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 rain yet this morning, but lots of clouds in the sky. When I stood outside this morning, watching the neighborhood waking up, I enjoyed the coolish breeze on my face...maybe fall is on the way!
Yesterday I took an unexpected walk on the boardwalk..unexpected because I had not planned it. I just wanted to walk to check on the young gator, but two men were standing right where you can look down to see it, and since they would not move...just talking about fishing, biking, and stuff, I sort of squeezed in to look down, and sure enough, young gator is about two feet long and thriving. Well, it was overcast and a nice wind was blowing, so I decided to walk out to the first shelter. I made a few stops along the way, to catch my breath, but had my walking shoes on, so plodded on,.watching several skinks scurrying along just underneath the rails. There weren't any lizards, just skinks! Just before I got to the rail over the canal, I heard a tremendous splash, and rushed to look, but just saw ripples. I think a gator must have snapped at something, but I could not see her, although I waited for a few minutes. The splash was so loud that it startled an egret across the canal who had been peacefully fishing. Guess that will remain a mystery,
I made it back to the car and sat there cooling off and sneezing. Something really stirred up my allergies, so while I was sneezing, I looked in my rear view mirror, and saw the very large, old gopher tortoise emerging from the weeds. I drove around the circle and when I came back I pulled in where he was, but he turned around and was scurrying as fast as he could to get away. So funny to see those fat short legs moving fast!
Brian and I enjoyed a good dinner at the Olive Garden last night, arriving a little after five, which was a good time, because when we left, a small crowd was waiting. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1st John 4:7
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God--for God is love.
God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins
Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us....
Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us. We love each other as a result of his loving us first. .
If someone says, "I love God," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we have not seen? And God himself has commanded that we must love not only him but our Christian brothers and sisters, too.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
The Future
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 an unexpected shower already, with water dripping off the roof, now. I was out much earlier, enjoying the cooler air and watching the squirrels zip up and down the trees and hanging upside down munching on acorns. One curious little critter came over to me looking very inquisitively at me, as if expecting a peanut, and then decided acorns were pretty good, after all. I discovered the birds that have been raking all the mulch out of the plant beds and leaving a mess on the sidewalk. They are the yellow eyed blackbirds. I don't know why they do that!
We had so much rain yesterday, that I got caught in it. I went to the library, and it was just starting to thunder and sprinkle, so I had the foresight to take my umbrella with me. Well, by the time I got through browsing, it was pouring and windy, so I stood inside and waited for about fifteen minutes. It didn't show any signs of easing up, so I just splashed through the puddles in the parking lot and made it to the car, relatively dry, but getting in the car was another story. It's difficult to get an umbrella folded without getting half of me soaked, which I did, but I had paper towels in the back, so i dried off as best as I could, and headed for home in the half flooded streets. I was really happy to pull into the dry garage. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I have to look forward to?
1st Peter 1:4-5 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.
We who are God's children will inherit the heavenly riches reserved for us. Until we enter heaven, God preserves our inheritance and protects us.
1st Corinthians 2:9-10 The Scriptures....say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God's deep secrets.
We who love God have a glorious future ahead, beyond our present understanding.
How can I be sure God will direct my future in this life?
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
The Lord directs our steps. Though the pathway may lead through dark valleys or seem to take unnecessary detours, we will one day look back and discover that the Lord's way was best.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
We had so much rain yesterday, that I got caught in it. I went to the library, and it was just starting to thunder and sprinkle, so I had the foresight to take my umbrella with me. Well, by the time I got through browsing, it was pouring and windy, so I stood inside and waited for about fifteen minutes. It didn't show any signs of easing up, so I just splashed through the puddles in the parking lot and made it to the car, relatively dry, but getting in the car was another story. It's difficult to get an umbrella folded without getting half of me soaked, which I did, but I had paper towels in the back, so i dried off as best as I could, and headed for home in the half flooded streets. I was really happy to pull into the dry garage. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I have to look forward to?
1st Peter 1:4-5 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.
We who are God's children will inherit the heavenly riches reserved for us. Until we enter heaven, God preserves our inheritance and protects us.
1st Corinthians 2:9-10 The Scriptures....say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God's deep secrets.
We who love God have a glorious future ahead, beyond our present understanding.
How can I be sure God will direct my future in this life?
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
The Lord directs our steps. Though the pathway may lead through dark valleys or seem to take unnecessary detours, we will one day look back and discover that the Lord's way was best.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Monday, August 29, 2011
Keep Learning
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! My day started out with a pleasant mystery this morning. Someone brought my garbage dumpster up from the curb to in front of the garage! The only person I can think of who might have done it, is Mr. Soon, my neighbor who lives several houses down the street. I haven't seen him, but he may still be walking with his grandkids to school, and, if so, he goes right by the house. He is a kind man who has been concerned that I live alone, now. But no matter who it was, it was a kind gesture that really started my day off with a thankful heart!
Yesterday, we had thunderstorms off and on; very short ones, but it did cool things off a bit. And today it is a bit cooler now, but not for long. I went to the park yesterday afternoon and saw lots of people hanging over the railing looking at the little gator hanging out on the mudbank. A gorgeous egret was standing on a lily pad in the water, fishing and the heat was rising! And, oh, I watched the beautiful cardinal in the hedge outside my window. If I had a dress that color, I would wear it a lot! God is so good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Listen carefully to wisdom; set your mind on understanding.
Proverbs 2:2 NCV
Whether you're twenty-two or a hundred and two, you've still got lots to learn. Even if you're very wise, God isn't finished with you yet, and He isn't finished teaching you important lessons about life here on earth and life eternal.
God does not intend for you to be a stagnant believer. Far from it. God wants you to continue growing as a person and as a Christian every day that you live. And make no mistake: both spiritual and intellectual growth are possible during every stage of life.
Are you a curious Christian who has committed yourself to the regimen of regular Bible study, or do you consult your Bible on a hit-or-miss basis? The answer to this question will be an indication of the extent to which you allow God to direct the course of your life.
Do you want to know God?
Then study His Word and talk to Him often. While you're at it, associate, day in and day out, with godly men and women. And act in accordance with your beliefs.
When you study God's Word and live according to His commandments, you will become wise...and you will serve as a shining example to your friend, to your family, and to the world.
The wonderful thing about God's schoolroom is that we get to grade our own papers. You see, He doesn't test us so He can learn how well we're doing, He tests us so we can discover how well we're doing.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, we had thunderstorms off and on; very short ones, but it did cool things off a bit. And today it is a bit cooler now, but not for long. I went to the park yesterday afternoon and saw lots of people hanging over the railing looking at the little gator hanging out on the mudbank. A gorgeous egret was standing on a lily pad in the water, fishing and the heat was rising! And, oh, I watched the beautiful cardinal in the hedge outside my window. If I had a dress that color, I would wear it a lot! God is so good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Listen carefully to wisdom; set your mind on understanding.
Proverbs 2:2 NCV
Whether you're twenty-two or a hundred and two, you've still got lots to learn. Even if you're very wise, God isn't finished with you yet, and He isn't finished teaching you important lessons about life here on earth and life eternal.
God does not intend for you to be a stagnant believer. Far from it. God wants you to continue growing as a person and as a Christian every day that you live. And make no mistake: both spiritual and intellectual growth are possible during every stage of life.
Are you a curious Christian who has committed yourself to the regimen of regular Bible study, or do you consult your Bible on a hit-or-miss basis? The answer to this question will be an indication of the extent to which you allow God to direct the course of your life.
Do you want to know God?
Then study His Word and talk to Him often. While you're at it, associate, day in and day out, with godly men and women. And act in accordance with your beliefs.
When you study God's Word and live according to His commandments, you will become wise...and you will serve as a shining example to your friend, to your family, and to the world.
The wonderful thing about God's schoolroom is that we get to grade our own papers. You see, He doesn't test us so He can learn how well we're doing, He tests us so we can discover how well we're doing.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, August 26, 2011
Spontaneous Love Bouquets
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 is blue and the clouds are white and a gentle breeze is blowing, but not from Irene. I have been praying for all those in the path of this terrific hurricane. I checked with Jay Bowman on Facebook yesterday and he said they have not evacuated yet. He lives close to the Outer Banks...
Today I had a surprise when I walked outside to pick up the Times. I turned and saw a flock of Ibis walking toward me , just a few feet away. They looked like they were expecting a hand-out, but I don't know if anyone has time to feed them because they graze so fast and cover a lot of ground in a short time. I counted a moving fourteen, but there was one on the other side of the driveway , and he had a squirming frog in his beak. I was sorry for the frog, but the ibis was determined. I didn't stay to see how the ibis was going to swallow the large frog..
