron gracefully waiting patiently for a fish to come along. The maple trees are shedding seeds already, so one of these days, spring will be here before we know it! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
One cold winter day in the 1960s, a major ice storm hit central Georgia. Power outages were rampant throughout the area. Some people owned fireplaces or gas heaters, but others who were less fortunate were forced to seek shelter in the homes of their neighbors.
One particular family didn't have any source of heat except for the gas stove in their kitchen. For days, while they huddled together around the kitchen table, the heat from the oven kept them warm.
They could cook, while some of their hapless neighbors could not. Many nearby residents brought over cans of soup to heat on their stove-top. Hospitality intensified as a bitter cold spell set in.
Sitting around that table in the glow of a single candle, the family laughed and shared stories and events that were important to each of them. They hadn't done that in months! While the television was out of order, they put their lives back into place. As a result of that storm, the family grew closer. Each one of them remembered the light from that candle for years afterwards. Sometimes we don't realize what's missing in our lives until we cease all our busyness. Spending quality family times together is important to God. But you don't need to wait for an ice storm or some other crisis to draw your family close.
God is always faithful to show goodness in every situation. Just as the glow of the candle provided light during the storm, He lights our way through the darkest and most difficult days of our lives.
God is so good that he only awaits our desire to overwhelm us with the gift of Himself.
Francois Fenelon
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
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 have blue skies, but a strong wind is blowing to bring more cold weather today. What a wild day yesterday! We had lots of rain which we needed, but not the wind. But my driveway got all the leaves blown off; now just the twigs are left from the trees, but if they dry out, they will probably blow off, too.
I drove through the park yesterday before the rains came, but it looked so threatening, I did not try to walk. I saw lots of the turtles on the weir and one anhinga sitting on top of one of the poles lining it. I really don't know how he folded his big webbed feet around the top of the pole which is not very big, but he managed. The gator was not on the other side, but I saw two of them Sunday. They were attracting lots of attention from the people taking photos. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
-Galatians :7-10
Don't be misled. Remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I drove through the park yesterday before the rains came, but it looked so threatening, I did not try to walk. I saw lots of the turtles on the weir and one anhinga sitting on top of one of the poles lining it. I really don't know how he folded his big webbed feet around the top of the pole which is not very big, but he managed. The gator was not on the other side, but I saw two of them Sunday. They were attracting lots of attention from the people taking photos. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
-Galatians :7-10
Don't be misled. Remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Ecclesiastes
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, I know some people are not rejoicing today, and I think of the officers' families who were shot down yesterday. May God comfort and give them peace.
As I watched the TV yesterday with all the news about what was happening, I thought of my two nephews who are in law enforcement, and how one had to draw his weapon at one time. They are in danger each day as they go to work, and yet this is the work they have chosen. I thank God for their safety and for their selfless protection of us.
I heard one speaker yesterday, and I don't think he was with the PD, but he said there was a time to heal. I immediately thought of this passage from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
From the Promise Bible NLT:
There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under heaven,
A time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
As I watched the TV yesterday with all the news about what was happening, I thought of my two nephews who are in law enforcement, and how one had to draw his weapon at one time. They are in danger each day as they go to work, and yet this is the work they have chosen. I thank God for their safety and for their selfless protection of us.
I heard one speaker yesterday, and I don't think he was with the PD, but he said there was a time to heal. I immediately thought of this passage from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
From the Promise Bible NLT:
There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under heaven,
A time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, January 21, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 25
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., the rain is pouring off the roof in front of my window, so I don't have any excuse for not working in the house today. Finishing up the cleaning up of papers, sorting through various things, and getting done what needs doing. Not much fun, but instead of reading, a good time to get things done!
What a wonderful day I had yesterday! I was at the computer too much, but kept getting dozens of birthday greetings, and then cards in the mail, and a beautiful bouquet from my men. Brian, Daryl and Matthew. Brian had planned to take me out to dinner and I had decided on Pepin's, but there was an hour and a half wait. since we did not think to make reservations, so Plan B worked. I suggested Pane Rustica in Tampa and we were seated right away, without reservations. It is an extremely noisy restaurant, but the food is excellent, from the hummus, olive oil and roasted pepper dipping sauce for the warm, crusty bread, to the gelato we had for dessert. I had Virginia fluke, a fish I had never heard of, but the attractive server said it was really good, so I ordered it. It was presented on top of mashed potatoes loaded with different veggies, including brussel sprouts, which I never eat if I don't have to. I like most all veggies except those, but they were cut in half and I couldn't even tell they were brussel sprouts. Delicious! The fish had a spicy, hot crust, which I drank lots of water with. I brought half my meal home, and will try it again for my dinner.
I did get out long enough to go to the Park, where I saw fewer people than yesterday, and had to stop to avoid a careless ibis, which ran across right in front of me! Lots of turtles and an anhinga were on the bank of the weir, but no gators on the other side at that particular time. I was a wonderful birthday and I am thankful for the phone calls I received from Daryl and two friends out of town.
God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 25:1-11
To you, O lord, I lift up my soul.
I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced.
But disgrace comes to those who try to
deceive others.
Show me the path where I should walk,
O Lord,
Point out the right road for me to
follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
Remember, O Lord, your unfailing love
and compassion,
which you have shown from long ages past.
Forgive the rebellious sins of my youth,
look instead through the eyes of your
unfailng love,
for you are merciful, O Lord.
The Lord is good and does what is right,
he shows the proper path to those who
go astray.
He leads the humble in what is right,
teaching them his way.
