Friday, June 29, 2012

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! Another day of bright sunshine and no clouds to speak of. Even the wind is not blowing this morning, so it is a beautiful day right here. I know in other parts of Florida, the flood waters have not receded and many people are out of their homes and I pray for them. The weather has done strange things lately, with the wildfires in Co. and the extreme heat all over and then our TS Debby, and this is only June, soon to be July!

I was wondering where the squirrels, birds and butterflies go during the wind and rain like we had. I did not see one squirrel in the yard and, of course, no birds, but now they are all back...guess I will never know.
 

When I went to the park yesterday, I saw the large, brown tortoise moseying close to the parking lot, but a lady let her three large dogs get too close, and he did not like that! The water has not gone down much, and I saw a white egret looking for lunch along side the canal. The fish much be on the move! God is still good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Living to please others


Romans 15:5-9, 13

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.

So 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.

So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit, (my favorite verse)

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Psoaring thru Psalm 145:13-16

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, a gentle breeze is blowing and it is a beautiful day! Everything in this neighborhood looks serene, but driving around, high water marks are visible from lakes and canals and the tree men are out cleaning up debris left from Debby.

Not daring to go out and see for myself, I have been looking at photos of the damage and loss of beaches and homes on the coast and from flooding. So sorry for those people who lost homes and the lives that were lost due to the storm!  I am so thankful for my house and provision!

The yard guys came yesterday and cleaned up and made mulch out of all the twigs and mess from the oak trees, edged and blew off all the twigs and stuff on the porch. It looks much better, now. After they left, I went to Target to get a couple of florescent light bulbs to replace a couple that burned out. I hardly ever go into Target, but decided to get a couple things from the grocery dept. while there. I picked up a block of mozzarella cheese and found it all moldy. Guess you have to check the dates carefully before buying there.

I drove back home in time to get some lunch and good thing, because my cleaning ladies came early! So, the house is clean and the yard is cleaned up. Looking good! Later in the afternoon, I drove to the park to see that the waters had receded and no longer flowed over the weir. I noticed a very large oak tree is almost completely in the canal, and will probably stay there for a long time. The mowing crew was there and zipping around in the John Deere mower, and the big one, so it was looking good. The squirrels were out, scampering about and so were the ever present ibises. It was very hot, but God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

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

Wednesday, June 27, 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! Debby has moved on, the wind has stilled, the rain has stopped for awhile, and all is calm! Praise the Lord! And the yard is all cleaned up!

The lawn crew was here already and mowed through the twigs, etc. and picked up the larger sticks, then blew off all the stuff from the porch, so everything looks much neater!. Also, I had not been able to make the lock work on my side garage door, but at the suggestion of Dave, the Park Ranger, I pulled it toward me while working the lock and it worked! The door now opens and closes!

Speaking of Dave, he told me that someone had burned the large shelter by the "Y" on the boardwalkl at the park and the fire dept. inspector said an accellerent  had been used. The shelter burned to the ground. What a shame! He also said several large trees had blown down due to Debby. I have not been back in that area of the boardwalk, so have not seen that stuff. The flood waters are slowly receding and the animals are coming out of the ark. :o)

I was happy to see and hear lots of birds singing this morning. The couple days of the worst of it, no birds and no planes were heard flying over. Usually that is a common sound here, so close to the airports around. So God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

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 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.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Psoaring thru Psalm 25

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We've had some sun this morning, but still lots of clouds and the trees are blowing wildly with the continued strong winds. I can't help thinking of the story of Jesus stilling the storm , when the disciples were in the boat. I wish He would do that now!

I was watching the TV pics of all the flooding everywhere, and the highways still closed, including the Skyway, because of high winds. Brian said it took him and hour and fifteen minutes to get to work in Bradenton yesterday, so it probably took him that long this morning.

I headed out 70th Ave. for a doctor's app't yesterday, but found the street blocked because a large tree had fallen across it. I had to take a slight detour, but was not delayed much. Bayshore Blvd. in Tampa is still part of the Hillsborough Bay and full of water. The huge mansions along there really have a much closer waterfront view.

 I took a drive into Sawgrass Park, and saw the water running over the weir, and all along the sidewalk, nothing but water, but flocks of ibis were really enjoying pecking up grubs and whatever else was flushed out by the water. The canal was full and flowing rapidly. I was surprised that the boardwalk was open because of the 40 mph gusts of wind we had all day yesterday, but there are probably not enough workers to put up and take down the signs, so you just have to take your chances. But God is good!

Psalm 25 excerpts NLT:

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
or let my enemies rejoice in
my defeat.
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced.
But disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord;
point out the right road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you....

