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 sunshine and clouds this morning, and the heat and humidity moving in already, but this is the last day of May and soon hotter June will be upon us, then we can really complain about the heat! We have had enough rain since last week, that my lawn actually needs mowing again, so that will get done tomorrow.
I had a dental appointment yesterday and discovered a new entrance to his office, with a new door. I also discovered as the hygienist was working that I have a cavity...bummer. That means I have to go back next week and get it filled. I haven't had a cavity in years, but I have a space between molars that always captures food, no matter how I floss and poke with a brush and that's where the cavity is. Well, I'll do what I have to do.
After I left that office, I came home to let the cleaning ladies in, chatted with them while they worked, and then, after lunch, went to the library. I saw the homeless man in the parking lot...the one that usually hangs out at the park, and he once again was sorting all the junk packed in his car. Guess he knows all the places with rest room facilities. I drove on to the park where very few people were and did not see the gopher tortoise. His tunnel was so wet, I wonder if they ever get too much water in their homes, so they can't live in them any more. But, I heard a chorus of birds, as I do around here and also passed a tree with gorgeous yellow flowers on it. I think it might be a golden rain tree, but not sure. Anyway, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 6:4-10
Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
Those who are taught the word of God should help their teachers by paying them.
Don't be misled. Remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow! Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Jesus, the True Vine
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! Just a few clouds today, compared with yesterday when we had nearly all day cloud cover.
I went shopping yesterday around noon because all the forecasts said rain was coming and the radar showed it closer to me. Well, the rain finally came in the afternoon for about thirty minutes...a good, hard, rain. It was great!
As I was driving home along Turner Creek, I noticed a very large bird sitting on a light pole in front of me. It was an osprey looking over the water, probably contemplating a meal for the young ones still in the nest. I see their heads popping up when I drive toward home. The nest is on top of a light pole at Sawgrass Lake Elem. School. Seems like they should be about ready to leave soon. The nest in the Publix parking lot is a very messy pile of sticks and debris at the base of the light pole. They don't last long when they are deserted. The birds have learned to co-habit with society, since so little of their environment is left. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
John 15:1-7
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned for greater fruitfulness by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the fine,and you cannot be fruitful apart from me.
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile, to be burned. But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce much fruit. this brings much glory to my Father....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I went shopping yesterday around noon because all the forecasts said rain was coming and the radar showed it closer to me. Well, the rain finally came in the afternoon for about thirty minutes...a good, hard, rain. It was great!
As I was driving home along Turner Creek, I noticed a very large bird sitting on a light pole in front of me. It was an osprey looking over the water, probably contemplating a meal for the young ones still in the nest. I see their heads popping up when I drive toward home. The nest is on top of a light pole at Sawgrass Lake Elem. School. Seems like they should be about ready to leave soon. The nest in the Publix parking lot is a very messy pile of sticks and debris at the base of the light pole. They don't last long when they are deserted. The birds have learned to co-habit with society, since so little of their environment is left. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
John 15:1-7
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned for greater fruitfulness by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the fine,and you cannot be fruitful apart from me.
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who parts from me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile, to be burned. But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce much fruit. this brings much glory to my Father....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Too Busy?
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord had made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, yesterday did not bring the showers which were predicted and more of the same is predicted for today, but, so far, we just have clouds and a stiff breeze.
I had a good weekend. After church on Sunday, I stopped at Winn Dixie for flowers and chatted briefly with Jane, a friend who has been caring for her husband, who just got home after forty days in the hospital! She is always so positive and smiling! A Loving person! Then I drove out to Bay Pines Cemetery, where hundreds, maybe thousands of flags had been placed on the graves of the service men and women who had been buried there. It was an inspiring and moving sight. To my surprise, there were no vases left to put my flowers in. I drove to several vase containers and found none any where, so just had to lay the flowers on Louis' stone. I noticed several other people had done the same thing, The wind was blowing so hard, it almost took my hat off several times, so the second time I got out of the car, I just left it off and as a result, got a little sunburn...a no-no for me.
Chairs were set up for the ceremonies to take place yesterday and I saw a report in the Times that over 3000 attended. That's why I went Sunday...to avoid the crowd. When Brian drove out there after returning from his TN trip, he said there were still quite a few people there.
I cruised into the park yesterday and even though it was late in the day, there were still quite a few cars there and probably, it had been really crowded earlier, with picnickers and walkers. I noticed two ibis slowly walking by a car, looking as if they were waiting for food. I hate to think that they are beggers like the squirrels! But God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Too Busy?
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.
The prayer of the feeblest saint who lives in the Spirit and keeps right with God is terror to Satan. The very powers of darkness are paralyzed by prayer. It is no wonder that Satan tries to keep our minds fussy in active work till we cannot think in prayer.
Oswald Chambers
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
I had a good weekend. After church on Sunday, I stopped at Winn Dixie for flowers and chatted briefly with Jane, a friend who has been caring for her husband, who just got home after forty days in the hospital! She is always so positive and smiling! A Loving person! Then I drove out to Bay Pines Cemetery, where hundreds, maybe thousands of flags had been placed on the graves of the service men and women who had been buried there. It was an inspiring and moving sight. To my surprise, there were no vases left to put my flowers in. I drove to several vase containers and found none any where, so just had to lay the flowers on Louis' stone. I noticed several other people had done the same thing, The wind was blowing so hard, it almost took my hat off several times, so the second time I got out of the car, I just left it off and as a result, got a little sunburn...a no-no for me.
Chairs were set up for the ceremonies to take place yesterday and I saw a report in the Times that over 3000 attended. That's why I went Sunday...to avoid the crowd. When Brian drove out there after returning from his TN trip, he said there were still quite a few people there.
I cruised into the park yesterday and even though it was late in the day, there were still quite a few cars there and probably, it had been really crowded earlier, with picnickers and walkers. I noticed two ibis slowly walking by a car, looking as if they were waiting for food. I hate to think that they are beggers like the squirrels! But God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Too Busy?
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.
The prayer of the feeblest saint who lives in the Spirit and keeps right with God is terror to Satan. The very powers of darkness are paralyzed by prayer. It is no wonder that Satan tries to keep our minds fussy in active work till we cannot think in prayer.
Oswald Chambers
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
Friday, May 25, 2012
Remembering
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We had a fierce storm last night for about an hour, which left some trash in the yard which had just been mowed and cleaned up. But I am thankful for the rain, so no complaints.
Brian has left for Sanford where the airport is, so he can catch a flight for Chattanooga to visit Daryl and Matthew, and hopefully, see Shea and the family for the weekend. They will have hot weather, as we will, but, at least, he will be away and get to relax for a couple days. Brian has really been working long hours preparing for the bank merger, so he needs a rest.
As I mentioned, the yard got mowed and cleaned up, even though my yard mans back has been bothering him. I felt a bulge in his spine, which I pray will be fixable without surgery. He is too young to be disabled with a bad back. I went to Subway again and got us some lunch, for when he was finished. Lots of traffic, but I chose a different route and cut off waiting time at a couple lights...getting smarter in my old age. Sometimes wisdom comes with age. :o) God is good!
Because of Memorial Day I chose 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 NLT for a reminder and thanks to all who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice for us:
At times I may shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or I might command locusts to devour your crops, or I might send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Brian has left for Sanford where the airport is, so he can catch a flight for Chattanooga to visit Daryl and Matthew, and hopefully, see Shea and the family for the weekend. They will have hot weather, as we will, but, at least, he will be away and get to relax for a couple days. Brian has really been working long hours preparing for the bank merger, so he needs a rest.
As I mentioned, the yard got mowed and cleaned up, even though my yard mans back has been bothering him. I felt a bulge in his spine, which I pray will be fixable without surgery. He is too young to be disabled with a bad back. I went to Subway again and got us some lunch, for when he was finished. Lots of traffic, but I chose a different route and cut off waiting time at a couple lights...getting smarter in my old age. Sometimes wisdom comes with age. :o) God is good!
Because of Memorial Day I chose 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 NLT for a reminder and thanks to all who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice for us:
At times I may shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or I might command locusts to devour your crops, or I might send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Questions we may be asked at the last homegoing
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 ditto day in the string of same weather days! I enjoyed watching a squirrel climb up the hedge outside my window and leap over to the roof, then to an oak in the backyard, and who knows where from there! Later I saw one stop and look at me when I opened the garage door, so I threw some peanuts out on the driveway, and, of course, a bluejay, swooped down and picked one up and off he went! They are really thieves!
I was happy to find gas was 3.25 a gal. at Walmart yesterday! That was with my card, but it takes 5 cents off, so it was still lower than elsewhere.After left there, I drove in search of lunch...went to Wendy's and discovered cars lined up on 4th st. waiting in line for the drive thru, so I left there and wound up at Subway in Pinellas Park at their drive-thru.
I visited Sawgrass and saw a few more people there, but none out in the sun. An anhinga was drying off at the berm, which is still piled high with trash from the storm and fast moving water a few days ago. The teacher was tending to some things in her car and she will probably be packing up soon, since the end of school is near.
Well, my yard man is coming today, even though his back is still bothering him. The grass has really grown since the rain, and really needs to be trimmed. Seems like our bodies do wear out, sooner than we would like, but God is still good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 25:31-40
The Final Judgment
But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on the right , "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you invited me into your home. I was sick and you cared for me. I was in prison and you visited me."
Then these righteous ones will reply, "Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?
When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you? And the King will tell them, "I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was happy to find gas was 3.25 a gal. at Walmart yesterday! That was with my card, but it takes 5 cents off, so it was still lower than elsewhere.After left there, I drove in search of lunch...went to Wendy's and discovered cars lined up on 4th st. waiting in line for the drive thru, so I left there and wound up at Subway in Pinellas Park at their drive-thru.
I visited Sawgrass and saw a few more people there, but none out in the sun. An anhinga was drying off at the berm, which is still piled high with trash from the storm and fast moving water a few days ago. The teacher was tending to some things in her car and she will probably be packing up soon, since the end of school is near.