The Lord leads with unfailing love and
faithfulness
all those who keep his covenant and
obey his decrees....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
What a wonderful day I had yesterday! I was at the computer too much, but kept getting dozens of birthday greetings, and then cards in the mail, and a beautiful bouquet from my men. Brian, Daryl and Matthew. Brian had planned to take me out to dinner and I had decided on Pepin's, but there was an hour and a half wait. since we did not think to make reservations, so Plan B worked. I suggested Pane Rustica in Tampa and we were seated right away, without reservations. It is an extremely noisy restaurant, but the food is excellent, from the hummus, olive oil and roasted pepper dipping sauce for the warm, crusty bread, to the gelato we had for dessert. I had Virginia fluke, a fish I had never heard of, but the attractive server said it was really good, so I ordered it. It was presented on top of mashed potatoes loaded with different veggies, including brussel sprouts, which I never eat if I don't have to. I like most all veggies except those, but they were cut in half and I couldn't even tell they were brussel sprouts. Delicious! The fish had a spicy, hot crust, which I drank lots of water with. I brought half my meal home, and will try it again for my dinner.
I did get out long enough to go to the Park, where I saw fewer people than yesterday, and had to stop to avoid a careless ibis, which ran across right in front of me! Lots of turtles and an anhinga were on the bank of the weir, but no gators on the other side at that particular time. I was a wonderful birthday and I am thankful for the phone calls I received from Daryl and two friends out of town.
God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 25:1-11
To you, O lord, I lift up my soul.
I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced.
But disgrace comes to those who try to
deceive others.
Show me the path where I should walk,
O Lord,
Point out the right road for me to
follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
Remember, O Lord, your unfailing love
and compassion,
which you have shown from long ages past.
Forgive the rebellious sins of my youth,
look instead through the eyes of your
unfailng love,
for you are merciful, O Lord.
The Lord is good and does what is right,
he shows the proper path to those who
go astray.
He leads the humble in what is right,
teaching them his way.
The Lord leads with unfailing love and
faithfulness
all those who keep his covenant and
obey his decrees....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, January 20, 2011
God's Promises
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 guess we had fog this morning, but it has burned off around here now, and the sun is shining and it looks like a beautiful day is in store for us.
I may go for a walk later on, if God does not have other plans. Yesterday, I drove into the park, which was very crowded and saw Dave C., my yard man, in his park uniform. so I pulled into a parking space and we stood and chatted for a while, and watched all the people walking on and off the boardwalk. One man wearing shorts, and that's it, and others with jackets on. It was very warm in the sun, but slightly chilly in the shade. Dave was wearing a jacket, but I wasn't and I noticed the coolness.
So, my intention was to check out the park and then go to the car wash, and then come and walk, but since it was getting late, I got the car washed and did not come back to walk. But I enjoyed watching the class look at a gopher tortoise while the teacher explained the creature's habits.
I am trying to overcome the bad habit of procrastination that I have, and I got one project done, and am working on another. This means trying to get rid of clutter, which will probably take another year to do. What to do with hundreds of photographs going back to when the boys were little?? The mere thought of it, makes me want to sit down and read a book. Sigh. But God is so good , I know he will prod me to keep at it! However, since today is my birthday, I may take the day off. :o)
From the little God's Promises Book:
God gives to Men (and Women)
Courage to be people of Integrity
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither:
And whatever he does shall prosper.'
The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalm 1:1-6
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I may go for a walk later on, if God does not have other plans. Yesterday, I drove into the park, which was very crowded and saw Dave C., my yard man, in his park uniform. so I pulled into a parking space and we stood and chatted for a while, and watched all the people walking on and off the boardwalk. One man wearing shorts, and that's it, and others with jackets on. It was very warm in the sun, but slightly chilly in the shade. Dave was wearing a jacket, but I wasn't and I noticed the coolness.
So, my intention was to check out the park and then go to the car wash, and then come and walk, but since it was getting late, I got the car washed and did not come back to walk. But I enjoyed watching the class look at a gopher tortoise while the teacher explained the creature's habits.
I am trying to overcome the bad habit of procrastination that I have, and I got one project done, and am working on another. This means trying to get rid of clutter, which will probably take another year to do. What to do with hundreds of photographs going back to when the boys were little?? The mere thought of it, makes me want to sit down and read a book. Sigh. But God is so good , I know he will prod me to keep at it! However, since today is my birthday, I may take the day off. :o)
From the little God's Promises Book:
God gives to Men (and Women)
Courage to be people of Integrity
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither:
And whatever he does shall prosper.'
The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalm 1:1-6
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 91
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 thought it would be foggy this morning, but it looks like we had quite a rain during the night, and instead of fog, we have bright sunshine, and nice temps.
Yesterday afternoon turned out so beautifully, that I took a walk around noon. I walked on the sidewalk at the park, headed for the second bridge, and stopped along the way to look at the many turtles on a dead tree in the water. And from the drainage pipe that leads from Arrow Lake to the canal, water was gushing out with great force, and a beautiful white egret was standing right beside it watchfully. I think it must have been waiting for fish to come out. Meanwhile, four or five ibis were pecking alongside and seemed to be finding lots to eat in the mud. I went on to the third bridge, pausing to look for armadillos, because I could see where they had been digging in the moist soil. As I walked on to the third bridge, I passed a photographer concentrating on something down below, but I could not see anything there, except a mud-covered bottle.
I came across a little drama as I walked back on the sidewalk. I heard but could not see, the little gallinules making a big fuss about something, right at the edge of Arrow Lake. The grass was very high, and I could see a fuzzy, yellow large head bobbing up and down. All at once, a hawk flew up and away with something in its claws. I hope it wasn't a baby duck, but I couldn't tell what it was. The gallinules quieted down then, so that's why they were sounding the alarm. Meanwhile, another photographer was on his knees directly across from the drama, and never moved a muscle. He had his camera mounted on a tripod, and was really engrossed in what he was doing.
