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! And happy November first! It is kinda overcast and cool this morning, but I saw the sun a few minutes ago, I think. There is even rain predicted, but that may not be in this area. Whatever happens, we are blessed not to have the cleanup going on in the northern states.
As I bought a bag of Kit Kats and Twix yesterday, I thought of trick or treaters, but did not have a soul come to the door. Oh, well, guess they will get eaten eventually, by me. If I had my grandson here, they would not last long. Twix are his favorites!
As I was going by a retention pond yesterday, I caught a flash of pink, and sure enough, a roseate spoonbill was preening himself. What a pretty color God gave them! As I drove to the park, I saw a great gray heron and several ibis pecking at the picnic tables. Not many people were there, but a few dog walkers were just arriving. The trees were showing signs of the wind, as there were small branches lying around that had been broken off. Looked like my front yard, which also has broken branches and twigs lying around. I swept off the porch and almost needed a shovel, it was so deep in acorns and trash from the trees! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I satisfy the deep longings of my life?
Matthew 6:31-33
Don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your 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.
When we seek the Lord and order our lives according to his priorities, everything else falls into proper perspective. We can trust him to provide all we need.
Matthew 7:7
Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.
Psalm 37:4-5
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.
Faith does not mean inaction. The Lord invites us to earnestly pursue our godly desires. As we do, he promises to lead us into joy and satisfaction.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, love and joy!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Habits
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 know I am late again this morning...just moving slowly in this cool weather. But the sun is shining through the clouds and the wind has calmed from yesterday, so that's good! I had to run a couple errands yesterday and decided to treat myself to a half price milkshake at Steak and Shake, because I was thirsty.
I took the shake to the park and sat for a few minutes with the windows down, just enjoying the peace. Of course, the squirrels were running around everywhere, but I did not see any ibis or egrets. However, it was still a lovely day and I was glad to have that place to go for awhile.
I was watching all the pictures of the devastation in the eastern states, including NY. I just cannot imagine no subways, and this morning I heard that Manhattan is totally without power. The airport is still closed and I saw the picture of many cabs sitting in a flooded parking lot in NJ. Just incredible! Another tragedy is the sinking of the Bounty. I remember touring it when it was first anchored at the Pier, on its first trip here. The Captain, who is still missing is from here. Prayers go out to the people who have lost homes and will be rebuilding for months to come. But, through it all, God is still good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can God help me cultivate good habits?
1 Timothy 4:7-9 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives tales.
Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical
exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important for it promises
a reward in both this life and the next.
1 Corinthians 9:25 All athletes practice strict self control. They do it for a prize that
will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
Godly habits--such as reading the Bible, praying and giving our time and
money in service-give us spiritual stamina, purpose, and direction for our lives.
They also help us keep our eyes on the eternal prize.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I took the shake to the park and sat for a few minutes with the windows down, just enjoying the peace. Of course, the squirrels were running around everywhere, but I did not see any ibis or egrets. However, it was still a lovely day and I was glad to have that place to go for awhile.
I was watching all the pictures of the devastation in the eastern states, including NY. I just cannot imagine no subways, and this morning I heard that Manhattan is totally without power. The airport is still closed and I saw the picture of many cabs sitting in a flooded parking lot in NJ. Just incredible! Another tragedy is the sinking of the Bounty. I remember touring it when it was first anchored at the Pier, on its first trip here. The Captain, who is still missing is from here. Prayers go out to the people who have lost homes and will be rebuilding for months to come. But, through it all, God is still good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can God help me cultivate good habits?
1 Timothy 4:7-9 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives tales.
Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical
exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important for it promises
a reward in both this life and the next.
1 Corinthians 9:25 All athletes practice strict self control. They do it for a prize that
will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
Godly habits--such as reading the Bible, praying and giving our time and
money in service-give us spiritual stamina, purpose, and direction for our lives.
They also help us keep our eyes on the eternal prize.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
How can I be Joyful in Hard Times?
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! Sweater weather today! I added another blanket last night and was glad I did! While Sandy is still doing terrific damage in the east and now the midwest, we have blue skies and lots of chilly wind. But the sun is shining and it will warm up some, I'm sure.
Besides laundry yesterday, I did some cleaning out of cupboards, and reading, but not much else. I needed to do grocery shopping, so decided to go to Winn Dixie, since my cleaning lady and friend said she gets free gas from shopping there. Well, even though it is the closest of several supermarkets, I have never liked shopping at WD, and will not again for major stuff. I think they have raised the prices on most items I usually buy, just so they can offer free gas with some items...none of which I bought. Oh, well, lesson learned. I will continue my Publix and Sweetbay shopping, both of which are better stores. Of course, it could have been the awful choice of music that was blasting and the screaming voice of the singer(?) as well as the small people running around and screeching that made the shopping not a pleasure! Just call me an old fuddy duddy, but I think some control should be the parents responsibility. Enough said on that subject!
