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 shining brightly and stars were also clearly visible. The mist from yesterday was totally gone. Today is supposed to get up to the hundreds in the heat index, but thankfully, the A/C is working! God is good!
The mowers had just finished when I went to the park yesterday, but they are not bothering with the path where the lady was attacked by the gator last week. "Too soon old, and too late smart", a favorite saying of my late Pennsylvania Dutch grandmother. But the turtles were sunning and the canal water was quiet and all was peaceful. God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead, also. James 2:26
Who comes to the rescue of towns torn apart by a tornado, or a church with a small congregation and smaller budget that needs much repair?
A group of mostly retirees in recreational vehicles. They travel throughout the South during the autumn and winter months, escaping cold temperatures and doing good along the way. Some are experienced in carpentry and construction, and some are not, but they all have the same goal: to make their time count by helping others.
The UMC chooses projects and assigns teams to each site. The workers, who pay all their expenses, meet at the appointed time and get right to work. To keep the jobs enjoyable, everyone works four days and then has three days off to relax and see the sights. The fun part, reported one woman volunteer, is the opportunity to have fellowship with like-minded people.
The same generosity of spirit, on a slightly different scale, is described in the Book of Acts. "All the believers, were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was disstributed to anyone as he has need." (Acts 4:32,34-35)
When we have the chance to do good, we should jump at it. "In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets," Jesus said in Matthew 7:12. Jesus asked us to serve, and we will be blessed when we do so.
No act of kindness, however small is ever wasted.
Aesop
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Words from James
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 last night to gaze at the full moon, I had a hard time seeing it, because of the mist over it, and this morning it is the same thing. A Misty moon. Sounds like a song title! :o) But, anyway, it is full. It did not outshine Venus, though, still glowing in the eastern sky. God is Good!
The great blue heron I saw in the park yesterday was very intent on watching for his dinner to swim along in the canal. I like to watch them try to get the fish at the right angle so they can swallow them easily. It takes a lot of work, and after all that work, they have a wiggly fish in the gullet! Wonder if it tickles? :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Faith and Endurance
Dear Brothers and sisters, whenever troubles come 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.
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....
God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The great blue heron I saw in the park yesterday was very intent on watching for his dinner to swim along in the canal. I like to watch them try to get the fish at the right angle so they can swallow them easily. It takes a lot of work, and after all that work, they have a wiggly fish in the gullet! Wonder if it tickles? :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Faith and Endurance
Dear Brothers and sisters, whenever troubles come 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.
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....
God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, October 2, 2009
A Prayer from Hebrews
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! Did you see the almost full moon rising last night? It was awesome against the clear, pale blue sky! This morning, once again, the sky is clear and the stars were shining and the air is cool. But the coolness won't last long. Soon we will have summer back. Oh, well, God is Good!
I noticed the large leaves from the neighbor's almond tree are falling and our acorns are all over the driveway and porch and will be for months to come, but that is a sign of fall. The park looks the same...weeds three or four feet tall, and now that more lay-offs have taken place, it won't get mowed very often, as the mowing crew has many parks to take care of. I saw an osprey sitting on a power line looking over Turner's Creek at Gateway Mall. I have seen it there before, and think it must have a nest either at Sawgrass School or one of the parking lots nearby. They have to adjust, to the city growth all around them. God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to him. Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory forever and ever.
Amen.
Hebrews 13:20,21
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I noticed the large leaves from the neighbor's almond tree are falling and our acorns are all over the driveway and porch and will be for months to come, but that is a sign of fall. The park looks the same...weeds three or four feet tall, and now that more lay-offs have taken place, it won't get mowed very often, as the mowing crew has many parks to take care of. I saw an osprey sitting on a power line looking over Turner's Creek at Gateway Mall. I have seen it there before, and think it must have a nest either at Sawgrass School or one of the parking lots nearby. They have to adjust, to the city growth all around them. God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to him. Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory forever and ever.
Amen.
Hebrews 13:20,21
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, October 1, 2009
God's love is with a man when...
Good October morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Brr! Almost chilly this morning! But 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 stars were shining more brightly than they had been, because the humidity is low. Well, at least that is my theory. Not scientific, I know. But it looks like it will be a beautiful day!
It was a nice day for a visit to the Park yesterday...cool air and bright, warm sunshine. My nose is much better, but I will still have to be careful in the sun, because it is very tender. I saw a beautiful, white egret looking for fish in the water by the canal, and the anhinga was drying its wings, as usual. A turtle was sunning on a log and also, one was on the bags by the weir. All of God's creatures were enjoying the fall weather! God is good!
From the little book God's Promises:
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
But Jesus looked at them and said to them,
"With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Matthew 19:16
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love,
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
It was a nice day for a visit to the Park yesterday...cool air and bright, warm sunshine. My nose is much better, but I will still have to be careful in the sun, because it is very tender. I saw a beautiful, white egret looking for fish in the water by the canal, and the anhinga was drying its wings, as usual. A turtle was sunning on a log and also, one was on the bags by the weir. All of God's creatures were enjoying the fall weather! God is good!
From the little book God's Promises:
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
But Jesus looked at them and said to them,
"With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Matthew 19:16
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love,
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Gods Promises
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! How invigorating the air is this morning! When I stepped outside, the coolness felt wonderful, with very low humidity! Our first real taste of fall . It won't last very long, but we will enjoy it while we can! God is good!
