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! This is another in our string of dry, sunny beautiful days, but even the weathermen are saying how badly we need rain. All in God's timing...
When I stepped outside this morning, everything was alive with birds chirping, three squirrels racing along the oak tree limbs, chasing each other from one tree to another. Seems like all the critters get active as soon as they wake up. When I used to walk in the park at seven, all the animals and birds became active with ibis taking off from their sleeping roosts across the lake and even raccoons had not quite gone to sleep yet. I don't get over there that early any more, but it is the best time for a walk. My neighbor called when I was in the shower with a dripping head. She was concerned because my porch light was still on. I forgot to turn it off, when I opened up the drapes. (I had left it on all day Monday and did not get a call) but I appreciate that she looks out for me. I am blessed.
Well, I saw the large gecko in the afternoon yesterday...he had left my bedroom and scooted across the hall to another bedroom, but no telling where he is now. He will probably make his way to the door soon, I hope, so I can escort him out. He is much too lively for me to catch!
I notice that one of the baby mangos that I have been watching on the neighbor's tree, has fallen off. Whether due to the dryness or wind, I don't know, but the others are hanging on. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back- to- back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
The Futility of Political Power
It is better to be a poor but wise youth than to be and old and foolish king who refuses all advice. Such a youth could come from prison and succeed. He might even become king, though he was born in poverty. Everyone is eager to help such a youth, even to help him take the throne. He might become the leader of millions and be very popular. But then the next generation grows up and rejects him! So, again, it is all meaningless. like chasing the wind.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Paul and Apollos
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 are having cooler temps for the next few days, but still in the eighties in the daytime, so no heavy blankets again!
We had an inspiring sermon yesterday as we celebrated the Resurrection, and I was surprised by a visit from Brian. He had already attended service at his church, but I didn't expect him at mine. He had planned to take me to dinner at the Hangar, so we got there a little earlier and were seated immediately. We had a good dinner and watched the planes take off and land on a perfect day. After touring downtown, which was teeming with people, walking or sitting outdoors at cafes, we headed out to Bay Pines, noticing all the pretty flowers on the graves. There were lots of people visiting, but we squeezed into a parking place under a shady tree, and walked out to visit Louis.
On the way back, we drove by Memorial Park, and stopped in to see my mother and my step-father's grave. Except for being dry, the grounds are well cared for, which is always a comfort.We also visited Sawgrass Park and saw lots of people enjoying picnics and exercise. All in all, it was a very good day! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Corinthians 3:5=9
Who is Apollos and who is Paul, that we should be the cause of such quarrels?
Why, we're only servants. Through us God caused you to believe. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow. The ones who do the planting or watering aren't 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had an inspiring sermon yesterday as we celebrated the Resurrection, and I was surprised by a visit from Brian. He had already attended service at his church, but I didn't expect him at mine. He had planned to take me to dinner at the Hangar, so we got there a little earlier and were seated immediately. We had a good dinner and watched the planes take off and land on a perfect day. After touring downtown, which was teeming with people, walking or sitting outdoors at cafes, we headed out to Bay Pines, noticing all the pretty flowers on the graves. There were lots of people visiting, but we squeezed into a parking place under a shady tree, and walked out to visit Louis.
On the way back, we drove by Memorial Park, and stopped in to see my mother and my step-father's grave. Except for being dry, the grounds are well cared for, which is always a comfort.We also visited Sawgrass Park and saw lots of people enjoying picnics and exercise. All in all, it was a very good day! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Corinthians 3:5=9
Who is Apollos and who is Paul, that we should be the cause of such quarrels?
Why, we're only servants. Through us God caused you to believe. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow. The ones who do the planting or watering aren't 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, April 6, 2012
Then Came Sunday
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! After a wonderful presentation of Seder meal last night at church, I thought I would just present Luke's version of Jesus' death, on this Good Friday.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 23:44-49
By this time it was noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the thick veil hanging in the Temple was torn apart. Then Jesus shouted, "Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!" And with those words he breathed his last.
When the captain of the Roman soldiers handling the executions saw what had happened, he praised God and said, "Surely this man was innocent." And when the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw all that had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. But Jesus' friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Happy Birthday, Daryl!!!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 23:44-49
By this time it was noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the thick veil hanging in the Temple was torn apart. Then Jesus shouted, "Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!" And with those words he breathed his last.
When the captain of the Roman soldiers handling the executions saw what had happened, he praised God and said, "Surely this man was innocent." And when the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw all that had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. But Jesus' friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Happy Birthday, Daryl!!!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Psoaring thru Psalm 37
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, I went to bed last night with the sound of thunder in the distance and bright flashes of lightning shining through the drapes. Sure enough, we did get some rain, but I don't think very much. However, more rough weather is predicted for tonight and maybe tomorrow morning. If it holds off long enough for me to get to church for the services tonight, I will be grateful. We are having a Seder service with a Rabbi. I have been to one before, but it has been a long time...looking forward to it!
I had a fun time chatting with my cleaning duo while they worked. They always have something interesting to say , especially since one of them went camping last weekend and found out her tent did not leak. :o) Later in the afternoon, I went to the park, saw the long shadows and no one on the bridge. In fact, very few people were there for a weekday afternoon.
But the sun was shining and the birds were chirping. The trees were all green and God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 37:3-9
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord,
Trust him, and he will help you..
He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine
like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others--
it only leads to harm,
For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord will
possess the land.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had a fun time chatting with my cleaning duo while they worked. They always have something interesting to say , especially since one of them went camping last weekend and found out her tent did not leak. :o) Later in the afternoon, I went to the park, saw the long shadows and no one on the bridge. In fact, very few people were there for a weekday afternoon.
But the sun was shining and the birds were chirping. The trees were all green and God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 37:3-9
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord,
Trust him, and he will help you..
He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine
like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others--
it only leads to harm,
For the wicked will be destroyed,
but those who trust in the Lord will
possess the land.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Forgiveness
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 wind is blowing and the sun is shining, and it will be another very warm day in Florida. I couldn't believe the nineties temps in the center of the state yesterday! We went right from no winter into summer! Amazing! I have already had my A/C on for about two months. It doesn't always click on during the day, but later in the evening, it cools down the house. During the high pollen season, it really helps to keep the house closed.
I went shopping again yesterday...something I don't really enjoy, but necessary when I run out of essentials...and I still forgot something, because I did not make a list. Before I left to go out, I noticed a squirrel taking some long sips of water from the bowl I have on the front wall. He was so thirsty, he didn't pay any attention to the bluejay who zoomed in for a drink. The jay just stood for a minute and screeched, but then flew away! It is so dry around here, they take whatever water they can get!
I noticed some jacarandas in the neighborhood are blooming now, but I think a lot of them were damaged by the couple frosty nights we had...one was a freezing night. Soon the royal poinciana trees will be brightly blooming and we know that spring has come to St. Petersburg! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What happens when I confess my sin?
Romans 8:1 Now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
The amazing truth of the gospel is that those who trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness are forever free from God's judgment. That makes us more grateful and more eager to honor the Lord by godly living.
Psalm 103:3, 10,12
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases...He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve. For his unfailing love thward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Isaiah 43:25
I--yes, I alone--am the one who blots out your sins for my own sake, and will never think of them again.
When we confess our sins and trust Jesus Christ, our sins are wiped away. They will not be held against us. We are freely and fully pardoned by the Lord and should forgive ourselves as well.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I went shopping again yesterday...something I don't really enjoy, but necessary when I run out of essentials...and I still forgot something, because I did not make a list. Before I left to go out, I noticed a squirrel taking some long sips of water from the bowl I have on the front wall. He was so thirsty, he didn't pay any attention to the bluejay who zoomed in for a drink. The jay just stood for a minute and screeched, but then flew away! It is so dry around here, they take whatever water they can get!
I noticed some jacarandas in the neighborhood are blooming now, but I think a lot of them were damaged by the couple frosty nights we had...one was a freezing night. Soon the royal poinciana trees will be brightly blooming and we know that spring has come to St. Petersburg! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What happens when I confess my sin?
Romans 8:1 Now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
The amazing truth of the gospel is that those who trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness are forever free from God's judgment. That makes us more grateful and more eager to honor the Lord by godly living.
Psalm 103:3, 10,12
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases...He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve. For his unfailing love thward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Isaiah 43:25
I--yes, I alone--am the one who blots out your sins for my own sake, and will never think of them again.
When we confess our sins and trust Jesus Christ, our sins are wiped away. They will not be held against us. We are freely and fully pardoned by the Lord and should forgive ourselves as well.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Can any sin be forgiven?
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 can I say? the weather has been the same for such a long time. the weathercasters just can use ditto marks to predict around here! But, good news! the oak trees have stopped shedding and are all green and filled out now! that is a praise!
I have been watching a tiny mango grow on top of the tree next door, which is visible from my window. Last year I was hoping it would drop off over on my side, but it didn't happen. Sometimes their oranges come into my yard, but I think animals bring them over.
I had a busy morning to mid afternoon, buying gas for the car (yikes) and grocery shopping, and running other errands. By the time I was all finished, I was pretty much through for the day, but went over to the park to check things out. I saw a young woman running and she looked so graceful and tireless. Lots of people strolling about and hanging over the bridge. An anhinga was drying its wings, and the little moorhens were busy swimming about doing whatever it is they do. It was very peaceful there. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Can any sin be forgiven?
