Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning the sky was very hazy, no stars or moon visible, but last night the brilliant half moon was shining brightly in the southern sky. Beautiful! Maybe today's skies will bring much needed rain.
Yesterday I was able to see the doctor and will hopefully be on the mend soon so I can start walking again. The doc had the same thing I have and said he was very fatigued. That's my problem... no energy.
We did ride through the Park, though, and saw Mark G. chatting with the traveling Park Ranger. I also noticed the squirrels and ibises and butterflies all over. For some reason this seems to be a year or season for butterflies. God has created beauty!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Psalm 16:11 "In your presence is fullness of joy."
"Satisfaction guaranteed!" promise the ads for a new car, a refreshing soft drink, or a stay at on exotic resort. There is no end to the commercial world's promises of fulfilled hopes and dreams.
Do you know many truly satisfied people? Would you describe our culture as satisfied?
If you answer no, you're not alone. Author Max Lucado doesn't think so either. He said, "That is one thing we are not. We are not satisfied."
After Thanksgiving dinner we declare, "I'm satisfied." In reality, we are probably more than satisfied! But before the end of the day's football games, we are back in the kitchen digging into the leftovers.
We plan and save for years for the "perfect vacation." We head off to our dream-come-true destination; indulge every desire for fun, food, and fantasy' and in two weeks we are headed home with wonderful memories. It may have been a satisfying two weeks, but are we fulfilled for the rest of our life when the vacation is over?
Satisfaction is hard to obtain. Contentment eludes us. We are promised fulfillment many times a day, but the promises become empty after we have "taken the bite" a few times. There is nothing on earth that can satisfy our deepest longing.
In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis wrote; "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."
We were made for another world--Heaven! The desire for satisfaction is very strong in our lives. However, Scripture tells us there is only one thing that will satisfy; "For in him we live and move and have our being."
As some of your own poets have said, "We are his offspring" (Acts 17:28.)
True contentment is
the power of getting
out of any situation
all that there is in it.
G. K. Chesterton
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Happy birthday, Chief Nefew!
Amaryllis
Friday, October 19, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 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! When I stepped outside early this morning, I saw Venus shining brightly through the trees, which means the sky is clear and no chance of rain, so I depend on the Lord to send rain when we need it.
Again, not feeling too perky, I just walked as far as the butterfly garden at the Park, and enjoyed seeing the colorful creatures flutter and float among the plants that are planned to attract them. I noticed the grass is drying up there, too, so something must be wrong with the sprinkler system.
This is from the Promise Bible:
Proverbs 13:11 "Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows."
Honest, hard work is much better than get-rich-quick 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.
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 is 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Again, not feeling too perky, I just walked as far as the butterfly garden at the Park, and enjoyed seeing the colorful creatures flutter and float among the plants that are planned to attract them. I noticed the grass is drying up there, too, so something must be wrong with the sprinkler system.
This is from the Promise Bible:
Proverbs 13:11 "Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows."
Honest, hard work is much better than get-rich-quick 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.
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 is 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Ministry
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the overcast day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, no stars, no moon, no sky, just the clouds which I am hoping will bring rain. We really need it!
Since I was feeling kinda puny yesterday, I did not go for a morning walk, but did manage to get out in the afternoon, and parked in the circle at Sawgrass, intending to walk to the third bridge. To my surprise, the second bridge is still gated!
As I walked along the canal, I watched a tri-colored heron, a anhinga, and an ibis, all intent on gazing at the water, looking for lunch. Three Buddhists in their colorful saffron and burnt orange robes, were out enjoying the walk, and further on a gator was floating in the water very quietly. It was a good short outing. God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
What is God calling me to do?
Matthew 9:37 "He said to his disciples, "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few."
People are ready to hear and receive, the Good News of God's love. But with this promise comes the responsibility to work and to pray. the Lord expects us to enter fully into his work of reaching the world with the love of God.
Matthew 16:18-19 "Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you lock on earth will be locked in heaven, and whatever you open on earth will be open in Heaven."
As followers of Christ , we are part of the church, or the people of God. God has promised that we will overcome the kingdom of darkness and secure his victory . We must not be on the defensive, thinking we will one day lose. We should take the offensive and overcome evil with good. When God calls, God equips. He has given us his promised Holy Spirit to help us fulfill the responsibility of telling the world about Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service in the church, but is is the same Lord we are serving. There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church."
God has given every believer the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit gives us his gifts as well. Great joy is ours as we share God's gift with others.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Since I was feeling kinda puny yesterday, I did not go for a morning walk, but did manage to get out in the afternoon, and parked in the circle at Sawgrass, intending to walk to the third bridge. To my surprise, the second bridge is still gated!
As I walked along the canal, I watched a tri-colored heron, a anhinga, and an ibis, all intent on gazing at the water, looking for lunch. Three Buddhists in their colorful saffron and burnt orange robes, were out enjoying the walk, and further on a gator was floating in the water very quietly. It was a good short outing. God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
What is God calling me to do?
Matthew 9:37 "He said to his disciples, "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few."
People are ready to hear and receive, the Good News of God's love. But with this promise comes the responsibility to work and to pray. the Lord expects us to enter fully into his work of reaching the world with the love of God.
Matthew 16:18-19 "Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you lock on earth will be locked in heaven, and whatever you open on earth will be open in Heaven."
As followers of Christ , we are part of the church, or the people of God. God has promised that we will overcome the kingdom of darkness and secure his victory . We must not be on the defensive, thinking we will one day lose. We should take the offensive and overcome evil with good. When God calls, God equips. He has given us his promised Holy Spirit to help us fulfill the responsibility of telling the world about Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 "There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service in the church, but is is the same Lord we are serving. There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church."
God has given every believer the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit gives us his gifts as well. Great joy is ours as we share God's gift with others.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
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! When I stepped outside this morning, the air was cool again and the stars were still twinkling. I saw a glimpse of the new moon Sunday night in the southwest...just a thin sliver. It's supposed to be full right around Halloween.
We had a busy morning yesterday. We left for Bay Pines in the dark at 6:30AM and made good time getting out there, then had to do a lot of walking inside the buildings. It's a huge place and I asked directions from several people along the way. After Louis' lab tests, we took the shuttle to the Canteen for some breakfast. I was so disappointed in the menu. They had three different kinds of white gravy, biscuits, sausage, bacon ,scrambled eggs, and cereal in a box. We did the best we could at getting something healthy, but I couldn't believe a hospital could serve such unhealthy food! Oh, well, it was just a one time thing for us.
One thing good, though, while on the shuttle, I saw a beautiful sunrise. We had the same shuttle driver three times and he was very helpful at giving directions. After we left the hospital, we drove through the War Veterans' Park. It was quiet and peaceful and the water was beautiful. God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
Romans 12 excerpts:
God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. 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....
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had a busy morning yesterday. We left for Bay Pines in the dark at 6:30AM and made good time getting out there, then had to do a lot of walking inside the buildings. It's a huge place and I asked directions from several people along the way. After Louis' lab tests, we took the shuttle to the Canteen for some breakfast. I was so disappointed in the menu. They had three different kinds of white gravy, biscuits, sausage, bacon ,scrambled eggs, and cereal in a box. We did the best we could at getting something healthy, but I couldn't believe a hospital could serve such unhealthy food! Oh, well, it was just a one time thing for us.
One thing good, though, while on the shuttle, I saw a beautiful sunrise. We had the same shuttle driver three times and he was very helpful at giving directions. After we left the hospital, we drove through the War Veterans' Park. It was quiet and peaceful and the water was beautiful. God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
Romans 12 excerpts:
God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. 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....
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, October 15, 2007
Never Give Up
Good evening, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Because of an early -7:15am- appointment at the VA hosp. for Louis, I thought I would go ahead and write this tonight, and then send it in the morning.
I just couldn't waste the good weather staying indoors yesterday, so we took off and walked, and discovered lots of people at the Park early. The Audubon people and hundred mile walking club, and others, but not so many on the boardwalk. I heard a hawk calling and looked until I found him just past the gator nest in a tall dead tree, He was huge, and just calling because he felt like it... preening his feathers and enjoying his view! God is good!
From Quiet Moments for Teachers:
Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
A young teacher reread a note attached to a fresh, green ivy.
"Because of the seeds you planted, we will one day grow into beautiful plants like this one. We appreciate all you've done for us. Thank you for investing time in our lives."
The grateful teacher smiled as a tear trickled down her cheek. Like the one leper who expressed gratitude to Jesus for healing him, the students she had taught remembered to say thanks to their teacher. The ivy plant represented a gift of love.
She watered it for months and each time she looked at the growing plant, she remembered those special teenagers and was encouraged to continue teaching.
But after a year, something happened. The leaves began to turn yellow and drop-all but one. She started to discard the ivy but decided to keep watering and fertilizing it. One day as she walked through the kitchen, she noticed a new shoot on the plant. A few days later, another leaf appeared, and then another. Within a few months, the ivy was well on its way to becoming a healthy plant again.
Henry Drummond says, "Do not think that nothing is happening because you do not see yourself grow, or hear the whir of the machinery. All great things grow noiselessly."
Few joys exceed the blessings of faithfully investing time and love into the lives of others. Never, never give up on those plants!
God does not payweekly, but he pays at the end.
Dutch Proverb
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I just couldn't waste the good weather staying indoors yesterday, so we took off and walked, and discovered lots of people at the Park early. The Audubon people and hundred mile walking club, and others, but not so many on the boardwalk. I heard a hawk calling and looked until I found him just past the gator nest in a tall dead tree, He was huge, and just calling because he felt like it... preening his feathers and enjoying his view! God is good!
From Quiet Moments for Teachers:
Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
A young teacher reread a note attached to a fresh, green ivy.
"Because of the seeds you planted, we will one day grow into beautiful plants like this one. We appreciate all you've done for us. Thank you for investing time in our lives."
