Good rainy morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I was awakened early this morning by a brilliant flash of lightning and the boom of thunder. When I arose later, everything was wet and more rain started to come down. A good way to start the day! I should have just stayed in bed and slept!!
Anyway, breakfast is over for the big people and waiting for the smaller person to get up. Yesterday we walked down the sidewalk at the Park and saw that the tree across the canal has been removed. We saw anhingas drying wings, and turtles sunning. Because it was cloudy, the shade was most welcome! God is good!
Excerpts from Ephesians 5 and 6 NLT:
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.
Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. 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 hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though your 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...
May God give you peace, dear brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace be upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
What are you doing today?
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! When I stepped outside earlier, I was struck by the sauna-like feel of the air. 80 degrees at 6 AM is not cool!
However it could be worse... when I think of the people in the Midwest suffering in the floods , I am thankful for whatever the weather is here.
On our way out of the Park yesterday, I saw a brown bunny nibbling on the grass, and close beside it, a strange looking raccoon came out of the bushes and went right back in. Strange looking because it was brownish in color and not like the other raccoons. I once saw an albino raccoon before 7 AM when I was able to walk there early in the morning. It was so weird looking I stayed by the car, while it disappeared. There are all kinds of critters in them thar bushes! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
What are You doing today?
Praise the Lord all you gentiles!
Laud him, all you peoples! For
his merciful kindness is great
toward us and the truth of
the Lord endures forever.
Psalm 117:1,2
In the Middle ages a man was sent to a building site in France to see how the workers felt about their labor. He approached the first worker and asked, "What are you doing?"
The worker snapped at him, "Are you blind? I'm cutting these impossible boulders with primitive tools and putting them together the way the boss tells me. I'm sweating under this hot sun. My back is breaking. I'm bored. I make next to nothing!"
The man quickly backed away and found a second worker to whom he asked the same question, "What are you doing?"
The second worker replied, "I'm shaping these boulders into usable forms. then they are put together according to the architect's plans. I earn five francs a week, and that supports my wife and family. It's a job. Could be worse."
A little encouraged but not overwhelmed by this response, the man went to yet a third worker. "What are you doing? he asked.
Why can't you see?" the worker said as he lifted his arm to the sky. "I'm building a cathedral!"
How we regard our work may not affect whether a task gets done or not. It will, however, have an impact on the quality of our work and our productivity. Those who see value in their jobs enjoy a greater sense of purpose.
Any job can be done with grace, dignity, style, and purpose; you only have to choose to see it that way!
If your daily life seems poor;
do not blame it;
blame yourself. Tell yourself
that you are not poet enough to
call forth its riches.
Rainer Maria Rilke
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
However it could be worse... when I think of the people in the Midwest suffering in the floods , I am thankful for whatever the weather is here.
On our way out of the Park yesterday, I saw a brown bunny nibbling on the grass, and close beside it, a strange looking raccoon came out of the bushes and went right back in. Strange looking because it was brownish in color and not like the other raccoons. I once saw an albino raccoon before 7 AM when I was able to walk there early in the morning. It was so weird looking I stayed by the car, while it disappeared. There are all kinds of critters in them thar bushes! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
What are You doing today?
Praise the Lord all you gentiles!
Laud him, all you peoples! For
his merciful kindness is great
toward us and the truth of
the Lord endures forever.
Psalm 117:1,2
In the Middle ages a man was sent to a building site in France to see how the workers felt about their labor. He approached the first worker and asked, "What are you doing?"
The worker snapped at him, "Are you blind? I'm cutting these impossible boulders with primitive tools and putting them together the way the boss tells me. I'm sweating under this hot sun. My back is breaking. I'm bored. I make next to nothing!"
The man quickly backed away and found a second worker to whom he asked the same question, "What are you doing?"
The second worker replied, "I'm shaping these boulders into usable forms. then they are put together according to the architect's plans. I earn five francs a week, and that supports my wife and family. It's a job. Could be worse."
