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! Happy first day of summer! Ha. As is we haven't been having summer weather for a good while! Well, now it's official. Ho, hum. another very warm day in paradise!
We had a fun meeting last night with our Faith Group, with eating, fellowship and ending with prayers. It's nice to have monthly meetings and see and hear what is going on in others lives. Some difficulties, some joys, and some glimpses of God working in our lives to prepare us for eternity.
I went shopping at Publix yesterday to get some groceries I needed and took some coupons which the cashiers always ask me for, unlike some other stores. I couldn't find a particular brand of cracker and told the cashier when she asked, and she sent one of the stock men to get it for me. Sometimes I look and look and just can't see...Also, I saw four or five soldiers come in and met one as I was leaving. He was picking up a basket because his hands were full, so I smiled at him and thanked him for what he was doing. He was very young and he thanked me and we went our separate ways. I have often wanted to do that, but that time God prompted me to do it. I am not usually that bold, but I felt good afterward.
Then I went to the Park, and almost stopped for a squirrely squirrel that dashed in front of me. They get so bold in their racing across the road! There were quite a few people out, considering the heat and one young woman was skating pretty fast on her inline skates. More power to her! I only saw one anhinga, and no other animals or birds. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do we do when we don't know what to do?
Proverbs 3:5-7 trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead fear the Lord and turn your back on evil.
Trust the Lord to direct your steps, even when the way is confusing. God will guide you.
If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.
Some people fear that they are bothering God with their problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is looking for ways to help us because he loves us. Our commitment to him releases his resources for us.
When we are overwhelmed, confused, or uncertain, we should not hesitate to pray. In fact, these are the best times to pray because the Holy Spirit can then help us the most. We describe our situation and trust God to provide the solution.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
1 Thessalonians 5
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Another sunshiny day is in store for us, and as I swept off the porch, I was thinking that it is a good day for VBS which starts today at church. I just imagine lots of children and helpers are filling the church right now...
As I came by Lynch lake yesterday I saw a hawk perched on the wire looking over the water with his sharp eyes on anything that moves, especially small ducks, I'm thinking. I went to the park later last evening and lots of people were there, with children and just those out for an after dinner stroll. Lots of people were looking over the bridge, where the canal is choking with hydrilla. Don't know if it was a turtle or gator they were looking at.
I am looking forward to tonight's get-together with our Faith Group cook-out after a month's layoff. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Thessalonians 5 : 12-24
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work. And remember to live peaceably with each other.
Brother and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else.
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil.
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God, who calls you, is faithful, he will do this.
Dear Brothers and sisters, pray for us.
Greet all the brothers and sisters in Christian love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
As I came by Lynch lake yesterday I saw a hawk perched on the wire looking over the water with his sharp eyes on anything that moves, especially small ducks, I'm thinking. I went to the park later last evening and lots of people were there, with children and just those out for an after dinner stroll. Lots of people were looking over the bridge, where the canal is choking with hydrilla. Don't know if it was a turtle or gator they were looking at.
I am looking forward to tonight's get-together with our Faith Group cook-out after a month's layoff. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Thessalonians 5 : 12-24
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work. And remember to live peaceably with each other.
Brother and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else.
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil.
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God, who calls you, is faithful, he will do this.
Dear Brothers and sisters, pray for us.
Greet all the brothers and sisters in Christian love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, June 17, 2011
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Empowering
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! Even though the day looks bright, still the sky is hazy and the weather report is that the air is stagnant and not good for those with breathing problems. This is from all the wildfires in GA. and FL., with the pressure holding the smoke down instead of it going off into the atmosphere. At least, that's the way my untrained mind sees it.
Well, Dave, the yard man and friend,, came in the afternoon, instead of morning, after dealing with personal business with a lawyer in the morning. The heat index was so high, I was kind of worried about him working in the yard, but there is lots of shade, so it wasn't too unbearable for him. He brought Subway sandwiches, because he owed me a picnic. I had taken sandwiches over to Sawgrass Park, several months ago, and we had an outdoor lunch there before it got too warm, so we ate in air conditioned comfort, and then he got to work. I prayed for our meal, even though he is not a believer. I think he is an agnostic, but I keep praying for him and his family.
He does a lot of little jobs for me and I appreciate that.
My plumbago is now blooming with pretty blue flowers on it and it looks really nice. And, as I said, a couple weeks ago, the Beauty Berry bush is about to have berries.
I almost forgot, I found another dead baby bird in the same spot in front of the garage as the other two last month. It must have blown out of the nest in the storm night before last. Funny thing is, there is no nest directly above, so it's a mystery how it got where it was. Anyway, Dave disposed of it for me. Poor little thing. I think it was a mocker. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 3:14-21
When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great that you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis Happy Father's day to all you dads out there! Enjoy your family!
Well, Dave, the yard man and friend,, came in the afternoon, instead of morning, after dealing with personal business with a lawyer in the morning. The heat index was so high, I was kind of worried about him working in the yard, but there is lots of shade, so it wasn't too unbearable for him. He brought Subway sandwiches, because he owed me a picnic. I had taken sandwiches over to Sawgrass Park, several months ago, and we had an outdoor lunch there before it got too warm, so we ate in air conditioned comfort, and then he got to work. I prayed for our meal, even though he is not a believer. I think he is an agnostic, but I keep praying for him and his family.
He does a lot of little jobs for me and I appreciate that.
My plumbago is now blooming with pretty blue flowers on it and it looks really nice. And, as I said, a couple weeks ago, the Beauty Berry bush is about to have berries.
I almost forgot, I found another dead baby bird in the same spot in front of the garage as the other two last month. It must have blown out of the nest in the storm night before last. Funny thing is, there is no nest directly above, so it's a mystery how it got where it was. Anyway, Dave disposed of it for me. Poor little thing. I think it was a mocker. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 3:14-21
When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great that you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis Happy Father's day to all you dads out there! Enjoy your family!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
1 Corinthians
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 brief storm we had last night! Just as I climbed into bed, I thought a prayer for rain and five minutes later, I thought I heard thunder in the distance. then it got louder and along came the lightning, so brilliant through the drapes that I covered my eyes with the sheet. I didn't hear any rain, though, even though the crashes sounded right over the house. So, when I got up this morning I looked out and could see a small patch of moisture on the porch and my poinsettia plant was blown over, with some large twigs in the yard. So the storm was pretty fierce, but not much rain with it. Well, God did answer prayer, so He is still in control of the elements!
I returned some things yesterday that I had shopped for Tuesday, and then came home and vacuumed and tried to drink lots of water and stay cool. The heat index was 102 and that is hot!! When I went to the park later on, I saw a man, who must be living in his car, which looks like a fairly late model nice vehicle,unloading a lot of bags onto a picnic table under a pine tree. I have seen him there before and wondered about him. The car is packed full front and back with bags, that's why I think he is living in it...makes me thankful for God's provision. There weren't a lot of people out, I think because of the heat, but it is always peaceful in the park .God is good!
1 Corinthians 3:5... NLT
Who is Apollos and who is Paul, that we should be the cause of such quarrels? Why, we're only servants . Through us God caused you to believe. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. My job was to plant the seed in your hearts and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow. 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 ....But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgement 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 flames....
So don't take pride in following a particular leader. Everything belongs to you. Paul and Apollos and Peter; the whole world and life and death; the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I returned some things yesterday that I had shopped for Tuesday, and then came home and vacuumed and tried to drink lots of water and stay cool. The heat index was 102 and that is hot!! When I went to the park later on, I saw a man, who must be living in his car, which looks like a fairly late model nice vehicle,unloading a lot of bags onto a picnic table under a pine tree. I have seen him there before and wondered about him. The car is packed full front and back with bags, that's why I think he is living in it...makes me thankful for God's provision. There weren't a lot of people out, I think because of the heat, but it is always peaceful in the park .God is good!
1 Corinthians 3:5... NLT
Who is Apollos and who is Paul, that we should be the cause of such quarrels? Why, we're only servants . Through us God caused you to believe. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. My job was to plant the seed in your hearts and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow. 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 ....But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgement 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 flames....
So don't take pride in following a particular leader. Everything belongs to you. Paul and Apollos and Peter; the whole world and life and death; the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wisdom
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Another hazy morning, but warm and probably sunshine before long. The wind is blowing, so at least, there is air stirring. The A/C just keeps pumping out the cool air, and that is fine with me!
I did a little shopping yesterday, and was glad for the exercise. Then I went to the park and saw a few more people than I expected, but it was later in the day. Babies in strollers with Mom getting exercise pushing, and more people walking dogs. I had to wait for a flock of ibis to cross the street, and, of course, the squirrels were busy racing back and forth. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.
Psalm 111:10 Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures; it is understanding that an all powerful, all-knowing God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.
