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 yesterday! But the yard is still draining and the gutters in front are full, as the water runs swiftly to the nearest storm drain.
I had a lazy day yesterday, only getting out to run a few errands, and then to the park. the water has gone down slightly in the canal and is off the weir, leaving lots of trash caught on the poles. I watched mamas and babies in strollers getting ready for a long walk, and a man with a beautiful, old Dalmatian walking along the sidewalk. The dog looked tired and was walking very slowly, that's why I thought he was old. Squirrels were scampering about, but I did not see any ibises. Strange.
When I came home, I watched a blue jay eating acorns in the front yard. I don't know how he got so many into his craw, if that's what they have. Then, off he flew with one in his mouth, so he must have a nest somewhere near. God's creations are marvelous. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Isaiah 40:27
O Israel, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? 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
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Brewing Good Relationships
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 clear this morning and a beautiful shade of blue, and maybe no rain today. Yesterday, we had one of those unexpected, torrential downpours, which lasted a short while, and then the sun came back out. I don't think that will happen today...
I had the Acme Tech come out yesterday to check out the A/C and furnace preparing for winter. This company originally installed our A/C forty years ago and we have had the same tech out so many times, he is like family. He used to also do the work at the church, and always inquires about the church. Anyway, everything was fine and working well.
After the rain, I went to the park, and the water was up and over the weir, with big puddles everywhere! I walked to the bridge to look for the young gator, but the water was so high, it was well over the mud bank where he hangs out, so no sign of him. The current was flowing swiftly, and I am sure was pouring over the walls of the water works sides at the third bridge. I saw what I thought was a bunny, but stopped to look closely, and it was a squirrel with a bob tail. He must have lost it somewhere. And then I saw four of the furry critters gathered together under a tree sharing acorns.
I drove to Cartek to have my tires aired up, and Ray found a screw imbedded in my right rear tire, so he fixed it and told me it was taken care of. I was puzzled by this random act of kindness, but thanked him and went on my way. God is good!!
From Quiet Moments with God:
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:11
...Always choose teas whose basic flavors are pleasing to you or your guests. If they are loose teas, don't be afraid to do a little blending, measuring one teaspoon per cup plus one teaspoon per pot. Let the tea steep for several minutes, but don't boil tea leaves. If you do, bitter tannins will emerge.
Like brewing tea, forming good relationships takes time and attention to be satisfying. Here are ten ways to show the love of Jesus to others--guaranteed to bring out the best "flavor" of each person:
1. Speak to people. There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting.
2. Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown; 14 to smile.
3. Call people by name. The sweetest music is the sound of one's own name.
4. Be friendly and helpful.
5. Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is a pleasure.
6. Be genuinely interested in people. You can like everybody if you try.
7. Be generous with praise--cautious with criticism.
8. Be considerate of the feelings of others. It will be appreciated.
9. Be thoughtful of the opinions of others.
10. Be alert to give service. What counts most in life is what we do for others.
These things take time, but like the time spent perfecting that pot of tea, it is well worth the extra effort.
Hold a true friend with
both your hands.
African Proverb
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I had the Acme Tech come out yesterday to check out the A/C and furnace preparing for winter. This company originally installed our A/C forty years ago and we have had the same tech out so many times, he is like family. He used to also do the work at the church, and always inquires about the church. Anyway, everything was fine and working well.
After the rain, I went to the park, and the water was up and over the weir, with big puddles everywhere! I walked to the bridge to look for the young gator, but the water was so high, it was well over the mud bank where he hangs out, so no sign of him. The current was flowing swiftly, and I am sure was pouring over the walls of the water works sides at the third bridge. I saw what I thought was a bunny, but stopped to look closely, and it was a squirrel with a bob tail. He must have lost it somewhere. And then I saw four of the furry critters gathered together under a tree sharing acorns.
I drove to Cartek to have my tires aired up, and Ray found a screw imbedded in my right rear tire, so he fixed it and told me it was taken care of. I was puzzled by this random act of kindness, but thanked him and went on my way. God is good!!
From Quiet Moments with God:
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:11
...Always choose teas whose basic flavors are pleasing to you or your guests. If they are loose teas, don't be afraid to do a little blending, measuring one teaspoon per cup plus one teaspoon per pot. Let the tea steep for several minutes, but don't boil tea leaves. If you do, bitter tannins will emerge.
Like brewing tea, forming good relationships takes time and attention to be satisfying. Here are ten ways to show the love of Jesus to others--guaranteed to bring out the best "flavor" of each person:
1. Speak to people. There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting.
2. Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown; 14 to smile.
3. Call people by name. The sweetest music is the sound of one's own name.
4. Be friendly and helpful.
5. Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is a pleasure.
6. Be genuinely interested in people. You can like everybody if you try.
7. Be generous with praise--cautious with criticism.
8. Be considerate of the feelings of others. It will be appreciated.
9. Be thoughtful of the opinions of others.
10. Be alert to give service. What counts most in life is what we do for others.
These things take time, but like the time spent perfecting that pot of tea, it is well worth the extra effort.
Hold a true friend with
both your hands.
African Proverb
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Wisdom from Paul
Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Water is still dripping off the roof from the deluge yesterday evening and the yard is soaked. Our small group was headed out to a nursing home to visit a friend and we found that ninth street was flooded between about 80th and north of that, so David switched over to 4th St. and while that was clear, we discovered that several of the side streets were flooded with cars stranded. A wild and woolly wet evening! But we made it okay and had a really good visit with our friend. Thank you, Jesus for watching over us!
I got done what I had planned to do yesterday, including some ironing, so I was pleased with myself about that. And I even got to the park and saw a tri-colored heron fishing in the green covered waters of the weir. Just on the other side of the canal, it is all clear. Not many people were out, but since I was tired by that time, I took myself home.
I am in mourning, because I apparently lost one earring of the pair that my uncle Dan, May he rest in peace, made for me several years ago. I called the library where I had been and they did not have it, so unless I find it around here someplace, it is gone. It was on my ear that still has some numbness from my carotid surgery last year, so I did not notice it was gone until someone told me. Oh, well, God is still good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Thessalonians 5:12
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work. And remember to live peaceably with each other.
Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else.
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil.
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God, who calls you, is faithful; he will do this....And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I got done what I had planned to do yesterday, including some ironing, so I was pleased with myself about that. And I even got to the park and saw a tri-colored heron fishing in the green covered waters of the weir. Just on the other side of the canal, it is all clear. Not many people were out, but since I was tired by that time, I took myself home.
I am in mourning, because I apparently lost one earring of the pair that my uncle Dan, May he rest in peace, made for me several years ago. I called the library where I had been and they did not have it, so unless I find it around here someplace, it is gone. It was on my ear that still has some numbness from my carotid surgery last year, so I did not notice it was gone until someone told me. Oh, well, God is still good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Thessalonians 5:12
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work. And remember to live peaceably with each other.
Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else.
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil.
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God, who calls you, is faithful; he will do this....And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, September 26, 2011
Hebrews 6
Good Morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I walked into church just about five minutes before a very dark cloud dumped a lot of rain on people trying to leave and others trying to get in, so God was good to me. Fortunately, there are always umbrellas around, so I don't think anyone got really soaked, I think we will probably see a few more of those strange thunderstorms again today, Strange, because they are unexpected and do not last long.
I had an unexpected encounter with a bird yesterday. We have reflective tint on the windows, and I was startled by what looked like a woodpecker sitting on the window sill of the bedroom, but as I looked more closely, I saw black stripes on the underside, and a dusting of rust colored red on the back. No red on the head. I got out my trusty Peterson's guide and looked it up and it was either a yellow bellied sapsucker, or an immature red headed woodpecker. I will probably never be that close to one again! After it finished peering at itself awhile, and pecking a few bugs off the sill, it finally flew away. I have seen woodpeckers on the oaks lately, so that was probably what it was. I wish I knew how to get in touch with Mike McGoff, the naturalist who retired from Sawgrass. He taught me a lot about birds and he would definitely know what the bird was. But, it was one of God's Creations, and God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Hebrews 6:7-12
When the ground soaks up the rain that falls on it and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has the blessing of God. But if a field bears thistles and thorns, it is useless. The farmer will condemn that field and burn it.
Dear friends, even though we are talking like this, we really don't believe that it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation For God is not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other Christians, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and patience.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had an unexpected encounter with a bird yesterday. We have reflective tint on the windows, and I was startled by what looked like a woodpecker sitting on the window sill of the bedroom, but as I looked more closely, I saw black stripes on the underside, and a dusting of rust colored red on the back. No red on the head. I got out my trusty Peterson's guide and looked it up and it was either a yellow bellied sapsucker, or an immature red headed woodpecker. I will probably never be that close to one again! After it finished peering at itself awhile, and pecking a few bugs off the sill, it finally flew away. I have seen woodpeckers on the oaks lately, so that was probably what it was. I wish I knew how to get in touch with Mike McGoff, the naturalist who retired from Sawgrass. He taught me a lot about birds and he would definitely know what the bird was. But, it was one of God's Creations, and God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Hebrews 6:7-12
When the ground soaks up the rain that falls on it and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has the blessing of God. But if a field bears thistles and thorns, it is useless. The farmer will condemn that field and burn it.
Dear friends, even though we are talking like this, we really don't believe that it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation For God is not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other Christians, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and patience.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Cruisin' thru Colossians
Good Morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Another sunny, breezy day with predictions of rain, but doesn't look like it now! The first day of fall is upon us, but maybe in the northern states, not here, yet.
I was able to go to the Publix and pick up some groceries and get them put away before my cleaning ladies came yesterday. I had a nice chat with them about their forthcoming cruise with family. One is already worried about maybe a hurricane and she will be stranded in the middle of the ocean. I had to laugh at her, because she is a worry-wart. I am sure she will have a wonderful time!
After watching the Rays lose the afternoon game, I went to the park and took a short walk to the bridge, to check on the young gator that hangs out there.
On my way in, I saw what looked like an anhinga on the edge of the canal, struggling to get a long, wiggly something in his beak. He was across the canal, so I could not see him very well. I noticed that the mowers had been there and mowed a lot of ground that had not been touched in a while. It looked much better.
I checked on the gator and saw that he was almost out of sight under the bridge, but while I watched, he turned around and came out and rested his chin on the mudbank he lounges on. He is almost or maybe is, three feet long now. Getting bigger with all the stuff people feed him.
Speaking of these creatures, the crocodile pic that my friend, Karin, sent was on the front page of the Times today. At least, it looked like her pic. The croc is hiding out in a lake at Caya Costa, where her relatives live. The croc is really big and ugly!! But God is good!
He creates all creatures great and small!
From Colossians 3 NLT:
Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace, and always be thankful.
Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
( I will be absent tomorrow, due to taking Brian for a procedure.)
I was able to go to the Publix and pick up some groceries and get them put away before my cleaning ladies came yesterday. I had a nice chat with them about their forthcoming cruise with family. One is already worried about maybe a hurricane and she will be stranded in the middle of the ocean. I had to laugh at her, because she is a worry-wart. I am sure she will have a wonderful time!
After watching the Rays lose the afternoon game, I went to the park and took a short walk to the bridge, to check on the young gator that hangs out there.
On my way in, I saw what looked like an anhinga on the edge of the canal, struggling to get a long, wiggly something in his beak. He was across the canal, so I could not see him very well. I noticed that the mowers had been there and mowed a lot of ground that had not been touched in a while. It looked much better.
I checked on the gator and saw that he was almost out of sight under the bridge, but while I watched, he turned around and came out and rested his chin on the mudbank he lounges on. He is almost or maybe is, three feet long now. Getting bigger with all the stuff people feed him.
Speaking of these creatures, the crocodile pic that my friend, Karin, sent was on the front page of the Times today. At least, it looked like her pic. The croc is hiding out in a lake at Caya Costa, where her relatives live. The croc is really big and ugly!! But God is good!
He creates all creatures great and small!
From Colossians 3 NLT:
Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace, and always be thankful.
Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
( I will be absent tomorrow, due to taking Brian for a procedure.)
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Listen for the Music
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! Sunshiny,, windy and still humid, but it is a beautiful day! The squirrels continue to fuss and zip up the trees very fast, and the acorns continue to fall, so there is always some activity in the front yard.