The little dipper was sparkling in the pre-dawn sky and some overcast visible early, but maybe the street gutters will dry out now without rain for a few days. I went to the Park twice yesterday, hoping to see Mike on his last day, but he was not to be found, nor was anyone else, so I am glad I gave him and card and pie last week. I also discovered when I tried to call the office that calls are not taken there any more. You have to call the main park office because of "restructuring". Oh, well.
I saw the peahen, as we were driving in, and also, a flock of immature ibis. It was strange to see so many dark ones all together, with no white ones among them. Also, a turtle was drying on the bank of the weir and there was a lot of sun. Very hot! But God is everywhere and friendships don't end just because we are not face to face. God is Awesome!
God freely gives
Peace in Troubled times (from the God's Promises Book)
I will bless the Lord at all times:
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the Lord.
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, and he heard me.
And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him.
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear him.
And delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good,
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Psalm 34:1-8
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The little dipper was sparkling in the pre-dawn sky and some overcast visible early, but maybe the street gutters will dry out now without rain for a few days. I went to the Park twice yesterday, hoping to see Mike on his last day, but he was not to be found, nor was anyone else, so I am glad I gave him and card and pie last week. I also discovered when I tried to call the office that calls are not taken there any more. You have to call the main park office because of "restructuring". Oh, well.
I saw the peahen, as we were driving in, and also, a flock of immature ibis. It was strange to see so many dark ones all together, with no white ones among them. Also, a turtle was drying on the bank of the weir and there was a lot of sun. Very hot! But God is everywhere and friendships don't end just because we are not face to face. God is Awesome!
God freely gives
Peace in Troubled times (from the God's Promises Book)
I will bless the Lord at all times:
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the Lord.
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, and he heard me.
And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him.
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear him.
And delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good,
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Psalm 34:1-8
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Psoaring thru Psalms
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, did you feel the coolness in the air this morning? For those of you who have been outside this morning already. It is definitely noticeable that the air is dryer. This is the time of year when the A/C goes off and then the inside air is too warm, and the outside air doesn't seem to come in the windows, so back goes the A/C on. I can handle it!
The weeds are growing higher and higher in the park since no mowing has been done, and there is now a chain across the poles warning people to keep out of the borrow pit path. It only takes one gator attack to wake people up! Too bad it had to happen! I saw a beautiful white egret land at the edge of the lake, totally unafraid of gators or anything else in its quest for food. I am hoping to go to say farewell to Mike on his last day today. I hope someone gives him a going away party, or, at least, takes him out to lunch. He is a good naturalist who really loves his work! I will miss him greatly.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 121
I look up to the mountains---
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord
who made the heavens and the earth!
He will not let you stumble and fall;
the one who watches over you will not sleep.
The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your
Protective shade.
The sun will not hurt you by day,
nor the moon at night.
The Lord keeps you from all evil
and preserves your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you
come and go,
both now and forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The weeds are growing higher and higher in the park since no mowing has been done, and there is now a chain across the poles warning people to keep out of the borrow pit path. It only takes one gator attack to wake people up! Too bad it had to happen! I saw a beautiful white egret land at the edge of the lake, totally unafraid of gators or anything else in its quest for food. I am hoping to go to say farewell to Mike on his last day today. I hope someone gives him a going away party, or, at least, takes him out to lunch. He is a good naturalist who really loves his work! I will miss him greatly.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 121
I look up to the mountains---
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord
who made the heavens and the earth!
He will not let you stumble and fall;
the one who watches over you will not sleep.
The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your
Protective shade.
The sun will not hurt you by day,
nor the moon at night.
The Lord keeps you from all evil
and preserves your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you
come and go,
both now and forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, September 28, 2009
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! When I stepped outside this morning, all the stars were shining brightly. It was a beautiful sight! Soon the moon will be full again and then it will be even brighter! God is good!
We had a work crew from church Saturday, and they trimmed, and cleaned out the rain gutters and carried off a truckload of trash! What great workers! We were blessed! The youngest was about four and really cute! :o) Worker, I mean.
The park is really overgrown where no mowing has been done for months, and I noticed four new posts at the beginning of the path around the borrow pits. A large gator bit a woman's leg there a week ago, while she was walking her dog along the path. She slipped and fell and the gator came after her. Other than teeth scars she will have, and bad memories, she will be all right. Mike was wishing it had happened after he retires, which will be Tuesday. I will miss him greatly. He is the last of the old crew that was there for thirty years. Times change. Sigh.
Time
How can I best use time?
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 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 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. What do people really get for all their hard work? I have thought about this in connection with the various kinds of work God has given people to do. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end.
Valuing time begins with seeing it from God's perspective. When we do this, we learn that there is always time for accomplishing God's plans for our lives.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had a work crew from church Saturday, and they trimmed, and cleaned out the rain gutters and carried off a truckload of trash! What great workers! We were blessed! The youngest was about four and really cute! :o) Worker, I mean.
The park is really overgrown where no mowing has been done for months, and I noticed four new posts at the beginning of the path around the borrow pits. A large gator bit a woman's leg there a week ago, while she was walking her dog along the path. She slipped and fell and the gator came after her. Other than teeth scars she will have, and bad memories, she will be all right. Mike was wishing it had happened after he retires, which will be Tuesday. I will miss him greatly. He is the last of the old crew that was there for thirty years. Times change. Sigh.
Time
How can I best use time?
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 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 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. What do people really get for all their hard work? I have thought about this in connection with the various kinds of work God has given people to do. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end.
Valuing time begins with seeing it from God's perspective. When we do this, we learn that there is always time for accomplishing God's plans for our lives.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)