I went shopping at Publix yesterday and had the stock girl carry out the groceries, after she asked. It was about 100 heat index when I got there after waiting for Dave C. to mow, edge and blow the yard. He is always interesting to chat with. When he has time he will start cleaning out the garage to make room for a few things from the shed and then tear the shed down. He is very helpful, so I am blessed to have him available. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. Then your father, who see what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:3-4
Melanie read the suggestions carefully, "Place contrasting colors together, like peach with blue. Or try red, white, and blue, for a bright, patriotic flower bed. If you prefer, naturalize your bulbs, incorporating them into your yard's natural habitat. This works particularly well if you live in a wooded, grassy area."
She grabbed her fardener's tools and set to work, planting some in circles and others in rows. Melanie reserved a handful of varied size bulbs, and like a mother hiding Easter eggs for her expectant child, she tossed bulbs randomly on the grass. Wherever they landed, Melanie carved a hole and dropped them in the dround.
Weeks passed, and Melanie forgot about the bulbs--including their secret hiding places. One early spring day, Melanie walked out in her backyard and saw green shoots poking through the earth. In the next few weeks, her yard looked like a magical wonderland, As she strolled through the green terrain, she realized the most fun part was seeing the bulbs pop up among the natural seting--beside trees, in the middle of a grassy slope, or tucked away in a corner. Nature has worked its magic and rewarded Melanie's long forgotten efforts with a harvest of beautiful flowers.
Christlike deeds are like the bulbs in Melanie's garden. Some we plant in deliberate, orderly fashion. Others, because of the God-nature planted within us, spill out from our lives naturally like spontaneous love gifts to those around us. These colorful bouquets spring up in the most unexpected places, a true "God-thing," blessing us-and others-in a most beautiful way.
A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives you roses.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Today I had a surprise when I walked outside to pick up the Times. I turned and saw a flock of Ibis walking toward me , just a few feet away. They looked like they were expecting a hand-out, but I don't know if anyone has time to feed them because they graze so fast and cover a lot of ground in a short time. I counted a moving fourteen, but there was one on the other side of the driveway , and he had a squirming frog in his beak. I was sorry for the frog, but the ibis was determined. I didn't stay to see how the ibis was going to swallow the large frog..
I went shopping at Publix yesterday and had the stock girl carry out the groceries, after she asked. It was about 100 heat index when I got there after waiting for Dave C. to mow, edge and blow the yard. He is always interesting to chat with. When he has time he will start cleaning out the garage to make room for a few things from the shed and then tear the shed down. He is very helpful, so I am blessed to have him available. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. Then your father, who see what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:3-4
Melanie read the suggestions carefully, "Place contrasting colors together, like peach with blue. Or try red, white, and blue, for a bright, patriotic flower bed. If you prefer, naturalize your bulbs, incorporating them into your yard's natural habitat. This works particularly well if you live in a wooded, grassy area."
She grabbed her fardener's tools and set to work, planting some in circles and others in rows. Melanie reserved a handful of varied size bulbs, and like a mother hiding Easter eggs for her expectant child, she tossed bulbs randomly on the grass. Wherever they landed, Melanie carved a hole and dropped them in the dround.
Weeks passed, and Melanie forgot about the bulbs--including their secret hiding places. One early spring day, Melanie walked out in her backyard and saw green shoots poking through the earth. In the next few weeks, her yard looked like a magical wonderland, As she strolled through the green terrain, she realized the most fun part was seeing the bulbs pop up among the natural seting--beside trees, in the middle of a grassy slope, or tucked away in a corner. Nature has worked its magic and rewarded Melanie's long forgotten efforts with a harvest of beautiful flowers.
Christlike deeds are like the bulbs in Melanie's garden. Some we plant in deliberate, orderly fashion. Others, because of the God-nature planted within us, spill out from our lives naturally like spontaneous love gifts to those around us. These colorful bouquets spring up in the most unexpected places, a true "God-thing," blessing us-and others-in a most beautiful way.
A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives you roses.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 15
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Rain is still dripping off the roof, from the thunderstorm we had last night. Looks like they roll in about 7:30 each evening, now, but the sun is shining and it will still be quite warm today.
I did not get out much yesterday. My cleaning ladies came in the morning and I always enjoy talking with them as they work. It's good to hear what is going on in their world. They are planning a weekend trip to VA. and are worried about all the rain they will probably have. They have been working together for fourteen years and get along very well, living right next door to each other, and across the street from me. I am glad to have Cheryl, who always keeps an eye out for me.
I did get out to the park, for a bit of peace from the tree trimmer who was working all day just two houses down the street. What a noise from the chipper!! I hope they wear earplugs!
That young gator is being fed by onlookers who drop stuff down on the mudbank where he sits. Even though the sign is right in front of them, they still do what is forbidden. ..oh, well..
I was happy to hear several different bird calls when I stepped outside yesterday morning. I just stood and watched a mockingbird pecking along the ground. He ignored me and came hopping toward me and kept pecking until he reached the driveway and then took off! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 15
Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise persistent sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend, and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I did not get out much yesterday. My cleaning ladies came in the morning and I always enjoy talking with them as they work. It's good to hear what is going on in their world. They are planning a weekend trip to VA. and are worried about all the rain they will probably have. They have been working together for fourteen years and get along very well, living right next door to each other, and across the street from me. I am glad to have Cheryl, who always keeps an eye out for me.
I did get out to the park, for a bit of peace from the tree trimmer who was working all day just two houses down the street. What a noise from the chipper!! I hope they wear earplugs!
That young gator is being fed by onlookers who drop stuff down on the mudbank where he sits. Even though the sign is right in front of them, they still do what is forbidden. ..oh, well..
I was happy to hear several different bird calls when I stepped outside yesterday morning. I just stood and watched a mockingbird pecking along the ground. He ignored me and came hopping toward me and kept pecking until he reached the driveway and then took off! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 15
Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise persistent sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend, and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Wisdom
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Seems like the rain can pop up any time. Yesterday was nice and hot and then later in the evening a thunderstorm blew up and I mean blew! I rescued my large poinsettia plant which is still thriving from Christmas, because it was blowing on the porch, and I was afraid it would topple off the table it sits on.
I had another unexpected encounter in the Public Library this time. Yesterday I wrote about the Asian woman, well, this was a European couple, I think. I could not tell from their accents, but they came to the same aisle I was browsing through, and , as I was adjusting my hearing aid, it popped out of my ear. I heard it hit a shelf on the way down, so I started looking for it, and the couple heard it and got down on their hands and knees looking. I showed them what the other one looked like so they would know what they were looking for, and sure enough, the woman found it on top of a book on the bottom shelf. This lead to a short conversation and the man asked me about the book he was looking for; To Kill A Mockingbird: by Harper Lee. One of my all time favorites, by the way, The Librarian had written it down and said there was one copy on the shelf. I helped them look for it, and told him about large print, so we went over there and looked and no book. We went back to the other aisle and after thanking me profusely and me doing the same, we parted ways. I think he must have finally found the book, but it was well hidden, God places unusual people in our paths daily it seems.
After getting my glasses adjusted at the optical shop, I went on to the park. It was noon and getting very hot, so I did not get out, but noticed the squirrels zipping around and a beautiful egret posed to catch lunch. I did not get out to check on the gator, because a couple of men were standing in front of the railing where the gator hangs out. Maybe sometime today..God is good!
From the little God's Promises book:
Proverbs 4:5-11
Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you,
Wisdom is the principal thing:
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding,
Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her,
She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to you.
Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
And the years of your life will be many.
I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I had another unexpected encounter in the Public Library this time. Yesterday I wrote about the Asian woman, well, this was a European couple, I think. I could not tell from their accents, but they came to the same aisle I was browsing through, and , as I was adjusting my hearing aid, it popped out of my ear. I heard it hit a shelf on the way down, so I started looking for it, and the couple heard it and got down on their hands and knees looking. I showed them what the other one looked like so they would know what they were looking for, and sure enough, the woman found it on top of a book on the bottom shelf. This lead to a short conversation and the man asked me about the book he was looking for; To Kill A Mockingbird: by Harper Lee. One of my all time favorites, by the way, The Librarian had written it down and said there was one copy on the shelf. I helped them look for it, and told him about large print, so we went over there and looked and no book. We went back to the other aisle and after thanking me profusely and me doing the same, we parted ways. I think he must have finally found the book, but it was well hidden, God places unusual people in our paths daily it seems.
After getting my glasses adjusted at the optical shop, I went on to the park. It was noon and getting very hot, so I did not get out, but noticed the squirrels zipping around and a beautiful egret posed to catch lunch. I did not get out to check on the gator, because a couple of men were standing in front of the railing where the gator hangs out. Maybe sometime today..God is good!
From the little God's Promises book:
Proverbs 4:5-11
Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you,
Wisdom is the principal thing:
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding,
Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her,
She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to you.
Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
And the years of your life will be many.
I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
God offers comfort to all
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is a beautiful, clear morning and we did not get any rain in this area yesterday. Yay!
