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! Another hot day coming up, but already a breeze is blowing, so that is always good even if it is humid. The heat doesn't seem to bother the squirrels in the yard, Yesterday I was amused to watch two little squirrels acting squirrely by chasing each other around and around the oak tree, and up in the branches and then down and around. It was pretty exhausting just to watch them.
Speaking of exhausting, I have been watching portions of the Tour de France, and seeing those racers pedaling up the Alps, drinking while on the way, and eating bars of something still pedaling, just makes me amazed to see all the energy they need. I heard that they need 4000 calories a day and gallons of water to keep hydrated! There have been wrecks and bike problems, but they just get up and keep going. Now, that's perseverance!
i saw two egrets in the park yesterday, posing like a still life, because they can stand still for so long, waiting for dinner to show up, then they strike like lightning! I also saw my old friend, the gopher tortoise, slowly making his way through the weeds, which are pretty high now, all over the park. except where the mowing crew managed to cut the grass. But, it is still enjoyable! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 138:1-8
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name.
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
When I pray , you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me the
strength I need.
Every king in all the earth will give you thanks,
O Lord, for all of them will hear your words.
Yes, they will sing about the Lord's ways,
for the glory of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the
humble,
but he keeps his distance from the proud.
Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will preserve me against
the anger of my enemies.
You will clench your fist against
my angry enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life--
For your faithful love. O Lord, endures forever.
Don't abandon me, for you made me.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Colossians
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Where does the time go? I spent a little extra time in prayer this morning, because of new and ongoing prayer requests and needs. Lon Allison of the Billy Graham Evang. Assn. is in Rwanda this week, preaching to 10,000 nightly and needing a lot of prayer, fall programs at FCC, and the precious people on my list , including family, that I regularly pray for....Seems like God is being bombarded these days with so much going on. Good thing He hears us all and knows before we pray, what is in our minds and thoughts!
I went to the park yesterday and saw quite a few people enjoying the shade and cool, humid breeze. This was before the rain came last night. Water is still dripping off my roof from the thunderstorm, but I am always thankful for rain.
I enjoyed leftovers from Pipo's for lunch yesterday. Brian asked me out Sat. night and since I had never been to Pipo's before, I gladly accepted. They serve so much food, I could only eat a small portion of it, but, that's OK, since leftovers are always nice.
God is good!
Today's scripture is from the Message, which is a little difficult for me to read, because the book is written in paragraphs. But it does have some pointed things to say;
Colossians 3
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offence. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all purpose garment. Never be without it.
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ--the Message--have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good comment sense. And sing, sing your hearts to God! Let every detail in your lives--works, actions, whatever--be done in the name of the Master , Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I went to the park yesterday and saw quite a few people enjoying the shade and cool, humid breeze. This was before the rain came last night. Water is still dripping off my roof from the thunderstorm, but I am always thankful for rain.
I enjoyed leftovers from Pipo's for lunch yesterday. Brian asked me out Sat. night and since I had never been to Pipo's before, I gladly accepted. They serve so much food, I could only eat a small portion of it, but, that's OK, since leftovers are always nice.
God is good!
Today's scripture is from the Message, which is a little difficult for me to read, because the book is written in paragraphs. But it does have some pointed things to say;
Colossians 3
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offence. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all purpose garment. Never be without it.
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ--the Message--have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good comment sense. And sing, sing your hearts to God! Let every detail in your lives--works, actions, whatever--be done in the name of the Master , Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, July 16, 2010
Prayer
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! What a storm we had last night. Everything was dark at seven and the wind was blowing and the oak tree leaves were thrashing back and forth and the rain poured down. David C. had just mowed and blew all the driveway and porch clean. But that was yesterday. Today you would never know it. Twigs and leaves all over, but they will be easy to clean up. God is good to give us shelter and protect us when we need it!
I was kinda groggy all day from lack of sleep, but did better last night. Some nights are like that. I went to Walmart and filled the gas tank, and then stopped at the park to look around. An immature ibis and a white one were pecking side by side, but not many people were there. It was hot, for one thing. People always walk dogs around there and the dogs seem to enjoy it. The canal probably overflowed the weir last night, because a lot of water came down. I wonder where the butterflys and birds go for protection from a storm? I guess God takes care of them. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. we must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
1 John 5:14-15 We can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we know he is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for.
While we may not know God's specific will for every situation, we do know that his will is to empower our obedience, to overcome evil with good, and to equip us to be his witnesses. We can also pray confidently for his power and guidance, knowing that we are asking for the very things he most longs to give.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was kinda groggy all day from lack of sleep, but did better last night. Some nights are like that. I went to Walmart and filled the gas tank, and then stopped at the park to look around. An immature ibis and a white one were pecking side by side, but not many people were there. It was hot, for one thing. People always walk dogs around there and the dogs seem to enjoy it. The canal probably overflowed the weir last night, because a lot of water came down. I wonder where the butterflys and birds go for protection from a storm? I guess God takes care of them. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. we must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
1 John 5:14-15 We can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we know he is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for.
While we may not know God's specific will for every situation, we do know that his will is to empower our obedience, to overcome evil with good, and to equip us to be his witnesses. We can also pray confidently for his power and guidance, knowing that we are asking for the very things he most longs to give.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, July 15, 2010
My Morning Prayer
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! Although it is overcast and supposed to rain today. it's still very warm and humid. But the birds and butterflies do not mind. As I was sweeping the porch off yesterday, I stopped and watched a large swallowtail butterfly flitting all over the yard and the lawn across the street. I can see out my window the mockingbirds landing in the podacarpus hedge and picking off the berries. they have plenty of them to eat!
Hopefully, I won't fall asleep while typing this. Last night I slept about two hours, then got up at 1:30am and read until three, still not feeling sleepy, and came back to bed, but finally got up at 6 and dozed all through my prayer time. Some nights are like that!
Yesterday was a quiet day for me, with no appointments, so I went shopping, and then to the park. I enjoyed seeing the green grass, shrubs and lots of hydrilla on the canal. I saw a little moorhen this side of the weir, paddling happily about. I believe that is the first time I have seen a moorhen at that particular spot. It is good to see them come back. All of the lilies were destroyed when the first cuts were made in the budget, so there was no place for them to build nests. Now that the plants are back in plenty, I believe that is why they are showing up once again. God is good!
I pray this each morning for myself and have sent it before, but it is good to repeat:
"Oh, God, for another day, for another morning, for another hour, for another minute, for another chance to live and serve Thee, I am truly grateful."
Do Thou this day free me
from all fear of the future
from all bitterness toward anyone.
from all cowardice in face of danger,
from all laziness in face of work,
from all failure before opportunity
from all weakness when Thy power is at hand.
But fill me
with Love that knows no barrier
with Sympathy that reaches all
with Courage that cannot be shaken
with Faith strong enough for darkness.
with Strength sufficient for my tasks
with Loyalty to Thy Kingdom Goal,
with Power to lift me to Thee.
Be Thou with me for another day and use
me as Thou will for Christ's sake, I pray.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Hopefully, I won't fall asleep while typing this. Last night I slept about two hours, then got up at 1:30am and read until three, still not feeling sleepy, and came back to bed, but finally got up at 6 and dozed all through my prayer time. Some nights are like that!
Yesterday was a quiet day for me, with no appointments, so I went shopping, and then to the park. I enjoyed seeing the green grass, shrubs and lots of hydrilla on the canal. I saw a little moorhen this side of the weir, paddling happily about. I believe that is the first time I have seen a moorhen at that particular spot. It is good to see them come back. All of the lilies were destroyed when the first cuts were made in the budget, so there was no place for them to build nests. Now that the plants are back in plenty, I believe that is why they are showing up once again. God is good!
I pray this each morning for myself and have sent it before, but it is good to repeat:
"Oh, God, for another day, for another morning, for another hour, for another minute, for another chance to live and serve Thee, I am truly grateful."
Do Thou this day free me
from all fear of the future
from all bitterness toward anyone.
from all cowardice in face of danger,
from all laziness in face of work,
from all failure before opportunity
from all weakness when Thy power is at hand.
But fill me
with Love that knows no barrier
with Sympathy that reaches all
with Courage that cannot be shaken
with Faith strong enough for darkness.
with Strength sufficient for my tasks
with Loyalty to Thy Kingdom Goal,
with Power to lift me to Thee.