The Lord is good and does what is right;
he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
He leads the humble in what is right, teaching them his way.
The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness 
all those who keep his covenant and obey his decrees.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, June 25, 2012

Psoaring thru Psalm 34

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 have lots to be thankful for today! I have a dry house, no flooding in the street, the power did not go off, and even though the wind is still blowing and the yard is a mess from all the twigs and stuff from the oak trees, still I am safe with all God has provided for me! My yard man will come and clear off the driveway so I can get the van out of the garage for an appointment this afternoon.

I stayed home from church yesterday, which was a wise decision, since about the time I would have left after the service, it started really pouring. I just stayed indoors and watched the storm tracking on the TV. There is still a lot of coverage of the damage and flooding . Seems like the water is not receding very fast. Brian had to take the long way around to get to Bradenton  this morning, because the Skyway is still closed because of high winds, but he was expecting to have to do that. We had a little bit of sunshine just a while ago, so maybe instead of sitting over us, Debby will get a move on and leave! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:


I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness;
let us exalt his name together.

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me,
freeing me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be
radiant with joy:
no shadow of shame will darken their faces,
I cried out to the Lord in my suffering, and he heard me.
He set me free from all my fears.
For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear him.
and he rescues them.

Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him reverence,
for those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry.
but those who trust in the Lord will
never lack any good thing....

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs, 
Amaryllis

Friday, June 22, 2012

God is Good

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, I am beginning to think that the weather people don't have much of a clue about what the forecast should be. We did have a little rain last night, but today is sunshiny and a few clouds, but warm and humid. Can't complain about the heat when the rest of the country is scorching!

I have been noticing the super abundance of butterflies flitting about this summer. I really like to see them flit by the window..large black and yellow, smaller yellow, and colors in between. There is something around here that really attracts them. My plumbago bush is blooming beautifully. I wish I could cut them and bring them in the house, but they don't do well as cut flowers. The doves are still cooing their mournful songs and really get tuned up in the heat of the day. 

I enjoyed a quiet day at home yesterday, doing things that needed doing, and, as always, God is good!

From Quiet Moments with God devotional:

"Friend, go up higher."
Luke 14:10

 
An ancient legend of a swan and a crane tells us about God's goodness--which may be different from what we believe to be good.

A beautiful swan came to rest by the banks of a pond where a crane was wading, seeking snails. For a few minutes the crane looked at the swan and then asked, "Where do you come from?"


The swan replied, "I come from Heaven!"

And where is Heaven?" asked the crane.

"Heaven!" replied the swan, "Heaven!" Have you never heard of Heaven?" And the beautiful swan went on to describe the splendor and grandeur of the eternal city. She told the crane about the streets of gold and the gates and walls made of precious stones. She told about the river of life which was as pure as crystal. On the banks of this river stood a tree with leaves for the healing of the nations of the world. In great and eloquent language, the swan described the hosts of saints and angels who lived in the world beyond.

Somewhat surprisingly, the crane didn't appear to be the least bit interested in this place the swan described. Eventually he asked the swan, "Are there any snails there?"

"Snails!" declared the  swan, obviously revolted at the thought. "No!" Of course there are not!"

"Then you can have your Heaven," said the crane, as it continued to search along the slimy, muddy banks of the pond. "What I want is snails!"

This fable has a profound truth in it. How many of us turn our backs on the good God has for us in order to search for snails?

Seek out the good that God has for you today. Ask God to give you the desire for His good, instead of what you consider to be good. Don't bury your head deep in slime  when God wants you to experience the delights and joy of His Heaven!


                                              Our love for God is tested
                                              By the question of whether
                                              we seek Him or His gifts.
                                                      Ralph Washington Sockman

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Soul Hunger

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It's overcast, warm and humid today with a breeze blowing, and the smell of rain in the air. But, as a friend told me at church Sunday, every day is beautiful!( And he just recently lost his wife.) What a great attitude!

I did some chores around the house yesterday, and drove to Wendy's late in the afternoon to get a small salad. By that time it was sprinkling and did so for about thirty minutes, then it rained a little harder. There were very few people at the park, because of the light sprinkles, but I saw a beautiful white egret with his long neck stretched down toward the water, looking for lunch, at the bank of the canal. Nearby was an anhinga airing out the wings. I saw some fresh dirt at the gopher turtle hole, so, apparently, he is still going in and out. Good to know.