Later on, I visited the park and found peace and quiet there, even though the wind was blowing and not many people were in sight. The small gopher tortoise was racing ;o) around and the anhinga drying wings while on the weir were the familiar sights. Several tables had people eating and one was studying at a lone table. A good place for bookwork, except I would be looking at the scenery and the water as well as the trees with the moss swaying in the wind! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine, even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
Philippians 4:4, 12
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again...rejoice! I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, and plenty or little.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it , but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
The promise of our future resurrection helps us look beyond the problems of daily life. It is not escapism or wishful thinking. It is a reality that fuels our joy by keeping things in perspective.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Besides laundry yesterday, I did some cleaning out of cupboards, and reading, but not much else. I needed to do grocery shopping, so decided to go to Winn Dixie, since my cleaning lady and friend said she gets free gas from shopping there. Well, even though it is the closest of several supermarkets, I have never liked shopping at WD, and will not again for major stuff. I think they have raised the prices on most items I usually buy, just so they can offer free gas with some items...none of which I bought. Oh, well, lesson learned. I will continue my Publix and Sweetbay shopping, both of which are better stores. Of course, it could have been the awful choice of music that was blasting and the screaming voice of the singer(?) as well as the small people running around and screeching that made the shopping not a pleasure! Just call me an old fuddy duddy, but I think some control should be the parents responsibility. Enough said on that subject!
Later on, I visited the park and found peace and quiet there, even though the wind was blowing and not many people were in sight. The small gopher tortoise was racing ;o) around and the anhinga drying wings while on the weir were the familiar sights. Several tables had people eating and one was studying at a lone table. A good place for bookwork, except I would be looking at the scenery and the water as well as the trees with the moss swaying in the wind! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine, even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
Philippians 4:4, 12
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again...rejoice! I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, and plenty or little.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it , but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
The promise of our future resurrection helps us look beyond the problems of daily life. It is not escapism or wishful thinking. It is a reality that fuels our joy by keeping things in perspective.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, October 29, 2012
How can I be sure God will direct my future in this life?
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! Windy and brisk today! Last night I put a light blanket on the bed for the first time this fall and was I glad I did! The house has cooled down to about 70 and while that is nice to some people, it is chilly to me when I am sleeping! I hated to get out from under the covers !
I saw some interesting things this weekend. When I was going around Lynch Lake, I saw a woodstork actually eating something. I have only watched them as they just sit around all huddled up, looking discouraged. And very near above it was an osprey perched on a wire. I love seeing wildlife all around. When I was in the park, a beautiful white egret was curling its neck preening and a flock of ibis were swarming together pecking all around.
Friday evening I watched livestream the Cleveland Hi, Cleveland, TN. football team play their last game, but mostly I watched the band march and play, because Matthew beats the big bass drum. The picture is actually on Youtube simultaneously! And that band has been invited to Universal Studios in Dec. for the Macy's Christmas parade!. so Brian and I are planning to be there if all works out. That is something exciting to look forward to! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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."
The Lord directs our steps. Though the pathway may lead through dark valleys or seem to take unnecessary detours, we will one day look back and discover that the Lord's way was best.
Jeremiah 29:11
"I know the plans I have for you,"says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
To often we doubt God's care. We are tempted to think he is neglecting us or giving us the bare minimum. We have hope in the knowledge that God, our loving Creator, will always give us his best.
Philippians 1:6
I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
God finishes what he starts. We should not allow the limitations of our finite perspective to blind us to the promise that God will complete the work in us. Our future is secure in Christ.
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I saw some interesting things this weekend. When I was going around Lynch Lake, I saw a woodstork actually eating something. I have only watched them as they just sit around all huddled up, looking discouraged. And very near above it was an osprey perched on a wire. I love seeing wildlife all around. When I was in the park, a beautiful white egret was curling its neck preening and a flock of ibis were swarming together pecking all around.
Friday evening I watched livestream the Cleveland Hi, Cleveland, TN. football team play their last game, but mostly I watched the band march and play, because Matthew beats the big bass drum. The picture is actually on Youtube simultaneously! And that band has been invited to Universal Studios in Dec. for the Macy's Christmas parade!. so Brian and I are planning to be there if all works out. That is something exciting to look forward to! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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."
The Lord directs our steps. Though the pathway may lead through dark valleys or seem to take unnecessary detours, we will one day look back and discover that the Lord's way was best.
Jeremiah 29:11
"I know the plans I have for you,"says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
To often we doubt God's care. We are tempted to think he is neglecting us or giving us the bare minimum. We have hope in the knowledge that God, our loving Creator, will always give us his best.
Philippians 1:6
I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
God finishes what he starts. We should not allow the limitations of our finite perspective to blind us to the promise that God will complete the work in us. Our future is secure in Christ.
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
A Word from Hebrews 4
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 overcast skies this morning, and a possibility of rain, which we haven't seen for a couple weeks or more. In fact, the street gutters are almost dried up in front, so that means it has been dry. When my handyman was here, he tried to shut off the water at the meter, but it was so full of water, that he could not see the valve!
I discovered that Checkers has a better fish sandwich than MacDonalds, which I told you about the other day. Someone should clue the food editor, or I think the art editor at the Times about it! I never eat the burgers at Checkers, but the fish sandwich is better, anyway. I stopped in there, after I had finished shopping and going to the park. Not many people were at the park, but the weather was gorgeous once again. I saw a family of moorhens which was really cute. The babies were carefully tended by mom and pa and all were in the water. I also saw a large flock of ibis around Lynch lake , where they love to hang out. Sunday afternoon, I saw the flock all taking a siesta, in the shade of a small tree. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Hebrews 4:12-13
For the word of God is full of living power.
It is sharper than the sharpest knife,
cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires.
It exposes us for what we really are.
Nothing in all creation can hide from him.
Everything is naked and exposed before his
eyes. This is the God to whom we must
explain all that we have done.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I discovered that Checkers has a better fish sandwich than MacDonalds, which I told you about the other day. Someone should clue the food editor, or I think the art editor at the Times about it! I never eat the burgers at Checkers, but the fish sandwich is better, anyway. I stopped in there, after I had finished shopping and going to the park. Not many people were at the park, but the weather was gorgeous once again. I saw a family of moorhens which was really cute. The babies were carefully tended by mom and pa and all were in the water. I also saw a large flock of ibis around Lynch lake , where they love to hang out. Sunday afternoon, I saw the flock all taking a siesta, in the shade of a small tree. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Hebrews 4:12-13
For the word of God is full of living power.
It is sharper than the sharpest knife,
cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires.
It exposes us for what we really are.
Nothing in all creation can hide from him.
Everything is naked and exposed before his
eyes. This is the God to whom we must
explain all that we have done.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Do the right thing
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Another cool, sunshiny fall day starts off this morning, but it will be warmer this afternoon, I am sure. There is quite a breeze blowing now, and the acorns are falling, so even though the front porch was clear for about fifteen minutes yesterday, today it is full again!
Speaking of acorns falling, something is going on with my chimney. We have a fireplace and I know the top of the chimney is covered, but I have heard noises inside it and sounds like something is dropping on the damper. I will have to think of someone who can climb up on the roof and take a look. I am afraid to open the damper, because of what might come out! This is in the back of the house, but there are also oak trees back there.
Yesterday I made another trip to the library, which was fairly quiet, though very busy, with a lot of people inside. Since the kids were still in school, only a couple were inside and they were very quiet. This is only one branch and since I see many people carrying books out, it is good to know that the written page is still appreciated! I have always had a love of reading and used to read ahead in my sister's Literature books she brought home from school. She was a couple years ahead of me.
I took a little drive to the park and it was also very busy. The weather has been so nice, it is good to take advantage of the great outdoors! The benches were almost full as people just sat and enjoyed the breeze and the water flowing nicely. Squirrels were scampering about, as usual. and dog walkers were getting exercise along with their dogs. I did not see our feathered friends , which was very unusual, but, as usual, God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6 NIV
If you want to know God, you should obey God, but obeying Him isn't always easy. You live in a world that presents countless temptations to stray far from God's path. So here's some timely advice: when you're confronted with sin, walk-or better yet, run-in the opposite direction.
When you seek righteousness for yourself-and when you seek the companionship of people who do likewise-you will reap the spiritual rewards that God has in store for you.
When you live in accordance with God's commandments, you will be blessed. When you genuinely seek to follow in the footsteps of God's Son, you will experience God's presence, God's peace, and God's abundance.
So make yourself this promise: Support only those activities that further God's Kingdom and your own spiritual growth. Then, prepare to reap the blessings that God has promised to all those who live according to His will and His Word.
Come work for the Lord. The work is hard, the hours are long, and the pay is low, but the retirement benefits are out of this world.
Anonymous
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Speaking of acorns falling, something is going on with my chimney. We have a fireplace and I know the top of the chimney is covered, but I have heard noises inside it and sounds like something is dropping on the damper. I will have to think of someone who can climb up on the roof and take a look. I am afraid to open the damper, because of what might come out! This is in the back of the house, but there are also oak trees back there.
