Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Psoaring thru Psalm 150


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 day with oak leaves falling and some pollen in the air..just follow my nose with tissues! Actually, this is a great time of the year. If you want to be warm, just go out in the sun and in the shade, you will be much cooler!

After I did my shopping yesterday, I took a trip to Rollin' Oats, which was very busy. I looked around for awhile, since I had not been there since they expanded. I will have to go in for some take out from their cafe one day. They have all organic and natural foods, which many people seem to want. I even saw a whole pumpkin pie go out in a man's hand. I say pumpkin, because that's what it looked like, but it may have been something else.

 
 I had stopped at Steak and Shake for an afternoon strawberry Sundae at half price and took it to the park, where I sat and had a few slurps. Very refreshing! The black, shiny gator was stretched out on the bank of the lake and  I stopped and looked at it for a few seconds. Also, the anhinga was perched on the weir, with wings folded. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 150
Praise the Lord 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 the tambourine and dancing:
Praise him with stringed instruments and flutes!
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 will be taking the rest of the week off and wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!)

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

A Mixed Bouquet of Blessing

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 still have clouds hanging around, but it is much brighter, so the sun will probably soon be out! Since we have not had any rain for quite awhile, I watered all the plants yesterday, including those inside the house. (Not that they get any rain.)  But the Lord provides in His time!

As I drove down fourth street yesterday, I noticed a new building going up along the way, but I don't know just where it is, now. When you are driving, it is not a good time for sight-seeing!  After I left Roger's cleaners, I noticed lots of cars parked around Crescent Lake Park. Of course, the kids are out of school, so I guess those parents who don't work, take the offspring to a park. Good exercise and lots of sun!

 
Speaking of school being out...I drove to Sawgrass and a group of  teen-agers were walking all across the street. At least, they grouped up when they heard me coming, Sometimes, they would rather dare the driver to hit them. I saw a flock of ibis doing their usual pecking, and the always beautiful egret posing by the canal.

Coming back home, I saw at least one wood stork and a bunch of ducks under some Brazilian pepper trees. Funny thing; even though the ducks were under the trees, they were still looking up! Too funny! But God is good!

From the Devotional book, Quiet Moments with God:

A Mixed Bouquet of Blessing

"Every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
John 15:2


Several years ago, Dale Bedford entered the karate tournament as a goal toward receiving his brown belt. But an opponent's kick in the head changed his life direction.

At first, his brain trauma was considered only minor, but the blow apparently altered his memory. Like a rose bush completely pruned back to the bare trunk, Dale was forced to start over. His ability level returned to that of a four-year-old. His math and engineering abilities disappeared , as well as his hope for a career in cable-TV engineering.

What did blossom was his artistic talent. The boy who liked to draw some girls and animals in high school and was not considered particularly  "good" now supports himself with commissioned oils on canvas, earning up to two thousand dollars per piece. While in therapy at a rehabilitation center, Dale was required to host his own art exhibit of his work.

Dr. Eugene George, professor of neurosurgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, has treated hundreds of brain-injury patients. He said that it's not uncommon for someone with a brain injury to develop new talents. "There are usually compensations that occur with relearning, and people with brain injuries always tend to re-evaluate what they're doing with their lives , " said Dr. George.

For Dale, the accident changed the course of his life. Like a pruned bush, he did more than compensate. With appropriate training, and cultivating, and through the touch of the Master Gardener, a pruned bush can produce more beautiful blooms than ever/

Just ask Dale Bedford.

All nature, all growth, all peace. Everything that flowers and is beautiful to the world
depends on patience. Requires time, silence, trust.
Herman Hesse.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, November 19, 2012

Psoaring thru Psalm 20

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! While the sun is shining this beautiful day, and the breeze is blowing, still, I am sort of chilly just sitting here. In fact, I was reluctant to get out of bed because I was comfy and warm. Oh, well, never was one to lay around. Besides,  being more or less active means I can get warmer faster.

As I was driving around Lynch Lake on the way to church yesterday, I saw a flock, well, it was a small flock, of wood storks. I have never seen that many together at one time, before. There must have been about six, and one of them was actually lying down in the grass. Guess they can fold those long legs underneath , so they can get comfortable. I also saw a flock of ducks with their heads all pointing up. Now, that was funny!. If I had not been driving, I would have taken a picture!

I was also in the park one day and saw the big, shiny gator again, sunning in the same place on the bank of the lake. Seems like they have a kind of radar to know to come back to a favorite spot year after year. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 20

In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.
May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from your sanctuary
and strengthen you  from Jerusalem.
May he remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings.

May he grant your heart's desire
and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory,
flying banners to honor our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.

Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed king.
He will answer him from his holy heaven
and rescue him by his great power.
Some nations boast of their armies and weapons.
but we boast in the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse,
but we will rise up and stand firm,

Give victory to our king, O Lord!
Respond to our cry for help.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, November 16, 2012

Paul's Prayer

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! Once again, we have overcast and very cool weather. I am sure it will warm up a few degrees by later this afternoon, but I am not used to having such overcast days! 

The weather was so perfect yesterday, I went for a walk in the park around 2:30. I didn't plan to, but it seemed like a good idea, so I got my walking stick that Terry gave me out of the back, and took off over the bridge and walked to the first shelter. The sun was bright, and the air was cool, so it was just right. No other people were there, at least not where I was walking, so I had the short space to myself. The only gator I saw was on the way in. The big black shiny gator was sunning on the bank of the lake again, all stretched out. I saw a brilliant white egret at the edge of the canal, looking hopefully at the fish. And lots of ripples from said fish swimming around. It was a glorious day! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians 3:14-21

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan,

I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in
heaven and on earth. I pray that from his
glorious, unlimited resources , he will give you
mighty, inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray
that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts
as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep
into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have
the power to understand, as all God's people should,
how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love
really is.