A little encouraged but not overwhelmed by this response, the man went to yet a third worker. "What are you doing? he asked.
Why can't you see?" the worker said as he lifted his arm to the sky. "I'm building a cathedral!"
How we regard our work may not affect whether a task gets done or not. It will, however, have an impact on the quality of our work and our productivity. Those who see value in their jobs enjoy a greater sense of purpose.
Any job can be done with grace, dignity, style, and purpose; you only have to choose to see it that way!
If your daily life seems poor;
do not blame it;
blame yourself. Tell yourself
that you are not poet enough to
call forth its riches.
Rainer Maria Rilke
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Beatitudes
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! When I stepped outside earlier the sky was almost clear and the air was a little cooler from the good downpour we had yesterday afternoon.
I watched a dove hurrying busily across the driveway, not seeming to be afraid of me, but going about her business. There was a story in the paper yesterday about an osprey nest in a supermarket parking lot. We have one at a store where I frequently shop, plus two close by in the little league light, and the school I drive by daily. The offspring are big, now and should be leaving the nest soon.
We took a walk after supper last evening, and I thought it would be cooler, but it was very humid. We watched Mama gator under the shelter, with her nose sticking out, but no babies in sight. They may have left the area by now and gone on their own. Then we walked out to the Tower, and enjoyed the quiet. Lots of people were coming to enjoy the evening after the rain! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
The Beatitudes
God blesses those who realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are gentle and lowly,
for the whole earth will belong to them
God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice,
for they will receive it in full.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy,
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for god,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I watched a dove hurrying busily across the driveway, not seeming to be afraid of me, but going about her business. There was a story in the paper yesterday about an osprey nest in a supermarket parking lot. We have one at a store where I frequently shop, plus two close by in the little league light, and the school I drive by daily. The offspring are big, now and should be leaving the nest soon.
We took a walk after supper last evening, and I thought it would be cooler, but it was very humid. We watched Mama gator under the shelter, with her nose sticking out, but no babies in sight. They may have left the area by now and gone on their own. Then we walked out to the Tower, and enjoyed the quiet. Lots of people were coming to enjoy the evening after the rain! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
The Beatitudes
God blesses those who realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are gentle and lowly,
for the whole earth will belong to them
God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice,
for they will receive it in full.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy,
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for god,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 16, 2008
Encouragement
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 breeze is blowing, and the sun is shining, and it is a bit cooler this morning, so God is Good!
My amaryllis are still blooming and a potted hibiscus has had several ruffled blooms and this morning I noticed my lone caladium has a big colorful leaf showing! I had given up on it.
Yesterday, after church, we drove through the Park and Matthew saw Terry and wanted to go see him so we pulled into the Maintenance area and chatted with him for awhile. Matthew spied a couple gators swimming and then discussed with Terry the merits of different sport bikes (motorcycles).
Later in the day, I discovered I needed milk (again!) and so we once again took a detour through the Park, and noticed a car stopped on the road, so we looked and on the grass behind the fence was a large gator. We were in time to see him walk back into the water! There is always something going on at the Park!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Leviticus 26:2 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons.
Joshua 23:10 Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised.
Be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies against us. God used David to overcome Goliath, Gideon's three hundred soldiers to defeat the armies of Midian, and one hundred and twenty disciples to establish the church in Acts. He joys when working through our weaknesses and limitations.
Colossians 1:11-14 We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enables you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued me from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My amaryllis are still blooming and a potted hibiscus has had several ruffled blooms and this morning I noticed my lone caladium has a big colorful leaf showing! I had given up on it.
Yesterday, after church, we drove through the Park and Matthew saw Terry and wanted to go see him so we pulled into the Maintenance area and chatted with him for awhile. Matthew spied a couple gators swimming and then discussed with Terry the merits of different sport bikes (motorcycles).
