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! And we do rejoice because the temps are down in the lower seventies this morning and it feels like a little touch of fall in the air! It was also good to see sunshine first thing, instead of the clouds and overcast.
Yesterday, I noticed our front yard looked like a wildlife refuge for awhile. While my cleaning ladies were here, I went outside for a bit, and noticed a brown bunny sitting under the oak, just looking at them carrying their supplies in. And then, a pair of woodpeckers were hopping around the tree. One of them was brownish without any red on top, so I thought that must be the female, but looked in my Petersen Field Guide and did not see any difference, so I think it was a piliated pair.. Also the squirrels must know something about the winter coming, because as I stood on the porch watching, two were very busy chewing off the twigs and letting them fall under the staghorn. They drop more than they put in the nests, I think, because the yard is full of twigs! David will be here this morning, though, and he will clean it up. I am thankful for dependable people!
I went to the park later in the afternoon, even though it was sprinkling again. Several cars were there and people were standing under the trees talking, so the rain did not seem to bother anyone. The big tractor mower was being driven down the walkway where the fence used to be, and it was quitting time, so I guess the mowers were working late. The water was still very high at the weir and higher than usual in the canal from all this rain, but God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Be careful not to forget the Lord.
Deuteronomy 6:12 HCSB
Each day has 1,440 minutes--do you value your relationship with God enough to spend a few of those minutes with Him? He deserves that much of your time and more. But if you find that you're simply "too busy" for a daily chat with your Father in heaven, it's time to take a long, hard look at your priorities and your values.
If you've acquired the unfortunate habit of trying to "squeeze" God into the corners of your life, it's time to reshuffle the items on your to-do list by placing God first. God wants your undivided attention, not the leftovers of your day. So, if you haven't already done so, form the habit of spending quality time with your Creator. He deserves it... and so, for that matter, do you.
-Great Thoughts-
To be successful, you can't just run on the fast track: run on your track.
John Maxwell
Often our lives are strangled by things that don't ultimately matter.
Grady Nutt
-Today's Prayer_
Dear Lord, when the quickening pace of life leaves me with little time for worship or for praise, help me to reorder my priorities. When the demands of the day leave me distracted and discouraged, let me turn to Jesus for the peace that only He can give. And then, when I have accepted the spiritual abundance that is mine through Christ, let me share His message and His love with all who cross my path.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
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 woke up about 3 AM to the sound of thunder and rain, but then went back to sleep , and sure enough, lots of weather warnings on the PC and everything is wet outside, with lots of trash from the oaks in the front yard and on the porch.
We had some torrential downpours yesterday morning, but about noon, when the rain had stopped, I decided it was safe to venture out to go to the Publix, for some needed groceries. Not only had the rain stopped, but it was very warm, with the sun coming out once again! Still looking for fall...
The canal in the park was almost over the weir, it was so full. Doesn't seem to be slowing down the work on the other side of the lake, though. A big, wide load truck was parked near the deputy's house at the park, and when I came back out, it was parked ready to move out. (Sort of reminded me of my favorite movie, "Duel". Shiver.)
I saw a beautiful white egret fishing and while driving around Lynch Lake, I noticed the woodstorks are back. God is good!
I heard a powerful sermon on this scripture Sunday, and in God's perfect timing, I pulled this bookmark out of a Bible I used to use years ago;
The Warrior's Prayer
David Jeremiah
Heavenly Father,
Your Warrior prepares for battle.
Today I claim victory
over Satan by putting on the
whole armor of God.
I put on the Belt of Truth.
May I stand firm in the truth of
your Word so I will not be a
victim of Satan's lies.
I put on the Breastplate of
Righteousness. May it guard my
heart from every evil so I will
remain pure and holy,
protected under the blood of
Jesus Christ.
I put on the Shoes of Peace.
May I stand firm in the Good
News of the Gospel so your
peace will shine through me
and be a light to all I encounter.
I take the Shield of Faith. May I
be ready for Satan's fiery darts
of doubt, denial, and deceit so I
will not be vulnerable to
spiritual defeat.
I put on the Helmet of Salvation.
May I keep my mind
focused on You so Satan will
not have a stronghold on my
thoughts.
I take the Sword of the Spirit,
May the two-edged sword of
Your Word be ready in my
hands so I can expose the
tempting words of Satan.
By faith your warrior has put
on the whole armor of God.
I am prepared to live this day in
spiritual victory!
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
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! So far we have had rain and wind to rejoice over, and I don't have any idea when it will let up. I would be happy if God would push it all over to Texas where the wildfires are still burning and it is so dry! This weather makes me lazier that I usually am...
I had a very quiet Labor Day weekend..did a little housework, read a lot and watched the Rays win on TV. Drove over to the park and saw lots of cars, so even the wind was blowing quite fiercely, people were still walking on the boardwalk. Most of the dangerous trees have been removed, but there is still the possibility of a limb crashing down. I didn't see much wildlife, just the usual anhingas drying out wings and egrets which are always so beautiful.
My front yard is covered with twigs from the oaks, which have been blown down by the winds all weekend. It really looks messy, but Dave will take care of it Thursday. He mows right through them, and says they put nitrogen in the grass. So, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.'I will bless you every day,
and I will praise you forever.'Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
His greatness is beyond discovery!...
The Lord is faithful in all he says, he is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
All eyes look to you for help, you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
The Lord protects all those who love him but he destroys the wicked.
I will praise the Lord, and everyone on earth will bless his holy name forever and forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
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 I don't think there will be any rain today..my prediction, not the weatherman's. But we had a late shower last night, so water is still dripping off the roof.
Dave C. came to mow yesterday and just before he came, the squirrels decided to build a nest, so that meant lots of green twigs all piled up just between the two trees. So, Dave mowed right through them, and said they are good for the grass. Well, the yard looked nice and neat for a while, but this morning another big pile of twigs is in the same place, so I guess they were not through building the nest. Messy, messy!
Before Dave came, a large flock of ibis was making its way slowly, as they pecked, down this street. They started across the street and worked down about three houses, then came back on this side, still pecking. I counted sixteen, but that was a moving count. They seem to be really used to people.
I saw the big dump trucks at the park again, so I guess that work will take awhile. A beautiful egret was high in a tree with another one, hanging over the canal. Just so Florida! God is good!
From the Devotional book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12 KJV
Ann described a lesson she learned after the painful loss of her sister. Her brother-in-law opened the bottom drawer of her sister's bureau and lifted out a tissue-wrapped package. "This," he said, "is not a slip. This is lingerie." He discarded the tissue and handed the slip to Ann. It was exquisite silk, handmade and trimmed with a cobweb of lace. The price tag, bearing an astronomical figure, was still attached.
"Jan bought this the first time we went to New York nine years ago. She never wore it. She was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is the occasion." He took the slip from Ann and put it on the bed with the other clothes they planned to take to the funeral home. His hands lingered on the soft material for a moment, then he slammed the drawer shut and turned to Ann. "Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Every day you're alive is a special occasion."
She remembered those words throughout the funeral and the days that followed. Ann thought about all the things that her sister had done without realizing they were special. The words her brother-in-law spoke changed her life.
Ann now spends more time with her family and friends and less time in committee meetings. Now she enjoys the view from her deck without fussing about the weeds in the garden. She's not saving anything either; her family uses the good china and crystal for every special event--such as losing a pound, unclogging the sink, or spying the first camellia blossom of the season.
As you watch the breathless beauty of a sunset or the colorful splendor of a rainbow, savor the moment. Cherish the brilliance of the maple leaf nipped by frost and the white clouds floating across the crystal blue sky. Remember that every moment of every day is special.
So here hath been dawning another blue day.
Think, will thou let it slip useless away?
Thomas Carlyle
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Good Morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners and Happy Sept. First! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Another overcast day, but that just makes it seem like fall will soon be here. I will know for sure when the acorns start falling off the oak trees. It was a fairly quiet day for me yesterday...just some household chores to do and then I took a ride out to Walmart to fill the tank on the van and was pleasantly surprised to note that prices have not gone up, yet.
I saw lots of activity at the park when I stopped in there..big, new green dump trucks traveling across the weir, going down the one way road to the back of the park, and then coming back out. I checked with Dave and he said there had been plans to cut a new opening so the two canals could join together..the one behind the houses, and the one that comes from Sawgrass Lake. It won't be visible to the public. And then I saw one of the animal control people out on the bridge near the young gator. He had a long metal pole with a cup on the end that he was dipping down into the water. At first I thought he might be trying to catch the gator to move him, but Dave said he was testing for mosquitoes. A couple of the sentinel chickens have been found to have encephalitis (?). I'm glad that program has not been cut out!
Then I discovered several big trucks parked outside in front of my house most of the afternoon. Chippers and tree trimmers for next door, I guess. That house is on a double lot and is planted with many fruit trees, including very tall mango trees, which grow huge!
But, after all that excitement, I decided to do some reading. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
This is the day which the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 NASB
Do you want to know God more intimately? Try this: celebrate the life He has given you. Do you feel like celebrating today? If you're a believer, you should. When you allow Christ to reign over your heart, today and every day should be a time for joyful celebration. What do you expect from the day ahead? Are you expecting God to do wonderful things, or are you living beneath a cloud of worry and doubt?
The words of Psalm 118:24 remind us that every day is a gift from God. So whatever this day holds for you, begin it and end it with God as your partner and Christ as your savior. and throughout the day, give thanks to the One who created you and saved you. God's love for you is infinite. Accept it; celebrate it; and be thankful.
Some of us seem so anxious about avoiding hell, that we forget to celebrate our journey toward heaven.
Philip Yancey
If you can forgive the person you were, accept the person you are,
and believe in the person you will become, you are headed for joy.
So celebrate your life.
Barbara Johnson
-Today's Prayer-
Dear Lord, help me remember that every day is cause for celebration. Today I will try my best to keep joy in my heart. I will celebrate the life You have given me here on earth and the eternal life that will be mine in heaven. Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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! No rain yet this morning, but lots of clouds in the sky. When I stood outside this morning, watching the neighborhood waking up, I enjoyed the coolish breeze on my face...maybe fall is on the way!
Yesterday I took an unexpected walk on the boardwalk..unexpected because I had not planned it. I just wanted to walk to check on the young gator, but two men were standing right where you can look down to see it, and since they would not move...just talking about fishing, biking, and stuff, I sort of squeezed in to look down, and sure enough, young gator is about two feet long and thriving. Well, it was overcast and a nice wind was blowing, so I decided to walk out to the first shelter. I made a few stops along the way, to catch my breath, but had my walking shoes on, so plodded on,.watching several skinks scurrying along just underneath the rails. There weren't any lizards, just skinks! Just before I got to the rail over the canal, I heard a tremendous splash, and rushed to look, but just saw ripples. I think a gator must have snapped at something, but I could not see her, although I waited for a few minutes. The splash was so loud that it startled an egret across the canal who had been peacefully fishing. Guess that will remain a mystery,
I made it back to the car and sat there cooling off and sneezing. Something really stirred up my allergies, so while I was sneezing, I looked in my rear view mirror, and saw the very large, old gopher tortoise emerging from the weeds. I drove around the circle and when I came back I pulled in where he was, but he turned around and was scurrying as fast as he could to get away. So funny to see those fat short legs moving fast!
Brian and I enjoyed a good dinner at the Olive Garden last night, arriving a little after five, which was a good time, because when we left, a small crowd was waiting. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1st John 4:7
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God--for God is love.
God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins
Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us....
Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us. We love each other as a result of his loving us first. .
If someone says, "I love God," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we have not seen? And God himself has commanded that we must love not only him but our Christian brothers and sisters, too.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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 have had an unexpected shower already, with water dripping off the roof, now. I was out much earlier, enjoying the cooler air and watching the squirrels zip up and down the trees and hanging upside down munching on acorns. One curious little critter came over to me looking very inquisitively at me, as if expecting a peanut, and then decided acorns were pretty good, after all. I discovered the birds that have been raking all the mulch out of the plant beds and leaving a mess on the sidewalk. They are the yellow eyed blackbirds. I don't know why they do that!
We had so much rain yesterday, that I got caught in it. I went to the library, and it was just starting to thunder and sprinkle, so I had the foresight to take my umbrella with me. Well, by the time I got through browsing, it was pouring and windy, so I stood inside and waited for about fifteen minutes. It didn't show any signs of easing up, so I just splashed through the puddles in the parking lot and made it to the car, relatively dry, but getting in the car was another story. It's difficult to get an umbrella folded without getting half of me soaked, which I did, but I had paper towels in the back, so i dried off as best as I could, and headed for home in the half flooded streets. I was really happy to pull into the dry garage. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do I have to look forward to?
1st Peter 1:4-5 God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see.
We who are God's children will inherit the heavenly riches reserved for us. Until we enter heaven, God preserves our inheritance and protects us.
1st Corinthians 2:9-10 The Scriptures....say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." But we know these things because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, and his Spirit searches out everything and shows us even God's deep secrets.
We who love God have a glorious future ahead, beyond our present understanding.
How can I be sure God will direct my future in this life?
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
The Lord directs our steps. Though the pathway may lead through dark valleys or seem to take unnecessary detours, we will one day look back and discover that the Lord's way was best.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
