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 moist and not much cooler than last night, but all the birds were up and singing, and squirrels waste no time in climbing, running, leaping and digging for acorns and whatever else they eat! I think squirrels are busier than ants!
What a day we had Saturday! It started off okay, with me looking forward to going to a retirement celebration, but God had other plans. As I came home from errands, Louis lost his balance while getting out of the van, and stumbled backward down the driveway, until he fell flat on his back on the driveway, smacking his head on the concrete. Our friend and neighbor, saw it from her window and came rushing over and held a thick towel on his head, while I called 911 and got the paramedics on the way. Louis kept trying to get up, and was talking to the medics while I answered questions. They finally got him ready to go the the ER, while Brian and I got in the van and drove to Bayfront. Our wait was only three and a half hours while they did a CTscan and xrayed his back. No damage there, thank God! He's pretty tough. He now has five blue stitches in the back of his head and a very sore back, but he is able to walk with the walker and pretty much get around with pain. I am so thankful for our neighbor, Cheryl, and for the kind nurses at Bayfront. God is Good!
I did go through the Park, though, and was very disappointed to see how high the weeds and grass have grown, since it was last mown who knows when. It does not look like the same park where I have been walking for over twenty years. Very sad. People still come and enjoy the picnics and the boardwalk and the walking their dogs. It is still free and that is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I best use time?
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 There is a time for everything; a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild. A time to cry and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to lose. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. a time to be quiet and a time to speak up. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. What do people really get for all their hard work? I have thought about this in connection with the various kinds of work God has given people to do. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end.
Valuing time begins with seeing it from God's perspective. When we do this, we learn that there is always time for accomplishing God's plans for our lives.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 8, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Hope
Good mid morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! David was here mowing this morning, so I was delayed in getting to the PC. It has been raining slightly and is nice and cloudy, so that makes the grass grow even faster. But David does a good job. We are blessed to have him.
Yesterday we went to Sawgrass, where I hoped to see Francia for her next to last day. Since she was not there yet, I went ahead and took my walk, stopped to see Mama gator at her usual spot beside the first shelter, and then on to the tower, where I watched an osprey soaring round and round over the lake. I was hoping to see it hover, and , sure enough, he hovered twice. I am always excited when I see one hover.
So I came on back and saw Francia with Mark W., one of the former staff, They were wheeling out a large aquarium with a large snake in it. Mark put it in the back of his truck to care for it until Francia needs it again. I gave her a retirement card and told her she would be missed. She had an emotional day the day before, cleaning out her desk and taking a last walk around the park. Things are ever changing, but God never changes. God is good!
A short benediction today from one of my favorite verses:
Romans 15:13 NKJV
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power
of the Holy Spirit.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday we went to Sawgrass, where I hoped to see Francia for her next to last day. Since she was not there yet, I went ahead and took my walk, stopped to see Mama gator at her usual spot beside the first shelter, and then on to the tower, where I watched an osprey soaring round and round over the lake. I was hoping to see it hover, and , sure enough, he hovered twice. I am always excited when I see one hover.
So I came on back and saw Francia with Mark W., one of the former staff, They were wheeling out a large aquarium with a large snake in it. Mark put it in the back of his truck to care for it until Francia needs it again. I gave her a retirement card and told her she would be missed. She had an emotional day the day before, cleaning out her desk and taking a last walk around the park. Things are ever changing, but God never changes. God is good!
A short benediction today from one of my favorite verses:
Romans 15:13 NKJV
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power
of the Holy Spirit.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Patience
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 before dawn this morning, I saw lightning in the southeast and a little later, a dark cloud was hanging right over our house and sprinkled a little, but now the sun is shining, the wind is blowing and it looks like a wonderful day ahead! God is good!
We had a good rain last night and that helps the grass to grow, so it will probably need mowing again next week I drove through the park yesterday afternoon...the first time we were out..and it still has not been mowed, but , at least, it is green. Francia was busy packing up the last of her things, so no one will be at the park full time during the summer. But we saw a beautiful great white heron busy preening and getting ready for fishing, and an anhinga was drying out on a dead tree, so life goes on.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do I find the resources to be patient?
Galatians 5:22 When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
The Holy Spirit produces patience in our lives. As we relax and trust in him, we release our need to control life's circumstances.
We also pray that you will strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy.
Prayer infuses patience into our lives. When we admit a need in prayer, the Lord begins to meet that need.
Psalm 37:34 Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed.
