Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the coolish day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! What a lovely, refreshing rain we had mid-afternoon yesterday! A little thunder came with it, but the grass is growing and the flowers blooming and God's timing is perfect!. Maybe we will have another rainstorm today, we pray.
I took a nice long walk yesterday in the Park, with not many people there. I was in time to see a large gator swimming along beside the first covered shelter, where he likes to hang out, and when I spoke to him, he stopped and sank, until only his eyes and nose were visible. I had been warned that the boardwalk was closed off further on, but I saw Bob and a helper finishing up for a break, and asked if I could go on out to the tower. Bob said they would be back in about 15 minutes, and I said I would be finished by then. So they fastened up the "caution tape" again and I had a nice solitary walk and got to see Mama gator in her usual spot. I just ducked under the tape when I finished my walk. God is good!
From the Promise Bible, excerpts from Romans 3
"And so, dear brother and sisters," I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?" Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is....
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.
God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Don't just pretend that you love others, really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand for the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never by lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Wayside Stops
Good hazy 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 hope all the mothers on this list had a wonderful day being remembered for all the things that you do regularly! I had a wonderful day, from the church service to the cards from friends and sons and grandson. God blessed me!
After a provided lunch from Brian, we drove to Dunedin to see what was going on in that small city, after their Scottish celebration. It was a nice ride and a good drive.
We went through Sawgrass and a few people were there, since the air was a little clearer. I did not try to walk, though, it was too warm.
From Quiet Moments:
A sanctuary is a place of refuge and protection-a place where you can leave the world behind.
Travelers in the Middle Ages found little shrines set up along the roadway. In each shrine, a cross and the image of a saint were hung. Travelers could stop at these "sanctuaries" for rest and prayer, regaining strength to continue their journey.
We do not have wayside shrines for rest stops. But our minds and hearts still get weary. We have to devise our own wayside stops, not on actual roads, but in the road of daily life.
We need something more than a worship service on a weekend to keep us going until the next service. We need stopping places during the week, intimate sanctuaries here and there whee we can stop and let God refresh our souls with His presence.
. Reading Scripture is one such stopping place. Immerse yourself in a favorite passage or Psalm.
. A little book of devotion is a good way to restore energy.
. A trusted Christian friend with whom you can be yourself is a type of sanctuary. You can gain a great deal from the faith, encouragement, and insight of others.
. Going to a park or sitting in your own backyard and reading gives you a chance to rest while enjoying God's creation.
.Singing aloud a great hymn or praise song helps to restore your joy.
Jesus is your Example, and He often went away to a quiet place to gain strength from His Heavenly Father. Establish your own personal shrines today!
What sweet delight
a quiet life affords.
William Hawthorden Drummond
John 6:15 Jesus withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
After a provided lunch from Brian, we drove to Dunedin to see what was going on in that small city, after their Scottish celebration. It was a nice ride and a good drive.
We went through Sawgrass and a few people were there, since the air was a little clearer. I did not try to walk, though, it was too warm.
From Quiet Moments:
A sanctuary is a place of refuge and protection-a place where you can leave the world behind.
Travelers in the Middle Ages found little shrines set up along the roadway. In each shrine, a cross and the image of a saint were hung. Travelers could stop at these "sanctuaries" for rest and prayer, regaining strength to continue their journey.
We do not have wayside shrines for rest stops. But our minds and hearts still get weary. We have to devise our own wayside stops, not on actual roads, but in the road of daily life.
We need something more than a worship service on a weekend to keep us going until the next service. We need stopping places during the week, intimate sanctuaries here and there whee we can stop and let God refresh our souls with His presence.
. Reading Scripture is one such stopping place. Immerse yourself in a favorite passage or Psalm.
. A little book of devotion is a good way to restore energy.
. A trusted Christian friend with whom you can be yourself is a type of sanctuary. You can gain a great deal from the faith, encouragement, and insight of others.
. Going to a park or sitting in your own backyard and reading gives you a chance to rest while enjoying God's creation.
.Singing aloud a great hymn or praise song helps to restore your joy.
Jesus is your Example, and He often went away to a quiet place to gain strength from His Heavenly Father. Establish your own personal shrines today!
What sweet delight
a quiet life affords.
William Hawthorden Drummond
John 6:15 Jesus withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 11, 2007
A Prayer
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the so far clear day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
The weathermen all said that we would have more smoke from the wildfires burning north of us, but when I stepped outside this morning, the air was clear and the crescent moon was shining brightly. Thanks be to God!
I walked out to the Tower at Sawgrass yesterday and enjoyed the cool wind blowing, because the sun was very hot. A very young gator was floating away from his usual spot, and we saw the large one sunning on the bank as we drove in. Mama hawk was on her very full nest and another two legged critter, named Gil, came and took photos of us. :o) God is good!
The following prayer is from a prayer service at church several years ago, which I pray daily for myself. I sent this at least once before, but it is worth repeating, I think.
Dear Heavenly Father. I honor You as my Lord. I acknowledge that you are always present with me. You are the only all powerful and only wise God. You are kind and loving in all Your ways. I love you and thank you that I am united with Jesus and spiritually alive in Him.
I thank you for the life that I have in Christ, and I ask you to fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may live my life free from sin. You are the Vine and I am the branch, apart from you I can do nothing. I take my stand against satan and command all his evil spirits to depart from me. I ask these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20
"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 in 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
The weathermen all said that we would have more smoke from the wildfires burning north of us, but when I stepped outside this morning, the air was clear and the crescent moon was shining brightly. Thanks be to God!
I walked out to the Tower at Sawgrass yesterday and enjoyed the cool wind blowing, because the sun was very hot. A very young gator was floating away from his usual spot, and we saw the large one sunning on the bank as we drove in. Mama hawk was on her very full nest and another two legged critter, named Gil, came and took photos of us. :o) God is good!
The following prayer is from a prayer service at church several years ago, which I pray daily for myself. I sent this at least once before, but it is worth repeating, I think.
Dear Heavenly Father. I honor You as my Lord. I acknowledge that you are always present with me. You are the only all powerful and only wise God. You are kind and loving in all Your ways. I love you and thank you that I am united with Jesus and spiritually alive in Him.
I thank you for the life that I have in Christ, and I ask you to fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may live my life free from sin. You are the Vine and I am the branch, apart from you I can do nothing. I take my stand against satan and command all his evil spirits to depart from me. I ask these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20
"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 in 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, May 10, 2007
Psoaring thru Psalms
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The moon is just a crescent now, and Venus has moved far away in the west, but I am thankful for a clear day with no smoke! I took a short walk yesterday and hope to take a longer one today, but I stopped in the office at the Park to speak to Terry. His knee is much better and he actually took a couple of hops to give me a hug!
I saw butterflies, but no sign of activity in the hawk's nest. We need rain so badly, the canal is down about five feet, but the ibises and herons still find fish to eat and grubs to dig up. God will send rain in his time!
Psalm 97 NLT
The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice!
Let the farthest islands be glad.
Clouds and darkness surround him.
Righteousness and justice are the
foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him
and burns up all his foes.
His lightning flashes out across the world.
The earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens declare his righteousness,
every nation sees his glory.
Those who worship idols are disgraced-all who brag about their worthless gods-
for every god must bow to him.
Jerusalem has heard and rejoiced
and all the cities of Judah are glad
because of your justice, Lord.
For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
You who love the Lord, hate evil!
He protects the lives of his godly people.
and rescues them from the power of the wicked.
Light shines on the godly
and joy on those who do right.
May all who are godly be happy in the Lord
and praise his holy name!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I saw butterflies, but no sign of activity in the hawk's nest. We need rain so badly, the canal is down about five feet, but the ibises and herons still find fish to eat and grubs to dig up. God will send rain in his time!
Psalm 97 NLT
The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice!
Let the farthest islands be glad.
Clouds and darkness surround him.
Righteousness and justice are the
foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him
and burns up all his foes.
His lightning flashes out across the world.
The earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.
The heavens declare his righteousness,
every nation sees his glory.
Those who worship idols are disgraced-all who brag about their worthless gods-
for every god must bow to him.
Jerusalem has heard and rejoiced
and all the cities of Judah are glad
because of your justice, Lord.
For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
You who love the Lord, hate evil!
He protects the lives of his godly people.
and rescues them from the power of the wicked.
Light shines on the godly
and joy on those who do right.
May all who are godly be happy in the Lord
and praise his holy name!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Stress and Serenity
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the so far, clear day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Because of the smoky haze all day yesterday and three doctor appointments, we never made our walk in the park. However, we did ride over and through it and not very many people were brave enough to breathe the smoke.
We are thankful for the westerly breeze that blew it all away toward evening!
I noticed an eagle on the line beside the Lake near our house and a roseate spoonbill in it, so God sends His critters in our own neighborhood to enjoy! God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
Stress has become a buzzword for Americans, especially in the last decade. At some point in our lives, we are all overcome with hectic schedules and perfectionistic tendencies.
In his article "Confessions of a Workaholic," psychiatrist Paul Meier wrote, "Having grown up with an overdose of the Protestant work ethic, I was an honor student who was somewhat overzealous...I was a first-class workaholic and I was proud of myself for being one. I thought that was what God wanted of me."
But later through the help of friends, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and biblical teaching, Dr. Meier established new priorities. At the top of his list was: "Know God personally."