Be Thou with me for another day and use
me as Thou will for Christ's sake, I pray.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Faithfulness
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's kinda cloudy this morning and not a breeze is stirring, so it looks like another hot day in paradise!
I have the front porch to sweep off this morning, because there are some peculiar tiny brown spots in a three foot wide circle on it. There is a squirrel nest high up over the circle. Daryl said the squirrels were probably cleaning house. If so, they certainly had a messy house and now I have a messy porch! :o)
While driving on Park Blvd yesterday after an appointment, I went by a Subway, (freestanding) and went around the block and back to it, and discovered they have a drive-thru! Since it was almost lunch time, I ordered a sandwich.I was so happy to find the drive-thru, because I dislike going in any place by myself...not used to it for one thing.
I started out to the supermarket later on, but ran into raindrops and it looked like a downpour ahead, so I came on back home and waited until the shower stopped, then tried again. I came through the park on the way back, all fresh with the rain and saw quite a few people out. Anhingas and ibis, one drying wings, the others pecking on the ground. I wonder if they ever look up? They seem to be consumed with eating all day. Since I mentioned last week that I had not seen lavender crape myrtles before, I have been noticing them everywhere! I guess God opened my eyes! :o) God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why should I be faithful?
Psalm 1:1-3 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight is doing every thing the Lord wants, day and night they think about his law. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.
The quality of our character affects the quality of our life. Integrity brings continual vitality and bears lasting fruit.
Proverbs 3:3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace, write them deep within your heart. then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
One of our greatest securities in life is that of a good name. Faithfulness brings a good reputation and trust from others. When we have problems, sometimes our reputation can be the key to a positive outcome.
2 Timothy 2:11-13 This is a true saying: if we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
Faithfulness is not optional. When we fail and fall, we must fall to our knees. Faithfulness is seen not only in our obedience, but also in our repentance.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I have the front porch to sweep off this morning, because there are some peculiar tiny brown spots in a three foot wide circle on it. There is a squirrel nest high up over the circle. Daryl said the squirrels were probably cleaning house. If so, they certainly had a messy house and now I have a messy porch! :o)
While driving on Park Blvd yesterday after an appointment, I went by a Subway, (freestanding) and went around the block and back to it, and discovered they have a drive-thru! Since it was almost lunch time, I ordered a sandwich.I was so happy to find the drive-thru, because I dislike going in any place by myself...not used to it for one thing.
I started out to the supermarket later on, but ran into raindrops and it looked like a downpour ahead, so I came on back home and waited until the shower stopped, then tried again. I came through the park on the way back, all fresh with the rain and saw quite a few people out. Anhingas and ibis, one drying wings, the others pecking on the ground. I wonder if they ever look up? They seem to be consumed with eating all day. Since I mentioned last week that I had not seen lavender crape myrtles before, I have been noticing them everywhere! I guess God opened my eyes! :o) God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why should I be faithful?
Psalm 1:1-3 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight is doing every thing the Lord wants, day and night they think about his law. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.
The quality of our character affects the quality of our life. Integrity brings continual vitality and bears lasting fruit.
Proverbs 3:3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace, write them deep within your heart. then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
One of our greatest securities in life is that of a good name. Faithfulness brings a good reputation and trust from others. When we have problems, sometimes our reputation can be the key to a positive outcome.
2 Timothy 2:11-13 This is a true saying: if we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
Faithfulness is not optional. When we fail and fall, we must fall to our knees. Faithfulness is seen not only in our obedience, but also in our repentance.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Phlippin' thru Philippians
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 in the eighties and promises to be warmer, but this is Florida in the summer, so we can expect steamy and be thankful for shade!
