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! Lots of sunshine and few clouds around here today and very hot later on, but no rain, I went to the supermarket yesterday with very black clouds hovering and thought that I would surely come out to rain, but the clouds had passed and it was sunshiny and warm by the time I was ready to load up.
The wind is blowing this morning, making the hedge needles tremble like aspens. I saw a squirrel making his way through the thick growth yesterday. I don't know if they like mangos, but all the trees next door have a good crop this year. I see one or two occasionally with a bite mark taken out, in my yard. Squirrels or rats, probably.
The park was busy yesterday, with a few intrepid souls braving the heat to walk. A beautiful, majestic, white heron was waiting for a fish to swim by , and the usual anhinga was drying out his wings while perched on a stump. Lots of activity hidden from view! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be sure God will guide me?
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Luke 12:6-7 What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.
Jesus gives this promise to all his followers: If God values the littlest things of his creation, how much more must he value us for whom he gave his own precious Son. When we are anxious or concerned, we need to remind ourselves that God does indeed care about us and is watching over us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Confidence
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! These thunderstorms seem to be coming mostly at night, now.l I dragged the dumpster down to the curb last night dodging rain drops, but was afraid a deluge was coming, so did not want to get caught in that! Now, I think the prediction is for a morning TS and afternoon. Well, God is in charge, so I don't worry about it!
Saturday, Brian and I went to Palm Harbor, so I could visit the SAS store there. Besides, Ellenton, that is the closest since they closed the one at Joe's Creek. Anyway, they were having their annual summer sale, so I bought two pair for comfort. My feet are, or have, worn out over the years, so I really need shoes that fit! And they do not have to be fancy or stylish, just comfy. One of the pair I bought are flip flop style sandals. Smooth and soft!
After I left the shoe store, we stopped at Sweet Tomatoes for lunch, then went to visit my sister and niece who live in Palm Harbor. As close in distance as we are, we still don't keep in touch that often. Sad, but true.
I visited the park during a rain and enjoyed the wet squirrels and a great blue heron, still fishing in the rain. There is a quiet, wet beauty in the fresh green of the trees and shrubs and the rushing of the water. I had to stop and let a raccoon cross the street. He should have been in bed asleep, but looked very disgruntled. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do we find confidence for every day?
Psalm 27 :1 The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger--so why should I tremble?
Psalm 121:8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
Many of the greatest athletes say that their real contest is a mental, not a physical one. It's the same way in our spiritual life. Our confidence comes not from looking around at our physical circumstances, but from looking to God.
How can we have confidence in the face of life's greatest hardships?
Proverbs 3-5,6 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.
When we rely on God, he will not let us down. Our limited understanding is no match for his limitless love and grace.
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't and life can't . The angels can't and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Saturday, Brian and I went to Palm Harbor, so I could visit the SAS store there. Besides, Ellenton, that is the closest since they closed the one at Joe's Creek. Anyway, they were having their annual summer sale, so I bought two pair for comfort. My feet are, or have, worn out over the years, so I really need shoes that fit! And they do not have to be fancy or stylish, just comfy. One of the pair I bought are flip flop style sandals. Smooth and soft!
After I left the shoe store, we stopped at Sweet Tomatoes for lunch, then went to visit my sister and niece who live in Palm Harbor. As close in distance as we are, we still don't keep in touch that often. Sad, but true.
I visited the park during a rain and enjoyed the wet squirrels and a great blue heron, still fishing in the rain. There is a quiet, wet beauty in the fresh green of the trees and shrubs and the rushing of the water. I had to stop and let a raccoon cross the street. He should have been in bed asleep, but looked very disgruntled. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do we find confidence for every day?
Psalm 27 :1 The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger--so why should I tremble?
Psalm 121:8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
Many of the greatest athletes say that their real contest is a mental, not a physical one. It's the same way in our spiritual life. Our confidence comes not from looking around at our physical circumstances, but from looking to God.
How can we have confidence in the face of life's greatest hardships?
Proverbs 3-5,6 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.
When we rely on God, he will not let us down. Our limited understanding is no match for his limitless love and grace.
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't and life can't . The angels can't and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Friday, July 20, 2012
Stress
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! My yard crew is busy working early this morning, catching up on work missed because of all the rain. I have already spoken to them and so they go about their work very quickly and efficiently. It is supposed to be very hot today, so it is a good thing that they get started early. The ground is so saturated that earthworms are popping up in the front, and over at the park, toad stools are visible. Large, fairy rings we used to call them as children.
I was in the park yesterday, and weeds are rampant and the grass is high, because it only gets mowed about once a month. There were a couple of ibis running ahead of a dog a lady was walking. The dog was not chasing them, but they still did not want him too close! I have not seen the gopher tortoises lately, but hope their tunnels did not get flooded. Looks like ducks and birds have families to take care of. Yesterday, I saw a large blackbird flying home with a large something in its mouth, and a mama duck with tiny, fuzzy babies busy in someone's yard. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Should I be surprised by the stress of life?
