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 sun is shining and a few puffy clouds are moving slowly across the sky, because there isn't much breeze blowing here, and apparently not in the atmosphere, either. But, Yay! we did get a little rain yesterday and that was good because David C. had fertilized after he mowed. So, every little bit helps.
I learned from David C. that the green water at the park is caused by tiny plants that are rootless and almost like algae. He works from Boca Ciega Park and they have the same thing on a lake there. It apparently is harmless to the fish and other critters that live in the water, but it sure looks odd. I saw the usual ibis yesterday and since it had recently rained when I went to the park, lots of squirrels were out gathering wet acorns. Not many people were there because of threatening clouds, I guess.
Well, right on schedule, the poinciana trees are blooming. As soon as the jacarandas are past their prime. the blazing orange-scarlet blossoms on the poincianas start there glorious show! God is good!
Excerpts from James NLT:
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
If you need wisdom---if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
If you are wise and understand God's ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don't brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise!...
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Have a wonderful weekend , remembering those who served and died for us and those who are serving our country now.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
An Open Door
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! Another beautiful dry day in Paradise! No rain in sight and the sun is shining, and David C. is coming to fertilize and mow the yard.
I went to the grocery store yesterday and even though I make lists, I nearly always forget something. Just trying to gather what I need for the potato salad. I already have the ingredients for the banana pudding, That's very simple.
On the way back, I drove to the park and walked to the first bridge to see if the water is still green. It is, but a beautiful white egret was stalking his lunch and quickly snatched it while I watch. Then he had to manuever it so that it was pointing down so it would go down his gullet. Lot of work for a tasty fish!
Meanwhile, a turtle was sunning on the large tree trunk that is in the water, while another one was waiting close by. I stopped and looked at the hawk's nest again, but no activity. I would like to at least see the ma and pa on the nest. Guess I'm not there at the right time. But God is good!
From the devotional Quiet Moments with God for Teachers;
I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free. Psalm 119:32
One warm summer afternoon, a woman was attending the baptism of her grandniece in a great old stone church in the English countryside. The massive doors of the church were flung wide to allow the warm sunshine into the chilly stone structure.
As she sat enjoying the ritual, a small bird flew in through the open doors. Full of fear, it flew backward and and forward near the ceiling, vainly looking for a way out into the sunshine. Seeing the light coming through the dark stained glass windows, it flew to one, then the next, and finally back toward the ceiling. It continued flying about in this way for several minutes, quickly exhausting its strength in frenzied panic. The woman watched the bird with concern and frustration. How foolish he was not to fly back out the same door through which he had entered!
Nearly ready to fall to the floor, the bird made a final lunge for one of the large rafters. Realizing he was in no immediate danger, he hopped a little on the beam, turned around, and suddenly saw the open door. Without hesitation he flew out into the sunshine, loudly singing a joyful song as he went.
Thr e bird had captivated the woman's imagination. Suddenly she realized that she was like the bird. She had flitted about, trying to live a "good" life of noble works without recognizing that the door of salvation had been open to her all the time. she suddenly undeerstood that to avoid flying errantly into places that offered no hope of eternal life, whe need only stop flapping and be still in the Lord's presence. From that vantage point, she could better see the door of grace that He had prepared for her.
During your break today, let your spirit fly up by a high place and sit with the Lord. He will show you how to fly out of your current problems.
God gives the shoulder
according to the burden.
German proverb.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
I went to the grocery store yesterday and even though I make lists, I nearly always forget something. Just trying to gather what I need for the potato salad. I already have the ingredients for the banana pudding, That's very simple.
On the way back, I drove to the park and walked to the first bridge to see if the water is still green. It is, but a beautiful white egret was stalking his lunch and quickly snatched it while I watch. Then he had to manuever it so that it was pointing down so it would go down his gullet. Lot of work for a tasty fish!
Meanwhile, a turtle was sunning on the large tree trunk that is in the water, while another one was waiting close by. I stopped and looked at the hawk's nest again, but no activity. I would like to at least see the ma and pa on the nest. Guess I'm not there at the right time. But God is good!