I had an interesting morning/afternoon yesterday. I took my friend to the doctor, and we left there to go to the radiology place in Pinellas Park, and while I was waiting , an Asian woman who was filling out her form, came over and sat beside me and asked for help in spelling. At first I had difficulty understanding her, but then I realized through a bit of sign language, what she wanted, so I helped her with the form. Then, she started asking me personal questions..how old I was, did I live in a house, where was my husband, couldn't believe I lived alone in a what must have seemed to her, a big house, etc., and other flattering things. I think in their culture, they take care of the older people and all live in the same house. I know my neighbor up the street, from Cambodia, I think, has three generations living in his house. I was able to understand most of what she said because she spoke my language a lot better than I would have spoken hers. It was an unexpected encounter. She also wanted to know how I knew my friend, and I told her from church, and that lead to another discussion. God puts all kinds of people in our paths, daily.
After we stopped for lunch at Olive Garden, which had a thunderstorm while we were there, my friend and I headed for her house, where it had not rained at all. I dropped her off, and then drove to the park. Only three cars were there, and one of them was the teachers, so I got out and walked out to the shelter at the entrance bridge. It was overcast and a cool, rain smelling breeze was blowing, but I was not dressed for a walk, so I just looked over the railing at the little gator, who lives on the mud bank directly below. He is really growing fast! He must be about two feet long by now. Still the same color as the mud, though. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God's comfort. .
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I had an interesting morning/afternoon yesterday. I took my friend to the doctor, and we left there to go to the radiology place in Pinellas Park, and while I was waiting , an Asian woman who was filling out her form, came over and sat beside me and asked for help in spelling. At first I had difficulty understanding her, but then I realized through a bit of sign language, what she wanted, so I helped her with the form. Then, she started asking me personal questions..how old I was, did I live in a house, where was my husband, couldn't believe I lived alone in a what must have seemed to her, a big house, etc., and other flattering things. I think in their culture, they take care of the older people and all live in the same house. I know my neighbor up the street, from Cambodia, I think, has three generations living in his house. I was able to understand most of what she said because she spoke my language a lot better than I would have spoken hers. It was an unexpected encounter. She also wanted to know how I knew my friend, and I told her from church, and that lead to another discussion. God puts all kinds of people in our paths, daily.
After we stopped for lunch at Olive Garden, which had a thunderstorm while we were there, my friend and I headed for her house, where it had not rained at all. I dropped her off, and then drove to the park. Only three cars were there, and one of them was the teachers, so I got out and walked out to the shelter at the entrance bridge. It was overcast and a cool, rain smelling breeze was blowing, but I was not dressed for a walk, so I just looked over the railing at the little gator, who lives on the mud bank directly below. He is really growing fast! He must be about two feet long by now. Still the same color as the mud, though. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God's comfort. .
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Monday, August 22, 2011
Roamin' thru Romans 8
This will be short this morning, because I am taking a dear friend to the doctor.. So, since I read this scripture before church yesterday, and then Pastor Rick read it, I thought I would send it today;
From the Promise Bible NLT:
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Friday, August 19, 2011
The Plaster Solution
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 clear, blue skies this morning and a slight breeze blowing, so while it nice now, we will have nineties again midday and later. Dave, my yard man is coming later and he is always drenched because he does two yards before he gets to me. This is his part-time work, but he does a good job on his days off from his park ranger job.
I did some grocery shopping yesterday after putting it off as long as I could. So I got a lot of exercise because I parked under a tree way out from the Sweetbay supermarket. It's worth it to keep the car cooler. I also did a lot of walking in the store. Wish the baked goodies didn't look so enticing. Takes a lot of will power to resist!
Later on, I went to the park and it looks a lot nicer mowed and loose limbs picked up. Not too many people were there in the hot day, but several walking their dogs.
The egrets look so graceful with their long necks stretched out against the green and dark, leafy background. If I were an artist I would paint them. Flocks of ibis pecking their way along...one crosses the street, and the others play follow the leader, and soon all are on the other side. Butterflies, yellow, and some yellow and black fluttering along aimlessly...these are a few of my favorite things! God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth and a word spoken in due season. How good is it! Proverbs 15:23 KJV
Disagreements are a natural part of working together--and different points of view are critical to creative and problem-solving processes. Still, the friction caused when differing opinions arise can cause needless pain and waste valuable time and energy. Occasionally, the best way to convince someone of your point of view while maintaining clear lines of communication is just to keep quiet and "start plastering".
Benjamin Franklin learned that plaster sown in the fields would make things grow. He told his neighbors, but they did not believe him, arguing that plaster could be of no use at all to grass or grain.
After a little while, he allowed the matter to drop. But he went into the field early the next spring and sowed some grain. Close by the path, where people would walk, he traced some letters with his finger and put plaster into them.
After a week or two, the seed sprang up. His neighbors, as they passed that way, gasped at what they saw. Brighter green than all the rest of the field, sprouted Franklin's seeded message in large letters, "This has been plastered."
Benjamin Franklin did not need to argue with his neighbors about the benefit of plaster any longer!
The answer to some disagreements may be to stop talking and try out several solutions together, measure them against like standards, and then resume the selection process. Meanwhile, tempers cool, objectivity returns, and new options can surface.
The best way to keep people
from jumping down your throat
is to keep your mouth shut.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I did some grocery shopping yesterday after putting it off as long as I could. So I got a lot of exercise because I parked under a tree way out from the Sweetbay supermarket. It's worth it to keep the car cooler. I also did a lot of walking in the store. Wish the baked goodies didn't look so enticing. Takes a lot of will power to resist!
Later on, I went to the park and it looks a lot nicer mowed and loose limbs picked up. Not too many people were there in the hot day, but several walking their dogs.
The egrets look so graceful with their long necks stretched out against the green and dark, leafy background. If I were an artist I would paint them. Flocks of ibis pecking their way along...one crosses the street, and the others play follow the leader, and soon all are on the other side. Butterflies, yellow, and some yellow and black fluttering along aimlessly...these are a few of my favorite things! God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth and a word spoken in due season. How good is it! Proverbs 15:23 KJV
Disagreements are a natural part of working together--and different points of view are critical to creative and problem-solving processes. Still, the friction caused when differing opinions arise can cause needless pain and waste valuable time and energy. Occasionally, the best way to convince someone of your point of view while maintaining clear lines of communication is just to keep quiet and "start plastering".
Benjamin Franklin learned that plaster sown in the fields would make things grow. He told his neighbors, but they did not believe him, arguing that plaster could be of no use at all to grass or grain.
After a little while, he allowed the matter to drop. But he went into the field early the next spring and sowed some grain. Close by the path, where people would walk, he traced some letters with his finger and put plaster into them.
After a week or two, the seed sprang up. His neighbors, as they passed that way, gasped at what they saw. Brighter green than all the rest of the field, sprouted Franklin's seeded message in large letters, "This has been plastered."
Benjamin Franklin did not need to argue with his neighbors about the benefit of plaster any longer!
The answer to some disagreements may be to stop talking and try out several solutions together, measure them against like standards, and then resume the selection process. Meanwhile, tempers cool, objectivity returns, and new options can surface.
The best way to keep people
from jumping down your throat
is to keep your mouth shut.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Words from Paul to the Corinthians
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! Today we have sunshine and, surprise! cool breezes. At least they were cool when I stepped outside a couple hours ago. What a nice change! Maybe we will have fall this year...
My door mat garden is flourishing and acorns are popping up from the wet ground. Water is still dripping off the roof from the rain yesterday afternoon, which is what we are supposed to have again today.
The mowers were busy at the park yesterday, and it really needed it! Everything grows when the rain falls, so the grass was several inches tall and the weeds almost two feet, but the weeds won't get mowed. I forgot to say that I watched a raccoon across the canal Tuesday. He was up way past his bedtime. Since they are nocturnal, it is rare to see one in the day time. When I used to walk around daylight, I would see them on the boardwalk frequently. One day I saw two running ahead of me, and they looked like Disney animals. So funny. I also saw three little babies hiding behind a bench on the first shelter. I took a picture of them several years ago. The woods are probably full of raccoons and opossums. All God's creatures! God is good!
From 1 Corinthians 3:7 The Promise Bible NLT:
The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work. We work together as partners who belong to God. You are God's field, God's building --not ours.
Because of God's special favor to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have--Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames...
As the scriptures say,
"God catches those who think they are wise in their own cleverness"
And again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise,that they are worthless."
So don't take pride in following a particular leader. Everything belongs to you. Paul and Apollos and Peter; the whole world and life and death; the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
My door mat garden is flourishing and acorns are popping up from the wet ground. Water is still dripping off the roof from the rain yesterday afternoon, which is what we are supposed to have again today.
