Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Happy EVE of the Fourth of July! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Just as I finished writing about the sun shining yesterday morning, the clouds opened up and it poured again for most of the day! But today it looks like no rain, and the heat will be back, but the beaches will be crowded and people will be having picnics to celebrate the 4th ! God is good!
When I was driving into the park yesterday, I stopped to help a small determined turtle cross the road, but he didn't need my help. Before I could get out of the car, he was walking with turtle speed for the other side and made it! The water in the canal was even with the weir crossing and the muddy water was flowing freely. It has been good for the parks to get all the rain.
From Hymns For the Family of God:
Make Us Worthy, Lord
Make us worthy, Lord,
to serve our fellow men throughout the world
who live and die in poverty and hunger.
Give them, through our hands, this day
our daily bread, and by our understanding love give Peace and Joy.
Lord, make a channel of Thy peace,
that where there is hatred I may bring love,
that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness.
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
that where there is error, I may bring truth;
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony,
that where there is despair, I may bring hope.
that where there are shadows, I may bring light;
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
Lord,
grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted;
to understand than to be understood;
to love than to be loved;
for it is by forgetting self that one finds;it is by dying that one awakens to eternal life.
Amen
-Mother Teresa (also St. Francis of Assisi)
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Roamin' thru Romans 8
Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! And a good morning it is! This is the sunny day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yes, the sun is shining and the sky is blue. A beautiful sight after all the rain yesterday. When I stepped outside earlier, the tiny frog was sitting in a corner, and the big one was already in the yard. The tiny ones must just be hatched or born or whatever in the ground and just wait for rainy weather to make their appearance.
We only got out once yesterday when the rain slacked off for a few minutes. I went to the library to check out some more books and then drove through the very wet park, A young gator was lying on the bank of the very full creek, not getting sun but just drying off, I guess. Very few people were there, and no dog walkers at all. But God is good! He gives everything in His time!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses could not save us, because of oir sinful nature. But God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own son in a human body like ours, except that ours are sinful. God destroyed sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the requirement of the law would be fully accomplished for us who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
...
For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yer, we must wait patiently and confidently.
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray, but the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We only got out once yesterday when the rain slacked off for a few minutes. I went to the library to check out some more books and then drove through the very wet park, A young gator was lying on the bank of the very full creek, not getting sun but just drying off, I guess. Very few people were there, and no dog walkers at all. But God is good! He gives everything in His time!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses could not save us, because of oir sinful nature. But God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own son in a human body like ours, except that ours are sinful. God destroyed sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the requirement of the law would be fully accomplished for us who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
...
For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yer, we must wait patiently and confidently.
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray, but the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Excerpts from Ecclesiastes
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! When I went to bed last night to the sound of thunder, I didn't think I would get up to the same sound, and darkness, but it looks as dark outside as when I retired! I almost stepped on the fat frog when I opened the door...reminded me of the time my family camped out in Texas when I was fourteen. I had to use the restroom, and it was dark. When I went with my flashlight, I could not see the big fat toad on the floor and stepped on it! Well, I think my screams were heard back in Florida! EWWWWW!
Say, have you all noticed how pretty the crepe myrtles are this year? Ours is even blooming more than in the past. God is good! I saw an osprey dive down in the lake near here, yesterday, and after immersing himself totally, he came up with nothing. Some days you just can't get a break!
There were not many people in the park yesterday when I went, but nobody probably today, at least this morning, in the rain. After such a long drought, we are getting nice and wet! By the way, I was offline all day yesterday, but thanks to friends, I am back in business.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to heal and a time to kill.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
And people should eat and drink, and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Say, have you all noticed how pretty the crepe myrtles are this year? Ours is even blooming more than in the past. God is good! I saw an osprey dive down in the lake near here, yesterday, and after immersing himself totally, he came up with nothing. Some days you just can't get a break!
There were not many people in the park yesterday when I went, but nobody probably today, at least this morning, in the rain. After such a long drought, we are getting nice and wet! By the way, I was offline all day yesterday, but thanks to friends, I am back in business.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to heal and a time to kill.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
And people should eat and drink, and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, June 26, 2009
Psoaring thru Psalms
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the rainy morning that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, the skies are gray and we have already had a thunderstorm with lots of rain, but that is welcome and will perhaps, cool things off a bit.
We had a quiet day yesterday... no reason to go anyplace, and I enjoyed checking on the plants outside. I noticed the Crown of Thorns has a lot of new growth on it from the rain we've had and the pitiful looking Mexican petunias are actually blooming. Publix has a lot of those in their planters and they look much healthier than mine, and are always blooming. Their landscaper must have a really green thumb!
The water is high and looks good at the Park, after being down some. It is peaceful to sit on a bench and just watch the still water, with all kinds of creatures swimming under the surface. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 34
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord.
Let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness,
let us exalt his name together.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him reverence,
for those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will never go hungry.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had a quiet day yesterday... no reason to go anyplace, and I enjoyed checking on the plants outside. I noticed the Crown of Thorns has a lot of new growth on it from the rain we've had and the pitiful looking Mexican petunias are actually blooming. Publix has a lot of those in their planters and they look much healthier than mine, and are always blooming. Their landscaper must have a really green thumb!
