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, it was almost daylight, which is coming earlier and earlier. The moon was not visible because of a light covering of clouds, but the air was a little cooler! God is good!
All was quiet at the Park yesterday. Not many people venturing out in the heat, but we saw a peacock sitting against a window in a house which has a basement. Imagine looking out your window and seeing beady eyes staring at you! The males have lost their gorgeous tails and have only bare whatevers dragging along behind them. I don't know what the hard part that holds the feathers is called, but it isn't pretty. :o)
from the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 20
In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to 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 God.
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
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Joy
Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the clear, sunshiny day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside earlier , the waning moon was visible in the southern sky, just short of three-quarters full, but I didn't see any stars. After all the rain and very dark clouds we have had, the blue sky is most welcome!
Matthew's flat bicycle tire was fixed by our friend, Terry, so he enjoyed riding as fast as he could on it. He is also enjoying his new Ron-Jon skateboard and was brave enough to ride it all the way down our driveway, and into the street, after checking to see that no cars were coming. He has also taken it to the Park, but can only ride it on the sidewalk there.
I heard a bird that sounded just like a hawk in one of our trees yesterday, but couldn't see if it was a mockingbird. The water is way up in the park and everything looks really green and pretty. God sends rain when we need it! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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.
James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever truble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.
Troubles remind us of two things; First they remind us that this is a fallen world, full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in him. this kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Matthew's flat bicycle tire was fixed by our friend, Terry, so he enjoyed riding as fast as he could on it. He is also enjoying his new Ron-Jon skateboard and was brave enough to ride it all the way down our driveway, and into the street, after checking to see that no cars were coming. He has also taken it to the Park, but can only ride it on the sidewalk there.
I heard a bird that sounded just like a hawk in one of our trees yesterday, but couldn't see if it was a mockingbird. The water is way up in the park and everything looks really green and pretty. God sends rain when we need it! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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.
James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever truble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.
Troubles remind us of two things; First they remind us that this is a fallen world, full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in him. this kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, June 20, 2008
Power naps
When I stepped outside this morning, the full moon was shining brightly with a star directly above it! God is Awesome!
We went walking at the Park yesterday, Matthew with his rip-stik, but saw Terry in his office, so we chatted with him about the changes coming to everyone at the parks in the county and they are not good. I fear for the cleanliness of the grounds and safety of the patrons for the coming months.
Anyway, we walked out to the shelter to look for the babies and they have gone on their ways. Even no sign of Mama. Like all children, they leave home after awhile. We did see a great blue heron, and as we were walking back, I stopped and watched a white ibis. fly by right in front of me! Cool! God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
With Him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles and the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah King of Judah.
2 Chronicles 32:8 KJV
Only one thing is required for people to fall asleep this quickly and benefit fully from a power nap--the ability to "turn off the mind." We quiet our minds by not thinking about all that remains to be done, worrying about all that might happen, or fretting over events in the past.
Power nappers are experts at inducing a form of inner peace that comes from knowing all will be well with the world while they check out for a few minutes. What they believe with their minds actually helps their bodies relax.
When King Hezekiah told the people that the Lord was with them and would fight their battles, they rested upon his words. His words gave them inner peace, confidence, and a rest for their souls.
We can take those same words to heart today. the Lord is with us also, to help us and to fight our battles.
These simple lyrics from a Bible-school chorus say it well:
You worry and you wonder how you're gonna get it done, from the rising of the moon 'til the setting of the sun. Plenty to do when your rest is through. Let him have the world for a turn or two. there will be plenty to do when you wake up so sleep on for a few minutes, not without design does God write the music of our lives, be ours to learn the time, and not be discouraged at the rests. They are not to be slurred over, not to be omitted, not to destroy the melody, not to change the keynote. If we look up God Himself will beat the time for us. With the eye on Him we shall strike the next note full and clear.
John Ruskin
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy
and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Ephesians 6
Good rainy 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!
I was awakened early this morning by a brilliant flash of lightning and the boom of thunder. When I arose later, everything was wet and more rain started to come down. A good way to start the day! I should have just stayed in bed and slept!!
Anyway, breakfast is over for the big people and waiting for the smaller person to get up. Yesterday we walked down the sidewalk at the Park and saw that the tree across the canal has been removed. We saw anhingas drying wings, and turtles sunning. Because it was cloudy, the shade was most welcome! God is good!
