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! What a surprise in the weather yesterday! It was so hot around noon. I was sweeping the porch and the heat felt like the middle of summer, instead of Oct. No breeze and a lot of sun. Then, as I was getting ready to leave for a church meeting, the rains came and it was a real thunderstorm, so that canceled my plans to go out. But, today, the sun is shining and still not much breeze, but there is always A/C to keep us cool!
I watched a silly squirrel playing in the hedge yesterday...he wiggled all the way through, then climbed up on a very long branch, which swayed down with his weight and then he scrambled off when it went back up and leaped onto another branch. No wonder they eat so many acorns, with all that energy!
I went to the park in the afternoon and saw a beautiful, graceful white egret taking off and what looked like a small gator near the weir. When I came back out the head was not there, so maybe it was a gator. Anyway, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 139:23,24
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, October 5, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Matthew 6
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! This is a much different morning than yesterday. We have bright sun and few clouds, but the water is still dripping off the roof, so that was a lot of water that came down! Our street gutters have not been dry for weeks. But we will take what God gives, because dry times will come!
I did not go out at all yesterday because of the rain, but my cleaning ladies came in and we had a conversation about the big yard sale they have coming up. They are inviting all the neighbors who want to join in, so it might turn out to be a neighborhood sale! I have lots of stuff that needs to be cleaned out, but I get weary just thinking about labeling and sorting and packing. They offered to take the stuff and sell it for me, but I am not inclined to do that right now. Kim's granddaughter is going to have a lemonade stand, (she's only about 4 or 5) and she is really excited about it. Sounds like a big crowd for a while
Well, I said farewell and wait until next year to the Rays last night. It was fun to see Longoria's three home runs and to see the Rays win their last game. Also, sad to see B. J. Upton's tears in the dug out as he probably played his last game with the Rays. He will be a free agent and stands to make mega bucks if another club picks him up, but he has played with the Rays since he was 19. Sigh.Only 131 days until they play again! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Teaching about money and possession
Matthew 6:25-31
So I tell you, don't worry about everyday
life---whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes.
Doesn't life consist of more than
food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need
to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your
Heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more
valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add
a single moment to your life? Of course not....
So don't worry about having enough food, drink or
clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so
deeply concerned about these things? You're
heavenly Father already knows all your needs,
and he will give you all you need from
day to day if you live for him and make the
Kingdom of God your primary concern...
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I did not go out at all yesterday because of the rain, but my cleaning ladies came in and we had a conversation about the big yard sale they have coming up. They are inviting all the neighbors who want to join in, so it might turn out to be a neighborhood sale! I have lots of stuff that needs to be cleaned out, but I get weary just thinking about labeling and sorting and packing. They offered to take the stuff and sell it for me, but I am not inclined to do that right now. Kim's granddaughter is going to have a lemonade stand, (she's only about 4 or 5) and she is really excited about it. Sounds like a big crowd for a while
Well, I said farewell and wait until next year to the Rays last night. It was fun to see Longoria's three home runs and to see the Rays win their last game. Also, sad to see B. J. Upton's tears in the dug out as he probably played his last game with the Rays. He will be a free agent and stands to make mega bucks if another club picks him up, but he has played with the Rays since he was 19. Sigh.Only 131 days until they play again! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Teaching about money and possession
Matthew 6:25-31
So I tell you, don't worry about everyday
life---whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes.
Doesn't life consist of more than
food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need
to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your
Heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more
valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add
a single moment to your life? Of course not....
So don't worry about having enough food, drink or
clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so
deeply concerned about these things? You're
heavenly Father already knows all your needs,
and he will give you all you need from
day to day if you live for him and make the
Kingdom of God your primary concern...
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
The Power of Encouragement
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 was so surprised to find out a steady rain was falling when I opened up the drapes this morning! Then, when I listened more closely, I could hear it on the roof. So, while eating breakfast, a loud thunderboomer roared, but that was it. Now, the rain has stopped for awhile, but there is a steady drip off the roof.
I went shopping yesterday, and, once again, saw fall and Halloween products in one part of the store, and several associates putting up Christmas displays in another part of the store! I still think that is rushing the seasons! It does make me want to start buying for Christmas presents, though. I guess that is the whole idea!!
After I finished with my shopping, I went on over to the park, and found it quiet with just a few people enjoying the sun and cooler breezes, although the sun is still very hot! A very pretty great white heron was standing in the middle of the canal, fish shopping, and a few ibis were busy pecking around, but for the most part, all was calm. God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God
The Power of Encouragement
Patience and encouragement come from God.
And I pray that God will help you all agree
with each other the way Christ Jesus wants.
Romans 15:5 NCV
Here's a question only you can answer. During a typical day, how many opportunities will you have to encourage other human beings? Unless you're living on a deserted island, the answer is "a lot"!
And here's a follow up question: How often do you take advantage of those opportunities? Hopefully, the answer is "more often than not"
Romans 14:19 advises us to "Pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another" HCSB and whatever we do, God smiles.
Whether you realize it or not, you're surrounded by people who need an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a pat on the back. And every time you encourage one of these folks, you'll be doing God's will but obeying God's word.
So with no further ado, let the encouragement begin!
Giving encouragement to others is a most welcome gift, for the results of it are lifted spirits, increased self worth, and a hopeful future.
Lord, make us mindful of our words. This world can ba difficult place, and many of Your children are discouraged and afraid. Make each member of our family a powerful
source of encouragement to those in need, and let our words and deeds be worthy of Your Son, the One who gives us courage and strength, this day and for all eternity. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I went shopping yesterday, and, once again, saw fall and Halloween products in one part of the store, and several associates putting up Christmas displays in another part of the store! I still think that is rushing the seasons! It does make me want to start buying for Christmas presents, though. I guess that is the whole idea!!
After I finished with my shopping, I went on over to the park, and found it quiet with just a few people enjoying the sun and cooler breezes, although the sun is still very hot! A very pretty great white heron was standing in the middle of the canal, fish shopping, and a few ibis were busy pecking around, but for the most part, all was calm. God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God
The Power of Encouragement
Patience and encouragement come from God.
And I pray that God will help you all agree
with each other the way Christ Jesus wants.
Romans 15:5 NCV
Here's a question only you can answer. During a typical day, how many opportunities will you have to encourage other human beings? Unless you're living on a deserted island, the answer is "a lot"!
And here's a follow up question: How often do you take advantage of those opportunities? Hopefully, the answer is "more often than not"
Romans 14:19 advises us to "Pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another" HCSB and whatever we do, God smiles.
Whether you realize it or not, you're surrounded by people who need an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a pat on the back. And every time you encourage one of these folks, you'll be doing God's will but obeying God's word.
So with no further ado, let the encouragement begin!
Giving encouragement to others is a most welcome gift, for the results of it are lifted spirits, increased self worth, and a hopeful future.
Lord, make us mindful of our words. This world can ba difficult place, and many of Your children are discouraged and afraid. Make each member of our family a powerful
source of encouragement to those in need, and let our words and deeds be worthy of Your Son, the One who gives us courage and strength, this day and for all eternity. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
The Rose and The Thorn
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 day started out overcast, but all at once, a hard rain started falling and after about twenty minutes, all of a sudden, the sun came out!. Seems like all I want to do when it rains, is sit and watch the rain pour off the roof!
The gloomy weather seems appropriate for the end of the Rays race for the wild card spot in the playoffs! Well, it was fun while it lasted, and, hopefully, they will come back next year and make it! I really enjoyed watching them and will miss baseball when the season ends.
I took a walk around the house outside yesterday, and discovered some plants that had sprung up as weeds, but were now bushes. I have another beauty berry bush growing right beside the corner of the house. That will have to come out, because they grow really large. Also, a podacarpus tree is growing where it should not be, but they come up all over the yard. I also found another oak tree growing up through a hibiscus. My yard man mows and edges, but does not do anything extra, unless I ask him to specifically. Unlike my former yard man, who was not a professional, but did a lot of extra things, to keep the yard tidy. Sigh. Guess I can't have everything!
I took a trip through the park and saw an anhinga on the weir drying the wings, several people on the bridge, looking at the water, and lots of cars. It was quiet and peaceful with lots of shade from the trees. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
The Rose and the Thorn
Samuel grew, and the Lord was
with him and let none of his
words fall to the ground.
1 Samuel 3:19 RSV
There was a very cautious man
Who never laughed or played;
He never risked, he never tried,
He never sang or prayed.
And when he one day passed away
His insurance was denied;
For since he never really lived,
They claimed he never died!
Unknown
Progressing through life is so risky, and we all must face it at one time or another. In order to learn to walk, toddlers must risk painful falls time and again. Teens with their first driver's licenses immediately face the most dangerous time of their driving careers. Couples taking the vows of marriage must face the possibility that the very union they expect to bring life's greatest joy could also bring them their greatest heartache. And entrepreneurs trying to launch or expand their businesses know that it could easily bring about a substantial loss.
Therefore, if there is such potential for pain in our attempts to grow and achieve throughout our lives, why do we even try?
One reason is that God has blessed us with an inner drive that compels us to improve our life. To paraphrase Anais Nin, the day comes when the risk to remain tight in a bud is more painful than the risk it takes to blossom. And we know that we cannot gather our beautiful roses without the possibility of being pricked by the thorns.
