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 googled clouds yesterday to see the different kinds, because I was admiring the towering white clouds that were visible yesterday. Just beautiful! But last evening we had a wild thunderstorm just as I was finishing dinner. It just poured and thundered and the lightning was flashing, so I put off washing dishes until it had passed. Then an hour or so later more rain started coming down and this morning, the water is still dripping off the roof. But that brought relief from the scorching temps yesterday.
I was standing outside talking with Dave, the yard man, when my neighbor to the south came over with his two sons to chat. He moved out of the house several months ago and into one he and his wife had built, so one son has been living there. The house is in pretty bad shape, but he is going to put it up for sale. A moving van has been there for a couple days, so I was wondering what was going on. That house has a history, so whoever buys it should investigate...
Dave was telling me that he is walking the boardwalk at Sawgrass every day , because since the shortage of workers, he and another ranger are left to look over things when they have Sawgrass on their route of parks to cover. He has seen people walking dogs on the boardwalk, (a no-no) and the other ranger had to eject one person for life for bothering mama gator at her nest. People really take advantage of no one being around to stop them from doing what they know is wrong. Of course, that would happen once in a while while workers were there, but in that case, just a simple phone call to the office took care of the problem. Oh, well, God is still good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Timothy 6:17
Tell those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone. But their trust should be in the living God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life....
May God's grace be with you all.
1 Timothy 4:8
Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 20
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! Today we have sunshine and breezes, after the overcast and rain of yesterday. But I am thankful for the rain, since we were dry for so long. Morning is the time for the birds to zip around and gather berries and whatever they eat, worms, too, and it is nice to see so many of them.
I mostly stayed home yesterday, since I didn't need anything, so I did laundry and read and other little things that needed doing. I went to the park later and saw the water gleaming on the grass and dripping from the trees. A beautiful, white egret was looking for a fish, and I noticed that the hydrilla has been sprayed and is brown, so that's been taken care of. Also, a large maple limb which had broken and was hanging down by a picnic table in the circle, had been removed after a week or so. So, necessary chores get done after while. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 20;
In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.
May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from his sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May he remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings.
May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory,
flying banners to honor our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.
Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed king.
He will answer him from his holy heaven
and rescue him by his great power.
Some nations boast of their armies and weapons,
but we boast in the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse,
but we will rise up and stand firm.
Give victory to our king, O Lord!
Respond to our cry for help.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I mostly stayed home yesterday, since I didn't need anything, so I did laundry and read and other little things that needed doing. I went to the park later and saw the water gleaming on the grass and dripping from the trees. A beautiful, white egret was looking for a fish, and I noticed that the hydrilla has been sprayed and is brown, so that's been taken care of. Also, a large maple limb which had broken and was hanging down by a picnic table in the circle, had been removed after a week or so. So, necessary chores get done after while. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 20;
In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.
May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from his sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May he remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings.
May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory,
flying banners to honor our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.
Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed king.
He will answer him from his holy heaven
and rescue him by his great power.
Some nations boast of their armies and weapons,
but we boast in the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse,
but we will rise up and stand firm.
Give victory to our king, O Lord!
Respond to our cry for help.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
1 Corinthians 3
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! Looks like another overcast day, but that is OK, because it keeps the temps. a little cooler. We did not have any rain yesterday, but maybe today.
I wrote about the blackbirds that were scratching out the mulch. Well, a whole flock came yesterday and made a mess scratching out mulch and acorns up and down the driveway and sidewalk. I waited until all was clear before I went out and swept everything up. Tomorrow, Dave the yardman, will come and blow everything I missed, until it's all clean. I think the birds even scratched the leaves off the rain gutter cover, because the porch was covered with stuff, too. They don't miss a trick!
