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! Just when I think it's time for fall (and it is according to the calendar), the weather is very warm when I step outside. And there is another tropical storm in the Caribbean named "Matthew," Well, we may get some rain from this one.
The wind came up all at once last night, and since my yard was mowed and the porch blown off, the wind took care of that. Twigs and leaves are all over it once again. Oh, well, it looked good for awhile, anyway. The Beauty berry bush is so big,now, and has grown so much this summer, with absolutely no care, but still has not had one purple berry on it. Very strange. But it was a volunteer in the first place, so I can't complain. The mockers certainly have enough berries without the bush, because the podacarpus is still full of berries and they fly in and out of it all day.
I watched a yellow butterfly chase a mockingbird yesterday. At least, that's what it looked like. The butterfly was flitting erratically and the bird was trying to fly around it. Of course, the bird won that flight!
I ran several errands yesterday after the lawn was mowed, including returning books to the library and checking out more and was tired at the end of the day. But some things never change, including the park, It just keeps growing and the canal keeps on flowing. Ibis and anhinga were present as usual and all was peaceful. God is good!
From The Message;
God, my shepherd!
I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley.
I'm not afraid when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
Makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
P.S. I hope all the punctuation is correct, because this is National Punctuation Day :o).
Friday, September 24, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Don't Fall Prey to Envy
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will be glad and rejoice in it! I did not get to see the full moon and Jupiter last night, because we had rain and overcast skies, but I did get to see the full moon peeking through the lacy clouds at about nine o'clock when I stepped outside. I thought I would not be able to sleep, but I was wrong. I slept soundly, even with the full moon.
Yesterday, I looked out the front window, and saw three ibis standing as still as statues in the middle of the street. They were there for about five minutes, and then one of them slowly lifted up one leg, so he was standing on only one for awhile, Then they slowly walked over to my yard and started pecking like they usually do. I should have had a camera, but I was just fascinated watching them.
I can always tell when the weather has been dry for awhile, because the birds and squirrels come to the porch wall and drink out of the bowl I have for them. The birds like to get in and take a bath, leaving very little water for anyone else. They are fun to watch.
Nothing much going on at the park, but I saw three turtles resting on a log that was half in the water. They were big, middlesized and little. And I saw another one airing on the bank of the weir, also an anhinga with its wings folded. God is good!
From Knowing God devotional:
We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed!
Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about! Romans 13:13-14 MSG
Because we are imperfect, we are sometimes envious of others. But to be envious is to be foolish. So we must guard ourselves against the natural tendency to feel resentment and jealousy when other people experience good fortune. Rather than succumbing to feelings of envy, we should focus on the marvelous things that God has done for us (and we should refrain from preoccupying ourselves with the blessings that God has chosen to give others).
St John Chrysotom offered these words of caution:" As a moth gnaws a garment, so does envy consume a man." So here's a proven formula for a happier, heathier life. Count your own blessings and let your neighbors count theirs. It's the best way to live.
When you worry about what you don't have, you won't be able to enjoy what you do have.
-Chuck Swindoll
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, I looked out the front window, and saw three ibis standing as still as statues in the middle of the street. They were there for about five minutes, and then one of them slowly lifted up one leg, so he was standing on only one for awhile, Then they slowly walked over to my yard and started pecking like they usually do. I should have had a camera, but I was just fascinated watching them.
I can always tell when the weather has been dry for awhile, because the birds and squirrels come to the porch wall and drink out of the bowl I have for them. The birds like to get in and take a bath, leaving very little water for anyone else. They are fun to watch.
Nothing much going on at the park, but I saw three turtles resting on a log that was half in the water. They were big, middlesized and little. And I saw another one airing on the bank of the weir, also an anhinga with its wings folded. God is good!
From Knowing God devotional:
We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed!
Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about! Romans 13:13-14 MSG
Because we are imperfect, we are sometimes envious of others. But to be envious is to be foolish. So we must guard ourselves against the natural tendency to feel resentment and jealousy when other people experience good fortune. Rather than succumbing to feelings of envy, we should focus on the marvelous things that God has done for us (and we should refrain from preoccupying ourselves with the blessings that God has chosen to give others).
St John Chrysotom offered these words of caution:" As a moth gnaws a garment, so does envy consume a man." So here's a proven formula for a happier, heathier life. Count your own blessings and let your neighbors count theirs. It's the best way to live.
When you worry about what you don't have, you won't be able to enjoy what you do have.
-Chuck Swindoll
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Power of Encouragement
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! There is a definite touch of fall in the air these days, The morning temp. is down in the seventies although it's expected to zoom to the nineties this afternoon, but the cool morning air feel wonderful. Also the acorns are falling and that is not so wonderful. Good for the squirrels, bad for stepping on, on the porch and sidewalk. A small price to pay for cooler weather.
Yesterday, I had a long walk in Walmart. I don't go out there very often these days, but when I really want to save money, that is definitely the place to go. Surprisingly, it was not crowded, and except for a small child who had an ear-piercing scream and seemed to be screaming for the sheer joy of it, it was pleasant shopping. Not a pleasure like Publix, but pleasant. I got my Dan-Active yogurt there for 3.83 and it is 4.89 at Publix. So that's a savings!
Then I went to the park, and enjoyed the peace and quiet there, after the screaming. Nothing but the trees and moss swaying in the breeze and squirrels scampering, and the flock of ibis gathered on the hills, pecking away. God is good!
From the devotional book Knowing God:
Patience and encouragement come from God. And I pray that God will help you all agree with each other the way Christ Jesus wants. Romans 15:5 NCV
Here's a question only you can answer. During a typical day, how many opportunities will you have to encourage other human beings? Unless you're living on a deserted island, the answer is "a lot!" and here's a follow-up question; How often do you take advantage of those opportunities? Hopefully, the answer is "more often than not."
Romans 14:19 advises us to "Pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another" (HCSB) And whenever we do, God smiles.
Whether you realize it or not, you're surrounded by people who need an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a pat on the back. And every time you encourage one of these folks, you'll be doing God's will by obeying God's word. So, without further ado, let the encouragement begin.
I can usually sense that a leading is from the Holy Spirit when it calls me to humble myself, to serve somebody, to encourage somebody or to give something away. Very rarely will the evil one lead us to do those kind of things
-Bill Hybels
Todays Prayer-
Lord, make us mindful of our words. This world can be a difficult place and many of Your children are discouraged and afraid.
Make each member of our family a powerful source of encouragement to those in need, and let our words and deeds be worthy of Your Son, the One who gives us courage and strength, this day and for all eternity.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, I had a long walk in Walmart. I don't go out there very often these days, but when I really want to save money, that is definitely the place to go. Surprisingly, it was not crowded, and except for a small child who had an ear-piercing scream and seemed to be screaming for the sheer joy of it, it was pleasant shopping. Not a pleasure like Publix, but pleasant. I got my Dan-Active yogurt there for 3.83 and it is 4.89 at Publix. So that's a savings!
Then I went to the park, and enjoyed the peace and quiet there, after the screaming. Nothing but the trees and moss swaying in the breeze and squirrels scampering, and the flock of ibis gathered on the hills, pecking away. God is good!
From the devotional book Knowing God:
Patience and encouragement come from God. And I pray that God will help you all agree with each other the way Christ Jesus wants. Romans 15:5 NCV
Here's a question only you can answer. During a typical day, how many opportunities will you have to encourage other human beings? Unless you're living on a deserted island, the answer is "a lot!" and here's a follow-up question; How often do you take advantage of those opportunities? Hopefully, the answer is "more often than not."
Romans 14:19 advises us to "Pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another" (HCSB) And whenever we do, God smiles.
Whether you realize it or not, you're surrounded by people who need an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a pat on the back. And every time you encourage one of these folks, you'll be doing God's will by obeying God's word. So, without further ado, let the encouragement begin.