Well, my yard man is coming today, even though his back is still bothering him. The grass has really grown since the rain, and really needs to be trimmed. Seems like our bodies do wear out, sooner than we would like, but God is still good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 25:31-40
The Final Judgment
But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on the right , "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you invited me into your home. I was sick and you cared for me. I was in prison and you visited me."
Then these righteous ones will reply, "Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?
When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you? And the King will tell them, "I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Empowering
Good Morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I can ditto today's weather with yesterdays . The only thing different is the lack of wind right now, but we always have breezes, so that will probably pick up later on.
I heard a truck while I was making my breakfast, and looked out to see a large tree trimmer's truck and mulcher pulling out of the driveway as he turned around. Hmm. Well, no damage done, but that was a little nervy.
The only adventure I had yesterday was going to Sweetbay super market and realizing as I checked out, that I did not include my debit card when I changed purses. I keep it, along with credit cards in a separate case. So, not having enough cash, I told the very sweet cashier I would go home and be back shortly. She said it happens all the time, so they took my few items and put them in the cooler while I made my trip to get the needed card. I wasn't gone thirty minutes, and when I came back, the cashier was getting ready to go home. She had to rescan all the items, but I only had a few. I haven't gone off without my cards for ages. Must be old age creeping up!
I drove to the very quiet park and missed a squirrel racing across in front of me, and saw a funny sight. A very large snapper turtle had climbed out of the canal, and was headed into the woods for some reason, while a large blackbird stood on the ground behind him and looked just like he was trying to puzzle out what the turtle was doing there on the ground! No one was walking and only one picnic table was in use, so it was quiet and peaceful. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 3:14-21
When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would every dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I heard a truck while I was making my breakfast, and looked out to see a large tree trimmer's truck and mulcher pulling out of the driveway as he turned around. Hmm. Well, no damage done, but that was a little nervy.
The only adventure I had yesterday was going to Sweetbay super market and realizing as I checked out, that I did not include my debit card when I changed purses. I keep it, along with credit cards in a separate case. So, not having enough cash, I told the very sweet cashier I would go home and be back shortly. She said it happens all the time, so they took my few items and put them in the cooler while I made my trip to get the needed card. I wasn't gone thirty minutes, and when I came back, the cashier was getting ready to go home. She had to rescan all the items, but I only had a few. I haven't gone off without my cards for ages. Must be old age creeping up!
I drove to the very quiet park and missed a squirrel racing across in front of me, and saw a funny sight. A very large snapper turtle had climbed out of the canal, and was headed into the woods for some reason, while a large blackbird stood on the ground behind him and looked just like he was trying to puzzle out what the turtle was doing there on the ground! No one was walking and only one picnic table was in use, so it was quiet and peaceful. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 3:14-21
When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would every dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Roamin' thru Romans 15
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Still air and bright sunshine with temps once again near ninety are in store today. The same as yesterday, actually. Today I need to sweep off the porch which still has a few leaves on it from the storm a few nights ago
I had an appointment with my cardiologist yesterday, whose office complex is squeezed between the new St. Anthony's ER and the building on the other side... all a part of the big St. Anthony's buildings. Since I had not been there in six months (praises) I did not know there is another huge building project going on, so, once again, I had to sort of feel my way to the correct entrance and have the valet park my van. My doc is outspoken and sometimes profane, but he is tops in his field and extremely fit. He has done the ironman marathon in Hawaii in his younger years. He crams a lot of talk and info into his 15 or 20 minutes with me, even talking about shoes.
Apparently ekgs are not always accurate, since mine showed I had had a big heart attack some time ago, so he checked with my last year's and it showed the same thing, so he marked it as didn't happen, since to my knowledge, I have never had a heart attack. Can't always rely on machines!
When I came out to collect my van, there was a mix-up with the tickets. I had my half, but the half attached to my keys was for a Hyundai and the numbers did not match, so after waiting about fifteen minutes for them to figure it out, I got the van, which was blistering hot by that time, since it had been sitting in the sun for over an hour. I was in good humor about the whole thing and I think the two guys, who were blaming each other for the mix up appreciated that.
So, after that, I drove the route home which avoided the school zones and visited the park to check it out. The water was still high, and the shadows and sun were contrasting nicely and all was serene. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Romans 15:1-10
Living to please others
We may know that these things make no difference, but we cannot just go about and do them to please ourselves. We must be considerate of the doubts and fears of those who think these things are wrong. We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn't please himself. As the scriptures say, "Those who insult you are also insulting me." Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They also give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises.
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement , help you live in complete harmony with each other--each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We accept each other just as Christ has accepted you, then God will be glorified. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. And he came so the Gentiles might also give glory to God for his mercies to them....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had an appointment with my cardiologist yesterday, whose office complex is squeezed between the new St. Anthony's ER and the building on the other side... all a part of the big St. Anthony's buildings. Since I had not been there in six months (praises) I did not know there is another huge building project going on, so, once again, I had to sort of feel my way to the correct entrance and have the valet park my van. My doc is outspoken and sometimes profane, but he is tops in his field and extremely fit. He has done the ironman marathon in Hawaii in his younger years. He crams a lot of talk and info into his 15 or 20 minutes with me, even talking about shoes.
