Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Once again, last night, we had the thunder and lightning, but no rain, Hmmm, what are we doing wrong?
But we went over to the Park, because Matthew wanted to see Terry and wrestle with him, even thought Matthew slept so long, it was too hot to walk, We did, however, spy a hawk perched on top of the fence and drove right up to the fence beside it, and watched it look around, before it flew off! They have a harvester in the lake which is cleaning some of the hydrilla out, and it is interesting to watch it work, spewing water all around. ..always something to see in the park! God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
How can I be sure God will direct my future in this life?
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."
Too 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.
Phillippians 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 his work in us. Our future is secure in Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Gallopin' thru Galatians
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I couldn't see any stars when I stepped outside early this morning, but perhaps there was a haze that hid them from view. We did not get any rain even though the thunder and lightning were very close last night.
Matthew and I took a walk out to the Tower yesterday before the heat set in, and we were excited to see Mama gator back at her old nest! We hadn't seen her there for a long time...I always look, but since we have had a little rain, there is enough water at her nest for her to have her body hidden, while her head sticks up. Matthew also saw a skink, which he couldn't catch. We don't see them very often. God has made many things for us to enjoy!
We also talked with Terry who wanted us to come to the house to see Gail, (his wife) so she could meet Matthew again, and we received three tomatoes from her garden in a pot, yes, she grows them in a large pot. We are blessed!
From the Promise Bible:
"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
Those who live to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up. For we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.
Ephesians 1:16 "I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people."
Colossians 3:23 "Work had 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."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Matthew and I took a walk out to the Tower yesterday before the heat set in, and we were excited to see Mama gator back at her old nest! We hadn't seen her there for a long time...I always look, but since we have had a little rain, there is enough water at her nest for her to have her body hidden, while her head sticks up. Matthew also saw a skink, which he couldn't catch. We don't see them very often. God has made many things for us to enjoy!
We also talked with Terry who wanted us to come to the house to see Gail, (his wife) so she could meet Matthew again, and we received three tomatoes from her garden in a pot, yes, she grows them in a large pot. We are blessed!
From the Promise Bible:
"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
Those who live to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up. For we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.
Ephesians 1:16 "I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people."
Colossians 3:23 "Work had 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."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Prayer Pause
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 morning as I stepped outside in the pre-dawn darkness, I actually saw stars, so the sky must be clearer than it has been.
We went to the Park yesterday before the heat settled in and Matthew had a good time teasing with Terry, who is like a giant kid. I will certainly miss Matthew when he leaves for home Friday. He is an active little boy, almost as tall as I am now!
As we were driving home around the lake near our house, we saw an osprey on the line, and, at first, we thought it was an eagle. God is good!
From the Quiet Moments book:
A coffee break is a good time for prayer!
When we pray at the outset of our day, our prayer is often for general guidance and help from the Lord. When we pray in the midst of our day, our prayer is much more likely to be specific and aimed at immediate needs and concerns. By the time a coffee break rolls around, we have a much better idea of what our day holds, including what particular dangers, difficulties, or temptations we are going to face! It is with that knowledge, born of experience, that this prayer of St. Patrick takes on even greater meaning:
May the wisdom of God instruct me,
the eye of God watch over me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God give me sweet talk,
the hand of God defend me,
the way of God guide me.
Christ be with me.
Christ before me.
Christ in me.
Christ under me.
Christ over me.
Christ on my right hand,
Christ on my left hand.
Christ on this side.
Christ on that side.
Christ in the head of everyone to whom I speak.
Christ in the mouth of every person who speaks to me.
Christ in the eye of every person who looks upon me.
Christ in the ear of everyone who hears me today.
Amen.
Take time in the middle of your day to ask the Lord for His wrap-around presence, His unending encouragement, and His all-sustaining assistance. And in return be a vessel that carries His presence, encouragement, and assistance to others.
Do not look upon the vessel
but upon what it holds.