The mowers were busy at the park yesterday, and it really needed it! Everything grows when the rain falls, so the grass was several inches tall and the weeds almost two feet, but the weeds won't get mowed. I forgot to say that I watched a raccoon across the canal Tuesday. He was up way past his bedtime. Since they are nocturnal, it is rare to see one in the day time. When I used to walk around daylight, I would see them on the boardwalk frequently. One day I saw two running ahead of me, and they looked like Disney animals. So funny. I also saw three little babies hiding behind a bench on the first shelter. I took a picture of them several years ago. The woods are probably full of raccoons and opossums. All God's creatures! God is good!
From 1 Corinthians 3:7 The Promise Bible NLT:
The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work. We work together as partners who belong to God. You are God's field, God's building --not ours.
Because of God's special favor to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have--Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames...
As the scriptures say,
"God catches those who think they are wise in their own cleverness"
And again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise,that they are worthless."
So don't take pride in following a particular leader. Everything belongs to you. Paul and Apollos and Peter; the whole world and life and death; the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
He's Waiting At the Door
Good Morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The wind is blowing and thunder is rumbling in the west as storms are moving in, so we are in for more rain very shortly. When I saw the picture of the storm on radar earlier, it looked like a huge one! (The rain is here!)
That means more wetness for my door mat which had a lovely garden of little daisy-like mushrooms this morning. I saw a Channel 11 TV truck at the park yesterday, so watched the noon news and they had a story about the mosquitoes which bring West Nile virus and how to prevent them. Well, they took the little banty rooster because he is supposed to have the virus. That little guy has been a fixture at the park for many years. He was very noisy early in the mornings...sigh, guess he is gone now. Before the cut-backs were made, the helicopter used to spray with the stuff (looked like vermiculite ) that would keep the skeeters from reproducing. Now, of course, that has been discontinued, so lots of the critters are everywhere and not just at the park.
I saw a pretty cardinal fly in and out of the hedge outside my window yesterday. I think he and the missus have a nest nearby, because I see them together once in a while. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Ask, and God will give to you. search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you. Yes, everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find.
And everyone who knocks will have the door opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NCV
Is God stationed at the far end of the universe, too far away to hear your requests? No, God is right here, right now, waiting to hear from you. Are you ready to talk to Him? Hopefully, you've learned the wisdom of asking God for His help.
Are you in need? Ask God to sustain you. Are you troubled? Take your worries to Him, and He will comfort you. Are you weary? seek God's strength. Do you have questions about your future that you simply can't answer? Ask your Heavenly Father for insight and direction. In all things great and small, seek God's wisdom and His will. He will hear your prayers, and He will answer.
If you want to hear God's voice clearly and you are uncertain, then remain in His presence until He changes that uncertainty. Often, much can happen during this waiting for the Lord. Sometimes, he changes pride into humility, doubt into faith and peace.
Dorrie ten Boom
Dear God, You are nearer to me than the air that I breathe. Help me to feel Your presence in every stuation and in every circumstance. You are with me, Lord, in times of celebration and in times of sorrow. You are with me when I am strong and when I am weak. You never leave my side, even when it seems to me that You are far away. Today and every day, Dear God, let me feel You and acknowledge Your presence so that others, too, might come to know You through me. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
That means more wetness for my door mat which had a lovely garden of little daisy-like mushrooms this morning. I saw a Channel 11 TV truck at the park yesterday, so watched the noon news and they had a story about the mosquitoes which bring West Nile virus and how to prevent them. Well, they took the little banty rooster because he is supposed to have the virus. That little guy has been a fixture at the park for many years. He was very noisy early in the mornings...sigh, guess he is gone now. Before the cut-backs were made, the helicopter used to spray with the stuff (looked like vermiculite ) that would keep the skeeters from reproducing. Now, of course, that has been discontinued, so lots of the critters are everywhere and not just at the park.
I saw a pretty cardinal fly in and out of the hedge outside my window yesterday. I think he and the missus have a nest nearby, because I see them together once in a while. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Ask, and God will give to you. search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you. Yes, everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find.
And everyone who knocks will have the door opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NCV
Is God stationed at the far end of the universe, too far away to hear your requests? No, God is right here, right now, waiting to hear from you. Are you ready to talk to Him? Hopefully, you've learned the wisdom of asking God for His help.
Are you in need? Ask God to sustain you. Are you troubled? Take your worries to Him, and He will comfort you. Are you weary? seek God's strength. Do you have questions about your future that you simply can't answer? Ask your Heavenly Father for insight and direction. In all things great and small, seek God's wisdom and His will. He will hear your prayers, and He will answer.
If you want to hear God's voice clearly and you are uncertain, then remain in His presence until He changes that uncertainty. Often, much can happen during this waiting for the Lord. Sometimes, he changes pride into humility, doubt into faith and peace.
Dorrie ten Boom
Dear God, You are nearer to me than the air that I breathe. Help me to feel Your presence in every stuation and in every circumstance. You are with me, Lord, in times of celebration and in times of sorrow. You are with me when I am strong and when I am weak. You never leave my side, even when it seems to me that You are far away. Today and every day, Dear God, let me feel You and acknowledge Your presence so that others, too, might come to know You through me. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Tightrope Trust
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 had more rain last night, which I was unaware of until this morning when I saw the porch was wet and water is still dripping off the roof, God is certainly making up for the long drought we had in the winter and spring!
I had to do some errands yesterday and after I was finished it was almost noon, so I drove to the park and since hardly anyone was there in the heat index of 100, I walked out to the bridge and looked down at a toddler gator lying in the mud right at the shelter, He was not moving and was the same color as the mud, so not easy to spot. I looked to see if he was breathing, but not a movement did he make, so I walked on over the bridge and looked at the hydrilla and all the undergrowth by the bank, I could hear the machinery very clearly and thought there must be work going on at the shelter, but decided it must be the machines on the other side of the lake that has been going on for months. The sound was just carrying well.
I saw two immature ibis, black and white in color, and an anhinga with wings folded. Then a majestic, graceful egret was posing in a lovely stretched out position looking for lunch in the water. By that time, I had a little dew on my brow, so it was time to get in the car and cool off!
I must confess I had a false call on my medic alert bracelet and the paramedics came roaring up to the house about 7:30. I did not realize I had set it off inadvertently , and didn't answer the phone calls they made, because I have caller ID and don't usually answer calls I don't recognize. Well, they called my neighbor and then Brian. Brian didn't answer in time but Cheryl came rushing over from across the street just as I walked out to tell them there was no emergency. I was so sorry to have called them out for no reason, but they really were quick in responding! They said it was no problem, but it made paper work for them, filling out reports. The lesson I learned was to try to memorize the numbers they used, so if it ever happens again, I will know to answer! God is good!
From the devotional Quiet Moments with God:
I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep what I have committed to him until that day.
2 Timothy 1:12 NKJV
In the mid-nineteenth century, tightrope walker Blondin was going to perform his most daring feat yet. He stretched a two-inch steel cable across Niagara Falls. As he did, a large crowd gathered to watch. He asked the onlookeers, "How many of you believe that I can carry the weight of a heman on my shourlders across this gorge?"
The growing crowd shouted and cheered, believing that he could perform this difficult feat. Blondin picked up a sack of sand that weighed about 180 pounds and carried it across the Falls. They both arrived on the other side safely.
Then Blondin asked, "How many of you believe that I can actually carry a person across the gorge?" Again, the crowd cheered him on.
"Which one of you will climb on my shoulders and let me carry you across the Falls?" Silence fell across the crowd. Everyone wanted to see him carry a person across the gorge, but nobody wanted to put his or her life into Blondin's hands.
Finally a volunteer came forward willing to participate in this death-defying stunt. Who was this person? It was Blondin's manager, who had known the tightrope walker personally for many years.
As they prepared to cross the Falls, Blondin instructed his manager, "You must not trust your own feelings, but mine. You will feel like turning when we don't need to turn. And if you trust your feelings, we will both fall. You must become part of me." The two made it across to the other side safely.
Jesus gives us the same instruction when we are asked to trust Him in difficult circumstances: "Don't trust your own feelings; trust Me to carry you through."
Courage, brother! Do not stumble. Though thy path be dark as night; there's a star to guide the humble.
Trust in God and do the right.
Norman Macleod
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had to do some errands yesterday and after I was finished it was almost noon, so I drove to the park and since hardly anyone was there in the heat index of 100, I walked out to the bridge and looked down at a toddler gator lying in the mud right at the shelter, He was not moving and was the same color as the mud, so not easy to spot. I looked to see if he was breathing, but not a movement did he make, so I walked on over the bridge and looked at the hydrilla and all the undergrowth by the bank, I could hear the machinery very clearly and thought there must be work going on at the shelter, but decided it must be the machines on the other side of the lake that has been going on for months. The sound was just carrying well.
I saw two immature ibis, black and white in color, and an anhinga with wings folded. Then a majestic, graceful egret was posing in a lovely stretched out position looking for lunch in the water. By that time, I had a little dew on my brow, so it was time to get in the car and cool off!
I must confess I had a false call on my medic alert bracelet and the paramedics came roaring up to the house about 7:30. I did not realize I had set it off inadvertently , and didn't answer the phone calls they made, because I have caller ID and don't usually answer calls I don't recognize. Well, they called my neighbor and then Brian. Brian didn't answer in time but Cheryl came rushing over from across the street just as I walked out to tell them there was no emergency. I was so sorry to have called them out for no reason, but they really were quick in responding! They said it was no problem, but it made paper work for them, filling out reports. The lesson I learned was to try to memorize the numbers they used, so if it ever happens again, I will know to answer! God is good!
From the devotional Quiet Moments with God:
I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep what I have committed to him until that day.
2 Timothy 1:12 NKJV
In the mid-nineteenth century, tightrope walker Blondin was going to perform his most daring feat yet. He stretched a two-inch steel cable across Niagara Falls. As he did, a large crowd gathered to watch. He asked the onlookeers, "How many of you believe that I can carry the weight of a heman on my shourlders across this gorge?"
The growing crowd shouted and cheered, believing that he could perform this difficult feat. Blondin picked up a sack of sand that weighed about 180 pounds and carried it across the Falls. They both arrived on the other side safely.
Then Blondin asked, "How many of you believe that I can actually carry a person across the gorge?" Again, the crowd cheered him on.
"Which one of you will climb on my shoulders and let me carry you across the Falls?" Silence fell across the crowd. Everyone wanted to see him carry a person across the gorge, but nobody wanted to put his or her life into Blondin's hands.
Finally a volunteer came forward willing to participate in this death-defying stunt. Who was this person? It was Blondin's manager, who had known the tightrope walker personally for many years.
As they prepared to cross the Falls, Blondin instructed his manager, "You must not trust your own feelings, but mine. You will feel like turning when we don't need to turn. And if you trust your feelings, we will both fall. You must become part of me." The two made it across to the other side safely.
Jesus gives us the same instruction when we are asked to trust Him in difficult circumstances: "Don't trust your own feelings; trust Me to carry you through."
Courage, brother! Do not stumble. Though thy path be dark as night; there's a star to guide the humble.
Trust in God and do the right.
Norman Macleod
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, August 15, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 119
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It's sort of a strange morning, weather wise. We have already had a gentle shower, but the sun is shining amidst all the puffy, white clouds scudding across the sky.
Nothing compares to Saturday and the torrential downpour that came down in this neighborhood. Never have I seen so much water fall in so short a time! Thunder, lightning, and rain. The street in front was almost totally covered in water! It drains off quickly, but that means it runs downhill, so the streets all around must have been flooded for a short time. Lots of washouts in the dirt at the construction site of Lynch school. I noticed the workers, even yesterday, were repairing the damage to the entrance roads. Very strange. It was just localized in this area.
Seems like this wet weather is bringing outside critters, inside. I took a shower yesterday morning with a baby lizard clinging to the shower door on the outside, not with me! I spoke to a baby frog when I took the dumpster down to the curb yesterday evening. And another baby bird was lying dead in front of the garage door. Maybe a hawk got it. So sad.
I stopped in at the park and it looked like no rain had fallen there, which is strange, since it is only a mile away. But I saw a pretty anhinga, and, of course, the ibis pecking around. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 119
Happy are people of integrity,
who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced
when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you by living as I should!
I will obey your principles.
Please don't give up on me!
How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word and following its rules.
I have tried my best to find you--
don't let me wander from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Nothing compares to Saturday and the torrential downpour that came down in this neighborhood. Never have I seen so much water fall in so short a time! Thunder, lightning, and rain. The street in front was almost totally covered in water! It drains off quickly, but that means it runs downhill, so the streets all around must have been flooded for a short time. Lots of washouts in the dirt at the construction site of Lynch school. I noticed the workers, even yesterday, were repairing the damage to the entrance roads. Very strange. It was just localized in this area.
Seems like this wet weather is bringing outside critters, inside. I took a shower yesterday morning with a baby lizard clinging to the shower door on the outside, not with me! I spoke to a baby frog when I took the dumpster down to the curb yesterday evening. And another baby bird was lying dead in front of the garage door. Maybe a hawk got it. So sad.
I stopped in at the park and it looked like no rain had fallen there, which is strange, since it is only a mile away. But I saw a pretty anhinga, and, of course, the ibis pecking around. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 119
Happy are people of integrity,
who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced
when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you by living as I should!
I will obey your principles.
Please don't give up on me!
How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word and following its rules.
I have tried my best to find you--
don't let me wander from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, August 12, 2011
No Longer Enemies
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, another day with no rain, but I couldn't believe how hot and sticky the day is already, when it isn't even 10 AM, yet! Makes me thankful for A/C. Speaking of that, we have a house across the street that has something going on, we, the neighbors can't figure out. It is supposed to be foreclosed on, but people keep moving in and out and the current occupant is living without electricity and maybe without water. One friend thinks drug dealers are living there, but no one is there in the daytime, just evening. Who do I call?
Anyway, while looking outside the window yesterday, I saw a beautiful swallowtail butterfly fluttering back and forth. I think that is the first time I have seen a swallowtail around here. Fascinating!
When I went to the park yesterday, I saw a volunteer cleaning out the canal by the weir. He had a long instrument and was pulling all the trash out, so it looks a lot better. Hooray for him! It was hot work. The canal was still full and the water was rushing out downstream and probably overflowing the banks by the water control as it went out and under the interstate to Turner's Creek. That was a lot of rain that came down! God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6 KJV
The orange kitten was hungry. The grizzly bear was lonely. The man was apprehensive.
The cat weighed no more than 10 ounces when he first slid under the fence into the bear's pen. The man was almost in a panic, thinking the hungry grizzly would kill him with one swat and eat him for dinner.
The grizzly, whose name was Griz, had come to the Oregon wildlife center in 1990, when he was just a cub. Hit by a train while foraging on railroad tracks in Montana, he suffered severe head injuries and was deemed unfit to return to the wild.
The Kitten was one of four kittens abandoned at the center early in the summer. Volunteers were able to find homes for the rest of the litter, but Cat, as he was now called, somehow eluded them.
Then, one day in July, Cat turned up in Griz's pen. Afraid to do anything that might alarm Griz, the man just watched, expecting the worst. As the 650 pound grizzly was eating his midday meal, something extraordinary happened. The bear very gently picked out a chicken wing with his forepaw and dropped it near Cat.
From that moment on, Griz and Cat became something of a slapstick animal act. Cat would lay in ambush, then leap out and swat Griz on his nose. Griz would carry Cat in his mouth. Cat would ride on Griz's back, and sometimes Griz would lick Cat.
Their friendly relationship defies both the patterns of nature, as well as their own troubled life histories. Griz never took advantage of Cat's weaknesses, and each animal has accommodated the other's needs.
What a lesson Griz and Cat offer! We can help each other break free from the patterns of our pasts that keep us from loving each other. As we pray for and care for others with the love of Jesus Christ, we obtain healing by the grace of God, both for them and ourselves!
Love is the by-product of
our capacity to give what
is deepest within ourselves
and to receive what is deepest
within another person.
LLoyd J. Averill
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Anyway, while looking outside the window yesterday, I saw a beautiful swallowtail butterfly fluttering back and forth. I think that is the first time I have seen a swallowtail around here. Fascinating!
When I went to the park yesterday, I saw a volunteer cleaning out the canal by the weir. He had a long instrument and was pulling all the trash out, so it looks a lot better. Hooray for him! It was hot work. The canal was still full and the water was rushing out downstream and probably overflowing the banks by the water control as it went out and under the interstate to Turner's Creek. That was a lot of rain that came down! God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6 KJV
The orange kitten was hungry. The grizzly bear was lonely. The man was apprehensive.
The cat weighed no more than 10 ounces when he first slid under the fence into the bear's pen. The man was almost in a panic, thinking the hungry grizzly would kill him with one swat and eat him for dinner.
The grizzly, whose name was Griz, had come to the Oregon wildlife center in 1990, when he was just a cub. Hit by a train while foraging on railroad tracks in Montana, he suffered severe head injuries and was deemed unfit to return to the wild.
The Kitten was one of four kittens abandoned at the center early in the summer. Volunteers were able to find homes for the rest of the litter, but Cat, as he was now called, somehow eluded them.
Then, one day in July, Cat turned up in Griz's pen. Afraid to do anything that might alarm Griz, the man just watched, expecting the worst. As the 650 pound grizzly was eating his midday meal, something extraordinary happened. The bear very gently picked out a chicken wing with his forepaw and dropped it near Cat.
