Trust Him when Times are Tough

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! I was awakened about 3:45AM this morning when a brilliant flash of lightning glowed through the curtain, followed by the low rumble of thunder. I thought, "Praise God", He answers prayers. We have really needed rain and I'm not sure how much or how long it rained, but today, everything is wet and that is good. I had swept the porch clean of acorns late in the afternoon, and this morning it is covered with them again. Oh, well, just have to wait until they dry to sweep these off.

While the cold front is coming about Friday, I think, it seems funny that we go from A/C to heat in 24 hours or less. That's the way our weather is, though.

Yesterday, I drove to Walmart, found a convenient parking space right away, and went in to the crowded store. Mostly, older people like me , but a few young mothers with small children in the carts. After using the patience God gave me, while waiting for some people to move their carts, and going clear around the aisle to get where I wanted to go, I finally got everything on my list and some things that were not (I avoided the half price candy aisle) I got in line at one of the check outs. Of course, there were not nearly enough cashiers for the crowd that was in there. I probably waited over twenty minutes in line, and the older man two carts in front, turned around and said, "I was only 16 when I got in this line." :o) I got a chuckle out of that! The woman in front of me was on her cell the whole time she waited, and had her hand in front of her mouth, so her conversation was a little more private. It was a good time for people watching!

It was a relief to go to the Park later, where there was peace and quiet. God is good!

From the little devotional Knowing God:

Trust Him when Times Are Tough

He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.
2 Corinthians 1:4 MSG

All of us face times of adversity. On occasion, we all must endure the disappointments and tragedies that befall believers and nonbelievers alike. The reassuring words of 1 John 5:4 remind us that when we accept God's grace, we overcome the passing hardships of this world by relying upon His strength, His love, and His promise of eternal life.

When we face the inevitable difficulties of life here on earth, God stands ready to protect us. Our responsibility, of course,is to ask Him for protection. When we call upon him in heartfelt prayer, He will answer in His own time and according to His own plan-and He will heal us. And while we are waiting for God's plans to unfold and for His healing touch to restore us, we can be comforted in the knowledge that our Creator can overcome any obstacle, even if we cannot. Let us take God at his word, and let us trust Him.

"A brook would lose its song, if God removed the rocks."
Anonymous

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers wit thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Changes

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! I am still waiting for the cold front that's coming this weekend, but the weather has been really pleasant the past two days. Yesterday we had a little sprinkle of rain early, but even though the clouds looked very threatening all day, that was all the rain we received. Well, there is always hope.

I saw a funny sight yesterday as I was coming along Turner's Creek. The tide was out and several guys were throwing their nets in the water, hoping to catch some mullet, I guess, and there, a little distance away was a woodstork, patiently waiting. I have never seen one so close to humans before, it is usually the pelicans that are waiting for a handout. I also saw a great blue heron at the lake and a flock of ducks. Mama was marching toward the water with a dozen or so babies all in a row behind her . She had her ducks in a row. :o)

The anhingas were drying wings at the park, and a turtle was drying out on the bank of the weir, but not a lot of people were walking, because of the weather, I guess, although cloudy weather is best for walking, I think.

Well, because of the results of the election yesterday. I thought these scriptures would be appropriate. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I hope that I can change for the better?

2 Corinthians 5:17 Those who became Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!

Philippians 1:6 I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.

A great work takes a long time to complete. Though we are converted in a moment of faith, the process of transformation into Christ-likeness takes a lifetime. While it may appear slow to us, it is relentless and certain.

Are there some changes that are too overwhelming for our faith?

Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and mountains crumble into the sea.

Faith is the answer to fear. No amount of change in our life will affect God's care for us.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

2 Chronicles 7:14

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! Well, it's overcast and gloomy today and that's a good thing, because rain is predicted and we really need it. This morning I watched a squirrel on the line in my backyard, running his tongue along the box that has phone wires in it. I think he was getting the dew off it. Now, that's dry! I have a bowl on my front wall that has water in it for the birds and squirrels, but maybe he didn't know it was there.

Today is voting day, which I already did by absentee ballot, but, I for one, will be very happy to see the end of commercials with candidates being negative about each other. Glad there is a mute button!

We had a sparse Faith Group meeting last night. For the first time, we only had six people and I was the only one who showed up for the supper. But it was very good, the supper and the meeting and a very powerful explanation of marriage and submission. I am so glad I went!

In keeping with the date, I think this verse is appropriate:

From the Promise Bible, NLT:

"If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land."

And I pray that God will direct the voters and that His choices will win.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Deuteronomy 26:11 and a word from Abby

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! We were promised a cold front would come through and this morning, it is definitely cooler. Not cold, but very pleasant, with lower humidity. We so need rain, though. I hope God hears our prayers for rain and answers soon.

Well, God certainly had different plans for me yesterday morning than I had. Since my friend, David C. was coming over to mow, I asked him to pick up the new dryer from Sears outlet, which he did. After it was hooked up he tested it, and a loud clunking noise issued from the barrel as it turned. After an hour and a half, at least, of frustrating phone calls, trying to get someone to pick up the phone at the outlet, and then calling the 800 number, we decided to go out there with the dryer and exchange it for another. Then another wait of over 45 minutes for someone to wait on us. Seems they were having a big sale, and only two sales people were scheduled. Like many other businesses these days, they have cut service, so I guess they would rather lose customers than pay people to help. Anyway, the lone saleslady called the manager from somewhere and we finally got the transaction completed and left with the dryer. I told David they better hurry up, because I get mean when I'm hungry. He just grinned, because in all the years I've known him, he has never seen me get mean. We finally got back home here about 1:30 and got the dryer hooked up and it seems to work ok, although I was too tired to do laundry yesterday. But God was in control and He is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

"O Lord, I have brought you the a token of the first crops you have given me from the ground. Then place the produce before the Lord your God, and worship him. Afterward, go and celebrate because of all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household."

Words from Dear Abby:

Take time to work,
It is the price of success.
Take time to think,
it is the source of power
Take time to play,
It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read,
It is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly,
It is the road to happiness.
Take time to love and be loved,
It is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to share,
Life is too short to be selfish.
Take time to laugh,
Laughter is the music of the soul.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Let God Guide the Way

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! I hope some of you have been enjoying the sunsets lately. I know the sun sets in the west, but the reflection on the clouds in the east have been spectacular! Lavenders, pinks and bits of yellow. God knows how to paint!

I noticed this morning, that my amaryllis have died, yellow leaves, not all of them, but I am wondering if the tenting of the house next door had anything to do with it. Maybe when the tent was taken off some of the gas escaped. Scary thought. I will water them thoroughly today and see if that helps.

Well, yesterday was a different day. After I discovered that the dryer was defunct, I loaded the wet sheets in the basket and put them in the back of the car, then drove out to Sears outlet and bought a new, inexpensive dryer. They wanted a large sum of money for delivery, but I am blessed to have friends who have trucks, so it will be delivered today for the cost of a piece of pie. Can't beat the price! God is good!

After the trip to get the new dryer. I stopped at a laundrymat (that's actually the way it's spelled) and used one of their dryers. Since I was close to a supermarket, I stopped in and bought things I was totally out of at home. Whew! I was one tired biker chick when I got back home!

From the little devotional book: Knowing God

The true children of God are those who let God's Spirit lead them. Romans 8:14 NCV

The Bible promises that God will guide you if you let Him. Your job is to let Him. But sometimes, you will be tempted to do otherwise. Sometimes, you'll be tempted to go along with the crowd, other times, you'll be tempted to do things your way, not God's way, When you feet these temptations, resist them.

God has promised that when you ask for His help, He will not withhold it. So ask. Ask Him to meet the needs of your day. Ask Him to lead you, to protect you, and to correct you. And trust the answers He gives.

God stands at the door and waits. When you knock, He opens. When you ask, He answers. Your task, of course, is to seek His guidance prayerfully, confidently, and often.

Great Thoughts

We have ample evidence that the Lord is able to guide. The promises cover ever imaginable situation. All we need to do is to take the hand he stretches out.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

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! The air is much drier this morning, and cool, but it will get much warmer this afternoon, I'm sure. Here it is almost November and summer clothes are still appropriate for wearing!

Since my clothes drier decided not to work this morning, if I had a clothesline, I could hang my sheets on it, and they would be dry in no time. Oh, well, looks like a trip to the laundry is on the agenda for today. Good thing I am flexible with my time!

The weather was a little warm yesterday, but I found a table under the shade of a pine tree at the park, and had a picnic lunch with my friend, Dave, who is a Park Ranger, now. He is one of the few who still has a job with the county, after all the cuts. We always have interesting conversations because he is an unbeliever. We are polar opposites in our beliefs, but have been friends for a long time and he cuts my yard, when it needs it and does other things for me that need doing. I keep on praying for him, which he doesn't believe in, and maybe, in God's timing....who knows?

According to him, there are about three gator nests along the boardwalk, which I have not seen, although I saw signs of the nests on my walks. One at the original nest, and another off to the side, besides the babies which are at the first covered shelter. Lots of birds were out yesterday, including a cardinal flitting about in a magnolia tree. God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

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 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, 27:5 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 for 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

Blessings

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, even though the thermometer read 78, the breeze was cool on my face and the sun was coming up, so it was really nice.

Yesterday, I decided to sweep off the porch, even though the acorns are falling daily, and as I swept, I got pelted with the falling acorns. In fact, I came in the house with one in my hair! If the squirrels are storing up for the winter, they don't have to work very hard, because hundreds are on the ground.

It has been so dry, I watered the staghorn fern again, because it was looking very droopy. It is a huge plant, so when it droops, it looks very sad and neglected. I also watered the plumbago, which still has a few blooms on it. They are such a pretty flower, but it is sort of hidden, so no one can see it very well.

I went over to the park, and acorns have carpeted everything there, also. But the squirrels keep coming around if you park in the circle, because people keep feeding them as picnickers toss out food. My friend, Dave, who is a park ranger, is now patrolling at Sawgrass and he is trying to restore some of the rules posted, since they have been pretty much ignored since full-time staff is no more.He is even walking the boardwalk, trying to eliminate the dog walkers who ignore the signs saying no dogs. He says "there's a new sheriff in town." Ha, But, I say, good for him! I am having a picnic lunch with him at the park today. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How has God promised to bless his people?
Numbers 6:24-26 May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

God's blessing encompasses all of life. We live in his protection, his presence, and his peace. Nothing this world offers can compare in scope or duration with the blessings of God.

Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God, the Creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.

2 Corinthians 12:13 The only thing I didn't do, which I do in other churches was to become a burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong!

Jesus Christ blesses us with forgiveness and redemption. God the Father blesses us with the assurance that we are loved and of infinite worth. The Holy Spirit blesses us with fellowship and the continual presence of God.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis