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! It is already another very warm morning and predicted to be very hot again. I am so thankful for A/C, because I just can't take the heat too well any more. We had thunder in the close distance yesterday, but only a few sprinkles. My grass is growing tall, but my yard man is out of town for a week, so it will have to wait.
Yesterday I rented a car because my van is in the garage for a week or more awaiting a transmission transplant. this is a Pontiac V-5 for those who know what that car looks like. It is a sporty looking two door that looks raised in the rear, but it's easy to handle, and leaves lots of room in the garage. I would have preferred a four door, but they didn't have any left at Enterprise. I was picked up by a man in a very large pick-up truck, which I had a little difficulty climbing in. . Still having new adventures, although not quite as exciting as the last two. :o)
I drove through the park in my new wheels, for the first time in a week. It was freshly mowed and looked cool. although looks can be deceiving. I was mentally comparing the peace of the park with the peace of the mountains we just left. I love the mountains, but since they are not close by, Sawgrass is a special place to me. I took a walk there the day Daryl left home for Tenn. It was a very cold day and I was feeling depressed, but God put a friend from church in my path, and I came away feeling much better about the whole situation. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does the Lord change the quality of our fellowship?
Matthew 18:26 Where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them.
The promise of the Lord's presence transforms our fellowship. We draw strength from the testimony of God's faithfulness in other's lives. We learn to comfort one another with the comfort we receive from the Lord. And we experience love and forgiveness in practical ways.
What does God provide for us through fellowship?
Acts 4:32-35 All the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own; they shared everything they had. And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great favor was upon them all. There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need.
Our fellowship with other believers is meant to provide for our needs in the most practical ways. God's love for us moves us to share our resources with each other. This practical expression of love unleashes God's power and empowers our witness to the world.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
More Protection
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! We had no rain yesterday, although I could hear thunder in the distance, so I guess our rainy season is here. My yard is still wet from the downpour that took out the electricity Tuesday, so we can do without for a day or two.
As I ate my oatmeal and fruit this morning, I was thinking about the lack of cereal on the menus in Centre, AL. No oatmeal or other cereals, just eggs, grits, sausage, hash browns, bacon and waffles, Also, the restaurants don't observe the clean indoor air act. They all allow smoking. Yuck!
We went to Ballplay, Al. to have a meal at Beans 'n Greens, Yep, that's the name of the restaurant and town. One restaurant and one small country grocery across the street, and that's it! The buffet was not bad for a country place; mostly catering to farmers. They brought out some fresh out of the oven cinnamon rolls, just as we were checking out, so I had to have one to go. I love cinnamon rolls! The country around there is filled with fields of soy beans and corn, and it is pretty rolling country., Quite different from St. Petersburg! But still God's country. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 91:1-4 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety, he is my God and I am trusting him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
God guards us from the dangers that stalk us. God is a refuge, a shelter, and a place of safety from all threats. His promises shield us and inspire our faith and courage.
1 Thessalonians 3:3 The Lord is faithful; he will make you strong and guard you from the evil one.
To gain spiritual strength from the Lord, He teaches us to protect ourselves through discernment, self-discipline, and the confident exercise of our authority in Christ.
Ephesians 6:10-12 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 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.
Spiritual battles require spiritual protection. God's armor shields us against the world, the flesh, and the devil. We must focus on the Lord's protection instead of evil's threats and stand firm in our faith.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
As I ate my oatmeal and fruit this morning, I was thinking about the lack of cereal on the menus in Centre, AL. No oatmeal or other cereals, just eggs, grits, sausage, hash browns, bacon and waffles, Also, the restaurants don't observe the clean indoor air act. They all allow smoking. Yuck!
We went to Ballplay, Al. to have a meal at Beans 'n Greens, Yep, that's the name of the restaurant and town. One restaurant and one small country grocery across the street, and that's it! The buffet was not bad for a country place; mostly catering to farmers. They brought out some fresh out of the oven cinnamon rolls, just as we were checking out, so I had to have one to go. I love cinnamon rolls! The country around there is filled with fields of soy beans and corn, and it is pretty rolling country., Quite different from St. Petersburg! But still God's country. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 91:1-4 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety, he is my God and I am trusting him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
God guards us from the dangers that stalk us. God is a refuge, a shelter, and a place of safety from all threats. His promises shield us and inspire our faith and courage.
1 Thessalonians 3:3 The Lord is faithful; he will make you strong and guard you from the evil one.
To gain spiritual strength from the Lord, He teaches us to protect ourselves through discernment, self-discipline, and the confident exercise of our authority in Christ.
Ephesians 6:10-12 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 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.
Spiritual battles require spiritual protection. God's armor shields us against the world, the flesh, and the devil. We must focus on the Lord's protection instead of evil's threats and stand firm in our faith.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Protection
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 and birds are singing and maybe we won't have the thunderstorm like we had yesterday that knocked out our power for three and a half hours! Lightning struck the transformer next door and Progress Energy workers had to put a new one on the pole. That was a hot job!
Brian and I had a wonderful trip to Al. to see my Uncle Dan and Aunt Bernice. They are doing well for their ages. Uncle Dan has tall corn almost ready to pick and yellow squash that is already grown. He also has gorgeous hydrangeas, pink, blue, purple and lavender. I have never seen purple and lavender hydrangeas! The property is large with lots of trees and the birds were singing and flitting about. I was so happy to see mountains again! It has been a long time. We drove to Little River Canyon and looked at the waterfalls and could see way, way, down people splashing around in the very cool water while the water gushed over the rocks below us at the overlook. The sun was blistering, but the shade was cool.
Daryl and Matthew came down on Sunday, so we got to spend some time together and introduce Matthew to his 95 yr. old great, great uncle for the first time. Brian and I went with Uncle Dan and Bernice to their Baptist church Sunday... a very large church with small attendance at second service.
Afterwards, we all met Daryl and Matthew who had just arrived and went to the hospital cafeteria for lunch. Seems a lot of church people go eat in the cafeteria on Sundays. I must say the food there was a lot better than the cafeteria food locally! Even though the van is in the shop, now, we got home safely. God is good!
Where can I find protection and safety?
Psalm 121:2-8 My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. 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 watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Our protection is directly related to the character, competence, and capability of our protector. The Lord is unsurpassed in all areas. The Maker of heaven and earth is our personal protector. He never sleeps and never turns his attention from us. We walk securely because he guards our every step.
Psalm 91:1-4 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
God guards us from the dangers that stalk us. God is a refuge, a shelter, and a place of safety from all threats. His promises shield us and inspire our faith and courage.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Brian and I had a wonderful trip to Al. to see my Uncle Dan and Aunt Bernice. They are doing well for their ages. Uncle Dan has tall corn almost ready to pick and yellow squash that is already grown. He also has gorgeous hydrangeas, pink, blue, purple and lavender. I have never seen purple and lavender hydrangeas! The property is large with lots of trees and the birds were singing and flitting about. I was so happy to see mountains again! It has been a long time. We drove to Little River Canyon and looked at the waterfalls and could see way, way, down people splashing around in the very cool water while the water gushed over the rocks below us at the overlook. The sun was blistering, but the shade was cool.
Daryl and Matthew came down on Sunday, so we got to spend some time together and introduce Matthew to his 95 yr. old great, great uncle for the first time. Brian and I went with Uncle Dan and Bernice to their Baptist church Sunday... a very large church with small attendance at second service.
Afterwards, we all met Daryl and Matthew who had just arrived and went to the hospital cafeteria for lunch. Seems a lot of church people go eat in the cafeteria on Sundays. I must say the food there was a lot better than the cafeteria food locally! Even though the van is in the shop, now, we got home safely. God is good!
Where can I find protection and safety?
Psalm 121:2-8 My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. 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 watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Our protection is directly related to the character, competence, and capability of our protector. The Lord is unsurpassed in all areas. The Maker of heaven and earth is our personal protector. He never sleeps and never turns his attention from us. We walk securely because he guards our every step.
Psalm 91:1-4 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
God guards us from the dangers that stalk us. God is a refuge, a shelter, and a place of safety from all threats. His promises shield us and inspire our faith and courage.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 14, 2010
road trip
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for prayers. Brian and I arrived home safety a little after 8:30. God was so good, because the transmission started acting up as we drove off the Howard Frankland bridge. Guess I have a phone call top make to Cartek tomorrow! I am extremely tired but happy we went.
Love and nite nite,
Amaryllis
Thank you so much for prayers. Brian and I arrived home safety a little after 8:30. God was so good, because the transmission started acting up as we drove off the Howard Frankland bridge. Guess I have a phone call top make to Cartek tomorrow! I am extremely tired but happy we went.
Love and nite nite,
Amaryllis
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Crisis
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! Since my oak trees were trimmed, the sun shines brightly through the front windows, now, where before the graceful fall of the branches kept the brightness out. But it only last for a few minutes, and then the sun keeps rising.
It looks like good weather for our trip tomorrow, so I hope it is still good in Georgia. It will be good to get away for a couple days.
Yesterday, after running around doing errands, I drove to the park for a little peace and quiet, and was pleased to see the ancient gopher tortoise munching his way through the grass in his usual spot. Some things never change and that is good. Most of the shrubs have been whacked way down, but not the grass, except where people walk most often. I filled up the bowl that I keep on the front wall so that critters can come and get a drink. Some of the birds take baths in it, which splashes out most of the water, but I keep refilling it for them. Even the squirrels drink out of it. I saw a tiny frog when I brought the dumpster back a little while ago. The frogs are even hurting for moisture, too. But God is good, and He will bring rain when we need it!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Shouldn't those who believe in God be free from crisis?
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.
Crisis should not surprise us. We expect crisis and difficulty because we live in a fallen world. Jesus' warning keeps us from panic, and his promise of victory keeps us from discouragement.
1 Peter 1:6-7 Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Times of crisis are like a fire that refines, like a knife that prunes, like a wind that sifts the wheat from the chaff. Ask God for the strength to hold on and for the strength to let go of ungodly things. Look to the joy that awaits on the other side of the trial.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Have a Jesus-filled weekend, friends)
It looks like good weather for our trip tomorrow, so I hope it is still good in Georgia. It will be good to get away for a couple days.
Yesterday, after running around doing errands, I drove to the park for a little peace and quiet, and was pleased to see the ancient gopher tortoise munching his way through the grass in his usual spot. Some things never change and that is good. Most of the shrubs have been whacked way down, but not the grass, except where people walk most often. I filled up the bowl that I keep on the front wall so that critters can come and get a drink. Some of the birds take baths in it, which splashes out most of the water, but I keep refilling it for them. Even the squirrels drink out of it. I saw a tiny frog when I brought the dumpster back a little while ago. The frogs are even hurting for moisture, too. But God is good, and He will bring rain when we need it!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Shouldn't those who believe in God be free from crisis?
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.
Crisis should not surprise us. We expect crisis and difficulty because we live in a fallen world. Jesus' warning keeps us from panic, and his promise of victory keeps us from discouragement.
1 Peter 1:6-7 Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Times of crisis are like a fire that refines, like a knife that prunes, like a wind that sifts the wheat from the chaff. Ask God for the strength to hold on and for the strength to let go of ungodly things. Look to the joy that awaits on the other side of the trial.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Have a Jesus-filled weekend, friends)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Decisions
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! As I was praying and writing names down, my eyes wandered to the window where i saw a great shaking of the podocarpus branch from the hedge next door and then a great swaying of the oak tree branches. Sure enough, two squirrels were making long leaps from one branch to another. Talk about flying squirrels!! They are able to fly incredible distances from house to tree to hedge. Fearless!
Well, we had a little rain night before last, which I did not know about until I woke up. We certainly need all we can get. The grass is growing whether it is dry or wet, though, So I am happy I have someone to cut it for me.
I drove to the park yesterday, after completely many errands in the morning and a group of squirrels were busily digging for acorns along side the road, and then, one suddenly dashed out in front of the van! I was sure i was going to run over him, but somehow, he escaped. Playing daredevil, again. My heart doesn't need that! The water is dark again, so the algae that was causing it to be green is gone. Very strange. But God is good!
All of us have decisions to make every day...some more important and life changing than others, so here are some words to help us:
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What kind of help does God give us?
2 Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
God wants to help us make the right decisions. He is looking for us to depend fully on him. Our openness is God's opportunity.
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.
Some people fear that they are bothering God with their problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is looking for ways to help us because he loves us. Our commitment to him releases his resources for us.
Romans 8:26-27 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 Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And 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.
When we are overwhelmed, confused, or uncertain, we should not hesitate to pray. In fact, these are the best times to pray because the Holy Spirit can then help us the most. We describe our situation and trust God to prescribe the solution.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, we had a little rain night before last, which I did not know about until I woke up. We certainly need all we can get. The grass is growing whether it is dry or wet, though, So I am happy I have someone to cut it for me.
I drove to the park yesterday, after completely many errands in the morning and a group of squirrels were busily digging for acorns along side the road, and then, one suddenly dashed out in front of the van! I was sure i was going to run over him, but somehow, he escaped. Playing daredevil, again. My heart doesn't need that! The water is dark again, so the algae that was causing it to be green is gone. Very strange. But God is good!
All of us have decisions to make every day...some more important and life changing than others, so here are some words to help us:
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What kind of help does God give us?
2 Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
God wants to help us make the right decisions. He is looking for us to depend fully on him. Our openness is God's opportunity.
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.
Some people fear that they are bothering God with their problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is looking for ways to help us because he loves us. Our commitment to him releases his resources for us.
Romans 8:26-27 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 Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And 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.
When we are overwhelmed, confused, or uncertain, we should not hesitate to pray. In fact, these are the best times to pray because the Holy Spirit can then help us the most. We describe our situation and trust God to prescribe the solution.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
A Benediction
Good mid-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 made the mistake of going for lab work without first making an appointment, so had to wait about 45 minutes. What a crowd! I did not think they would be so busy this time of year, but I was wrong. Of course, I was fasting, so by the time I came home, I was really hungry and thirsty ! Well, anyway, that's done.
Yesterday, I visited my dermatologist and, as a result, I have a nice blotch on my nose, and one on my leg, which he thinks are basal cell carcinomas, so he sent them off to be biopsied. Brian and I are leaving Friday early to go to Alabama to visit my uncle and meet Daryl and Matthew on Sunday. They are only two hours away. But, I will have a not so pretty nose the whole time. Oh, well, it's not how I look, it's the joy of being with family that counts!
I went to the park yesterday and got out to walk just a little, since the sun was so hot, and was just in time to see a large gator swim under the bridge and on down the canal , leisurely leaving a wake behind. Meantime, an egret was right beside the bridge looking at me as I looked at it. They are really used to people. God is good!
Here is a short benediction from Jude, NLT
And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, I visited my dermatologist and, as a result, I have a nice blotch on my nose, and one on my leg, which he thinks are basal cell carcinomas, so he sent them off to be biopsied. Brian and I are leaving Friday early to go to Alabama to visit my uncle and meet Daryl and Matthew on Sunday. They are only two hours away. But, I will have a not so pretty nose the whole time. Oh, well, it's not how I look, it's the joy of being with family that counts!
I went to the park yesterday and got out to walk just a little, since the sun was so hot, and was just in time to see a large gator swim under the bridge and on down the canal , leisurely leaving a wake behind. Meantime, an egret was right beside the bridge looking at me as I looked at it. They are really used to people. God is good!
Here is a short benediction from Jude, NLT
And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)