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 another sunny, dry day in the Sunshine State, and I am praying for rain. But God's timing is perfect and I am sure it will come.
Yesterday, I drove out to the airport to pick up Brian after getting a call from him that the plane was 15 minutes early. So, it took me about 20 minutes to drive out there and we stopped at Bob Evans for lunch, which was a nice treat. This time, he drove back, so I didn't take a detour to Tampa like I did when I drove back from dropping him off. I know which turn I missed, now. I am so directionally challenged!
A roseate spoonbill by Lynch Lake, a friend calling to tell me he was at Bay Pines visiting Louis' grave, friends inviting me for lunch, another friend wanting to do the same at the same time, a neighbor who watches out for me, informing me when I leave the garage door open or have not turned on the outside light at night, A friend who takes care of my yard and does other things for me that need doing, and other friends who love me....these are things that give me joy! God is so good!
Psalm 100 NKJV
Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, He is God:
It is He who has made us,
and not we ourselves:
We are his people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him,
And bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Words to live by from Chronicles
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!
Surprise! This is a holiday, but here I am!
I was so impressed by the medal of honor winner featured on 60 minutes last night, it really brought home to me how much our men and women sacrifice by fighting in the Afghanistan and most are so young. He was so articulate and humble...made me proud.
I took flowers out to Bay Pines National Cemetery on Saturday and was very moved by all the hundreds of flags waving in the wind; one on each grave marker. I also thought of our daughter, Diane, resting in the National Cemetery at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX, Her headstone is the same as at Arlington. But I know that the national cemeteries are perpetually taken care of and will always be nice resting places for our loved ones.
From 1 Chronicles 17:31-36
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice!
Tell all the nations that the Lord is king.
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
Let the fields and their crops burst forth with joy!
Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the Lord!
For he is coming to judge the earth.
Give thanks to the Lord , for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Cry out, "Save us, O God of our salvation!"
Gather and rescue us from among the nations,
so we can thank your holy name
and rejoice and praise you."
And all the people shouted "Amen" and praised the Lord.
1 Chronicles 28:20
Then David continued, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid
or discouraged by the size of the task, for the
Lord God, my God is with you.
He will not fail you or forsake you.
2 Chronicles 7:14
Then if my people who are called by my name,
will humble themselves and pray and seek my face
and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear
from heaven and will forgive their sins
and heal their land. I will listen to every
prayer made in this place, for I have chosen this Temple
and will set it apart to be my home forever.
My eyes and my heart will always be here.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Surprise! This is a holiday, but here I am!
I was so impressed by the medal of honor winner featured on 60 minutes last night, it really brought home to me how much our men and women sacrifice by fighting in the Afghanistan and most are so young. He was so articulate and humble...made me proud.
I took flowers out to Bay Pines National Cemetery on Saturday and was very moved by all the hundreds of flags waving in the wind; one on each grave marker. I also thought of our daughter, Diane, resting in the National Cemetery at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX, Her headstone is the same as at Arlington. But I know that the national cemeteries are perpetually taken care of and will always be nice resting places for our loved ones.
From 1 Chronicles 17:31-36
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice!
Tell all the nations that the Lord is king.
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
Let the fields and their crops burst forth with joy!
Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the Lord!
For he is coming to judge the earth.
Give thanks to the Lord , for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Cry out, "Save us, O God of our salvation!"
Gather and rescue us from among the nations,
so we can thank your holy name
and rejoice and praise you."
And all the people shouted "Amen" and praised the Lord.
1 Chronicles 28:20
Then David continued, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid
or discouraged by the size of the task, for the
Lord God, my God is with you.
He will not fail you or forsake you.
2 Chronicles 7:14
Then if my people who are called by my name,
will humble themselves and pray and seek my face
and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear
from heaven and will forgive their sins
and heal their land. I will listen to every
prayer made in this place, for I have chosen this Temple
and will set it apart to be my home forever.
My eyes and my heart will always be here.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 23
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! No smokey smell when I stepped outside this morning, and apparently, no explanation of what it was. There were several fires some distance away, but I guess it will remain a mystery. But I was not the only one who noticed it. Today the air is frest and a bit of a breeze, but very humid.
Yesterday I had an early (for me) appointment with my dental hygienist, clear across town, so that's why I took the day off. She is expecting her first baby in three weeks, so I was one of her last patients before maternity leave. But she will be back in six months when I am due for another cleaning. Danielle, the hygienist, is a sweet girl, who was very patient with Louis when he would go in for a cleaning.
So, since I was very close to Peltz Shoes, I had to stop by and check them out. I bought a pair, which I will have to take back, because once again I let the sales girl talk me into a shoe that is not my size. Grrr. Why do I do that??
Well, I stopped in the park and saw two anhingas airing out the wings on the weir. The path had been mowed alongside the road, and Ibis were pecking in the freshly mowed part. Speaking of them, there were also Ibis pecking next door in the yard when I went out this morning. I happened to realize that I have not seen any poinciana trees in bloom since the jacaranda trees are finished. Maybe I just have not noticed them. Anyway, God is good! P. S. I will be absent tomorrow also, because of taking Brian to the airport to be with Daryl and Matthew this weekend. Have a safe Memorial Day, all!
Psalm 23 from The Message:
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
Yesterday I had an early (for me) appointment with my dental hygienist, clear across town, so that's why I took the day off. She is expecting her first baby in three weeks, so I was one of her last patients before maternity leave. But she will be back in six months when I am due for another cleaning. Danielle, the hygienist, is a sweet girl, who was very patient with Louis when he would go in for a cleaning.
So, since I was very close to Peltz Shoes, I had to stop by and check them out. I bought a pair, which I will have to take back, because once again I let the sales girl talk me into a shoe that is not my size. Grrr. Why do I do that??
Well, I stopped in the park and saw two anhingas airing out the wings on the weir. The path had been mowed alongside the road, and Ibis were pecking in the freshly mowed part. Speaking of them, there were also Ibis pecking next door in the yard when I went out this morning. I happened to realize that I have not seen any poinciana trees in bloom since the jacaranda trees are finished. Maybe I just have not noticed them. Anyway, God is good! P. S. I will be absent tomorrow also, because of taking Brian to the airport to be with Daryl and Matthew this weekend. Have a safe Memorial Day, all!
Psalm 23 from The Message:
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
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Friday-Night Bravery
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 bright, sunshiny day with a strange smell on the wind. I don't know if there is a forest fire someplace, but when I stepped outside this morning, there was an unpleasant odor in the air. Sort of reminded me of the muck fire when I was a kid, that burned for a long time in what is now the Central Plaza area, but back then was called the Goose Pond area. That was really bad!
Well, I was busier yesterday morning, than I had planned to be, but I had a lot of errands to run, so I started out at Walmart to gas up the van and was pleasantly surprised to pay less for it than last week. Then, on the spur of the moment, I decided to see how crowded the parking lot was, and found a space without too much trouble, so I went in and shopped. Got my exercise going from one end of the store to the other and back again, since I did not have a list. I remembered to take my bags in, and the cashier was very helpful in filling them and putting them in the cart for me.
Then, a banking trip and to the library completed my errands. By that time, the sun was really hot, and so was I, so after a trip to the park, where I absorbed the peace, and watched the moorhen family, which had moved across the road to the lake on the other side, I called it a day and drove home to relax a bit. God is good!
From the Quiet Moments with God devotional:
Hebrews 13:6
We say with confidence, "the Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid."
He was a really skinny, little kid even though he was a junior in high school. And to his younger brother, it was unbelievable how loud Don wheezed when his asthma struck in full force. About once a month, Bobby would be awakened by the sound of Don gasping for breath. Just as soon as he could suck in air, Don would be shaking and gasping for the next breath. Sometimes their parents would rush him to the emergency room for treatment.
