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 sun was coming up, but the clouds in the west were streaked with pink...must have been a reflection! I also saw a very dark cloud floating overhead, so may be we will have rain again.
It poured down hard on the church roof yesterday, but, thankfully, it had stopped by the time we left because it would have been difficult to get Louis in the car, without both of us getting soaked! God is good!
Well, two lizards were seen in the living room yesterday, but I managed to usher one of them out the door, when I spotted him on the doorframe. The other one I last saw in the kitchen, so I don't know where it is. I need Matthew here to catch it! I like the wildlife on the outside, not inside, please. Speaking of wildlife, I just made it across in front of a mama duck, determined to take her dozen ducklings across a busy street the other day. Straight in a row, she marched across, looking neither to the right or left, assuming cars would stop for her, which the truck following me, did.
I was happy to see that a wider path has been mowed at Sawgrass. It looks better than just a strip. Maybe the next mow will be a little wider,yet. Mike and a volunteer were launching a boat at the weir, trying to clean up trash. The aquarium is going out the 2oth, so there won't be much for Mike to do after that. All the displays are gone and the classroom is musty smelling and all the stuff out of the displays is stored in there. Times are changing, not for good. But the boardwalks remain the same, so it is still a pleasant walk.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 3:14-21
When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everythig in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 13, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW
!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 see blue sky in places right now, but all was over cast when I stepped outside earlier. Due to the thunderstorms and rain yesterday afternoon, we just stayed home and watched the Rays win another game, and I read a lot.
I was so disturbed at the changes at Sawgrass, which were written about in yesterday's Times, that I could not sleep, so was up at two this morning and read for an hour. They have taken out the snake displays and the only thing left is the aquarium, due to the budget cuts. I am hoping to see Mike today and chat with him a bit. He is the only naturalist left in the Park system , but is retiring soon. I saw the workmen loading up their truck the other day, so they had money enough to pay them. But God is still in control and He is good!
The following message was sent to me yesterday and I thought it would be a good devotional for today. Please reread it if you have already seen it.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Thu, Jul 9, 2009 at 5:15 PM
Subject: YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW
One wonderful powerful story
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW
The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.
"Leave me alone," he growled... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows.
"Are you hungry?" she asked.
"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away.."
The woman's smile became even broader.
Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone.
Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked..
"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"
The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"
"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."
"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up.
"Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything."
"This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it."
Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived.
The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?"
This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered..
"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business."
Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady.. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."
The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"
"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."
"And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"
"What business is that of yours?"
I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."
"Oh.."
The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference."
She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a laugh. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"
"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."
"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"
"Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice."
The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."
The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said..
"That was not my intent.... Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."
She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.
"Jack, do you remember me?"
Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."
"I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."
"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly.. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.
"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days.. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."
Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."
"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right."
"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.
"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up.. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered.." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office."
She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always open to you."
There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he asked.
"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory... He led me to you."
Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways. "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said.
"On the contrary, Ms... Eddy," he answered. "Thank you... I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And...And thank you for the coffee."
If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing.
If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh.
But, if you have missed knowing God, you have missed everything in the world.
Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You Always and don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you.. God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.
When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go.
Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!
The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor. If you believe, send it. If you don't believe, delete it.
God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close...
If you need God to open some doors for you...send this on.
Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing...
I was so disturbed at the changes at Sawgrass, which were written about in yesterday's Times, that I could not sleep, so was up at two this morning and read for an hour. They have taken out the snake displays and the only thing left is the aquarium, due to the budget cuts. I am hoping to see Mike today and chat with him a bit. He is the only naturalist left in the Park system , but is retiring soon. I saw the workmen loading up their truck the other day, so they had money enough to pay them. But God is still in control and He is good!
The following message was sent to me yesterday and I thought it would be a good devotional for today. Please reread it if you have already seen it.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Thu, Jul 9, 2009 at 5:15 PM
Subject: YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW
One wonderful powerful story
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW
The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life. His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.
"Leave me alone," he growled... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows.
"Are you hungry?" she asked.
"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away.."
The woman's smile became even broader.
Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone.
Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked..
"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"
The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"
"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."
"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up.
"Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything."
"This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it."
Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived.
The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?"
This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered..
"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business."
Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady.. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."
The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"
"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."
"And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"
"What business is that of yours?"
I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."
"Oh.."
The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference."
She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a laugh. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"
"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."
"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"
"Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice."
The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."
The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said..
"That was not my intent.... Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."
She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.
"Jack, do you remember me?"
Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."
"I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."
"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly.. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.
"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days.. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."
Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."
"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right."
"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.