From that moment on, Griz and Cat became something of a slapstick animal act. Cat would lay in ambush, then leap out and swat Griz on his nose. Griz would carry Cat in his mouth. Cat would ride on Griz's back, and sometimes Griz would lick Cat.
Their friendly relationship defies both the patterns of nature, as well as their own troubled life histories. Griz never took advantage of Cat's weaknesses, and each animal has accommodated the other's needs.
What a lesson Griz and Cat offer! We can help each other break free from the patterns of our pasts that keep us from loving each other. As we pray for and care for others with the love of Jesus Christ, we obtain healing by the grace of God, both for them and ourselves!
Love is the by-product of
our capacity to give what
is deepest within ourselves
and to receive what is deepest
within another person.
LLoyd J. Averill
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, August 11, 2011
What's the Problem?
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! Bright sunshine and few clouds puffy and very white and no rain so far...a beautiful day! After the rain, yesterday, I got out to shop a bit and drove to the park to see how high the water was in the canal. It was the highest I have ever seen it and all the hydrilla was washing on down the canal. Parts of it had been sprayed, but not what was in the canal. It must have floated down from the lake.
Water was up to the concrete drive on the weir and had been way over it, because trash was wrapped around the posts. I saw one unconcerned squirrel very intently munching on a pine cone, holding it down with one dainty paw. Very cute.
Wow! What an ending to the Rays game last night. Sam Fuld's triple which drove in the tying run and then his race home on a throwing error, which won the game, was amazing. Sam is diabetic, and was totally exhausted after his head first slide into home plate, so he just laid there and waited for all the teammates to come pile on him. He was really panting for breath when interviewed after the game. He does not let his condition hold him back, which is a real life role model for others similarly afflicted. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJV
Ever had a difficulty that gives you "2:00 A.M. wake-up calls"? It could be a project at work, a committee you've suddenly ended up chairing, or simply the challenge of trying to figure out how to get everything done with only two hands. Whatever the issue, it ruins your sleep and saps your energy for the upcoming day.
The developer of a popular series of business training films describes the phenomenon of discovering your problem-solving skills are going nowhere;
You start thinking, I'm uncomfortable. I'm anxious. I can't do this. I should never have started to try. I'm not creative. I was never creative in school. I'm a complete failure. I'm going to be fired, and that means my spouse will leave me and--in other words, you start enjoying a real, good, old-fashioned panic attack.
Problems can feel ten times as large in the middle of the night. But in reality--and by daylight--solutions might not be as distant as they seem.
Inventor Charles Kettering had a unique problem-solving method. He would divide each problem into the smallest possible pieces, then research the pieces to determine which ones had already been solved. He often found that what looked like a huge problem was already 98 percent solved by others. Then he tackled what was left.
In bite-sized pieces, problems become more manageable.Remember that, with God, all things are possible. He can give us peace in our darkest nights and bring wisdom with the morning.
Obstacles in the pathway of the weak become stepping-stones in the pathway of the strong.
Thomas Carlyle
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Water was up to the concrete drive on the weir and had been way over it, because trash was wrapped around the posts. I saw one unconcerned squirrel very intently munching on a pine cone, holding it down with one dainty paw. Very cute.
Wow! What an ending to the Rays game last night. Sam Fuld's triple which drove in the tying run and then his race home on a throwing error, which won the game, was amazing. Sam is diabetic, and was totally exhausted after his head first slide into home plate, so he just laid there and waited for all the teammates to come pile on him. He was really panting for breath when interviewed after the game. He does not let his condition hold him back, which is a real life role model for others similarly afflicted. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NKJV
Ever had a difficulty that gives you "2:00 A.M. wake-up calls"? It could be a project at work, a committee you've suddenly ended up chairing, or simply the challenge of trying to figure out how to get everything done with only two hands. Whatever the issue, it ruins your sleep and saps your energy for the upcoming day.
The developer of a popular series of business training films describes the phenomenon of discovering your problem-solving skills are going nowhere;
You start thinking, I'm uncomfortable. I'm anxious. I can't do this. I should never have started to try. I'm not creative. I was never creative in school. I'm a complete failure. I'm going to be fired, and that means my spouse will leave me and--in other words, you start enjoying a real, good, old-fashioned panic attack.
Problems can feel ten times as large in the middle of the night. But in reality--and by daylight--solutions might not be as distant as they seem.
Inventor Charles Kettering had a unique problem-solving method. He would divide each problem into the smallest possible pieces, then research the pieces to determine which ones had already been solved. He often found that what looked like a huge problem was already 98 percent solved by others. Then he tackled what was left.
In bite-sized pieces, problems become more manageable.Remember that, with God, all things are possible. He can give us peace in our darkest nights and bring wisdom with the morning.
Obstacles in the pathway of the weak become stepping-stones in the pathway of the strong.
Thomas Carlyle
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Uniquely Positioned
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, I know that is what we are to do, but it is dark, noisy with thunder booming, lightning flashing, and rain pouring down, so I rejoice that I have shelter from the storm and am cosy in my house. I think it's time God sent some of this rain over to Texas!
Yesterday was the same, so I never left the house. I am really conserving my gas. If I don't drive, I don't use it. I was really hoping to get out today and get some milk and bread and do some shopping, but later will do fine.
I don't know what happens to the birds and squirrels when it rains like this...I never see them around. Perhaps they take cover in the trees. I know after doing a little housekeeping yesterday, I finished a book I was reading and did a few exercises. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
When I consider your heavens , the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of Him? Psalms 8:3,4
A number of years ago IMAX filmmakers produced a movie titled Cosmos. In it, they explored the "edges" of creation..both outer space as viewed through the most powerful telescope, and inner space as viewed through the most powerful microscope. Viewers saw for themselves that at the far reaches of space, clumps of matter (huge stars) seem to be suspended in fixed motion and separated by vast areas of seemingly empty blackness.
They also saw that the same can be said for the depths of inner space-clumps of matter are suspended in fixed orbits, separated by vast areas of seemingly empty blackness. In fact, the world of the distant stars is almost identical in appearance and form to the world of the tiniest newtrinos. Furthermore, neither of these "edges" of creation has been explored fully. Both inner and outer space appear as if they may very well extend into infinity.
In sharp contrast, the created earth as we experience it daily is uniquely suspended between these two opposite poles. Our world is filled with varied colors, dynamic forms, differing patterns, changing seasons, and adaptable functions.
It is as if God has placed human beings at the very center of His vast creation, with the maximum amount of complexity, meaning, and choice. We are "hung in the balances" literally, as well and figuratively--the pivot point between the great and the small, the vastness of outer space and the vastness of inner space.
We are not only fearfully and wonderfully made, but we are fearfully and wonderfully positioned in God's creation. The Lord has a place for everyone, and specifically, He has a place for you. Thank God for your uniqueness today. Delight in all that makes you special in His eyes. Praise Him for all that He has designed you to be, to become, and to give.
When God conceived the world, that was poetry.
He formed it and that was sculpture.
He colored it and that was painting.
He peopled it with living beings, and that was the grand,
divine eternal drama.
David Belasco
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs.
Amaryllis
Yesterday was the same, so I never left the house. I am really conserving my gas. If I don't drive, I don't use it. I was really hoping to get out today and get some milk and bread and do some shopping, but later will do fine.
I don't know what happens to the birds and squirrels when it rains like this...I never see them around. Perhaps they take cover in the trees. I know after doing a little housekeeping yesterday, I finished a book I was reading and did a few exercises. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
When I consider your heavens , the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of Him? Psalms 8:3,4
A number of years ago IMAX filmmakers produced a movie titled Cosmos. In it, they explored the "edges" of creation..both outer space as viewed through the most powerful telescope, and inner space as viewed through the most powerful microscope. Viewers saw for themselves that at the far reaches of space, clumps of matter (huge stars) seem to be suspended in fixed motion and separated by vast areas of seemingly empty blackness.
They also saw that the same can be said for the depths of inner space-clumps of matter are suspended in fixed orbits, separated by vast areas of seemingly empty blackness. In fact, the world of the distant stars is almost identical in appearance and form to the world of the tiniest newtrinos. Furthermore, neither of these "edges" of creation has been explored fully. Both inner and outer space appear as if they may very well extend into infinity.
In sharp contrast, the created earth as we experience it daily is uniquely suspended between these two opposite poles. Our world is filled with varied colors, dynamic forms, differing patterns, changing seasons, and adaptable functions.
It is as if God has placed human beings at the very center of His vast creation, with the maximum amount of complexity, meaning, and choice. We are "hung in the balances" literally, as well and figuratively--the pivot point between the great and the small, the vastness of outer space and the vastness of inner space.
We are not only fearfully and wonderfully made, but we are fearfully and wonderfully positioned in God's creation. The Lord has a place for everyone, and specifically, He has a place for you. Thank God for your uniqueness today. Delight in all that makes you special in His eyes. Praise Him for all that He has designed you to be, to become, and to give.
