Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the windy, cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, we have to be careful what we pray for; I prayed for rain and last night we got a thunderstorm with lots of wonderful rain. I could just imagine the grasses and plants drinking it in! God is good!
It was so warm yesterday, I didn't attempt to walk, but we drove through the Park and saw a number of people enjoying picnics in the shade and children having fun, in spite of the heat. I had fun in my air conditioning. :o)
The start of another week brings thoughts of work and how God leads us if we only seek His will. From the Promise Bible:
Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Sometimes we are tempted to question God's will for our lives, thinking he has made a mistake. God promises to give us the best as we follow his ways. Ultimately, even what looks like a mistake can become the means to something wonderful.
Colossians 3:23-24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord, rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."
Psalm 138
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by the honor of your name.
When I pray, you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, May 7, 2007
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Opposites balanced
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the clear day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The moon is shining brightly this morning and dimming all the stars, which means the air is a little cleaner.
We were unable to walk in the park until after dinner last night, but I spent the time talking with Mark, working the late shift. He needs encouragement because his mother is in a nursing home and he worries about her. Then Steve, the naturalist, stopped by on his bike, and said he was enjoying the cookies I brought. Then David Massey came running by and stopped for a hug and brief chat before he was off and running again.
We did see wildlife, though. The hawk flew by and landed on a dead tree as we drove in, and lots of squirrels were very busy running around and digging for acorns. God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
Much of our lives seem to be suspended between opposites. We grow up leaning to label things as good and bad, hurtful and helpful, naughty and nice. People are kind or mean. the thermostat can be adjusted to avoid extremes of heat and cold. We look forward to the changing of seasons from summer to winter.Time is divided by day and night.
These opposites can also help us release stress.
Every often people who are engaged in physical, muscle-intensive work all day choose a mental activity with which to relax and unwind. Those who have idea-intensive jobs often enjoy relaxing with hobbies that make use of their hands, such as woodcarving or needlework. Those in sterile, well-ordered environments look forward to coming home to weed their gardens.
Structured tasks and routines are good relaxation for those involved in the creative arts. The musician runs home to his computer. The surgeon delights in growing orchids in a hothouse. The factory worker enjoys crossword puzzles. The executive unwinds in the kitchen, preparing gourmet meals.
The Lord created us for this rhythm of opposites. God told Noah as he and his family left the ark that Noah would experience "seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease" Genesis 8:22 NKJV) Mankind was set in a world of opposites.
When you feel stressed out at day's end, try engaging in an activity that is physical. If you have been exerting physical energy, turn to an activity that is mental.
Let the pendulum swing back to rest in a central location!
People who cannot find time for
recreation are obliged sooner or
later to find time for illness.
John Wanamaker
The day is yours. The night also is yours. You have prepared the light and the sun. You have set all the borders of the earth. You have made summer and winter. Psalm 74:16-17
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We were unable to walk in the park until after dinner last night, but I spent the time talking with Mark, working the late shift. He needs encouragement because his mother is in a nursing home and he worries about her. Then Steve, the naturalist, stopped by on his bike, and said he was enjoying the cookies I brought. Then David Massey came running by and stopped for a hug and brief chat before he was off and running again.
We did see wildlife, though. The hawk flew by and landed on a dead tree as we drove in, and lots of squirrels were very busy running around and digging for acorns. God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
Much of our lives seem to be suspended between opposites. We grow up leaning to label things as good and bad, hurtful and helpful, naughty and nice. People are kind or mean. the thermostat can be adjusted to avoid extremes of heat and cold. We look forward to the changing of seasons from summer to winter.Time is divided by day and night.
These opposites can also help us release stress.
Every often people who are engaged in physical, muscle-intensive work all day choose a mental activity with which to relax and unwind. Those who have idea-intensive jobs often enjoy relaxing with hobbies that make use of their hands, such as woodcarving or needlework. Those in sterile, well-ordered environments look forward to coming home to weed their gardens.
Structured tasks and routines are good relaxation for those involved in the creative arts. The musician runs home to his computer. The surgeon delights in growing orchids in a hothouse. The factory worker enjoys crossword puzzles. The executive unwinds in the kitchen, preparing gourmet meals.
The Lord created us for this rhythm of opposites. God told Noah as he and his family left the ark that Noah would experience "seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease" Genesis 8:22 NKJV) Mankind was set in a world of opposites.
When you feel stressed out at day's end, try engaging in an activity that is physical. If you have been exerting physical energy, turn to an activity that is mental.
Let the pendulum swing back to rest in a central location!
People who cannot find time for
recreation are obliged sooner or
later to find time for illness.