I still have not been out, while regaining my strength, but it looks like today is the day. I have some errands to run, so I will do it while I still have the energy. I have seen big blotches on the front sidewalk, which look like the birds have been enjoying the Beauty Berry Bush. I am so glad I don't hang sheets out, any more! And I am thankful for the dryer and washer and all my appliances. We all wear out, including the appliances, but our spirits are renewed day by day. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
Psalm 137:4 KJV
George Gershwin was talking to a friend on the crowded beach of a resort near New York City when the joyous shrieks of voices pierced their conversation. Clanking tunes ground out from a nearby merry-go-round, while barkers and hucksters shouted themselves hoarse. From underground came the deep roar of the subway; beside them crashed the relentless waves of the ocean.
Gershwin listened and then remarked to his friend, "All of this could turn into a magnificent musical piece expressive of every human activity and feeling with pauses, counterpoints, blends and climaxes of sound that would be beautiful....But it is not that...it is all discordant, terrible, and exhausting -----as we hear it now. The pattern is always being shattered."
What a parable of our time! So many confusing sounds and noises, so much unrest, so much rapid change. But somewhere in the midst of it, a pattern could emerge; a meaning could come out of it.
Our job is to hear the music in the noise.
Sometimes, finding the melodic line is a simple matter of listening selectively---mentally tuning out all but one sound for a while. That's what happens when we sit for a few minutes over a cup of tea and listen intently to that coworker, student, or friend. Once we listen and truly hear the "tune" they're playing, their unique melody will always be distinct to us, even in the cacophony of busy days.
If we are intentional about what we hear, the conflicting chaos swirling around our own symphony will be weeded out; God's music will be easier to hear.
This afternoon take time to be a creative listener!
I have shown you thepower of silence. How thoroughly it heals and how fully pleasing it is to God. It is by silence that the Saints grew. It was because of silence that the power of God dwelt in them: because of silence that the mysteries of God were known to them.
Father Ammonas
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I still have not been out, while regaining my strength, but it looks like today is the day. I have some errands to run, so I will do it while I still have the energy. I have seen big blotches on the front sidewalk, which look like the birds have been enjoying the Beauty Berry Bush. I am so glad I don't hang sheets out, any more! And I am thankful for the dryer and washer and all my appliances. We all wear out, including the appliances, but our spirits are renewed day by day. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
Psalm 137:4 KJV
George Gershwin was talking to a friend on the crowded beach of a resort near New York City when the joyous shrieks of voices pierced their conversation. Clanking tunes ground out from a nearby merry-go-round, while barkers and hucksters shouted themselves hoarse. From underground came the deep roar of the subway; beside them crashed the relentless waves of the ocean.
Gershwin listened and then remarked to his friend, "All of this could turn into a magnificent musical piece expressive of every human activity and feeling with pauses, counterpoints, blends and climaxes of sound that would be beautiful....But it is not that...it is all discordant, terrible, and exhausting -----as we hear it now. The pattern is always being shattered."
What a parable of our time! So many confusing sounds and noises, so much unrest, so much rapid change. But somewhere in the midst of it, a pattern could emerge; a meaning could come out of it.
Our job is to hear the music in the noise.
Sometimes, finding the melodic line is a simple matter of listening selectively---mentally tuning out all but one sound for a while. That's what happens when we sit for a few minutes over a cup of tea and listen intently to that coworker, student, or friend. Once we listen and truly hear the "tune" they're playing, their unique melody will always be distinct to us, even in the cacophony of busy days.
If we are intentional about what we hear, the conflicting chaos swirling around our own symphony will be weeded out; God's music will be easier to hear.
This afternoon take time to be a creative listener!
I have shown you thepower of silence. How thoroughly it heals and how fully pleasing it is to God. It is by silence that the Saints grew. It was because of silence that the power of God dwelt in them: because of silence that the mysteries of God were known to them.
Father Ammonas
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 139
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Sunshine this morning, and just a little cooler, teasing us with visions of fall coming...I have seen maple trees that are turning color, so that is encouraging. It will be good to be able to turn the A/C off for a little while.
These are thoughts from seven hours in the ER ...busy nurses and doctors as the afternoon wore on, but when I was admitted, I got almost immediate attention, because they were not very busy. The doctor came in right away and introduced himself and shook hands, and as he asked questions about my past history, I remarked that the last time I fainted I was on a motorcycle..he smiled and looked over at Brian, as if thinking, I might be a little delusional. Brian quickly said it was not for him, but at my age, if I wanted to ride on bikes, it was OK with him. Dr, Cotter just murmured to himself, that he wouldn't have guessed it. A very cute young woman was taking all my info on her computer, when an aide, a husky young man, stopped by to kiss her on the cheek. I remarked that that was sweet, and she blushed and said he was a special friend...hmm. Yes.
The paramedics were in evidence as the evening wore on, and I kept looking for Kevin Massey, but was not sure if he came to St. Anthony's or not. All of the patients got excellent care, especially one older man brought in on a gurney, who looked to be in pretty bad shape. All of the nurses and aides gathered around him immediately, and the doctor came right away. Don't know what his problem was, but he got everyone's attention. I was taken for several tests and everyone was cheerful and caring. It was not my first time in the ER and probably will not be my last, but there are lots of people who need prayer every day, when you can witness that slice of life in the very busy emergency room. God is good!
I chose excerpts from Psalm 139, because our bodies are "fearfully and wonderfully made."
From the Promise Bible NLT:
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
you know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to know!...
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother's womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!...
Search me, O God, and know my heart:
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
These are thoughts from seven hours in the ER ...busy nurses and doctors as the afternoon wore on, but when I was admitted, I got almost immediate attention, because they were not very busy. The doctor came in right away and introduced himself and shook hands, and as he asked questions about my past history, I remarked that the last time I fainted I was on a motorcycle..he smiled and looked over at Brian, as if thinking, I might be a little delusional. Brian quickly said it was not for him, but at my age, if I wanted to ride on bikes, it was OK with him. Dr, Cotter just murmured to himself, that he wouldn't have guessed it. A very cute young woman was taking all my info on her computer, when an aide, a husky young man, stopped by to kiss her on the cheek. I remarked that that was sweet, and she blushed and said he was a special friend...hmm. Yes.
