Tuesday, May 27, 2014

HALT!

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!  Sun in the morning, and rain in the afternoon..at least, that was the pattern for yesterday. It started slowly, without thunder or lightning and then just settled into and nice, steady shower for about ten minutes. I had to take the flag down, because of tradition and I did not want it to get wet, but since it was late in the afternoon, I would have taken it down soon, anyway.

The yard crew just got finished...it only takes them about ten minutes with three people working, but I don't have much grass, anyway. Jim rides the mower, and two guys edge and blow. They get 'er done!
Brian had come over in the evening to take my dumpster down to the curb and the mower guys pulled it back up for me, when they got through. I appreciate all the help I can get!

I did laundry yesterday, and then took off for the closed library to put books in the drop off container, followed by 3 cars with the same idea. After getting a "steak frank" for my lunch from Steak and Shake, I headed over to the park. Not too many people were there, but several joined tables were set with a lot of food and someone was grilling.

The canal is still very low on water, and the egrets and ibis and also the roseate spoonbills seem to really like it. There is a lot of over growth in the middle and that is where they like to peck for food. I was in time to see a hawk fly up into the trees with his catch of the day. God is good!

From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God

Let us strip off anything that slows us down or
holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap
themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up.

Hebrews 12:1 TLB

Those who counsel the clinically depressed often suggest the HALT! Method to their patients . HALT is an acronym based upon these four words:

. Hungry
, Angry
. Lonely
. Tired

Too much of any of these conditions can result in a stress overload and lead to a downward spiral that eventually crashes into a form of depression. When two or more of these conditions are present, the downward plunge happens faster, with greater pain. And, if all four conditions are present as an ongoing pattern in a person's life, the person's depression may not only be deep, but life itself may be endangered.

To compound the problem, hunger, anger, loneliness, and exhaustion  tend to cluster together. If you are overly tired, it's easier to become angry. If you have missed a meal, you are likely to get tired more quickly, and so forth.

Therefore, any time you are feeling too hungry, , too angry, too lonely, or too tired...it's time to call a HALT! and to take immediate remedial action. Have a healthy bite to eat. Release your anger in prayer, exercise, or an act of reconciliation. Call a friend, and pour out your heart. Take a nap, or go to bed early.

"Call it to a halt" and "enough is enough" are well known phrases we need to apply on a daily basis. Don't neglect your personal nutrition. Get enough sleep. Balance your life with friendships. Live in peace with the people around you.

As you prepare to come to the end of your workday, it's especially important you remember to HALT! Don't push yourself into overdrive, even if you have to work overtime. Avoid setting yourself up for a crash by staying well fed, calm, in touch with friends. and refreshed.

"Holy leisure" refers to a sense of balance
in the life, and ability to be at peace
through the activities of the day; an ability
to rest and take time to enjoy beauty.
An ability to pace ourselves.
           Richard Foster

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, May 26, 2014

Coping Skills

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 a beautiful Memorial day for ceremonies, remembering and enjoying the day however folks will celebrate.

Brian and I went out to Bay Pines National Cemetery Saturday, to place flowers on Louis' grave, and, as always, I was so moved to see thousands of flags waving in the wind over the large cemetery. The Boy Scouts put out all of the flags and then pick them up afterwards...a huge job, but one done with precision and caring.

I was watching two Air Force men in full dress uniform underneath the small shelter , preparing for a funeral service which was coming. One of them was practicing with his hands, the folding of the flag. Both were very solemn and before we left, they were standing side by side in the hot sun, perfectly still, with one of them holding the folded flag. Then the procession came in, and we left, so there would be more room for parking. I think these men volunteer for this duty, and I am sure think it is a great honor.

Louis and I watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown, many years ago, when we were in Wash. DC. I was so touched in my heart by the preciseness of each move. It was a memorable sight. God is so good!

From the devotional book 'Quiet Moments with God"

My times are in your hand.
Psalm 31:15 NRSV

How we handle delays tells us a lot about ourselves. How do you handle a traffic jam when you left the house already late for work? What do you do when your flight is delayed because of mechanical difficulty or bad weather? How do you respond when the register in your checkout lane runs out of tape just as you get to the head of the line? Can you take a deep breath and enjoy a five-minute break at the railroad crossing when the guard rail goes down to allow a train to pass?