John Wanamaker
The day is yours. The night also is yours. You have prepared the light and the sun. You have set all the borders of the earth. You have made summer and winter. Psalm 74:16-17
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Psoaring thru Psalms
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful May morning that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I saw the huge, full moon as I stepped outside this morning,and it was a strange orangish color from the pollutants in the air. I think it is because of the wildfire smoke.
Yesterday, after a good therapy workout, (ouch), we walked for a little bit and then watched the hawk nest with the babe stretching and poking his fuzzy little head up..strangely, though, I didn't see Ma or Pa flying in or out. It is getting too warm to walk, except early in the morning.
Psalm 34 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
Yesterday, after a good therapy workout, (ouch), we walked for a little bit and then watched the hawk nest with the babe stretching and poking his fuzzy little head up..strangely, though, I didn't see Ma or Pa flying in or out. It is getting too warm to walk, except early in the morning.
Psalm 34 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
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Crisis
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! Happy May Day! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I remember when our boys were little we would make up little baskets of flowers and take them to the neighbors every May first. I hope they remember that. (The boys, not the neighbors.)
Yesterday, I walked out to the tower and watched the two little striped gators right beside the log they like to catch some rays on. They seemed to be looking at the people looking at them.
After that, we watched Ma and Pa hawk flying back and forth with food for the yellow, fuzzy babe that showed its head and flapped its wings over the nest. They are so protective of the baby! God is awesome!
From the Promise Bible:
Shouldn't those who believe in God be free from crisis?
John 16:33 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
Crisis should not surprise us. We expect crisis and difficulty because we live in a fallen world. Jesus' warning keeps us from panic, and his promise of victory keeps us from discouragement.
Psalm 46:1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!"
Nothing in the world is stable or safe. We can find no lasting shelter apart from the Lord. When we rely on him, though everything else is shaken, our faith never will be.
What happens to us through times of crisis?
Romans 5:3-4 "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us. and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. "
God's transforming power often touches us most deeply in times of crisis. Times of crisis can strengthen our character.
Times of crisis are like a fire that refines, like a knife that prunes, like a wind that sifts the wheat from the chaff. Ask God for the strength to hold on and for the strength to let go of ungodly things. Look to the joy that awaits on the other side of the trial.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, I walked out to the tower and watched the two little striped gators right beside the log they like to catch some rays on. They seemed to be looking at the people looking at them.
After that, we watched Ma and Pa hawk flying back and forth with food for the yellow, fuzzy babe that showed its head and flapped its wings over the nest. They are so protective of the baby! God is awesome!
From the Promise Bible:
Shouldn't those who believe in God be free from crisis?
John 16:33 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
Crisis should not surprise us. We expect crisis and difficulty because we live in a fallen world. Jesus' warning keeps us from panic, and his promise of victory keeps us from discouragement.
Psalm 46:1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!"
Nothing in the world is stable or safe. We can find no lasting shelter apart from the Lord. When we rely on him, though everything else is shaken, our faith never will be.
What happens to us through times of crisis?
Romans 5:3-4 "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us. and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. "
God's transforming power often touches us most deeply in times of crisis. Times of crisis can strengthen our character.
Times of crisis are like a fire that refines, like a knife that prunes, like a wind that sifts the wheat from the chaff. Ask God for the strength to hold on and for the strength to let go of ungodly things. Look to the joy that awaits on the other side of the trial.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Joy
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners, a bit later than usual. This is the misty day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Due to a balky PC, I could not get through earlier. I think that was God playing a trick on me, because I was going to write about "joy". I was not joyful over the PC acting up, but all is forgiven, now.
Because of the all day rain, yesterday, I did not walk in the Park, but hope to today. When I went out early this morning, the half-moon was shining brightly, so, we should have some sun today. I am really thankful for the rain, though. We sorely needed it!
From the Promise Bible:
Where does joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 "Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song."
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 "He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever."
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
How can I be joyful in hard times?
Philippians 4:4,12 "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little".
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Due to a balky PC, I could not get through earlier. I think that was God playing a trick on me, because I was going to write about "joy". I was not joyful over the PC acting up, but all is forgiven, now.
Because of the all day rain, yesterday, I did not walk in the Park, but hope to today. When I went out early this morning, the half-moon was shining brightly, so, we should have some sun today. I am really thankful for the rain, though. We sorely needed it!
From the Promise Bible:
Where does joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 "Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song."
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 "He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever."
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
How can I be joyful in hard times?
Philippians 4:4,12 "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice! I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little".
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
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!