The doctors said that it was the hot, sticky atmosphere or perhaps the smog of the down town streets that triggered the attacks. They advised Don to stay indoors during the summer months when the himidity was highest. the doctors said that if he stayed indoors, he might be spared from the worst of his attacks.
The problem was that Don and his church youth group had a standing commitment to conduct street revival services every Friday evening, and Don was usually the one to preach. He was determined to never miss an opportunity to fulfill his life calling. So, he continued to preach, no matter the weather, and every once in a while he would fight off the asthma attacks. He counted the cost and decided to take the risk.
More than thirty years later. Don is a seasoned missionary in South America. His dedication to sharing the Good News continues to provide inspiration for others. And, he still never misses an opportunity to preach. For his brothers, Don's Friday night bravery still remains a source of encouragement as he, too, grows in his faith.
Trustfulness is based on confidence in God, whose ways I do not understand. If I did, there would be no need for trust.
Oswald Chambers
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Well, I was busier yesterday morning, than I had planned to be, but I had a lot of errands to run, so I started out at Walmart to gas up the van and was pleasantly surprised to pay less for it than last week. Then, on the spur of the moment, I decided to see how crowded the parking lot was, and found a space without too much trouble, so I went in and shopped. Got my exercise going from one end of the store to the other and back again, since I did not have a list. I remembered to take my bags in, and the cashier was very helpful in filling them and putting them in the cart for me.
Then, a banking trip and to the library completed my errands. By that time, the sun was really hot, and so was I, so after a trip to the park, where I absorbed the peace, and watched the moorhen family, which had moved across the road to the lake on the other side, I called it a day and drove home to relax a bit. God is good!
From the Quiet Moments with God devotional:
Hebrews 13:6
We say with confidence, "the Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid."
He was a really skinny, little kid even though he was a junior in high school. And to his younger brother, it was unbelievable how loud Don wheezed when his asthma struck in full force. About once a month, Bobby would be awakened by the sound of Don gasping for breath. Just as soon as he could suck in air, Don would be shaking and gasping for the next breath. Sometimes their parents would rush him to the emergency room for treatment.
The doctors said that it was the hot, sticky atmosphere or perhaps the smog of the down town streets that triggered the attacks. They advised Don to stay indoors during the summer months when the himidity was highest. the doctors said that if he stayed indoors, he might be spared from the worst of his attacks.
The problem was that Don and his church youth group had a standing commitment to conduct street revival services every Friday evening, and Don was usually the one to preach. He was determined to never miss an opportunity to fulfill his life calling. So, he continued to preach, no matter the weather, and every once in a while he would fight off the asthma attacks. He counted the cost and decided to take the risk.
More than thirty years later. Don is a seasoned missionary in South America. His dedication to sharing the Good News continues to provide inspiration for others. And, he still never misses an opportunity to preach. For his brothers, Don's Friday night bravery still remains a source of encouragement as he, too, grows in his faith.
Trustfulness is based on confidence in God, whose ways I do not understand. If I did, there would be no need for trust.
Oswald Chambers
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Monday, May 23, 2011
1 Peter 1:1-7
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, I felt a cool breeze and now the wind has picked up and the sun is shining, so it is still a beautiful day!
I had a busy weekend starting with breakfast at FCC and hearing my friend, David, tell about his life and how God has lead him to where he is today as a Delta pilot. I was blessed with church family and Brian who came to join us. It was a good time. I also went to the park several times and was pleased to see a soft-shell turtle hanging on the the bank of the weir, and a little moorhen family, mama, daddy and a couple babies swimming in the not so clean water. Human families could learn a lesson from them; faithfulness, and one mate for life!
And then, Terry lifting up the staghorn about two or three feet which took two hours and a lot of work on his part, was totally unexpected. He had said he would do it a couple months ago, but I thought he had forgotten. Surprise! He has just been very busy.God is so good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
A Letter from Peter:
All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.
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,
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had a busy weekend starting with breakfast at FCC and hearing my friend, David, tell about his life and how God has lead him to where he is today as a Delta pilot. I was blessed with church family and Brian who came to join us. It was a good time. I also went to the park several times and was pleased to see a soft-shell turtle hanging on the the bank of the weir, and a little moorhen family, mama, daddy and a couple babies swimming in the not so clean water. Human families could learn a lesson from them; faithfulness, and one mate for life!
And then, Terry lifting up the staghorn about two or three feet which took two hours and a lot of work on his part, was totally unexpected. He had said he would do it a couple months ago, but I thought he had forgotten. Surprise! He has just been very busy.God is so good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
A Letter from Peter:
All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.
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,
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 20, 2011
Wisdom from Ephesians
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! Warming up today, but we have been blessed with unusually cool days and low humidity, so now we go back to our regular weather.
As I was starting my prayers this morning, I remembered that I had signed up for prayer for Kairos at 8 this morning for thirty minutes. This is such an important ministry, and I am honored to pray for the prisoners and people working to give them hope. May they be blessed as they bring blessings to prisoners.
Yesterday I had company in the form of Dave, who mowed and trimmed the hedge, (still more to do) and then the bug man came to spray, while an employee of TECO came to make the gas meter digital or something so it can be read from the street. The electric meter is already digital.
And, then, just as I finished supper, Terry called and was on his way to lift up the huge staghorn, which was almost touching the ground. So he worked for two hours using his truck as a winch to pull it up. He had said he would do the job months ago, but he is so busy since he retired from supervisor at Sawgrass, I didn't want to remind him. He does a lot of work for his church and remodels houses. One sure thing, he will not rust out during retirement!! I so appreciate all the people who are so kind to help me with upkeep on the house!
I went to the Park during the afternoon and watched a great, blue heron stretch his neck looking intently at something in the water, while standing on some object in the middle of the canal, I don't know what the thing is, but it shouldn't be there. BTW, the baby birds I wrote about were gone yesterday morning, Something must have carried them off in the night. But the mockingbirds have been just singing their little throats out all around. Each time I step out of the house, the air is filled with their songs as they fly about. God is good!
Excerpts from Ephesians 3 and 4 AMP.
Therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the (diving) calling to which you have been called--with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service.
Living as becomes you--with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another.
Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of {produced by} the Spirit in the binding power of peace. (There is) one body and one Spirit, just as there is also one hope {that belongs} to the calling you received.
{There is} one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
One God and Fatheer of [us]all, Who is above all (Sovereign over all). pervading all and (living) in (us) all.
Yet grace (God's unmerited favor) was given to each of us individually-not indiscriminately, but in different ways--in proportion to the measure of Christ's [rich and bounteous] gift.
Now to Him who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His]power that is at work within us, is able to (carry out His purpose and) do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think--infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams--to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen-so be it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
As I was starting my prayers this morning, I remembered that I had signed up for prayer for Kairos at 8 this morning for thirty minutes. This is such an important ministry, and I am honored to pray for the prisoners and people working to give them hope. May they be blessed as they bring blessings to prisoners.
Yesterday I had company in the form of Dave, who mowed and trimmed the hedge, (still more to do) and then the bug man came to spray, while an employee of TECO came to make the gas meter digital or something so it can be read from the street. The electric meter is already digital.
And, then, just as I finished supper, Terry called and was on his way to lift up the huge staghorn, which was almost touching the ground. So he worked for two hours using his truck as a winch to pull it up. He had said he would do the job months ago, but he is so busy since he retired from supervisor at Sawgrass, I didn't want to remind him. He does a lot of work for his church and remodels houses. One sure thing, he will not rust out during retirement!! I so appreciate all the people who are so kind to help me with upkeep on the house!
I went to the Park during the afternoon and watched a great, blue heron stretch his neck looking intently at something in the water, while standing on some object in the middle of the canal, I don't know what the thing is, but it shouldn't be there. BTW, the baby birds I wrote about were gone yesterday morning, Something must have carried them off in the night. But the mockingbirds have been just singing their little throats out all around. Each time I step out of the house, the air is filled with their songs as they fly about. God is good!
Excerpts from Ephesians 3 and 4 AMP.
Therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the (diving) calling to which you have been called--with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service.
Living as becomes you--with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another.
Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of {produced by} the Spirit in the binding power of peace. (There is) one body and one Spirit, just as there is also one hope {that belongs} to the calling you received.
{There is} one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
One God and Fatheer of [us]all, Who is above all (Sovereign over all). pervading all and (living) in (us) all.
Yet grace (God's unmerited favor) was given to each of us individually-not indiscriminately, but in different ways--in proportion to the measure of Christ's [rich and bounteous] gift.
Now to Him who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His]power that is at work within us, is able to (carry out His purpose and) do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think--infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams--to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen-so be it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Make the Most of the Time you've been given
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We have had such unusually cool and dry air this past week, it has been a real blessing. But we will go right into summer beginning today. Seems hard to believe, though, since it was 65 when I arose. All good things must come to an end!
I mentioned yesterday that I had taken a walk early in the park, and it was good. I walked out to the first shelter, stopping along the way to enjoy the lush ferns and other undergrowth that have flourished since the rains. I took my walking stick and I usually get some remarks from people who admire it. It is one of the gnarly, ones that are long enough so that I can take several steps without moving it too much. I have two of them, given to me by Dave and Terry from the park. Anyway, the air was so cool that a couple women had sweaters and long sleeves, but I was comfortable and enjoyed looking at turtles in the water. Nearly everyone said "good morning" . That's why walking in the morning beats walking after supper!
I saw what I thought was a dead frog in front of the garage when I finished dragging the dumpster down to the curb last night, but looked closer and it was a baby bird, and a few inches away was another one. I looked up but could not see a nest they could have fallen from, so I'm thinking maybe a hawk got them. So sad.
Also, yesterday, as I was coming out of Gateway Mall shopping center onto 77th which is one way, a car came at me in my lane, so I had to almost stop and move to the other lane. I stopped to tell the driver she was going the wrong way, and found it was a young woman on her cell phone. She smiled at me and said "I know, I'm sorry!"!!! But she didn't hang up. Oh, well, God is still good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Hard work means prosperity, only fools idle away their time.
Proverbs 12:11 NLT
Time is a nonrenewable gift from God. But sometimes, we treat our time here on earth as if it were not a gift at all: We may be tempted to invest our lives in trivial pursuits and mindless diversions. But our Father in heaven wants us to do more...much more.
Are you one of those people who puts things off until the last minute? Do you waste time doing things that don't matter very much while putting off the important things until it's too late to do the job right? If so, it's now time to start making better choices.
It may seem like you've got all the time in the world to do the things you need to do, but time is shorter than you think. Time here on earth is limited...use it or lose it!
Our time is short! The time we can invest for God, in creative things, in receiving our fellowmen for Christ, is short!
This world is not our home, and we lament its sin-wrecked condition, riddled with disease and death and distress. But, for the growing of Christian character, it is a proper training ground.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I mentioned yesterday that I had taken a walk early in the park, and it was good. I walked out to the first shelter, stopping along the way to enjoy the lush ferns and other undergrowth that have flourished since the rains. I took my walking stick and I usually get some remarks from people who admire it. It is one of the gnarly, ones that are long enough so that I can take several steps without moving it too much. I have two of them, given to me by Dave and Terry from the park. Anyway, the air was so cool that a couple women had sweaters and long sleeves, but I was comfortable and enjoyed looking at turtles in the water. Nearly everyone said "good morning" . That's why walking in the morning beats walking after supper!
I saw what I thought was a dead frog in front of the garage when I finished dragging the dumpster down to the curb last night, but looked closer and it was a baby bird, and a few inches away was another one. I looked up but could not see a nest they could have fallen from, so I'm thinking maybe a hawk got them. So sad.
Also, yesterday, as I was coming out of Gateway Mall shopping center onto 77th which is one way, a car came at me in my lane, so I had to almost stop and move to the other lane. I stopped to tell the driver she was going the wrong way, and found it was a young woman on her cell phone. She smiled at me and said "I know, I'm sorry!"!!! But she didn't hang up. Oh, well, God is still good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Hard work means prosperity, only fools idle away their time.
Proverbs 12:11 NLT
Time is a nonrenewable gift from God. But sometimes, we treat our time here on earth as if it were not a gift at all: We may be tempted to invest our lives in trivial pursuits and mindless diversions. But our Father in heaven wants us to do more...much more.
Are you one of those people who puts things off until the last minute? Do you waste time doing things that don't matter very much while putting off the important things until it's too late to do the job right? If so, it's now time to start making better choices.
It may seem like you've got all the time in the world to do the things you need to do, but time is shorter than you think. Time here on earth is limited...use it or lose it!
Our time is short! The time we can invest for God, in creative things, in receiving our fellowmen for Christ, is short!
This world is not our home, and we lament its sin-wrecked condition, riddled with disease and death and distress. But, for the growing of Christian character, it is a proper training ground.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Spiritual Gifts
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 took time to walk this morning, because I wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather, so that made me a little later this morning.
Actually, I walked at the Park last night after supper, but walking in the morning is definitely better! As soon as I started,last night, a big horse fly landed on my glasses, then as I walked along the sidewalk, three kids, one on a skateboard, one on a tiny bike and the other on a big bike came zooming along, not stopping for anything, so I had to step off to avoid a collision. Then more people came with kids, so I just did a short walk, so I could get back home. I stopped, though, by Arrow Lake because a beautiful tri-colored heron was standing in the tall grass just looking at me, so I looked back and he finally decided to fly off to another location. I have never been that up close and personal with one before. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Corinthians 12:1-
And now, dear brothers and sisters, I will write about the special abilities the Holy Spirit gives to each of us, for I must correct your misunderstandings about them. You know that when you were still pagans you were led astray and swept along in worshiping speechless idols. So I want you to know how to discern what is truly from God:
No one speaking by the Spirit of God can curse Jesus, and no one is able to say "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
Now there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving. There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us. a spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.
To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another he gives the gift of special knowledge. The Spirit gives special faith to another, and to someone else he gives the power to heal the sick. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and to another the ability to know whether it is really the Spirit of God or another spirit that is speaking. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, and another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Actually, I walked at the Park last night after supper, but walking in the morning is definitely better! As soon as I started,last night, a big horse fly landed on my glasses, then as I walked along the sidewalk, three kids, one on a skateboard, one on a tiny bike and the other on a big bike came zooming along, not stopping for anything, so I had to step off to avoid a collision. Then more people came with kids, so I just did a short walk, so I could get back home. I stopped, though, by Arrow Lake because a beautiful tri-colored heron was standing in the tall grass just looking at me, so I looked back and he finally decided to fly off to another location. I have never been that up close and personal with one before. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Corinthians 12:1-
And now, dear brothers and sisters, I will write about the special abilities the Holy Spirit gives to each of us, for I must correct your misunderstandings about them. You know that when you were still pagans you were led astray and swept along in worshiping speechless idols. So I want you to know how to discern what is truly from God:
No one speaking by the Spirit of God can curse Jesus, and no one is able to say "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
Now there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving. There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us. a spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.
