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 you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are now looking forward to celebrating the birth of our Lord!
As I said before, Brian and I went to Dunnellon to be with family, and had a joyful time of catching up and eating too much! We had a perfect day, with no clouds in the sky at all as we made good time on the Suncoast Parkway. Very little traffic, and a few people biking, jogging or walking on the Suncoast Trail.
Then Brian took me out to dinner yesterday at the Collonnade (sp) in Tampa, because it was my and Louis' 64th wedding anniversary. Or would have been...
I got to the park a couple times over the weekend, and saw that the outside mowing crew mowed a lot of territory that they have neglected for a year, and it certainly looks better! Just as I mentioned a few days ago, that I had not seen any woodstorks at the park, sure enough, one was standing on the weir, near the anhinga that is usually there! Lots of people were there, Saturday, quite a few walking down the middle of the road, totally oblivious to the cars, including me, wanting to get around them. I was polite and did not toot the horn.
I got to watch the Broncos/Chargers game yesterday and cheered when Tim Tebow took the team, in overtime, close enough so the kicker could get a field goal to win the game! The best part was watching Tim kneel to pray and then give thanks after the win! What a witness! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 1:3-11
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my pratners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work util it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes gack again.
It is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a very special place in my heart. We have shared together the blessings of God, both when I was in prison and when I was out, defending the truth and telling others the Good News. God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. I pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation--those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ--for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Monday, November 28, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Now Thank Thee All our 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! Looks like we have some rain coming in about noon today, but tomorrow should be good for Thanksgiving!
And because of that special day, this will be short this morning and I will take the day off tomorrow. Brian and I will be going out of town to join family in celebrating and eating too much!
From Hymns for the Family of God:
Now thank we all our God
with hearts and hands and voices.
Who wondrous things has done,
In whom His world rejoices.
Who from our mother's arms,
Hath blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.
All praise and thanks to God
the Father now be given.
The Son, and Him who reigns
With them in highest heaven.
The one eternal God,
Whom earth and heaven adore.
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be ever more. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs and Happy Thanksgiving,
Amaryllis
And because of that special day, this will be short this morning and I will take the day off tomorrow. Brian and I will be going out of town to join family in celebrating and eating too much!
From Hymns for the Family of God:
Now thank we all our God
with hearts and hands and voices.
Who wondrous things has done,
In whom His world rejoices.
Who from our mother's arms,
Hath blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.
All praise and thanks to God
the Father now be given.
The Son, and Him who reigns
With them in highest heaven.
The one eternal God,
Whom earth and heaven adore.
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be ever more. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs and Happy Thanksgiving,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Jesus' prayer of Thanksgiving
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 or all of you were able to view the sunrise this morning! It was a beautiful pink as the clouds were stretched across the eastern sky! Painted as only God can! I still have the A/C on as it continues to be warm and humid, but soon the cool weather will return.
Yesterday, I visited the Sweetbay super market on 4th St. where massive remodeling is going on. I thought it would probably be the least crowded of all the markets and it was. A couple cashiers were open with lines, so I went to one at the beginning where she was not doing anything, and got checked out right away. After she told me my total I asked if I could add 10 dollars to feed a family for a day. This is a program that they have going for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She seemed flustered and had to collect her thoughts to reach for the package and scan it, so apparently, they are not pushing the program much. This is too bad because it is very little to give.
After that, I went to the park and enjoyed the peacefulness, away from traffic and people. A couple of turtles were sunning on the bank of the weir, and an egret was standing near a lily pad watching for lunch to swim by. Since school is out, a couple of children were there on bikes and several families were starting out for a walk. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 11:25-30
Then Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!
My Father has given me authority over everything. No one really knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, I visited the Sweetbay super market on 4th St. where massive remodeling is going on. I thought it would probably be the least crowded of all the markets and it was. A couple cashiers were open with lines, so I went to one at the beginning where she was not doing anything, and got checked out right away. After she told me my total I asked if I could add 10 dollars to feed a family for a day. This is a program that they have going for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She seemed flustered and had to collect her thoughts to reach for the package and scan it, so apparently, they are not pushing the program much. This is too bad because it is very little to give.
After that, I went to the park and enjoyed the peacefulness, away from traffic and people. A couple of turtles were sunning on the bank of the weir, and an egret was standing near a lily pad watching for lunch to swim by. Since school is out, a couple of children were there on bikes and several families were starting out for a walk. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 11:25-30
Then Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!
My Father has given me authority over everything. No one really knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, November 21, 2011
Belonging
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 cool morning and a warm afternoon in store for us. Actually, my yard and staghorn fern could use some water. Guess I will have to use the hose sometime when I don't mind getting all wet, because it leaks.
Heard a good sermon yesterday and then drove through the park on the way back home. A flock of ibis was by Lynch Lake on my way to church along with one lone woodstork, with feathers all ruffled from the wind. At the park, lots of people were hanging over the bridge rail looking at the gator, always hanging around there. He is growing up right in plain sight. Also, a lady was standing right in front of one of the gopher holes, apparently looking at him. I guess they are quite unusual to our northern visitors.
I missed the chili dinner at church last night, because I took a nap and woke up too late to take the chili and go. As a result I have a lot of white chicken chili left over, which is pretty tasty! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Belonging
What happens to those who belong to God?
Isaiah 26:19
We have this assurance; Those who belong to God will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! For God's light of life will fall like dew on his people in the place of the dead!
Belonging to God is an eternal relationship, not merely for this world, but for the world to come. The grave is not the last chapter, merely the transitional one.
John 15:9-17 I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here is how to measure it--the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. You are my friends if you obey me. I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn't confide in his servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn't choose me, I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for using my name. I command you to love each other.
When we belong to God we belong to each other. Jesus' command to love is rooted in his promise of love for us. The fact that we belong to Jesus compels us to love one another. As friends of God we are responsible to all our fellow believers.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Heard a good sermon yesterday and then drove through the park on the way back home. A flock of ibis was by Lynch Lake on my way to church along with one lone woodstork, with feathers all ruffled from the wind. At the park, lots of people were hanging over the bridge rail looking at the gator, always hanging around there. He is growing up right in plain sight. Also, a lady was standing right in front of one of the gopher holes, apparently looking at him. I guess they are quite unusual to our northern visitors.
I missed the chili dinner at church last night, because I took a nap and woke up too late to take the chili and go. As a result I have a lot of white chicken chili left over, which is pretty tasty! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Belonging
What happens to those who belong to God?
Isaiah 26:19
We have this assurance; Those who belong to God will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! For God's light of life will fall like dew on his people in the place of the dead!
Belonging to God is an eternal relationship, not merely for this world, but for the world to come. The grave is not the last chapter, merely the transitional one.
John 15:9-17 I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here is how to measure it--the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. You are my friends if you obey me. I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn't confide in his servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn't choose me, I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for using my name. I command you to love each other.
When we belong to God we belong to each other. Jesus' command to love is rooted in his promise of love for us. The fact that we belong to Jesus compels us to love one another. As friends of God we are responsible to all our fellow believers.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, November 18, 2011
Joy
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, sure enough, our one day cool front is here, but will soon move out and we will have warm weather clear through to Thanksgiving, so we enjoy the change while we can!
I had an appointment with my cardiologist yesterday, whose office is attached to the St. Anthony's complex. They have finally finished the outside of the new ER and other rooms enough so that the regular route to the office is now open, after months of driving through a maze to get to it! The new addition still has finish work to do on the inside, but is already landscaped on the grounds. Nice!
After waiting thirty minutes in the waiting room (I always bring a book),I was taken back to the examining room and, surprisingly, only waited five mins. for the doctor to come in. He's a talker and I have to interrupt him to tell him anything or ask any questions, but he is tops in his field and has interesting stories to tell. BTW, I checked out ok.
It was late when I left, so I went to the park when the shadows were long, and the sun was brilliant setting in the west...not good driving. The gopher was still sitting on his front porch, in the same position as Wed. and the squirrels were gathered under the same oak. Sometimes it seems like time stands still there, although everything is constantly moving. Then I drove to Wendy's and ordered a Jr. cheeseburger and small salad. When I got home, I discovered no burger, but the salad. So, I got in the car and drove back to Wendy's where they were very apologetic and gave me a free Frosty because of the mistake. I actually thought it was my fault, because I assumed both items were in the same bag, but they simply forgot to give the burger to me. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be joyful in hard times?
Habakkuk 3:17-18 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
Philippians 4:4,12 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again---rejoice!...I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had an appointment with my cardiologist yesterday, whose office is attached to the St. Anthony's complex. They have finally finished the outside of the new ER and other rooms enough so that the regular route to the office is now open, after months of driving through a maze to get to it! The new addition still has finish work to do on the inside, but is already landscaped on the grounds. Nice!
After waiting thirty minutes in the waiting room (I always bring a book),I was taken back to the examining room and, surprisingly, only waited five mins. for the doctor to come in. He's a talker and I have to interrupt him to tell him anything or ask any questions, but he is tops in his field and has interesting stories to tell. BTW, I checked out ok.