The paramedics were in evidence as the evening wore on, and I kept looking for Kevin Massey, but was not sure if he came to St. Anthony's or not. All of the patients got excellent care, especially one older man brought in on a gurney, who looked to be in pretty bad shape. All of the nurses and aides gathered around him immediately, and the doctor came right away. Don't know what his problem was, but he got everyone's attention. I was taken for several tests and everyone was cheerful and caring. It was not my first time in the ER and probably will not be my last, but there are lots of people who need prayer every day, when you can witness that slice of life in the very busy emergency room. God is good!
I chose excerpts from Psalm 139, because our bodies are "fearfully and wonderfully made."
From the Promise Bible NLT:
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
you know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to know!...
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother's womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!...
Search me, O God, and know my heart:
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Monday, September 19, 2011
Back again
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners,
I just wanted to make a brief explanation about my absence the past few days. I woke up Thurs. morning with a severe pain in my right leg and after eating breakfast felt light-headed, so laid down on the sofa and fainted for about 10 or 15 minutes. I didn't think I had to call the doc, and my friend and yard man was coming, so he brought in Louis' wheeled walker and after being encouraged to call the doc, I checked with Brian, and got an app't for 3.30. Well, he told me to go to the ER, which I did, without any supper. We were in the ER for seven hours, taking tests to rule out stroke, heart attack, etc. and finally got a room at 11:30.
I had every test except an MRI, including CT scan, chest x-rays, eeg, ultrasound of the carotids, blood tests and heart monitor also BP meds to bring down very high BP.
The results....I am healthy, everything checked out normal (for me) and the problem seems to be vasovagos (don't think that is spelled right). In other words, my brain does not always get enough oxygen when I get up suddenly from sitting or lying, so it will probably happen again. I am slowly regaining my strength, because being in bed for a couple days, kinda takes the starch out of me.
I will be back maybe tomorrow with the devotional. For those of you who knew and were praying for me, thank you from the bottom of my heart! God is good!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I just wanted to make a brief explanation about my absence the past few days. I woke up Thurs. morning with a severe pain in my right leg and after eating breakfast felt light-headed, so laid down on the sofa and fainted for about 10 or 15 minutes. I didn't think I had to call the doc, and my friend and yard man was coming, so he brought in Louis' wheeled walker and after being encouraged to call the doc, I checked with Brian, and got an app't for 3.30. Well, he told me to go to the ER, which I did, without any supper. We were in the ER for seven hours, taking tests to rule out stroke, heart attack, etc. and finally got a room at 11:30.
I had every test except an MRI, including CT scan, chest x-rays, eeg, ultrasound of the carotids, blood tests and heart monitor also BP meds to bring down very high BP.
The results....I am healthy, everything checked out normal (for me) and the problem seems to be vasovagos (don't think that is spelled right). In other words, my brain does not always get enough oxygen when I get up suddenly from sitting or lying, so it will probably happen again. I am slowly regaining my strength, because being in bed for a couple days, kinda takes the starch out of me.
I will be back maybe tomorrow with the devotional. For those of you who knew and were praying for me, thank you from the bottom of my heart! God is good!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 73:22-28
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I can tell a touch of fall is in the air because the acorns are falling already, and they are still greenish looking. The squirrels are able to store as many as they need in the messy nests they built for the winter. I will have to sweep off the porch today, because the acorns crunch when walked on, and the stuff gets carried into the house. This is a different kind of acorn squash! :o)
After doing a little Christmas shopping yesterday, I drove on down to Hutson's with a couple of purses that needed handles repaired. This is a busy place and always has been. It's the only place I know that does all kinds of repairs, from shoes to belts to handbags, and various other items. I used to take Louis' shoes there for half soles.
I noticed a new blossom on the bird of paradise bush this morning! It usually has a lot at one time, but this is the first one I have seen in a while! Just beautiful!
I went to the park after my errands were run, and all was quiet and peaceful. I had to slow down and wait for a flock of ibis to scatter from beside a car where the driver was eating lunch. I didn't know that they were beggars, also!
Gnarly oaks, moss hanging down, toadstools slowly turning brown, and birds and butterflys flitting about...a little oasis of peace in the busy city. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
I was so foolish and ignorant--
I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
Yet I still belong to you;
you are holding my right hand.
You will keep on guiding me with your counsel,
leading me to a glorious destiny.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth.
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever.
But those who desert him will perish,
for you destroy those who abandon you.
But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,
and I will tell everyone about the
wonderful things you do.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
After doing a little Christmas shopping yesterday, I drove on down to Hutson's with a couple of purses that needed handles repaired. This is a busy place and always has been. It's the only place I know that does all kinds of repairs, from shoes to belts to handbags, and various other items. I used to take Louis' shoes there for half soles.
I noticed a new blossom on the bird of paradise bush this morning! It usually has a lot at one time, but this is the first one I have seen in a while! Just beautiful!
I went to the park after my errands were run, and all was quiet and peaceful. I had to slow down and wait for a flock of ibis to scatter from beside a car where the driver was eating lunch. I didn't know that they were beggars, also!
Gnarly oaks, moss hanging down, toadstools slowly turning brown, and birds and butterflys flitting about...a little oasis of peace in the busy city. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
I was so foolish and ignorant--
I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
Yet I still belong to you;
you are holding my right hand.
You will keep on guiding me with your counsel,
leading me to a glorious destiny.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth.
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever.
But those who desert him will perish,
for you destroy those who abandon you.
But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,
and I will tell everyone about the
wonderful things you do.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Flowerbox Faith
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! Beautiful blue sky and a little cooler air means a great day!
I had a good time last night with our first Faith Group meeting of the fall. It was special to see everyone again and exchange ideas and pray together. Friendship is a gift given to all of us if we take advantage of it.