The water is high and looks good at the Park, after being down some. It is peaceful to sit on a bench and just watch the still water, with all kinds of creatures swimming under the surface. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 34
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord.
Let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness,
let us exalt his name together.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him reverence,
for those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will never go hungry.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Excerpts from 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! I overslept this morning, due to the lack of sleep the night before, I guess, but when I stepped outside the sun was already up and the mockingbirds were singing. It is not quite so hot as yesterday, so today will be a good day!
The storm Tuesday night did a lot of damage in some areas. Two big trees are down in the park and the mobile home park across the street from the Park entrance street had some damage. I knew it was a bad storm! But the white egret was gazing intently down into the water, as usual, watching for a fish, and few people were out. The park looked almost deserted. Guess the winter visitors have gone home, for the most part. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 6 :6
Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they ae watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm , as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.
A final word: be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world; against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.
...Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistant in your prayers for all Chistians everywhere.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The storm Tuesday night did a lot of damage in some areas. Two big trees are down in the park and the mobile home park across the street from the Park entrance street had some damage. I knew it was a bad storm! But the white egret was gazing intently down into the water, as usual, watching for a fish, and few people were out. The park looked almost deserted. Guess the winter visitors have gone home, for the most part. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 6 :6
Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they ae watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm , as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.
A final word: be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world; against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.
...Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistant in your prayers for all Chistians everywhere.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
More stress
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! The sun is shining brightly this morning, but WOW, what a storm last night! I had just gotten to sleep when the thunder woke me up and then the lightning flashing and flashing! I even covered my eyes, but I could still see it! I heard the wind pick up and the rain coming down really hard and blowing! I just stayed in bed and prayed for God to keep the house safe!
After a quiet day, when all we did was get haircuts, it was quite an ending. I am sure the park got much needed watering, so the weeds can grow even higher. We did see a strip mowed along the road, but nothing else. But the birds and squirrels don't mind because they can find food most any place. Not many people were in the park when we went just before noon, but the water looked peaceful and the egrets were keeping vigilant watch for lunch. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do we learn from stress?
Stress exposes our human limitations so that we can better realize God's limitless power and love.
Galatians 6:9 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.
We keep going because God has promised a rich harvest in His perfect time.
Romans 5:3-4 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectations of salvation.
James 1:2-4 Dear Brothers and Sisters, wheneveer trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
While stress exposes our true character, it also helps develop our true character. Even when we fall short of the mark, God has promised to work within us, shaping us into the image of Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
After a quiet day, when all we did was get haircuts, it was quite an ending. I am sure the park got much needed watering, so the weeds can grow even higher. We did see a strip mowed along the road, but nothing else. But the birds and squirrels don't mind because they can find food most any place. Not many people were in the park when we went just before noon, but the water looked peaceful and the egrets were keeping vigilant watch for lunch. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do we learn from stress?
Stress exposes our human limitations so that we can better realize God's limitless power and love.
Galatians 6:9 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.
We keep going because God has promised a rich harvest in His perfect time.
Romans 5:3-4 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectations of salvation.
James 1:2-4 Dear Brothers and Sisters, wheneveer trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
While stress exposes our true character, it also helps develop our true character. Even when we fall short of the mark, God has promised to work within us, shaping us into the image of Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Stress
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 sky was just turning a soft pastel peach , which was a pretty sight since the rest of the sky was gray. The fat frog that hangs out under the light was hopping very fast across the driveway, so I followed him and he went straight for the A/C where he ducked under and just sat. Apparently it is cool and damp under there.
We drove through the Park yesterday on our way for a brief outing, and not many people were walking...most staying indoors, I guess, through the hot days. The usual white egret was in the same place, watching for an unwary fish to swim along, hoping for lunch. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Should I be surprised by the stress of lift?
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
Jesus warned us to expect stress. This world is filled with trials and sorrows that generate stress in our lives., Christ gives us lasting peace because his power and grace are able to overcome all sources of stress in our lives.
What can I do to find relief from stress and anxiety?
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
We can turn from fear and anxiety to faith and peace. God promises to supply the power to get us through the hard times.
Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus said, "Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls."
Resting in Christ breaks the hold of stress. When we are yoked together in service to him, we are free from the unrealistic and destructive expectations that can overwhelm us. Jesus' humility and gentleness overcome every conflict and stress in this life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We drove through the Park yesterday on our way for a brief outing, and not many people were walking...most staying indoors, I guess, through the hot days. The usual white egret was in the same place, watching for an unwary fish to swim along, hoping for lunch. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Should I be surprised by the stress of lift?
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
Jesus warned us to expect stress. This world is filled with trials and sorrows that generate stress in our lives., Christ gives us lasting peace because his power and grace are able to overcome all sources of stress in our lives.
What can I do to find relief from stress and anxiety?
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
We can turn from fear and anxiety to faith and peace. God promises to supply the power to get us through the hard times.
Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus said, "Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls."
Resting in Christ breaks the hold of stress. When we are yoked together in service to him, we are free from the unrealistic and destructive expectations that can overwhelm us. Jesus' humility and gentleness overcome every conflict and stress in this life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)