Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I went to sleep to the sound of thunder last night, but never heard the rain come down!
Saturday we watched a wedding at the Park, after the rain the night before, and the wedding party stood on the wet grass, under the dripping trees, while waiting for the bride, dressed in a beautiful, flowing white gown, with a train, to walk with her father down the sidewalk. She had to stop at one point while her dad picked up the train to keep from dragging it through a puddle. They had four attendants and two dogs present....a small but lovely wedding with the groom dressed in a white tux.
One curious thing...on a hill just a few feet from the proceedings, a hawk was on the ground eating his catch of the day, totally oblivious of the goings on just a short distance away. He flew up in a tree, then back down on the ground again. God is good!
From Psalm 1 NLT
"Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers.
But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants-
day and night they think about his law.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank
bearing fruit each season without fail.
Their leaves never wither,
and in all they do, they prosper.
But this is not true of the wicked.
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,
but the path of the wicked leads to destruction."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (4 and counting)
Monday, June 18, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
Step right up
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm June day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Matthew and I had a very interesting walk yesterday. We arrived at the tower to find the class with Steve and Mike on the top story watching an osprey looking for a fish. The osprey was hovering ! I had never seen an osprey hover and, of course, neither had Matthew. It was amazing to see those huge wings flapping and flapping and staying in one place! God is Awesome!
Also, to make things even more interesting, Mama gator was hiding under the platform and we had to peek way over to see her head. She is really big! On the way back, we watched a gator lazily swimming toward the lake, and later saw a hawk sitting on a picnic table, waiting for lunch! Always something interesting to see at the Park!
From Quiet Moments:
A young Scottish girl, Ffyona, decided to challenge her mettle, and get a change of scenery, by walking around the world. She spent eleven years and covered more than nineteen thousand miles walking from northern Scotland to southern England; New York to Los Angeles; Sydney to Perth, Australia; and South Africa to Morocco. Along the way, she fought disease, poisonous insects, bad weather, blisters, stonings, and loneliness.
She kept herself going by motivating her tired feet by promising herself that if she could make it just ten more miles, she could have a meal, The stronger her mind, the better her body performed.
Another important discovery she made, was that she had to take one day at a time.
Walking seems like such a simple thing to do. But, Oh, the power of a walk! Even when we have no particular destination, our feet can take us to a new place and give us both a physical and a psychological break from where we've been. Walking away from a heated debate is sometimes the smartest thing to do and the best way to protect a relationship. Crossing a room to talk to someone who looks lonely is often the first step in building a new friendship.
"The steps of good men are directed by the Lord." Psalm 37:23 TLB
"Blessed are those who hear the joyful blast of the trumpet, for they shall walk in the light of your presence." Psalm 89:15 TLB
When we are obedient, God guides our steps and our stops.
Corrie ten Boom
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (one week and counting, Wheeee!)
Matthew and I had a very interesting walk yesterday. We arrived at the tower to find the class with Steve and Mike on the top story watching an osprey looking for a fish. The osprey was hovering ! I had never seen an osprey hover and, of course, neither had Matthew. It was amazing to see those huge wings flapping and flapping and staying in one place! God is Awesome!
Also, to make things even more interesting, Mama gator was hiding under the platform and we had to peek way over to see her head. She is really big! On the way back, we watched a gator lazily swimming toward the lake, and later saw a hawk sitting on a picnic table, waiting for lunch! Always something interesting to see at the Park!
From Quiet Moments:
A young Scottish girl, Ffyona, decided to challenge her mettle, and get a change of scenery, by walking around the world. She spent eleven years and covered more than nineteen thousand miles walking from northern Scotland to southern England; New York to Los Angeles; Sydney to Perth, Australia; and South Africa to Morocco. Along the way, she fought disease, poisonous insects, bad weather, blisters, stonings, and loneliness.
She kept herself going by motivating her tired feet by promising herself that if she could make it just ten more miles, she could have a meal, The stronger her mind, the better her body performed.
Another important discovery she made, was that she had to take one day at a time.
Walking seems like such a simple thing to do. But, Oh, the power of a walk! Even when we have no particular destination, our feet can take us to a new place and give us both a physical and a psychological break from where we've been. Walking away from a heated debate is sometimes the smartest thing to do and the best way to protect a relationship. Crossing a room to talk to someone who looks lonely is often the first step in building a new friendship.
"The steps of good men are directed by the Lord." Psalm 37:23 TLB
"Blessed are those who hear the joyful blast of the trumpet, for they shall walk in the light of your presence." Psalm 89:15 TLB
When we are obedient, God guides our steps and our stops.
Corrie ten Boom
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (one week and counting, Wheeee!)
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Relationships
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
The air was cooler this morning as I stepped out, probably from the cool wind that blew the rain cloud over last evening, We thought we were in for a storm, but it blew over and left cooler air behind, Yea!
We got to see Mike at the park yesterday. He is the naturalist I have known for about twenty years, but he was transfered to Ft. DeSoto, and I had not seen him for a long time. He is helping Steve teach the summer camp kids, so I was really happy to see him.
On our way out, a hawk flew alongside us for awhile, swooping and soaring crossing a lake into the clump of oak trees. God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
Brewing Good Relationships
When one wants the best pot of tea, there are several rules for brewing that will assure the tea is a treat for the palate.
Always choose teas whose basic flavors are pleasing to you or your guests. If they are loose teas, don't be afraid to do a little blending, measuring one teaspoon per cup plus one teaspoon per pot. Let the tea steep for several minutes, but don't boil tea leaves. If you do, bitter tannins will emerge.
Like brewing tea, forming good relationships takes time and attention to be satisfying. Here are ten ways to show the love of Jesus to others-guaranteed to bring out the best "flavor" of each person:
1. Speak to people. There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting.
2. Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown, 14 to smile.
3. Call people by name. The sweetest music is the sound of one's own name.
4. Be friendly and helpful.
5. Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is a pleasure.
6. Be genuinely interested in people. You can like everybody if you try.
7. Be generous with praise-cautious with criticism.
8. Be considerate of the feelings of others. It will be appreciated.
9. Be thoughtful of the opinions of others.
10. Be alert to give service. What counts most in life is what we do for others.
These things take time, but like the time spent perfecting that pot of tea, it is well worth the extra effort.
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11
Hold a true friend with both your hands.
African Proverb
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (8 and counting)
The air was cooler this morning as I stepped out, probably from the cool wind that blew the rain cloud over last evening, We thought we were in for a storm, but it blew over and left cooler air behind, Yea!
We got to see Mike at the park yesterday. He is the naturalist I have known for about twenty years, but he was transfered to Ft. DeSoto, and I had not seen him for a long time. He is helping Steve teach the summer camp kids, so I was really happy to see him.
On our way out, a hawk flew alongside us for awhile, swooping and soaring crossing a lake into the clump of oak trees. God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
Brewing Good Relationships
When one wants the best pot of tea, there are several rules for brewing that will assure the tea is a treat for the palate.
Always choose teas whose basic flavors are pleasing to you or your guests. If they are loose teas, don't be afraid to do a little blending, measuring one teaspoon per cup plus one teaspoon per pot. Let the tea steep for several minutes, but don't boil tea leaves. If you do, bitter tannins will emerge.
Like brewing tea, forming good relationships takes time and attention to be satisfying. Here are ten ways to show the love of Jesus to others-guaranteed to bring out the best "flavor" of each person:
1. Speak to people. There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting.
2. Smile at people. It takes 72 muscles to frown, 14 to smile.
3. Call people by name. The sweetest music is the sound of one's own name.
4. Be friendly and helpful.
5. Be cordial. Speak and act as if everything you do is a pleasure.
6. Be genuinely interested in people. You can like everybody if you try.
7. Be generous with praise-cautious with criticism.
8. Be considerate of the feelings of others. It will be appreciated.
9. Be thoughtful of the opinions of others.
10. Be alert to give service. What counts most in life is what we do for others.
These things take time, but like the time spent perfecting that pot of tea, it is well worth the extra effort.
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11
Hold a true friend with both your hands.
African Proverb
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (8 and counting)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Colossians 3:23-24
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! After the thunderstorms last night, this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I was awakened by the roll of thunder and bright flashes of lightning at 2:30 this morning, and then it kept up for quite awhile. We need the rain and it is good to have it at night, although I miss the sleep..
We talked to Terry at Sawgrass yesterday for a few minutes. He loves to tease Matthew about his southern accent and Matthew teases right back. Terry has a way with kids..he is a "kid magnet". and we are great friends.
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 or 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.
"The power of prayer cannot be diminished by distance; it is not limited by age, infirmity, political changes or restrictions. The power of prayer in the life of an obedient Christian can only be undermined by neglect."
David Bentley-Taylor
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (9 and counting)
I was awakened by the roll of thunder and bright flashes of lightning at 2:30 this morning, and then it kept up for quite awhile. We need the rain and it is good to have it at night, although I miss the sleep..
We talked to Terry at Sawgrass yesterday for a few minutes. He loves to tease Matthew about his southern accent and Matthew teases right back. Terry has a way with kids..he is a "kid magnet". and we are great friends.
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 or 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.
"The power of prayer cannot be diminished by distance; it is not limited by age, infirmity, political changes or restrictions. The power of prayer in the life of an obedient Christian can only be undermined by neglect."
David Bentley-Taylor
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (9 and counting)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Psoaring thru Psalms
Good warm 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 warm walk yesterday, but once we got to the Tower, a wonderful breeze was blowing and rippling the water, so we hated to leave. We saw a hawk looking rather lonely, now that she is an "empty-nester." All the kids are gone. Summer camp has started and many youngsters were in the classroom learning about critters and nature.
God is good!
Psalm 146 NLT
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, I tell myself.
I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
I will sing praises to my God even with my dying breath.
Don't put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.
When their breathing stops, they return to the earth.,
and in a moment all their plans come to an end.
But happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper.,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
He is the one who made heaven and earth.
the sea and everything in them.
He is the one who keeps every promise forever.
Who gives justice to the oppressed and
food to the hungry.
The Lord frees the prisoners.
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads.
The Lord love the righteous.