Well, we did have rain yesterday and how welcome it was! Of, course, we did not get a walk in because of the dripping trees, but we we did ride over to the park and saw the peacocks putting on a show and only one gator was visible, but, then, there wasn't any sun to bask in.
I saw an unexpected and beautiful sight on our front porch wall in the afternoon. A bright red cardinal sat there for a minute and then hopped over to the water I keep for the birds and squirrels and then took off. God really knows colors!
From the Promise Bible:
What does the Lord promise to those who work hard?
Proverbs 22:29 "Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people."
Faithful work makes a way for us to do greater work. God promises to bless us as we use the gifts he has given us.
Proverbs 10:4 "Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich."
Proverbs 21:5 "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."
Colossians 3:23,24 " Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."
God promises a reward to those who work hard. That reward can include-but is not limited to-financial prosperity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction of the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.
How will God help me when my work is hard?
Psalm 145:14 "The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.As with any burden we bear, we can trust God to help us on the job.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, we did have rain yesterday and how welcome it was! Of, course, we did not get a walk in because of the dripping trees, but we we did ride over to the park and saw the peacocks putting on a show and only one gator was visible, but, then, there wasn't any sun to bask in.
I saw an unexpected and beautiful sight on our front porch wall in the afternoon. A bright red cardinal sat there for a minute and then hopped over to the water I keep for the birds and squirrels and then took off. God really knows colors!
From the Promise Bible:
What does the Lord promise to those who work hard?
Proverbs 22:29 "Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people."
Faithful work makes a way for us to do greater work. God promises to bless us as we use the gifts he has given us.
Proverbs 10:4 "Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich."
Proverbs 21:5 "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."
Colossians 3:23,24 " Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."
God promises a reward to those who work hard. That reward can include-but is not limited to-financial prosperity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction of the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.
How will God help me when my work is hard?
Psalm 145:14 "The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.As with any burden we bear, we can trust God to help us on the job.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, April 9, 2007
Soaring thru Psalms
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the overcast and hopefully, rainy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We had a wonderful Easter service yesterday and beautiful day and hope you had the same.
I went for a walk in the afternoon, in the crowded park.. lots of families with small children enjoying the windy, cool air and the hot sunshine. I had to shed my jacket before I finished my walk. Mr. Gator was holding court at the base of the first shelter, where he likes to hang out. Many people were lined up hanging over the railing looking at him. He was probably hoping for a handout from someone, which is a no-no. I looked at the hawk's nest, but didn't see any activity.
As we drove in to the Park the peacock was showing off for a lady peahen with his tail spread wide. He was turning round and round for her, while she admired him, There will probably soon be little peacocks to add to the flock! :o)
From the Promise Bible:
Needs
How can I be sure my needs will be met?
Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need."
The starting point for our assurance is the promise of God's love . Even as things must depend fully on a good shepherd, we must depend fully on the Lord. He is eager to graciously lead us through life.
Romans 8:31-32 "What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't God who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?"
If someone was offering you millions of dollars, you would not hesitate to ask them for just a few. God has met our greatest need by giving us his own Son to redeem us. Now, his great joy is in supplying all our other needs for the glory of his name.
Hebrews 4:16 "Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it."
We should not hesitate to come to God because he welcomes our requests.
Philippians 4:19 "This same God who takes care of me sill supply all your need from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
God's resources far exceed my greatest needs.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I went for a walk in the afternoon, in the crowded park.. lots of families with small children enjoying the windy, cool air and the hot sunshine. I had to shed my jacket before I finished my walk. Mr. Gator was holding court at the base of the first shelter, where he likes to hang out. Many people were lined up hanging over the railing looking at him. He was probably hoping for a handout from someone, which is a no-no. I looked at the hawk's nest, but didn't see any activity.
As we drove in to the Park the peacock was showing off for a lady peahen with his tail spread wide. He was turning round and round for her, while she admired him, There will probably soon be little peacocks to add to the flock! :o)
From the Promise Bible:
Needs
How can I be sure my needs will be met?
Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need."
The starting point for our assurance is the promise of God's love . Even as things must depend fully on a good shepherd, we must depend fully on the Lord. He is eager to graciously lead us through life.
Romans 8:31-32 "What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't God who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?"
If someone was offering you millions of dollars, you would not hesitate to ask them for just a few. God has met our greatest need by giving us his own Son to redeem us. Now, his great joy is in supplying all our other needs for the glory of his name.
Hebrews 4:16 "Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it."
We should not hesitate to come to God because he welcomes our requests.
Philippians 4:19 "This same God who takes care of me sill supply all your need from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
God's resources far exceed my greatest needs.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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