I got out to do some shopping yesterday and will go again today, because I always forget something, even if I have a list. But I took time to go to the park and check on the large toadstools, which are once again in a fairy ring near the shelter. Not too many people were there, but it was almost time for school to let out, so that might account for it. I keep looking for the big, old gopher tortoise, but he is not visible to me because of the high weeds. But God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for teachers:
On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night because you are my help. I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you. Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:6-8
One Labor Day weekend, Shannon's husband constructed a large flowerbox for her. With great care, she picked out and purchased two hundred top-quality bulbs. Next, she filled the flowerbox with the perfect mixture of soil, fertilizer, and peat moss. Then, she spent hours planting the bulbs in a delightful design.
All through the long Idaho winter, she thought about her tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. If they followed God's plan and waited for His perfect timing, they would change from dull, brown clumps into colorful celebrations of spring.
Maintaining our faith in God during times of forced inactivity is similar to a dormant bulb planted in a flowerbox. At certain times in our lives, we may be compelled to stop all activity and take time out to heal. Instead of lying in our beds fretting about our remaining circumstances, we simply need to wait and rest.
Dormancy for a bulb is nature's solution to getting through times of difficult weather conditions. God's gift of rest is His way of helping us through difficult health conditions. All bulbs store food to carry them through their dormant periods. We can use our times of dormancy to nourish our sould by planting our hearts in the fertile soil of His scriptures.
Like bulbs waiting for spring, we can rest in God's promises as we wait for our recovery. We can look forward to the certain celebration of life through Christ. He alone will bring the colors of spring to our souls.
Faith is not believing that
God can, but that God will!
Abraham Lincoln
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had a good time last night with our first Faith Group meeting of the fall. It was special to see everyone again and exchange ideas and pray together. Friendship is a gift given to all of us if we take advantage of it.
I got out to do some shopping yesterday and will go again today, because I always forget something, even if I have a list. But I took time to go to the park and check on the large toadstools, which are once again in a fairy ring near the shelter. Not too many people were there, but it was almost time for school to let out, so that might account for it. I keep looking for the big, old gopher tortoise, but he is not visible to me because of the high weeds. But God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for teachers:
On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night because you are my help. I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you. Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:6-8
One Labor Day weekend, Shannon's husband constructed a large flowerbox for her. With great care, she picked out and purchased two hundred top-quality bulbs. Next, she filled the flowerbox with the perfect mixture of soil, fertilizer, and peat moss. Then, she spent hours planting the bulbs in a delightful design.
All through the long Idaho winter, she thought about her tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. If they followed God's plan and waited for His perfect timing, they would change from dull, brown clumps into colorful celebrations of spring.
Maintaining our faith in God during times of forced inactivity is similar to a dormant bulb planted in a flowerbox. At certain times in our lives, we may be compelled to stop all activity and take time out to heal. Instead of lying in our beds fretting about our remaining circumstances, we simply need to wait and rest.
Dormancy for a bulb is nature's solution to getting through times of difficult weather conditions. God's gift of rest is His way of helping us through difficult health conditions. All bulbs store food to carry them through their dormant periods. We can use our times of dormancy to nourish our sould by planting our hearts in the fertile soil of His scriptures.
Like bulbs waiting for spring, we can rest in God's promises as we wait for our recovery. We can look forward to the certain celebration of life through Christ. He alone will bring the colors of spring to our souls.
Faith is not believing that
God can, but that God will!
Abraham Lincoln
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, September 9, 2011
Roamin' thru Romans
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! Once again we have a pleasant morning, but tomorrow the humidity and heat are predicted to come back. But a taste of fall is nice while it lasts!
When I stepped outside a while ago, I made of moving count of 18 ibises busily pecking along the gutter. One of them had gray feathers around his beak...very outstanding. And the two ducks that have been hanging around were also just sitting in separate driveways. There was a broken egg shell in the driveway next door, which was probably from a duck egg. Today, I saw it and then it was gone. I think the duck ate it...
David C. did his usual good job of cleaning up the messy yard, and then took the wire cover from the gutter and cleaned it out. It was so full of mud and acorns that a small tree was growing in it. The wire cover was not doing much good, so we discarded it .I will have to get one that fastens better.
I took a walk around the back yard and looked at the Beauty Berry Bush, which is loaded with purple berries! The birds love that!
My plumbago bush has also grown with all the rain and is full of blossoms. And, since October is right around the corner, it is time to trim the crepe myrtle. Always something to do, but God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can hope for the future help me live today?
Romans 8:18-25 What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, everything on earth was subjected to God's curse. All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. and even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom. For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently.
We have strength and courage to face the trials and suffering of this life because we can look beyond them to the glory that God has in store for us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
When I stepped outside a while ago, I made of moving count of 18 ibises busily pecking along the gutter. One of them had gray feathers around his beak...very outstanding. And the two ducks that have been hanging around were also just sitting in separate driveways. There was a broken egg shell in the driveway next door, which was probably from a duck egg. Today, I saw it and then it was gone. I think the duck ate it...
David C. did his usual good job of cleaning up the messy yard, and then took the wire cover from the gutter and cleaned it out. It was so full of mud and acorns that a small tree was growing in it. The wire cover was not doing much good, so we discarded it .I will have to get one that fastens better.
I took a walk around the back yard and looked at the Beauty Berry Bush, which is loaded with purple berries! The birds love that!
My plumbago bush has also grown with all the rain and is full of blossoms. And, since October is right around the corner, it is time to trim the crepe myrtle. Always something to do, but God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can hope for the future help me live today?
Romans 8:18-25 What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, everything on earth was subjected to God's curse. All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. and even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom. For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently.
We have strength and courage to face the trials and suffering of this life because we can look beyond them to the glory that God has in store for us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Too Busy?
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! And we do rejoice because the temps are down in the lower seventies this morning and it feels like a little touch of fall in the air! It was also good to see sunshine first thing, instead of the clouds and overcast.
Yesterday, I noticed our front yard looked like a wildlife refuge for awhile. While my cleaning ladies were here, I went outside for a bit, and noticed a brown bunny sitting under the oak, just looking at them carrying their supplies in. And then, a pair of woodpeckers were hopping around the tree. One of them was brownish without any red on top, so I thought that must be the female, but looked in my Petersen Field Guide and did not see any difference, so I think it was a piliated pair.. Also the squirrels must know something about the winter coming, because as I stood on the porch watching, two were very busy chewing off the twigs and letting them fall under the staghorn. They drop more than they put in the nests, I think, because the yard is full of twigs! David will be here this morning, though, and he will clean it up. I am thankful for dependable people!
I went to the park later in the afternoon, even though it was sprinkling again. Several cars were there and people were standing under the trees talking, so the rain did not seem to bother anyone. The big tractor mower was being driven down the walkway where the fence used to be, and it was quitting time, so I guess the mowers were working late. The water was still very high at the weir and higher than usual in the canal from all this rain, but God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Be careful not to forget the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:12 HCSB
Each day has 1,440 minutes--do you value your relationship with God enough to spend a few of those minutes with Him? He deserves that much of your time and more. But if you find that you're simply "too busy" for a daily chat with your Father in heaven, it's time to take a long, hard look at your priorities and your values.
If you've acquired the unfortunate habit of trying to "squeeze" God into the corners of your life, it's time to reshuffle the items on your to-do list by placing God first. God wants your undivided attention, not the leftovers of your day. So, if you haven't already done so, form the habit of spending quality time with your Creator. He deserves it... and so, for that matter, do you.
To be successful, you can't just run on the fast track: run on your track.
John Maxwell
Often our lives are strangled by things that don't ultimately matter.
Grady Nutt
Dear Lord, when the quickening pace of life leaves me with little time for worship or for praise, help me to reorder my priorities. When the demands of the day leave me distracted and discouraged, let me turn to Jesus for the peace that only He can give. And then, when I have accepted the spiritual abundance that is mine through Christ, let me share His message and His love with all who cross my path.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Yesterday, I noticed our front yard looked like a wildlife refuge for awhile. While my cleaning ladies were here, I went outside for a bit, and noticed a brown bunny sitting under the oak, just looking at them carrying their supplies in. And then, a pair of woodpeckers were hopping around the tree. One of them was brownish without any red on top, so I thought that must be the female, but looked in my Petersen Field Guide and did not see any difference, so I think it was a piliated pair.. Also the squirrels must know something about the winter coming, because as I stood on the porch watching, two were very busy chewing off the twigs and letting them fall under the staghorn. They drop more than they put in the nests, I think, because the yard is full of twigs! David will be here this morning, though, and he will clean it up. I am thankful for dependable people!
I went to the park later in the afternoon, even though it was sprinkling again. Several cars were there and people were standing under the trees talking, so the rain did not seem to bother anyone. The big tractor mower was being driven down the walkway where the fence used to be, and it was quitting time, so I guess the mowers were working late. The water was still very high at the weir and higher than usual in the canal from all this rain, but God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Be careful not to forget the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:12 HCSB
Each day has 1,440 minutes--do you value your relationship with God enough to spend a few of those minutes with Him? He deserves that much of your time and more. But if you find that you're simply "too busy" for a daily chat with your Father in heaven, it's time to take a long, hard look at your priorities and your values.
If you've acquired the unfortunate habit of trying to "squeeze" God into the corners of your life, it's time to reshuffle the items on your to-do list by placing God first. God wants your undivided attention, not the leftovers of your day. So, if you haven't already done so, form the habit of spending quality time with your Creator. He deserves it... and so, for that matter, do you.
To be successful, you can't just run on the fast track: run on your track.
John Maxwell
Often our lives are strangled by things that don't ultimately matter.
Grady Nutt
Dear Lord, when the quickening pace of life leaves me with little time for worship or for praise, help me to reorder my priorities. When the demands of the day leave me distracted and discouraged, let me turn to Jesus for the peace that only He can give. And then, when I have accepted the spiritual abundance that is mine through Christ, let me share His message and His love with all who cross my path.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I woke up about 3 AM to the sound of thunder and rain, but then went back to sleep , and sure enough, lots of weather warnings on the PC and everything is wet outside, with lots of trash from the oaks in the front yard and on the porch.
We had some torrential downpours yesterday morning, but about noon, when the rain had stopped, I decided it was safe to venture out to go to the Publix, for some needed groceries. Not only had the rain stopped, but it was very warm, with the sun coming out once again! Still looking for fall...
The canal in the park was almost over the weir, it was so full. Doesn't seem to be slowing down the work on the other side of the lake, though. A big, wide load truck was parked near the deputy's house at the park, and when I came back out, it was parked ready to move out. (Sort of reminded me of my favorite movie, "Duel". Shiver.)
I saw a beautiful white egret fishing and while driving around Lynch Lake, I noticed the woodstorks are back. God is good!
I heard a powerful sermon on this scripture Sunday, and in God's perfect timing, I pulled this bookmark out of a Bible I used to use years ago;
The Warrior's Prayer
David Jeremiah
Heavenly Father,
Your Warrior prepares for battle.
Today I claim victory
over Satan by putting on the
whole armor of God.
I put on the Belt of Truth.
May I stand firm in the truth of
your Word so I will not be a
victim of Satan's lies.
I put on the Breastplate of
Righteousness. May it guard my
heart from every evil so I will
remain pure and holy,
protected under the blood of
Jesus Christ.
I put on the Shoes of Peace.
May I stand firm in the Good
News of the Gospel so your
peace will shine through me
and be a light to all I encounter.
I take the Shield of Faith. May I
be ready for Satan's fiery darts
of doubt, denial, and deceit so I
will not be vulnerable to
spiritual defeat.
I put on the Helmet of Salvation.
May I keep my mind
focused on You so Satan will
not have a stronghold on my
thoughts.
I take the Sword of the Spirit,
May the two-edged sword of
Your Word be ready in my
hands so I can expose the
tempting words of Satan.
By faith your warrior has put
on the whole armor of God.
I am prepared to live this day in
spiritual victory!
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
We had some torrential downpours yesterday morning, but about noon, when the rain had stopped, I decided it was safe to venture out to go to the Publix, for some needed groceries. Not only had the rain stopped, but it was very warm, with the sun coming out once again! Still looking for fall...
The canal in the park was almost over the weir, it was so full. Doesn't seem to be slowing down the work on the other side of the lake, though. A big, wide load truck was parked near the deputy's house at the park, and when I came back out, it was parked ready to move out. (Sort of reminded me of my favorite movie, "Duel". Shiver.)