From the devotional Quiet Moments with God for Teachers;
I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free. Psalm 119:32
One warm summer afternoon, a woman was attending the baptism of her grandniece in a great old stone church in the English countryside. The massive doors of the church were flung wide to allow the warm sunshine into the chilly stone structure.
As she sat enjoying the ritual, a small bird flew in through the open doors. Full of fear, it flew backward and and forward near the ceiling, vainly looking for a way out into the sunshine. Seeing the light coming through the dark stained glass windows, it flew to one, then the next, and finally back toward the ceiling. It continued flying about in this way for several minutes, quickly exhausting its strength in frenzied panic. The woman watched the bird with concern and frustration. How foolish he was not to fly back out the same door through which he had entered!
Nearly ready to fall to the floor, the bird made a final lunge for one of the large rafters. Realizing he was in no immediate danger, he hopped a little on the beam, turned around, and suddenly saw the open door. Without hesitation he flew out into the sunshine, loudly singing a joyful song as he went.
Thr e bird had captivated the woman's imagination. Suddenly she realized that she was like the bird. She had flitted about, trying to live a "good" life of noble works without recognizing that the door of salvation had been open to her all the time. she suddenly undeerstood that to avoid flying errantly into places that offered no hope of eternal life, whe need only stop flapping and be still in the Lord's presence. From that vantage point, she could better see the door of grace that He had prepared for her.
During your break today, let your spirit fly up by a high place and sit with the Lord. He will show you how to fly out of your current problems.
God gives the shoulder
according to the burden.
German proverb.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Psoaring thru Psalms
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 sun is shining, the breeze is blowing and the Atlantis has landed! I was watching it on TV. The weather was perfect on the Cape and it made a flawless landing. Hard to believe that I saw it as a shiny speck in the sky just last week! Amazing!
I hope you all are having a good start to a busy day. I had a restless night, Partly due to the full moon, I think. Seems like it always affects my sleep. But that is only once a month, so I will make up lost sleep, maybe with a nap today! :o)
Yesterday after my visit to the podiatrist, who gave me some samples of ointment for my arthritic foot, I went to the library to exchange books. It always takes me a while to select new ones to read. I seem to get stuck on the same authors over and over. Then I picked up a couple things at Publix, for my share of the food for our visit to Dunnellon on Saturday for a gathering with my family. Looks like we will have plenty to eat! i am making potato salad and banana pudding. Plain old comfort food!
I saw the big gopher tortoise in the Park yesterday for the first time in a couple months. He was munching on weeds where the fence has been discontinued, his usual hangout. I also saw the usual anhinga, but this time with his wings folded, and his long tail dragging.
I have also noticed all the gardenia bushes around people's houses this year. They are blooming profusely, and really look nice. If I had one I would bring the flowers in and float them in a bowl, like I used to at our first house. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalms 32, 33, and 34 advice:
The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.
Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you
who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
Psalm 34
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
For the Lord's people show him reverence, for those who honor him will
have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry
But those who trust in the Lord will
never lack any good thing.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
he rescues those who are broken in spirit.
The righteous face many troubles,
but the Lord rescues them from each
and every one.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I hope you all are having a good start to a busy day. I had a restless night, Partly due to the full moon, I think. Seems like it always affects my sleep. But that is only once a month, so I will make up lost sleep, maybe with a nap today! :o)
Yesterday after my visit to the podiatrist, who gave me some samples of ointment for my arthritic foot, I went to the library to exchange books. It always takes me a while to select new ones to read. I seem to get stuck on the same authors over and over. Then I picked up a couple things at Publix, for my share of the food for our visit to Dunnellon on Saturday for a gathering with my family. Looks like we will have plenty to eat! i am making potato salad and banana pudding. Plain old comfort food!
I saw the big gopher tortoise in the Park yesterday for the first time in a couple months. He was munching on weeds where the fence has been discontinued, his usual hangout. I also saw the usual anhinga, but this time with his wings folded, and his long tail dragging.