Well, I have been listening to and reading about the discussion of the pine tar in the glove incident with the pitcher for the Rays. I am not offering my opinion, but have been wondering why, if the Nationals mgr. knew about it because the pitcher used to be on his team, didn't he get reported when playing for the Nationals? Just curious. Cheating is cheating,  and wrong, but one of the retired pitching coaches who lives here, says everyone uses pine tar to help grip the ball. A moral dilemma for some, but not for those who have a personal relationship with Jesus. God is good!

From Quiet Moments with God devotional:

The city has no need of the sun nor of the moon to give light to it. For the splendor and radiance (glory) of God illuminates it, and the lamb is its lamp.
              Revelation 21:23


Despite endless cloudy days this spring, the columbines still managed to bloom. Blue, scarlet, and gold bell-shaped flowers with delicate dangling spurs towered over lacy foliage. They danced gracefully in the breeze, their bright colors attracting hummingbirds. Yet, without God's sun, they didn't seem as radiant as in previous springs.

It is the same with humans. Although we follow our genetic codes and grow into healthy people physically, we have not radiance without the Son of God. The windows of our souls appear cloudy, and God's love cannot shine through us.

Just as columbines hunger for the sun's warm rays, our souls hunger for the loving presence of Jesus. Unlike the columbines, however, we can find the Son even on cloudy days of despair.

We can take action to find the Son by simply reading or listening to His Word and obeying it. We can meet Him in a flower garden, where each stem and blossom appear like signposts to His presence. We can hear His praises being sung by the rustle of leaves held in the tree's uplifted branches.

Getting to know Him in a personal way enlightens our soul. His radiance fills our hearts and enlivens our spirits with hope for eternal life with Him in Heaven.

In Heaven, the sun will not be needed because God himself will be our Light. Perhaps Heaven's columbines will always dance with radiance from the glow of God's glory.


(As a footnote; the first time I saw columbines was in Keystone, Colorado, as a delegate from our church. They were beautiful!)



                The glory of God, and, as our
                 only means to glorifying him,
                  the salvation of human souls,
                   is the real business of life.
                      C. S. Lewis

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Living to Please Others

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad  in it! Rain has been forecast for the next couple days, but we have sun and clouds right now, and a nice breeze, so maybe later on?

Seems like the doves are plentiful around the house these days. I can hear their mournful cooing most all the time, but I haven't seen the white one for a while. When I looked in the water bowl outside yesterday, I noticed the water was very low and there were hair or fur strands floating on the bottom. I have never seen a squirrel take a bath, but how could the hairs have gotten in there otherwise? I know they drink from the bowl, but these hairs were over an inch long and dark...one of life's mysteries.

I see several of the golden rain trees around the neighborhood at this time of year. They are messier than the jacaranda trees, but so beautiful, who can complain? They grow huge and the yellow flowers are really glowing! There is one in a yard on the way to the park, and a young tree a block or two away from here. I saw a flock of ibis pecking around a picnic table in the park yesterday and a great blue heron almost hidden in some shrubs growing on the bank of the canal. Not many people were out when I was there, but a lot is going on these days. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 15: 2-9
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 give us hope and encouragement as we wait 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.

So 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 that 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

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Celebrate Life

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad  in it! Today marks a change in the weather. I could tell when I stepped outside this morning that the humidity is coming back. While the breeze felt good, the air was not as nice as yesterday but still it is a beautiful day, with more clouds and sunshine!

I don't know why I could not get to sleep last night. I finally got up at 1` and read until 2, then went back to bed and finally drifted off. I see a nap in my future today!

I had a busy day yesterday, with shopping for groceries,  going to Walmart where I was pleased at the low price of gas, then to the library, and finally home. The library was packed with the community room in use and also, lots of children enjoying the fun of reading. Lots of books get returned Monday, along with DVDS, so lots of filing for the workers.

Each time I left a cool building the sun seemed twice as hot, once I got outside. I went to the park and on the way saw the young osprey stretching his wings in the nest atop a light pole at Sawgrass Elem. school. It looked pretty big, so should be leaving the nest soon. There was a story in the Times yesterday, about a big gator that left Sawgrass Park and decided to walk across the interstate. He hit one new car and caused about $2000 damage and then was run over by another car, as he continued on across the road. That one spelled the end for the gator. Wonder what the Insurance co. had to say about that claim? But God is good!

From the little devotional book Knowing God:
 

This is the day that 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

                                                                           -Today's prayer-
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

Monday, June 18, 2012

Freedom from Rules

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! What a beautiful morning! The breeze is cool, the humidity is low, and the sun is shining and it is a great day to be alive!

