Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! And Happy 4th of July! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! A day for picnics, thunderstorms permitting, and fireworks and patriotic music!
Yesterday I had a wonderful walk on the wet boardwalk at the park and stopped to speak to Mama gator back at her old nest. She has grown so much, she is huge! She was totally out of the water and lying not four feet below me, all eight feet of her! People have already been throwing bottles and cans at her...can't understand such ignorance!!
Then I walked on to the tower and watched a pair of ospreys circling lazily over the lake...I was hoping to see one of them hover, but, it didn't happen.
As we drove in to the park, two smaller gators were sunning on the bank, right across from Terry's house. God is good!
Since most of you are not working today I thought I would just send this appropriate scripture from 2 Chronicles 7:14:
"Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
2 Corinthians 4:16 "The inner man is being renewed day by day."
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the moon was almost hidden by clouds, but valiantly trying to shine through. The Lord has seen fit to send us rain now, and we were caught in a rip-roaring thunderstorm yesterday leaving my therapy place, which is just about six minutes from home. As I drove home, the rain diminished and nothing at all here. That's the way it is in Florida!
I noticed at the Park, that several people were busy cleaning debris out of the canal by the weir, that was washed down by the waters the night before. Everything is nice and green and fresh looking, now. God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments:
What Shape are you in?
Clay pots of all shapes and sizes were valuable tools in ancient households. They were used to store water, to eat off of, to bake and cook in, and even small terra-cotta vials held perfume. Homes were lit by clay lamps in the evening.
The potters who supplied these much-needed pots were important to the economic life of ancient villages. A modern potter described her craft like this:
Both my hands shaped this pot. And, the place where it actually forms is a place of tension between the pressure applied from the outside and the pressure of the hand on the inside. That's the way my life has been. Sadness and death and misfortune and the love of friends and all the things that happened to me that I didn't even choose. All of that influenced my life. But, there are things I believe in about myself, my faith in God and the love of some friends that worked on the insides of me. My life, like this pot, is the result of what happened on the outside and what was going on inside of me. Life, like this pot, comes to be in places of tension."
Throughout the day we may be buffeted by stress, pulled apart by responsibilities, and pressed by challenges that come at us from the outside. Without strength of spirit on the inside, those difficulties will cause us to collapse under the external pressure.
During this break, feed your spirit with Scripture. This will keep you strong, renewed, and restored within. You can respond with inner strength and creativity to what could otherwise defeat you.
Remember, your inner life gives you the strength you need to become a useful vessel in the household of God.
Renew thyself completely each day.
Do it again and again and forever again.
Confucius
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I noticed at the Park, that several people were busy cleaning debris out of the canal by the weir, that was washed down by the waters the night before. Everything is nice and green and fresh looking, now. God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments:
What Shape are you in?
Clay pots of all shapes and sizes were valuable tools in ancient households. They were used to store water, to eat off of, to bake and cook in, and even small terra-cotta vials held perfume. Homes were lit by clay lamps in the evening.
The potters who supplied these much-needed pots were important to the economic life of ancient villages. A modern potter described her craft like this:
Both my hands shaped this pot. And, the place where it actually forms is a place of tension between the pressure applied from the outside and the pressure of the hand on the inside. That's the way my life has been. Sadness and death and misfortune and the love of friends and all the things that happened to me that I didn't even choose. All of that influenced my life. But, there are things I believe in about myself, my faith in God and the love of some friends that worked on the insides of me. My life, like this pot, is the result of what happened on the outside and what was going on inside of me. Life, like this pot, comes to be in places of tension."
Throughout the day we may be buffeted by stress, pulled apart by responsibilities, and pressed by challenges that come at us from the outside. Without strength of spirit on the inside, those difficulties will cause us to collapse under the external pressure.
During this break, feed your spirit with Scripture. This will keep you strong, renewed, and restored within. You can respond with inner strength and creativity to what could otherwise defeat you.
Remember, your inner life gives you the strength you need to become a useful vessel in the household of God.
Renew thyself completely each day.
Do it again and again and forever again.
Confucius
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 2, 2007
Prepare to Dare
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I am rejoicing that we got a good, heavy downpour yesterday evening. It was the first rain we had had in about a week and was much needed. I am sure that it filled the canal at the park and probably overflowed the weir..
We spent a lazy day at home after church and tried to stay out of the heat. This morning as I stepped outside, I saw the "blue moon" shining brilliantly in the clear sky...just gorgeous! God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
Trying something new can be frightening and may even be dangerous. That's why it's much smarter to take a calculated risk than a reckless plunge.
A calculated risk is what Charles Lindbergh took when he decided to fly across the Atlantic, alone, in a single-engine plane. If he had not prepared, he might have been anxious, but he was an experienced pilot and mechanic who personally oversaw the construction of his plane. He participated in the planning of every detail of his historic flight. The end result was a safe trip, finished ahead of schedule with fuel to spare.
To a great extent, "Lucky Lindy" made his own luck.