Excerpts from Ephesians 5 and 6 NLT:
So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus 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 your 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...
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
I was awakened early this morning by a brilliant flash of lightning and the boom of thunder. When I arose later, everything was wet and more rain started to come down. A good way to start the day! I should have just stayed in bed and slept!!
Anyway, breakfast is over for the big people and waiting for the smaller person to get up. Yesterday we walked down the sidewalk at the Park and saw that the tree across the canal has been removed. We saw anhingas drying wings, and turtles sunning. Because it was cloudy, the shade was most welcome! God is good!
Excerpts from Ephesians 5 and 6 NLT:
So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus 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 your 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...
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
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
What are you doing today?
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm, humid day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside earlier, I was struck by the sauna-like feel of the air. 80 degrees at 6 AM is not cool!
However it could be worse... when I think of the people in the Midwest suffering in the floods , I am thankful for whatever the weather is here.
On our way out of the Park yesterday, I saw a brown bunny nibbling on the grass, and close beside it, a strange looking raccoon came out of the bushes and went right back in. Strange looking because it was brownish in color and not like the other raccoons. I once saw an albino raccoon before 7 AM when I was able to walk there early in the morning. It was so weird looking I stayed by the car, while it disappeared. There are all kinds of critters in them thar bushes! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
What are You doing today?
Praise the Lord all you gentiles!
Laud him, all you peoples! For
his merciful kindness is great
toward us and the truth of
the Lord endures forever.
Psalm 117:1,2
In the Middle ages a man was sent to a building site in France to see how the workers felt about their labor. He approached the first worker and asked, "What are you doing?"
The worker snapped at him, "Are you blind? I'm cutting these impossible boulders with primitive tools and putting them together the way the boss tells me. I'm sweating under this hot sun. My back is breaking. I'm bored. I make next to nothing!"
The man quickly backed away and found a second worker to whom he asked the same question, "What are you doing?"
The second worker replied, "I'm shaping these boulders into usable forms. then they are put together according to the architect's plans. I earn five francs a week, and that supports my wife and family. It's a job. Could be worse."
A little encouraged but not overwhelmed by this response, the man went to yet a third worker. "What are you doing? he asked.
Why can't you see?" the worker said as he lifted his arm to the sky. "I'm building a cathedral!"
How we regard our work may not affect whether a task gets done or not. It will, however, have an impact on the quality of our work and our productivity. Those who see value in their jobs enjoy a greater sense of purpose.
Any job can be done with grace, dignity, style, and purpose; you only have to choose to see it that way!
If your daily life seems poor;
do not blame it;
blame yourself. Tell yourself
that you are not poet enough to
call forth its riches.
Rainer Maria Rilke
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
However it could be worse... when I think of the people in the Midwest suffering in the floods , I am thankful for whatever the weather is here.
On our way out of the Park yesterday, I saw a brown bunny nibbling on the grass, and close beside it, a strange looking raccoon came out of the bushes and went right back in. Strange looking because it was brownish in color and not like the other raccoons. I once saw an albino raccoon before 7 AM when I was able to walk there early in the morning. It was so weird looking I stayed by the car, while it disappeared. There are all kinds of critters in them thar bushes! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
What are You doing today?
Praise the Lord all you gentiles!
Laud him, all you peoples! For
his merciful kindness is great
toward us and the truth of
the Lord endures forever.
Psalm 117:1,2
In the Middle ages a man was sent to a building site in France to see how the workers felt about their labor. He approached the first worker and asked, "What are you doing?"
The worker snapped at him, "Are you blind? I'm cutting these impossible boulders with primitive tools and putting them together the way the boss tells me. I'm sweating under this hot sun. My back is breaking. I'm bored. I make next to nothing!"
The man quickly backed away and found a second worker to whom he asked the same question, "What are you doing?"
The second worker replied, "I'm shaping these boulders into usable forms. then they are put together according to the architect's plans. I earn five francs a week, and that supports my wife and family. It's a job. Could be worse."
A little encouraged but not overwhelmed by this response, the man went to yet a third worker. "What are you doing? he asked.
