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 listening to the monotonous cooing of a dove and the answering call of another while I was having my quiet time this morning. I believe it is mating time, since the weather has been so nice. They were probably wooing, (an old fashioned term).
Yesterday, I drove to the park after shopping and going to the audiologist. I saw a couple turtles sunning on the bank of the weir and the younger gator was sunning on the other side of the road, in his usual spot on the bank of the lake. It was a beautiful day and the park is greening up nicely with all the new leaves on the trees, but the pollen was covering the road and still blowing off the trees. It has also piled up on my front porch, and I am waiting for my yard man to come and blow it all off, because if I get the broom out to sweep,, it will fall in my hair and I will also start sneezing. Ah, spring! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 121
I look up to the mountains--
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made the heavens and the earth!
He will not let you stumble and fall;
The one who watches over Israel
never tires and never sleeps.
The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your
protective shade.
The sun will not hurt you by day,
nor the moon at night.
The Lord keeps you from all evil
and preserves your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you
come and go,
both now and forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Jammin' thru James
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!
As I watch the drips pouring off the roof, it seems that the sky is crying tears for Officer David Crawford whose services are being held in just and hour and a half. My fervent prayer is that this is the last service in St. Petersburg for a fallen officer! What a way to start a new month!
Because of the falling pollen, I am happy for the rain, hoping it will dampen down all the stuff floating around in the air, although it is just a light sprinkle. Every little bit helps! I have given up walking in the park, because of all the pollen, and my sneezing. I still ride through every day, just so I can see what is going on and watch the azaleas blossoming out. Also, I like to see the gators and turtles. Yesterday I looked out my window at home and saw the yard was filled with ibises and right in the middle was a little squirrel, happily munching on an acorn. The ibis went on pecking and the squirrel kept on munching. They were happily co-existing...a good example for all of us! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Controlling the tongue...James 3
Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness.
We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth, And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever a pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong. So, also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
People can tame all kinds of animals and birds and reptiles and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Can you pick olives from a fig tree or figs from a grapevine? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty pool...(more tomorrow)
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
As I watch the drips pouring off the roof, it seems that the sky is crying tears for Officer David Crawford whose services are being held in just and hour and a half. My fervent prayer is that this is the last service in St. Petersburg for a fallen officer! What a way to start a new month!
Because of the falling pollen, I am happy for the rain, hoping it will dampen down all the stuff floating around in the air, although it is just a light sprinkle. Every little bit helps! I have given up walking in the park, because of all the pollen, and my sneezing. I still ride through every day, just so I can see what is going on and watch the azaleas blossoming out. Also, I like to see the gators and turtles. Yesterday I looked out my window at home and saw the yard was filled with ibises and right in the middle was a little squirrel, happily munching on an acorn. The ibis went on pecking and the squirrel kept on munching. They were happily co-existing...a good example for all of us! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Controlling the tongue...James 3
Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness.
We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way. We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth, And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever a pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong. So, also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
People can tame all kinds of animals and birds and reptiles and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it breaks out into curses against those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Can you pick olives from a fig tree or figs from a grapevine? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty pool...(more tomorrow)
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, February 25, 2011
Scriptures from 1 Corinthians and Nahum
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, spring is here, even though the calendar does not say so. The azaleas are blooming and I just looked out the window and the very old azalea bush in the back of the house has thrived even though neglected, and has beautiful deep rose blooms on it. It is probably about forty years old. I only noticed the front ones when I went out to check the leaf situation when Dave was here to blow all the fallen leaves into the dumpster. Guess I am not very observant! The driveway and front porch looked good for about fifteen minutes yesterday, but, of course, the leaves are still falling so, already the ground is covered again
I went to the park yesterday, on my way back from shopping, still in shock over the price of gas, and saw the roads were covered in oak leaves. I mean they were really thick! But the azaleas there were also blooming, and , the ibis were pecking as usual in the mud. Their feathers are always such a pristine white, but the beaks are covered in mud. Quite a contrast! I saw another osprey flying across from the Burger King in the busy city. I think it is the one who has the nest high on a light pole in the parking lot. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT and the NIV:
1 Corinthians 3:7 The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work. We work together as partners who belong to God. You are God's field, God's building, not ours.