I saw a beautiful white egret fishing and while driving around Lynch Lake, I noticed the woodstorks are back. God is good!
I heard a powerful sermon on this scripture Sunday, and in God's perfect timing, I pulled this bookmark out of a Bible I used to use years ago;
The Warrior's Prayer
David Jeremiah
Heavenly Father,
Your Warrior prepares for battle.
Today I claim victory
over Satan by putting on the
whole armor of God.
I put on the Belt of Truth.
May I stand firm in the truth of
your Word so I will not be a
victim of Satan's lies.
I put on the Breastplate of
Righteousness. May it guard my
heart from every evil so I will
remain pure and holy,
protected under the blood of
Jesus Christ.
I put on the Shoes of Peace.
May I stand firm in the Good
News of the Gospel so your
peace will shine through me
and be a light to all I encounter.
I take the Shield of Faith. May I
be ready for Satan's fiery darts
of doubt, denial, and deceit so I
will not be vulnerable to
spiritual defeat.
I put on the Helmet of Salvation.
May I keep my mind
focused on You so Satan will
not have a stronghold on my
thoughts.
I take the Sword of the Spirit,
May the two-edged sword of
Your Word be ready in my
hands so I can expose the
tempting words of Satan.
By faith your warrior has put
on the whole armor of God.
I am prepared to live this day in
spiritual victory!
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 145
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! So far we have had rain and wind to rejoice over, and I don't have any idea when it will let up. I would be happy if God would push it all over to Texas where the wildfires are still burning and it is so dry! This weather makes me lazier that I usually am...
I had a very quiet Labor Day weekend..did a little housework, read a lot and watched the Rays win on TV. Drove over to the park and saw lots of cars, so even the wind was blowing quite fiercely, people were still walking on the boardwalk. Most of the dangerous trees have been removed, but there is still the possibility of a limb crashing down. I didn't see much wildlife, just the usual anhingas drying out wings and egrets which are always so beautiful.
My front yard is covered with twigs from the oaks, which have been blown down by the winds all weekend. It really looks messy, but Dave will take care of it Thursday. He mows right through them, and says they put nitrogen in the grass. So, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.'I will bless you every day,
and I will praise you forever.'Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
His greatness is beyond discovery!...
The Lord is faithful in all he says, he is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
All eyes look to you for help, you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
The Lord protects all those who love him but he destroys the wicked.
I will praise the Lord, and everyone on earth will bless his holy name forever and forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I had a very quiet Labor Day weekend..did a little housework, read a lot and watched the Rays win on TV. Drove over to the park and saw lots of cars, so even the wind was blowing quite fiercely, people were still walking on the boardwalk. Most of the dangerous trees have been removed, but there is still the possibility of a limb crashing down. I didn't see much wildlife, just the usual anhingas drying out wings and egrets which are always so beautiful.
My front yard is covered with twigs from the oaks, which have been blown down by the winds all weekend. It really looks messy, but Dave will take care of it Thursday. He mows right through them, and says they put nitrogen in the grass. So, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.'I will bless you every day,
and I will praise you forever.'Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
His greatness is beyond discovery!...
The Lord is faithful in all he says, he is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
All eyes look to you for help, you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
The Lord protects all those who love him but he destroys the wicked.
I will praise the Lord, and everyone on earth will bless his holy name forever and forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Friday, September 2, 2011
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The sun is shining brightly and I don't think there will be any rain today..my prediction, not the weatherman's. But we had a late shower last night, so water is still dripping off the roof.
Dave C. came to mow yesterday and just before he came, the squirrels decided to build a nest, so that meant lots of green twigs all piled up just between the two trees. So, Dave mowed right through them, and said they are good for the grass. Well, the yard looked nice and neat for a while, but this morning another big pile of twigs is in the same place, so I guess they were not through building the nest. Messy, messy!
Before Dave came, a large flock of ibis was making its way slowly, as they pecked, down this street. They started across the street and worked down about three houses, then came back on this side, still pecking. I counted sixteen, but that was a moving count. They seem to be really used to people.
I saw the big dump trucks at the park again, so I guess that work will take awhile. A beautiful egret was high in a tree with another one, hanging over the canal. Just so Florida! God is good!
From the Devotional book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12 KJV
Ann described a lesson she learned after the painful loss of her sister. Her brother-in-law opened the bottom drawer of her sister's bureau and lifted out a tissue-wrapped package. "This," he said, "is not a slip. This is lingerie." He discarded the tissue and handed the slip to Ann. It was exquisite silk, handmade and trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag, bearing an astronomical figure, was still attached.
"Jan bought this the first time we went to New York nine years ago. She never wore it. She was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is the occasion." He took the slip from Ann and put it on the bed with the other clothes they planned to take to the funeral home. His hands lingered on the soft material for a moment, then he slammed the drawer shut and turned to Ann. "Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day you're alive is a special occasion."
She remembered those words throughout the funeral and the days that followed. Ann thought about all the things that her sister had done without realizing they were special. The words her brother-in-law spoke changed her life.
Ann now spends more time with her family and friends and less time in committee meetings. Now she enjoys the view from her deck without fussing about the weeds in the garden. She's not saving anything either; her family uses the good china and crystal for every special event--such as losing a pound, unclogging the sink, or spying the first camellia blossom of the season.
As you watch the breathless beauty of a sunset or the colorful splendor of a rainbow, savor the moment. Cherish the brilliance of the maple leaf nipped by frost and the white clouds floating across the crystal blue sky. Remember that every moment of every day is special.
So here hath been dawning another blue day.
Think, will thou let it slip useless away?
Thomas Carlyle
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Dave C. came to mow yesterday and just before he came, the squirrels decided to build a nest, so that meant lots of green twigs all piled up just between the two trees. So, Dave mowed right through them, and said they are good for the grass. Well, the yard looked nice and neat for a while, but this morning another big pile of twigs is in the same place, so I guess they were not through building the nest. Messy, messy!
Before Dave came, a large flock of ibis was making its way slowly, as they pecked, down this street. They started across the street and worked down about three houses, then came back on this side, still pecking. I counted sixteen, but that was a moving count. They seem to be really used to people.