As I walked outside, I paused for a minute or two just to look around and enjoy the air. I looked up and saw a plane so high, I could barely see it, but the contrails gave it away, and then I saw squirrels scampering up the oak tree and an egret flying high from the park to who knows where.

After a church service with a good message yesterday, and full of life from young people, because of VBS starting today, I drove through the park. Not many people were out yet, but dads may have been picnicking elsewhere or at the Trop where a large crowd saw the Rays shut out the Marlins. It was a good Sunday, and God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:
 

Freedom from rules and New Life in Christ

Colossians 2:6-10
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must
continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grown down 
into him and draw nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith,
strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives
overflow in thanksgiving for all he has done.

Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high=
sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the
evil powers of the world, and not from Christ. For in Christ the fullness
of God lives in the human body , and you are complete through your union 
with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, June 15, 2012

Tightrope Trust

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Today is a replica of yesterday, except the air is a bit cooler, so it was pleasant when I stepped outside this morning. It felt good! Sunshine, a few clouds and gentle breeze...just great!

I noticed in the park yesterday that all the trees have been planted, but I don't know where. Seems odd that they would be planting more, when so many plants were eliminated when so many workers were laid off last year.  Most of the hydrilla has turned brown from the spraying, and will soon wash away, so most of the water will be visible once again. I haven't seen the gopher turtle since before the heavy rains, so maybe his home got flooded. But I hope he is okay.

My new yard man is coming this morning, and I look forward to that! I think I have the worst looking lawn on the block right now, but it will soon look much better! God is good!

From the devotional book 
Quiet Moments with God

"I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep what I have committed to him until that day."
2 Timothy 1:12 NKJV


In the mid-nineteenth century, tightrope walker Blondin was going to perform his most daring feat yet. He stretched a two-inch steel cable across Niagara Falls. As he did, a large crowd gathered to watch. He asked the onlookers, "How many of you believe that I can carry the weight of a human on my shoulders across this gorge? " 

The growing crowd shouted and cheered, believing that he could perform this difficult feat. Blondin picked up a sack of sand  that weighed about 180 pounds and carried it across the Falls. They both arrived on the other side safely.

Then Blondin asked, "How many of you believe that I can actually carry a person across the gorge?" Again, the crowd cheered him on. 

"Which one of you will climb on my shoulders and let me carry you across the Falls"? Silence fell across the crowd. Everyone wanted to see  him carry a person across the gorge, but nobody wanted to put his or her life into Blondin's hands.

Finally, a volunteer came forward willing to participate in this death-defying stunt. Who was this person? It was Blondin's manager, who had known the tightrope walker personally for many years.

As they prepared to cross the Falls, Blondin instructed his manager, "You must not trust your own feelings, but mine. You will feel like turning when we don't need to turn,. And if you trust your feelings, we will both fall. You must become part of me." The two made it across to the other side safely.

Jesus gives us the same instruction when we are asked to trust Him in difficult circumstances" Don't trust your own feelings' trust me to carry you through."

                      Courage, Brother! Do not stumble though
                           thy path be dark as night. There's
                            a star to guide the humble,
                          Trust in God and do the right.
                                        Norman Macleod

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Psoaring thru Psalm 20

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 day of sun and humidity! When I opened the door this morning, the heat struck me and it was still early! I filled up the water bowl yesterday for the birds and squirrels and apparently, the birds have been bathing in it, because the water was kinda murky looking like it was dusty! It is really not a big bowl, (an empty Cool Whip container), but the critters are appreciative of a place to splash around.

I was sitting at the P.C. yesterday and looked out the window in time to see two large butterflies flitting by...not at the same time. One looked like a swallow tail, but very yellow and the other was mostly yellow. They went so fast, I could not really tell what kind they were, but I could see they were very beautiful.

My cleaning ladies came yesterday and caught me up on their future "road trip". They are driving to the married one's daughter's house in VA to visit with the grandkid and then, after they return, they will have to go back to baby sit while the daughter and husband go to Hawaii where he will be assigned for a short time. The servicemen were told to bring their wives, because of a short duty day. Well, since one of the ladies does not like to fly, she got reservations on Amtrak, including a room where she and Cheryl will ride in comfort for 21 hours. Sounds like fun to me! These gals have been friends and in business together for about 18 years! One is married with adult kids and the other is single. I really appreciate them.

After doing a little shopping yesterday, I went to the park and watched the work men planting a bunch of trees some place. They have a dozen or so, but I could not see where they were going in. At the spot where they are planting, there are already large maple and oak trees, so I will have to take a walk to find out what is going on. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 20

In times of trouble, may the Lord respondto your cry.
May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from his sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May he remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings.