Later in the day, I discovered I needed milk (again!) and so we once again took a detour through the Park, and noticed a car stopped on the road, so we looked and on the grass behind the fence was a large gator. We were in time to see him walk back into the water! There is always something going on at the Park!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
Leviticus 26:2 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons.
Joshua 23:10 Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised.
Be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies against us. God used David to overcome Goliath, Gideon's three hundred soldiers to defeat the armies of Midian, and one hundred and twenty disciples to establish the church in Acts. He joys when working through our weaknesses and limitations.
Colossians 1:11-14 We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enables you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued me from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, June 13, 2008
Thoughts for Wisdom
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! When I stepped outside this morning, I was pleased by the coolness of the air. After the strong thunderstorms we had yesterday, all the air was clean and refreshing, but very hot and humid.
Matthew wanted to buy a Bible for himself, because he forgot to bring his, so we went to the Family Christian store and shopped awhile and he finally decided on a One Year Bible, so he could pick out a day and read it before bedtime. Tonight he is going on an outing with Brian, and tomorrow to a movie to see the latest Narnia. We are enjoying him!
I was able to go to the Park by myself, yesterday, because the guys did not want to come along, so I walked just a little way on the sidewalk by the canal and noticed a large tree down across the canal toward the second bridge. Mark came along in the cart making a trash run, and stopped to talk, so I found out that due to the drastic cuts in personnel, the tree crew has to come and take out the tree. Also, a crew has to come and fix any problems with irrigation. Everything will change shortly and there will not be anyone in the park to take care of problems. I have known Mark for over twenty years. I do not like the situation and have written to the County about it.
On a cheerier note, I watched a graceful large white heron fly along the canal and it was beautiful! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Jeremiah 29:11
For 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. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me..."
Ecclesiastes 5
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people, who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Matthew wanted to buy a Bible for himself, because he forgot to bring his, so we went to the Family Christian store and shopped awhile and he finally decided on a One Year Bible, so he could pick out a day and read it before bedtime. Tonight he is going on an outing with Brian, and tomorrow to a movie to see the latest Narnia. We are enjoying him!
I was able to go to the Park by myself, yesterday, because the guys did not want to come along, so I walked just a little way on the sidewalk by the canal and noticed a large tree down across the canal toward the second bridge. Mark came along in the cart making a trash run, and stopped to talk, so I found out that due to the drastic cuts in personnel, the tree crew has to come and take out the tree. Also, a crew has to come and fix any problems with irrigation. Everything will change shortly and there will not be anyone in the park to take care of problems. I have known Mark for over twenty years. I do not like the situation and have written to the County about it.
On a cheerier note, I watched a graceful large white heron fly along the canal and it was beautiful! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Jeremiah 29:11
For 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. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me..."
Ecclesiastes 5
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people, who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Thoughts
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!
When I stepped outside this morning the air felt a little cool, but it is heating up now!
Yesterday, Matthew and I took an unplanned walk out to the shelter to see the babies. The water is much higher since our heavy rains, and only the largest baby gator was visible - not even Mama. We met up with a friend from church who was also in a hurry as she is also a caregiver and has to watch her time, but we had a nice chat. God is good!
Thoughts from Steve Brown's book Jumping Hurdles, Hitting Glitches, Overcoming Setbacks.
Meditations on Daily Challenges-Those Typical Glitches
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all -surpassing power is from God and not from us.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not abandoned:
struck down, but not destroyed...Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving. for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.
Paul the Apostle
2 Corinthians 4:7-9,16-18
Meditation
What would your life be like if God had ignored you, if He had decided to let you go your own way without ever intervening? Pretty frightening thought, isn't it?
Now consider someone who may be under your care who needs you to intervene. Are you willing to step in? Do you love them enough to rebuke, to discipline, to do the hard thing?
God wouldn't give up on you. Perhaps it's time for you to do the same for someone else.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside this morning the air felt a little cool, but it is heating up now!