Apparently ekgs are not always accurate, since mine showed I had had a big heart attack some time ago, so he checked with my last year's and it showed the same thing, so he marked it as didn't happen, since to my knowledge, I have never had a heart attack. Can't always rely on machines!
When I came out to collect my van, there was a mix-up with the tickets. I had my half, but the half attached to my keys was for a Hyundai and the numbers did not match, so after waiting about fifteen minutes for them to figure it out, I got the van, which was blistering hot by that time, since it had been sitting in the sun for over an hour. I was in good humor about the whole thing and I think the two guys, who were blaming each other for the mix up appreciated that.
So, after that, I drove the route home which avoided the school zones and visited the park to check it out. The water was still high, and the shadows and sun were contrasting nicely and all was serene. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Romans 15:1-10
Living to please others
We may know that these things make no difference, but we cannot just go about and do them to please ourselves. We must be considerate of the doubts and fears of those who think these things are wrong. We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn't please himself. As the scriptures say, "Those who insult you are also insulting me." Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They also give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises.
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement , help you live in complete harmony with each other--each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We accept each other just as Christ has accepted you, then God will be glorified. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. And he came so the Gentiles might also give glory to God for his mercies to them....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, May 21, 2012
From a Tiny Seed
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! Brilliant sunshine today and a cool breeze this morning, but Friday we had a totally unexpected, (at least to me) thunderstorm, that lasted over an hour with strong winds and pelting rain! I know I just had the house washed, but believe me, it got washed again!
I noticed the high water mark around Lynch Lake, as I was on my way to church yesterday morning. It was about 4 feet above what the usual level is. That's a lot of water! God always answers prayers in a big way! My grass is finally growing and needs mowing, so, hopefully, that will get done this week.
I enjoyed a graduation celebration at Cheryl's house yesterday, greeting a lot of old friends and new people, with lots of food and laughter. Afterwards, I went to the park and noticed the grass has greened up more and the water was high again in the canal from the rain. An egret was just taking off in graceful flight and the usual anhinga was airing out his wings after swimming underwater. God is good!
I have been very interested in the story of how preparations have been made for the moving of a hundred year old oak tree to make way for construction. Every precaution was taken to move it on a dolly after the excavation around the roots was done, so I thought it appropriate for this devotional today...
From Quiet Moments with God:
"Other seeds fell into the good
soil and as they grew up and
increased, they yielded a crop
and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."
Mark 4:8 NASB
The story goes that a century ago a German princess lay dying. While on her deathbed, she requested that her grave be covered with a large granite slab and that stone blocks be placed all around the slabs to seal the grave. Se also gave orders for the granite and stones to be held together with large fasteners made of iron. At her request, the inscription in the top of the stone read, " The burial place, purchased to all eternity, must never be opened."
Apparently during the burial, a tiny acorn found its way into the grave. Sometime later, a small shoot began to push its way up through t thin crack in the granite slab. The acorn was able to absorb in just enough nourishment to grow. After years of growth, the mighty oak tree broke through the aging iron clamps. The iron was no match for the oak, and the clamps burst, exposing the grave that was never to be opened. New life sprang forth from a deathbed and one tiny seedling.
Every day we are given numerous opportunities to take advantage of fresh new starts. New beginnings often come when something else has ended. When we allow sin to die in our hearts, we find new life in Christ. Perhaps it is no accident that the mighty oak, which is one of the tallest and strongest trees in the world, starts from a tiny little seed.
What seems to be the end
may really be a new beginning.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I noticed the high water mark around Lynch Lake, as I was on my way to church yesterday morning. It was about 4 feet above what the usual level is. That's a lot of water! God always answers prayers in a big way! My grass is finally growing and needs mowing, so, hopefully, that will get done this week.
I enjoyed a graduation celebration at Cheryl's house yesterday, greeting a lot of old friends and new people, with lots of food and laughter. Afterwards, I went to the park and noticed the grass has greened up more and the water was high again in the canal from the rain. An egret was just taking off in graceful flight and the usual anhinga was airing out his wings after swimming underwater. God is good!
I have been very interested in the story of how preparations have been made for the moving of a hundred year old oak tree to make way for construction. Every precaution was taken to move it on a dolly after the excavation around the roots was done, so I thought it appropriate for this devotional today...
From Quiet Moments with God:
"Other seeds fell into the good
soil and as they grew up and
increased, they yielded a crop
and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."
Mark 4:8 NASB
The story goes that a century ago a German princess lay dying. While on her deathbed, she requested that her grave be covered with a large granite slab and that stone blocks be placed all around the slabs to seal the grave. Se also gave orders for the granite and stones to be held together with large fasteners made of iron. At her request, the inscription in the top of the stone read, " The burial place, purchased to all eternity, must never be opened."
Apparently during the burial, a tiny acorn found its way into the grave. Sometime later, a small shoot began to push its way up through t thin crack in the granite slab. The acorn was able to absorb in just enough nourishment to grow. After years of growth, the mighty oak tree broke through the aging iron clamps. The iron was no match for the oak, and the clamps burst, exposing the grave that was never to be opened. New life sprang forth from a deathbed and one tiny seedling.
