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! Brilliant sunshine already and the temps are supposed to reach 83 today. I am still keeping my windows closed, though, and the A/C on, because of the high pollen count. I swept off the porch again yesterday, but it was almost a losing battle because the wind was strong, so for every broom full I pushed forward, the wind blew half back! I won't attempt it today, because the wind is blowing again.
Last night I stepped outside to see where the heavenly display of the moon, Jupiter and Venus were and the quarter moon was directly overhead. I almost got a crick in my neck looking up, but Jupiter was some distance away and Venus was still in the western sky. They are all getting further and further apart, but still beautiful!
I did not go out yesterday until the schools were out. Wednesday is early release day for the elementary schools, and there are two of those in the neighborhood, and then high school is out about 1, and middle schools last, so I plan my outings for either morning or after the school zones are open. So I went over to the park and saw some tourists excitedly pointing to a large gopher tortoise right by the parking area, and another gopher tortoise was at his tunnel again. What I have been used to all my life is totally new to some northeners. I forget that sometimes. They probably have things in MI. or Ohio, that I am not used to seeing, especially in the bird category. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 133
How wonderful it is, how pleasant when brothers live together in Harmony! For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountain of Zion. And the Lord has pronounced his blessing , even life evermore.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Loping thru Luke 12
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 may have fog clouds, but there is a high, hazy cloud cover this morning, And it is so warm that I turned on the A/C yesterday and won't be turning it off any time soon!
I was able to get the porch swept off yesterday without too much sneezing, but will have to do it all over again today. Hopefully, spring will come soon and the new green leaves will eliminate the pesky seeds, which are making the pollen fly! As the wind blows, I can see them dive-bombing the ground past my window. The yard is just covered with them.
I watched the imploding of the old Progress Energy chimneys, on TV. They have been a landmark since 1958. If I had known sooner, I could have driven to Gandy beach and joined the hundreds there who were watching it live. Everything keeps changing. Sigh. Since I was born in St. Petersburg, there have been many changes, not all of them good, but it is good to see downtown hopping again! That was the place to go for movies and shopping when I was growing up...
As I went to the park yesterday, I saw several civilian cars parked just over the weir doing something. There was a county truck parked with them, but I was really curious about what was going on. Guess I will be nosy and ask Dave, my yard man, who is a park ranger. Not many people were out, but those who were, were all hanging over the bridge watching what must have been a gator swimming under. I saw the gopher and lots of squirrels chasing each other up and down the trees, just like they do in my trees. They are so fast! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Teaching about money and possessions; Luke 12:22-32
Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life---whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. and you are far more valuable to him than any birds!Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? OF course not! And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?` Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food---what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was able to get the porch swept off yesterday without too much sneezing, but will have to do it all over again today. Hopefully, spring will come soon and the new green leaves will eliminate the pesky seeds, which are making the pollen fly! As the wind blows, I can see them dive-bombing the ground past my window. The yard is just covered with them.
I watched the imploding of the old Progress Energy chimneys, on TV. They have been a landmark since 1958. If I had known sooner, I could have driven to Gandy beach and joined the hundreds there who were watching it live. Everything keeps changing. Sigh. Since I was born in St. Petersburg, there have been many changes, not all of them good, but it is good to see downtown hopping again! That was the place to go for movies and shopping when I was growing up...
As I went to the park yesterday, I saw several civilian cars parked just over the weir doing something. There was a county truck parked with them, but I was really curious about what was going on. Guess I will be nosy and ask Dave, my yard man, who is a park ranger. Not many people were out, but those who were, were all hanging over the bridge watching what must have been a gator swimming under. I saw the gopher and lots of squirrels chasing each other up and down the trees, just like they do in my trees. They are so fast! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Teaching about money and possessions; Luke 12:22-32
Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life---whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. and you are far more valuable to him than any birds!Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? OF course not! And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?` Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food---what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Worry less
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.
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
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.
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
Monday, February 27, 2012
Psoaring thru Psalm 118
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
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
Friday, February 24, 2012
Psoaring thru Psalm 37
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
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
Thursday, February 23, 2012
A Reason to Rise
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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Be Disciplined
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.
Simply stated, self-discipline is obedience to God's Word and willingness to submit everything in life to his will, for His ultimate glory.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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.
Simply stated, self-discipline is obedience to God's Word and willingness to submit everything in life to his will, for His ultimate glory.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)