I can usually sense that a leading is from the Holy Spirit when it calls me to humble myself, to serve somebody, to encourage somebody or to give something away. Very rarely will the evil one lead us to do those kind of things
-Bill Hybels
Todays Prayer-
Lord, make us mindful of our words. This world can be a difficult place and many of Your children are discouraged and afraid.
Make each member of our family a powerful source of encouragement to those in need, and let our words and deeds be worthy of Your Son, the One who gives us courage and strength, this day and for all eternity.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Psoaring thru Psalm138
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! What a beautiful morning, with a light breeze blowing and cooler air. Still hot in the daytime, though and I am still wearing # 49 sunblock!
I hope some of you saw the beautiful moon and star last night. When I came out of our Faith Group meeting, there it was almost full shining in the clear sky. Just amazing! It will be full on Thursday, so I will try to remember to go out and look at it.
Yesterday, I saw the old gopher tortoise in the park moving at warp speed up the slight hill to his home, munching on grass along the way. He has been around a long time. Two snapping turtles were sunning on the bank of the weir and an egret was posed next to the shrubbery, peering down into the lake. If I were an artist, it would be a typical Florida scene to paint. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart.
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as i worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
When I pray you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.
Every king in all the earth will give you
thanks, O Lord,
for all of them will hear your words.
Yes, they will sing about the Lord's ways, for the glory
of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great he cares for the humble;
but he keeps his distance from the proud.
Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will preserve me against the anger
of my enemies!
You will clench your fist against my
angry enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life--
For your faithful love, O Lord, endures
forever,
Don't abandon me, for you made me.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I hope some of you saw the beautiful moon and star last night. When I came out of our Faith Group meeting, there it was almost full shining in the clear sky. Just amazing! It will be full on Thursday, so I will try to remember to go out and look at it.
Yesterday, I saw the old gopher tortoise in the park moving at warp speed up the slight hill to his home, munching on grass along the way. He has been around a long time. Two snapping turtles were sunning on the bank of the weir and an egret was posed next to the shrubbery, peering down into the lake. If I were an artist, it would be a typical Florida scene to paint. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart.
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as i worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
When I pray you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.
Every king in all the earth will give you
thanks, O Lord,
for all of them will hear your words.
Yes, they will sing about the Lord's ways, for the glory
of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great he cares for the humble;
but he keeps his distance from the proud.
Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will preserve me against the anger
of my enemies!
You will clench your fist against my
angry enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life--
For your faithful love, O Lord, endures
forever,
Don't abandon me, for you made me.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, September 20, 2010
Learn to trust God
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! It is definitely cooler this morning! I was tempted to go for a walk before breakfast or praying, but knew that I would be much later getting things done that need to be done, so...maybe later!
There are such strange geckos, or lizards, critters, anyway, hanging around my front door. A tiny flat one with a striped tail was plastered against the wall right beside the door one morning, and I also found a dried one on my floor. IT had been in the house too long. They are always running in and out of the mailbox, so getting the mail is always an adventure!
I went to the park yesterday After a wonderful worship service yesterday. Several ibises were gathered in a tree, which is unusual for them, but they were just looking down into the canal, resting their beaks I guess. The nice wind was blowing and several people were walking with their camera and binoculars ready. God is good!
From the Knowing God devotional:
Lord, I give myself to you; my God, I trust you. Psalm 25:1-2 NCV
If you want to know God, then you must learn to trust God. Yet sometimes, when you feel overwhelmed by fears and doubts, you'll find that trusting God is difficult. So here's a question for you to ponder. Are you willing to trust God completely or are you still sitting squarely on the spiritual fence? The answer to this question will determine the tone, the quality and the direction of your life.
Trusting God means trusting Him with every aspect of your life. You must trust Him with your relationships, your dreams, your finances, and your career. You must follow His commandments, and you must pray for His g
When you trust your Heavenly Father without reservation, you can be sure that, in His own fashion and in His own time, God will reveal Himself to you in ways that you could never have imagined. So trust Him. And then prepare yourself for the abundance and the joy that will most certainly be yours when you do.
