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 day of blue skies and sunshine and pollen. But the skies have been putting on a show for us lately! As I was driving yesterday, I noticed different cloud formations and one in particular caught my attention. It was a series of wavy lines, sort of like a xylophone keyboard and it stayed visible for a long time.Then last night, once again, Jupiter, Venus and the crescent moon were putting on a spectacular display. God was displaying his handiwork!
I have to sweep off the porch today, which is covered with oak seeds, and I dread that, because of the sneezes. I usually dust off my shoes before coming in the house, so I don't track the stuff in here. I stopped in at the park after going to Walmart to get gas, (ouch) and saw the gopher tortoise heading back into his tunnel, but no big gator yesterday. However, there were three turtles on the side of the weir, catching some rays.
I also saw something so cute in the parking lot at the library! Two squirrels were on the trunk of a palm tree and they turned face to face and kissed each other! So sweet! God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Worry Less
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need,
always giving thanks.
Philippians 4:6 NCV
In the game of life, you win some, and you lose some. Life is risky business; you live in an uncertain world, a world in which trouble may come calling at any moment. No wonder you may find yourself feeling a little panicky at times.
Do you sometimes spend more time worrying about a problem than you spend solving it? If so, here's a strategy for dealing with your worries. Take them to God Take your troubles to Him; take your fears to Him; take your doubts to Him ; take your weaknesses to Him; take your sorrows to Him...and leave them all there.
God is the rock that cannot be moved. When you build your life upon that Rock, you have absolutely no need to worry...not now, not ever.
-Today's Prayer-
Lord, when we trust in things of this earth, we will be disappointed. But, when we put our faith in you, we are secure. You are our rock and our shield. Upon your firm foundation we will build our lives. When we are worried, Lord, let us trust in You. You will love us and protect us, and You will share Your boundless grace today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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 expected rain today, but the sun has been shining, although it is overcast and the pollen is flying from the oak trees. Friday the porch was blown clear by Dave, the yard man, but today the seeds are arranged in windrows across the porch. I can also see some caught in the hedge outside my window. And the park streets are covered! Not a good time to walk there if you have allergies!
I had the van detailed Friday, thanks to a gift card that Brian gave me for Christmas. They had it for three hours, but did an excellent job on it! It looks like new inside with the dash all polished and every speck of dust gone. I was almost afraid to drive it to church yesterday, for fear it would get rained on! First good deep cleaning it had had since I bought it about four years ago. Since it is parked in the garage, it does not gather yellow pollen like the car I parked next to. Oh, well, this too, shall pass.
I saw the big gator at the park yesterday. He was hanging out at the bank of the lake, as usual, which was a little surprising since the sky was so overcast. Not many people were out and about, but the squirrels and egrets were busy pecking and looking for lunch. Speaking of pecking, a very large flock of ibis landed across the street yesterday, and stayed a minute or two, and then took off. They are so pretty! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Happy are the people of integrity.
who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced
when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thanks you by living as I should!
I will obey your principles.
Please don't give up on me!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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 another windy and warm day, but lots of sunshine already this morning. I actually turned on the A/C last night! I didn't want to open any windows because of the high pollen count, and it seemed a little warm in the house, but this morning it is comfortable, so no air and no heat. Perfect!
I drove out to Happy Feet yesterday afternoon and tried to find shoes to make my feet happy. I came home with a pair of Birkenstock flip flops, (pink) and a pair of closed toe Mary Jane type Aertrex shoes. I haven't been wearing them yet, but have been trying to get used to the sandals. The right foot is comfy, but the left is giving me trouble. The shoes are returnable within thirty days, and that seems more than reasonable to me! Busy streets, people hurrying everywhere. Reminds me of the song, "People Need the Lord."
On my way home from shopping, I was waiting for the light at 49th and 62nd and a very large truck hauling a very large boat made a left turn off 49th onto 62nd . What was unusual was that the boat had no markings, but had two serious looking guns mounted on the sides. My first thought was that it might be a Coast Guard vehicle, but I guess I will never know. It disappeared before I could catch up to it.