I did some shopping yesterday morning, enjoying the clouds that covered the hot sun, as I walked to and from stores, and then a little house cleaning in the afternoon. Afterward, I went to the park to enjoy the quiet shade and heat for a few minutes. I saw a beautiful tri-colored heron and an anhinga spreading its wings. Very few people, though. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Corinthians 3:7-9, 13-15
The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work. We work together as partners who belong to God. You are God's field, God's building, not ours....
But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames.
21 So don't take pride in following a particular leader. Everything belongs to you: Paul and Apollos and Peter; the whole world and life and death; the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I wrote about the blackbirds that were scratching out the mulch. Well, a whole flock came yesterday and made a mess scratching out mulch and acorns up and down the driveway and sidewalk. I waited until all was clear before I went out and swept everything up. Tomorrow, Dave the yardman, will come and blow everything I missed, until it's all clean. I think the birds even scratched the leaves off the rain gutter cover, because the porch was covered with stuff, too. They don't miss a trick!
I did some shopping yesterday morning, enjoying the clouds that covered the hot sun, as I walked to and from stores, and then a little house cleaning in the afternoon. Afterward, I went to the park to enjoy the quiet shade and heat for a few minutes. I saw a beautiful tri-colored heron and an anhinga spreading its wings. Very few people, though. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Corinthians 3:7-9, 13-15
The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work. We work together as partners who belong to God. You are God's field, God's building, not ours....
But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames.
21 So don't take pride in following a particular leader. Everything belongs to you: Paul and Apollos and Peter; the whole world and life and death; the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Shine Brightly for Christ
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 another very warm morning with overcast skies, so maybe we will have another small thunderstorm like we did yesterday. I sat and waited for the storm to come and go before I finished doing the running around that I needed to do.
I had shopped at Publix in the morning and walked all around the store, gathering the few things I needed, taking my shopping bags with me. I also had the Publix insulated container which is really handy for putting frozen or cold foods in. It has a double zipper on top, but the older stock man who bagged everything up, did not zip it up. I should have asked him to , but sometimes the retired people who go back to work, are set in their ways and do not take kindly to suggestions. No insult intended. So, anyway, I did it myself and told him I didn't need his help to get to the car...just a little incident in my day.
I am so provoked at the little black birds who scratch out the mulch in my plant bed in front. They make a mess on the sidewalk, and I have no idea what they are looking for. I am always glad to see the birds flying around and zipping through the yard, but none of the others scratch out the mulch like they do. Oh, well, I need the exercise of sweeping...
I went to the park after the rain and, once again, the trash is piled up against the weir. I don't see any turtles when the green stuff covers the water. They just wait until it's clear. But I did see a tri-colored heron, standing tall and majestically by the canal and the usual ibis pecking along. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 2:5-11
Dearest Friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them. Hold tightly to the word of life, so that when Christ returns, I will be proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not useless. But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is, if I am to die for you) I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you. And you should be happy about this and rejoice with me.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I had shopped at Publix in the morning and walked all around the store, gathering the few things I needed, taking my shopping bags with me. I also had the Publix insulated container which is really handy for putting frozen or cold foods in. It has a double zipper on top, but the older stock man who bagged everything up, did not zip it up. I should have asked him to , but sometimes the retired people who go back to work, are set in their ways and do not take kindly to suggestions. No insult intended. So, anyway, I did it myself and told him I didn't need his help to get to the car...just a little incident in my day.
I am so provoked at the little black birds who scratch out the mulch in my plant bed in front. They make a mess on the sidewalk, and I have no idea what they are looking for. I am always glad to see the birds flying around and zipping through the yard, but none of the others scratch out the mulch like they do. Oh, well, I need the exercise of sweeping...
I went to the park after the rain and, once again, the trash is piled up against the weir. I don't see any turtles when the green stuff covers the water. They just wait until it's clear. But I did see a tri-colored heron, standing tall and majestically by the canal and the usual ibis pecking along. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 2:5-11
Dearest Friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them. Hold tightly to the word of life, so that when Christ returns, I will be proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not useless. But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is, if I am to die for you) I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you. And you should be happy about this and rejoice with me.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Monday, July 25, 2011
Paul's thanksgiving and 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! We had a late rain last night. It started just as I was ready to go to bed and I was glad because I like the sound of rain lulling me to sleep. The phone rang and when I saw it was my across the street neighbor, I thought, "Oh, no, not again". But, yes, my garage door was open. I had checked it when I was locking the kitchen door, but did not turn on the light. It looked like it was closed, but I am so thankful for vigilant friends. I had called her a week ago when we had a heavy downpour, and I saw that her garage door was open. That was in the daytime, though. We watch out for each other!
I noticed something cute and unusual on the front porch wall a couple days ago. A bluejay was sitting on the wall, after having a drink from the bowl I keep out for the birds and squirrels. I never see them just sitting as if on a nest, but I watched for a couple minutes, and then, suddenly, off he flew! I guess he just needed a breather from his busy day.
I saw the large gopher tortoise ambling along at the park Sat. They always remind me of my childhood, because they were always around in the vacant lots bordering our house. They are not nearly so plentiful, now, and, I think, are on the endangered list. The young gator is also in place right below the first bridge. He seems to like all the attention he attracts. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 1:5-11
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
It is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a very special place in my heart. We have shared together the blessings of God, both when I was in prison and when I was out, defending the truth and telling others the Good News. God knows the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. I pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding. For I want you to undeerstand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ-for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I noticed something cute and unusual on the front porch wall a couple days ago. A bluejay was sitting on the wall, after having a drink from the bowl I keep out for the birds and squirrels. I never see them just sitting as if on a nest, but I watched for a couple minutes, and then, suddenly, off he flew! I guess he just needed a breather from his busy day.
I saw the large gopher tortoise ambling along at the park Sat. They always remind me of my childhood, because they were always around in the vacant lots bordering our house. They are not nearly so plentiful, now, and, I think, are on the endangered list. The young gator is also in place right below the first bridge. He seems to like all the attention he attracts. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 1:5-11
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.
It is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a very special place in my heart. We have shared together the blessings of God, both when I was in prison and when I was out, defending the truth and telling others the Good News. God knows the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. I pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding. For I want you to undeerstand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ-for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, July 22, 2011
Living to please others
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 beautiful day with the breeze blowing and blue skies with puffy, white clouds overhead. Yesterday, as I was leaving for the doctor's a large dark cloud was looming, and I thought I surely would run into rain. I could see it falling just north of here, but other than a few sprinkles, I did not have to drive in the rain.
Today I have already been to the lab to get blood work done, and then back home to eat. I really like my breakfast. I gave a quick thought to McDonald's which is in the same shopping center as the lab, but saw the long line at the drive-thru, and just came on home to make my breakfast. Much healthier, anyway.
I saw a pelican take off from Lynch Lake yesterday, so they must go anywhere they think a fish lurks. Then I went to the park and saw that it had been mowed and looked much better on one side. The other side is still overgrown and wild looking. Not many people were out, but the ibis were there in a large flock. No turtles and no egrets, but I'm sure they were there. I just couldn't see them. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Romans 15:1-8
We may know that these things make no difference, but we cannot just go ahead and do them to please ourselves. We must be considerate of the doubts and fears of those who think these things are wrong. We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn't please himself. As the Scriptures say, "Those who insult you are also insulting me." Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises.
May God. who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other-each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise, and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you, then God will be glorified. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. And he came so the Gentiles might also give glory to God for his mercies to them....
I always give thanks for you. remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Today I have already been to the lab to get blood work done, and then back home to eat. I really like my breakfast. I gave a quick thought to McDonald's which is in the same shopping center as the lab, but saw the long line at the drive-thru, and just came on home to make my breakfast. Much healthier, anyway.
I saw a pelican take off from Lynch Lake yesterday, so they must go anywhere they think a fish lurks. Then I went to the park and saw that it had been mowed and looked much better on one side. The other side is still overgrown and wild looking. Not many people were out, but the ibis were there in a large flock. No turtles and no egrets, but I'm sure they were there. I just couldn't see them. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Romans 15:1-8
We may know that these things make no difference, but we cannot just go ahead and do them to please ourselves. We must be considerate of the doubts and fears of those who think these things are wrong. We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn't please himself. As the Scriptures say, "Those who insult you are also insulting me." Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises.
May God. who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other-each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise, and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you, then God will be glorified. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. And he came so the Gentiles might also give glory to God for his mercies to them....
I always give thanks for you. remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, July 21, 2011
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 beautiful hot day is in store for us but not as hot as further north, and, at least, most of us have A/C in our homes, unlike people in MN and the Dakotas. I am thankful for blessings!
I watched a rerun of the shuttle landing in perfect weather this morning at the Cape. A perfect landing, but also the last one. Bittersweet.
Lots of people were visiting the Space Center yesterday, which was featured on the news last night. A good education for the kids and parents.
Yesterday was dermatologist day for me. More pre-cancerous spots were frozen than I had anticipated, so I just squinted and bore the sting. I have been going to Dr. Nelson for many years...senior and now junior. The office is downtown near Bayfront so when I got out of there, I drove down Central and then to the waterfront and Straub Park, where i saw the weird sculpture, big and red, that I had read about. Lots of people were walking about and eating at the outdoor tables. It was a busy, bustling downtown.
I also went to the Park for a quiet, peaceful moment and saw that the downed tree just beyond the weir, had actually been removed! It really was in the way of the flow of the water, so I guess that's why it was removed. Very few people were there, but I saw an ibis take off from the canal and gracefully fly to another destination. They are so beautiful in flight! God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:10 NIV
When we behave ourselves as thoughtful adults-and when we conduct ourselves in accordance with God's instructions-we are blessed in ways that we cannot fully understand. When we seek righteousness in our own lives-and when we seek the companionship of those who do likewise-we reap the spiritual rewards that God intends for us to enjoy.
Today, as you fulfill your responsibilities, hold fast to that which is good, and associate yourself with folks who behave themselves in like fashion. When you do, your good works will serve as a powerful example for others and as a worthy offering to your Creator. And you will reap a surprising array of blessings as a result of your good works.
I don't care what a man says he believes with his lips. I want to know with a vengeance what he says with his life and his actions.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I watched a rerun of the shuttle landing in perfect weather this morning at the Cape. A perfect landing, but also the last one. Bittersweet.
Lots of people were visiting the Space Center yesterday, which was featured on the news last night. A good education for the kids and parents.
Yesterday was dermatologist day for me. More pre-cancerous spots were frozen than I had anticipated, so I just squinted and bore the sting. I have been going to Dr. Nelson for many years...senior and now junior. The office is downtown near Bayfront so when I got out of there, I drove down Central and then to the waterfront and Straub Park, where i saw the weird sculpture, big and red, that I had read about. Lots of people were walking about and eating at the outdoor tables. It was a busy, bustling downtown.
I also went to the Park for a quiet, peaceful moment and saw that the downed tree just beyond the weir, had actually been removed! It really was in the way of the flow of the water, so I guess that's why it was removed. Very few people were there, but I saw an ibis take off from the canal and gracefully fly to another destination. They are so beautiful in flight! God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:10 NIV
When we behave ourselves as thoughtful adults-and when we conduct ourselves in accordance with God's instructions-we are blessed in ways that we cannot fully understand. When we seek righteousness in our own lives-and when we seek the companionship of those who do likewise-we reap the spiritual rewards that God intends for us to enjoy.
Today, as you fulfill your responsibilities, hold fast to that which is good, and associate yourself with folks who behave themselves in like fashion. When you do, your good works will serve as a powerful example for others and as a worthy offering to your Creator. And you will reap a surprising array of blessings as a result of your good works.
I don't care what a man says he believes with his lips. I want to know with a vengeance what he says with his life and his actions.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
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