Because of God's special favor to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have--Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay or straw. But there is going to come a day of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire. that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flame....
Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a stronghold in times of trouble. He cares for you who trusts in Him.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, spring is here, even though the calendar does not say so. The azaleas are blooming and I just looked out the window and the very old azalea bush in the back of the house has thrived even though neglected, and has beautiful deep rose blooms on it. It is probably about forty years old. I only noticed the front ones when I went out to check the leaf situation when Dave was here to blow all the fallen leaves into the dumpster. Guess I am not very observant! The driveway and front porch looked good for about fifteen minutes yesterday, but, of course, the leaves are still falling so, already the ground is covered again
I went to the park yesterday, on my way back from shopping, still in shock over the price of gas, and saw the roads were covered in oak leaves. I mean they were really thick! But the azaleas there were also blooming, and , the ibis were pecking as usual in the mud. Their feathers are always such a pristine white, but the beaks are covered in mud. Quite a contrast! I saw another osprey flying across from the Burger King in the busy city. I think it is the one who has the nest high on a light pole in the parking lot. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT and the NIV:
1 Corinthians 3:7 The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work. We work together as partners who belong to God. You are God's field, God's building, not ours.
Because of God's special favor to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have--Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay or straw. But there is going to come a day of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire. that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flame....
Nahum 1:7
The Lord is good, a stronghold in times of trouble. He cares for you who trusts in Him.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, February 24, 2011
A Psalm of Praise
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 fog must be hanging overhead because the sun has not shone yet, and the air feels a little damp. I wish it would rain, but not this morning, because Dave C. is coming to blow the leaves into the dumpster, which was just emptied. This is the peak falling time for the leaves, because the oaks are almost bare and every time I step outside the leaves fall on my head.
I have been hearing a mournful dove cooing his monotonous song while I was having my devotional time. He hardly took a breath between cooings. All is very quiet right now, unlike yesterday when the air was alive with robins chirping to each other!
I went shopping yesterday, then took a ride through the park, but all was quiet there, too. Not many people, but a few moms with children. It's a good place to go with the little ones. I saw a young osprey on the light pole at Sawgrass school, not far from here. There is a big nest on one of the poles and I have been seeing little heads sticking up, so I guess they are finally mature enough to leave home. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 150
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his heavenly dwelling,
praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works;
praise his unequaled greatness!
Praise him with a blast of the trumpet;
Praise him with the lyre and harp!
Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
Praise him with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
praise him with long clanging cymbals,
Let everything that lives sing praises to the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I have been hearing a mournful dove cooing his monotonous song while I was having my devotional time. He hardly took a breath between cooings. All is very quiet right now, unlike yesterday when the air was alive with robins chirping to each other!
I went shopping yesterday, then took a ride through the park, but all was quiet there, too. Not many people, but a few moms with children. It's a good place to go with the little ones. I saw a young osprey on the light pole at Sawgrass school, not far from here. There is a big nest on one of the poles and I have been seeing little heads sticking up, so I guess they are finally mature enough to leave home. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 150
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his heavenly dwelling,
praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works;
praise his unequaled greatness!
Praise him with a blast of the trumpet;
Praise him with the lyre and harp!
Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
Praise him with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
praise him with long clanging cymbals,
Let everything that lives sing praises to the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A New Song
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 opened the drapes this morning, I could hardly see across the street because of the fog! But it has lifted from the ground and is still overhead, but it will probably burn off soon and be another very warm day!
When I stepped outside I found out why there were dark spots on the porch when I swept off the leaves. Dozens of robins were zooming all around and probably had been eating berries off the Brazilian pepper trees all around. I wish they hadn't gotten rid of them on the porch. Actually, that is the first time I have seen flocks of robins this year. They hung around quite a while, filling the air with their chirps while they called to each other.
I went to the park yesterday afternoon, but did not walk, as it was late and very warm. I would have had to take my umbrella to keep the sun off. But all the trees are now blooming out and turning green, so it is getting cheerier to look at every day. I was just in time to see a beautiful egret take off in graceful flight down the canal. It was a peaceful moment in the day. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
He put a new song in my mouth, A hymn of praise to our God. Psalm 40:3
Singer and songwriter Bobby Michaels tells how one summer he sensed a growing hunger to come up with a new song, , but he could not find it within him. As he was visiting his publishing company to discuss a new album, he met a young man working as an intern. The young man mentioned that he wrote songs, and Bobby found himself pouring his heart out to the young man.
"Forget what might be appealing or what might sell," said the young man. "Just tell me what you think God wants you to sing about." Bobby's story inspired the young man to write a beautiful song that uncannily communicated Bobby's heart. The name of the song is "My Redeemer is Faithful and True." It is an unpretentious and simple prayer of thanksgiving to our Creator. It is a reverent statement of faith in God's faithfulness. It literally made Bobby's heart sing anew his love for his Savior.
The sales staff and editors did not like the song. In fact, they did not believe that it would sell. "Too slow," they said. "Too redundant." On and on they went. But Bobby remained adamant that this song was directly from God and that it was anointed of God. He was convinced that it ministered to Him, and it would minister to others.
Guess what? Bobby was right. God has used the song to bless countless numbers of individuals, and the testimony he gives at his concerts prior to singing the song makes thousands of hearts sing right along with him. And the young man who wrote the song was Steven Curtis Chapman, winner of numerous Dove and Grammy awards.
Isn't God simply amazing! What new song does He want to put in your heart today?
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside I found out why there were dark spots on the porch when I swept off the leaves. Dozens of robins were zooming all around and probably had been eating berries off the Brazilian pepper trees all around. I wish they hadn't gotten rid of them on the porch. Actually, that is the first time I have seen flocks of robins this year. They hung around quite a while, filling the air with their chirps while they called to each other.
I went to the park yesterday afternoon, but did not walk, as it was late and very warm. I would have had to take my umbrella to keep the sun off. But all the trees are now blooming out and turning green, so it is getting cheerier to look at every day. I was just in time to see a beautiful egret take off in graceful flight down the canal. It was a peaceful moment in the day. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
He put a new song in my mouth, A hymn of praise to our God. Psalm 40:3
Singer and songwriter Bobby Michaels tells how one summer he sensed a growing hunger to come up with a new song, , but he could not find it within him. As he was visiting his publishing company to discuss a new album, he met a young man working as an intern. The young man mentioned that he wrote songs, and Bobby found himself pouring his heart out to the young man.
"Forget what might be appealing or what might sell," said the young man. "Just tell me what you think God wants you to sing about." Bobby's story inspired the young man to write a beautiful song that uncannily communicated Bobby's heart. The name of the song is "My Redeemer is Faithful and True." It is an unpretentious and simple prayer of thanksgiving to our Creator. It is a reverent statement of faith in God's faithfulness. It literally made Bobby's heart sing anew his love for his Savior.
The sales staff and editors did not like the song. In fact, they did not believe that it would sell. "Too slow," they said. "Too redundant." On and on they went. But Bobby remained adamant that this song was directly from God and that it was anointed of God. He was convinced that it ministered to Him, and it would minister to others.
Guess what? Bobby was right. God has used the song to bless countless numbers of individuals, and the testimony he gives at his concerts prior to singing the song makes thousands of hearts sing right along with him. And the young man who wrote the song was Steven Curtis Chapman, winner of numerous Dove and Grammy awards.
Isn't God simply amazing! What new song does He want to put in your heart today?
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Comfort
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, there is not so much to rejoice about with the news of another police officer killed in the line of duty last night. When will the violence stop!? My heart and prayers go out to those in law enforcement including my two nephews and a friend who is an officer locally. I haven't heard in the last hour, whether or not the suspect has been caught, but hopefully, very soon. And all this took place right behind AAA where I have been frequently. So scary!
But God in His mercy is still Good!
Scriptures of Comfort from the Promise Bible NLT:
How does God comfort us?
Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Psalm 30:5 His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes in the morning.
Matthew 5:4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
God comforts us by staying close beside us in difficulty, by blessing us even when we are in mourning and by promising us joy to come.
Psalm 14:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds.
God comforts us by healing our hearts, even when they are broken.
Psalm 145:14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart, because I have overcome the world.
When we are overwhelmed, God comforts us with his presence. He calms our hearts, renews our confidence and awakens our hope.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
But God in His mercy is still Good!
Scriptures of Comfort from the Promise Bible NLT:
How does God comfort us?
Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Psalm 30:5 His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes in the morning.
Matthew 5:4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
God comforts us by staying close beside us in difficulty, by blessing us even when we are in mourning and by promising us joy to come.
Psalm 14:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds.
God comforts us by healing our hearts, even when they are broken.
Psalm 145:14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart, because I have overcome the world.
When we are overwhelmed, God comforts us with his presence. He calms our hearts, renews our confidence and awakens our hope.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, February 21, 2011
Trust the Future to 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! Well, it looks like the same old weather we have had for a couple weeks now! Just perfect! We really could use some rain, though, to dampen the pollen. The leaves are falling like rain, now, because the new little green ones are pushing them off! I have to take the broom to my porch this morning, because it is pretty well filled. When I get those off, more will be there before the day is over.
The leaves are really falling in the Park! The road was covered and so was everything else when I went there yesterday. I didn't see the gator, but a couple of turtles were sunning on the bank of the weir. I also saw lots of birds and ducks around Lynch lake when I passed it. I also noticed benches have been place all around the lake. That is a nice touch from the city. Since it needs mowing, it will be interesting to see how they maneuver around the benches. But God is still Good!
I say this because I know what I am planning for you,"says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future." Jeremiah 29:11
How can you get to know God if you're unwilling to trust Him? The answer, of course, is that you can't. That's why you should trust God in everything (and that means entrusting your future to God).
Do you trust in the ultimate goodness of God's plan for your life? Will you face tomorrow's challenges with optimism and hope? You should. After all, God created you for a very important reason: His reason. And you still have important work to do: His work.
Today, as you live in the present and look to the future, remember that God has an amazing plan for you. Act--and believe--accordingly.
Take courage. We walk in the wilderness today and in the Promised Land tomorrow/
D. L. Moody
-Today's Prayer-
Lord, sometimes when I think about the future, I worry. Today, I will do a better job of trusting You. If I become discouraged, I will turn to You. If I am afraid, I will seek strength in You. You are my Father, and I will place my hope, my trust, and my faith in You. Amen
(From the little devotional book Knowing God.)
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The leaves are really falling in the Park! The road was covered and so was everything else when I went there yesterday. I didn't see the gator, but a couple of turtles were sunning on the bank of the weir. I also saw lots of birds and ducks around Lynch lake when I passed it. I also noticed benches have been place all around the lake. That is a nice touch from the city. Since it needs mowing, it will be interesting to see how they maneuver around the benches. But God is still Good!
I say this because I know what I am planning for you,"says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future." Jeremiah 29:11
How can you get to know God if you're unwilling to trust Him? The answer, of course, is that you can't. That's why you should trust God in everything (and that means entrusting your future to God).
Do you trust in the ultimate goodness of God's plan for your life? Will you face tomorrow's challenges with optimism and hope? You should. After all, God created you for a very important reason: His reason. And you still have important work to do: His work.
Today, as you live in the present and look to the future, remember that God has an amazing plan for you. Act--and believe--accordingly.
Take courage. We walk in the wilderness today and in the Promised Land tomorrow/
D. L. Moody
-Today's Prayer-
Lord, sometimes when I think about the future, I worry. Today, I will do a better job of trusting You. If I become discouraged, I will turn to You. If I am afraid, I will seek strength in You. You are my Father, and I will place my hope, my trust, and my faith in You. Amen
(From the little devotional book Knowing God.)
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)