To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another he gives the gift of special knowledge. The Spirit gives special faith to another, and to someone else he gives the power to heal the sick. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and to another the ability to know whether it is really the Spirit of God or another spirit that is speaking. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, and another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Holy Spirit who distributes these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Roamin' thru Romans 8
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 sky is clear blue and if it had been this way yesterday, perhaps I could have seen the contrail of the Endeavor. Oh, well, there is an incredible photo in the Times today of the shuttle going up, taken by a lady flying from NY to West Palm Beach. The layer of clouds is below and the Endeavor just shot through them. There is a camera everywhere!
I ran some errands yesterday...over to Dowdy's to get my glasses adjusted..my niece works there, and then to Big Lots. I really do not like shopping there, but it was handy and I needed some things. Only one cashier was working, so I waited about fifteen minutes in line, but she was really working fast and doing her best with good humor, so no one complained.
Then I went to the park for a time of refreshing..admired the peace and quiet, and watched people leaning over the bridge rail looking down at something...turtles or a gator, not sure what. Then home for lunch and later mopped the kitchen floor. Not too much excitement in my day yesterday, but I had a good prayer time in the morning. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Romans 8:18-
Yet what we suffer now 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. And even as Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom. 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 everything to work together for the 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, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And he gave them right standing with himself and he promised them the glory.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I ran some errands yesterday...over to Dowdy's to get my glasses adjusted..my niece works there, and then to Big Lots. I really do not like shopping there, but it was handy and I needed some things. Only one cashier was working, so I waited about fifteen minutes in line, but she was really working fast and doing her best with good humor, so no one complained.
Then I went to the park for a time of refreshing..admired the peace and quiet, and watched people leaning over the bridge rail looking down at something...turtles or a gator, not sure what. Then home for lunch and later mopped the kitchen floor. Not too much excitement in my day yesterday, but I had a good prayer time in the morning. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Romans 8:18-
Yet what we suffer now 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. And even as Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom. 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 everything to work together for the 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, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And he gave them right standing with himself and he promised them the glory.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Monday, May 16, 2011
Luke 12
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 watched the Endeavor lift off on its last voyage , but due to clouds, I could not see the contrail from here. However the long range cameras showed the separation quite well, so off it goes to the space station. What a great day!
It was also cloudy at the Cape, but Endeavor lifted off anyway. Over 400,000 people were there to see the last voyage, so they expect over a million for the next flight, which I think will be in June...not sure, though.
We had a good service at church yesterday, where six of us were commissioned as Stephen Ministers and the Council presented a long range plan for making FCC a missional church. And I was able to greet former pastor and friend, Rock Doddridge, Suzanne and Ryan and his wife before I left. It was a blessed day with Brian coming to first service to see me commissioned.
I checked out the park to see how high the water was after the storm that woke me at 4 AM yesterday. The water was very high and had washed lots of trash up and over and on to the weir. Amazing all the stuff that comes down the canal from in back of the houses! But a large soft shell turtle was plastered against the bank of the weir and several ibis were pecking along the sides of the road, so to them all was normal. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 12 22-34
Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?
"Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food--what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
So don't be afraid little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no holes in them. Your treasure will be safe--no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
It was also cloudy at the Cape, but Endeavor lifted off anyway. Over 400,000 people were there to see the last voyage, so they expect over a million for the next flight, which I think will be in June...not sure, though.
We had a good service at church yesterday, where six of us were commissioned as Stephen Ministers and the Council presented a long range plan for making FCC a missional church. And I was able to greet former pastor and friend, Rock Doddridge, Suzanne and Ryan and his wife before I left. It was a blessed day with Brian coming to first service to see me commissioned.
I checked out the park to see how high the water was after the storm that woke me at 4 AM yesterday. The water was very high and had washed lots of trash up and over and on to the weir. Amazing all the stuff that comes down the canal from in back of the houses! But a large soft shell turtle was plastered against the bank of the weir and several ibis were pecking along the sides of the road, so to them all was normal. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 12 22-34
Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?
"Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food--what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
So don't be afraid little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no holes in them. Your treasure will be safe--no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Miracle of a Kind Word
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 sunny this morning with a bit of coolness to the breeze earlier, but it is warming up fast!
My yard man and friend, Dave, came yesterday and after mowing and blowing, he trimmed the rest of the neighbor's hedge and next he will start on my hedge in the back and work his way around to the south side. He is a Park Ranger for his full time job and Sawgrass is part of his route, as they cover all the county parks now that so many workers have been laid off. He used to be full time at Sawgrass which is where I met him. Anyway, he does a lot more for me than just the yard, so it's good to have someone dependable.
What I thought had been a volunteer cleaning up the canal, he said was just the rush of water from the last rain washing the trash all over the weir and down into the other side. Oh, well, at least it looks better. I saw a great blue heron yesterday on a dead stump in the water. His head was bent and he was preening. BTW, we have a hawk close by here, because I have seen it twice now, and thought it was flying over from the park. It well may be, but seems to come from the same tree across the street. Bunny beware, if the hawk spies it!
I also saw a big osprey sitting in the nest at the parking lot in front of Publix. If that's the baby, it looks really ready to be on its own!
God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God devotional book:
Thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. Psalm 30:1 KJV
Rev. Purnell Bailey tells of a convict from Darlington, England, who had just been released from prison. He had spent three long years in prison for embezzlement, and though he wanted to return to his hometown, he was concerned about the social ostracism and possible ridicule he might have to endure from some of the townsfolk. Still, he was lonesome for his home and decided to risk the worst.
He had barely set foot on the main street of town when he encountered the mayor himself.
"Hello!" greeted the mayor in a cheery voice. "I'm glad to see you! How are you?" The man appeared ill at ease, and so the mayor moved on.
Years later, the former mayor and the ex-convict accidentally met in another town. The latter said, "I want you to know what you did for me when I came out of prison." "What did I do?" asked the mayor. "You spoke a kind word to me and changed my life," replied the grateful man.
We cannot always know how important the seed of a kind word may be to the one who receives it. More often than we know, words of encouragement or recognition provide a turning point in a person's outlook on life.
Just as Jesus spoke with love and acceptance to the hated tax collector Zaccheus, the mayor set the tone for others' contacts with the ex-convict by openly and warmly addressing him as a neighbor. People watch those they respect for cues regarding their own relationships with certain people.
Genuine, kind words cost the giver nothing, but they can mean the world to the one receiving them. Today, don't be put off when someone to whom you offer a kind word seems uncomfortable or embarrassed. Recognize they may be unpracticed at receiving love and compassion, even though they need it greatly.
Kind words toward those you daily meet, kind words and actions right, will make this life of ours most sweet, turn darkness into light.
Isaac Watts
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
My yard man and friend, Dave, came yesterday and after mowing and blowing, he trimmed the rest of the neighbor's hedge and next he will start on my hedge in the back and work his way around to the south side. He is a Park Ranger for his full time job and Sawgrass is part of his route, as they cover all the county parks now that so many workers have been laid off. He used to be full time at Sawgrass which is where I met him. Anyway, he does a lot more for me than just the yard, so it's good to have someone dependable.
What I thought had been a volunteer cleaning up the canal, he said was just the rush of water from the last rain washing the trash all over the weir and down into the other side. Oh, well, at least it looks better. I saw a great blue heron yesterday on a dead stump in the water. His head was bent and he was preening. BTW, we have a hawk close by here, because I have seen it twice now, and thought it was flying over from the park. It well may be, but seems to come from the same tree across the street. Bunny beware, if the hawk spies it!
I also saw a big osprey sitting in the nest at the parking lot in front of Publix. If that's the baby, it looks really ready to be on its own!
God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God devotional book:
Thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. Psalm 30:1 KJV
Rev. Purnell Bailey tells of a convict from Darlington, England, who had just been released from prison. He had spent three long years in prison for embezzlement, and though he wanted to return to his hometown, he was concerned about the social ostracism and possible ridicule he might have to endure from some of the townsfolk. Still, he was lonesome for his home and decided to risk the worst.
He had barely set foot on the main street of town when he encountered the mayor himself.
"Hello!" greeted the mayor in a cheery voice. "I'm glad to see you! How are you?" The man appeared ill at ease, and so the mayor moved on.
Years later, the former mayor and the ex-convict accidentally met in another town. The latter said, "I want you to know what you did for me when I came out of prison." "What did I do?" asked the mayor. "You spoke a kind word to me and changed my life," replied the grateful man.
We cannot always know how important the seed of a kind word may be to the one who receives it. More often than we know, words of encouragement or recognition provide a turning point in a person's outlook on life.
Just as Jesus spoke with love and acceptance to the hated tax collector Zaccheus, the mayor set the tone for others' contacts with the ex-convict by openly and warmly addressing him as a neighbor. People watch those they respect for cues regarding their own relationships with certain people.
Genuine, kind words cost the giver nothing, but they can mean the world to the one receiving them. Today, don't be put off when someone to whom you offer a kind word seems uncomfortable or embarrassed. Recognize they may be unpracticed at receiving love and compassion, even though they need it greatly.
Kind words toward those you daily meet, kind words and actions right, will make this life of ours most sweet, turn darkness into light.
Isaac Watts
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Thursday, May 12, 2011
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! The sky looks like it is gradually clearing of the smoke from the Ga. wildfires, so the sun is very bright.
Well, I noticed yesterday while checking around the house, that two of my armaryllis have been eaten by some critter. While I think of the rabbit, it might have been the lubbers which I thought had been eradicated. Maybe not. I have not seen the rabbit since Monday, but he is probably in someone else's yard, hopefully next door where they have a garden! :op
I got through the taping of the video yesterday, which will be shown Sunday as the Stephen Ministers are commissioned. I am really not comfortable being taped as I talk, but Pastor Rick was easy to talk to and I had the support of David and Carl, who also spoke and were taped. So, I will see it Sunday, and hopefully, won't look like a dork.
I was hungry when we finished, so went to Publix and had a sandwich made, and bought more than I thought I would, and then journeyed home to enjoy lunch. Afterwards, I went to the park and saw things were being cleaned up. Not many people were there and I noticed the water has gone down quite a bit. That doesn't stop the anhingas as long as they can swim under water and catch the fish still swimming around. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Be Aware of Your Blessings
So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the special blessings that will come to you at the return of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:13 NLT
Because we have been so richly blessed, we should make thanksgiving a habit, a regular part of our daily routines. But sometimes, amid the demands and obligations of everyday life, we may allow the interruptions and distractions of everyday life to interfere with the time we spend with God.
Have you counted your blessings today? And have you thanked God for them? Hopefully so. After all, God's gifts include your family, your friends, your talents, your opportunities, your possessions, and the priceless gift of eternal life. How glorious are these gifts... and God is responsible for every one of them.
So today, as you go about the duties of everyday life, pause and give thanks to the Creator. He deserves your praise, and you deserve the experience of praising Him.
Jesus intended for us to be overwhelmed by the blessings of regular days. He said it was the reason he had come; "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Lord, I have more blessings than I can possibly count; make me mindful of Your precious gifts. You have cared for me, Lord, and You have saved me. I will give thanks and praise You always. Today, let me share Your blessing with others, just as You first shared them with me. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Well, I noticed yesterday while checking around the house, that two of my armaryllis have been eaten by some critter. While I think of the rabbit, it might have been the lubbers which I thought had been eradicated. Maybe not. I have not seen the rabbit since Monday, but he is probably in someone else's yard, hopefully next door where they have a garden! :op
I got through the taping of the video yesterday, which will be shown Sunday as the Stephen Ministers are commissioned. I am really not comfortable being taped as I talk, but Pastor Rick was easy to talk to and I had the support of David and Carl, who also spoke and were taped. So, I will see it Sunday, and hopefully, won't look like a dork.
I was hungry when we finished, so went to Publix and had a sandwich made, and bought more than I thought I would, and then journeyed home to enjoy lunch. Afterwards, I went to the park and saw things were being cleaned up. Not many people were there and I noticed the water has gone down quite a bit. That doesn't stop the anhingas as long as they can swim under water and catch the fish still swimming around. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Be Aware of Your Blessings
So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the special blessings that will come to you at the return of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:13 NLT
Because we have been so richly blessed, we should make thanksgiving a habit, a regular part of our daily routines. But sometimes, amid the demands and obligations of everyday life, we may allow the interruptions and distractions of everyday life to interfere with the time we spend with God.
Have you counted your blessings today? And have you thanked God for them? Hopefully so. After all, God's gifts include your family, your friends, your talents, your opportunities, your possessions, and the priceless gift of eternal life. How glorious are these gifts... and God is responsible for every one of them.
So today, as you go about the duties of everyday life, pause and give thanks to the Creator. He deserves your praise, and you deserve the experience of praising Him.
Jesus intended for us to be overwhelmed by the blessings of regular days. He said it was the reason he had come; "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Lord, I have more blessings than I can possibly count; make me mindful of Your precious gifts. You have cared for me, Lord, and You have saved me. I will give thanks and praise You always. Today, let me share Your blessing with others, just as You first shared them with me. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Greetings From Paul!
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! While the sun is shining, it is doing so through a haze of smoke coming from Georgia, of all places! The air is very still and the weather report said the pollution is high, so people with respiratory problems are advised to stay in until much later in the day. Well, if the heat is supposed to hit 90 today, I have no problem with staying inside in the A/C!
But I did get out yesterday and bought gas at a price lower than I had anticipated! That was a nice surprise! I stopped at Chic-fil-let and picked up a sandwich and came home for lunch and then went to the park. The fallen limb has been picked up and one of the workers was checking out the trash that was placed on the weir, so maybe that will soon be gone. Not many people were there, but it was right about noonish, so the kids were not out of school yet. I watched a graceful egret slowly making his way along the water, and the little moorhens. They are so cute... just like a family. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 1:9-13
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
But I did get out yesterday and bought gas at a price lower than I had anticipated! That was a nice surprise! I stopped at Chic-fil-let and picked up a sandwich and came home for lunch and then went to the park. The fallen limb has been picked up and one of the workers was checking out the trash that was placed on the weir, so maybe that will soon be gone. Not many people were there, but it was right about noonish, so the kids were not out of school yet. I watched a graceful egret slowly making his way along the water, and the little moorhens. They are so cute... just like a family. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 1:9-13
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 19
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! This is another in a series of sunshine filled days, but after we were spoiled with low humidity for a couple days, now it is back and very humid.
But that's Florida!
I noticed as I went to the park that the hard rain we had a few days ago, broke off a large maple tree limb very near some picnic tables on the berm, even though there was not much wind with the rain. Fortunately, no one was under the tree at the time. And another maple has fallen across the canal. Their roots really get damaged by the water, so they are fragile. But the squirrels are happy and so are the egrets. Also, I saw that someone has been working to clean up the canal by the weir, which was so filled with trash. There was even more in it from last weeks' rain. But God is good!
From the NLT Promise Bible:
The heavens declare the glory of God.