Hebrew Proverb
Psalm 119:116
"Uphold me according to your promise that I may live."
I always give thanks for you , remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We went to the Park yesterday before the heat settled in and Matthew had a good time teasing with Terry, who is like a giant kid. I will certainly miss Matthew when he leaves for home Friday. He is an active little boy, almost as tall as I am now!
As we were driving home around the lake near our house, we saw an osprey on the line, and, at first, we thought it was an eagle. God is good!
From the Quiet Moments book:
A coffee break is a good time for prayer!
When we pray at the outset of our day, our prayer is often for general guidance and help from the Lord. When we pray in the midst of our day, our prayer is much more likely to be specific and aimed at immediate needs and concerns. By the time a coffee break rolls around, we have a much better idea of what our day holds, including what particular dangers, difficulties, or temptations we are going to face! It is with that knowledge, born of experience, that this prayer of St. Patrick takes on even greater meaning:
May the wisdom of God instruct me,
the eye of God watch over me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God give me sweet talk,
the hand of God defend me,
the way of God guide me.
Christ be with me.
Christ before me.
Christ in me.
Christ under me.
Christ over me.
Christ on my right hand,
Christ on my left hand.
Christ on this side.
Christ on that side.
Christ in the head of everyone to whom I speak.
Christ in the mouth of every person who speaks to me.
Christ in the eye of every person who looks upon me.
Christ in the ear of everyone who hears me today.
Amen.
Take time in the middle of your day to ask the Lord for His wrap-around presence, His unending encouragement, and His all-sustaining assistance. And in return be a vessel that carries His presence, encouragement, and assistance to others.
Do not look upon the vessel
but upon what it holds.
Hebrew Proverb
Psalm 119:116
"Uphold me according to your promise that I may live."
I always give thanks for you , remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 25, 2007
Psoaring thru Psalms
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! As I stepped outside I could see puffy clouds, but now the sky seems clearer, although we may have a shower unexpectedly like we did yesterday.
God provides for our needs!
I am still basking in the afterglow of my special day trip to Puerto Rico Friday. I never would have guessed so much could be packed into 24 hours, but we did it! I was sleepy all day Saturday, and took a short nap Sunday, but feel caught up this morning. With Matthew around, there's not much time for sleeping! He leaves for Tenn. Friday, and I will really miss him!
From the Promise Bible:
Psalm 46
"God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come,
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam,
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the most High.
God himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
God will protect it at the break of day.
The nations are in an uproar, and kingdoms crumble!
God thunders, and the earth melts!
The Lord Almighty is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
Come, see the glorious works of the Lord.
See how he brings destruction upon the world
and causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear in two;
He burns the shields with fire.
Be silent and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation,
I will be honored throughout the world."
The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
God provides for our needs!
I am still basking in the afterglow of my special day trip to Puerto Rico Friday. I never would have guessed so much could be packed into 24 hours, but we did it! I was sleepy all day Saturday, and took a short nap Sunday, but feel caught up this morning. With Matthew around, there's not much time for sleeping! He leaves for Tenn. Friday, and I will really miss him!
From the Promise Bible:
Psalm 46
"God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come,
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam,
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the most High.
God himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
God will protect it at the break of day.
The nations are in an uproar, and kingdoms crumble!
God thunders, and the earth melts!
The Lord Almighty is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
Come, see the glorious works of the Lord.
See how he brings destruction upon the world
and causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear in two;
He burns the shields with fire.
Be silent and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation,
I will be honored throughout the world."
The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Saturday, June 23, 2007
What a walk!
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!
Instead of a walk in the park, yesterday, my day started at 4 AM. Gil came to pick me up at 5:30 and we were off to TIA to catch a flight to San Juan, PR. We had a smooth flight, watching "Facing the Giants" DVD on Gil's PC. What a wonderful movie!