Consider how one man handled a delay. Just as the light turned green at the busy intersection, his car stalled in heavy traffic. He tried everything he knew to get the car started, but all his efforts failed. The chorus of honking behind him put him on edge, which only make matters worse.

Finally he got out of his car and walked back to the first driver and said, "I'm sorry, but I can't seem to get my car started. If you'll go up there and give it a try, I'll stay here and blow your horn for you."

Things rarely go as smoothly as we would like, and we don't usually schedule ourselves any extra time just in case something goes wrong.

The ability to accept disappointments, delays, and setbacks with a pleasant , generous spirit is a gift of graciousness that comes from one who has received grace from others in pressured circumstances. Life is a series of choices, and no matter what situation we are in , we always have the freedom to choose how we are going to respond.

Refuse to get out of sorts the next time your schedule gets interrupted or turned upside down. Pray for strength to remain calm, cheerful, relaxed, and refreshed in the midst of the crisis. And always remember! God's plans for you, are not thwarted by delays!

Never become irritable while waiting; if you are patient you'll find that you can wait much faster.
Unknown

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, May 23, 2014

A call to Remain Faithful

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! More sunshine, cool breezes and very warm temps in the afternoon!A good time to live in the "Burg!"

The Rays won last night and it was not on TV! Boo!! But I have seen Sean Rodriguez' walk off homer on FB, and some of Alex Cobb's pitching, so guess I have to be satisfied with that. Maybe this is the beginning of coming out of the slump they have been in.

I am cautiously beginning to believe in Pierce Chiropractic , I have had one leg shorter than the other and could really feel it when I walked. I went for an adjustment a week ago, and now can tell how improved I am. I went back for a checkup yesterday, and Dr. Pierce said my perceptions were right on. I am still balanced and was walking much better, even without the cane for short distances around the house. Thanks, David, for your constant encouragement to visit Pierce Clinic!

I went on to the Park after leaving the Clinic, and once again, saw the busy roseate spoonbill and lots of egrets and ibis in the middle of the canal, which is down to a trickle now. We really need rain to fill it up and water our lawns. In His time, I am sure God will send it, because God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

 Jude 1:20-22

But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on
the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as
you are directed by the Holy Spirit. Live in such a way
that God's love can bless you as you wait for the eternal
life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to
give you. Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.
Rescue others by snatching from the flames of judgment.
There are still others to whom you need to show mercy,
but be sure that you are not contaminated by their sins.


I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Luke 12 con't...

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 day in the string of beautiful weather days! Only today will get up into the nineties and so will the next two days! And this is only May!

After a delightful lunch with my friend from church, I noticed a gorgeous Royal Poinciana tree in full bloom. The jacarandas are still blooming and now the flame colored Royal Poincianas add to the beauty of spring! God has made all things beautiful!

And speaking of beautiful, I drove into the park later on, after doing my laundry chores, and there was the roseate spoonbill pecking away amidst the swamp of the canal. There is such a contrast with the white feathers of the egrets and ibis, and then the neutral, not so pretty, gopher tortoises! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Luke 12:32-34

...So don't be afraid , little flock. For it gives your
Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
Sell what you have and give to those in need.
this will store up treasure for you in heaven!
And the purses of heaven have no holes in them.
Your treasure will be safe-no thief can steal it
and no moth can destroy it.
Wherever your treasure is, there you heart and
thoughts will also be.


I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Teaching about Money and Possessions

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, we have another beautiful, warm day in the series of like days we have had! Sunshine, refreshing breezes and heat in the afternoon. Very nice!

I have been invited to lunch with a kind friend today, so I will not be able to procrastinate or waste time . Plus, my cleaning ladies are scheduled and I will be gone, but they know where the key is hidden and should have no trouble getting in. I will miss visiting with them, though.

Yesterday, I had an appointment with my long time doctor, and had to wait about forty minutes before being called in, which is unusual for him. My BP was running high, and he was concerned about that, but then he started chatting about the bill which may be passed next year regarding legal medical use of Marijuana and how it would affect memory, etc., in older folks. It was a lively discussion. Personally, I am against legalizing it. Then we were talking about memories and old age and he said I was amazing because I am ninety! I said wait a minute!! I am not ninety yet! And he said well, you are 87 and in remarkable shape. I told him about the 103 yr. old who is a member of my church and how feisty she is. He wondered if she remembered WW1. I have not talked with her to find out how far back her memory goes.