"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up.. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered.." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office."
She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always open to you."
There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he asked.
"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory... He led me to you."
Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways. "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said.
"On the contrary, Ms... Eddy," he answered. "Thank you... I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And...And thank you for the coffee."
If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing.
If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh.
But, if you have missed knowing God, you have missed everything in the world.
Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You Always and don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you.. God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.
When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go.
Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly!
The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor. If you believe, send it. If you don't believe, delete it.
God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close...
If you need God to open some doors for you...send this on.
Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing...
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Discernment
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, when I stepped outside this morning, There was the full moon! It was pale but I stood and watched as clouds slowly covered it. That was the first time in over a month that I had seen the moon in any of its phases! God is good! The sun is peeking through right now, but we have already had a shower and looks like more to come.
On my way to the Park yesterday, I saw a peahen standing in front of a storm door admiring the reflection . She is as vain as a peacock! :o) With all the talk about snakes lately, not only did I dream about them, but thought to myself that since the weeds are so tall by the road in to the park, that that is a prime hiding place for snakes. Scary thought! But the butterflies were flitting about, yellows and browns, large and small. They are also flitting about in our yard, along with the ever present squirrels. They are busier than ants!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
When I am confused, where do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding , and direction?
James 1:5-8 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask Him and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.
Psalm 119:125 Give discernment to me, your servant, than I will understand your decrees.
Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom. It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies", God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
On my way to the Park yesterday, I saw a peahen standing in front of a storm door admiring the reflection . She is as vain as a peacock! :o) With all the talk about snakes lately, not only did I dream about them, but thought to myself that since the weeds are so tall by the road in to the park, that that is a prime hiding place for snakes. Scary thought! But the butterflies were flitting about, yellows and browns, large and small. They are also flitting about in our yard, along with the ever present squirrels. They are busier than ants!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
When I am confused, where do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding , and direction?
James 1:5-8 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask Him and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.
Psalm 119:125 Give discernment to me, your servant, than I will understand your decrees.
Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom. It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies", God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Colossians 3:23
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, it is a rainy morning, so far. I can see blue sky but we have already had a few rain showers, which make the strange orange-yellow toadstools pop up in the front yard. There are a lot of big, white toadstools in the park, but these are definitely a strange breed of fungus!
Yesterday I shopped at Publix and shopping really was a pleasure! I only needed a few things, among which was Panko bread crumbs for my fish coating and could not find it. I asked one stocker and he barely spoke English and sent me to the bread aisle, which was about six aisles away from it. Two important looking honchos had been walking around looking at stock and one saw me and spoke very friendly like so I asked him where the Panko was and he said I will take you to it which he did! So...shopping was a pleasure at Publix! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites who can get away with evil.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayer with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday I shopped at Publix and shopping really was a pleasure! I only needed a few things, among which was Panko bread crumbs for my fish coating and could not find it. I asked one stocker and he barely spoke English and sent me to the bread aisle, which was about six aisles away from it. Two important looking honchos had been walking around looking at stock and one saw me and spoke very friendly like so I asked him where the Panko was and he said I will take you to it which he did! So...shopping was a pleasure at Publix! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites who can get away with evil.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayer with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Ephesians 6:10-18
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 for sure this morning, and was making rainbow-like reflections on the wall as it shone through the glass in our front door. the moon is supposed to be full right now, but I have not seen the moon for a month. Too hazy.
Well, I had an invigorating walk in Walmart yesterday. :o) They have really cleaned up the place and have wide, clean aisles. I noticed from the sales slip that they do not have a manager right now, but someone is doing a good job! I had a brief chat with the cashier, who always inquires about Louis, because she worked there when he did.
When I went to the park, not many people were out. It is really obvious that the tourists have returned home, because nearly all the cars are local. I was disappointed not to see the old gopher tortoise, but did see an egret standing watch over the water. Something was disturbing the water in the canal, but I could not see what it was. I am always looking for an otter, because they are so cute! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do I find protection from the threat of evil?
Ephesians 6:10-18
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. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of god's righteousness. For shoes , put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.
This is perhaps the Bible's most comprehensive teaching about the resources believers have to overcome evil. Spiritual forces lurk behind many of our conflicts. Therefore, we should not attack the people manipulated by evil but focus directly on the evil itself. We rely on truth, faith, the power of our testimony, the wisdom of God's word, and the power of prayer. When these are mobilized, evil succumbs, God wins, and we win.
To God be the Glory!!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, I had an invigorating walk in Walmart yesterday. :o) They have really cleaned up the place and have wide, clean aisles. I noticed from the sales slip that they do not have a manager right now, but someone is doing a good job! I had a brief chat with the cashier, who always inquires about Louis, because she worked there when he did.
When I went to the park, not many people were out. It is really obvious that the tourists have returned home, because nearly all the cars are local. I was disappointed not to see the old gopher tortoise, but did see an egret standing watch over the water. Something was disturbing the water in the canal, but I could not see what it was. I am always looking for an otter, because they are so cute! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do I find protection from the threat of evil?
Ephesians 6:10-18
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. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of god's righteousness. For shoes , put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.
This is perhaps the Bible's most comprehensive teaching about the resources believers have to overcome evil. Spiritual forces lurk behind many of our conflicts. Therefore, we should not attack the people manipulated by evil but focus directly on the evil itself. We rely on truth, faith, the power of our testimony, the wisdom of God's word, and the power of prayer. When these are mobilized, evil succumbs, God wins, and we win.
To God be the Glory!!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 6, 2009
Braveheart
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 saw the sun brightly shining, for a little while and now this big dark cloud is hovering overhead. Although it is very warm outside right now, we are actually not supposed to be as hot today. Funny, thing...because of all the rain and the oak trees shading our front yard, we have weird, large orange and yellow toadstools all over. I knocked over several last evening. The squirrels eat them sometimes, so I guess they are not poison. It is very strange.
We did not get out much yesterday, but went to the Park around noontime and not many people were out and about. I saw a anhinga with the wings folded...strange, because they are usually spread wide, drying. The canal by the weir is full of trash still from the runoff . Guess volunteers will have to clean it up, since there is no staff around. But the grass is green, the weeds are tall, and God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and stranger withal.
3 John 1:3 ASV
Kevin tells the story of a dear friend and fellow church member who passed away after a long life of love and service.
At the funeral, his children stood up one by one to tell stories abut their father, and soon you noticed a recurring theme: that his single most outstanding trait was his willingness to serve others, no matter what the need. He was one of those people who was always ready to lend a hand--to run an errand, do odd jobs or give someone a ride home. One of his daughters mentioned how everywhere he went, he kept a toolbox and a pair of coveralls in the trunk of his car, "just in case somebody needed something fixed."
More often than not, when we hear the word courage, we think of heroic acts in times of crisis. But in our everyday lives, we shouldn't overlook the courageousness of simply being there. Lives are changed when we faithfully provide for our families, care for the elderly, or lend an ear to a troubled friend. Persistence in making this world a better place to live--for ourselves and others--is definitely a form of courage.
Albert Schweitzer, the great Christian missionary, doctor and theologian, was once asked in an interview to name the greatest living person. He immediately replied, "The greatest living person in the world is some unknown individual who at this very moment has gone in love to help another."
As you go about your work today, remember that you could be someone else's hero.
The greatest work any of us can do
for another, whether old or young
is to teach the soul to draw it's water
from the wells of God.
F.B. Meyer
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We did not get out much yesterday, but went to the Park around noontime and not many people were out and about. I saw a anhinga with the wings folded...strange, because they are usually spread wide, drying. The canal by the weir is full of trash still from the runoff . Guess volunteers will have to clean it up, since there is no staff around. But the grass is green, the weeds are tall, and God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and stranger withal.
3 John 1:3 ASV
Kevin tells the story of a dear friend and fellow church member who passed away after a long life of love and service.
At the funeral, his children stood up one by one to tell stories abut their father, and soon you noticed a recurring theme: that his single most outstanding trait was his willingness to serve others, no matter what the need. He was one of those people who was always ready to lend a hand--to run an errand, do odd jobs or give someone a ride home. One of his daughters mentioned how everywhere he went, he kept a toolbox and a pair of coveralls in the trunk of his car, "just in case somebody needed something fixed."
More often than not, when we hear the word courage, we think of heroic acts in times of crisis. But in our everyday lives, we shouldn't overlook the courageousness of simply being there. Lives are changed when we faithfully provide for our families, care for the elderly, or lend an ear to a troubled friend. Persistence in making this world a better place to live--for ourselves and others--is definitely a form of courage.
Albert Schweitzer, the great Christian missionary, doctor and theologian, was once asked in an interview to name the greatest living person. He immediately replied, "The greatest living person in the world is some unknown individual who at this very moment has gone in love to help another."
As you go about your work today, remember that you could be someone else's hero.
The greatest work any of us can do
for another, whether old or young
is to teach the soul to draw it's water
from the wells of God.
F.B. Meyer
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, July 3, 2009
A Prayer
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
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
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