Likewise, heroic spiritual moments are nearly always grounded in advance preparation. Moses grew up in Pharaoh's court, unknowingly being prepared for the day he would demand that Pharaoh let his people leave Egypt. Daniel was a man of prayer years before the king issued a decree banning prayer. the violation landed Daniel in a lion's den, where his prayers of protection were answered.
David was prepared for assuming the throne one day. The years he spent in the wilderness prepared him spiritually to trust God, and God alone, to preserve him protect him, and help him rule an empire. Esther prepared herself for a year before she won the "contest" to be queen.
You may not see clearly what God's purpose is for your life, but you can trust in the fact that He is preparing you for it. He will not waste a moment of your life. So make every relationship and experience count today, knowing He is grooming you for future greatness!
Every experience God gives us,
Every person he puts in our lives,
is the perfect preparation for the
future that only he can see.
Corrie Ten Boom
"Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly." Proverbs 13:16
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We spent a lazy day at home after church and tried to stay out of the heat. This morning as I stepped outside, I saw the "blue moon" shining brilliantly in the clear sky...just gorgeous! God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
Trying something new can be frightening and may even be dangerous. That's why it's much smarter to take a calculated risk than a reckless plunge.
A calculated risk is what Charles Lindbergh took when he decided to fly across the Atlantic, alone, in a single-engine plane. If he had not prepared, he might have been anxious, but he was an experienced pilot and mechanic who personally oversaw the construction of his plane. He participated in the planning of every detail of his historic flight. The end result was a safe trip, finished ahead of schedule with fuel to spare.
To a great extent, "Lucky Lindy" made his own luck.
Likewise, heroic spiritual moments are nearly always grounded in advance preparation. Moses grew up in Pharaoh's court, unknowingly being prepared for the day he would demand that Pharaoh let his people leave Egypt. Daniel was a man of prayer years before the king issued a decree banning prayer. the violation landed Daniel in a lion's den, where his prayers of protection were answered.
David was prepared for assuming the throne one day. The years he spent in the wilderness prepared him spiritually to trust God, and God alone, to preserve him protect him, and help him rule an empire. Esther prepared herself for a year before she won the "contest" to be queen.
You may not see clearly what God's purpose is for your life, but you can trust in the fact that He is preparing you for it. He will not waste a moment of your life. So make every relationship and experience count today, knowing He is grooming you for future greatness!
Every experience God gives us,
Every person he puts in our lives,
is the perfect preparation for the
future that only he can see.
Corrie Ten Boom
"Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly." Proverbs 13:16
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, June 29, 2007
Planning
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Just reflecting that last week at this time I was waiting in the airport with Gil, to fly to Puerto Rico for the day, and today, I am waiting to say "good-by" to Matthew as he leaves for home. :o(
Yesterday we walked to the new construction which I was hoping would be finished before Matthew left, but they still have to seal it and finish up, so he will have to walk on it when he comes at Christmas.
From the Promise Bible:
How am I supposed to plan my life?
Proverbs 2:1-11 "My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. . Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe."
A plan is only as good as the information upon which it's based. Our human intellect is limited and inadequate. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday we walked to the new construction which I was hoping would be finished before Matthew left, but they still have to seal it and finish up, so he will have to walk on it when he comes at Christmas.
From the Promise Bible:
How am I supposed to plan my life?
Proverbs 2:1-11 "My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. . Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe."
A plan is only as good as the information upon which it's based. Our human intellect is limited and inadequate. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Future
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Once again, last night, we had the thunder and lightning, but no rain, Hmmm, what are we doing wrong?
But we went over to the Park, because Matthew wanted to see Terry and wrestle with him, even thought Matthew slept so long, it was too hot to walk, We did, however, spy a hawk perched on top of the fence and drove right up to the fence beside it, and watched it look around, before it flew off! They have a harvester in the lake which is cleaning some of the hydrilla out, and it is interesting to watch it work, spewing water all around. ..always something to see in the park! God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
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.
Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Too often we doubt God's care. We are tempted to think he is neglecting us or giving us the bare minimum. We have hope in the knowledge that God our loving Creator, will always give us his best.
Phillippians 1:6 "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."
God finishes what he starts. We should not allow the limitations of our finite perspective to blind us to the promise that God will complete his work in us. Our future is secure in Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
But we went over to the Park, because Matthew wanted to see Terry and wrestle with him, even thought Matthew slept so long, it was too hot to walk, We did, however, spy a hawk perched on top of the fence and drove right up to the fence beside it, and watched it look around, before it flew off! They have a harvester in the lake which is cleaning some of the hydrilla out, and it is interesting to watch it work, spewing water all around. ..always something to see in the park! God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
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.
Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Too often we doubt God's care. We are tempted to think he is neglecting us or giving us the bare minimum. We have hope in the knowledge that God our loving Creator, will always give us his best.
Phillippians 1:6 "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."
God finishes what he starts. We should not allow the limitations of our finite perspective to blind us to the promise that God will complete his work in us. Our future is secure in Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Gallopin' thru Galatians
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I couldn't see any stars when I stepped outside early this morning, but perhaps there was a haze that hid them from view. We did not get any rain even though the thunder and lightning were very close last night.