Proverbs 3:21-26 My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
Proverbs 9:11-12 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I did a little shopping yesterday, and was glad for the exercise. Then I went to the park and saw a few more people than I expected, but it was later in the day. Babies in strollers with Mom getting exercise pushing, and more people walking dogs. I had to wait for a flock of ibis to cross the street, and, of course, the squirrels were busy racing back and forth. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.
Psalm 111:10 Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures; it is understanding that an all powerful, all-knowing God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.
Proverbs 3:21-26 My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
Proverbs 9:11-12 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The Stranger's Voice
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Another beautiful day much like yesterday, except the sky is rather hazy today and there is a good, warm breeze blowing.
Yesterday, as I rounded Lynch Lake, I saw a roseate spoonbill, (my favorite), a woodstork, and moorhens and a couple other water fowl. I am always so excited when I see a spoonbill...their colors are so beautiful, and they are not even aware of it! The peacock may strut his colors and flaunt them with a spread tail, but I think the pink is just beautiful!
I stopped at the weir gate as I was driving out of the park later on, just to watch a huge hawk, sitting on the ground. I looked at him and he cocked his head and looked at me, turning his head and just watching. Don't you know, I totally forgot I had my camera in the van so I didn't get a photo of him! He had fuzzy legs, so when I got home I looked up hawks in the Peterson guidebook, but I am still puzzzled as to what kind of hawk he was. He took off for a nearby tree so I could see a tremendous wingspan. He wasn't very pretty, but he was big! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
When the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: But the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
John 21:4 KJV
Some years ago at a resort area along the East Coast, a small community was having an open town meeting about some financial problems they were facing. Among the two dozen or more in attendance was one man no one recognized--a visitor who had apparently dropped in for the meeting. The discussion focused on the desperate state of the town's coffers and on possible ways to raise funds.
During the discussion, the stranger attempted several times to make a comment about various projects being considered, but each time he was interrupted. Eventually, he quit trying and left the hall.
Just as the unknown visitor exited, someone arriving late came into the hall. Out of breath from hurrying, the latecomer asked," What was he doing here? Is he going to help us?"
The rest asked, "Who are you talking about?"
He said, "You mean you don't know? That was John D. Rockefeller who just left the hall. His yacht is in our harbor. Didn't you get his help?"
In despair someone replied, "No, we didn't get his help. We didn't know who he was."
This true story illustrates two key points:
1. Good manners will always have their rewards and rudeness its price.
2. We may become so busy trying to find the solution to a problem that we drown out the voice of the Master who has all solutions among His vast resources.
When you are faced with a difficult problem, listen first to what Jesus says to you. No other opinion or solutiion can ever yield more positive results than His!
A problem is an opportunity to prove God.
Bertha Munro
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Yesterday, as I rounded Lynch Lake, I saw a roseate spoonbill, (my favorite), a woodstork, and moorhens and a couple other water fowl. I am always so excited when I see a spoonbill...their colors are so beautiful, and they are not even aware of it! The peacock may strut his colors and flaunt them with a spread tail, but I think the pink is just beautiful!
I stopped at the weir gate as I was driving out of the park later on, just to watch a huge hawk, sitting on the ground. I looked at him and he cocked his head and looked at me, turning his head and just watching. Don't you know, I totally forgot I had my camera in the van so I didn't get a photo of him! He had fuzzy legs, so when I got home I looked up hawks in the Peterson guidebook, but I am still puzzzled as to what kind of hawk he was. He took off for a nearby tree so I could see a tremendous wingspan. He wasn't very pretty, but he was big! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
When the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: But the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
John 21:4 KJV
Some years ago at a resort area along the East Coast, a small community was having an open town meeting about some financial problems they were facing. Among the two dozen or more in attendance was one man no one recognized--a visitor who had apparently dropped in for the meeting. The discussion focused on the desperate state of the town's coffers and on possible ways to raise funds.
During the discussion, the stranger attempted several times to make a comment about various projects being considered, but each time he was interrupted. Eventually, he quit trying and left the hall.
Just as the unknown visitor exited, someone arriving late came into the hall. Out of breath from hurrying, the latecomer asked," What was he doing here? Is he going to help us?"
The rest asked, "Who are you talking about?"
He said, "You mean you don't know? That was John D. Rockefeller who just left the hall. His yacht is in our harbor. Didn't you get his help?"
In despair someone replied, "No, we didn't get his help. We didn't know who he was."