And I also saw the fat, black gator lying on the bank of the lake as I drove in. There is always something going on in the life of the Park, even though it may not be visible, unless you are up close and personal. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 91
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 trap
and protect you from the fatal plague.
He will shield you with his wings.
He will shelter you with his feathers.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor fear the dangers of the day,
nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
But you will see it with your eyes,
you will see how the wicked are punished...
The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer,
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue them and honor them.
I will satisfy them with a long life,
and give them my salvation."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with joy, thanksgiving, and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday afternoon turned out so beautifully, that I took a walk around noon. I walked on the sidewalk at the park, headed for the second bridge, and stopped along the way to look at the many turtles on a dead tree in the water. And from the drainage pipe that leads from Arrow Lake to the canal, water was gushing out with great force, and a beautiful white egret was standing right beside it watchfully. I think it must have been waiting for fish to come out. Meanwhile, four or five ibis were pecking alongside and seemed to be finding lots to eat in the mud. I went on to the third bridge, pausing to look for armadillos, because I could see where they had been digging in the moist soil. As I walked on to the third bridge, I passed a photographer concentrating on something down below, but I could not see anything there, except a mud-covered bottle.
I came across a little drama as I walked back on the sidewalk. I heard but could not see, the little gallinules making a big fuss about something, right at the edge of Arrow Lake. The grass was very high, and I could see a fuzzy, yellow large head bobbing up and down. All at once, a hawk flew up and away with something in its claws. I hope it wasn't a baby duck, but I couldn't tell what it was. The gallinules quieted down then, so that's why they were sounding the alarm. Meanwhile, another photographer was on his knees directly across from the drama, and never moved a muscle. He had his camera mounted on a tripod, and was really engrossed in what he was doing.
And I also saw the fat, black gator lying on the bank of the lake as I drove in. There is always something going on in the life of the Park, even though it may not be visible, unless you are up close and personal. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 91
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 trap
and protect you from the fatal plague.
He will shield you with his wings.
He will shelter you with his feathers.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor fear the dangers of the day,
nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
But you will see it with your eyes,
you will see how the wicked are punished...
The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer,
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue them and honor them.
I will satisfy them with a long life,
and give them my salvation."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with joy, thanksgiving, and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
He's Right Here, Right now.
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We had some much needed rain yesterday and today is still gloomy and damp, but I saw a little ray of sunshine late yesterday afternoon, so maybe after the fog burns off,.it will be beautiful today!
I did not have the car out all day on the holiday, because of the rain, but instead, baked cookies and did some laundry. When I went to the park Saturday, the fat gator was on the bank once again at the lake and this time, in addition to a couple turtles, a anhinga was drying his wings on the weir. Lots of cars and people walking around and picnicking because of the sunshine and warm temps.
We had a wonderful chili dinner and tribute to Miss Jan Sunday night at church. It was so good to hear from all the past pastors, and people associated with FCC long ago, and some more recently. Jan was her usual sweet self, although a little paler, but able to receive and give hugs. We have known each other for around forty years or so. A beautiful friendship! God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God:
The Lord is with you when you are with Him.
If you seek Him, He will be found by you. 2 Chronicles 15:2 HCSB
Do you ever wonder if God is really "right here, right now"? Do you wonder if God hears your prayers, if He understands your feelings, or if He really knows your heart? If so, you're not alone. Lots of very faithful Christians have experienced periods of doubt. In fact, some of the biggest heroes in the Bible had plenty of doubts--and so, perhaps will you. But when you have doubts, remember this: God isn't on a coffee break, and He hasn't moved out of town. He's right here, right now, listening to your thoughts and prayers, watching over your every move.
If you'd like to get to know God a little bit better, He's always available--always ready to listen to your prayers, and always ready to speak to your heart. Are you ready to talk to Him? If so, congratulations. If not, what are you waiting for?
Our body is a portable sanctuary through which we are daily experiencing the presence of God.
God expresses His love toward us by His uninterrupted presence in our lives.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I did not have the car out all day on the holiday, because of the rain, but instead, baked cookies and did some laundry. When I went to the park Saturday, the fat gator was on the bank once again at the lake and this time, in addition to a couple turtles, a anhinga was drying his wings on the weir. Lots of cars and people walking around and picnicking because of the sunshine and warm temps.
We had a wonderful chili dinner and tribute to Miss Jan Sunday night at church. It was so good to hear from all the past pastors, and people associated with FCC long ago, and some more recently. Jan was her usual sweet self, although a little paler, but able to receive and give hugs. We have known each other for around forty years or so. A beautiful friendship! God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God:
The Lord is with you when you are with Him.
If you seek Him, He will be found by you. 2 Chronicles 15:2 HCSB
Do you ever wonder if God is really "right here, right now"? Do you wonder if God hears your prayers, if He understands your feelings, or if He really knows your heart? If so, you're not alone. Lots of very faithful Christians have experienced periods of doubt. In fact, some of the biggest heroes in the Bible had plenty of doubts--and so, perhaps will you. But when you have doubts, remember this: God isn't on a coffee break, and He hasn't moved out of town. He's right here, right now, listening to your thoughts and prayers, watching over your every move.
If you'd like to get to know God a little bit better, He's always available--always ready to listen to your prayers, and always ready to speak to your heart. Are you ready to talk to Him? If so, congratulations. If not, what are you waiting for?
Our body is a portable sanctuary through which we are daily experiencing the presence of God.