Why can't you see?" the worker said as he lifted his arm to the sky. "I'm building a cathedral!"
How we regard our work may not affect whether a task gets done or not. It will, however, have an impact on the quality of our work and our productivity. Those who see value in their jobs enjoy a greater sense of purpose.
Any job can be done with grace, dignity, style, and purpose; you only have to choose to see it that way!
If your daily life seems poor;
do not blame it;
blame yourself. Tell yourself
that you are not poet enough to
call forth its riches.
Rainer Maria Rilke
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Beatitudes
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 earlier the sky was almost clear and the air was a little cooler from the good downpour we had yesterday afternoon.
I watched a dove hurrying busily across the driveway, not seeming to be afraid of me, but going about her business. There was a story in the paper yesterday about an osprey nest in a supermarket parking lot. We have one at a store where I frequently shop, plus two close by in the little league light, and the school I drive by daily. The offspring are big, now and should be leaving the nest soon.
We took a walk after supper last evening, and I thought it would be cooler, but it was very humid. We watched Mama gator under the shelter, with her nose sticking out, but no babies in sight. They may have left the area by now and gone on their own. Then we walked out to the Tower, and enjoyed the quiet. Lots of people were coming to enjoy the evening after the rain! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
The Beatitudes
God blesses those who realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are gentle and lowly,
for the whole earth will belong to them
God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice,
for they will receive it in full.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy,
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for god,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I watched a dove hurrying busily across the driveway, not seeming to be afraid of me, but going about her business. There was a story in the paper yesterday about an osprey nest in a supermarket parking lot. We have one at a store where I frequently shop, plus two close by in the little league light, and the school I drive by daily. The offspring are big, now and should be leaving the nest soon.
We took a walk after supper last evening, and I thought it would be cooler, but it was very humid. We watched Mama gator under the shelter, with her nose sticking out, but no babies in sight. They may have left the area by now and gone on their own. Then we walked out to the Tower, and enjoyed the quiet. Lots of people were coming to enjoy the evening after the rain! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
The Beatitudes
God blesses those who realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are gentle and lowly,
for the whole earth will belong to them
God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice,
for they will receive it in full.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy,
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for god,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 16, 2008
Encouragement
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The breeze is blowing, and the sun is shining, and it is a bit cooler this morning, so God is Good!
My amaryllis are still blooming and a potted hibiscus has had several ruffled blooms and this morning I noticed my lone caladium has a big colorful leaf showing! I had given up on it.
Yesterday, after church, we drove through the Park and Matthew saw Terry and wanted to go see him so we pulled into the Maintenance area and chatted with him for awhile. Matthew spied a couple gators swimming and then discussed with Terry the merits of different sport bikes (motorcycles).
Later in the day, I discovered I needed milk (again!) and so we once again took a detour through the Park, and noticed a car stopped on the road, so we looked and on the grass behind the fence was a large gator. We were in time to see him walk back into the water! There is always something going on at the Park!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Leviticus 26:2 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons.
Joshua 23:10 Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised.
Be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies against us. God used David to overcome Goliath, Gideon's three hundred soldiers to defeat the armies of Midian, and one hundred and twenty disciples to establish the church in Acts. He joys when working through our weaknesses and limitations.
Colossians 1:11-14 We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enables you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued me from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My amaryllis are still blooming and a potted hibiscus has had several ruffled blooms and this morning I noticed my lone caladium has a big colorful leaf showing! I had given up on it.
Yesterday, after church, we drove through the Park and Matthew saw Terry and wanted to go see him so we pulled into the Maintenance area and chatted with him for awhile. Matthew spied a couple gators swimming and then discussed with Terry the merits of different sport bikes (motorcycles).
Later in the day, I discovered I needed milk (again!) and so we once again took a detour through the Park, and noticed a car stopped on the road, so we looked and on the grass behind the fence was a large gator. We were in time to see him walk back into the water! There is always something going on at the Park!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Leviticus 26:2 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons.
Joshua 23:10 Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised.
Be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies against us. God used David to overcome Goliath, Gideon's three hundred soldiers to defeat the armies of Midian, and one hundred and twenty disciples to establish the church in Acts. He joys when working through our weaknesses and limitations.
Colossians 1:11-14 We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enables you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued me from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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