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great
you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled
with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us,
he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would
ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church
and to Christ Jesus  forever and ever through endless ages.
Amen

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Psoaring thru Psalm 62

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 in the series of overcast days and late sunshine, but still no rain. When I went out to look for the paper this morning, I finally found it on one corner of the porch, hidden by the large poinsettia potted plant, which had been knocked over when the paper was thrown . With no rain, I have tried to keep the plants watered, so not too much of the soil was spilled out.

My cleaning ladies came yesterday, and we chatted while they worked. They are both going camping for Thanksgiving; Cheryl with her brothers at Ft. DeSoto, in their campers, and Kim and her husband in a cabin at a campground near Lake Wales. So, I asked jokingly, who was going to call me when the porch light was not on after dark and check up on me to see if I was Okay. They laughed and said I was on my own. But I really appreciate that Cheryl is so watchful of me. I think she is a born caretaker.

My yard man, Jason, also came unexpectedly, and he, also, is taking a few days off next week, so he was doing his lawns early. He blew off  the porch and driveway, which were covered with acorns, mostly smashed on the driveway. He had also trimmed some oak trees which had sprung up behind my hedge and disposed of them. He noticed that there are two holes under the fence, which seem to be bunny holes. I have seen a couple brown bunnies in the yard, but not for awhile.

I drove over to the park later, and saw that not many people were there, but it was very peaceful and quiet with ibis pecking and butterflies flitting about. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 62:5-12

I wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy
can reach me.

O My people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.

From the greatest to the lowliest---
all are nothing in his sight.
If you weigh them on the scales,
they are lighter than a puff of air.
Don't try to get rich
by extortion or robbery.
And if your wealth increases,
don't make it the center of your life.

God has spoken plainly,
And I have heard it many times.
Power, O God, belongs to you.
Unfailing love, O Lord, is yours.
Surely you judge all people
according to what they have done.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

The Lord's charge to Joshua

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 an overcast, cooler morning so far, but a promise of getting warmer this afternoon. It is so strange when the sun does not shine, simply because that is so normal for this area.

I saw an unusual sight yesterday in a neighborhood yard as I was leaving to do errands. Three wood storks were standing sentinel like, in a driveway. I believe that is the first time I have seen them not on the bank of water someplace.. They are really big birds!

I drove out to Walmart to gas the van up and was pleased to see that prices are down and seem to be getting close to $3 a gal. Actually, I paid more for a half gallon of milk, than for a gallon of gas! Made the mistake of buying the milk at Farm Store. Lesson learned.

I stopped by the park on the way back and it was very busy with a lot of people enjoying the beautiful day! I was pleased to see the gopher tortoise ambling along near his hole in the ground. I had noticed it was freshly used, but had not seen the gopher in a few weeks. I did not see the moorhens or the anhinga on the weir, but God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Joshua 1:5-9
No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long
as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not
fail you or abandon you.

Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to 
possess all the land I swore to give my ancestors. Be strong and 
very courageous. Obey all the laws  Moses gave you. Do not turn
away from them, and you will be successful in every thing you do.
Study the book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be
sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you 
succeed. I command you..be strong and courageous. Do not be 
afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you
wherever you go.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs.
Amaryllis

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Let God Guide the Way

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! Believe it or not, I turned on the a/c late yesterday evening. It was so warm in the afternoon, I closed the southern kitchen window because too much heat was coming in! This is in the middle of November! Today is slightly cloudy, but we have had sunshine already, and it is still warm. I took one blanket off the bed yesterday and will put it back on if we get a cold front anytime soon, but meanwhile it is summer again!

I had to make a trip to Publix yesterday, because I was low on a lot of groceries. I had my list all made out and followed it closely, except I discovered a lot of buy one, get one free deals that I had not counted on, so I had to take advantage of those, too! The only thing I forgot was milk which I am almost out of. Oh, well, I will get some today. The bakery had pumpkin muffins, so, of course, I had to pick a four pack up, two of which are already gone!

After doing laundry, I swept up the porch again, and as I was sweeping, more acorns were falling, along with the autumn leaves...hmmm, reminds me of a song. It was a good productive day and God is good!

From the Little book of Devotions, Knowing God:

The true children of God are those who let God's Spirit lead them.
Romans 8:14 NCV


The Bible promises that God will guide you if you let Him.
Your job is to let Him. But sometimes, you will be tempted to do otherwise.
 Sometimes, you'll be tempted to go along with the crowd; other times, you'll
be tempted to do things your way, not God's way. When you feel these temptations, resist them.

God has promised that when you ask for His help, He will not withhold it. So ask.
 Ask Him to meet the needs of your day.
Ask him to lead you, to protect you, and to correct you.  And trust the answers He gives.

God stands at the door and waits. When you knock, He opens.
When you ask, He answers. Your task, of course, is to seek His guidance
prayerfully, confidently, and often.

                                                                     -Great Thoughts-

We have ample evidence that the Lord is able to guide. The 
promises cover every imaginable situation. All we need to do 
is to take the hand he stretches out.

                                                                    -Today's Prayer-

Dear Lord, thank You for Your constant presence and Your constant love. 
I draw near to You this day with the confidence that You are ready to
guide me . Help me walk closely with You, Father, and help me share Your
Good News with all who cross my path.
Amen

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!


Love and hugs 

Amaryllis