My eyes are still bloodshot from the drops put in them yesterday at the eye exam, but thankfully, the eyes are healthy and no change. I was blessed that Karin drove me and brought along enough reading material for the two hours I was there. I could not get out until about 8, because of the dilation, which lasted for six hours, but was able to go to the Park. Lots of people were out in the evening, walking and picnicking. I saw a beautiful white egret reflected in the water, looking for a fish, a bedraggled looking anhinga on the weir, and several ibis pecking along in the grass. The path on the right had been freshly mowed, so several people were walking their dogs along it. I was a nice evening. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Words from Paul Phil. 4:4
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand, His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My eyes are still bloodshot from the drops put in them yesterday at the eye exam, but thankfully, the eyes are healthy and no change. I was blessed that Karin drove me and brought along enough reading material for the two hours I was there. I could not get out until about 8, because of the dilation, which lasted for six hours, but was able to go to the Park. Lots of people were out in the evening, walking and picnicking. I saw a beautiful white egret reflected in the water, looking for a fish, a bedraggled looking anhinga on the weir, and several ibis pecking along in the grass. The path on the right had been freshly mowed, so several people were walking their dogs along it. I was a nice evening. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Words from Paul Phil. 4:4
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand, His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 12, 2010
Forever Young
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 was overcast for just a little while this morning, but now the sun is shining brightly. I kinda wish it would be overcast because i am having my eyes dilated today for an exam and I will probably be tearful all the way home because of the brightness!
I mentioned last week that I had never seen a lavender crape myrtle until then. Well, duh, the church parking lot and all along the street are lined with lavender colored crape myrtles!! Why did I not notice them before? They really are pretty. I saw some families having a picnic in the park yesterday. While it was very hot, it's about ten degrees cooler under the thick shade of the trees with the breezes blowing. I walked past Arrow Lake and watched two pair of moorhens swimming about. They mate for life and the male always helps with the nest when there are eggs in it. Very domestic! We could learn from them. God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
You will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine.
1 Timothy 4:6
General Douglas MacArthur once said:
Whatever your years, there is in every being's heart the love of wonder, the undaunted challenge of events, the unfailing childlike appetite for what is next, and the joy and the game of life. You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as our fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair. In the central place of every heart there is a recording chamber; so long as it receives messages of beauty, cheer, and courage, so long are you young.
We are never too old to learn or to be used for good. We are never too old to be awed by a thing of beauty or to be thirsty for knowledge. Joyful living knows no age limits, and filling our minds with delight in life may in some ways keep us forever young. Our age is not truly measured in physical characteristics and weaknesses, but by our spirit. We are always of value to our Lord. If we are willing to learn new things, develop new skills , and renew our spirits with the nourishment of His Word, we can always grow, regardless of our age.
The growth process never really stops, even when we say we don't want to learn any more. Something inside us is always taking in something. Our choice is in whether we allow what we are learning to help us grow or not. (Even riding on a motorcycle or Sea-Doo)
Be not afraid of growing slowly,
be afraid only of standing still.
Chinese Proverb
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
I mentioned last week that I had never seen a lavender crape myrtle until then. Well, duh, the church parking lot and all along the street are lined with lavender colored crape myrtles!! Why did I not notice them before? They really are pretty. I saw some families having a picnic in the park yesterday. While it was very hot, it's about ten degrees cooler under the thick shade of the trees with the breezes blowing. I walked past Arrow Lake and watched two pair of moorhens swimming about. They mate for life and the male always helps with the nest when there are eggs in it. Very domestic! We could learn from them. God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
You will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine.
1 Timothy 4:6
General Douglas MacArthur once said:
Whatever your years, there is in every being's heart the love of wonder, the undaunted challenge of events, the unfailing childlike appetite for what is next, and the joy and the game of life. You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as our fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair. In the central place of every heart there is a recording chamber; so long as it receives messages of beauty, cheer, and courage, so long are you young.
We are never too old to learn or to be used for good. We are never too old to be awed by a thing of beauty or to be thirsty for knowledge. Joyful living knows no age limits, and filling our minds with delight in life may in some ways keep us forever young. Our age is not truly measured in physical characteristics and weaknesses, but by our spirit. We are always of value to our Lord. If we are willing to learn new things, develop new skills , and renew our spirits with the nourishment of His Word, we can always grow, regardless of our age.
The growth process never really stops, even when we say we don't want to learn any more. Something inside us is always taking in something. Our choice is in whether we allow what we are learning to help us grow or not. (Even riding on a motorcycle or Sea-Doo)
Be not afraid of growing slowly,
be afraid only of standing still.
Chinese Proverb
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
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