Yesterday, Matthew and I took an unplanned walk out to the shelter to see the babies. The water is much higher since our heavy rains, and only the largest baby gator was visible - not even Mama. We met up with a friend from church who was also in a hurry as she is also a caregiver and has to watch her time, but we had a nice chat. God is good!
Thoughts from Steve Brown's book Jumping Hurdles, Hitting Glitches, Overcoming Setbacks.
Meditations on Daily Challenges-Those Typical Glitches
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all -surpassing power is from God and not from us.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not abandoned:
struck down, but not destroyed...Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving. for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.
Paul the Apostle
2 Corinthians 4:7-9,16-18
Meditation
What would your life be like if God had ignored you, if He had decided to let you go your own way without ever intervening? Pretty frightening thought, isn't it?
Now consider someone who may be under your care who needs you to intervene. Are you willing to step in? Do you love them enough to rebuke, to discipline, to do the hard thing?
God wouldn't give up on you. Perhaps it's time for you to do the same for someone else.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Worry Wednesday
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! When I stepped outside early this morning, I could still see some stars shining dimly, and now, the clouds are already gathering with lots of blue sky showing.
Yesterday we had an early rain and the ground seems to be soaked, which makes the grass grow very fast, but I am thankful I don't have to water, now.
We still have not been out much, since Matthew won't put a shirt on because of the sunburn, but I think today he will find that it is much better and he can venture out. He went on the porch and caught a baby lizard yesterday and brought it in the house, but he knew not to let it get away. Life is interesting with a 12 year old! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Matthew 6:34 NKJV
Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about its own thing. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Many people lose sleep by worrying They lie awake in bed, wondering if they made a right decision the day before-if they did the wrong thing-and what they should do tomorrow.
One woman handles worry creatively.
With so many things to worry about, she decided to set aside one day each week to worry. As worrying situations occurred, she wrote them down and put them in her worry box. Then on Worry Wednesday, she read through each worry. To her amazement, most of the things she had been disturbed about had already been taken care of in some way. Thus, she learned there was seldom a justifiable reason to worry. As the psalmist wrote in Psalm 127:2, it is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.
God's perfect rest is described this way by American poet Ellen M. Huntington Gates:
And let no mournful yesterdays
Disturb thy peaceful heart.
Nor let tomorrow mar thy rest
with dreams of coming ills.
Thy Maker is thy changeless friend,
His love surrounds thee still.
Forget thyself and all the world,
Put out each garish light:
The stars are shining overhead
Sleep sweet! Good night! Good night!
The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.
George Muller
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday we had an early rain and the ground seems to be soaked, which makes the grass grow very fast, but I am thankful I don't have to water, now.
We still have not been out much, since Matthew won't put a shirt on because of the sunburn, but I think today he will find that it is much better and he can venture out. He went on the porch and caught a baby lizard yesterday and brought it in the house, but he knew not to let it get away. Life is interesting with a 12 year old! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Matthew 6:34 NKJV
Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about its own thing. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Many people lose sleep by worrying They lie awake in bed, wondering if they made a right decision the day before-if they did the wrong thing-and what they should do tomorrow.
One woman handles worry creatively.
With so many things to worry about, she decided to set aside one day each week to worry. As worrying situations occurred, she wrote them down and put them in her worry box. Then on Worry Wednesday, she read through each worry. To her amazement, most of the things she had been disturbed about had already been taken care of in some way. Thus, she learned there was seldom a justifiable reason to worry. As the psalmist wrote in Psalm 127:2, it is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.
God's perfect rest is described this way by American poet Ellen M. Huntington Gates:
And let no mournful yesterdays
Disturb thy peaceful heart.
Nor let tomorrow mar thy rest
with dreams of coming ills.
Thy Maker is thy changeless friend,
His love surrounds thee still.
Forget thyself and all the world,
Put out each garish light:
The stars are shining overhead
Sleep sweet! Good night! Good night!
The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.
George Muller
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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