I saw an egret in the distance as I drove into the park, past the turtles, and saw the man who lives in his car, cooking a meal, and lots of people visiting and enjoying the walk and pollen which is falling all over the cars and street. The gopher tortoise was headed back into his tunnel and picnickers and children were playing. It was a good day! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 37:1-9
Don't worry about the wicked.
Don't envy those who do wrong.
For like grass, they soon fade away
like springtime flowers, they soon wither.
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord and He will give you your heart's desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him and he will help you.
He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn.
And the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others-- it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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 have what I guess are fog clouds hanging over us, but the wind is blowing and it is a lot more humid. Predictions are that there is a cold front coming in the next day or two, so we will see..,.
I notice that the mango trees next door are blooming, so it looks like they will have a good crop again. The neighbors have two big trees right by the street, so It is probably a temptation to passers by to just help themselves. I grew up with a huge mango tree across the alley from our house and we were always climbing up in it. We were always warned not to eat the green mangos or get the sticky sap on us, because of mango poisoning. I'm not sure if that would have really happened, but green mangos are so hard, it is impossible to bite them without breaking a tooth! Ah, the joys of childhood!
I see a lot of schoolkids and a couple of adults pushing themselves along on the metal scooters, now. When I was a kid, we used to make our own out of boards my Dad always had on hand, and old skate wheels. We had a long concrete driveway which was ideal for wheels of any kind. No electronic games then, so we created our own toys.
I tried to get the van detailed yesterday, and had an appointment, but when I got to the place, the guy said they had no one there to take me home (the gift card says pick up and delivery) and I had my cleaning ladies coming, so I decided to reschedule. A little frustrating, but it all worked out.
So, later, I went to the park and saw the black turtles sunning on the bank of the weir and a group of students gathered around the turtle, or whatever it is, in the cage, with the teacher teaching about their habits. (The turtle, that is.) The azaleas are just beautiful at the park and in front of the various houses around the neighborhood. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God devotional book:
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Isaiah 60:1 NASB
While camping deep in the woods, the first sense to attract our attention each morning is...smell. The aromatic whiffs of food cooked over an open flame are a wonderful treat to awakening senses. The savory aroma of bacon, sausage, and especially a fresh pot of coffee, gently moves through the forest and rests overhead just long enough to rouse the sleeping camper and produce a memory like no other. Years later campers talk about that experience as if they were reliving it, almost capable of smelling the coffee right then. It's a wake up call campers fondly cherish.
Each of us has moments like these that provide a platform for memories past that are special to us. These classic times of pleasure linger in our minds, much like the smells of a delicious breakfast on a long ago camping trip. The first call of the morning brings us into the new day and helps to set the pace and tone for the tasks ahead.
Could it be that as followers of Christ, we experience wake-up calls in our lives that are for more than just reminiscing? Our wake-up calls, lessons, learned and "deserts crossed" with God's help and presence, can turn these experiences into opportunities that allow God's loving plans for our lives to shine through us to a lost and depraved world.
Isaiah shouted, "Arise, shine!". Share the joy of knowing Christ with others. There are many who would otherwise never awaken to become a child of God unless you share the joy of knowing Christ with them.
Become the aroma of Christ.
A CANDLE LOSES NOTHING BY
LIGHTING ANOTHER CANDLE
Proverb
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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 is a little overcast today, but since I am taking the van in for detailing, I am hoping for no rain, at least, until I get it back and in the garage!
The yard will get mowed Friday, and surprisingly, it needs it. It has been a couple months since the last mowing, but since the grass is covered with oak leaves, it doesn't show much. The spring colors are really showing around town, with lots of blooms, so this is a colorful time of year.
As I drove around Lynch Lake yesterday, I saw a large flock of ibis, and a couple of woodstorks hanging around, along with the usual ducks. Then I went to the park and saw people standing at the edge of the lake looking at the big gator. The cars park right in the street, which is not good for traffic, but there is not a lot of traffic all the time, so it doesn't take long to pass. Another gopher was sitting on his front porch watching the traffic go by down by the canal, although with his eyes on the side of his head, I don't know just what he sees!