Yesterday I made another trip to the library, which was fairly quiet, though very busy, with a lot of people inside. Since the kids were still in school, only a couple were inside and they were very quiet. This is only one branch and since I see many people carrying books out, it is good to know that the written page is still appreciated! I have always had a love of reading and used to read ahead in my sister's Literature books she brought home from school. She was a couple years ahead of me.
I took a little drive to the park and it was also very busy. The weather has been so nice, it is good to take advantage of the great outdoors! The benches were almost full as people just sat and enjoyed the breeze and the water flowing nicely. Squirrels were scampering about, as usual. and dog walkers were getting exercise along with their dogs. I did not see our feathered friends , which was very unusual, but, as usual, God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6 NIV
If you want to know God, you should obey God, but obeying Him isn't always easy. You live in a world that presents countless temptations to stray far from God's path. So here's some timely advice: when you're confronted with sin, walk-or better yet, run-in the opposite direction.
When you seek righteousness for yourself-and when you seek the companionship of people who do likewise-you will reap the spiritual rewards that God has in store for you.
When you live in accordance with God's commandments, you will be blessed. When you genuinely seek to follow in the footsteps of God's Son, you will experience God's presence, God's peace, and God's abundance.
So make yourself this promise: Support only those activities that further God's Kingdom and your own spiritual growth. Then, prepare to reap the blessings that God has promised to all those who live according to His will and His Word.
Come work for the Lord. The work is hard, the hours are long, and the pay is low, but the retirement benefits are out of this world.
Anonymous
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, October 22, 2012
Warning about self 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! Those cooler temps felt good as I was standing outside talking with Jason, the yard man. I noticed he had not broken a sweat, so he was appreciating the cool breezes, also. I never know when he will come, but I heard the sound of his trimmer as I was finishing dressing and starting to go prepare my breakfast. He did some extra work today, like trimming the neighbor's hedge, which borders my yard, and also taking care of the podacarpus in the back yard. The grass has slowed down in growth, so he only comes about every ten days now...,the acorns are blown off the driveway for the next fifteen minutes, then, I suppose it will be covered again. Sigh. If I want the shade, I have to put up with the tree fall.
I had kind of a busy Sunday. After church, I went home for lunch, then got ready to go back to church for a dear friend's memorial services. I picked up Phyllis and drove her to church and stayed awhile afterwards while she greeted and chatted with a lot of her friends. I went to speak to Max's son, who gave a nice eulogy and thanked him for posting updates on FB about his dad. I was surprised when he asked if I was Amaryllis, because I had not introduced myself! He said his Dad and Mom had often spoken of me and Louis. I am still a little puzzled about how he knew who I was, but I guess the Holy Spirit spoke to him.
Saturday, I decided to get the van washed at the Touch-free car wash, but the machine would not take my 5 dollar bill. It kept spitting it out, so I finally backed up and drove away. Maybe I will try the one on 66th St. So, later on, I drove to the park, which was really busy with lots of people and cars. Everyone was out enjoying the weather! I watched a flock of ibis ignoring the people and doing their pecking thing. God is good!
-- From the Promise Bible NLT:
James 4:13-17
Look here, you people who say, "Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town
and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.
"How do you know what will happen tomorrow?
For your life is like the morning fog--it's here for a little while, then it's gone.
"What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that."
Otherwise your will be boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil.
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had kind of a busy Sunday. After church, I went home for lunch, then got ready to go back to church for a dear friend's memorial services. I picked up Phyllis and drove her to church and stayed awhile afterwards while she greeted and chatted with a lot of her friends. I went to speak to Max's son, who gave a nice eulogy and thanked him for posting updates on FB about his dad. I was surprised when he asked if I was Amaryllis, because I had not introduced myself! He said his Dad and Mom had often spoken of me and Louis. I am still a little puzzled about how he knew who I was, but I guess the Holy Spirit spoke to him.
Saturday, I decided to get the van washed at the Touch-free car wash, but the machine would not take my 5 dollar bill. It kept spitting it out, so I finally backed up and drove away. Maybe I will try the one on 66th St. So, later on, I drove to the park, which was really busy with lots of people and cars. Everyone was out enjoying the weather! I watched a flock of ibis ignoring the people and doing their pecking thing. God is good!
-- From the Promise Bible NLT:
James 4:13-17
Look here, you people who say, "Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town
and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.
"How do you know what will happen tomorrow?
For your life is like the morning fog--it's here for a little while, then it's gone.
"What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that."
Otherwise your will be boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil.
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)