I have also noticed all the gardenia bushes around people's houses this year. They are blooming profusely, and really look nice. If I had one I would bring the flowers in and float them in a bowl, like I used to at our first house. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalms 32, 33, and 34 advice:
The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.
Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you
who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
Psalm 34
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
For the Lord's people show him reverence, for those who honor him will
have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry
But those who trust in the Lord will
never lack any good thing.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
he rescues those who are broken in spirit.
The righteous face many troubles,
but the Lord rescues them from each
and every one.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Challenges
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! Looks like another very warm, steamy day with lots of sunshine and a few breezes. We could use some rain, but God will provide in His time.
I had an invitation to go walking in the Park this morning, with a friend, but I have an appointment with my foot doctor, so had to decline. Actually, the best time to walk is very early, like 7 AM to avoid the heat. I have a neighbor who walks faithfully at 7 each morning, all around the block. He keeps in good shape during his retirement.
I went to the park yesterday on my way back from Walmart. A large class was standing with the teacher looking at the hawk's nest and learning all about nature. I am glad the county has not cut out that part of the budget, although the teacher is paid by the school board. The county furnishes the facilities.
But, anyway, the park was quiet and peaceful in the heat of the day, and I enjoyed my walk around Walmart. :o) God is good!
Challenges are something we all face every day, whether physical or mental, so if this is a repeat, please forgive and use it for good.
From the Promise Bible NLT;
Why does God allow challenges in our lives?
James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
Challenges that threaten and try us are the very tools that God uses to strengthen and try us are the very tools that God uses to strengthen and mature us. As we endure, we gain greater wisdom, integrity, and courage to face whatever comes our way.
Are some challenges too small to bother God?
Psalm 37:5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
Nothing is too small for God. When we commit our plans to the Lord, he commits himself and his infinite resources to us.
What has God given me to help me face my challenges?
Joshua 1:7 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.
God has given us his word to direct us. The promise of success is embedded in our commitment to obedience.
1 Chronicles 28:20 David continued, "Be strong and courageous and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly."
Instead of being discouraged by the size of the task, we should be encouraged by the limitless power of God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had an invitation to go walking in the Park this morning, with a friend, but I have an appointment with my foot doctor, so had to decline. Actually, the best time to walk is very early, like 7 AM to avoid the heat. I have a neighbor who walks faithfully at 7 each morning, all around the block. He keeps in good shape during his retirement.
I went to the park yesterday on my way back from Walmart. A large class was standing with the teacher looking at the hawk's nest and learning all about nature. I am glad the county has not cut out that part of the budget, although the teacher is paid by the school board. The county furnishes the facilities.
But, anyway, the park was quiet and peaceful in the heat of the day, and I enjoyed my walk around Walmart. :o) God is good!
Challenges are something we all face every day, whether physical or mental, so if this is a repeat, please forgive and use it for good.
From the Promise Bible NLT;
Why does God allow challenges in our lives?
James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
Challenges that threaten and try us are the very tools that God uses to strengthen and try us are the very tools that God uses to strengthen and mature us. As we endure, we gain greater wisdom, integrity, and courage to face whatever comes our way.
Are some challenges too small to bother God?
Psalm 37:5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
Nothing is too small for God. When we commit our plans to the Lord, he commits himself and his infinite resources to us.
What has God given me to help me face my challenges?
Joshua 1:7 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.
God has given us his word to direct us. The promise of success is embedded in our commitment to obedience.
1 Chronicles 28:20 David continued, "Be strong and courageous and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly."
Instead of being discouraged by the size of the task, we should be encouraged by the limitless power of God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, May 24, 2010
Hope from Hebrews
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! Looks like another hot and steamy day and it is only May! Don't want to think about what June and July will be like! But we didn't like the extreme cold this winter, so can't complain about the heat...never satisfied.
Brian and I drove to Ocoee Saturday to visit my sister-in-law, Ruth, who is not in good health. We saw some beautiful country in central Florida...still some open fields with cows, orange groves, and rolling, hilly land. It was good to see that Florida still has open land with no condos or shopping centers! We drove over the new (to me) toll beltway, which is much shorter and very little traffic at the time we were on it. A good trip.