God expresses His love toward us by His uninterrupted presence in our lives.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, January 14, 2011
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! It's a beautiful, sunshiny day already, but still cold. I have to go to the dermatologist this morning, and I hope I don't have to disrobe on top, because I will be very chilly in one of those paper gowns! Brrr. And then, have to sit and wait for the good doc to come in. Sigh.
Did you all notice the gorgeous blue sky yesterday, criss-crossed with all the contrails? Outstanding! Paul, the weatherman, explained that those were caused by ice at about 25.000 ft. I thought of my friend, David, flying that high and leaving a contrail behind. I was going to the park when I noticed them. Then I slowed down to look at the long, narrow gator sunning on the bank of the lake on the way in. Lots of ducks were walking along the canal again. I think the green-headed ones are mallards. That's what Dave, the yard man told me. He is also a park ranger for his full time job. So, the driveway got blown off, and also the porch, but more leaves are coming! This is only the beginning! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 4:4, 12 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
Romans 5:3,5 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. and endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectations of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Did you all notice the gorgeous blue sky yesterday, criss-crossed with all the contrails? Outstanding! Paul, the weatherman, explained that those were caused by ice at about 25.000 ft. I thought of my friend, David, flying that high and leaving a contrail behind. I was going to the park when I noticed them. Then I slowed down to look at the long, narrow gator sunning on the bank of the lake on the way in. Lots of ducks were walking along the canal again. I think the green-headed ones are mallards. That's what Dave, the yard man told me. He is also a park ranger for his full time job. So, the driveway got blown off, and also the porch, but more leaves are coming! This is only the beginning! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 4:4, 12 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
Romans 5:3,5 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. and endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectations of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 139
Good chilly morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Whoo! I just came in from outside and the wind chill must be in the twenties! I put on gloves to drag the dumpster back up, and should have had ear muffs on! The sun is shining, but the thermometer says it is only 38 still. Looks like a cup of hot tea will be good when I finish this!
I went for a walk yesterday about noon, and was dressed warmly, but forgot my gloves. I walked along the sidewalk at the park, and saw so many different kinds of ducks, some just standing, some swimming. I watched three green headed ducks, (don't know the names) swim across the canal, then come to a stop just beneath me and start taking baths. They were happily splashing, and grooming wet feathers and having a grand time in the cold water and colder air! I also saw a great gray heron, a white egret with the wind blowing the feathers like a lacy skirt around the legs, and a tri-colored heron. The usual ibis were also pecking along the muddy bank. Also, on the way in, two gators were curled up on the bank of the lake by the road and an anhinga was drying out on the other side. Several little gallinules were happily chirping and swimming about. So, apparently, the cold weather suits the wildlife just fine!
God is good!
Psalm 139:1-6 NLT
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to know!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Whoo! I just came in from outside and the wind chill must be in the twenties! I put on gloves to drag the dumpster back up, and should have had ear muffs on! The sun is shining, but the thermometer says it is only 38 still. Looks like a cup of hot tea will be good when I finish this!
I went for a walk yesterday about noon, and was dressed warmly, but forgot my gloves. I walked along the sidewalk at the park, and saw so many different kinds of ducks, some just standing, some swimming. I watched three green headed ducks, (don't know the names) swim across the canal, then come to a stop just beneath me and start taking baths. They were happily splashing, and grooming wet feathers and having a grand time in the cold water and colder air! I also saw a great gray heron, a white egret with the wind blowing the feathers like a lacy skirt around the legs, and a tri-colored heron. The usual ibis were also pecking along the muddy bank. Also, on the way in, two gators were curled up on the bank of the lake by the road and an anhinga was drying out on the other side. Several little gallinules were happily chirping and swimming about. So, apparently, the cold weather suits the wildlife just fine!
God is good!
Psalm 139:1-6 NLT
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to know!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
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! It is cold here this morning, and my hands are so cold, I have trouble typing, but I realize we are warmer than most of the rest of the country. There is still snow in Atlanta, and Cleveland TN, where Daryl and Matthew are. There has been no school all week because of snow and ice, and that suits Matthew fine, as he has been having fun on a snowboard! Of course, that missed time will be made up in the summer when other kids will be out!
I am playing lazy this morning. Yesterday, I had people coming in, including my cleaning ladies who come once a month and leave the house spic and span for a little while, until I mess it up again. :o) They are my across the street neighbors, so we always catch up on the neighborhood goings on. The night of the Auburn game, I had gone to bed before it ended, when I heard a loud "Boom!" and got out of bed to check in the garage to see if a tire blew on the van. Well, turns out Cheryl, who watches over my house looked out and saw flashing lights from the power company on the street in back of her. A transformer had blown, and the neighborhood in back of her was without power. It sounded like a gun shot, it was so loud!
I drove over to the park late in the afternoon, and saw the fat gator curled up on the bank, but not many people were walking because it was rather chilly. But, once again I saw the peacock. His tail feathers were so beautiful even though the sun was not shining. I saw several ibis and an egret with white feathers blowing like lace in the wind. God is good!
From Psalm 37:1-9 NLT:
Don't worry about the wicked.
Don't envy those who do wrong.
For like 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,
but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I am playing lazy this morning. Yesterday, I had people coming in, including my cleaning ladies who come once a month and leave the house spic and span for a little while, until I mess it up again. :o) They are my across the street neighbors, so we always catch up on the neighborhood goings on. The night of the Auburn game, I had gone to bed before it ended, when I heard a loud "Boom!" and got out of bed to check in the garage to see if a tire blew on the van. Well, turns out Cheryl, who watches over my house looked out and saw flashing lights from the power company on the street in back of her. A transformer had blown, and the neighborhood in back of her was without power. It sounded like a gun shot, it was so loud!
