Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The air is cool, the sun is shining and God is good!
I was able to go to church yesterday for the second time this month, because I was finally healed from the upper respiratory infection. However, I apparently strained a back muscle reaching in a top cabinet and was really in a lot of pain when I moved. I asked my sons for prayer and a good friend... went to bed in pain and full of pain killers and woke up healed! God is the great Physician!
We went to the Park after church and saw Miss Peahen walking about, then a gator under the bridge, a beautiful egret, and several turtles sunning themselves. Since there are no staff people around, more and more signs are popping up. In addition to the frog xing, and turtle xing, there is a new sign on the entrance bridge stating what is not allowed on the boardwalk. Hope they work!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is God's power like?
Psalm 20:4-7 May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to honor our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers. Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power. Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the Lord our God.
God's power is greater than that of the greatest kings who ever ruled or the mightiest armies that ever marched . That power is ours as we trust him, obey him, and honor his name.
Psalm 44:4-7 You are my King and my God You command victories for your people. Only by your power can we push back our enemies, only in your name can we trample our foes. I do not trust my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. It is you who gives us victory over our enemies; it is you who humbles those who hate us.
God's power is greater than any of the skills or resources we have at our disposal. While we may use the means that God has provided to us, we know that victory comes from God alone.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, February 23, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Fix Your Focus
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! Brrr! When I stepped outside in the chilly dawn, the wind was blowing but the sky was almost clear... just a few wispy clouds over the bright crescent moon. However, the temp. has dropped since I arose and will be even colder tomorrow. Looks like March will roar in like a lion!
We had a little rain yesterday, (thank you, Lord) and could use more, but at least the pollen got settled for a while. It didn't seem to make much difference when we drove through the Park. Leaves were still on the ground, but the azaleas looked very pretty. They were trimmed way down last year, so that means fewer blooms, but they still looked nice. God is Good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard address the nature of true humility by suggesting we think of an arrow soaring on its course toward its target. Suddenly the swift moving arrow halts in mid-flight to see how far it has come, how high it has soared, how its speed and ease with which it flies. Right at the moment when it turns to focus on itself, the arrow falls to the ground.
Preoccupation with self is counterproductive to reaching our goals. It is the opposite of humility, which is preoccupation with the Lord.
As for evaluating ourselves, the Bible says we are to examine our hearts, making certain wee are walking in faith and purity toward the Lord. (1 Corinthians 11:28 and 2 Corinthians 12:5.)
Second Timothy 1:6 exhorts us to stir up the gifts God has given us, and Jesus made it quite clear in the parable of the talents that we are to use all the abilities and resources God gives us to give glory to Him.
Whether we are examining our hearts or using the gifts and talents God gave us, our focus is always on the Lord. Our motivation is to please Him, draw closer to Him, and serve those He leads us to serve.
The irony of the Christian life is that when we give our lives to God and to others, we receive true joy and fulfillment. It is when we hold onto our lives and are consumed with our own selfish desires and interests that we are miserable and nonproductive.
Take your mind off yourself, and concentrate on your loving Heavenly Father. Ask Him about His plan for your life.
Trust the past to the mercy of God. The present to his love, and the future to his providence.
Saint Augustine of Hippo
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had a little rain yesterday, (thank you, Lord) and could use more, but at least the pollen got settled for a while. It didn't seem to make much difference when we drove through the Park. Leaves were still on the ground, but the azaleas looked very pretty. They were trimmed way down last year, so that means fewer blooms, but they still looked nice. God is Good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard address the nature of true humility by suggesting we think of an arrow soaring on its course toward its target. Suddenly the swift moving arrow halts in mid-flight to see how far it has come, how high it has soared, how its speed and ease with which it flies. Right at the moment when it turns to focus on itself, the arrow falls to the ground.
Preoccupation with self is counterproductive to reaching our goals. It is the opposite of humility, which is preoccupation with the Lord.
As for evaluating ourselves, the Bible says we are to examine our hearts, making certain wee are walking in faith and purity toward the Lord. (1 Corinthians 11:28 and 2 Corinthians 12:5.)
Second Timothy 1:6 exhorts us to stir up the gifts God has given us, and Jesus made it quite clear in the parable of the talents that we are to use all the abilities and resources God gives us to give glory to Him.
Whether we are examining our hearts or using the gifts and talents God gave us, our focus is always on the Lord. Our motivation is to please Him, draw closer to Him, and serve those He leads us to serve.
The irony of the Christian life is that when we give our lives to God and to others, we receive true joy and fulfillment. It is when we hold onto our lives and are consumed with our own selfish desires and interests that we are miserable and nonproductive.
Take your mind off yourself, and concentrate on your loving Heavenly Father. Ask Him about His plan for your life.
Trust the past to the mercy of God. The present to his love, and the future to his providence.
Saint Augustine of Hippo
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Changing Seasons
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the windy, cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside much earlier I saw that the moon had moved to the southeast and was still shining brightly, even though just a crescent, now. But since then, the clouds have blown in from a front that is moving this way, and I am hoping for rain. Right now Florida is a desert and we are facing tougher water restrictions. God, we need rain! Amen.
I ran a few errands yesterday, including a trip to the doctor for Louis' checkup, and wound up in the leaf-strewn park. Lots of people, strollers and dogs were enjoying the windy beauty. A beautiful egret was looking for fish along the bank and the anhingas are always perched in a tree someplace, drying out. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:8
Marie had always enjoyed washing dishes by hand. It gave her an opportunity to slow down, think, and observe the changing of the seasons as she gazed out her kitchen window.
Over the course of a year, Marie watched a sparrow preparing her nest and then bringing food to her babies in the springtime. A hummingbird made regular stops after he discovered the window feeder during the summer. In autumn, squirrels scampered around in the crisp fallen leaves in search of acorns. During the winter, Marie saw a deer standing majestically in her yard...
Life is like the changing seasons. During the springtime of Marie's life her days were filled with fun and joy as she played with frogs and tadpoles. Her teen and young adult years-the summer of her life-were marked by enthusiasm as she tried to find herself in the fast lane of life. Today, Marie is beginning to sense the contentment of autumn. She sees security in the eyes of her husband and joy in the lives of her grown children and realizes that winter soon will be upon her.
As a Christian, Marie knows that one day she will awaken to a world more wonderful than she can even imagine. Until then, she knows that whatever season she's in right now is the best season of her entire life.
There's nothing wrong with looking back at the previous seasons of our lives. But God has a purpose for allowing us to be in the season we're in right now. So enjoy where you are on the way to where you're going!
LIFE CAN ONLY BE UNDERSTOOD BACKWARDS;
BUT IT MUST BE LIVED FORWARDS.
Soren Aabye Kierkegaard
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I ran a few errands yesterday, including a trip to the doctor for Louis' checkup, and wound up in the leaf-strewn park. Lots of people, strollers and dogs were enjoying the windy beauty. A beautiful egret was looking for fish along the bank and the anhingas are always perched in a tree someplace, drying out. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:8
Marie had always enjoyed washing dishes by hand. It gave her an opportunity to slow down, think, and observe the changing of the seasons as she gazed out her kitchen window.
Over the course of a year, Marie watched a sparrow preparing her nest and then bringing food to her babies in the springtime. A hummingbird made regular stops after he discovered the window feeder during the summer. In autumn, squirrels scampered around in the crisp fallen leaves in search of acorns. During the winter, Marie saw a deer standing majestically in her yard...
Life is like the changing seasons. During the springtime of Marie's life her days were filled with fun and joy as she played with frogs and tadpoles. Her teen and young adult years-the summer of her life-were marked by enthusiasm as she tried to find herself in the fast lane of life. Today, Marie is beginning to sense the contentment of autumn. She sees security in the eyes of her husband and joy in the lives of her grown children and realizes that winter soon will be upon her.
As a Christian, Marie knows that one day she will awaken to a world more wonderful than she can even imagine. Until then, she knows that whatever season she's in right now is the best season of her entire life.
There's nothing wrong with looking back at the previous seasons of our lives. But God has a purpose for allowing us to be in the season we're in right now. So enjoy where you are on the way to where you're going!
LIFE CAN ONLY BE UNDERSTOOD BACKWARDS;
BUT IT MUST BE LIVED FORWARDS.
Soren Aabye Kierkegaard
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Psoaring through Psalms
Good Morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the windy, sunshiny day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside later than usual, the crescent moon was shining brightly as the sky lightened with the coming of dawn and an airplane was soaring by very high in the sky. I could see the lights twinkling as it flew by..
Well, I had my first big outing since I came down with the URI and I kinda overdid it. I went out to the Walmart Supercenter and walked the whole store getting needed supplies. My foot did not like all that walking, and was really sore the rest of the day, but feels much better today. A two week rest takes a toll on the body when you get back in action.
I drove through the leafy park, and saw a anhinga crawling up the side of the weir. They really look crippled when they try to walk, because their legs look ungainly. They are much more used to swimming underwater and then drying their wings. Also, a couple turtles were sunning on the bank. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
A psalm of David , regarding the time he pretended to be insane in front of Abimelech, who send him away.
I will praise the Lord at all times,
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord,
let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness;
let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me,
freeing me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be
radiant with joy,
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
I cried out to the Lord in my suffering and he
heard me.
He set me free from all my fears.
For the angel of the Lord guards all who
fear him.,
and he rescues them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him reverence,
for those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will
never lack any good thing.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, I had my first big outing since I came down with the URI and I kinda overdid it. I went out to the Walmart Supercenter and walked the whole store getting needed supplies. My foot did not like all that walking, and was really sore the rest of the day, but feels much better today. A two week rest takes a toll on the body when you get back in action.
I drove through the leafy park, and saw a anhinga crawling up the side of the weir. They really look crippled when they try to walk, because their legs look ungainly. They are much more used to swimming underwater and then drying their wings. Also, a couple turtles were sunning on the bank. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
A psalm of David , regarding the time he pretended to be insane in front of Abimelech, who send him away.
I will praise the Lord at all times,
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord,
let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness;
let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me,
freeing me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be
radiant with joy,
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
I cried out to the Lord in my suffering and he
heard me.
He set me free from all my fears.
For the angel of the Lord guards all who
fear him.,
and he rescues them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him reverence,
for those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will
never lack any good thing.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Integrity, con't.
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the coolish day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, I noticed the moon is now down to half but still bright. It always seems like it shines brighter when the air is cool and dry.
Our yard and driveway are covered with oak leaves again, because the trees have not finished shedding, but with the wind blowing today, they should be cleared at least from the driveway! Speaking of leaves, the park is covered with leaves all over the parking area. When they had full staff, the first thing they did every morning, was blow all the leaves off the road. How things have changed!
Yesterday I was treated to a one hour massage courtesy of a gift card from the men in my life. What a treat! Soft music, dark room and strong fingers moving constantly over tired muscles. I should have gone right to bed, but, instead, had to drive home. Sigh.
We saw a bride dressed in white satin, with black sneakers, in the park the other day. The small bridal party was on the way to take photos and she was wise not to wear high heels in the grass. Quite a few weddings are held there during the year. It is a beautiful place, but the last wedding party we saw was right after a heavy rain, and the dresses were getting wet. That's the chance they have to take, though.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
I thought this was a good subject even though it is a repeat, because of all the corruption we read about daily it seems, in people in high positions who should know better.
What are the benefits of integrity?
Proverbs 11:3,5 Good people are guided by their honesty: treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty...The godly are directed by their honesty, the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.
Integrity keeps us from the trap of dishonesty and the destruction that can result.
Psalm 15:1-5 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise persistent sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend, and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.