May he grant your heart's desire,
and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory,
flying banners to honor our Lord.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.

Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed king.
He will answer him from his holy heaven
and rescue him by his great power.
Some nations boast of their armies and weapons
but we boast in the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse,
but we will rise up and stand firm.

Give victory to our king, O Lord.
Respond to our cry for help.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs, 
Amaryllis

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Matthew 4:10

Good Morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, I was greeted with the noisy singing of many birds and the steady cooing of mourning doves. It was a happy sound to start the day. They were greeting the sunshine as they no doubt were seeking bugs and other things that they eat.

I had a fairly quiet day yesterday..running a few errands in the heat, and thank you, God, for an  air conditioned car! Parking in the shade is always good! As I was driving around Lynch Lake, I noticed a large, dark feathered pelican preening as he perched on a bench. Then, in the park, I saw a squirrel perched on a pole by the trash can looking very cute while munching on something good. 
Also, the overgrowth in the canal has been sprayed and is turning brown. While the hydrilla and other growth is choking out the canal, I always kind of hate to see the moor hens homes destroyed. They are such busy, cute little ducks, always talking to each other as they busily build their nests. But God is good!

From the little devotional book Knowing God:

Give God Your Complete Attention
Worship the Lord you God and...serve Him only.
                  Matthew 4:10 HCSB


Who rules your heart? Is it God, or is it something else? Do you give God your firstfruits or your last? Have you given Christ your heart, your soul, your talents, your time, and your testimony, or have you given Him little more than a few hours each Sunday morning?

In the book of Exodus, God warns that we should place no other gods before Him. Yet all too often, we place our Lord in second, third, or fourth place as we worship the gods of pride, greed, power, or lust. When we unwittingly place possessions or relationships above our love for the Creator, we must seek His forgiveness and repent from our sins. 

Does God rule your heart? Make certain that the honest answer to this question is a resounding yes. In the life of every righteous believer, God comes first. And that's precisely the place that He deserves in your heart.

                                                            -Great Thoughts-

I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours of the day in prayer.
                                                                                  Martin Luther

                                                           -Today's Prayer-

Dear Lord, Your love is eternal and Your laws are everlasting. When I obey Your commandments and put You first in my life, I am blessed. Today , I invite you to reign over every corner of my heart. I will have faith in You. Father, I will sense Your presence. I will accept Your love. I will trust Your will, and I will praise You for the Savior of my life; Your Son Jesus.
                Amen

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

My Morning Prayer

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! So again we have a sunshiny day with a slight breeze blowing. Summer is definitely here, and "the livin' is easy.".. reminds me of a song:). 

For some reason, yesterday, since I woke up about 3 AM and could not get back to sleep, I stayed up from 5 AM and felt pretty good until afternoon, when the slump came on. So I decided to take a nap, and fortunately, was not interrupted by a phone call. Felt pretty good after that. I was able to sleep well last night to make up for the lack the previous night. But, yesterday, I emptied the dryer of towels, and took a walk around the house to see just how much work my new lawn guy will have to do to get things cleaned up. I had mentioned to him that I needed to call the tree trimmers that I use, and he said that they also trim trees, so maybe I won't have to call anyone else..

I also vacuumed yesterday, because of all the people that have been in and out, working on the P.C. Always something going on. I drove to the park in the afternoon and saw two anhingas with wings spread drying out at the weir, saw a van stop at the gates to the weir and a father with two little ones got out and went around the fence that says in big letters, "No Trespassing" and walked across the weir. Good example, Dad! 

 
I drove on down to the circle and saw a few people out enjoying the beautiful, but hot day. I had to wait for three squirrels to get through chasing each other in the middle of the street, and looked at the canal still full of growth. All was quiet and peaceful...God is good!

The following is a prayer I have printed before. I read it every day as a reminder to myself:

"Oh, God, for another day, for another morning,
for another hour for another minute, for another
chance to live and serve Thee, I am truly grateful."
Do Thou this day free me
  From all fear of the future
  from all bitterness toward anyone.
  From all cowardice in face of danger
  from all laziness in face of work,
  from all failure before opportunity
  from all weakness when Thy power is
    at hand.

But fill me
  with Love that knows no barrier
  with Sympathy that reaches all
  with Courage that cannot be shaken
  with Faith strong enough for darkness.
  with Strength sufficient for my tasks
  with Loyalty to Thy Kingdom Goal,
  with Power to lift me to Thee.

Be Thou with me for another day and use
me as Thou wilt for Christ's sake, I pray. 
          Amen

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis