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 snoozed a little later this morning, so when I stepped outside, dawn was breaking and I could see Venus brightly shining in the southeast and faintly, contrails from the planes, taking people who knows where. It is cool, but beautiful! God is good!
Yesterday, Brian brought our Thanksgiving meal from a restaurant, and we celebrated our anniversary and Thanksgiving together. After we ate too much, we took a ride over to Tampa and drove around different areas. Louis was born in Tampa, but does not remember anything about it now. However, we enjoyed getting out of our neighborhood, and ended up at Walmart where I needed a few things and am determined not to go there today! They had big pallets all wrapped in dark plastic, ready to reveal their super bargains today.
We drove through the Park and quite a few people were there enjoying the outdoors. While going over Gandy bridge, we noticed how calm and still the bay was. I saw several dolphins just under the surface and wished they would come up and show themselves. It was a very good day.
The following is a prayer for Thanksgiving by Bryan Jeffrey Leech, a member of the Covenant church who has composed many songs.
Thank You, Father for Your magnificence in nature.
Thank You, Father for the inner promptings of Your Spirit.
Thank You, Father for fresh truth to live by.
Thank You, Father, for people whose lives illustrate Your word.Thank You, Father, for this church to which I belong.
for those who help me,
intercede for me,
support me,
love me,
inspire me.
Lord, I cannot live as a Christian without them, for I need that part of Yourself that You have placed within them.
And they cannot live without me, because they need the gifts that You have deposited in
me.
Lord, free us of the selfishness, the self-centeredness, the ego-trips, the independence of
spirit that keeps us from binding ourselves into one.
Lord, help us to think first of those things which will benefit others before we begin listing
our own needs.
Give us grace to live in such a way that we draw attention to You.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, November 28, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
A Psalm of Thanksgiving
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, God answers prayers! Yesterday we had a little rain. Now , when I prayed for rain, I didn't specify how much, so even though it didn't last long, at least it was wet! God is good!
We saw a fat gator sunning on the bank at the Park yesterday, even though there wasn't much sun. They don't seem to move around very much in cool weather, but like to dry out and warm up on the banks. The birds and gators seem to co-exist peacefully at the Park, but I am sure they are always aware of each other.
I have been feeding the five feral cats in our backyard, but I still wish they would go away. The mama is a good mother to her four kittens. I watched her curl up with her paws tucked under while the kittens ate their fill, and then she ate whatever was left. Today she washed the face of one that was already washing. What a cleaning she gave it! I feel sorry for them and will feed them scraps or cat food whenever I can. Sometimes I don't see them for several days at a time, so I guess they roam all over the neighborhood. They are still God's creatures.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 100
Shout with joy to the Lord, O earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each
generation.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We saw a fat gator sunning on the bank at the Park yesterday, even though there wasn't much sun. They don't seem to move around very much in cool weather, but like to dry out and warm up on the banks. The birds and gators seem to co-exist peacefully at the Park, but I am sure they are always aware of each other.
I have been feeding the five feral cats in our backyard, but I still wish they would go away. The mama is a good mother to her four kittens. I watched her curl up with her paws tucked under while the kittens ate their fill, and then she ate whatever was left. Today she washed the face of one that was already washing. What a cleaning she gave it! I feel sorry for them and will feed them scraps or cat food whenever I can. Sometimes I don't see them for several days at a time, so I guess they roam all over the neighborhood. They are still God's creatures.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 100
Shout with joy to the Lord, O earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each
generation.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Christ Be With Me
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! When I stepped outside this morning, the air felt a little warmer than yesterday, although still quite cool. And we are still very dry.
I noticed at the park yesterday that the grass there is turning as brown as ours . They still do not have the irrigation system repaired and that was started months ago.I watched a six-foot gator sunning on the bank and then walked to the first shelter to see mama gator. She was in the same place I last saw her, although she had changed positions. I saw the water churning, but did not see the babies, but couldn't get a good look because too many people were there.
It was a pleasant afternoon for a walk, and I am glad I went. God is good!
From Hymns for the Family of God:
Christ be with Me
I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me.
Christ be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise.
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me.
Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
St. Patrick
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 yesterday that the grass there is turning as brown as ours . They still do not have the irrigation system repaired and that was started months ago.I watched a six-foot gator sunning on the bank and then walked to the first shelter to see mama gator. She was in the same place I last saw her, although she had changed positions. I saw the water churning, but did not see the babies, but couldn't get a good look because too many people were there.
It was a pleasant afternoon for a walk, and I am glad I went. God is good!
From Hymns for the Family of God:
Christ be with Me
I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me.
Christ be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise.
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me.
Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
St. Patrick
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, November 24, 2008
Answered Prayer
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the bright, cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the sky was dark, but brilliant with stars, large and small. God is Awesome!
I saw a group? flock? gathering of woodstorks at the lake near us yesterday; all looking very somber with heads down and not moving. For some reason woodstorks never look happy. I don't even know what kind of call they have. I also saw a fat gator sunning at the park and anhingas with spread wings in several places.
We had a busy weekend, even though I didn't feel too perky. A great evening with friends, with a surprise celebration for our 60th anniversary, and then church Sunday and chili supper at church in the evening. God is good!!
This prayer is from the hymnal "Hymns For the Family of God."
I asked God for strength,
that I might achieve,
I was made weak.
that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health,
that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity,
that I might do better things.
I asked for riches,
that I might be happy,
I was given weakness,
that I might be wise.
I asked for power,
that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness
that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things,
that I might enjoy life,
I was given life,
that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for -
but everything I had hoped for;
Almost despite myself,
my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed.
Unknown Confederate Soldier
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love,
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I saw a group? flock? gathering of woodstorks at the lake near us yesterday; all looking very somber with heads down and not moving. For some reason woodstorks never look happy. I don't even know what kind of call they have. I also saw a fat gator sunning at the park and anhingas with spread wings in several places.
We had a busy weekend, even though I didn't feel too perky. A great evening with friends, with a surprise celebration for our 60th anniversary, and then church Sunday and chili supper at church in the evening. God is good!!
This prayer is from the hymnal "Hymns For the Family of God."
I asked God for strength,
that I might achieve,
I was made weak.
that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health,
that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity,
that I might do better things.
I asked for riches,
that I might be happy,
I was given weakness,
that I might be wise.
I asked for power,
that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness
that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things,
that I might enjoy life,
I was given life,
that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for -
but everything I had hoped for;
Almost despite myself,
my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed.
Unknown Confederate Soldier
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love,
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, November 21, 2008
Work
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
When I stepped outside this morning, the star in the southeast was very bright. I am not sure if it is Venus. But the quarter moon was very bright, also, and an airplane went over as I was looking up, and all I could see was a moving light. God's creation is Awesome!
Well, I got in plenty of exercise yesterday. A trip to Walmart brought lots of walking and waiting, and then, after the visit to Wellspring, for Louis' treatment, I stopped at the Park and took a walk, because the day was so lovely. As I crossed over the bridge, I looked along the banks and, sure enough, there was a fat, black gator almost hidden in the brush. I walked on to the first shelter, and saw lots of people looking over the railing at Mama gator who was out of the water and very gray looking. She had two babies near her, and I was surprised that they are not any bigger than they are. It has been almost three months, I think, since they were hatched.
I went on to the tower, where there was no one, and got wind whipped, and looked at the choppy water. Then when I started back, two of the workers had the cart with long boards on it. They were unloading them to replace some of the top railing. Seems like it doesn't take long for the sun to work it's destruction on wood. It was a good day!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How is my work important to the Lord?
1 Thessalonians 4: 11-12 This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people wo are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs.
Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work. (1) having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and (2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.
Romans 12:8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
What does the Lord promise to those who work hard?
Proverbs 13:11 Wealth from get-rich- quick schemes quickly disappears, wealth from hard work grows.
Honest hard work is much better than get-rich-quick schemes. Money quickly gotten is often quickly wasted.
Colossians 3:23-24 Work hard 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 in inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.
God promises a reward to those who work hard. That reward can include-but is not limited to-financial prosperity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction or the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside this morning, the star in the southeast was very bright. I am not sure if it is Venus. But the quarter moon was very bright, also, and an airplane went over as I was looking up, and all I could see was a moving light. God's creation is Awesome!
Well, I got in plenty of exercise yesterday. A trip to Walmart brought lots of walking and waiting, and then, after the visit to Wellspring, for Louis' treatment, I stopped at the Park and took a walk, because the day was so lovely. As I crossed over the bridge, I looked along the banks and, sure enough, there was a fat, black gator almost hidden in the brush. I walked on to the first shelter, and saw lots of people looking over the railing at Mama gator who was out of the water and very gray looking. She had two babies near her, and I was surprised that they are not any bigger than they are. It has been almost three months, I think, since they were hatched.
I went on to the tower, where there was no one, and got wind whipped, and looked at the choppy water. Then when I started back, two of the workers had the cart with long boards on it. They were unloading them to replace some of the top railing. Seems like it doesn't take long for the sun to work it's destruction on wood. It was a good day!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How is my work important to the Lord?
1 Thessalonians 4: 11-12 This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people wo are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs.
Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work. (1) having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and (2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.
Romans 12:8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
What does the Lord promise to those who work hard?
Proverbs 13:11 Wealth from get-rich- quick schemes quickly disappears, wealth from hard work grows.
Honest hard work is much better than get-rich-quick schemes. Money quickly gotten is often quickly wasted.
Colossians 3:23-24 Work hard 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 in inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.
God promises a reward to those who work hard. That reward can include-but is not limited to-financial prosperity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction or the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Hebrews excerpts
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the chilly day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! All you dog walkers out there know it is in the forties this morning. Brrr! The lawn across the street is covered with frost for the first time this winter.
When I stepped outside this morning, I noticed the stars seemingly so close and the half moon shining brightly, but I did not stay to look or linger! It was cold with the north wind blowing! If I make a lot of typos, it is because my hands are cold.
I was thinking about walking this morning, but I am not as brave as I used to be. I remember walking in the park, with earmuffs, mittens and layers of clothes and finding frost on top of the railing on the boardwalk, but now, I wait for warm sun. That's what age and wisdom do for you. :o)
Hebrews 13:1-25 NLT
Continue to love each other with true Christian love. Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Don't forget about those in prison. Suffer with them as though you were there yourself. Share the sorrow of those being mistreated as though you feel their pain in your own bodies.
Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.
Stay away from the love of money, be satisfied with what you have. For God has said:
"I will never fail you.
I will never forsake you."
That is why we can say with confidence:
"The Lord is my helper.
I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?"
Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your spiritual strength comes from God's special favor, not from ceremonial rules about food, which don''t help those who follow them...
With Jesus' help let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name. Don't forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God...
And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead, our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to him. Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and warm hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside this morning, I noticed the stars seemingly so close and the half moon shining brightly, but I did not stay to look or linger! It was cold with the north wind blowing! If I make a lot of typos, it is because my hands are cold.
I was thinking about walking this morning, but I am not as brave as I used to be. I remember walking in the park, with earmuffs, mittens and layers of clothes and finding frost on top of the railing on the boardwalk, but now, I wait for warm sun. That's what age and wisdom do for you. :o)
Hebrews 13:1-25 NLT
Continue to love each other with true Christian love. Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Don't forget about those in prison. Suffer with them as though you were there yourself. Share the sorrow of those being mistreated as though you feel their pain in your own bodies.
Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.
Stay away from the love of money, be satisfied with what you have. For God has said:
"I will never fail you.
I will never forsake you."
That is why we can say with confidence:
"The Lord is my helper.
I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?"
Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your spiritual strength comes from God's special favor, not from ceremonial rules about food, which don''t help those who follow them...
With Jesus' help let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name. Don't forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God...
And now, may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead, our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, all that is pleasing to him. Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and warm hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Success
Good chilly morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Brrr! When I stepped outside this morning, the stars were seemingly very close and the moon was a little smaller but still shining brightly, in the cold sky. And just before I came back in, I saw a falling star! It went so fast, I could hardly believe it! God is Awesome!
I saw a fat gator sunning himself in the Park yesterday, although the water still must be warmer than the air temps. I guess they just like to get a little warmer sometimes. Everything looks very dry, and there is a real fire danger. We really need rain.
Because of the coolness of the air, I thought yesterday would be a good time to make a big pot of soup, so I gathered up all the ingredients for a veggie-beef concoction and had that simmering all afternoon. Then I made more brownies and had an avocado salad. Good comfort food! :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Does God promise us success in this life?
1 Samuel 16:7 The Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions.
God's standards differ greatly from our own. Success is measured by faithfulness and fruitfulness not by results and quantities. We measure success in terms of appearances and externals, but the Lord looks on the heart. God measures success by weighing our devotion and commitment to him.
1 John 2:15-17 Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world. And this world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God you will live forever.
Success in this world can mean failure in God's eyes. While we live in this world, we are not to be controlled by this world's system of values. God promises that if we do his will, we will have true success.
1 Corinthians 3:4-5 We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value in ourselves. Our only power and success come from God.
Jesus' followers know that real success comes only from the Lord.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Brrr! When I stepped outside this morning, the stars were seemingly very close and the moon was a little smaller but still shining brightly, in the cold sky. And just before I came back in, I saw a falling star! It went so fast, I could hardly believe it! God is Awesome!
I saw a fat gator sunning himself in the Park yesterday, although the water still must be warmer than the air temps. I guess they just like to get a little warmer sometimes. Everything looks very dry, and there is a real fire danger. We really need rain.
Because of the coolness of the air, I thought yesterday would be a good time to make a big pot of soup, so I gathered up all the ingredients for a veggie-beef concoction and had that simmering all afternoon. Then I made more brownies and had an avocado salad. Good comfort food! :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Does God promise us success in this life?
1 Samuel 16:7 The Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions.
God's standards differ greatly from our own. Success is measured by faithfulness and fruitfulness not by results and quantities. We measure success in terms of appearances and externals, but the Lord looks on the heart. God measures success by weighing our devotion and commitment to him.
1 John 2:15-17 Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world. And this world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God you will live forever.
Success in this world can mean failure in God's eyes. While we live in this world, we are not to be controlled by this world's system of values. God promises that if we do his will, we will have true success.
1 Corinthians 3:4-5 We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value in ourselves. Our only power and success come from God.
Jesus' followers know that real success comes only from the Lord.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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