After we arrived in San Juan, the first little bump in our plans was the rental car agency. We had to waste about 45 minutes getting the van to take us to "Charlie's" and then got the Hyundai and off we went to see old San Juan and El Yunque rainforest. Since this was my first visit to PR, and Gil is an experienced traveler, I was thrilled and thankful to have such a tour guide. Gil got in his "aggressive" mode to match the traffic, which was heavy and fast. I noticed that patience was thin in most drivers. When the light turns green, the first thing you do is blow your horn to make the first driver in line take off! Our first stop was at BK, where we had to get a ticket to open the gate to the parking lot!! Since neither of us had much breakfast, we welcomed the burgers and shakes as we kept going. I was excited to see the mountains in the distance, since it has been a long time since I have left Florida.
The rainforest was peaceful, quiet and lovely with mountain sides overflowing with ferns and waterfalls cascading down the black rocks. Large stands of bamboo were growing wild as were impatiens which were blooming. The little car chugged right along up the steep hills and many people were also enjoying the views. We stopped at the Tower, but since the altitude already had me breathing kinda hard, I did not climb up to the top.
Gil took pictures of me everywhere, so be prepared!
We visited Suzuki del Caribe next, to visit briefly with some of the staff and Barry, the manager, and they treated me royally. I was welcomed with open arms as a friend of Gil's, who has had a business relationship for many years with them. Some of the girls gave me a lovely bouquet of roses and a green puff flower which I had never seen before, and I also received from Barry and Judy, a little souvenir of San Juan.
Since Matthew is so enthusiastic about Hayabusa motorcycles, we had to visit the showroom, where, once again, Gil took a photo of me standing beside one, just to show Matthew!
I did not get to taste "Mondongo" which I understand is some kind of delicacy, but I am not sure I missed out on something good...:o)
We could see God's humor and hand in many instances...the Admiral's Club was right near our landing and departure gates, and we made connections right when we needed to. The shuttles were waiting as we arrived..most people were very nice and friendly, and we had a great loooong day. Our returning flight was delayed, so we were booked on another with did not leave until 12:40 AM, as it was also delayed. We waited a couple hours in the Admiral's lounge in Miami, which even had about ten showers, which I did not take advantage of, but it also had tea, coffee, milk and cheese and cracker snacks which we helped ourselves to. Seems like the longer I stay up past my bedtime, the hungrier I get!.
We had long fast walks in various terminals, but found many humorous things to chuckle about. It was a wonderful day which ended for me about 3:30 this morning, when I finally sank into my bed.
I praise God for dear friends like Gil and for family and for watching over us and preparing the way.
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Instead of a walk in the park, yesterday, my day started at 4 AM. Gil came to pick me up at 5:30 and we were off to TIA to catch a flight to San Juan, PR. We had a smooth flight, watching "Facing the Giants" DVD on Gil's PC. What a wonderful movie!
After we arrived in San Juan, the first little bump in our plans was the rental car agency. We had to waste about 45 minutes getting the van to take us to "Charlie's" and then got the Hyundai and off we went to see old San Juan and El Yunque rainforest. Since this was my first visit to PR, and Gil is an experienced traveler, I was thrilled and thankful to have such a tour guide. Gil got in his "aggressive" mode to match the traffic, which was heavy and fast. I noticed that patience was thin in most drivers. When the light turns green, the first thing you do is blow your horn to make the first driver in line take off! Our first stop was at BK, where we had to get a ticket to open the gate to the parking lot!! Since neither of us had much breakfast, we welcomed the burgers and shakes as we kept going. I was excited to see the mountains in the distance, since it has been a long time since I have left Florida.
The rainforest was peaceful, quiet and lovely with mountain sides overflowing with ferns and waterfalls cascading down the black rocks. Large stands of bamboo were growing wild as were impatiens which were blooming. The little car chugged right along up the steep hills and many people were also enjoying the views. We stopped at the Tower, but since the altitude already had me breathing kinda hard, I did not climb up to the top.