When God conceived the world, that was poetry.
He formed it and that was sculpture.
He colored it and that was painting.
He peopled it with living beings, and that was the grand,
divine eternal drama.
David Belasco
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs.
Amaryllis
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Galatians quotes
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! This morning I awoke to rain and now the sun is shining, but according to the weatherman, this is the way it will be all day...sunshine and rain. Looks like drips off the rood will be a common thing, now.
I did some household work yesterday, vacuuming, etc. and got out for a little bit in the afternoon. I went to the park and saw how high the undergrowth is now, but the maple tree that was down in the canal is gone, so maybe the oak that has fallen will be next. Very slowly, the work is getting done, as the work crews go to each park. We have more moorhens around Lynch Lake than are at the park any more. But I saw a tri-colored heron and the usual squirrels. Speaking of animals, I wrote about the bunnies in the yard a week or so ago. I haven't seen them any more, but had a duck in the tree. Yes, those pesky Muscovys are in the neighborhood, again. One of them flew up in the oak tree and acted like she owned it, after hanging around the neighbor's yard right next to mine. I don't like the way they look at me. Anyway, God loves all creatures, great and small, so God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Galatians 5:22
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us;
love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I did some household work yesterday, vacuuming, etc. and got out for a little bit in the afternoon. I went to the park and saw how high the undergrowth is now, but the maple tree that was down in the canal is gone, so maybe the oak that has fallen will be next. Very slowly, the work is getting done, as the work crews go to each park. We have more moorhens around Lynch Lake than are at the park any more. But I saw a tri-colored heron and the usual squirrels. Speaking of animals, I wrote about the bunnies in the yard a week or so ago. I haven't seen them any more, but had a duck in the tree. Yes, those pesky Muscovys are in the neighborhood, again. One of them flew up in the oak tree and acted like she owned it, after hanging around the neighbor's yard right next to mine. I don't like the way they look at me. Anyway, God loves all creatures, great and small, so God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Galatians 5:22
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us;
love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Monday, August 8, 2011
Nothing is impossible with God
Good Morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It must have rained a little last night, because today the drips are coming off the roof and the porch floor is damp. It really rained Saturday, though!
I stopped at the Publix on 49th St. on my way home from Mari's salon, even though I had second thoughts, because a big black cloud was hanging almost overhead. I thought I should have gone on home and shopped at the Gateway Publix. Well, sure enough, it started pouring while I was in the store, so after I finished shopping, I just stood along with the other customers and waited for it to slack off. When I moved outside the door, someone was smoking, and the smell was really bothering me, so when I thought I could get everything in the van, and I had taken my umbrella with me, I started on, sloshing through the water to the van, loaded everything, which was wet, and managed to get in the car, with only a little soaking on the parts the umbrella didn't protect. But the hair was protected! Yay! :o) When I got close to home, I could see that it had already rained around here, so I would have been trapped at the neighborhood store, anyway.
I went to the park later in the afternoon and not many people were there, but on the way out, I saw a hawk perched on top of a bat house, so I stopped and took his photo. He was just looking around, with his fierce eyes and gave a profile pose which looked like an eagle. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God devotional:
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NASB
Scientists say it can't be done! It's impossible, Aerodynamic theory is crystal clear. Bumblebees cannot fly. The reason is because the size, weight, and shape of the bumblebee's body in relation to the total wing spread make it impossible to fly. The bumblebee is simply too heavy, too wide, and too large to fly with wings that small.
However, the bumblebee is ignorant of these scientific facts and goes ahead and flies anyway.
It was God who created the bumblebee and God who taught it how to fly. The bumblebee obviously didn't question God about the problem with aerodynamics. It simply flew. It didn't question whether God really knew what He was talking about. It simply flew. It didn't wonder if God really loved it when He gave it such small wings. It simply flew.
When God created us, He also equipped us for the life ahead. He says He knows the plans He has for our lives. Because He loves us, He has promised to be with us, to teach us, to carry us, and to be our Rock. All we have to do is trust and obey.
God is not limited by our understanding of how things happen. Just because we can't see something, doesn't mean it's not real. Faith is, indeed, the substance of things not seen. Sometimes life is inexplicable, and the impossible happens. We can't always explain everything.
And just because we don't understand how something can be done, doesn't mean our Almighty God can't do it.
God is within all things, but not included;
outside all things, but not
excluded; Above all things,
but not beyond their reach.
Pope Gregory the Great
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I stopped at the Publix on 49th St. on my way home from Mari's salon, even though I had second thoughts, because a big black cloud was hanging almost overhead. I thought I should have gone on home and shopped at the Gateway Publix. Well, sure enough, it started pouring while I was in the store, so after I finished shopping, I just stood along with the other customers and waited for it to slack off. When I moved outside the door, someone was smoking, and the smell was really bothering me, so when I thought I could get everything in the van, and I had taken my umbrella with me, I started on, sloshing through the water to the van, loaded everything, which was wet, and managed to get in the car, with only a little soaking on the parts the umbrella didn't protect. But the hair was protected! Yay! :o) When I got close to home, I could see that it had already rained around here, so I would have been trapped at the neighborhood store, anyway.
I went to the park later in the afternoon and not many people were there, but on the way out, I saw a hawk perched on top of a bat house, so I stopped and took his photo. He was just looking around, with his fierce eyes and gave a profile pose which looked like an eagle. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God devotional:
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NASB
Scientists say it can't be done! It's impossible, Aerodynamic theory is crystal clear. Bumblebees cannot fly. The reason is because the size, weight, and shape of the bumblebee's body in relation to the total wing spread make it impossible to fly. The bumblebee is simply too heavy, too wide, and too large to fly with wings that small.
However, the bumblebee is ignorant of these scientific facts and goes ahead and flies anyway.
It was God who created the bumblebee and God who taught it how to fly. The bumblebee obviously didn't question God about the problem with aerodynamics. It simply flew. It didn't question whether God really knew what He was talking about. It simply flew. It didn't wonder if God really loved it when He gave it such small wings. It simply flew.
When God created us, He also equipped us for the life ahead. He says He knows the plans He has for our lives. Because He loves us, He has promised to be with us, to teach us, to carry us, and to be our Rock. All we have to do is trust and obey.
God is not limited by our understanding of how things happen. Just because we can't see something, doesn't mean it's not real. Faith is, indeed, the substance of things not seen. Sometimes life is inexplicable, and the impossible happens. We can't always explain everything.
And just because we don't understand how something can be done, doesn't mean our Almighty God can't do it.
God is within all things, but not included;
outside all things, but not
excluded; Above all things,
but not beyond their reach.
Pope Gregory the Great
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Friday, August 5, 2011
Worship Every Day
Good Morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yesterday was kind of different in the weather dept. Sunshine and showers, off and on. When Dave, my yardman came, it was very overcast and then the rain came with huge drops, stopped, and then started up again. He kept on mowing, because he couldn't have gotten any wetter. He had already done two yards and with the humidity so high, he was dripping!
I did not realize that the Rays were playing at noon, so when I turned on the TV around 1:30 or so, it was already the seventh inning. I watched for a couple innings and they were tied in the ninth, so when they went into overtime, I left and ran some errands, then came back home to see the final score, and they were still playing! I went to the library and came home again to find they had won in the 12th inning! Now, I have to find out what "walk off homer" means. I will Google it.
After I went to CVS, I zipped across to Steak and Shake and bought a half/price peach shake and went to the park to drink part of it. I never can drink one all at once...too big. After slurping a little, I walked to the bridge and noticed that the big part of the downed tree that had been half way in the water, had been removed. Surprise! It had been there for six months or so. Instead, the small gator was resting his chin on a lily pad, mostly unnoticed by people walking across the bridge. I also observed two girls riding off the second bridge, after apparently, riding the boardwalk all the way, They continued on and rode right into the building. People continue to take advantage of no one in authority being there, braking all the rules.
Anyway, it was a good day and I enjoyed it! God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God:
Worship the Lord your God and...serve Him only.
Matthew 4:10 HCSB
If you really want to know God, you must be willing to worship Him seven days a week, not just on Sunday. God has a wonderful plan for your life, and an important part of that plan includes the time that you set aside for praise and worship. Every life, including yours, is based upon some form of worship. The question is not whether you will worship, but what you worship.
If you choose to worship God, you will receive a bountiful harvest of joy, peace, and abundance. But if you distance yourself from God by foolishly worshiping earthly possessions, and personal gratification, you're making a huge mistake. So do this; worship God today and every day. Worship Him with sincerity and thanksgiving. Write His name on your heart and rest assured that He, too, has written your name on His.
Worship is God-centered, aware of one another only in that deep, joyous awareness of being caught up tegether in God.