I also told the doctor that the thing I hate most about growing old, is that my body will not do what I am used to doing, like walking long distances, going to the Mall, etc. Sigh. I am still in better shape than a lot of people my age or younger. The doc wanted to know my secret. I just said "clean living". I should have answered , "the grace of God", but he is not a believer.

After I finally left his office, I drove across 9th St. and headed for Wendy's to get a frosty, then drove on to the Park, and saw the two roseate spoonbills, along with egrets and ibis, busy in the middle of the canal pecking around in the mud. Such beauty! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Luke 12:27-31

Look at the lilies and how they grow.
They don't work or make their clothing,
yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed
as beautifully as they are. and if God cares so
wonderfully for flowers that are here today and
gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you?
You have so little faith! And don't worry about
 food--what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether
 God will provide it for you. These things dominate
 the thoughts of most people, but your Father
already knows your needs. He will give you all
you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom
of God your primary concern.


I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Love for Enemies

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, except "ditto"? Today is the same as yesterday which started out cool and then got very warm in the afternoon. It got up to almost ninety, in fact! But, except for the lack of rain, it is great weather!

Well, people, I did my ironing! Actually, I did not have as much as I thought I had, and it only took about ten minutes to do it.Some tasks are not as hard as we think they will be, if we just get to them! Sigh. Now, to start on closets....

I think I have new Times deliverers. The past two days the paper has not been in the chair..the usual spot by the front door. Yesterday it was on the floor beside the chair, and today is was right in front of the door on the floor. I'm not complaining, because it is still delivered by the door, but for over a year it has been put in the chair. I have given little gift certificates occasionally as a thank you for their faithfulness, because it takes extra time for them to walk up the driveway to the door instead of just flinging it from the car. Maybe the regulars are just on vacation.

I heard a noise out in the street late morning, and saw that the city had decided to fill in a pothole that had been forming in front of the house for the last six months. I had called it in and a lady came out to inspect right away, but nothing was done to fix it until yesterday. Guess these things have to be scheduled way down the line, but at least it is done!

I ran some errands before school let out, and then drove to the park and saw lots of egrets, ibis, and a couple woodstorks in the canal, which is very low on water. I think this makes it easy for the birds to fish for their lunch. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Luke 6:27-31

But if you are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.  Pray for the happiness of those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other cheek. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt, also. Give what you have to anyone who asks you for it, and when things are taken away from you, don't try to get them back.  Do for others as you would like them to do for you.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!

Love and hugs.
 Amaryllis

Monday, May 19, 2014

Encouragement

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! Once again , we have clear, blue skies and lots of sunshine. But even though it is cool now, the temps will climb up to the middle eighties today and the rest of the week.

My yard guys have already come and gone after mowing, edging and blowing. I had previously asked the head man to bring my dumpster up, because the garbage man always come around about 7, and since it is difficult for me to drag it back up beside the side garage door, I thought it would not be too much trouble for them. Last week, they forgot, and my friend, and neighbor brought it up herself. So, today the guys brought it up in front of the garage, instead of all the way back. So, once again, Cheryl took it back to where it belongs. I am blessed to have her for a friend and neighbor. She is one half of the team that cleans my house once a week, and a natural caregiver at heart.

Well, I watched Spider Man on the tube, by accident over the weekend. I did not know it was on, and probably would have avoided it, but was channel hopping and it was just coming on. I was caught up by the unbelievable special effects and the staring of the main character. He hardly changed expression and did not blink his eyes for long periods of time. Guess I am too old for fantasy films. But I watched it to the end.

After church yesterday, I dropped off a two week book I read in a day and a half, then drove on to the park, and saw a very wet turtle drying out on the weir, A group of people were gathered around the brown gopher tortoise across from the educational building, and two egrets were standing in the canal gathering lunch. It was a beautiful day and God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

What do I do when I feel overwhelmed?

Leviticus 26:8
Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand!

All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons.

Joshua 21:23:10
Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God
fights for you, just as he has promised.


Be encouraged that the power of God is for us, regardless of the number of enemies
against us. God used David to overcome Goliath, Gideon's three hundred soldiers
to defeat the armies of Midian, and one hundred and twenty disciples to establish
the church in Acts. He joys when working through our weaknesses and limitations.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis