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 wind is blowing, but we don't have the storms that are going through Tenn. and up through the east coast, so I am happy about that. Just sunshine and blue skies here.
I had a long afternoon yesterday spent at the doctor's office for a routine check up. But, God is so good to always send someone my way to help pass the time. A couple from the past who we were good friends with, were there, and the man talked with me for half and hour catching up on past events in our lives. That's about the third time old friends and I have caught up in the waiting room, which has turned out to be God's waiting room.
When I finally was able to get to the park, I found few people there, but someone had a fire going in the bar-b-que and it smelled so good! It looked like a family was living in their van, because the back end was open and it was stacked with baskets of clothing and all kinds of things. No telling what their story was, but at least, they had something to eat.
I saw two little heads sticking up out of the osprey nest at Sawgrass Elem. waiting for mom or dad to bring home some food, so they are still nesting atop light poles and the tall platforms that are erected for them. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness;
Let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me,
freeing me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
I cried out to the Lord in my suffering and he heard me.
He set me free from all my fears.
For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear him.
And he rescues them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let 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...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Wise words from Ecclesiastes
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, we missed another chance last night...the thunder was booming all around, just like Sunday night, but we did not get a drop. Just a few miles from here that area got four inches. Sigh. I am sure our turn will come soon. But, at least, we can enjoy the sunshine and breezes for a beautiful day!
I saw a few people at the park yesterday, looking over the bridge at the anhinga drying his wings, while perched on the dead stump. Several people walking dogs, some with two to walk, You get lots of exercise when you are a dog owner! I saw the inert body of a squirrel lying in a driveway as I drove by. I don't know if someone threw it there, or if it got hit by a car, and crawled there to die. Anyway, I was sad to see it. I know we have lots of squirrels in the neighborhood, but I still don't like to see them hurt. Louis used to set in his chair outside and they would crawl up his pant leg and sit on his lap to get peanuts. He really enjoyed that! I think the ones we have now in the trees are a different family, because they are not so friendly. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT;
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, 5:19-20
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone fan be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life-that is indeed a gift from God. People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I saw a few people at the park yesterday, looking over the bridge at the anhinga drying his wings, while perched on the dead stump. Several people walking dogs, some with two to walk, You get lots of exercise when you are a dog owner! I saw the inert body of a squirrel lying in a driveway as I drove by. I don't know if someone threw it there, or if it got hit by a car, and crawled there to die. Anyway, I was sad to see it. I know we have lots of squirrels in the neighborhood, but I still don't like to see them hurt. Louis used to set in his chair outside and they would crawl up his pant leg and sit on his lap to get peanuts. He really enjoyed that! I think the ones we have now in the trees are a different family, because they are not so friendly. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT;
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, 5:19-20
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone fan be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life-that is indeed a gift from God. People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Monday, April 25, 2011
John 3:16
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! Yesterday was a wonderful day celebrating the risen Lord! It was so good to see all the friends and people at church, many of them new to me, but the church had a good crowd at second service, and, I hope, at first service, too. Brian reported that his church had to move their Sat. night service into the sanctuary from the gym because it has outgrown the gym. They had three services on Sunday, and all were full, so hundreds of people heard the Easter message and how Christ died for them! Hallelujah!
Brian took me to a restaurant for Easter dinner, and we were seated right away! I was really surprised! After dinner we went to the cemetery to put an Easter lily on Louis' grave. There were hundreds of flowers of all colors placed on the stones, so it was very colorful, the wind was blowing, but the sun was very hot, so I used an umbrella for shade and was comfortable. After that, it was later in the afternoon and we were both tired, so he went home after dropping me off, so I read and rested the rest of the day.
I just saw a butterfly fluttering around the hedge outside my window, and it reminded me of the last time I walked in the park. I was coming down the sidewalk and hundreds of small, blue dragonflies were hovering just above the walk. I was not afraid I would step on one, because they moved very swiftly in front of me. It was so cool! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
John 3:16-21
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.
There is no judgment awaiting those who trust Him. But those who do not trust Him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. Their judgment is based on this fact. The light from heaven came into the world, but they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Brian took me to a restaurant for Easter dinner, and we were seated right away! I was really surprised! After dinner we went to the cemetery to put an Easter lily on Louis' grave. There were hundreds of flowers of all colors placed on the stones, so it was very colorful, the wind was blowing, but the sun was very hot, so I used an umbrella for shade and was comfortable. After that, it was later in the afternoon and we were both tired, so he went home after dropping me off, so I read and rested the rest of the day.
I just saw a butterfly fluttering around the hedge outside my window, and it reminded me of the last time I walked in the park. I was coming down the sidewalk and hundreds of small, blue dragonflies were hovering just above the walk. I was not afraid I would step on one, because they moved very swiftly in front of me. It was so cool! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
John 3:16-21
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.
There is no judgment awaiting those who trust Him. But those who do not trust Him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. Their judgment is based on this fact. The light from heaven came into the world, but they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Friday, April 22, 2011
Good Friday
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! This is another beautiful day leading up to Easter Sunday, which will also be a beautiful day because of the meaning of that day. O Happy Day!
Yesterday was a quiet day for me, spent doing some chores around the house. There is always something to do, which I don't usually get done because of reading. When I did go out, I noticed the baby osprey in the nest on top of the field light pole at Sawgrass Elem. It looks almost big enough to leave the nest, now. Also, the birds have really been noisy. Seems like a lot of them are chirping and singing. they love the weather, too! God is good!
Last evening I attended a very moving Maundy Thursday service at church, which was very solemn with scripture reading and a message and then communion. We saw a video depicting Christ's crucifixion which brought me to tears because of the thought that Christ suffered agonies because of my sins! But then came Sunday!!
Luke 22:14 -24 NLT:
Then at the proper time Jesus and the twelve apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, "I have looked forward to this hour with deep longing, anxious to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won't eat it again unitl it comes to fulfillment in the Kingdom of God."
Then he took a cup of wine, and when he had given thanks for it, he said, "Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come."
Then he took a loaf of bread; and when he had thanked God for it, he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." After supper he took another cup of wine and said, "This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you--an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you."
But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. For I, the Son of Man, must die since it is part of God's plan. But how terrible it will be for my betrayer!" Then the disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing...
We will hear the rest of the story Sunday at church. What a glorious morning that will be!!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday was a quiet day for me, spent doing some chores around the house. There is always something to do, which I don't usually get done because of reading. When I did go out, I noticed the baby osprey in the nest on top of the field light pole at Sawgrass Elem. It looks almost big enough to leave the nest, now. Also, the birds have really been noisy. Seems like a lot of them are chirping and singing. they love the weather, too! God is good!
Last evening I attended a very moving Maundy Thursday service at church, which was very solemn with scripture reading and a message and then communion. We saw a video depicting Christ's crucifixion which brought me to tears because of the thought that Christ suffered agonies because of my sins! But then came Sunday!!
Luke 22:14 -24 NLT:
Then at the proper time Jesus and the twelve apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, "I have looked forward to this hour with deep longing, anxious to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won't eat it again unitl it comes to fulfillment in the Kingdom of God."
Then he took a cup of wine, and when he had given thanks for it, he said, "Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come."
Then he took a loaf of bread; and when he had thanked God for it, he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." After supper he took another cup of wine and said, "This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you--an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you."
But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. For I, the Son of Man, must die since it is part of God's plan. But how terrible it will be for my betrayer!" Then the disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing...
We will hear the rest of the story Sunday at church. What a glorious morning that will be!!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 139
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's Maundy Thursday and the sky is blue with just a few light, puffy clouds scudding across the sky..looks like another beautiful day.
I had an interesting day yesterday, with some surprises in it. You just never know what God has planned for you each day, so it's kind of fun to see what happens. When I went to Publix, I was surprised to see a very old friend from St. James's days, so we chatted a bit and caught up on our families. and I saw another old friend, but not to speak to. Then, later on, A cousin called me from California. I had not heard from him since probably we were both pre-teens! Now, that's a long time!! He found me on Facebook, so that social network can do some good after all!
After that, my friends, and neighbor ladies came to clean the house, so I caught them up on my Not So Great Adventure #4. They are always interested in what goes on with me. One of them, Cheryl, looks after me and almost called me at 11 night before last to tell me my porch light was not on. I had forgotten to turn it on. She always warns me to lock my doors and wear my home companion button. I am blessed to have people looking out for me!! God is good!
I had asked God to direct me in the scripture for today, and when I opened my Bible it fell open to the one I had decided on;
Psalm 139:1-6, 23-24 NLT
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to know!
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path
of everlasting life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had an interesting day yesterday, with some surprises in it. You just never know what God has planned for you each day, so it's kind of fun to see what happens. When I went to Publix, I was surprised to see a very old friend from St. James's days, so we chatted a bit and caught up on our families. and I saw another old friend, but not to speak to. Then, later on, A cousin called me from California. I had not heard from him since probably we were both pre-teens! Now, that's a long time!! He found me on Facebook, so that social network can do some good after all!
After that, my friends, and neighbor ladies came to clean the house, so I caught them up on my Not So Great Adventure #4. They are always interested in what goes on with me. One of them, Cheryl, looks after me and almost called me at 11 night before last to tell me my porch light was not on. I had forgotten to turn it on. She always warns me to lock my doors and wear my home companion button. I am blessed to have people looking out for me!! God is good!
I had asked God to direct me in the scripture for today, and when I opened my Bible it fell open to the one I had decided on;
Psalm 139:1-6, 23-24 NLT
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to know!
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path
of everlasting life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
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! Today is Wednesday and Then Came Sunday!! What a wonderful day that will be!
We have much the same weather we had yesterday, so no surprises there. Windy and warm. Sunshine and beautiful. I know there is another stormy front going across the country, including Tenn, today, so I have prayed for safety for my family there.
Yesterday morning, I was feeling not so good..I think because of the busy day Monday. I tried to do too much. But I started feeling better in the afternoon, so I went to the park and enjoyed watching the squirrels scampering. I noticed on my walk the other day, that the squirrels are now so used to people feeding them, they expect it. One of them stopped right in front of me, sitting with its little paws folded and looking so cute, but I never bring anything for them, because it's bad for them to be fed unnatural stuff. And, it's against the rules of the park.
But I also went shopping, so you know I was feeling better, :o) God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Colossians 1:11-14 We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our Freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
We have much the same weather we had yesterday, so no surprises there. Windy and warm. Sunshine and beautiful. I know there is another stormy front going across the country, including Tenn, today, so I have prayed for safety for my family there.
Yesterday morning, I was feeling not so good..I think because of the busy day Monday. I tried to do too much. But I started feeling better in the afternoon, so I went to the park and enjoyed watching the squirrels scampering. I noticed on my walk the other day, that the squirrels are now so used to people feeding them, they expect it. One of them stopped right in front of me, sitting with its little paws folded and looking so cute, but I never bring anything for them, because it's bad for them to be fed unnatural stuff. And, it's against the rules of the park.
But I also went shopping, so you know I was feeling better, :o) God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Colossians 1:11-14 We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our Freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Don't condemn others
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 are having a long string of beautiful days and it will continue right on through Easter. I remember when my boys were little how we would have Easter egg hunts for them in the yard, and how much fun they would have looking for the eggs. I still have their baskets! Now that's a long time ago, since they are both in their fifties now. Hard for me to accept that! :o)
And then, on May first, we would make little baskets out of colored paper, and put flowers and maybe a little treat or cookie in the basket and leave it on the doorstep of the single older lady who lived next door. She was a crafty lady and made a lot of things for the boys. Those were the days when it was easy to know your neighbors and be trustful of them. Sigh. Speaking of May first, I was almost elected May Queen at Woodlawn Elem. one year,, but came down with the chickenpox and had to let the title go to someone else. We actually had a Maypole with ribbons fastened to the top, and would dance in and out until the ribbons were all wound around the pole! Good memories and good fun!
Yesterday was a busy day...we finished up the Stephen Ministry training, then I went shopping to CVS and Publix, came home to eat lunch, collapsed a bit, and then got ready for our Faith Group last night. I did stop in at the Park, and saw a large great blue heron stoically staring down into the muddy waters, hopeful for a snack to come swimming by. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 7:37-41
Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven. If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure to you , pressed down, shaken together to make room for more and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving--large or small--it will be used to measure what is given back to you."
Then Jesus gave the following illustration: "What good is it for one blind person to lead another? the first one will fall into a ditch and pull the other down also. A student is not greater than the teacher. But the student who works hard will become like the teacher.
And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying, "Friend, Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye, when you can't see past the log in your own eye?" Hypocrite! First get rid of the log from your own eye, the perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
And then, on May first, we would make little baskets out of colored paper, and put flowers and maybe a little treat or cookie in the basket and leave it on the doorstep of the single older lady who lived next door. She was a crafty lady and made a lot of things for the boys. Those were the days when it was easy to know your neighbors and be trustful of them. Sigh. Speaking of May first, I was almost elected May Queen at Woodlawn Elem. one year,, but came down with the chickenpox and had to let the title go to someone else. We actually had a Maypole with ribbons fastened to the top, and would dance in and out until the ribbons were all wound around the pole! Good memories and good fun!
Yesterday was a busy day...we finished up the Stephen Ministry training, then I went shopping to CVS and Publix, came home to eat lunch, collapsed a bit, and then got ready for our Faith Group last night. I did stop in at the Park, and saw a large great blue heron stoically staring down into the muddy waters, hopeful for a snack to come swimming by. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 7:37-41
Stop judging others, and you will not be judged. Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you. If you forgive others, you will be forgiven. If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure to you , pressed down, shaken together to make room for more and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving--large or small--it will be used to measure what is given back to you."
Then Jesus gave the following illustration: "What good is it for one blind person to lead another? the first one will fall into a ditch and pull the other down also. A student is not greater than the teacher. But the student who works hard will become like the teacher.
And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying, "Friend, Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye, when you can't see past the log in your own eye?" Hypocrite! First get rid of the log from your own eye, the perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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