Every day we are given numerous opportunities to take advantage of fresh new starts. New beginnings often come when something else has ended. When we allow sin to die in our hearts, we find new life in Christ. Perhaps it is no accident that the mighty oak, which is one of the tallest and strongest trees in the world, starts from a tiny little seed.
What seems to be the end
may really be a new beginning.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 18, 2012
Give Your Best
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, no, or very, few clouds in the sky , birds are chirping, squirrels are scampering and digging, and it is a beautiful day in the neighborhood!
The sun as it shines through the high crescent shaped window in my front door is blinding for a little while early in the morning as I walk across the living room. But in a little while it rises enough so it gets above the window...nice while it lasts!
I had a good night's sleep in contrast to the sleepless one Wed. night., so already today is a better day. Well, the graduation announcements keep coming in and amaze me with how fast the kids are growing up. So far, I have 3, not counting the college announcement from a friend who has worked hard to get her degree after raising her kids, and one more invitation to come in, from a great nephew!
I went to the park yesterday and almost clipped a squirrel who was stretched out leaping across in front of the car! The water is up after our nice rain, the moss was swaying in the breeze and the mowing crew was doing their job with a long piece of moss hanging from one of the ride on mowers brace across the back. It was kinda funny! And the man who lives in his car, was pulling everything out of the vehicle and had bags all over the top and hood of the car, cleaning it out, I guess. The car is absolutely packed with all his stuff. But, God loves him and God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God for teachers:
"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded and from the one who has been entrusted with much , much more will be asked."
Luke 12:48
Mrs. Gibson's kindergarten class filed onto the stage. This was the day they had all waited and practiced for . The children bounced with excitement, every boy and girl dressed in his or her Christmas best. The stage was a plethora of red, white, green, smiles, and wiggles!
The program progressed smoothly. Mrs. Gibson smiled at the children, and they smiled back. They seemed to remember every instruction she had given them before they went on stage. Mrs. Gibson began to relax and enjoy the presentation.
Chris was one of the last children to speak and stepped proudly to the microphone. He took a deep breath and began. "The Wise Men brought their best gifts to Jesus. They brought Gold, Frankenstein, and Smurfs."
Chris got quite an ovation. He lingered for a moment behind the microphone, chest thrust out, all smiles. He had done his best.
That is all any of us can do. God gave His very best gift to us. When we bring our gifts to Jesus, they don't have to be perfect. They just need to be our best, given from a heart of love.
Give of you best to the Master,
Naught else is worthy His love.
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up his glory above. Laid down
His life without murmur.
You from sin's ruin save;
Give Him your heart's adoration.
Give Him the best that you have.
Howard B. Grose
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The sun as it shines through the high crescent shaped window in my front door is blinding for a little while early in the morning as I walk across the living room. But in a little while it rises enough so it gets above the window...nice while it lasts!
I had a good night's sleep in contrast to the sleepless one Wed. night., so already today is a better day. Well, the graduation announcements keep coming in and amaze me with how fast the kids are growing up. So far, I have 3, not counting the college announcement from a friend who has worked hard to get her degree after raising her kids, and one more invitation to come in, from a great nephew!
I went to the park yesterday and almost clipped a squirrel who was stretched out leaping across in front of the car! The water is up after our nice rain, the moss was swaying in the breeze and the mowing crew was doing their job with a long piece of moss hanging from one of the ride on mowers brace across the back. It was kinda funny! And the man who lives in his car, was pulling everything out of the vehicle and had bags all over the top and hood of the car, cleaning it out, I guess. The car is absolutely packed with all his stuff. But, God loves him and God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God for teachers:
"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded and from the one who has been entrusted with much , much more will be asked."
Luke 12:48
Mrs. Gibson's kindergarten class filed onto the stage. This was the day they had all waited and practiced for . The children bounced with excitement, every boy and girl dressed in his or her Christmas best. The stage was a plethora of red, white, green, smiles, and wiggles!
The program progressed smoothly. Mrs. Gibson smiled at the children, and they smiled back. They seemed to remember every instruction she had given them before they went on stage. Mrs. Gibson began to relax and enjoy the presentation.
Chris was one of the last children to speak and stepped proudly to the microphone. He took a deep breath and began. "The Wise Men brought their best gifts to Jesus. They brought Gold, Frankenstein, and Smurfs."
Chris got quite an ovation. He lingered for a moment behind the microphone, chest thrust out, all smiles. He had done his best.
That is all any of us can do. God gave His very best gift to us. When we bring our gifts to Jesus, they don't have to be perfect. They just need to be our best, given from a heart of love.
Give of you best to the Master,
Naught else is worthy His love.
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up his glory above. Laid down
His life without murmur.
You from sin's ruin save;
Give Him your heart's adoration.
Give Him the best that you have.
Howard B. Grose
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Psoaring thru Psalm 121
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 rain was so welcome off and on yesterday, and most of last night, but today we are back to sunshine and a few clouds. the front porch is still really wet, with enough leaves to stick to the feet and get tracked into the house. Well, easy to pick up, anyway.For some reason, I could not get to sleep last night, so about 2:30 I rolled out of bed and warmed some milk and ate some applesauce, and ate while reading until about 3:15. Still didn't sleep much, but probably will tonight.