But when the prospect of facing those thorns seems too sharp and painful, remember that as God urges you to reach for new roses, you can also rely on His strength and guidance to help you manage your way through the thorns.
The weaker we feel, the harder we lean on God and the harder we lean the stronger we grow.
Joni Eareckson Tada
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The gloomy weather seems appropriate for the end of the Rays race for the wild card spot in the playoffs! Well, it was fun while it lasted, and, hopefully, they will come back next year and make it! I really enjoyed watching them and will miss baseball when the season ends.
I took a walk around the house outside yesterday, and discovered some plants that had sprung up as weeds, but were now bushes. I have another beauty berry bush growing right beside the corner of the house. That will have to come out, because they grow really large. Also, a podacarpus tree is growing where it should not be, but they come up all over the yard. I also found another oak tree growing up through a hibiscus. My yard man mows and edges, but does not do anything extra, unless I ask him to specifically. Unlike my former yard man, who was not a professional, but did a lot of extra things, to keep the yard tidy. Sigh. Guess I can't have everything!
I took a trip through the park and saw an anhinga on the weir drying the wings, several people on the bridge, looking at the water, and lots of cars. It was quiet and peaceful with lots of shade from the trees. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
The Rose and the Thorn
Samuel grew, and the Lord was
with him and let none of his
words fall to the ground.
1 Samuel 3:19 RSV
There was a very cautious man
Who never laughed or played;
He never risked, he never tried,
He never sang or prayed.
And when he one day passed away
His insurance was denied;
For since he never really lived,
They claimed he never died!
Unknown
Progressing through life is so risky, and we all must face it at one time or another. In order to learn to walk, toddlers must risk painful falls time and again. Teens with their first driver's licenses immediately face the most dangerous time of their driving careers. Couples taking the vows of marriage must face the possibility that the very union they expect to bring life's greatest joy could also bring them their greatest heartache. And entrepreneurs trying to launch or expand their businesses know that it could easily bring about a substantial loss.
Therefore, if there is such potential for pain in our attempts to grow and achieve throughout our lives, why do we even try?
One reason is that God has blessed us with an inner drive that compels us to improve our life. To paraphrase Anais Nin, the day comes when the risk to remain tight in a bud is more painful than the risk it takes to blossom. And we know that we cannot gather our beautiful roses without the possibility of being pricked by the thorns.
But when the prospect of facing those thorns seems too sharp and painful, remember that as God urges you to reach for new roses, you can also rely on His strength and guidance to help you manage your way through the thorns.
The weaker we feel, the harder we lean on God and the harder we lean the stronger we grow.
Joni Eareckson Tada
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, October 1, 2012
Psoaring thru Psalm 138
Good first of October 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 always think of my childhood poem when we have such a blue sky and puffy white clouds like today.."When the goldenrod is yellow and the fields are turning brown" It's about October's bright blue weather, but that is all I remember, even though my friend sent me the poem. It is not exactly those words, but close. Guess I will have to Google it again..
Anyway, October is a dividing month...and ending to summer, but not quite fallish,yet. We still have mostly unexpected showers popping up and slightly cooler breezes in the early morning. Nice! I took a drive through the park yesterday after church, and saw the falling leaves, the bright sunshine and quite a few people, jogging, the Ranger on a bike, picnickers, and lots of people. It was a great day to be out! One lone anhinga was on the weir as I came out, but no sign of the gophers. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
--Psalm 138
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart.
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
When I pray you answer me,
You encourage me by giving me
the strength I need.
Every king in all the earth will give you thanks, O Lord,
for all of them will hear your words.
Yes, they will sing about the Lord's ways
for the glory of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
but he keeps his distance from the proud.
Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will preserve me against the anger of my enemies!
You will clench your fist against my angry enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life--
for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don't abandon me, for you Made me.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Anyway, October is a dividing month...and ending to summer, but not quite fallish,yet. We still have mostly unexpected showers popping up and slightly cooler breezes in the early morning. Nice! I took a drive through the park yesterday after church, and saw the falling leaves, the bright sunshine and quite a few people, jogging, the Ranger on a bike, picnickers, and lots of people. It was a great day to be out! One lone anhinga was on the weir as I came out, but no sign of the gophers. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
--Psalm 138
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart.
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
When I pray you answer me,
You encourage me by giving me
the strength I need.
Every king in all the earth will give you thanks, O Lord,
for all of them will hear your words.
Yes, they will sing about the Lord's ways
for the glory of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
but he keeps his distance from the proud.
Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will preserve me against the anger of my enemies!
You will clench your fist against my angry enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life--
for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don't abandon me, for you Made me.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, September 28, 2012
Psoaring thru Psalm 145
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! This is another day just like yesterday, sunny and warm with a few clouds, high and puffy white. When I stood outside for a few minutes this morning, I watched a flock of ibis across the street, growing larger as singles kept flying in and joining them while they paid no attention and kept pecking, meanwhile moving slowly into the next yard. I was also watching a couple squirrels playing and climbing high in my oak trees. They don't seem to be putting acorns away for the winter. Maybe it will be a mild winter, although I have already heard predictions that it will be severe. Only God knows!
Well, the Rays won again last night. I have to confess I almost gave up on them, but thanks to Longo, and Rodney, they won their 8th straight! I am going to miss baseball when the season is over. And, on another positive note, but totally unrelated to baseball, Brian got moved into the downtown office of his bank yesterday, so no more long trips to Bradenton! He said he even got a day's work done after getting everything settled and in place. One negative in the new place, is lack of good lighting, but that will soon be corrected. Since he works in accounting, good lighting is essential! I am hoping to be able to go visit when they have the open house.
I drove over to the park yesterday, after completing my errands, and found it peaceful, with just a few people, ibis, and egrets here and there. Even though the weeds are high in places, it still looks good! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 145:13-21
The Lord is faithful in all he says!
He is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen
and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
All eyes look to you for help...
you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand,
you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to those who call on him,
yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
The Lord protects all those who love him
but he destroys the wicked,
I will praise the Lord,
and everyone on earth will bless his holy name
forever and forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, the Rays won again last night. I have to confess I almost gave up on them, but thanks to Longo, and Rodney, they won their 8th straight! I am going to miss baseball when the season is over. And, on another positive note, but totally unrelated to baseball, Brian got moved into the downtown office of his bank yesterday, so no more long trips to Bradenton! He said he even got a day's work done after getting everything settled and in place. One negative in the new place, is lack of good lighting, but that will soon be corrected. Since he works in accounting, good lighting is essential! I am hoping to be able to go visit when they have the open house.
I drove over to the park yesterday, after completing my errands, and found it peaceful, with just a few people, ibis, and egrets here and there. Even though the weeds are high in places, it still looks good! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 145:13-21
The Lord is faithful in all he says!
He is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen
and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
All eyes look to you for help...
you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand,
you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to those who call on him,
yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
The Lord protects all those who love him
but he destroys the wicked,
I will praise the Lord,
and everyone on earth will bless his holy name
forever and forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, September 27, 2012
The Final Judgment
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 and blue skies and lots of birds singing to welcome the new day! I walked around outside on the dewy grass and was listening to the music of the different birds all awake and chirping. They were just filling the air with song! There is a thick moss like weed that has taken over the grass and there are pretty, tiny flowers blooming on it. I don't know how long it will last, but it feels soft under foot. I actually like it better than grass!
I talked with Jason, the yard man, yesterday, about future plans for a sprinkler system and how to get grass or ground cover to grow under the oak trees, where nothing is growing now. He seems to have plans, but no firm date. But I have learned to be patient and wait, because I know I am unable to do things myself, so I wait for someone else to work for me.
I drove to Boston Market for my supper yesterday, and was amused to see Victoria egret standing right in the middle of the drive-thru waiting for a handout in front of the window. She reluctantly moved, but only off to the side, still wary and watching other cars coming behind me. Then, after my order, I drove to the park and saw another egret , along with two ibis and one anhinga, all on the weir, just having a nice chat with each other.. There were a few other people there, which seemed like a nice time to come after a long day at work. A place to come and wind down and relax. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 25:31-40
But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence and he will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on the right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you cared for me. I was in prison and you visited me.
Then these righteous ones will reply, "Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and gave you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you? " and the King will tell them, "I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me"!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I talked with Jason, the yard man, yesterday, about future plans for a sprinkler system and how to get grass or ground cover to grow under the oak trees, where nothing is growing now. He seems to have plans, but no firm date. But I have learned to be patient and wait, because I know I am unable to do things myself, so I wait for someone else to work for me.
I drove to Boston Market for my supper yesterday, and was amused to see Victoria egret standing right in the middle of the drive-thru waiting for a handout in front of the window. She reluctantly moved, but only off to the side, still wary and watching other cars coming behind me. Then, after my order, I drove to the park and saw another egret , along with two ibis and one anhinga, all on the weir, just having a nice chat with each other.. There were a few other people there, which seemed like a nice time to come after a long day at work. A place to come and wind down and relax. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 25:31-40
But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence and he will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on the right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you cared for me. I was in prison and you visited me.
Then these righteous ones will reply, "Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and gave you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you? " and the King will tell them, "I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me"!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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