The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
They speak without a sound or a word:
their voice is silent in the skies;
yet their message has gone out to all the earth,
and their words to all the world.
The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it.
It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life.
Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.
They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
They are a warning to those who hear them;
there is great reward for those who obey them.
How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
Keep me from deliberate sins!
Don't let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
But that's Florida!
I noticed as I went to the park that the hard rain we had a few days ago, broke off a large maple tree limb very near some picnic tables on the berm, even though there was not much wind with the rain. Fortunately, no one was under the tree at the time. And another maple has fallen across the canal. Their roots really get damaged by the water, so they are fragile. But the squirrels are happy and so are the egrets. Also, I saw that someone has been working to clean up the canal by the weir, which was so filled with trash. There was even more in it from last weeks' rain. But God is good!
From the NLT Promise Bible:
The heavens declare the glory of God.
The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
They speak without a sound or a word:
their voice is silent in the skies;
yet their message has gone out to all the earth,
and their words to all the world.
The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it.
It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life.
Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.
They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
They are a warning to those who hear them;
there is great reward for those who obey them.
How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
Keep me from deliberate sins!
Don't let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Monday, May 9, 2011
Experience the 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! I am a little later than usual this morning because of trying to get into my email account, but here I am!
When I dragged the dumpster back from the curb, a little while ago, there was the bunny just watching me in the back yard. IT is the one that has been digging holes in the yard. I tried to fill them up a couple days ago, but whatever he's after must be good! I just wonder if he is a domestic rabbit that got away from someone, because he just sat there and hopped off a ways and then stopped and looked again. I don't know whether to feed him or not.
Well, I had a wonderful Mothers' Day starting Saturday with the Ladies tea. It was good to see old friends and chat, and then yesterday, Brian took me to The Hangar for lunch and Daryl had called me early to wish me a Happy Mother's Day. The lunch was a treat with the view of planes taking off and landing and the Safari Helicopter taking off. The food was good and my salmon was huge, so I brought half home and had it for supper. We had ordered carrot cake to take home for dessert. It was the tallest carrot cake I have ever seen, and was (is) delicious. I could not eat it all in one sitting! I opened my gifts from Daryl and Brian and really enjoyed the day! Then I had a phone call from my nephew Russ in Georgia. Guess I am the only one left in the family on Louis' side but it was good to hear from him. I have two wonderful sons! God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say again-rejoice!
Philippians 4:4 NLT
You can't really get to know God until you genuinely experience God's joy for yourself. It's not enough to hear somebody else talk about being a joyful Christian-you must experience Christ's joy in order to understand it. Does that mean that you'll be a joy-filled believer 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from this moment on? No, it doesn't mean that. But it does mean that you can experience God's joy personally, frequently, and intensely.
So here's a prescription for better spiritual health: Open the door of your soul to Christ. When you do, He will give you peace and joy...heaping helpings of peace and joy.
-Great Thoughts-
When I think of God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes leap and dance as they leave my pen; and since God has given me a cheerful heart, I serve him with a cheerful spirit.
We all go through pain and sorrow, but the presence of God, like a warm, comforting blanket, can shield us and protect us, and allow the deep inner joy to surface, even in the most devastating circumstances.
Today's Prayer-
Dear Lord, You have given me so many blessings, starting with my family. I will keep joy in my heart as I thank You, Lord for every single blessing You've given me. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I dragged the dumpster back from the curb, a little while ago, there was the bunny just watching me in the back yard. IT is the one that has been digging holes in the yard. I tried to fill them up a couple days ago, but whatever he's after must be good! I just wonder if he is a domestic rabbit that got away from someone, because he just sat there and hopped off a ways and then stopped and looked again. I don't know whether to feed him or not.
Well, I had a wonderful Mothers' Day starting Saturday with the Ladies tea. It was good to see old friends and chat, and then yesterday, Brian took me to The Hangar for lunch and Daryl had called me early to wish me a Happy Mother's Day. The lunch was a treat with the view of planes taking off and landing and the Safari Helicopter taking off. The food was good and my salmon was huge, so I brought half home and had it for supper. We had ordered carrot cake to take home for dessert. It was the tallest carrot cake I have ever seen, and was (is) delicious. I could not eat it all in one sitting! I opened my gifts from Daryl and Brian and really enjoyed the day! Then I had a phone call from my nephew Russ in Georgia. Guess I am the only one left in the family on Louis' side but it was good to hear from him. I have two wonderful sons! God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say again-rejoice!
Philippians 4:4 NLT
You can't really get to know God until you genuinely experience God's joy for yourself. It's not enough to hear somebody else talk about being a joyful Christian-you must experience Christ's joy in order to understand it. Does that mean that you'll be a joy-filled believer 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from this moment on? No, it doesn't mean that. But it does mean that you can experience God's joy personally, frequently, and intensely.
So here's a prescription for better spiritual health: Open the door of your soul to Christ. When you do, He will give you peace and joy...heaping helpings of peace and joy.
-Great Thoughts-
When I think of God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes leap and dance as they leave my pen; and since God has given me a cheerful heart, I serve him with a cheerful spirit.
We all go through pain and sorrow, but the presence of God, like a warm, comforting blanket, can shield us and protect us, and allow the deep inner joy to surface, even in the most devastating circumstances.
Today's Prayer-
Dear Lord, You have given me so many blessings, starting with my family. I will keep joy in my heart as I thank You, Lord for every single blessing You've given me. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 6, 2011
Womanhood
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! Looks like we might get some rain today. It is overcast and windy this morning, although the sun was shining earlier. I saw the long line of showers out in the gulf and moving this way, so I am hopeful.
My friend and yard man, Dave, mowed yesterday and started trimming on the neighbor's hedge, which is hanging over my yard and keeps all sun off the north side. I told him just to do as much as he felt he could do, so he clipped as far as the end of the house and it looks so much better! He will gradually work his way around until he gets to the south side. He said by the time he gets finished, He' ll probably have to start over. It's a never-ending job!
I stayed around the house most of the day, did my ironing, and later went to the park. Lots of people were there, including the tree trimming crew. I watched an almost invisible great blue heron standing quietly in the water, looking intently down, but I have not seen the big, old gopher tortoise in quite a while. He reminds me so much of old Florida. We used to have them around the vacant lots when I was a kid and always called them gophers. We would stick our arms down their holes, which was not a smart thing to do, since snakes often crawled down there, but we were protected by our guardian angels, I think.
I see and hear lots of mockingbirds in our trees and also the cardinal that I wrote about a couple weeks ago. I think they must have nests close by. God is good!
A Tribute to Moms from Hymns For The Family of God
Proverbs 31:10-21, 23, 25-30 LB
If you can find a truly good wife, she is worth more than precious gems.
Her husband can trust her, and she will richly satisfy his needs. She will not hinder him, but help him all his life.
She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She buys imported foods, brought by ship from distant ports.
She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household, and plans the day's work for her servant girls.
She goes out to inspect a field, and buys it; with her own hands she plants a vineyard. She is energetic, a hard worker, and watches for bargains. She works far into the night!
She sews for the poor and generously gives to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for she has made warm clothes for all of them.
Her husband is well known, for he sits in the council chamber with the other civic leaders.
She is a woman of strength and dignity and has no fear of old age.
When she speaks, her words are wise , and kindness is the rule for everything she says.
She watches carefully all that goes on throughout her household and is never lazy.
Her children stand and bless her, so does her husband. He praises her with these words: "There are many fine women in the world, but you are the best of them all."
Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn't last, but a woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Amaryllis (Happy Mothers' Day all you Moms!)
My friend and yard man, Dave, mowed yesterday and started trimming on the neighbor's hedge, which is hanging over my yard and keeps all sun off the north side. I told him just to do as much as he felt he could do, so he clipped as far as the end of the house and it looks so much better! He will gradually work his way around until he gets to the south side. He said by the time he gets finished, He' ll probably have to start over. It's a never-ending job!
I stayed around the house most of the day, did my ironing, and later went to the park. Lots of people were there, including the tree trimming crew. I watched an almost invisible great blue heron standing quietly in the water, looking intently down, but I have not seen the big, old gopher tortoise in quite a while. He reminds me so much of old Florida. We used to have them around the vacant lots when I was a kid and always called them gophers. We would stick our arms down their holes, which was not a smart thing to do, since snakes often crawled down there, but we were protected by our guardian angels, I think.
I see and hear lots of mockingbirds in our trees and also the cardinal that I wrote about a couple weeks ago. I think they must have nests close by. God is good!
A Tribute to Moms from Hymns For The Family of God
Proverbs 31:10-21, 23, 25-30 LB
If you can find a truly good wife, she is worth more than precious gems.
Her husband can trust her, and she will richly satisfy his needs. She will not hinder him, but help him all his life.
She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She buys imported foods, brought by ship from distant ports.
She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household, and plans the day's work for her servant girls.
She goes out to inspect a field, and buys it; with her own hands she plants a vineyard. She is energetic, a hard worker, and watches for bargains. She works far into the night!
She sews for the poor and generously gives to the needy. She has no fear of winter for her household, for she has made warm clothes for all of them.
Her husband is well known, for he sits in the council chamber with the other civic leaders.
She is a woman of strength and dignity and has no fear of old age.
When she speaks, her words are wise , and kindness is the rule for everything she says.
She watches carefully all that goes on throughout her household and is never lazy.
Her children stand and bless her, so does her husband. He praises her with these words: "There are many fine women in the world, but you are the best of them all."
Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn't last, but a woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Amaryllis (Happy Mothers' Day all you Moms!)
Thursday, May 5, 2011
National Day of Prayer
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The wind is blowing and the air is a little cooler, so I guess the "cold" front came through, or is coming through with dryer air. That means it will probably be a good day to get the van washed. I like dry days because the water usually evaporates before I get home then all I have to do is clean the windows.
I have not heard from the media saying this is the National Day of Prayer, which Pres. Bush always mentioned, but that is what the calendar says , so I prayed for all the government leaders this morning, which , honestly, I don't usually do. I know I should....just have such a long list, I don't take time.
Yesterday I watched a pretty yellow butterfly flitting by outside, and unfortunately, lots of love bugs in the air. There must be some birds or some animal that like to eat them, but I don't even think frogs like love bugs. That old joke about "you can tell a happy motorcyclist by the love bugs on his teeth" is true right now. Speaking of that, last night I heard the whine of the bikers as they left the Quaker Steak place on 49th. They were speeding up the interstate! Must have been a lot them gathered there.
Lots of people at the park yesterday on a beautiful, sunshiny day, Dog walkers, children and older folks enjoying the outing. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. We must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I have not heard from the media saying this is the National Day of Prayer, which Pres. Bush always mentioned, but that is what the calendar says , so I prayed for all the government leaders this morning, which , honestly, I don't usually do. I know I should....just have such a long list, I don't take time.
Yesterday I watched a pretty yellow butterfly flitting by outside, and unfortunately, lots of love bugs in the air. There must be some birds or some animal that like to eat them, but I don't even think frogs like love bugs. That old joke about "you can tell a happy motorcyclist by the love bugs on his teeth" is true right now. Speaking of that, last night I heard the whine of the bikers as they left the Quaker Steak place on 49th. They were speeding up the interstate! Must have been a lot them gathered there.
Lots of people at the park yesterday on a beautiful, sunshiny day, Dog walkers, children and older folks enjoying the outing. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. We must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Ask 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! Another beautiful day of sunshine and heat, but no rain. Well, tomorrow a "cold" front will move in for a couple days and we will have less humidity and a couple degrees cooler temps. That will be welcome!
I went to the library yesterday, to exchange some books and the short walk to the door was in the sun, and very hot! Our North Branch has expanded to house some large rooms with lots of computers, and usually most are busy! Students, people looking for jobs, and those communicating with family and friends...who knows what they are used for? And people just sitting and browsing newspapers, and there are always two or three patrons looking through the DVD's . I saw two copies of "A Beautiful Mind" on the shelf last week and was tempted to check it out, since I did not see the movie, but maybe later. There are a wealth of resources in the library. I am glad it is so close!
I also went to the park, and watched a photographer take photos of a great blue heron perched on a dead branch sticking out of the water. There wasn't any movement, so I don't know what he was waiting for, but he was very patient. It looks like the hydrilla has been sprayed, because a big clump of it is turning brown, and it really was growing huge!
After I came home, I noticed two ibis and a squirrel in the yard...the ibis pecking very deeply, for whatever they could find, and the squirrel happily munching on acorns, that he was digging up. So the ground was getting aereated! God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
And yet the reason you don't have what you want is that you don't ask God for it.
James 4:2 NLT
If you want to know more about God, ask for His help.
When you ask sincerely -and repeatedly-He will answer your request.
How often do you ask God for His guidance and His wisdom? Occasionally? Intermittently? Whenever you experience a crisis? Hopefully not. Hopefully, you've acquired the habit of asking for God's assistance early and often. And hopefully, you have learned the seek His guidance in every aspect of your life.
Do you sincerely seek to know God's unfolding plans for you? If so, ask Him for direction, for protection, and for strength-and then keep asking Him every day that you live. "Whatever your need, no matter how great or small, pray about it and have faith.God is not just near; He is here, and He's perfectly capable of answering your prayers. Now, it's up to you to ask.
We honor God by asking for great things when they are a part of His promise. We dishonor Him and cheat ourselves when we ask for molehills where He has promised mountains.
We get into trouble when we think we know what to do and we stop asking God if we're doing it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I went to the library yesterday, to exchange some books and the short walk to the door was in the sun, and very hot! Our North Branch has expanded to house some large rooms with lots of computers, and usually most are busy! Students, people looking for jobs, and those communicating with family and friends...who knows what they are used for? And people just sitting and browsing newspapers, and there are always two or three patrons looking through the DVD's . I saw two copies of "A Beautiful Mind" on the shelf last week and was tempted to check it out, since I did not see the movie, but maybe later. There are a wealth of resources in the library. I am glad it is so close!
I also went to the park, and watched a photographer take photos of a great blue heron perched on a dead branch sticking out of the water. There wasn't any movement, so I don't know what he was waiting for, but he was very patient. It looks like the hydrilla has been sprayed, because a big clump of it is turning brown, and it really was growing huge!
After I came home, I noticed two ibis and a squirrel in the yard...the ibis pecking very deeply, for whatever they could find, and the squirrel happily munching on acorns, that he was digging up. So the ground was getting aereated! God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
And yet the reason you don't have what you want is that you don't ask God for it.
James 4:2 NLT
If you want to know more about God, ask for His help.
When you ask sincerely -and repeatedly-He will answer your request.
How often do you ask God for His guidance and His wisdom? Occasionally? Intermittently? Whenever you experience a crisis? Hopefully not. Hopefully, you've acquired the habit of asking for God's assistance early and often. And hopefully, you have learned the seek His guidance in every aspect of your life.
Do you sincerely seek to know God's unfolding plans for you? If so, ask Him for direction, for protection, and for strength-and then keep asking Him every day that you live. "Whatever your need, no matter how great or small, pray about it and have faith.God is not just near; He is here, and He's perfectly capable of answering your prayers. Now, it's up to you to ask.