Yesterday my cleaning friends came and discovered a dead baby possum in the front yard. I had seen it the day before, but thought it was a large toadstool. It is all curled up and has been dead for quite some time. I have no idea where it came from, poor thing. Maybe a hawk dropped it as he was flying by!
As I headed out after the ladies left, I drove around Lynch Lake and saw my favorite...a roseate spoonbill..so pretty! I was on my way to Publix where the parking lot was full of puddles. I started looking over the goodies in the bakery section, and accidentally ticked another cart with mine. After saying, "Sorry" I realized the smiling face belonged to an old friend from St. James UMC. We had a good chat about old acquaintances from the past and, unfortunately, about the situation at St. James, which now has just a part time preacher, who is not through with seminary. The attendance has dwindled down to less than a hundred. So sad, because it once was a vital, strong church. Sigh. It is good how God puts special people in our paths during our daily activities! God is good!
Psalm 121 NLT (I memorized this as a child in SS. KJV
I look up to the mountains--
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made the heavens and the earth!
He will not let you stumble and fall,
the one who watches over you will not
sleep.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never tires and never sleeps.
The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your
protective shade.
The sun will not hurt you by day,
nor the moon at night.
The Lord keeps you from all evil
and preserves your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you
come and go,
both now and forever more.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday my cleaning friends came and discovered a dead baby possum in the front yard. I had seen it the day before, but thought it was a large toadstool. It is all curled up and has been dead for quite some time. I have no idea where it came from, poor thing. Maybe a hawk dropped it as he was flying by!
As I headed out after the ladies left, I drove around Lynch Lake and saw my favorite...a roseate spoonbill..so pretty! I was on my way to Publix where the parking lot was full of puddles. I started looking over the goodies in the bakery section, and accidentally ticked another cart with mine. After saying, "Sorry" I realized the smiling face belonged to an old friend from St. James UMC. We had a good chat about old acquaintances from the past and, unfortunately, about the situation at St. James, which now has just a part time preacher, who is not through with seminary. The attendance has dwindled down to less than a hundred. So sad, because it once was a vital, strong church. Sigh. It is good how God puts special people in our paths during our daily activities! God is good!
Psalm 121 NLT (I memorized this as a child in SS. KJV
I look up to the mountains--
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made the heavens and the earth!
He will not let you stumble and fall,
the one who watches over you will not
sleep.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never tires and never sleeps.
The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your
protective shade.
The sun will not hurt you by day,
nor the moon at night.
The Lord keeps you from all evil
and preserves your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you
come and go,
both now and forever more.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Psoaring thre Psalm 105
Good Morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We Had Rain!! It is so good to see the drips falling off the roof. It wasn't much, but any little bit makes everything green up and look fresh. I even heard thunder earlier. I don't expect it to last all day, but enough so I can see the lawn getting wet.
I saw several white ibis pecking across the street a while ago. Their white is always such a contrast with all the greenery around. Beautiful! I went to the park yesterday and hardly anyone was there. I parked in the shade and walked out to the bridge, being careful to stay in the shade. The sun was very hot, and since I have already been through several skin cancer surgeries, I am very aware of the dangers to me. I stood in the shade of the shelter, enjoying the breeze and looking into the water. The canal is very shallow and is now almost covered with all kinds of growth...hydrilla and other water plants. The only animal I saw was a turtle on a piece of concrete. I didn't even notice any fish, but I wasn't in the middle of the bridge. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed seeing a royal poinciana tree with brilliant red blooms on the way home. God is good!
Psalm 105:1-8 NLT
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.
Let the whole world know what he has done.
Sing to him, yes, sing his praises.
Tell everyone about his miracles.
Exult in his holy name;
O worshipers of the Lord, rejoice!
Search for the Lord and for his strength,
and keep on searching.
Think of the wonderful works he has done,
the miracles and the judgments he
handed down.
O children of Abraham, God's servant,
O descendants of Jacob, God's chosen one.
He is the Lord our God.
His rule is seen throughout the land.
He always stands by his covenant--
the commitment he made to a thousand
generations...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I saw several white ibis pecking across the street a while ago. Their white is always such a contrast with all the greenery around. Beautiful! I went to the park yesterday and hardly anyone was there. I parked in the shade and walked out to the bridge, being careful to stay in the shade. The sun was very hot, and since I have already been through several skin cancer surgeries, I am very aware of the dangers to me. I stood in the shade of the shelter, enjoying the breeze and looking into the water. The canal is very shallow and is now almost covered with all kinds of growth...hydrilla and other water plants. The only animal I saw was a turtle on a piece of concrete. I didn't even notice any fish, but I wasn't in the middle of the bridge. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed seeing a royal poinciana tree with brilliant red blooms on the way home. God is good!
Psalm 105:1-8 NLT
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.
Let the whole world know what he has done.
Sing to him, yes, sing his praises.
Tell everyone about his miracles.
Exult in his holy name;
O worshipers of the Lord, rejoice!
Search for the Lord and for his strength,
and keep on searching.
Think of the wonderful works he has done,
the miracles and the judgments he
handed down.
O children of Abraham, God's servant,
O descendants of Jacob, God's chosen one.
He is the Lord our God.
His rule is seen throughout the land.
He always stands by his covenant--
the commitment he made to a thousand
generations...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Work
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 is another over cast day, but like yesterday, if it rains I will be pleasantly surprised! But it was good that no rain came yesterday, because the work on the house got done in good time.
The house is now clean on the outside! Window sills are scrubbed of all pollen and dirt and the whole house got scrubbed and rinsed, Now, maybe, I can postpone having it painted for a year or so. The young man that did the cleaning used brushes and tsp, although he wasn't happy with the results of the tsp on the discoloration on the stucco of the porch walls. I did not expect perfection and told him so, because it looked so much better!
The job took all morning and into the afternoon, but I was still able to run some errands after he left, and since, I had a hurried lunch, I thought it was an excellent idea to have a half price choc. chip cookie and mint milk shake from Steak and Shake. I was right! It was a good idea and very refreshing.
I stopped in at the park and noticed very few people there and saw the usual ibis and egrets pecking and fishing. As I came home from church Sunday, I noticed a beautiful white egret right at the edge of the yard stretching his neck toward a bush. He looked like a yard ornament! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How is my work important to the Lord?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs.
Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work: (1) having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and (2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.
Proverbs 13:11 Wealth from get-rich-schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.
Honest , hard work is much better than get-rich-schemes. Money quickly gotten is often quickly wasted.
Romans 12:8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The house is now clean on the outside! Window sills are scrubbed of all pollen and dirt and the whole house got scrubbed and rinsed, Now, maybe, I can postpone having it painted for a year or so. The young man that did the cleaning used brushes and tsp, although he wasn't happy with the results of the tsp on the discoloration on the stucco of the porch walls. I did not expect perfection and told him so, because it looked so much better!
The job took all morning and into the afternoon, but I was still able to run some errands after he left, and since, I had a hurried lunch, I thought it was an excellent idea to have a half price choc. chip cookie and mint milk shake from Steak and Shake. I was right! It was a good idea and very refreshing.
I stopped in at the park and noticed very few people there and saw the usual ibis and egrets pecking and fishing. As I came home from church Sunday, I noticed a beautiful white egret right at the edge of the yard stretching his neck toward a bush. He looked like a yard ornament! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How is my work important to the Lord?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs.
Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work: (1) having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and (2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.
Proverbs 13:11 Wealth from get-rich-schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.
Honest , hard work is much better than get-rich-schemes. Money quickly gotten is often quickly wasted.
Romans 12:8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, May 14, 2012
1 Timothy
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! Although the sky is overcast, and I thought maybe a shower this morning would interfere with the house washing , looks like no rain after all. Well, all in God's timing..
Yesterday, Brian and I had an unusual dining experience. The original plan was to have lunch at the Colonnade, but when we got there the place was so packed, people were waiting out in the parking lot to get in, so we went on to Davis Island and tried another restaurant which was closed, but Brian spotted an Italian restaurant nearby, so when we found the entrance, we entered into a totally empty dining room! Wondering if the place was really open, although a group was eating outside on the patio, a lady waved from the kitchen and told us to sit any place. We chose a table by the window and soon a server, the only one in the whole place, came, and gave us a menu. Apparently the meals are cooked to order so we had quite a waiting time, but hot rolls, freshly baked and sprinkled with mozzarella cheese were served and we munched on them while waiting for our entrees. Then salad was served and we started on that. Well, when the meal was served, it was delicious and a side of sauteed green beans and spinach came along a little later. While the service was very slow, it was worth waiting for.
The strange thing is..all this time, we were the only diners in the whole dining room!. I told Brian it was a secret adventure. But, I really enjoyed it and we had a chance to watch people coming and going from two eating places across the street, and to chat about what is going on in his workplace with the bank merger.
I did get to the Park after church, and found it filled with lots of families picnicking on the ground and tables, celebrating Mother's Day. I still have two beautiful arrangements from my sons and thank God for thoughtful sons every day! God is good!
1 Timothy 2:1
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks. Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, for he wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message that God gave to the world at the proper time. And I have been chosen--this is the absolute truth--as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles aout faith and truth.
So wherever you assemble, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy....
These are some words from Paul about instructions about worship...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, Brian and I had an unusual dining experience. The original plan was to have lunch at the Colonnade, but when we got there the place was so packed, people were waiting out in the parking lot to get in, so we went on to Davis Island and tried another restaurant which was closed, but Brian spotted an Italian restaurant nearby, so when we found the entrance, we entered into a totally empty dining room! Wondering if the place was really open, although a group was eating outside on the patio, a lady waved from the kitchen and told us to sit any place. We chose a table by the window and soon a server, the only one in the whole place, came, and gave us a menu. Apparently the meals are cooked to order so we had quite a waiting time, but hot rolls, freshly baked and sprinkled with mozzarella cheese were served and we munched on them while waiting for our entrees. Then salad was served and we started on that. Well, when the meal was served, it was delicious and a side of sauteed green beans and spinach came along a little later. While the service was very slow, it was worth waiting for.
The strange thing is..all this time, we were the only diners in the whole dining room!. I told Brian it was a secret adventure. But, I really enjoyed it and we had a chance to watch people coming and going from two eating places across the street, and to chat about what is going on in his workplace with the bank merger.
I did get to the Park after church, and found it filled with lots of families picnicking on the ground and tables, celebrating Mother's Day. I still have two beautiful arrangements from my sons and thank God for thoughtful sons every day! God is good!
1 Timothy 2:1
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks. Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, for he wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message that God gave to the world at the proper time. And I have been chosen--this is the absolute truth--as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles aout faith and truth.
So wherever you assemble, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy....
These are some words from Paul about instructions about worship...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 11, 2012
Trust God's 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 Nothing new to say about the weather here. It is still sunshiny and dry, so dry, in fact, that now we are on water restrictions...not only in this county but several others all around, When I stepped outside this morning, I could smell woods smoke in the air, so it must have been one of the wildfires burning in the area.
Well, some interesting things are going on in the neighborhood. The house across the street that has been for sale for a couple of years, has finally sold. I watched a man power washing the house a couple days ago, and all day yesterday he was painting. It looked like he pretty much got the whole outside painted and today he is back at work doing more on it. For a little skinny guy, he works hard. And it looks like my friend across the street is going away for a Mother's Day weekend. She always tells me when I have left the garage door open or my porch light is not on. It's good to have caring neighbors!
I went to the quiet park yesterday, and saw a mom with a toddler showing him the gopher tortoise's big hole. Breaking news! A hawk just landed in the hedge outside my window and a mocker chased him off! Must be a nest nearby!
There are some beautiful magnolia trees full of blooms at the park and I noticed the lavendar and white blooming crape myrtles all around the neighborhood. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Understanding is like a fountain which gives life to those who use it.
Proverbs 16:22 NCV
The world has its own brand of wisdom, a brand of wisdom that is often wrong and sometimes dangerous. God, on the other hand, has a different brand of wisdom, a wisdom that will lead you closer to Him.
Where will you place your trust today? Will you trust in the wisdom of fallible men and women, or will you place your faith in God's perfect wisdom? The answer to this question will determine the direction of your day and the quality of your decisions.
Are you tired? Discouraged? Fearful? Be comforted and trust God. Are you worried or anxious? Be confident in God"s power. Are you confused? Listen to the quiet voice of your Heavenly Father-he is not a God of confusion. Talk with Him; listen to Him; trust Him. His wisdom, unlike the "wisdom" of the world, will never let you down.
Most of us go through life praying a little, planning a little, jockeying for position, hoping but never being quite certain of anything, and always secretly afraid that we will miss the way. This is a tragic waste of truth and never gives rest to the heart. There is a better way. It is to repudiate our own wisdom and take instead the infinite wisdom of God.
Dear Lord, You are my teacher. Help me to learn from You.
And then, let me show others what it means to be a kind, generous,
loving Christian. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, some interesting things are going on in the neighborhood. The house across the street that has been for sale for a couple of years, has finally sold. I watched a man power washing the house a couple days ago, and all day yesterday he was painting. It looked like he pretty much got the whole outside painted and today he is back at work doing more on it. For a little skinny guy, he works hard. And it looks like my friend across the street is going away for a Mother's Day weekend. She always tells me when I have left the garage door open or my porch light is not on. It's good to have caring neighbors!
I went to the quiet park yesterday, and saw a mom with a toddler showing him the gopher tortoise's big hole. Breaking news! A hawk just landed in the hedge outside my window and a mocker chased him off! Must be a nest nearby!
There are some beautiful magnolia trees full of blooms at the park and I noticed the lavendar and white blooming crape myrtles all around the neighborhood. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Understanding is like a fountain which gives life to those who use it.
Proverbs 16:22 NCV
The world has its own brand of wisdom, a brand of wisdom that is often wrong and sometimes dangerous. God, on the other hand, has a different brand of wisdom, a wisdom that will lead you closer to Him.
Where will you place your trust today? Will you trust in the wisdom of fallible men and women, or will you place your faith in God's perfect wisdom? The answer to this question will determine the direction of your day and the quality of your decisions.
Are you tired? Discouraged? Fearful? Be comforted and trust God. Are you worried or anxious? Be confident in God"s power. Are you confused? Listen to the quiet voice of your Heavenly Father-he is not a God of confusion. Talk with Him; listen to Him; trust Him. His wisdom, unlike the "wisdom" of the world, will never let you down.
Most of us go through life praying a little, planning a little, jockeying for position, hoping but never being quite certain of anything, and always secretly afraid that we will miss the way. This is a tragic waste of truth and never gives rest to the heart. There is a better way. It is to repudiate our own wisdom and take instead the infinite wisdom of God.
Dear Lord, You are my teacher. Help me to learn from You.
And then, let me show others what it means to be a kind, generous,
loving Christian. 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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