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows,. But take heart because I have overcome the world.
Jesus warned us to expect stress. This world is filled with trials and sorrows that generate stress in our lives. Christ gives us lasting peace because his power and grace are able to overcome all sources of stress in our lives.
What can I do to find relief from stress and anxiety?
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.We can turn from fear and anxiety to faith and peace. God promises to supply the power to get us through hard times.
Matthew 11:28,29 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."
Resting in Christ breaks the hold of stress. When we are yoked together in service to him, we are free from the unrealistic and destructive expectations that can overwhelm us. Jesus' humility and gentleness overcome every conflict and stress in this life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I was in the park yesterday, and weeds are rampant and the grass is high, because it only gets mowed about once a month. There were a couple of ibis running ahead of a dog a lady was walking. The dog was not chasing them, but they still did not want him too close! I have not seen the gopher tortoises lately, but hope their tunnels did not get flooded. Looks like ducks and birds have families to take care of. Yesterday, I saw a large blackbird flying home with a large something in its mouth, and a mama duck with tiny, fuzzy babies busy in someone's yard. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Should I be surprised by the stress of life?
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows,. But take heart because I have overcome the world.
Jesus warned us to expect stress. This world is filled with trials and sorrows that generate stress in our lives. Christ gives us lasting peace because his power and grace are able to overcome all sources of stress in our lives.
What can I do to find relief from stress and anxiety?
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.We can turn from fear and anxiety to faith and peace. God promises to supply the power to get us through hard times.
Matthew 11:28,29 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."
Resting in Christ breaks the hold of stress. When we are yoked together in service to him, we are free from the unrealistic and destructive expectations that can overwhelm us. Jesus' humility and gentleness overcome every conflict and stress in this life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Thursday, July 19, 2012
God's discipline proves His love
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 some high clouds and sunshine this morning, but no rain for a change. Instead, there was predicted to be haze from the sandstorm blowing over us from Africa. Very strange!
I went to the cleaners yesterday and got caught in the downpour around Crescent Lake Park, in the car. The car got a good washing from the rain, but not particularly where it needed it most. I decided to drive on to the park since the rain was not severe enough to hamper my seeing. I saw a anhinga trying to dry out wings on the weir, but difficult to do in the rain. Surprisingly, there were almost a dozen cars there with some people looking over the entrance bridge staring at the water, I remember years ago, when I got caught in the rain on a morning walk on the boardwalk. Wow! Was I a drowned rat! There was no shelter, so I just kept walking until I got to the building and dried a little bit with paper towels! I was much younger then, only in my early seventies! That reminds me of what two of my nephews (my husband's side of the family) said to each other not long ago. They realized that all the older aunts and uncles are slowly disappearing and I am the only one left. One said, " Hopefully, she will be around a long while, if we can only keep her off motorcycles!" Ha,ha. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Hebrews 12:1-6
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
And have you entirely forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, his children? He said,
"My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you,
and don't be discouraged when he corrects you.
For the Lord disciplines those he loves and he
punishes those he accepts as his children."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I went to the cleaners yesterday and got caught in the downpour around Crescent Lake Park, in the car. The car got a good washing from the rain, but not particularly where it needed it most. I decided to drive on to the park since the rain was not severe enough to hamper my seeing. I saw a anhinga trying to dry out wings on the weir, but difficult to do in the rain. Surprisingly, there were almost a dozen cars there with some people looking over the entrance bridge staring at the water, I remember years ago, when I got caught in the rain on a morning walk on the boardwalk. Wow! Was I a drowned rat! There was no shelter, so I just kept walking until I got to the building and dried a little bit with paper towels! I was much younger then, only in my early seventies! That reminds me of what two of my nephews (my husband's side of the family) said to each other not long ago. They realized that all the older aunts and uncles are slowly disappearing and I am the only one left. One said, " Hopefully, she will be around a long while, if we can only keep her off motorcycles!" Ha,ha. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Hebrews 12:1-6
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
And have you entirely forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, his children? He said,
"My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you,
and don't be discouraged when he corrects you.
For the Lord disciplines those he loves and he
punishes those he accepts as his children."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Psoaring thru Psalms
Good gloomy 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, God brings the rain and the sun and is in charge of the universe, so we accept what He brings and rejoice, anyway!
I really didn't know that this much rain was predicted for today, but noticed the radar last night and it was off shore...now it has caused flood warnings. I am thankful for a dry house and shelter. The birds are not flying in the rain, at least, not that I have seen. but yesterday I saw the white dove again, after the short absence. I am wondering if it is a pet, since it does not seem afraid of cars or people. I mostly spent the day resting yesterday, fighting off an infection, but am feeling much better today. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 150
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his heavenly dwelling,
praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works;
praise his unequaled greatness!
Praise him with a blast of the trumpet;
praise him with the lyre and harp!
Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
Let everything that lives sing praises to the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I really didn't know that this much rain was predicted for today, but noticed the radar last night and it was off shore...now it has caused flood warnings. I am thankful for a dry house and shelter. The birds are not flying in the rain, at least, not that I have seen. but yesterday I saw the white dove again, after the short absence. I am wondering if it is a pet, since it does not seem afraid of cars or people. I mostly spent the day resting yesterday, fighting off an infection, but am feeling much better today. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 150
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his heavenly dwelling,
praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works;
praise his unequaled greatness!
Praise him with a blast of the trumpet;
praise him with the lyre and harp!
Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
Let everything that lives sing praises to the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
James
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 heard rain all night and saw flashes of light through my closed eyelids, and while everything is dripping this morning, still the sun has been shining and nice breeze blowing. But more rain is predicted, so, sure enough, we are in the throes of the rainy season!
Well, I guess I watched the Tour de France a little too long this morning, so I'm late doing everything! I am fascinated with the scenery and the endurance of the bikers. Some evil person or persons spread tacks on a portion of the road the other day, and 48 bikes were affected to the tune of $10,000! So unnecessary! I took a tour of the park yesterday to check on the water, and it is really high and flowing well. Almost all of the lilies and other growth which was choking up the water are gone, washed away by the current. I watched a great blue heron fishing, avoided a few squirrels and saw flocks of ibis busily pecking for grubs, etc, with heads down. The other day I saw a twin pair perched precariously on a telephone wire, looking pretty silly, swaying to keep their balance, but God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
James 1:2:
Dear Brothers and sisters, whenever 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. They will fade away like a flower in the field. The hot sun rises and dries up the grass, the flower withers, and its beauty fades away. So also, wealthy people will fade away with all of their achievements.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
(some of these scriptures may be recent repeats, because I don't keep track of when they are used.)
Well, I guess I watched the Tour de France a little too long this morning, so I'm late doing everything! I am fascinated with the scenery and the endurance of the bikers. Some evil person or persons spread tacks on a portion of the road the other day, and 48 bikes were affected to the tune of $10,000! So unnecessary! I took a tour of the park yesterday to check on the water, and it is really high and flowing well. Almost all of the lilies and other growth which was choking up the water are gone, washed away by the current. I watched a great blue heron fishing, avoided a few squirrels and saw flocks of ibis busily pecking for grubs, etc, with heads down. The other day I saw a twin pair perched precariously on a telephone wire, looking pretty silly, swaying to keep their balance, but God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
James 1:2:
Dear Brothers and sisters, whenever 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. They will fade away like a flower in the field. The hot sun rises and dries up the grass, the flower withers, and its beauty fades away. So also, wealthy people will fade away with all of their achievements.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
(some of these scriptures may be recent repeats, because I don't keep track of when they are used.)
Monday, July 16, 2012
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual 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! The prediction yesterday was for a wet Monday, but, obviously, from the bright sunshine and puffy clouds here and there, ...wrong again! It has been nice all weekend, except for a shower as I went to bed Sat, night, and a shower Sat. afternoon that did not last long. My grass, what little I have is enjoying the showers and really growing!
Brian and I went to Vienna Cafe for dinner Sat. evening for the first time, and, while the food was enjoyable, if you like Austrian cuisine, the service was a little slow, but the place was pretty crowded while we were there, and then thinned out. The servings were enough for a family, I thought, so I had plenty to bring home for a meal the next day!
We had a powerful sermon yesterday and a very moving song, which I had never heard before. I don't know the name of it, but hope to get the lyrics. It brought tears, it was so meaningful. Sometimes music speaks to me like nothing else can. After church, I went to the park, and saw several families there having picnics, walking their dogs, and just enjoying being outdoors. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 1:15-23
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for Christians everywhere, I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.
I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything every where with his presence.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Brian and I went to Vienna Cafe for dinner Sat. evening for the first time, and, while the food was enjoyable, if you like Austrian cuisine, the service was a little slow, but the place was pretty crowded while we were there, and then thinned out. The servings were enough for a family, I thought, so I had plenty to bring home for a meal the next day!
We had a powerful sermon yesterday and a very moving song, which I had never heard before. I don't know the name of it, but hope to get the lyrics. It brought tears, it was so meaningful. Sometimes music speaks to me like nothing else can. After church, I went to the park, and saw several families there having picnics, walking their dogs, and just enjoying being outdoors. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 1:15-23
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for Christians everywhere, I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.
I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything every where with his presence.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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