I drove over to the park late in the afternoon, and saw the fat gator curled up on the bank, but not many people were walking because it was rather chilly. But, once again I saw the peacock. His tail feathers were so beautiful even though the sun was not shining. I saw several ibis and an egret with white feathers blowing like lace in the wind. God is good!
From Psalm 37:1-9 NLT:
Don't worry about the wicked.
Don't envy those who do wrong.
For like 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,
but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Jesus was a Servant (and you must be, too)
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! Already we can feel the air cooling down as the cold front gradually moves through, but nothing like the deep South which is still snow covered. Schools are still out in TN and I think the snow on the ground will last a few more days.
We only got a sprinkle of rain yesterday, but the clouds looked so threatening, I thought we would get a really hard shower. I had such an unexpected surprise yesterday! Terry called while I was on my way home from shopping, and wanted to know if he and his wife could take me to lunch. Well, I try never to turn down an invitation to eat, so after I got home we went to Red Lobster and I ordered the lobster pizza, since I didn't get my pizza the day before. God is good!
Then, afterwards, Terry drove through Sawgrass Park, to look over the not-so-good changes, since he used to be superintendent there before retiring. Even though the article in the Sunday paper was mostly positive, the truth is, most of the landscaping was ripped out because of maintenance , such as the low hedge around the house and entrance . Well, it is still a nice retreat for those looking for exercise, or a place to walk their dogs.
Another surprise was a box of Honeybells that arrived from my niece, Kim. She had ordered them for a Christmas gift, knowing that they are not ready until January. So, I had a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice with breakfast this morning. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God-my God- will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.
1 Chronicles 28:20 NKJV
If you want to know God, you should do your best to imitate His Son. How? One way you can do it is by being a humble servant, just like Jesus was.
You live in a world that glorifies power, prestige, fame, and money. But the words of Jesus teach us that the most esteemed men and women are not the widely acclaimed leaders of society; the most esteemed among us are the humble servants of society.
So here's your choice; you can serve yourself (and follow the ways of the world) or you can serve your friends and neighbors (and follow Jesus.) If you really want to know the Father and the Son, you must choose the latter.
-GREAT THOUGHTS-
There are times when we are called to love, expecting nothing in return. There are times when we are called to give money to people who will never say thanks, to forgive those who won't forgive us, to come early and stay late when no one else notices.
Dear Lord, let me help others in every way that I can. Jesus served others; I can too. I will serve other people with my good deeds and with my prayers. and I will give thanks for everybody who helps me. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
We only got a sprinkle of rain yesterday, but the clouds looked so threatening, I thought we would get a really hard shower. I had such an unexpected surprise yesterday! Terry called while I was on my way home from shopping, and wanted to know if he and his wife could take me to lunch. Well, I try never to turn down an invitation to eat, so after I got home we went to Red Lobster and I ordered the lobster pizza, since I didn't get my pizza the day before. God is good!
Then, afterwards, Terry drove through Sawgrass Park, to look over the not-so-good changes, since he used to be superintendent there before retiring. Even though the article in the Sunday paper was mostly positive, the truth is, most of the landscaping was ripped out because of maintenance , such as the low hedge around the house and entrance . Well, it is still a nice retreat for those looking for exercise, or a place to walk their dogs.
Another surprise was a box of Honeybells that arrived from my niece, Kim. She had ordered them for a Christmas gift, knowing that they are not ready until January. So, I had a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice with breakfast this morning. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God-my God- will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.
1 Chronicles 28:20 NKJV
If you want to know God, you should do your best to imitate His Son. How? One way you can do it is by being a humble servant, just like Jesus was.
You live in a world that glorifies power, prestige, fame, and money. But the words of Jesus teach us that the most esteemed men and women are not the widely acclaimed leaders of society; the most esteemed among us are the humble servants of society.
So here's your choice; you can serve yourself (and follow the ways of the world) or you can serve your friends and neighbors (and follow Jesus.) If you really want to know the Father and the Son, you must choose the latter.
-GREAT THOUGHTS-
There are times when we are called to love, expecting nothing in return. There are times when we are called to give money to people who will never say thanks, to forgive those who won't forgive us, to come early and stay late when no one else notices.
Dear Lord, let me help others in every way that I can. Jesus served others; I can too. I will serve other people with my good deeds and with my prayers. and I will give thanks for everybody who helps me. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Monday, January 10, 2011
1 Peter
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 should really be glad about our weather this morning,! I just finished talking with Daryl, who is snowed in for the first time, and could not get out to work! Seven inches on the ground and still falling. Matthew has been messaging me on Facebook and says he is going to try snowboarding. He lives on a very hilly street, so should be fun. Atlanta is at a standstill, and my nephew, who is a police captain in Albany, Ga, said their power is down, and every officer who does not wear a uniform, has been sent home to get into uniform, so they can get out on the streets to help. This is a bad ice/snow storm!
So, I told Daryl the temp. here and he said "That's right, rub it in!" :o)
Well, last night I really got hungry for pizza for supper. I hardly ever eat pizza, because it's too much for me by myself, but I have had a single slice from Little Italy. However, they don't deliver, so I wound up with a bowl of cereal...not at all like pizza. Looks like pizza is in my future today...
We had a great worship yesterday, and looks like Pastor Jim is plunging right in to work with the children. He will be a blessing, I'm sure. He has a way with the little ones.
I went to the park after church and saw the turtles clustered together on the bank of the weir and the fat gator on the other side. There was an interesting article about Sawgrass Park in the Neighborhood Times yesterday, which two people told me about at church. I had not read the paper, yet.. BTW, the wind is blowing hard here, probably bringing the cold with it, but God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Peter 1:7
These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--
and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
2 Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say,
"If you want a happy life and good days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil,
turn away from evil and do good.