Patience comes from simply trusting God day by day. Even when we don't think we can last very long, Christ gives us the strength to "travel steadily." Our commitments to faith and obedience will keep us on God's path for longer than we thought possible.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving. joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had a good rain last night and that helps the grass to grow, so it will probably need mowing again next week I drove through the park yesterday afternoon...the first time we were out..and it still has not been mowed, but , at least, it is green. Francia was busy packing up the last of her things, so no one will be at the park full time during the summer. But we saw a beautiful great white heron busy preening and getting ready for fishing, and an anhinga was drying out on a dead tree, so life goes on.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do I find the resources to be patient?
Galatians 5:22 When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
The Holy Spirit produces patience in our lives. As we relax and trust in him, we release our need to control life's circumstances.
We also pray that you will strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy.
Prayer infuses patience into our lives. When we admit a need in prayer, the Lord begins to meet that need.
Psalm 37:34 Don't be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed.
Patience comes from simply trusting God day by day. Even when we don't think we can last very long, Christ gives us the strength to "travel steadily." Our commitments to faith and obedience will keep us on God's path for longer than we thought possible.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving. joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Opportunities
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! While the sun is shining brightly now, last night we had a nice steady rain, but not for long. I noticed a pink sunrise when I stepped outside earlier. Just gorgeous!
Looks like the messy squirrels are building a nest in our oaks. Fresh green twigs are all over where they have trimmed them. I will have the job of picking them up, which I did yesterday. Also, I was hoping that the Park would be mowed and neat again, but not so. The grass and weeds are long as usual, so I don't know what the mowers did yesterday. But... the squirrels, egrets and herons do not mind how high the grass is. They carry on with their busyness and take care of feeding themselves. God is good!
We also saw a peacock lying flat on the grass by the street, looking very comfy. His long tail feathers were gleaming in the sun. Guess he was tired! :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I face challenging, sometimes intimidating, opportunities?
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Our ability to face challenges is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. With Christ's help, we can make the most of every opportunity.
How do I know if an opportunity is from the Lord?
Joshua 1:7-9 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Looks like the messy squirrels are building a nest in our oaks. Fresh green twigs are all over where they have trimmed them. I will have the job of picking them up, which I did yesterday. Also, I was hoping that the Park would be mowed and neat again, but not so. The grass and weeds are long as usual, so I don't know what the mowers did yesterday. But... the squirrels, egrets and herons do not mind how high the grass is. They carry on with their busyness and take care of feeding themselves. God is good!
We also saw a peacock lying flat on the grass by the street, looking very comfy. His long tail feathers were gleaming in the sun. Guess he was tired! :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I face challenging, sometimes intimidating, opportunities?
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Our ability to face challenges is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. With Christ's help, we can make the most of every opportunity.
How do I know if an opportunity is from the Lord?
Joshua 1:7-9 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
God's Love
Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped out side this morning, it was already daylight at 6:30! I have decided not to get up at five any more for awhile. Life is good!
Yesterday we went on an adventure after getting the car washed. I drove out to Millennium Park where we had not been for a very long time. It is a beautiful park, very large and well kept looking. We sat for a little while in the shade, but could already feel the heat coming, so I headed back to Seminole and stopped at the Citrus Country store for soft ice cream cones. They were huge! I pulled over in the shade of some trees and we sat in the breeze and licked and licked. God is good!
I went to Sawgrass yesterday, and saw the mowing crew unloading, so today when I visit it should be all mowed and neat looking again! I watched an egret preening himself and the fine feathers were blowing in the wind. He was a pretty sight! Very lacy looking!
From the little book, God's Promises for Men:
God's Love is with a man when;
He brings his problems to God;
If you would prepare your heart,
and stretch out your hands toward Him;
IF iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away,
And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents;
Then surely you could lift up your face without spot;
Yes, you could be steadfast and not fear;
because you would forget your misery,
And remember it as waters that have passed away,
And your life would be brighter than noonday.
Though you were dark, you would be like the morning.
And you would be secure, because there is hope;
Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety.
Job 11:13-18
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, not be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
1 Peter 3:12-15
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday we went on an adventure after getting the car washed. I drove out to Millennium Park where we had not been for a very long time. It is a beautiful park, very large and well kept looking. We sat for a little while in the shade, but could already feel the heat coming, so I headed back to Seminole and stopped at the Citrus Country store for soft ice cream cones. They were huge! I pulled over in the shade of some trees and we sat in the breeze and licked and licked. God is good!
I went to Sawgrass yesterday, and saw the mowing crew unloading, so today when I visit it should be all mowed and neat looking again! I watched an egret preening himself and the fine feathers were blowing in the wind. He was a pretty sight! Very lacy looking!