Anne Ortlund
Worship is wonder, love, and praise. Not only does it cause us to contemplate and appreciate our holy God, but it gives us vitality, vigor, and a desire to obey Him.
Franklin Graham
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I did not realize that the Rays were playing at noon, so when I turned on the TV around 1:30 or so, it was already the seventh inning. I watched for a couple innings and they were tied in the ninth, so when they went into overtime, I left and ran some errands, then came back home to see the final score, and they were still playing! I went to the library and came home again to find they had won in the 12th inning! Now, I have to find out what "walk off homer" means. I will Google it.
After I went to CVS, I zipped across to Steak and Shake and bought a half/price peach shake and went to the park to drink part of it. I never can drink one all at once...too big. After slurping a little, I walked to the bridge and noticed that the big part of the downed tree that had been half way in the water, had been removed. Surprise! It had been there for six months or so. Instead, the small gator was resting his chin on a lily pad, mostly unnoticed by people walking across the bridge. I also observed two girls riding off the second bridge, after apparently, riding the boardwalk all the way, They continued on and rode right into the building. People continue to take advantage of no one in authority being there, braking all the rules.
Anyway, it was a good day and I enjoyed it! God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God:
Worship the Lord your God and...serve Him only.
Matthew 4:10 HCSB
If you really want to know God, you must be willing to worship Him seven days a week, not just on Sunday. God has a wonderful plan for your life, and an important part of that plan includes the time that you set aside for praise and worship. Every life, including yours, is based upon some form of worship. The question is not whether you will worship, but what you worship.
If you choose to worship God, you will receive a bountiful harvest of joy, peace, and abundance. But if you distance yourself from God by foolishly worshiping earthly possessions, and personal gratification, you're making a huge mistake. So do this; worship God today and every day. Worship Him with sincerity and thanksgiving. Write His name on your heart and rest assured that He, too, has written your name on His.
Worship is God-centered, aware of one another only in that deep, joyous awareness of being caught up tegether in God.
Anne Ortlund
Worship is wonder, love, and praise. Not only does it cause us to contemplate and appreciate our holy God, but it gives us vitality, vigor, and a desire to obey Him.
Franklin Graham
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Luke teaching about money and possessions
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 weatherman said this morning that we are not having our usual afternoon thunderstorms to cool us down, but that's ok with me, because this morning, the mushroom garden in my welcome mat is flourishing! These "flowers" have long, skinny stems and are just like tiny daisies at the top. I hate to disturb them, so I guess I'll just have to move the mat.
And, the baby anole I wrote about yesterday did not get in the house, but another baby lizard was on the front window this morning. I need my grandson here to catch him and escort him out. I like nature outside, not inside! :o)
Well, I took a day off from driving yesterday...just stayed home and cleaned out some more closets..one in particular. I haven't even started on my drawers yet, or linen closet, so there is lots to do and toss!
This morning I saw something so funny looking. A very large black duck was sitting on top of the dumpster down at the curb and preening his feathers. He looked like king of the street. Fortunately for him, he left before the truck came along, or he would had a big lift he didn't plan on! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 12:22-31
Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enogh 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 lities, and how they grow. They don't work to 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."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
And, the baby anole I wrote about yesterday did not get in the house, but another baby lizard was on the front window this morning. I need my grandson here to catch him and escort him out. I like nature outside, not inside! :o)
Well, I took a day off from driving yesterday...just stayed home and cleaned out some more closets..one in particular. I haven't even started on my drawers yet, or linen closet, so there is lots to do and toss!
This morning I saw something so funny looking. A very large black duck was sitting on top of the dumpster down at the curb and preening his feathers. He looked like king of the street. Fortunately for him, he left before the truck came along, or he would had a big lift he didn't plan on! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 12:22-31
Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enogh 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 lities, and how they grow. They don't work to 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."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Good words from Hebrews
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is already very warm and humid this morning, which does not mean we will have a cooler weekend. In fact, the weather people say it will be a very hot weekend!
A funny thing, when I opened the front door this morning, I saw what looked like little white flowers growing out of my welcome mat!!! They are actually some strange kind of toadstools...very delicate looking. The mat stays wet all the time from the rain, and there must be enough dirt in it to grow mushrooms! Not to eat, though. There was also a baby gecko lurking just underneath the door, but I did not want him to get in the house. I used to find eggs in the mailbox, but none lately.
I made a trip to the doctor's yesterday for a check-up and even though I was the first patient there after their lunch break, I still had to wait for thirty minutes in his examining room. I took my Tim Tebow book with me and spent the time catching up on my reading. The Dr. admires T.T. and thinks it would be good for the Bucs to have him as quarterback in case theirs gets injured. Interesting...
I drove to the Park in the heat of the day, after the Dr. visit, and saw that the canal in front of the weir, is once more just full of green algae and trash..guess things will get worse before they get better. Not many people were there, because of the heat and it was midday. But a young woman came running down the sidewalk and on to the bridge not seeming to mind the heat. She was running very fast and looked to be in good shape. I only saw one egret fishing, but lots of squirrels, as usual. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper then the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done.
10:23 Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.
35..Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
A funny thing, when I opened the front door this morning, I saw what looked like little white flowers growing out of my welcome mat!!! They are actually some strange kind of toadstools...very delicate looking. The mat stays wet all the time from the rain, and there must be enough dirt in it to grow mushrooms! Not to eat, though. There was also a baby gecko lurking just underneath the door, but I did not want him to get in the house. I used to find eggs in the mailbox, but none lately.
I made a trip to the doctor's yesterday for a check-up and even though I was the first patient there after their lunch break, I still had to wait for thirty minutes in his examining room. I took my Tim Tebow book with me and spent the time catching up on my reading. The Dr. admires T.T. and thinks it would be good for the Bucs to have him as quarterback in case theirs gets injured. Interesting...
I drove to the Park in the heat of the day, after the Dr. visit, and saw that the canal in front of the weir, is once more just full of green algae and trash..guess things will get worse before they get better. Not many people were there, because of the heat and it was midday. But a young woman came running down the sidewalk and on to the bridge not seeming to mind the heat. She was running very fast and looked to be in good shape. I only saw one egret fishing, but lots of squirrels, as usual. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper then the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done.
10:23 Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds.
35..Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Wisdom from Isaiah 40
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! Lots of sun this morning, but rain is still dripping off the roof from last night. As I left church after a meeting, the sky was dark and thunder and lightning was flashing. It had already rained, so the streets were wet and as I drove home and turned on 9th St. I saw that a car had skidded off the road and landed in a shallow retention ditch in front of the new 7-11 on the corner. The small car was pointing south, which would have been on the other side of the wide street, so there must have been some twisting involved. Anyway, it looked like no one was injured, and I got home safely, which proves you must drive carefully when the streets are wet and slick...
I was pleased to find that gas prices had gone down when I drove to Walmart to fill up...a nice surprise because I thought prices were to keep going up. I stopped in at the park on my way to Walmart and saw the freshly rained on greenery, and two guys cleaning their cars in the shade. The squirrels were busy running back and forth and the anhinga was drying his wings at the weir. I have not seen the peacocks in several months, so I am wondering if they were hauled off to someplace else. I did see the banty rooster strolling around. He has been there for several years and is really noisy in the morning. For a little rooster, he has a big cock-a-doodle doo! God is good!
Several verses which touched me for several reasons from Isaiah 40 NLT:
40:3 Listen! I hear the voice of someone shouting, "Make a highway for the Lord through the wilderness. Make a straight, smooth road through the desert for our God. Fill the valleys and level the hills. straighten out the curves and smooth off the rough spots. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!
A voice said, "Shout!"I asked, "What should I shout?"
"Shout that people are like the grass that dies away. Their beauty fades as quickly as the beauty of flowers in a field. The grass withers, and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord. And so it is with people. The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever."
28; Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out. He offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis--
I was pleased to find that gas prices had gone down when I drove to Walmart to fill up...a nice surprise because I thought prices were to keep going up. I stopped in at the park on my way to Walmart and saw the freshly rained on greenery, and two guys cleaning their cars in the shade. The squirrels were busy running back and forth and the anhinga was drying his wings at the weir. I have not seen the peacocks in several months, so I am wondering if they were hauled off to someplace else. I did see the banty rooster strolling around. He has been there for several years and is really noisy in the morning. For a little rooster, he has a big cock-a-doodle doo! God is good!
Several verses which touched me for several reasons from Isaiah 40 NLT:
40:3 Listen! I hear the voice of someone shouting, "Make a highway for the Lord through the wilderness. Make a straight, smooth road through the desert for our God. Fill the valleys and level the hills. straighten out the curves and smooth off the rough spots. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!
A voice said, "Shout!"I asked, "What should I shout?"
"Shout that people are like the grass that dies away. Their beauty fades as quickly as the beauty of flowers in a field. The grass withers, and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord. And so it is with people. The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever."
28; Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out. He offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis--
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)