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 moon was still full and shining brightly, and then daylight came and dimmed the light some. We have a windy day today and it is supposed to get up to 80! The warm weather is good for fair-goers and then the Strawberry Festival, but we have more cold weather coming.
I saw about five turtles sunning themselves at the Park yesterday and lots of brown grass from the frosts we have had. It looks brown in every neighborhood that does not have trees, but, hopefully, will soon green up with the coming of rain and spring. The azaleas at the park are blooming but not as much as years past, because they were cut down so far. I have been advised to trim ours down, which will lose some blooms next year, but be better for them after that. We have one bush that is covered with blossoms, and the others not so much, but God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How else does God care for me in times of trouble and danger?
Psalm 91:11 He orders his angels to protect you wherever you go.
Hebrews 1:14 Angels are only servants. They are spirits sent from God to care for those who will receive salvation.
In addition to all the other sources of help, God sends his mighty angels to watch over us. Though we rarely see them, we can trust God's word that they will care for us.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.
God shows his care by his constant presence in our lives.
How can we help each other with our problems?
Galatians 6:2 Share each others troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
God works through others to show comfort and concern, to restore and refresh to correct and challenge. While we each have burdens to bear, one of the great advantages of being a part of God's family is that we do not have to bear our burdens along.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Problems
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 huge full moon was shining in the west on its way around the earth, and everything was lit up. God is Awesome!
I took a drive to the Park yesterday and saw the pastor's wife taking a photo of some turtles lying on the bank, then went on to find a parking place, so I could walk out on the bridge. I stood for a few minutes feeling the sun on my back and relaxing, then, since the traffic light was blinking red, and traffic was heavy, I turned right and went on to Joe's Creek Park. What good timing! There was a whole flock of ibis, tri-colored immature ones, and white ones pecking all around the fence... must have been three or four dozen. I got out of the car and they paid no attention to me. I watched them for a few minutes, then made my way home.
I also noticed that the tiny songbirds are now here for the winter. I just noticed one in the neighbor's mango tree, pecking and flitting around. God's creation is great!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when problems overwhelm me?
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger-so why should I tremble?
Problems can turn our eyes from the Lord. Use them, instead, as opportunities to turn our eyes to the Lord for his protection, his guiding light, and his saving power.
Psalm 145:14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
God finds the fallen and never passes them by. When we feel we can't go another step, he shoulders our loads, easing our pain and burden.
Psalm 42:5-6 Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember your kindness-from Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar.
Remember God's mercy. He has been faithful in the past and will be faithful in the future. Memory ignites the fire of hope and drives away the darkness of despair.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I took a drive to the Park yesterday and saw the pastor's wife taking a photo of some turtles lying on the bank, then went on to find a parking place, so I could walk out on the bridge. I stood for a few minutes feeling the sun on my back and relaxing, then, since the traffic light was blinking red, and traffic was heavy, I turned right and went on to Joe's Creek Park. What good timing! There was a whole flock of ibis, tri-colored immature ones, and white ones pecking all around the fence... must have been three or four dozen. I got out of the car and they paid no attention to me. I watched them for a few minutes, then made my way home.
I also noticed that the tiny songbirds are now here for the winter. I just noticed one in the neighbor's mango tree, pecking and flitting around. God's creation is great!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when problems overwhelm me?
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger-so why should I tremble?
Problems can turn our eyes from the Lord. Use them, instead, as opportunities to turn our eyes to the Lord for his protection, his guiding light, and his saving power.
Psalm 145:14 The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
God finds the fallen and never passes them by. When we feel we can't go another step, he shoulders our loads, easing our pain and burden.
Psalm 42:5-6 Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember your kindness-from Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar.
Remember God's mercy. He has been faithful in the past and will be faithful in the future. Memory ignites the fire of hope and drives away the darkness of despair.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, February 9, 2009
Free from the Guilted Cage
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 sky is blue, the breeze is blowing and the temps are supposed to be in the middle seventies today. A good day for fair-goers in Tampa. You can get all the greasy food you want, including bacon slabs dipped in chocolate, and fried pickles. Yum.
But, the Strawberry Festival is coming and I have already had about four pints of ripe strawberries in shortcake. They seem to be really good this year.
I am healing slowly from the bronchitis, but am still blowing and coughing. I went for an outing yesterday, just to get out of the house and saw a beautiful white egret, several ibis and a great blue heron all in a row on the bank of the canal at the park. On the way home there was a kingfisher perched on the line again overlooking Turner Creek. Also, the ospreys are flying in and out of their nests, already taking care of eggs. God is good!
From Hymns for the Family of God:
A Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, today I want to live my life as an expression of your love rather than as an effort to earn or deserve your love. Like Paul, I have tried about everything to prove my worth. Nothing satisfies. I am weary of doing the right thing because of guilt and not grace. Thank you for the limitless power of your love which sets me free from a guilted cage to fly and soar to new heights of joyous praise today. Amen.
-LLoyd John Ogilvie
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
But, the Strawberry Festival is coming and I have already had about four pints of ripe strawberries in shortcake. They seem to be really good this year.
I am healing slowly from the bronchitis, but am still blowing and coughing. I went for an outing yesterday, just to get out of the house and saw a beautiful white egret, several ibis and a great blue heron all in a row on the bank of the canal at the park. On the way home there was a kingfisher perched on the line again overlooking Turner Creek. Also, the ospreys are flying in and out of their nests, already taking care of eggs. God is good!
From Hymns for the Family of God:
A Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, today I want to live my life as an expression of your love rather than as an effort to earn or deserve your love. Like Paul, I have tried about everything to prove my worth. Nothing satisfies. I am weary of doing the right thing because of guilt and not grace. Thank you for the limitless power of your love which sets me free from a guilted cage to fly and soar to new heights of joyous praise today. Amen.
-LLoyd John Ogilvie
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Saturday, February 7, 2009
What a Day!
Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners!
Yesterday was a day not to forget! It was Louis' birthday and then came the call that Daryl was on the way to the hospital! I want to thank each of you that prayed for him. God hears and answers prayers and I felt calmer than I thought I would, so I know the prayers were answered.
Daryl was discharged after some tests and the conclusion was that he has an inner-ear disturbance causing the imbalance and light-headedness. The pressure on the chest could be anxiety, but at least the heart is doing its job and is OK. Praise the Lord!
Once again you all came through and I feel blessed to have such warriors on my side!
God bless you all with a wonderful day!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday was a day not to forget! It was Louis' birthday and then came the call that Daryl was on the way to the hospital! I want to thank each of you that prayed for him. God hears and answers prayers and I felt calmer than I thought I would, so I know the prayers were answered.
Daryl was discharged after some tests and the conclusion was that he has an inner-ear disturbance causing the imbalance and light-headedness. The pressure on the chest could be anxiety, but at least the heart is doing its job and is OK. Praise the Lord!
Once again you all came through and I feel blessed to have such warriors on my side!
God bless you all with a wonderful day!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, February 5, 2009
update
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cold day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice in it! I am rejoicing that I am still alive and coughing and blowing and taking antibiotics for bronchitis. I have been outside about three times this morning, because the leaves were piled up so far in front of the front door, that I had to sweep them out of the way.
Also, I took the dumpster down to the curb and brought it back, but this afternoon I have to make another trip to CVS to pick up more tissues. My indoor-outdoor thermometer read 38 this morning and hasn't moved much since.
Well, I always give thanks for you, and hope you are remembering me in prayer, as I am you.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Also, I took the dumpster down to the curb and brought it back, but this afternoon I have to make another trip to CVS to pick up more tissues. My indoor-outdoor thermometer read 38 this morning and hasn't moved much since.
Well, I always give thanks for you, and hope you are remembering me in prayer, as I am you.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, February 2, 2009
Easin' thru Ephesians
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! Well, after a near perfect day yesterday, we have rain this morning, but that's all right with me, since we still need the rain. However, all the remaining yellow leaves on the oak tree that is shedding are now on the porch and wet. So, no sweeping until they are dry.
We saw an unexpected spot of beauty yesterday as we drove along Turner's creek. The tide was out , so the mud flats, (not beautiful) were showing and there was a roseate spoonbill down in the unlovely creek, just glowing in all its pink gorgeousness! God is good! Also, up on a line was the kingfisher, which seems to be hanging out along the creek.
As we drove to the Park, two peacocks raced across the road, with their scrawny legs looking so funny. But the tail feathers are fully grown out now, for courting, and look lovely. There was also one on a fence with very long tail feathers hanging down. All around us is beauty, if we just open our eyes to see.
From the NIV
Ephesians 3: 14:4-6
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom the whole family of believers in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more that all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called-one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love,
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We saw an unexpected spot of beauty yesterday as we drove along Turner's creek. The tide was out , so the mud flats, (not beautiful) were showing and there was a roseate spoonbill down in the unlovely creek, just glowing in all its pink gorgeousness! God is good! Also, up on a line was the kingfisher, which seems to be hanging out along the creek.
As we drove to the Park, two peacocks raced across the road, with their scrawny legs looking so funny. But the tail feathers are fully grown out now, for courting, and look lovely. There was also one on a fence with very long tail feathers hanging down. All around us is beauty, if we just open our eyes to see.
From the NIV
Ephesians 3: 14:4-6
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom the whole family of believers in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more that all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to one hope when you were called-one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love,
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, January 30, 2009
Servanthood
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the rainy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I was surprised when I opened the front door this morning to see the quiet rain coming down! We really need this kind of soaking rain, and, as always, God knew it, so since yesterday, it has been coming down. God is wise!
Of course, the Superbowl activities have been dampened a bit, but since that doesn't affect me in any way, it is not my problem. :o)
I had a very nice thing happen to me yesterday. As I was at the desk in the dentist's office, I looked out the window and saw that it was raining quite hard, and I said to the receptionist that I knew I should have brought my umbrella in. With that, a young man who I thought was asleep, got up and went outside and came back with his umbrella! He handed it to me and said I could use his! He was so kind to do that, so I went to the car dry, and came to the door to pick up Louis, and gave the umbrella to the receptionist to give back to the young man with my thanks!! God puts very good people in my path! He is good!
We drove through the park in the rain and saw a turtle under a tree with his head stuck up high. I think he was a snapper, but could not tell too well from a distance. There were only four cars parked, and a couple of people with an umbrella were bravely headed for a walk. Just walkin' in the rain...reminds me of a song! :o) The oak trees were quite colorful with the last of the yellow leaves falling and covering the road. Also the maples are losing the last of their red leaves. It was quite peaceful there.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 20:28 "Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must become your slave. For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."
This was Jesus, talking to his disciples, because James and John had asked if they could sit at his right and left in heaven, and the other ten were indignant.
This is all I am sending today. Have a great weekend watching the Superbowl, or engaging in other activities!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Of course, the Superbowl activities have been dampened a bit, but since that doesn't affect me in any way, it is not my problem. :o)
I had a very nice thing happen to me yesterday. As I was at the desk in the dentist's office, I looked out the window and saw that it was raining quite hard, and I said to the receptionist that I knew I should have brought my umbrella in. With that, a young man who I thought was asleep, got up and went outside and came back with his umbrella! He handed it to me and said I could use his! He was so kind to do that, so I went to the car dry, and came to the door to pick up Louis, and gave the umbrella to the receptionist to give back to the young man with my thanks!! God puts very good people in my path! He is good!
We drove through the park in the rain and saw a turtle under a tree with his head stuck up high. I think he was a snapper, but could not tell too well from a distance. There were only four cars parked, and a couple of people with an umbrella were bravely headed for a walk. Just walkin' in the rain...reminds me of a song! :o) The oak trees were quite colorful with the last of the yellow leaves falling and covering the road. Also the maples are losing the last of their red leaves. It was quite peaceful there.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 20:28 "Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must become your slave. For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many."
This was Jesus, talking to his disciples, because James and John had asked if they could sit at his right and left in heaven, and the other ten were indignant.
This is all I am sending today. Have a great weekend watching the Superbowl, or engaging in other activities!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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