I dropped by my friend's David and Cheryl's, house to see David's latest toy...a jet ski, and chatted with them awhile. It is always good to see dear friends, who live so close! God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God:
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I, myself, should become disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:27 NKJV
Are you a self-disciplined person? If so, congratulations...your disciplined approach to life can help you build a more meaningful relationship with God. Why? Because God expects all His believers (including you) to lead lives of disciplined obedience to Him...and He rewards those believers who do.
God doesn't reward laziness, misbehavior, or apathy. God is less concerned with your party time than He is with your prayer time. And God wants all His followers (including you) to behave with dignity and self-control.
So if you want to know God more intimately, try becoming a more disciplined person. When you do, you'll be rewarded-richly rewarded- for your efforts.
-Great Thoughts-
Simply stated, self-discipline is obedience to God's Word and willingness to submit everything in life to his will, for His ultimate glory.
John MacArthur
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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! A little cooler this morning, but sunshiny and beautiful! The azaleas are in full bloom in the park and my hidden one in the back of the house is gorgeous because of its dark pink colors. Only one in front has bloomed so far, but they have really grown this spring. I noticed an oak in the neighborhood yesterday that had the long seeds all over it, so that means lots of pollen in the air. I have started on Nasalchrom for my allergy to the pollen, which caused me to sneeze about a dozen times. But I managed to sweep off the porch without too much discomfort, because the leaves were damp, which really helped to keep the dust down.
I was pleased with myself because I managed to get some chores done around the house, that I usually have no trouble putting off, with a free conscience. I felt even better knowing I had them done! I went shopping after that for a few needed items and stopped in at the park, and saw a couple walking where it is forbidden because of a gator attack a few years ago. they were looking at the big gator sunning. The license said they were from out of town, so guess they are used to ignoring signs. Not saying which state.
Further down I spotted the very large, old brown gopher tortoise lumbering along, and lots of people enjoying the great weather! God is good!
My Morning Prayer
"Oh, God, for another day, for another morning, for another hour for another minute, for another chance to live and serve Thee, I am truly grateful."
Do Thou this day free me from all fear of the future from all bitterness toward anyone.
From all cowardice in face of danger from all laziness in face of work, from all failure before opportunity from all weakness when Thy power is at hand.
But fill me with Love that knows no barrier
with Sympathy that reaches all
with Courage that cannot be shaken
with Faith strong enough for darkness,
With Strength sufficient for my tasks
with Loyalty to Thy Kingdom Goal,
with Power to lift me to Thee.
Be Thou with me for another day and use
me as Thou will for Christ's sake, I pray.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
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! Bright sunshine, a few clouds and a gentle wind is what it looks like on this cool President's Day. Yesterday, I took my umbrella in to church because it was sprinkling pretty well when I arrived, but by the time I came out, the rain had stopped, although the clouds were very dark and threatening. I used most of the rest of my Boston Market gift card from Daryl and had a good lunch, and also, a senior discount card! Good things do happen when you get older!
Saturday, when I came home from errands, I saw something in the driveway, so parked, and sure enough, it was another dead baby bird, in the same spot others have fallen. It is a mystery, because there is no nest over head where the birds lie. This one had pinfeathers already, and looked like a mockingbird. I moved it out of the driveway, and because I was not through running errands, left it by the driveway.
When I came back, it was gone, so something took care of it...
When I went to the park, the big gator was on the right, and a anhinga on the left, drying out the wings. They are comical when they walk, but very sleek in the water! Lots of people were out each weekend day!
Our sermon yesterday was about the futility of worrying, which is what I try not to do, since God has so beautifully surrounded me with wonderful sons, caring friends and provision. God is good!
James 1:2-8
Dear Brothers and sisters, when ever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
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.
Christians who are poor, should be glad, for God has honored them. And those who are rich should be glad, for God has humbled them....
God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
