Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! While the sun is shining brightly now, last night we had a nice steady rain, but not for long. I noticed a pink sunrise when I stepped outside earlier. Just gorgeous!
Looks like the messy squirrels are building a nest in our oaks. Fresh green twigs are all over where they have trimmed them. I will have the job of picking them up, which I did yesterday. Also, I was hoping that the Park would be mowed and neat again, but not so. The grass and weeds are long as usual, so I don't know what the mowers did yesterday. But... the squirrels, egrets and herons do not mind how high the grass is. They carry on with their busyness and take care of feeding themselves. God is good!
We also saw a peacock lying flat on the grass by the street, looking very comfy. His long tail feathers were gleaming in the sun. Guess he was tired! :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I face challenging, sometimes intimidating, opportunities?
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Our ability to face challenges is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. With Christ's help, we can make the most of every opportunity.
How do I know if an opportunity is from the Lord?
Joshua 1:7-9 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
God's Love
Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped out side this morning, it was already daylight at 6:30! I have decided not to get up at five any more for awhile. Life is good!
Yesterday we went on an adventure after getting the car washed. I drove out to Millennium Park where we had not been for a very long time. It is a beautiful park, very large and well kept looking. We sat for a little while in the shade, but could already feel the heat coming, so I headed back to Seminole and stopped at the Citrus Country store for soft ice cream cones. They were huge! I pulled over in the shade of some trees and we sat in the breeze and licked and licked. God is good!
I went to Sawgrass yesterday, and saw the mowing crew unloading, so today when I visit it should be all mowed and neat looking again! I watched an egret preening himself and the fine feathers were blowing in the wind. He was a pretty sight! Very lacy looking!
From the little book, God's Promises for Men:
God's Love is with a man when;
He brings his problems to God;
If you would prepare your heart,
and stretch out your hands toward Him;
IF iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away,
And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents;
Then surely you could lift up your face without spot;
Yes, you could be steadfast and not fear;
because you would forget your misery,
And remember it as waters that have passed away,
And your life would be brighter than noonday.
Though you were dark, you would be like the morning.
And you would be secure, because there is hope;
Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety.
Job 11:13-18
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, not be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
1 Peter 3:12-15
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday we went on an adventure after getting the car washed. I drove out to Millennium Park where we had not been for a very long time. It is a beautiful park, very large and well kept looking. We sat for a little while in the shade, but could already feel the heat coming, so I headed back to Seminole and stopped at the Citrus Country store for soft ice cream cones. They were huge! I pulled over in the shade of some trees and we sat in the breeze and licked and licked. God is good!
I went to Sawgrass yesterday, and saw the mowing crew unloading, so today when I visit it should be all mowed and neat looking again! I watched an egret preening himself and the fine feathers were blowing in the wind. He was a pretty sight! Very lacy looking!
From the little book, God's Promises for Men:
God's Love is with a man when;
He brings his problems to God;
If you would prepare your heart,
and stretch out your hands toward Him;
IF iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away,
And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents;
Then surely you could lift up your face without spot;
Yes, you could be steadfast and not fear;
because you would forget your misery,
And remember it as waters that have passed away,
And your life would be brighter than noonday.
Though you were dark, you would be like the morning.
And you would be secure, because there is hope;
Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety.
Job 11:13-18
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, not be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
1 Peter 3:12-15
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 1, 2009
A Sip at a Time
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! Seems like cannot get up and see the stars any more, since daylight comes so early, but I did see the pink rays of the sunrise this morning, and that was really pretty.
Yesterday, as we rode through the unmowed Park , I spotted a large gator head just above the water under the bridge. They are on the move during spring, doing their courting! I also saw lots of squirrels and an anhinga on the top of a dead stump with wings spread wide. God is good!
Once again we have feral kittens in the backyard. The black cat who was one of the litter last year, now has two of her own, so the cycle goes on. They are really cute playing with each other, but totally wild. Any suggestions?
From Quiet Moments with God:
My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts.
Isaiah 65:14
The great movie makeer Cecil B. DeMille once remarked on the importance of happiness in one's life and how to savor it:
The profession one chooses to follow for a livelihood seldom brings fame and fortune, but a life lived within the dictates of one's conscience can bring happiness and satisfaction of living far beyond worldly acclaim. I expect to pass through this world bur once, and any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. Happiness must be sipped, not drained from life in great gulps--nor does it flow in a steady stream like water from a faucet. "A portion of thyself is a sip of happiness as satisfying as it is costless."
One of the ways in which we may experience true happiness is to "sip" from the supply of talents and abilities God gives us and use them to benefit others. "Sipping" doesn't require spending great amounts of time. Neither dies it require extraordinary or professional helping skills.
Use a gift or talent you have to serve others.
Helen Keller, blind and deaf from the age of nineteen months, had remarkable sight when it came to viewing life's priorities. She said, "Many persons have a wrong idea about what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose."
How miraculoius it is that God has built an antomatic measure of happiness into every act of self-sacrifice! Take a sip of happiness by serving others!
God can do tremendous things through people
who con't care who gets the credit.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, as we rode through the unmowed Park , I spotted a large gator head just above the water under the bridge. They are on the move during spring, doing their courting! I also saw lots of squirrels and an anhinga on the top of a dead stump with wings spread wide. God is good!
Once again we have feral kittens in the backyard. The black cat who was one of the litter last year, now has two of her own, so the cycle goes on. They are really cute playing with each other, but totally wild. Any suggestions?
From Quiet Moments with God:
My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts.
Isaiah 65:14
The great movie makeer Cecil B. DeMille once remarked on the importance of happiness in one's life and how to savor it:
The profession one chooses to follow for a livelihood seldom brings fame and fortune, but a life lived within the dictates of one's conscience can bring happiness and satisfaction of living far beyond worldly acclaim. I expect to pass through this world bur once, and any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. Happiness must be sipped, not drained from life in great gulps--nor does it flow in a steady stream like water from a faucet. "A portion of thyself is a sip of happiness as satisfying as it is costless."
One of the ways in which we may experience true happiness is to "sip" from the supply of talents and abilities God gives us and use them to benefit others. "Sipping" doesn't require spending great amounts of time. Neither dies it require extraordinary or professional helping skills.
Use a gift or talent you have to serve others.
Helen Keller, blind and deaf from the age of nineteen months, had remarkable sight when it came to viewing life's priorities. She said, "Many persons have a wrong idea about what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose."
How miraculoius it is that God has built an antomatic measure of happiness into every act of self-sacrifice! Take a sip of happiness by serving others!
God can do tremendous things through people
who con't care who gets the credit.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 29, 2009
Psoaring thru Psalms
When I went to the Park yesterday, I noticed how unkempt it looks. It is in dire need of mowing, but, apparently, that will be the case with all the county parks, with mowing only every month or so. Francia said the floor in her classroom had not been cleaned all year, so neglect has already started. But, there is not much we can do about it. Still there is beauty all around. The butterfly garden is attracting many butterflies, orange and black, yellow frittilaries, and others I cannot name. God is good!
Psalm 119:19-29 NLT:
Open for me the gates where the righteous enter,
And I will go in and thank the Lord.
These gates lead to the presence of the Lord,
and the godly enter there.
I thank you for answering my prayer and saving me!
The stone rejected by the builders
has now become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord's doing,
and it is marvelous to see.
This is the day the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Please Lord, please save us.
Please, Lord, please give us success.
Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is good, shining upon us.
Bring forward the sacrifice and put it on the altar.
You are my God, and I will praise you!
You are my God and I will exalt you!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Encouragement
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, a little later than usual, I was immediately enveloped in a warm, moist , cushion of air. It is already 80 and will probably get even warmer when the sun breaks through the clouds. A lone heron was standing in the front yard, looking at me, but I carefully walked past him as he turned his body to keep watch, then, deciding I meant no harm, went on pecking at the ground. God is Awesome!