Work hard at living in peace with others.
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."
1 Peter 1 "May you have more and more of God's special favor and wonderful peace."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
So, I told Daryl the temp. here and he said "That's right, rub it in!" :o)
Well, last night I really got hungry for pizza for supper. I hardly ever eat pizza, because it's too much for me by myself, but I have had a single slice from Little Italy. However, they don't deliver, so I wound up with a bowl of cereal...not at all like pizza. Looks like pizza is in my future today...
We had a great worship yesterday, and looks like Pastor Jim is plunging right in to work with the children. He will be a blessing, I'm sure. He has a way with the little ones.
I went to the park after church and saw the turtles clustered together on the bank of the weir and the fat gator on the other side. There was an interesting article about Sawgrass Park in the Neighborhood Times yesterday, which two people told me about at church. I had not read the paper, yet.. BTW, the wind is blowing hard here, probably bringing the cold with it, but God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Peter 1:7
These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--
and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
2 Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say,
"If you want a happy life and good days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil,
turn away from evil and do good.
Work hard at living in peace with others.
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."
1 Peter 1 "May you have more and more of God's special favor and wonderful peace."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, January 7, 2011
Decisions
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 leaves are falling and it looks like a beautiful day, though a little chilly.
I saw a young peacock yesterday on my way in to the park . I had not seen one in months, and thought maybe someone had removed them. It was beautiful with the sun shining on the gorgeous blue and green feathers.
Then when I went through the gate, there was a black, young gator on the bank of the canal beyond the weir, and the usual fat one on the other side, so looks like they enjoyed the rain. also. The water was up in the canal, so the rain did some good. God always provides and God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT :
What do we do when we don't know what to do?
2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do. but we are looking to you for help.
We don't have to know what to do, but we do need to know where to look. As the saying goes, it isn't so much what we know but who we know!
Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom.Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil.
Trust the Lord to direct your steps, even when the way is confusing. God will guide you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, and have a wonderful weekend!
Amaryllis
I saw a young peacock yesterday on my way in to the park . I had not seen one in months, and thought maybe someone had removed them. It was beautiful with the sun shining on the gorgeous blue and green feathers.
Then when I went through the gate, there was a black, young gator on the bank of the canal beyond the weir, and the usual fat one on the other side, so looks like they enjoyed the rain. also. The water was up in the canal, so the rain did some good. God always provides and God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT :
What do we do when we don't know what to do?
2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do. but we are looking to you for help.
We don't have to know what to do, but we do need to know where to look. As the saying goes, it isn't so much what we know but who we know!
Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom.Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil.
Trust the Lord to direct your steps, even when the way is confusing. God will guide you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, and have a wonderful weekend!
Amaryllis
Thursday, January 6, 2011
A Benediction
Good rainy 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 the thunder, lightning, and rain have stopped it is still overcast. Kinda good to have a gloomy day for a change. But then a cold front will move through later this afternoon, so we enjoy while we can.
I had a quiet morning yesterday, and then ran a few errands, went to Publix, snacked on the sample fish dish the Apron lady cooked up, which was simple and very good, so I think I will try it. I went to the park, and saw the anhinga and assorted turtles on the bank of the weir, but no gator on the other side. There was a very large, almost invisible great gray heron standing in the canal, and several ibis and no woodstork, for a change. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Jude; A Prayer of Praise
All glory to God who is able to keep you from
stumbling, and who will bring you
into His glorious presence innocent
of sin and with great joy.
All glory to Him. who alone is God our Savior,
Though Jesus Christ our Lord.
Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority
belong to him in the beginning, now,
and forevermore.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had a quiet morning yesterday, and then ran a few errands, went to Publix, snacked on the sample fish dish the Apron lady cooked up, which was simple and very good, so I think I will try it. I went to the park, and saw the anhinga and assorted turtles on the bank of the weir, but no gator on the other side. There was a very large, almost invisible great gray heron standing in the canal, and several ibis and no woodstork, for a change. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Jude; A Prayer of Praise
All glory to God who is able to keep you from
stumbling, and who will bring you
into His glorious presence innocent
of sin and with great joy.
All glory to Him. who alone is God our Savior,
Though Jesus Christ our Lord.
Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority
belong to him in the beginning, now,
and forevermore.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Praise Him!
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, the temp is still in the sixties this morning, although the prediction is for colder weather to come. I have had the heat on for a short time only once or twice in the last week or so. Great weather!
Yesterday, I did something different for me. I went to Mari's salon to be a cheerleader while she worked putting the place back together, after she nearly wore herself out doing spring cleaning in the winter! She and a handy-man scrubbed walls, took all the decor down and now she is rearranging everything except the permanent fixtures. I had a great time just looking at all her glass crystals which usually hang from the ceiling, and which she washed. She must have climbed up and down her step ladder a hundred times while I was there. Such energy!! But watching someone else work didn't make me any more ambitious. Unfortunately, energy is not catching!
I also went to the park and saw some beautiful egrets standing in the shallow water in the canal. Their white feathers are beautiful and especially contrast with the mud and drab colors now that all the leaves are gone and the bleak (to me) winter look is there. I call it stark, but a friend of mine really likes the winter look. He lives up north, where shrubs and trees do get bare in the winter.But I have heard some people say that they are really surprised when they come to Florida and see all the green. This is true, because I can look out my window and see green shrubs all around me. God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God:
I will praise you with my whole heart. Psalm 138:1 NKJV
If you're like most folks on the planet, you're busy. Your life is probably hectic, demanding , and complicated. And when the demands of life leave you rushing from place to place with scarcely a moment to spare, you may not take time to praise your Creator. Big mistake.
The Bible makes it clear: it pays to praise God.
Worship and praise should be a part of everything you do. Otherwise, you quickly lose perspective as you fall prey to the demands of everyday life.
Do you sincerely desire to know God in a more meaningful way? Then praise Him for who He is and for what He has done for you. And please don't wait until Sunday morning-praise Him all day long, every day, for as long as you live ...and then for all eternity.
- GREAT THOUGHTS-
Praise opens the windows of our hearts, preparing us to walk more closely with God. Prayer raises the window of our spirit, enabling us to listen more clearly to the Father.
Max Lucado
Most of the verses written about praise in God's Word were voiced by people faced with crushing heartaches, injustice, treachery, slander and scores of other difficult situations.
-Joni Eareckson Tada-
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come to You today with hope in my heart and praise on my lips. I place my trust in You. Dear Lord, knowing that with You as my protector, I have nothing to fear. I thank you,Lord, for your grace, for Your love, and for Your Son. Let me follow in Christ's footsteps today and every day that I live. And then, when my work here is done, let me live with You forever.
Amen
I always give thanks for you , remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, I did something different for me. I went to Mari's salon to be a cheerleader while she worked putting the place back together, after she nearly wore herself out doing spring cleaning in the winter! She and a handy-man scrubbed walls, took all the decor down and now she is rearranging everything except the permanent fixtures. I had a great time just looking at all her glass crystals which usually hang from the ceiling, and which she washed. She must have climbed up and down her step ladder a hundred times while I was there. Such energy!! But watching someone else work didn't make me any more ambitious. Unfortunately, energy is not catching!
I also went to the park and saw some beautiful egrets standing in the shallow water in the canal. Their white feathers are beautiful and especially contrast with the mud and drab colors now that all the leaves are gone and the bleak (to me) winter look is there. I call it stark, but a friend of mine really likes the winter look. He lives up north, where shrubs and trees do get bare in the winter.But I have heard some people say that they are really surprised when they come to Florida and see all the green. This is true, because I can look out my window and see green shrubs all around me. God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God:
I will praise you with my whole heart. Psalm 138:1 NKJV
If you're like most folks on the planet, you're busy. Your life is probably hectic, demanding , and complicated. And when the demands of life leave you rushing from place to place with scarcely a moment to spare, you may not take time to praise your Creator. Big mistake.
The Bible makes it clear: it pays to praise God.
Worship and praise should be a part of everything you do. Otherwise, you quickly lose perspective as you fall prey to the demands of everyday life.
Do you sincerely desire to know God in a more meaningful way? Then praise Him for who He is and for what He has done for you. And please don't wait until Sunday morning-praise Him all day long, every day, for as long as you live ...and then for all eternity.
- GREAT THOUGHTS-
Praise opens the windows of our hearts, preparing us to walk more closely with God. Prayer raises the window of our spirit, enabling us to listen more clearly to the Father.
Max Lucado
Most of the verses written about praise in God's Word were voiced by people faced with crushing heartaches, injustice, treachery, slander and scores of other difficult situations.
-Joni Eareckson Tada-
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come to You today with hope in my heart and praise on my lips. I place my trust in You. Dear Lord, knowing that with You as my protector, I have nothing to fear. I thank you,Lord, for your grace, for Your love, and for Your Son. Let me follow in Christ's footsteps today and every day that I live. And then, when my work here is done, let me live with You forever.
Amen
I always give thanks for you , remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Psalm 32
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 leaves are falling, and falling, and falling. Yes, it seems more like spring , but the leaves will fall then, too. I was sweeping the porch yesterday, and decided to keep them in a pile and add to it. Then I will get a bag and put them in it, because if I sweep them in the yard, they just have to be raked up from there. So, since they have only just started to shed, I will add more daily.
Yesterday, I did more putting away of Christmas, so I feel things are almost back to normal. I took time to run a couple errands and then went to the park, and saw again the big and little turtles clinging to the side of the weir and on the other side, the gator was curled up enjoying the sun. I've noticed he only does that when the water in the lake is low enough that there is mud for him to lie on. When the water is high, he doesn't come. The canal bank was lined with ibis busily pecking away, and the lone woodstork.
As I was sweeping yesterday, I noticed and heard lots of birds flying around and through the oaks. A red-headed woodpecker was circling one tree and what looked like a larger bird came swooping in. I decided it was only a dove, but a large one. I also saw a tiny wren on the ground flitting about. Looks like lots of birds have come down from the north. No delays in their flight schedules! God is good!
From Psalm 32 NLT:
Oh, what joy for those
whose rebellion is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord
has cleared of sin.
whose lives are lived in complete
honesty!
5 Therefore, let all the godly confess their
rebellion to you while there is time.
that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.
For you are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory.
The Lord says, "I will guide you along the
best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it
under control.
Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who
trust the Lord.
So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you
who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, I did more putting away of Christmas, so I feel things are almost back to normal. I took time to run a couple errands and then went to the park, and saw again the big and little turtles clinging to the side of the weir and on the other side, the gator was curled up enjoying the sun. I've noticed he only does that when the water in the lake is low enough that there is mud for him to lie on. When the water is high, he doesn't come. The canal bank was lined with ibis busily pecking away, and the lone woodstork.
As I was sweeping yesterday, I noticed and heard lots of birds flying around and through the oaks. A red-headed woodpecker was circling one tree and what looked like a larger bird came swooping in. I decided it was only a dove, but a large one. I also saw a tiny wren on the ground flitting about. Looks like lots of birds have come down from the north. No delays in their flight schedules! God is good!
From Psalm 32 NLT:
Oh, what joy for those
whose rebellion is forgiven,
whose sin is put out of sight!
Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord
has cleared of sin.
whose lives are lived in complete
honesty!
5 Therefore, let all the godly confess their
rebellion to you while there is time.
that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.
For you are my hiding place;
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory.
The Lord says, "I will guide you along the
best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it
under control.
Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who
trust the Lord.
So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you
who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, January 3, 2011
Prepare to Dare
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 shower yesterday morning in this neighborhood and rain in the church neighborhood, and it is overcast today, so maybe we will really get much needed rain today. But it will come for sure when God decides to let it.
I hope you all had a good New Year's Eve celebration and New Year's Day. After Brian came over and helped put away Christmas decorations, and then took down the outside lights, things are beginning to look a lot better. I still have tablecloth and buffet cover to put away, but it is looking more normal. Brian had an invitation to attend and so did I, so a lot of activity both days, plus football games to watch. I am grateful for God's loving care in sending new friends for me to love and receive love from.
I was in the park yesterday and although the sun was not shining, several large turtles were on the bank of the weir, and the large fat gator was attracting a lot of attention on the other side of the road. Cars were parked and people were taking photos of him. Kind of a mini-jam, but lots of people were out enjoying the afternoon.
I had made Hoppin'John to take to my dinner invitation, and finished it off at home in a way I was not happy with. I was going to enjoy it with cornbread , but when I took it out of the fridge in its corning ware dish, the dish slipped off the counter and smashed on the floor. Of course, tiny pieces of the casserole went everywhere! I finally got it all cleaned up and then had cornbread and stew. (I even found a tiny piece of the dish on the carpet this morning). But God is good, and I can always make more of the black-eyed pea dish!
From the Quiet Moments with God devotional book:
Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly. Proverbs 13:16
Trying something new can be frightening and may even be dangerous. That's why it's much smarter to take a calculated risk than a reckless plunge.
A calculated risk is what Charles Lindbergh took when he decided to fly across the Atlantic, alone, in a single-engine plane. Was Lindbergh fearful? He certainly had known nothing about planes. If he hadn't trusted the builder of his plane or his mechanics, he also would have had a good reason to be anxious. And if he had decided to make the trip on a whim, without advance planning he certainly would have been labeled foolish.
But none of those factors were true in Lindberfgh's case. He was an experienced pilot and mechanic who personally spent months overseeing the construction of his plane. He participated in in the planning of every detail of his historic flight. The end result was a safe trip, finished ahead of schedule with fuel to spare.
To a great extent "Lucky Lindy" made his own luck.
Likewise, heroic spiritual moments nearly always are grounded in advance preparation.....
David was part of Saul's royal court and married to Saul's daughter. This was part of his preparation for assuming the throne one day. The years he spent in the wilderness prepared him spiritually to trust God, and God alone, to preserve him, protect him, and help him rule an empire. Esther prepared herself for a year before she won the "contest" to be queen.
You may not see clearly what God's purpose is for your life, but you can trust in the fact that He is preparing you for it. He will not waste a moment of your life.
So make every relationship and experience count today, knowing He is grooming you for future greatness!
Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.
-Corrie Ten Boom-
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I hope you all had a good New Year's Eve celebration and New Year's Day. After Brian came over and helped put away Christmas decorations, and then took down the outside lights, things are beginning to look a lot better. I still have tablecloth and buffet cover to put away, but it is looking more normal. Brian had an invitation to attend and so did I, so a lot of activity both days, plus football games to watch. I am grateful for God's loving care in sending new friends for me to love and receive love from.
I was in the park yesterday and although the sun was not shining, several large turtles were on the bank of the weir, and the large fat gator was attracting a lot of attention on the other side of the road. Cars were parked and people were taking photos of him. Kind of a mini-jam, but lots of people were out enjoying the afternoon.
I had made Hoppin'John to take to my dinner invitation, and finished it off at home in a way I was not happy with. I was going to enjoy it with cornbread , but when I took it out of the fridge in its corning ware dish, the dish slipped off the counter and smashed on the floor. Of course, tiny pieces of the casserole went everywhere! I finally got it all cleaned up and then had cornbread and stew. (I even found a tiny piece of the dish on the carpet this morning). But God is good, and I can always make more of the black-eyed pea dish!
From the Quiet Moments with God devotional book:
Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly. Proverbs 13:16
Trying something new can be frightening and may even be dangerous. That's why it's much smarter to take a calculated risk than a reckless plunge.
A calculated risk is what Charles Lindbergh took when he decided to fly across the Atlantic, alone, in a single-engine plane. Was Lindbergh fearful? He certainly had known nothing about planes. If he hadn't trusted the builder of his plane or his mechanics, he also would have had a good reason to be anxious. And if he had decided to make the trip on a whim, without advance planning he certainly would have been labeled foolish.
But none of those factors were true in Lindberfgh's case. He was an experienced pilot and mechanic who personally spent months overseeing the construction of his plane. He participated in in the planning of every detail of his historic flight. The end result was a safe trip, finished ahead of schedule with fuel to spare.
To a great extent "Lucky Lindy" made his own luck.
Likewise, heroic spiritual moments nearly always are grounded in advance preparation.....
David was part of Saul's royal court and married to Saul's daughter. This was part of his preparation for assuming the throne one day. The years he spent in the wilderness prepared him spiritually to trust God, and God alone, to preserve him, protect him, and help him rule an empire. Esther prepared herself for a year before she won the "contest" to be queen.
You may not see clearly what God's purpose is for your life, but you can trust in the fact that He is preparing you for it. He will not waste a moment of your life.
So make every relationship and experience count today, knowing He is grooming you for future greatness!
Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.
-Corrie Ten Boom-
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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