Matthew and I took a walk out to the Tower yesterday before the heat set in, and we were excited to see Mama gator back at her old nest! We hadn't seen her there for a long time...I always look, but since we have had a little rain, there is enough water at her nest for her to have her body hidden, while her head sticks up. Matthew also saw a skink, which he couldn't catch. We don't see them very often. God has made many things for us to enjoy!
We also talked with Terry who wanted us to come to the house to see Gail, (his wife) so she could meet Matthew again, and we received three tomatoes from her garden in a pot, yes, she grows them in a large pot. We are blessed!
From the Promise Bible:
"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
Those who live to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up. For we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.
Ephesians 1:16 "I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people."
Colossians 3:23 "Work had and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Matthew and I took a walk out to the Tower yesterday before the heat set in, and we were excited to see Mama gator back at her old nest! We hadn't seen her there for a long time...I always look, but since we have had a little rain, there is enough water at her nest for her to have her body hidden, while her head sticks up. Matthew also saw a skink, which he couldn't catch. We don't see them very often. God has made many things for us to enjoy!
We also talked with Terry who wanted us to come to the house to see Gail, (his wife) so she could meet Matthew again, and we received three tomatoes from her garden in a pot, yes, she grows them in a large pot. We are blessed!
From the Promise Bible:
"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
Those who live to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up. For we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.
Ephesians 1:16 "I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people."
Colossians 3:23 "Work had and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Prayer Pause
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 morning as I stepped outside in the pre-dawn darkness, I actually saw stars, so the sky must be clearer than it has been.
We went to the Park yesterday before the heat settled in and Matthew had a good time teasing with Terry, who is like a giant kid. I will certainly miss Matthew when he leaves for home Friday. He is an active little boy, almost as tall as I am now!
As we were driving home around the lake near our house, we saw an osprey on the line, and, at first, we thought it was an eagle. God is good!
From the Quiet Moments book:
A coffee break is a good time for prayer!
When we pray at the outset of our day, our prayer is often for general guidance and help from the Lord. When we pray in the midst of our day, our prayer is much more likely to be specific and aimed at immediate needs and concerns. By the time a coffee break rolls around, we have a much better idea of what our day holds, including what particular dangers, difficulties, or temptations we are going to face! It is with that knowledge, born of experience, that this prayer of St. Patrick takes on even greater meaning:
May the wisdom of God instruct me,
the eye of God watch over me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God give me sweet talk,
the hand of God defend me,
the way of God guide me.
Christ be with me.
Christ before me.
Christ in me.
Christ under me.
Christ over me.
Christ on my right hand,
Christ on my left hand.
Christ on this side.
Christ on that side.
Christ in the head of everyone to whom I speak.
Christ in the mouth of every person who speaks to me.
Christ in the eye of every person who looks upon me.
Christ in the ear of everyone who hears me today.
Amen.
Take time in the middle of your day to ask the Lord for His wrap-around presence, His unending encouragement, and His all-sustaining assistance. And in return be a vessel that carries His presence, encouragement, and assistance to others.
Do not look upon the vessel
but upon what it holds.
Hebrew Proverb
Psalm 119:116
"Uphold me according to your promise that I may live."
I always give thanks for you , remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We went to the Park yesterday before the heat settled in and Matthew had a good time teasing with Terry, who is like a giant kid. I will certainly miss Matthew when he leaves for home Friday. He is an active little boy, almost as tall as I am now!
As we were driving home around the lake near our house, we saw an osprey on the line, and, at first, we thought it was an eagle. God is good!
From the Quiet Moments book:
A coffee break is a good time for prayer!
When we pray at the outset of our day, our prayer is often for general guidance and help from the Lord. When we pray in the midst of our day, our prayer is much more likely to be specific and aimed at immediate needs and concerns. By the time a coffee break rolls around, we have a much better idea of what our day holds, including what particular dangers, difficulties, or temptations we are going to face! It is with that knowledge, born of experience, that this prayer of St. Patrick takes on even greater meaning:
May the wisdom of God instruct me,
the eye of God watch over me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God give me sweet talk,
the hand of God defend me,
the way of God guide me.
Christ be with me.
Christ before me.
Christ in me.
Christ under me.
Christ over me.
Christ on my right hand,
Christ on my left hand.
Christ on this side.
Christ on that side.
Christ in the head of everyone to whom I speak.
Christ in the mouth of every person who speaks to me.
Christ in the eye of every person who looks upon me.
Christ in the ear of everyone who hears me today.
Amen.
Take time in the middle of your day to ask the Lord for His wrap-around presence, His unending encouragement, and His all-sustaining assistance. And in return be a vessel that carries His presence, encouragement, and assistance to others.
Do not look upon the vessel
but upon what it holds.
Hebrew Proverb
Psalm 119:116
"Uphold me according to your promise that I may live."
I always give thanks for you , remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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