The Lord protects the foreigners living among us.
He cares for the widows and orphans,
but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.
The Lord will reign forever,
O Jerusalem your God is King in every generation!
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (10 days and counting)
We had a warm walk yesterday, but once we got to the Tower, a wonderful breeze was blowing and rippling the water, so we hated to leave. We saw a hawk looking rather lonely, now that she is an "empty-nester." All the kids are gone. Summer camp has started and many youngsters were in the classroom learning about critters and nature.
God is good!
Psalm 146 NLT
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, I tell myself.
I will praise the Lord as long as I live.
I will sing praises to my God even with my dying breath.
Don't put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.
When their breathing stops, they return to the earth.,
and in a moment all their plans come to an end.
But happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper.,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
He is the one who made heaven and earth.
the sea and everything in them.
He is the one who keeps every promise forever.
Who gives justice to the oppressed and
food to the hungry.
The Lord frees the prisoners.
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads.
The Lord love the righteous.
The Lord protects the foreigners living among us.
He cares for the widows and orphans,
but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.
The Lord will reign forever,
O Jerusalem your God is King in every generation!
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (10 days and counting)
Monday, June 11, 2007
Hebrews 12:2
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 bit of coolness in the air as I stepped outside this morning, was very welcome after the heat of yesterday. The moon was just a slight sliver on its way to disappearing for awhile.
Yesterday we saw the peacock on our way to the Park, and noticed not very many people. But the elderberry bushes are still blooming and soon will bear fruit. Also, the crape myrtle trees are blooming along with the brilliant Royal Poincianas! God always has great beauty in store for us!
"Looking away from all that will distract to Jesus, who is the leader and the source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].
Hebrews 12:2 AMP
From the book Quiet Moments:
If you have ever worked a complicated jigsaw puzzle, you know three things about them.
First they take time. ...Most large puzzles take several days, even weeks, to complete. The fun is in the process, the satisfaction in the accomplishment.
Second, the starting point, identifying the corners and edges.
Third, jigsaw puzzles are fun to work by oneself but even more fun to work with others. When a "fit" is discovered between two of those pieces, the excitement is felt by all participants.
Consider the day ahead of you to be like a piece in the jigsaw puzzle of your life. Indeed, its shape is likely to be just as jagged, its colors just as unidentifiable. The meaning of today may not be sequential to that of yesterday. What you experience today may actually fit with something you experienced several months ago or something you will experience in the future. You aren't likely to see the big picture of your life by observing only one day. Even so, you can trust that there is a plan and purpose. All the pieces will come together according to God's design and timetable.
The main thing to remember is to enjoy the process. Live today to the fullest, knowing one day you'll see the full picture.
Faith is the daring of the soul
to go farther
than it can see.
William Newton Clarke
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday we saw the peacock on our way to the Park, and noticed not very many people. But the elderberry bushes are still blooming and soon will bear fruit. Also, the crape myrtle trees are blooming along with the brilliant Royal Poincianas! God always has great beauty in store for us!
"Looking away from all that will distract to Jesus, who is the leader and the source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].
Hebrews 12:2 AMP
From the book Quiet Moments:
If you have ever worked a complicated jigsaw puzzle, you know three things about them.
First they take time. ...Most large puzzles take several days, even weeks, to complete. The fun is in the process, the satisfaction in the accomplishment.
Second, the starting point, identifying the corners and edges.
Third, jigsaw puzzles are fun to work by oneself but even more fun to work with others. When a "fit" is discovered between two of those pieces, the excitement is felt by all participants.
Consider the day ahead of you to be like a piece in the jigsaw puzzle of your life. Indeed, its shape is likely to be just as jagged, its colors just as unidentifiable. The meaning of today may not be sequential to that of yesterday. What you experience today may actually fit with something you experienced several months ago or something you will experience in the future. You aren't likely to see the big picture of your life by observing only one day. Even so, you can trust that there is a plan and purpose. All the pieces will come together according to God's design and timetable.
The main thing to remember is to enjoy the process. Live today to the fullest, knowing one day you'll see the full picture.
Faith is the daring of the soul
to go farther
than it can see.
William Newton Clarke
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, June 8, 2007
Excerpts from a of Psalm of Praise
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 stepped outside in the coolness of the morning, just in time to see a duck go flying down the middle of the street. 'They are all so fat, they can't make it off the ground very well.
Everything at the Park was simmering in the heat yesterday. Not many people were brave enough to walk while sweltering, but the anhingas stay cool while fishing and the baby hawks have left the nest and perch on nearby branches, still waiting for Ma or Pa to feed them. God is good!
Psalm 145;13
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...
I will praise the Lord,
and everything on earth will bless
his Holy name.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving , 14 and counting,
Amaryllis
Everything at the Park was simmering in the heat yesterday. Not many people were brave enough to walk while sweltering, but the anhingas stay cool while fishing and the baby hawks have left the nest and perch on nearby branches, still waiting for Ma or Pa to feed them. God is good!
Psalm 145;13
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...
I will praise the Lord,
and everything on earth will bless
his Holy name.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving , 14 and counting,
Amaryllis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)