I saw the big dump trucks at the park again, so I guess that work will take awhile. A beautiful egret was high in a tree with another one, hanging over the canal. Just so Florida! God is good!
From the Devotional book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12 KJV
Ann described a lesson she learned after the painful loss of her sister. Her brother-in-law opened the bottom drawer of her sister's bureau and lifted out a tissue-wrapped package. "This," he said, "is not a slip. This is lingerie." He discarded the tissue and handed the slip to Ann. It was exquisite silk, handmade and trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag, bearing an astronomical figure, was still attached.
"Jan bought this the first time we went to New York nine years ago. She never wore it. She was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is the occasion." He took the slip from Ann and put it on the bed with the other clothes they planned to take to the funeral home. His hands lingered on the soft material for a moment, then he slammed the drawer shut and turned to Ann. "Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day you're alive is a special occasion."
She remembered those words throughout the funeral and the days that followed. Ann thought about all the things that her sister had done without realizing they were special. The words her brother-in-law spoke changed her life.
Ann now spends more time with her family and friends and less time in committee meetings. Now she enjoys the view from her deck without fussing about the weeds in the garden. She's not saving anything either; her family uses the good china and crystal for every special event--such as losing a pound, unclogging the sink, or spying the first camellia blossom of the season.
As you watch the breathless beauty of a sunset or the colorful splendor of a rainbow, savor the moment. Cherish the brilliance of the maple leaf nipped by frost and the white clouds floating across the crystal blue sky. Remember that every moment of every day is special.
So here hath been dawning another blue day.
Think, will thou let it slip useless away?
Thomas Carlyle
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Celebrate Life
Good Morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners and Happy Sept. First! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Another overcast day, but that just makes it seem like fall will soon be here. I will know for sure when the acorns start falling off the oak trees. It was a fairly quiet day for me yesterday...just some household chores to do and then I took a ride out to Walmart to fill the tank on the van and was pleasantly surprised to note that prices have not gone up, yet.
I saw lots of activity at the park when I stopped in there..big, new green dump trucks traveling across the weir, going down the one way road to the back of the park, and then coming back out. I checked with Dave and he said there had been plans to cut a new opening so the two canals could join together..the one behind the houses, and the one that comes from Sawgrass Lake. It won't be visible to the public. And then I saw one of the animal control people out on the bridge near the young gator. He had a long metal pole with a cup on the end that he was dipping down into the water. At first I thought he might be trying to catch the gator to move him, but Dave said he was testing for mosquitoes. A couple of the sentinel chickens have been found to have encephalitis (?). I'm glad that program has not been cut out!
Then I discovered several big trucks parked outside in front of my house most of the afternoon. Chippers and tree trimmers for next door, I guess. That house is on a double lot and is planted with many fruit trees, including very tall mango trees, which grow huge!
But, after all that excitement, I decided to do some reading. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
This is the day which the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 NASB
Do you want to know God more intimately? Try this: celebrate the life He has given you. Do you feel like celebrating today? If you're a believer, you should. When you allow Christ to reign over your heart, today and every day should be a time for joyful celebration. What do you expect from the day ahead? Are you expecting God to do wonderful things, or are you living beneath a cloud of worry and doubt?
The words of Psalm 118:24 remind us that every day is a gift from God. So whatever this day holds for you, begin it and end it with God as your partner and Christ as your savior. and throughout the day, give thanks to the One who created you and saved you. God's love for you is infinite. Accept it; celebrate it; and be thankful.
Some of us seem so anxious about avoiding hell, that we forget to celebrate our journey toward heaven.
Philip Yancey
If you can forgive the person you were, accept the person you are,
and believe in the person you will become, you are headed for joy.
So celebrate your life.
Barbara Johnson
Dear Lord, help me remember that every day is cause for celebration. Today I will try my best to keep joy in my heart. I will celebrate the life You have given me here on earth and the eternal life that will be mine in heaven. Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Another overcast day, but that just makes it seem like fall will soon be here. I will know for sure when the acorns start falling off the oak trees. It was a fairly quiet day for me yesterday...just some household chores to do and then I took a ride out to Walmart to fill the tank on the van and was pleasantly surprised to note that prices have not gone up, yet.
I saw lots of activity at the park when I stopped in there..big, new green dump trucks traveling across the weir, going down the one way road to the back of the park, and then coming back out. I checked with Dave and he said there had been plans to cut a new opening so the two canals could join together..the one behind the houses, and the one that comes from Sawgrass Lake. It won't be visible to the public. And then I saw one of the animal control people out on the bridge near the young gator. He had a long metal pole with a cup on the end that he was dipping down into the water. At first I thought he might be trying to catch the gator to move him, but Dave said he was testing for mosquitoes. A couple of the sentinel chickens have been found to have encephalitis (?). I'm glad that program has not been cut out!
Then I discovered several big trucks parked outside in front of my house most of the afternoon. Chippers and tree trimmers for next door, I guess. That house is on a double lot and is planted with many fruit trees, including very tall mango trees, which grow huge!
But, after all that excitement, I decided to do some reading. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
This is the day which the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 NASB
Do you want to know God more intimately? Try this: celebrate the life He has given you. Do you feel like celebrating today? If you're a believer, you should. When you allow Christ to reign over your heart, today and every day should be a time for joyful celebration. What do you expect from the day ahead? Are you expecting God to do wonderful things, or are you living beneath a cloud of worry and doubt?
The words of Psalm 118:24 remind us that every day is a gift from God. So whatever this day holds for you, begin it and end it with God as your partner and Christ as your savior. and throughout the day, give thanks to the One who created you and saved you. God's love for you is infinite. Accept it; celebrate it; and be thankful.
Some of us seem so anxious about avoiding hell, that we forget to celebrate our journey toward heaven.
Philip Yancey
If you can forgive the person you were, accept the person you are,
and believe in the person you will become, you are headed for joy.
So celebrate your life.
Barbara Johnson
Dear Lord, help me remember that every day is cause for celebration. Today I will try my best to keep joy in my heart. I will celebrate the life You have given me here on earth and the eternal life that will be mine in heaven. Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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