"As God's children, we are the recipients of lavish love-a love that motivates us to keep trusting even when we have no idea what God is doing."
-Beth Moore
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
There are such strange geckos, or lizards, critters, anyway, hanging around my front door. A tiny flat one with a striped tail was plastered against the wall right beside the door one morning, and I also found a dried one on my floor. IT had been in the house too long. They are always running in and out of the mailbox, so getting the mail is always an adventure!
I went to the park yesterday After a wonderful worship service yesterday. Several ibises were gathered in a tree, which is unusual for them, but they were just looking down into the canal, resting their beaks I guess. The nice wind was blowing and several people were walking with their camera and binoculars ready. God is good!
From the Knowing God devotional:
Lord, I give myself to you; my God, I trust you. Psalm 25:1-2 NCV
If you want to know God, then you must learn to trust God. Yet sometimes, when you feel overwhelmed by fears and doubts, you'll find that trusting God is difficult. So here's a question for you to ponder. Are you willing to trust God completely or are you still sitting squarely on the spiritual fence? The answer to this question will determine the tone, the quality and the direction of your life.
Trusting God means trusting Him with every aspect of your life. You must trust Him with your relationships, your dreams, your finances, and your career. You must follow His commandments, and you must pray for His g
When you trust your Heavenly Father without reservation, you can be sure that, in His own fashion and in His own time, God will reveal Himself to you in ways that you could never have imagined. So trust Him. And then prepare yourself for the abundance and the joy that will most certainly be yours when you do.
"As God's children, we are the recipients of lavish love-a love that motivates us to keep trusting even when we have no idea what God is doing."
-Beth Moore
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, September 17, 2010
Worry Less
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 , one of those beautiful, breezy, but not so cool days that make us appreciate living here. I saw contrails this morning early when I stepped out, which makes me think of people on the go or perhaps coming home that early.
My friend, Terry, called, since he is home from a six week vacation in MI, working on his brother's farm. Since Terry retired from the county as supervisor of Sawgrass Park, seems like he's working harder than ever. He's a great friend.
Yesterday, I saw a flock of almost 24 ibis pecking away in my yard, I just stood and watched them for a while because they are so intent on what they are doing, they seem to pay very little attention to anything around them. Then, all at once, they fluidly moved across the street, like a smooth, white blanket. Very Beautiful! I didn't see any ibis in the park, just a lot of squirrels, because a man was feeding them from his car. There was some work going on some place, because the trucks were in the park, but I couldn't see anything. But God is good!
From the devotional book Knowing God:
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.
Philippians 4:6 NCV
In the game of life, you win some, and you lose some. Live is a risky business; you live in an uncertain world, a world in which trouble may come calling at any moment. No wonder you may find yourself feeling a little panicky at times.
Do you sometimes spend more time worrying about a problem than you spend solving it? If so, here's a strategy for dealing with your worries. Take them to God. Take your troubles to Him, take your fears to Him...and leave them all there. God is the Rock that cannot be moved. When you build your life upon that Rock, you have absolutely no need to worry...not now, not ever.
Walk by faith!
Stop the plague of worry. Relax!
Learn to say," Lord, this is your battle."
Charles Swindoll.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My friend, Terry, called, since he is home from a six week vacation in MI, working on his brother's farm. Since Terry retired from the county as supervisor of Sawgrass Park, seems like he's working harder than ever. He's a great friend.
Yesterday, I saw a flock of almost 24 ibis pecking away in my yard, I just stood and watched them for a while because they are so intent on what they are doing, they seem to pay very little attention to anything around them. Then, all at once, they fluidly moved across the street, like a smooth, white blanket. Very Beautiful! I didn't see any ibis in the park, just a lot of squirrels, because a man was feeding them from his car. There was some work going on some place, because the trucks were in the park, but I couldn't see anything. But God is good!