Gil took pictures of me everywhere, so be prepared!
We visited Suzuki del Caribe next, to visit briefly with some of the staff and Barry, the manager, and they treated me royally. I was welcomed with open arms as a friend of Gil's, who has had a business relationship for many years with them. Some of the girls gave me a lovely bouquet of roses and a green puff flower which I had never seen before, and I also received from Barry and Judy, a little souvenir of San Juan.
Since Matthew is so enthusiastic about Hayabusa motorcycles, we had to visit the showroom, where, once again, Gil took a photo of me standing beside one, just to show Matthew!
I did not get to taste "Mondongo" which I understand is some kind of delicacy, but I am not sure I missed out on something good...:o)
We could see God's humor and hand in many instances...the Admiral's Club was right near our landing and departure gates, and we made connections right when we needed to. The shuttles were waiting as we arrived..most people were very nice and friendly, and we had a great loooong day. Our returning flight was delayed, so we were booked on another with did not leave until 12:40 AM, as it was also delayed. We waited a couple hours in the Admiral's lounge in Miami, which even had about ten showers, which I did not take advantage of, but it also had tea, coffee, milk and cheese and cracker snacks which we helped ourselves to. Seems like the longer I stay up past my bedtime, the hungrier I get!.
We had long fast walks in various terminals, but found many humorous things to chuckle about. It was a wonderful day which ended for me about 3:30 this morning, when I finally sank into my bed.
I praise God for dear friends like Gil and for family and for watching over us and preparing the way.
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, June 22, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Friendship (fellowship)
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm, humid day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We chatted with Terry at Sawgrass, for a while yesterday evening and Matthew has great fun with him, but we didn't do any walking, except for touring the Police Dept. building in Zephyrhills. Our nephew is Chief of Police there, and he showed us their new facilities, which are state of the art. The building is so self-contained that people can stay there in a hurricane, because all the generators are inside. It was fun and informative. Matthew has decided he does not want to stay in a holding cell. :)
From the Promise Bible:
How does the Lord change the quality of our fellowship?
Matthew 18:20 "Where two or three gather together because they are mine. I am there among them."
The promise of the Lord's presence transforms our fellowship. We draw strength from the testimony of God's faithfulness in other's lives. We learn to comfort one another with the comfort we receive from the Lord. And we experience love and forgiveness in practical ways.
How does God provide for us through fellowship?
Acts 4:32-35 "All the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own, they shared everything they had. And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great favor was upon them all. There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need."
Our fellowship with other believers is meant to provide for our needs in the most practical ways, God's love for us moves us to share our resources with each other. This practical expression of love unleashes God's power and empowers our witness to the world.
"You wake up in the morning with twenty four hours of the unmanufactured tissue of the universe of your life. It is yours. It is the most precious of possessions. No one can take it from you. It is unstealable and no one receives either more or less."
Arnold Bennett
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (tomorrow, tomorrow...it's only a day away!)
From the Promise Bible:
How does the Lord change the quality of our fellowship?
Matthew 18:20 "Where two or three gather together because they are mine. I am there among them."
The promise of the Lord's presence transforms our fellowship. We draw strength from the testimony of God's faithfulness in other's lives. We learn to comfort one another with the comfort we receive from the Lord. And we experience love and forgiveness in practical ways.
How does God provide for us through fellowship?
Acts 4:32-35 "All the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own, they shared everything they had. And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great favor was upon them all. There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need."
Our fellowship with other believers is meant to provide for our needs in the most practical ways, God's love for us moves us to share our resources with each other. This practical expression of love unleashes God's power and empowers our witness to the world.
"You wake up in the morning with twenty four hours of the unmanufactured tissue of the universe of your life. It is yours. It is the most precious of possessions. No one can take it from you. It is unstealable and no one receives either more or less."
Arnold Bennett
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (tomorrow, tomorrow...it's only a day away!)
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