From the little book, God's Promises for Men:
God's Love is with a man when;
He brings his problems to God;
If you would prepare your heart,
and stretch out your hands toward Him;
IF iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away,
And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents;
Then surely you could lift up your face without spot;
Yes, you could be steadfast and not fear;
because you would forget your misery,
And remember it as waters that have passed away,
And your life would be brighter than noonday.
Though you were dark, you would be like the morning.
And you would be secure, because there is hope;
Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety.
Job 11:13-18
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, not be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
1 Peter 3:12-15
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 1, 2009
A Sip at a Time
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! Seems like cannot get up and see the stars any more, since daylight comes so early, but I did see the pink rays of the sunrise this morning, and that was really pretty.
Yesterday, as we rode through the unmowed Park , I spotted a large gator head just above the water under the bridge. They are on the move during spring, doing their courting! I also saw lots of squirrels and an anhinga on the top of a dead stump with wings spread wide. God is good!
Once again we have feral kittens in the backyard. The black cat who was one of the litter last year, now has two of her own, so the cycle goes on. They are really cute playing with each other, but totally wild. Any suggestions?
From Quiet Moments with God:
My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts.
Isaiah 65:14
The great movie makeer Cecil B. DeMille once remarked on the importance of happiness in one's life and how to savor it:
The profession one chooses to follow for a livelihood seldom brings fame and fortune, but a life lived within the dictates of one's conscience can bring happiness and satisfaction of living far beyond worldly acclaim. I expect to pass through this world bur once, and any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. Happiness must be sipped, not drained from life in great gulps--nor does it flow in a steady stream like water from a faucet. "A portion of thyself is a sip of happiness as satisfying as it is costless."
One of the ways in which we may experience true happiness is to "sip" from the supply of talents and abilities God gives us and use them to benefit others. "Sipping" doesn't require spending great amounts of time. Neither dies it require extraordinary or professional helping skills.
Use a gift or talent you have to serve others.
Helen Keller, blind and deaf from the age of nineteen months, had remarkable sight when it came to viewing life's priorities. She said, "Many persons have a wrong idea about what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose."
How miraculoius it is that God has built an antomatic measure of happiness into every act of self-sacrifice! Take a sip of happiness by serving others!
God can do tremendous things through people
who con't care who gets the credit.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, as we rode through the unmowed Park , I spotted a large gator head just above the water under the bridge. They are on the move during spring, doing their courting! I also saw lots of squirrels and an anhinga on the top of a dead stump with wings spread wide. God is good!
Once again we have feral kittens in the backyard. The black cat who was one of the litter last year, now has two of her own, so the cycle goes on. They are really cute playing with each other, but totally wild. Any suggestions?
From Quiet Moments with God:
My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts.
Isaiah 65:14
The great movie makeer Cecil B. DeMille once remarked on the importance of happiness in one's life and how to savor it:
The profession one chooses to follow for a livelihood seldom brings fame and fortune, but a life lived within the dictates of one's conscience can bring happiness and satisfaction of living far beyond worldly acclaim. I expect to pass through this world bur once, and any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. Happiness must be sipped, not drained from life in great gulps--nor does it flow in a steady stream like water from a faucet. "A portion of thyself is a sip of happiness as satisfying as it is costless."
One of the ways in which we may experience true happiness is to "sip" from the supply of talents and abilities God gives us and use them to benefit others. "Sipping" doesn't require spending great amounts of time. Neither dies it require extraordinary or professional helping skills.
Use a gift or talent you have to serve others.
Helen Keller, blind and deaf from the age of nineteen months, had remarkable sight when it came to viewing life's priorities. She said, "Many persons have a wrong idea about what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose."
How miraculoius it is that God has built an antomatic measure of happiness into every act of self-sacrifice! Take a sip of happiness by serving others!
God can do tremendous things through people
who con't care who gets the credit.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 29, 2009
Psoaring thru Psalms
When I went to the Park yesterday, I noticed how unkempt it looks. It is in dire need of mowing, but, apparently, that will be the case with all the county parks, with mowing only every month or so. Francia said the floor in her classroom had not been cleaned all year, so neglect has already started. But, there is not much we can do about it. Still there is beauty all around. The butterfly garden is attracting many butterflies, orange and black, yellow frittilaries, and others I cannot name. God is good!
Psalm 119:19-29 NLT:
Open for me the gates where the righteous enter,
And I will go in and thank the Lord.
These gates lead to the presence of the Lord,
and the godly enter there.
I thank you for answering my prayer and saving me!
The stone rejected by the builders
has now become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord's doing,
and it is marvelous to see.
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Please Lord, please save us.
Please, Lord, please give us success.
Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is good, shining upon us.
Bring forward the sacrifice and put it on the altar.
You are my God, and I will praise you!
You are my God and I will exalt you!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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