I went to the Park yesterday to deliver some cake, and found Francia busy cleaning out her classroom. She is all finished with classes and will be retired as soon as school is over. She is taking everything home, and what a collection she has! Dried gator heads, gator teeth, tarantulas, (already home) snakes, various spiders, turtles, and all kinds of animal artifacts. The stuffed birds have already been given away, but the little screech owls are hers and they are at her house. She was told that another teacher will be there in the fall, but I was told that the classroom will be closed. Interesting to find out just what will happen. She has devoted her teaching career to the environment and has never taught in a regular classroom. She will be missed.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
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 us 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
I went to the Park yesterday to deliver some cake, and found Francia busy cleaning out her classroom. She is all finished with classes and will be retired as soon as school is over. She is taking everything home, and what a collection she has! Dried gator heads, gator teeth, tarantulas, (already home) snakes, various spiders, turtles, and all kinds of animal artifacts. The stuffed birds have already been given away, but the little screech owls are hers and they are at her house. She was told that another teacher will be there in the fall, but I was told that the classroom will be closed. Interesting to find out just what will happen. She has devoted her teaching career to the environment and has never taught in a regular classroom. She will be missed.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?
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 us 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
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Cruisin' thru Colossians
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Once again, last night we had thunderstorms and showers, so this morning, although everything is wet and puddles are here and there, the sun is shining and a little frog was sitting on the driveway, trying to be the early bird to get the worm, I guess. David came to mow the yard yesterday, so it looks nice, even though the grass is sparse.
Speaking of David, he was telling me about an encounter he had with a large gator at Boca Ciega Park where he works. The gator was wandering too far and getting on the road, so David in the cart, tried to chase him back, and the gator got stuck in a barricade, got mad and bit down on the metal, losing several teeth in the process. The gator got loose, finally and went to one of the lakes where he should have been.David collected a couple gator teeth.
After a trip to Walmart, which made their stock go up, I went to the Park and saw green grass and trees simmering in the hot sun, people walking dogs, and just enjoying the weather. God is good!
From Colossians NLT selections:
We ask God to give you a complete understanding as to what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need.
Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high--sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world and not from Christ. For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe.
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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Speaking of David, he was telling me about an encounter he had with a large gator at Boca Ciega Park where he works. The gator was wandering too far and getting on the road, so David in the cart, tried to chase him back, and the gator got stuck in a barricade, got mad and bit down on the metal, losing several teeth in the process. The gator got loose, finally and went to one of the lakes where he should have been.David collected a couple gator teeth.
After a trip to Walmart, which made their stock go up, I went to the Park and saw green grass and trees simmering in the hot sun, people walking dogs, and just enjoying the weather. God is good!
From Colossians NLT selections:
We ask God to give you a complete understanding as to what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need.
Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high--sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world and not from Christ. For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe.
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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Love
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, I went to bed hearing thunder in the distance and woke up to a clear sky and signs of rain during the night, but yesterday was warm and a good picnicking day.
We visited the cemetery where is was quiet and very warm, and ended up having hot dogs for lunch. I was flying our flag in honor of all our soldiers and armed forces people. We took a drive through the park and saw a peacock on the way in. There was a great blue heron by the bank, as usual, and people walking dogs and enjoying the good weather. It was a good day!
Then in the afternoon, I went shopping and came across two good friends,so we had a nice chat. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How will God help me love others more?
Galatians 6:8-10 Those who live only 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 shoulde do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sister.
The Holy Spirit awakens our love for others. We can ask God to make us willing to love others--even those who are difficult--and God will hear our prayer.
How do I show my love for God?
John 15:10-11 When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that yu will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
Our obedience expresses our love for God. This should not be confused with earning God's love by good works. We obey God because we are already loved, not in order to be loved. And as we obey, we are promised joy.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, love and joy!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We visited the cemetery where is was quiet and very warm, and ended up having hot dogs for lunch. I was flying our flag in honor of all our soldiers and armed forces people. We took a drive through the park and saw a peacock on the way in. There was a great blue heron by the bank, as usual, and people walking dogs and enjoying the good weather. It was a good day!
Then in the afternoon, I went shopping and came across two good friends,so we had a nice chat. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How will God help me love others more?
Galatians 6:8-10 Those who live only 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 shoulde do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sister.
The Holy Spirit awakens our love for others. We can ask God to make us willing to love others--even those who are difficult--and God will hear our prayer.
How do I show my love for God?
John 15:10-11 When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that yu will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
Our obedience expresses our love for God. This should not be confused with earning God's love by good works. We obey God because we are already loved, not in order to be loved. And as we obey, we are promised joy.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, love and joy!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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