Joel 2:32 Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. There will be people on Mount Zion in Jerusalem who escape, just as the Lord has said. These will be among the survivors whom the Lord has called.
Mark 3:28-29 I assure you that any sin can be forgiven including blasphemy but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. It is an eternal sin.
Romans 8:38
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away.
Forgiveness is not based on the magnitude of the sin, but the magnitude of the forgiver's love. No sin is too great for God's complete and unconditional love. The Bible does. however, mention one unforgivable sin--harboring an attitude of defiant hostility toward God that prevents us from accepting his forgiveness. Those who don't want his forgiveness place themselves out of its reach.
Isiah 1:18
"Come now, let us argue this out," says the Lord . "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as fresly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool."
Forgiveness means that God looks at us as though we never sinned. We are blameless before him.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I have been watching a tiny mango grow on top of the tree next door, which is visible from my window. Last year I was hoping it would drop off over on my side, but it didn't happen. Sometimes their oranges come into my yard, but I think animals bring them over.
I had a busy morning to mid afternoon, buying gas for the car (yikes) and grocery shopping, and running other errands. By the time I was all finished, I was pretty much through for the day, but went over to the park to check things out. I saw a young woman running and she looked so graceful and tireless. Lots of people strolling about and hanging over the bridge. An anhinga was drying its wings, and the little moorhens were busy swimming about doing whatever it is they do. It was very peaceful there. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Can any sin be forgiven?
Joel 2:32 Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. There will be people on Mount Zion in Jerusalem who escape, just as the Lord has said. These will be among the survivors whom the Lord has called.
Mark 3:28-29 I assure you that any sin can be forgiven including blasphemy but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. It is an eternal sin.
Romans 8:38
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away.
Forgiveness is not based on the magnitude of the sin, but the magnitude of the forgiver's love. No sin is too great for God's complete and unconditional love. The Bible does. however, mention one unforgivable sin--harboring an attitude of defiant hostility toward God that prevents us from accepting his forgiveness. Those who don't want his forgiveness place themselves out of its reach.
Isiah 1:18
"Come now, let us argue this out," says the Lord . "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as fresly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool."
Forgiveness means that God looks at us as though we never sinned. We are blameless before him.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, April 2, 2012
The Wondrous Cross
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 bright and the wind is cool, so we have another warm day ahead. We had a little rain Saturday in the early afternoon, and I took a much needed nap, after several sleep interrupted nights. It was a good time for it, because the clouds kept it gloomy...great for sleeping!
I slept well last night and am grateful for that! Since it is such a pretty day, it will be good to get out and grocery shop and run some needed errands. ...As I was driving down 34th Street Saturday,, I saw young man who had ingeniously figured out how to get his kayak where he wanted to go. He was riding a bike on the sidewalk and had a small trailer hitched on the back with his kayak on it! It was a weird sight, but I had to admire his ability to figure it all out!
After church, later in the afternoon, I visited the park, and saw a few people there, and the squirrels, one of whom dashed across right in front of me! They take such chances! I saw an anhinga on the weir, but not much other wild life.
We had a good Palm Sunday service yesterday with the children taking part by coming down the aisles with palm branches waving, and a good sermon after that. I am so thankful for this season and for Christ dying for my sins! God is so good!
From the Covenant Hymnal (and many others, I'm sure)
When I survey the Wondrous Cross...Isaac Watts
When I survey the wondrous cross on which
the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain
I count but loss, and pour contempt on
all my pride.
Forbid it Lord, that I should boast save in
the death of Christ, my God, all the vain
things that charm me most, I sacrifice
them in his blood.
See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that
were an offering far too small, love so amazing
so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I slept well last night and am grateful for that! Since it is such a pretty day, it will be good to get out and grocery shop and run some needed errands. ...As I was driving down 34th Street Saturday,, I saw young man who had ingeniously figured out how to get his kayak where he wanted to go. He was riding a bike on the sidewalk and had a small trailer hitched on the back with his kayak on it! It was a weird sight, but I had to admire his ability to figure it all out!
After church, later in the afternoon, I visited the park, and saw a few people there, and the squirrels, one of whom dashed across right in front of me! They take such chances! I saw an anhinga on the weir, but not much other wild life.
We had a good Palm Sunday service yesterday with the children taking part by coming down the aisles with palm branches waving, and a good sermon after that. I am so thankful for this season and for Christ dying for my sins! God is so good!
From the Covenant Hymnal (and many others, I'm sure)
When I survey the Wondrous Cross...Isaac Watts
When I survey the wondrous cross on which
the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain
I count but loss, and pour contempt on
all my pride.
Forbid it Lord, that I should boast save in
the death of Christ, my God, all the vain
things that charm me most, I sacrifice
them in his blood.
See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that
were an offering far too small, love so amazing
so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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