This true story illustrates two key points:
1. Good manners will always have their rewards and rudeness its price.
2. We may become so busy trying to find the solution to a problem that we drown out the voice of the Master who has all solutions among His vast resources.
When you are faced with a difficult problem, listen first to what Jesus says to you. No other opinion or solutiion can ever yield more positive results than His!
A problem is an opportunity to prove God.
Bertha Munro
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Monday, June 13, 2011
Landscapes
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 went out to rescue the dumpster and pull it back up the driveway, it was very warm and humid already. I have a feeling it will not get better as the day goes on, but this is my city and I think of the days when I was growing up and no one had A/C. We used to go to the movies to get cool. For a dime admission, we got a double feature, a cliff hanger, cartoon, and newsreel. Those were the days!
I accomplished some goals over the weekend...Brian came over and took down some sheers, so I could wash them, and then came back so they could be hung back up. Nice to have clean curtains! I also did some more closet cleaning out. Next to tackle all the drawers that are overcrowded with keepsakes and stuff. Maybe in my lifetime that is left, I will get that done!
The subject today is "Landscapes" and I have been admiring the lawns in my neighborhood that always have flowers, and are well groomed. Obviously, the owners love working outside and cultivating beauty, and it pays off! I used to do that, but am not able to do that any more.
I noticed the gnarly, twisted limbs of the oak trees at the park and the gray, hanging moss swaying in the breeze yesterday. Not much is blooming this time of year, except the butterfly bushes. Speaking of that. my beauty berry bush is just about to have lots of purple berries on it. The birds love that! That's how it started; from a seed a bird dropped, and now it is really big. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB
The landscapes around a home are usually very personal and reflect the individual taste of the homeowners. Making the outside reflect the owner is a unique talent landscape architects and novice gardeners have in common. Their work is so admired that friends and neighbors drive by, take pictures, and try to copy what these talented landscape artists create.
Landscaping is indeed an art, but it is also much more. These eye-catching scenes say something about the owner. They express the preferences of the owner, giving insight into what is appreciated and worth all the effort to create.
Most gardeners will tell you that even though they love gardening, it's still work. It involves investing money, time, and hard work to create the desired results. For the first year or two, a well-landscaped yard requires just about as much work as a new baby does. But, if you are willing to follow the directions, invest in the necessary materials, feed and water the garden plants, and battle the weeds, you can expect a lovely garden. It takes preparation and commitment--and a lot of hard work.
The way we live our physical lives also expresses who we are and what we appreciate. It takes preparation, the nourishment of the Word, and constant attention to the weeds in our daily lives in order to create a beautiful and satisfying spiritual landscape.
One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.
James Russell Lowell
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
I accomplished some goals over the weekend...Brian came over and took down some sheers, so I could wash them, and then came back so they could be hung back up. Nice to have clean curtains! I also did some more closet cleaning out. Next to tackle all the drawers that are overcrowded with keepsakes and stuff. Maybe in my lifetime that is left, I will get that done!
The subject today is "Landscapes" and I have been admiring the lawns in my neighborhood that always have flowers, and are well groomed. Obviously, the owners love working outside and cultivating beauty, and it pays off! I used to do that, but am not able to do that any more.
I noticed the gnarly, twisted limbs of the oak trees at the park and the gray, hanging moss swaying in the breeze yesterday. Not much is blooming this time of year, except the butterfly bushes. Speaking of that. my beauty berry bush is just about to have lots of purple berries on it. The birds love that! That's how it started; from a seed a bird dropped, and now it is really big. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB
The landscapes around a home are usually very personal and reflect the individual taste of the homeowners. Making the outside reflect the owner is a unique talent landscape architects and novice gardeners have in common. Their work is so admired that friends and neighbors drive by, take pictures, and try to copy what these talented landscape artists create.
Landscaping is indeed an art, but it is also much more. These eye-catching scenes say something about the owner. They express the preferences of the owner, giving insight into what is appreciated and worth all the effort to create.
Most gardeners will tell you that even though they love gardening, it's still work. It involves investing money, time, and hard work to create the desired results. For the first year or two, a well-landscaped yard requires just about as much work as a new baby does. But, if you are willing to follow the directions, invest in the necessary materials, feed and water the garden plants, and battle the weeds, you can expect a lovely garden. It takes preparation and commitment--and a lot of hard work.
The way we live our physical lives also expresses who we are and what we appreciate. It takes preparation, the nourishment of the Word, and constant attention to the weeds in our daily lives in order to create a beautiful and satisfying spiritual landscape.
One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.
James Russell Lowell
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
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