We honor God by asking for great things when they are a part of His promise. We dishonor Him and cheat ourselves when we ask for molehills where He has promised mountains.
We get into trouble when we think we know what to do and we stop asking God if we're doing it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Meaningful Scriptures
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We have had such a series of beautiful days that it seems a shame to pray for rain, but we do really need it. Everything has greened up so beautifully since the freezy days we had in the winter, that the rain would really help. I have a well, but I think the motor needs replacing or repair, because it won't pump any more so I can water the yard. Well, God will take care of it in His time!
It was so hot yesterday, when I went shopping, I didn't stay long outside and put on sunblock before going in the sun. So I did some chores around the house and felt good about getting those done. I also filled out a survey letter from St. Anthony's about my treatment in the ER about three weeks ago. Over all, it was OK if you have to be there, but lasted way too long! My thanks again to David for riding in the ambulance with me when Brian could not be reached.
I saw a line of ibis along the canal yesterday when I went to the park, and then the usual anhinga drying out wings..one on the weir and one on a dead limb sticking out of the canal. They can put their webbed feet on the smallest objects and balance there! There were not many people there yesterday..I only counted seven cars even though it was such a pretty day, but more probably came in later. It is a peaceful place to be. God is good!
These are scriptures that have meant a lot to me over the years from the NLT Promise Bible:
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Empowering
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
(this scripture was underlined in a NLT Bible presented to me by Don Logue after I directed VBS one year)
Ezekiel 36:26
I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin, and give you a new obedient heart."
Romans 15:13
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
It was so hot yesterday, when I went shopping, I didn't stay long outside and put on sunblock before going in the sun. So I did some chores around the house and felt good about getting those done. I also filled out a survey letter from St. Anthony's about my treatment in the ER about three weeks ago. Over all, it was OK if you have to be there, but lasted way too long! My thanks again to David for riding in the ambulance with me when Brian could not be reached.
I saw a line of ibis along the canal yesterday when I went to the park, and then the usual anhinga drying out wings..one on the weir and one on a dead limb sticking out of the canal. They can put their webbed feet on the smallest objects and balance there! There were not many people there yesterday..I only counted seven cars even though it was such a pretty day, but more probably came in later. It is a peaceful place to be. God is good!
These are scriptures that have meant a lot to me over the years from the NLT Promise Bible:
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Empowering
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
(this scripture was underlined in a NLT Bible presented to me by Don Logue after I directed VBS one year)
Ezekiel 36:26
I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin, and give you a new obedient heart."
Romans 15:13
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
Monday, May 2, 2011
After Darkness, Dawn
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 humidity is lower and the breeze feels cool so far this morning, so this is a wonderful day!
Yesterday was a good day,too, with a good sermon and communion and lots of shoes all over the church to be sent all over the world, for people who cannot afford shoes. A good project! When I think of the devastation in Alabama, Tenn. and Georgia, I know many of those people will need shoes, along with everything else. I can't even imagine being without everything. I am blessed!
When I went to the park yesterday, I had to go around a paramedic truck which was on a call to the sidewalk. Apparently, from what I could see, someone in a motorized wheelchair needed assistance, and when I came out of the park there was a sheriff's cruiser and a FHP patrol car just drove up. I said a prayer for whoever needed help and drove on.
But when I was in the park, I saw a great blue heron waiting patiently for a fish, and an anhinga drying out the wings. Not many people were there, but lots was going on in town and in Tampa to draw people out. I keep looking for the old gopher tortoise, but have not seen him for a couple weeks. But God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God devotional:
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9
At the turn of the century there was a city worker whose youth had been spent in evil ways. But one night during a revival meeting, he was spiritually born anew. Soon after, he ran into one of his old drinking pals. Knowing his friend needed Jesus, he attempted to witness to him about his newly found peace. His friend rebuffed him rudely and made fun of him for "turning pious."
"I'll tell you what," said the new Christian, "you know that I am the city lamplighter. When I go 'round turning out the lights, I look back, and all the road over which I've been walking is blackness. That's what my past is like." He went on, "I look on in front, and there's a long row of twinkling lights to guide me, and that's what the future is like since I found Jesus."
"Yes," says the friend, "but by-and-by you get to the last lamp and turn it out, and where are you then?"
"Then" said the Christian, "why, when he last lamp goes out it's dawn, and there ain't no need for lamps when the morning comes."
Many children carry their fear of the dark into adulthood in the form of other kinds of fears-fear of failure, rejection, loss, pain, loneliness, or disappointment. Each of these fears seems to grow in darkness. Darkness is a metaphor for many things; death, night, uncertainty, evil--but in all of them, Jesus is the Light that brings illumination and comfort.
When light shines, not only is darkness eliminated, but fears are relieved as well. Indeed, not only does Jesus give you as much light as you need to proceed in faith, but because of His sacrifice at Calvary, you can be assured of His eternal dawn when the last lamp goes out! Like the lamplighter said, "And there ain't no need for lamps when the morning comes."
O for a closer walk with God. A calm and heavenly frame.
A light to shine upon the road that leads me to the lamb!
William Cowper
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Happy Cinco de Mayo, Gil!)
Yesterday was a good day,too, with a good sermon and communion and lots of shoes all over the church to be sent all over the world, for people who cannot afford shoes. A good project! When I think of the devastation in Alabama, Tenn. and Georgia, I know many of those people will need shoes, along with everything else. I can't even imagine being without everything. I am blessed!
When I went to the park yesterday, I had to go around a paramedic truck which was on a call to the sidewalk. Apparently, from what I could see, someone in a motorized wheelchair needed assistance, and when I came out of the park there was a sheriff's cruiser and a FHP patrol car just drove up. I said a prayer for whoever needed help and drove on.
But when I was in the park, I saw a great blue heron waiting patiently for a fish, and an anhinga drying out the wings. Not many people were there, but lots was going on in town and in Tampa to draw people out. I keep looking for the old gopher tortoise, but have not seen him for a couple weeks. But God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God devotional:
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9
At the turn of the century there was a city worker whose youth had been spent in evil ways. But one night during a revival meeting, he was spiritually born anew. Soon after, he ran into one of his old drinking pals. Knowing his friend needed Jesus, he attempted to witness to him about his newly found peace. His friend rebuffed him rudely and made fun of him for "turning pious."
"I'll tell you what," said the new Christian, "you know that I am the city lamplighter. When I go 'round turning out the lights, I look back, and all the road over which I've been walking is blackness. That's what my past is like." He went on, "I look on in front, and there's a long row of twinkling lights to guide me, and that's what the future is like since I found Jesus."
"Yes," says the friend, "but by-and-by you get to the last lamp and turn it out, and where are you then?"
"Then" said the Christian, "why, when he last lamp goes out it's dawn, and there ain't no need for lamps when the morning comes."
Many children carry their fear of the dark into adulthood in the form of other kinds of fears-fear of failure, rejection, loss, pain, loneliness, or disappointment. Each of these fears seems to grow in darkness. Darkness is a metaphor for many things; death, night, uncertainty, evil--but in all of them, Jesus is the Light that brings illumination and comfort.
When light shines, not only is darkness eliminated, but fears are relieved as well. Indeed, not only does Jesus give you as much light as you need to proceed in faith, but because of His sacrifice at Calvary, you can be assured of His eternal dawn when the last lamp goes out! Like the lamplighter said, "And there ain't no need for lamps when the morning comes."
O for a closer walk with God. A calm and heavenly frame.
A light to shine upon the road that leads me to the lamb!
William Cowper
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Happy Cinco de Mayo, Gil!)
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