I took choc. Chunk cookies to the church picnic yesterday, but since it was held outside, I could not stay long. I just cannot take the heat any more. I almost stayed too long. Ever since I collapsed from the heat at the end of my walk across the new Howard Franklin bridge back in '91, the heat affects me more.. Well, anyway, I make it a point now, to drink enough water.
I went to the Park yesterday early afternoon, and it looked so peaceful and cool with the shade and water and shadows of the trees reflected in the water. I watched an anhinga take off and land to spread its wings. They look so funny when they walk, because they have webbed feet like a duck and their legs are kind of bent. They are very graceful swimming underwater, though. God has made everything beautiful in its own way. God is good!
From Hebrews NLT:
Hopping around Hebrews 10 and 11;
Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be entrusted to keep his promise. Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.
Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue tto do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is sealed in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs and Happy birthday, Dena!
Amaryllis
Brian and I drove to Ocoee Saturday to visit my sister-in-law, Ruth, who is not in good health. We saw some beautiful country in central Florida...still some open fields with cows, orange groves, and rolling, hilly land. It was good to see that Florida still has open land with no condos or shopping centers! We drove over the new (to me) toll beltway, which is much shorter and very little traffic at the time we were on it. A good trip.
I took choc. Chunk cookies to the church picnic yesterday, but since it was held outside, I could not stay long. I just cannot take the heat any more. I almost stayed too long. Ever since I collapsed from the heat at the end of my walk across the new Howard Franklin bridge back in '91, the heat affects me more.. Well, anyway, I make it a point now, to drink enough water.
I went to the Park yesterday early afternoon, and it looked so peaceful and cool with the shade and water and shadows of the trees reflected in the water. I watched an anhinga take off and land to spread its wings. They look so funny when they walk, because they have webbed feet like a duck and their legs are kind of bent. They are very graceful swimming underwater, though. God has made everything beautiful in its own way. God is good!
From Hebrews NLT:
Hopping around Hebrews 10 and 11;
Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be entrusted to keep his promise. Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.
Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue tto do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is sealed in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs and Happy birthday, Dena!
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 20, 2010
tomorrow
Dear Friends and Prayer Partners,
I am taking Brian for a procedure very early tomorrow morning, so there will not be a "Daily Walk". Hope you have a Jesus-filled weekend!!
On another note; please ignore the previous email I forwarded today. It is a hoax and not true for the most part. I should have checked first.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I am taking Brian for a procedure very early tomorrow morning, so there will not be a "Daily Walk". Hope you have a Jesus-filled weekend!!
On another note; please ignore the previous email I forwarded today. It is a hoax and not true for the most part. I should have checked first.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Sermon on the Mount
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! Unlike the way the day started out yesterday. today is sunshiny and bright already and promises to be a hot day. We still need rain, but God will send it in his time. My well pump does not work any more. (it's only about 41 years old, so can't imagine why) so I have to use city water, and I am not willing to do that. So I water sparingly.
Yesterday I drove to the park, parked and walked to the second bridge. The cloud cover was welcome and there was a strong breeze blowing, so it was very pleasant. I kept stopping to look at the water and wondered why it is green. It must be the algae from lack of oxygen making it green, but it doesn't look very good. I could not see any fish or anything in the water. Very strange. I don't know how the anhingas manage to find fish underwater if they can't see. One of the birds flew along the canal and landed up in an oak tree to dry out his wings. Then I went to the hawk's nest, but, once again, saw no signs of life. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT;
Matthew 5:3-16
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.
You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world--like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, Put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday I drove to the park, parked and walked to the second bridge. The cloud cover was welcome and there was a strong breeze blowing, so it was very pleasant. I kept stopping to look at the water and wondered why it is green. It must be the algae from lack of oxygen making it green, but it doesn't look very good. I could not see any fish or anything in the water. Very strange. I don't know how the anhingas manage to find fish underwater if they can't see. One of the birds flew along the canal and landed up in an oak tree to dry out his wings. Then I went to the hawk's nest, but, once again, saw no signs of life. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT;
Matthew 5:3-16
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.
You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world--like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, Put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)