From the devotional book Knowing God:
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.
Philippians 4:6 NCV
In the game of life, you win some, and you lose some. Live is a risky business; you live in an uncertain world, a world in which trouble may come calling at any moment. No wonder you may find yourself feeling a little panicky at times.
Do you sometimes spend more time worrying about a problem than you spend solving it? If so, here's a strategy for dealing with your worries. Take them to God. Take your troubles to Him, take your fears to Him...and leave them all there. God is the Rock that cannot be moved. When you build your life upon that Rock, you have absolutely no need to worry...not now, not ever.
Walk by faith!
Stop the plague of worry. Relax!
Learn to say," Lord, this is your battle."
Charles Swindoll.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Get Beyond the Distractions
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! Lots of sunshine and breezes this morning, but not as cool as yesterday. Oh, well, October is on they way and we will soon have all the cool weather we can handle. The grass has slowed its growing, so I told the friend who cuts my grass, he could skip this week.
I was amazed to see how tall the weeds are across the canal at the park, They haven't been mowed all summer and it is really overgrown. Large gators used to like to lie in the sun on the bank, but the weeds would cut out the sun now, if they tried it. Some of the "regulars" that have been walking there for years, are still walking and enjoying their workouts, I talked to one lady yesterday who has been coming for about fifteen years. I need to go out and see where the gator nest is that two men asked me about. I could see a trail, but could not see a nest at the end of it and the nests are built up really high. Well, maybe this evening now that the Rays and Yankees are over.
God is good!
From Knowing God devotional:
If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body.
Matthew 6:25 MSG
All of us must live through those days when the traffic jams, the computer crashes, and the dog makes a main course out of our favorite slippers. But, when we find ourselves distracted by the minor frustrations of life, we must catch ourselves, take a deep breath, and lift our thoughts upward.
Although we may, at times, struggle mightily to rise above the distractions of everyday living, we need never struggle alone. God is here-eternal and faithful, with infinite patience and love-and, if we reach out to him, He will restore our sense of perspective and give peace to our souls.
Among the enemies to devotion, none is so harmful as distractions. Whatever excites the curiosity, scatters the thoughts, disquiets the heart, absorbs the interests, or shifts our life focus from the kingdom of God within us to the world around us--that is a distraction, and the world is full of them.
---A. W. Tozer
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, help me to face this day with a spirit of optimism and thanksgiving. And let me focus my thoughts on You and Your incomparable gifts. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was amazed to see how tall the weeds are across the canal at the park, They haven't been mowed all summer and it is really overgrown. Large gators used to like to lie in the sun on the bank, but the weeds would cut out the sun now, if they tried it. Some of the "regulars" that have been walking there for years, are still walking and enjoying their workouts, I talked to one lady yesterday who has been coming for about fifteen years. I need to go out and see where the gator nest is that two men asked me about. I could see a trail, but could not see a nest at the end of it and the nests are built up really high. Well, maybe this evening now that the Rays and Yankees are over.
God is good!
From Knowing God devotional:
If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body.
Matthew 6:25 MSG
All of us must live through those days when the traffic jams, the computer crashes, and the dog makes a main course out of our favorite slippers. But, when we find ourselves distracted by the minor frustrations of life, we must catch ourselves, take a deep breath, and lift our thoughts upward.
Although we may, at times, struggle mightily to rise above the distractions of everyday living, we need never struggle alone. God is here-eternal and faithful, with infinite patience and love-and, if we reach out to him, He will restore our sense of perspective and give peace to our souls.
Among the enemies to devotion, none is so harmful as distractions. Whatever excites the curiosity, scatters the thoughts, disquiets the heart, absorbs the interests, or shifts our life focus from the kingdom of God within us to the world around us--that is a distraction, and the world is full of them.
---A. W. Tozer
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, help me to face this day with a spirit of optimism and thanksgiving. And let me focus my thoughts on You and Your incomparable gifts. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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