Our character affects our ability to worship and enjoy fellowship with God. Worship is more acceptable to God and more meaningful to us when we honor the Lord in our daily conduct.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Our yard and driveway are covered with oak leaves again, because the trees have not finished shedding, but with the wind blowing today, they should be cleared at least from the driveway! Speaking of leaves, the park is covered with leaves all over the parking area. When they had full staff, the first thing they did every morning, was blow all the leaves off the road. How things have changed!
Yesterday I was treated to a one hour massage courtesy of a gift card from the men in my life. What a treat! Soft music, dark room and strong fingers moving constantly over tired muscles. I should have gone right to bed, but, instead, had to drive home. Sigh.
We saw a bride dressed in white satin, with black sneakers, in the park the other day. The small bridal party was on the way to take photos and she was wise not to wear high heels in the grass. Quite a few weddings are held there during the year. It is a beautiful place, but the last wedding party we saw was right after a heavy rain, and the dresses were getting wet. That's the chance they have to take, though.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
I thought this was a good subject even though it is a repeat, because of all the corruption we read about daily it seems, in people in high positions who should know better.
What are the benefits of integrity?
Proverbs 11:3,5 Good people are guided by their honesty: treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty...The godly are directed by their honesty, the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.
Integrity keeps us from the trap of dishonesty and the destruction that can result.
Psalm 15:1-5 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise persistent sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend, and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.
Our character affects our ability to worship and enjoy fellowship with God. Worship is more acceptable to God and more meaningful to us when we honor the Lord in our daily conduct.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, February 16, 2009
Integrity
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 much earlier this morning, I saw the half moon in a nearly clear sky, unlike the sky yesterday which was mostly overcast all day. We did not get the rain I was hoping for, but God will send it in his time.
I was still coughing too much to go to church, but today is a turning point. I think all the congestion has cleared and the coughing has quieted down. Praise God!
We did get out for a little ride yesterday and on the way into the park, two peacocks were fanning out their tails and putting on a show for the people who stopped their cars just to look. They are show offs! But God gave them gorgeous colors and they flaunt them! A beautiful contrast to the brown grass and yellow leaves falling from the oak trees. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does God respond to my commitment to integrity?
Psalm 18:2-25 The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all his laws are constantly before me; I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God. I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.
The psalmist claims a high level of personal integrity that makes some of us uncomfortable. It makes sense, however, when we realize that he isn't boasting in his accomplishment but thanking God for giving him the power and direction to live according to God's ways. This passage offers the same promise to us; God will empower our obedience.
1Peter 2:12 Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong; they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world.
Our integrity may not bring immediate rewards, but we are certain that it will one day be recognized.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs.
Amaryllis
I was still coughing too much to go to church, but today is a turning point. I think all the congestion has cleared and the coughing has quieted down. Praise God!
We did get out for a little ride yesterday and on the way into the park, two peacocks were fanning out their tails and putting on a show for the people who stopped their cars just to look. They are show offs! But God gave them gorgeous colors and they flaunt them! A beautiful contrast to the brown grass and yellow leaves falling from the oak trees. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does God respond to my commitment to integrity?
Psalm 18:2-25 The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all his laws are constantly before me; I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God. I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.
The psalmist claims a high level of personal integrity that makes some of us uncomfortable. It makes sense, however, when we realize that he isn't boasting in his accomplishment but thanking God for giving him the power and direction to live according to God's ways. This passage offers the same promise to us; God will empower our obedience.
1Peter 2:12 Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong; they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world.
Our integrity may not bring immediate rewards, but we are certain that it will one day be recognized.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs.
Amaryllis
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E
This special Valentine was sent to me, so I send it on to you all!
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Karin Wallace
Date: Feb 13, 2009 10:02 PM
Subject: Happy V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E
To: Undisclosed-Recipient
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Karin Wallace
Date: Feb 13, 2009 10:02 PM
Subject: Happy V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E
To: Undisclosed-Recipient
You are special! Have a blessed Valentine's Day!!!
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