He observed, " I've learned to accept living in an imperfect world.Every need is not a call for my involvement. I have learned to trust God instead of myself to rescue the world. He can do a much better job of it anyway."
Jesus, too, must have been exhausted by demands placed upon Him. When he departed to pray in quiet solitudy, He left a significant example for us to follow-daily.
Ask the Father to help you make quietness a priority so that, regardless of the time of day, you can go to the garden alone and hear His voice.
Do not look forward to what may happen
tomorrow; the same everlasting Father, who
cares for you today will take care of you
tomorrow. And every day. Either He will
shield you from suffering, or He will
give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Saint Francis of Sales
"After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by himself to pray and when it was evening, He was there alone.
Matthew 14:23
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We are thankful for the westerly breeze that blew it all away toward evening!
I noticed an eagle on the line beside the Lake near our house and a roseate spoonbill in it, so God sends His critters in our own neighborhood to enjoy! God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
Stress has become a buzzword for Americans, especially in the last decade. At some point in our lives, we are all overcome with hectic schedules and perfectionistic tendencies.
In his article "Confessions of a Workaholic," psychiatrist Paul Meier wrote, "Having grown up with an overdose of the Protestant work ethic, I was an honor student who was somewhat overzealous...I was a first-class workaholic and I was proud of myself for being one. I thought that was what God wanted of me."
But later through the help of friends, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and biblical teaching, Dr. Meier established new priorities. At the top of his list was: "Know God personally."
He observed, " I've learned to accept living in an imperfect world.Every need is not a call for my involvement. I have learned to trust God instead of myself to rescue the world. He can do a much better job of it anyway."
Jesus, too, must have been exhausted by demands placed upon Him. When he departed to pray in quiet solitudy, He left a significant example for us to follow-daily.
Ask the Father to help you make quietness a priority so that, regardless of the time of day, you can go to the garden alone and hear His voice.
Do not look forward to what may happen
tomorrow; the same everlasting Father, who
cares for you today will take care of you
tomorrow. And every day. Either He will
shield you from suffering, or He will
give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Saint Francis of Sales
"After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by himself to pray and when it was evening, He was there alone.
Matthew 14:23
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Truths from Ephesians
Good Morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the air was full of smoke, so wildfires must be burning in Central Florida. The half-moon was shining brilliantly, so nothing obscured it.
Our city is beautiful this time of year, with jacarandas showering lavender blooms everywhere. Our neighborhood is gorgeous with the flowering trees and the blooming amaryllis God is a Master Painter!
I watched the baby hawks for awhile yesterday, at the Park. They are getting so big and stretching their wings, it looks like they will soon be able to leave the nest, which must be very crowded when Ma and Pa come in. They are still not pretty, but have lost their yellow fuzz.
From the Promise Bible:
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
Paul's Prayer
"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."
"So be careful how you live, not as fools, but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do....Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
"Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free."
"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 in 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
Our city is beautiful this time of year, with jacarandas showering lavender blooms everywhere. Our neighborhood is gorgeous with the flowering trees and the blooming amaryllis God is a Master Painter!
I watched the baby hawks for awhile yesterday, at the Park. They are getting so big and stretching their wings, it looks like they will soon be able to leave the nest, which must be very crowded when Ma and Pa come in. They are still not pretty, but have lost their yellow fuzz.
From the Promise Bible:
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
Paul's Prayer
"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."
"So be careful how you live, not as fools, but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do....Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
"Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free."
"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 in 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
Monday, May 7, 2007
Plans
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the windy, cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, we have to be careful what we pray for; I prayed for rain and last night we got a thunderstorm with lots of wonderful rain. I could just imagine the grasses and plants drinking it in! God is good!
It was so warm yesterday, I didn't attempt to walk, but we drove through the Park and saw a number of people enjoying picnics in the shade and children having fun, in spite of the heat. I had fun in my air conditioning. :o)
The start of another week brings thoughts of work and how God leads us if we only seek His will. From the Promise Bible:
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."
Sometimes we are tempted to question God's will for our lives, thinking he has made a mistake. God promises to give us the best as we follow his ways. Ultimately, even what looks like a mistake can become the means to something wonderful.
Colossians 3:23-24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord, rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."
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 the honor of your name.
When I pray, you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
It was so warm yesterday, I didn't attempt to walk, but we drove through the Park and saw a number of people enjoying picnics in the shade and children having fun, in spite of the heat. I had fun in my air conditioning. :o)
The start of another week brings thoughts of work and how God leads us if we only seek His will. From the Promise Bible:
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."
Sometimes we are tempted to question God's will for our lives, thinking he has made a mistake. God promises to give us the best as we follow his ways. Ultimately, even what looks like a mistake can become the means to something wonderful.
Colossians 3:23-24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord, rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."
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 the honor of your name.
When I pray, you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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