It was late when I left, so I went to the park when the shadows were long, and the sun was brilliant setting in the west...not good driving. The gopher was still sitting on his front porch, in the same position as Wed. and the squirrels were gathered under the same oak. Sometimes it seems like time stands still there, although everything is constantly moving. Then I drove to Wendy's and ordered a Jr. cheeseburger and small salad. When I got home, I discovered no burger, but the salad. So, I got in the car and drove back to Wendy's where they were very apologetic and gave me a free Frosty because of the mistake. I actually thought it was my fault, because I assumed both items were in the same bag, but they simply forgot to give the burger to me. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be joyful in hard times?
Habakkuk 3:17-18 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
Philippians 4:4,12 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again---rejoice!...I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Teaching About Giving to the Needy
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, there was a peculiar light to the sky, almost yellowish, so I knew something was going to happen with the weather, Sure enough, when I turned on the TV, I saw the long line of showers that was moving toward us, bringing cooler air behind it. So I was hoping for a downpour, but instead, we had a very short rain and water is still dripping off the roof, but the rain looks to be over. The clouds are breaking up and it looks like a nice day coming up.
My ladies came to clean house yesterday afternoon, and they are always fun to be with and catch up on the neighborhood news! One likes to talk and the other likes to clean, but they make a good team together. I enjoy them and enjoy the way the house looks when they finish. Cheryl is a caregiver at heart, and always reminds me to lock the door when they leave.
I went to the park yesterday and saw a couple turtles clinging to the side of the weir, and further down, the large gopher tortoise was crouched outside his tunnel home, watching the world go by. Not many people were out, but the busy squirrels certainly were. they are getting fat and sassy! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 6:1-4
"Take care! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give a gift to someone in need, don't shout about it as the hypocrites do---blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I assure you, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone, don't tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in secret, and your Father who knows all secrets, will reward you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My ladies came to clean house yesterday afternoon, and they are always fun to be with and catch up on the neighborhood news! One likes to talk and the other likes to clean, but they make a good team together. I enjoy them and enjoy the way the house looks when they finish. Cheryl is a caregiver at heart, and always reminds me to lock the door when they leave.
I went to the park yesterday and saw a couple turtles clinging to the side of the weir, and further down, the large gopher tortoise was crouched outside his tunnel home, watching the world go by. Not many people were out, but the busy squirrels certainly were. they are getting fat and sassy! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 6:1-4
"Take care! Don't do your good deeds publicly, to be admired, because then you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give a gift to someone in need, don't shout about it as the hypocrites do---blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I assure you, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone, don't tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in secret, and your Father who knows all secrets, will reward you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Discernment
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 overcast day with fog, I guess, although not visible around here. This was how yesterday started, but it got up in the lower eighties by afternoon. So warm, in fact, that I turned on the A/C for awhile. Changeable weather!
I had to take the van to Ray at Cartek in the morning, because the button on my ac blower decided not to stay on, and even though this is Nov., the car still gets warm. So after taking time, to look up the problem, he showed me how to make it stay on and didn't have to work on the car. I am blessed to have a good mechanic who knows what he is doing and is reliable!
I drove to the car wash, but discovered I didn't have the right change, so came on back home to the park and observed the peace and quiet. I had seen a woodstork by Lynch Lake preening his feathers, but saw just the ibis and squirrels at the park. I think I have only seen one woodstork there, for some reason. The trees are shedding and seem to be getting ready for winter to come, when all will be a grayish color, because the greenery will mostly be gone. A time for sleeping ....God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
When I am confused, where do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding, and direction?
James 1:5-8 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you 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.
Psalm 119:125 Give discernment to me, your servant, then I will understand your decrees.
Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom. It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies", God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had to take the van to Ray at Cartek in the morning, because the button on my ac blower decided not to stay on, and even though this is Nov., the car still gets warm. So after taking time, to look up the problem, he showed me how to make it stay on and didn't have to work on the car. I am blessed to have a good mechanic who knows what he is doing and is reliable!
I drove to the car wash, but discovered I didn't have the right change, so came on back home to the park and observed the peace and quiet. I had seen a woodstork by Lynch Lake preening his feathers, but saw just the ibis and squirrels at the park. I think I have only seen one woodstork there, for some reason. The trees are shedding and seem to be getting ready for winter to come, when all will be a grayish color, because the greenery will mostly be gone. A time for sleeping ....God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
When I am confused, where do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding, and direction?
James 1:5-8 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you 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.
Psalm 119:125 Give discernment to me, your servant, then I will understand your decrees.
Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom. It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies", God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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