The grateful teacher smiled as a tear trickled down her cheek. Like the one leper who expressed gratitude to Jesus for healing him, the students she had taught remembered to say thanks to their teacher. The ivy plant represented a gift of love.
She watered it for months and each time she looked at the growing plant, she remembered those special teenagers and was encouraged to continue teaching.
But after a year, something happened. The leaves began to turn yellow and drop-all but one. She started to discard the ivy but decided to keep watering and fertilizing it. One day as she walked through the kitchen, she noticed a new shoot on the plant. A few days later, another leaf appeared, and then another. Within a few months, the ivy was well on its way to becoming a healthy plant again.
Henry Drummond says, "Do not think that nothing is happening because you do not see yourself grow, or hear the whir of the machinery. All great things grow noiselessly."
Few joys exceed the blessings of faithfully investing time and love into the lives of others. Never, never give up on those plants!
God does not payweekly, but he pays at the end.
Dutch Proverb
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, October 12, 2007
My Morning Prayer
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Wow! When I stepped outside this morning, the breeze was coming from the north and is really, really, Fall like! The temp. is in the low seventies for a welcome change, which is very invigorating. Looks like a good walk coming up.
I noticed day before yesterday a remarkable giant X in the sky. We usually do not see contrails in the summer, but this was a warm day. I saw the space shuttle contrail a couple weeks ago, and that is not unusual, but the X really impressed me. Means winter and cooler weather might just be around the corner.
I enjoyed the walk yesterday, but it was warmer than the day before. A lady I hadn't seen before started talking with me and asked if I wasn't afraid to walk alone. I told her I had been doing it for twenty years or more and used to walk in the dark with my flashlight lighting the way. She said maybe she had been watching too much TV.
I have never been afraid at the Park of people...just running into spiders. I invented a new dance early one morning when I walked into a web stretched across the boardwalk, and had this huge golden orb spider on my jacket..now that was scary! :o) God has always been my protector.
This is a repeat, but very appropriate for today or every day. I read this prayer each morning.
"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
Wow! When I stepped outside this morning, the breeze was coming from the north and is really, really, Fall like! The temp. is in the low seventies for a welcome change, which is very invigorating. Looks like a good walk coming up.
I noticed day before yesterday a remarkable giant X in the sky. We usually do not see contrails in the summer, but this was a warm day. I saw the space shuttle contrail a couple weeks ago, and that is not unusual, but the X really impressed me. Means winter and cooler weather might just be around the corner.
I enjoyed the walk yesterday, but it was warmer than the day before. A lady I hadn't seen before started talking with me and asked if I wasn't afraid to walk alone. I told her I had been doing it for twenty years or more and used to walk in the dark with my flashlight lighting the way. She said maybe she had been watching too much TV.
I have never been afraid at the Park of people...just running into spiders. I invented a new dance early one morning when I walked into a web stretched across the boardwalk, and had this huge golden orb spider on my jacket..now that was scary! :o) God has always been my protector.
This is a repeat, but very appropriate for today or every day. I read this prayer each morning.
"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
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Easin' thru Ephesians
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Once again, when I stepped outside this morning, the stars were in their usual places and Venus still shining brightly in the same spot in the east. Some things remain the same in the universe, when God is in control!
Our weather has been very dry, so the acorns have not been falling as plentifully as before the tree trimming, which is a blessing! The squirrels still find plenty to eat and store, or whatever they do with them. They are so busy all day, running up and down trees and chasing each other across the streets! God is good!
My amaryllis has one more blossom to open, and then it is done, but the Mexican petunias bloom brilliantly each day and then by afternoon the lavender blossoms fall off. They seem to bloom all year long, and are really pretty!
We drove through the park yesterday, but because of an early appointment, did not walk. It was freshly mowed and I thought I saw a gator in the canal on the way in. They cruise up and down and stop when they want. Gators can do pretty much anything they want!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 6 excerpts:
"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. "
"And in the same way, you masters must treat your slaves right. Don't threaten them; remember , you both have the same Master in heaven and he has no favorites."
"...Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms...."
"May God give you peace, dear brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace be upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Our weather has been very dry, so the acorns have not been falling as plentifully as before the tree trimming, which is a blessing! The squirrels still find plenty to eat and store, or whatever they do with them. They are so busy all day, running up and down trees and chasing each other across the streets! God is good!
My amaryllis has one more blossom to open, and then it is done, but the Mexican petunias bloom brilliantly each day and then by afternoon the lavender blossoms fall off. They seem to bloom all year long, and are really pretty!
We drove through the park yesterday, but because of an early appointment, did not walk. It was freshly mowed and I thought I saw a gator in the canal on the way in. They cruise up and down and stop when they want. Gators can do pretty much anything they want!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 6 excerpts:
"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. "
"And in the same way, you masters must treat your slaves right. Don't threaten them; remember , you both have the same Master in heaven and he has no favorites."
"...Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms...."
"May God give you peace, dear brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace be upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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