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 a wet morning! We had thundershowers last night that lasted for a long time and it looks like it might have rained all night. Well, we needed the rain and God gave it. God is good!
The van was in the shop most of the day, so we didn't get out until afternoon and then just to visit the Park between rain showers. The water is up and all the aquatic creatures are happy. The grass is green and growing, keeping the mowers busy. I saw a beautiful egret standing by the water and the ever present anhingas drying wings. It was a good respite! And later, Kris Allen won the American idol contest! Yay! He's a young man who has done mission work and sings in his church.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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.l He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the pats of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom wil 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. Apark from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on the Spirit.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Opposites Balanced
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 cloudy, damp day, but we prayed for rain, so God, in His kindness and provision, has provided it! The air is still cool, so the A/C has been off for a couple days. God is good!
The rain stopped, and the sun shone long enough for me to go the the library and return books and check out more. Then we drove to the park, and admired a peacock lying down (first time I have ever seen one lying on the ground.) All was pretty quiet because of the rainy day, but Ibises were pecking on the ground, and squirrels were scampering about. Rain doe not stop them! I also saw a beautiful egret keeping a vigil by the bank, looking intently for a fish. Then, back home before the rain started again.. It was good to get out .
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
The day is yours. The night also is yours. You have prepared the light and the sun. You have set all the borders of the earth. You have made summer and winter.
Psalm 74:16-17 NKJV
Much of life seems to be suspended between opposites. We grow up learning to label things as good or bad, hurtful or helpful, naughty or nice. People are kind or mean. The thermostat can be adjusted to avoid extremes of heat and cold. We look forward to the changing of seasons from summer to winter. Time is divided by day and night.
Not only are these opposites helpful to us in defining or "bordering" our lives, but they can help us release stress as well.
Very often people who are engaged in physical, muscle intensive work all day choose a mental activity with which to relax and unwind. Those who have idea intensive jobs often enjoy relaxing with hobbies that make use of their hands, such as woodcarving or needlework. Those in sterile, well ordered environments look forward to going home to weed their gardens.
Structured tasks and routines are good relaxation for those involved in the creative arts. The musician runs home to the computer. The surgeon delights in growing orchids in a hothouse. The factory worker enjoys crossword puzzles. The executive unwinds in the kitchen, preparing gourmet meals.
The Lord created us for this rhythm of opposites. God told Noah as he and his family left the ark that Noah would experience "Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat, And winter and summer, And day and night shall not cease" (gen. *:22) Human beings were set in a world of opposites.
When you feel stressed out at day's end, try engaging in an activity that is opposite in nature to the work you have been doing. If you have been using your mind, turn to an activity that is physical. If you have been exerting physical energy, turn to an activity that is mental.
Let the pendulum swing back to rest in a central location.
Renewal and restoration are not luxuries. They are essentials.
Charles R. Swindoll
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The rain stopped, and the sun shone long enough for me to go the the library and return books and check out more. Then we drove to the park, and admired a peacock lying down (first time I have ever seen one lying on the ground.) All was pretty quiet because of the rainy day, but Ibises were pecking on the ground, and squirrels were scampering about. Rain doe not stop them! I also saw a beautiful egret keeping a vigil by the bank, looking intently for a fish. Then, back home before the rain started again.. It was good to get out .
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
The day is yours. The night also is yours. You have prepared the light and the sun. You have set all the borders of the earth. You have made summer and winter.
Psalm 74:16-17 NKJV
Much of life seems to be suspended between opposites. We grow up learning to label things as good or bad, hurtful or helpful, naughty or nice. People are kind or mean. The thermostat can be adjusted to avoid extremes of heat and cold. We look forward to the changing of seasons from summer to winter. Time is divided by day and night.
Not only are these opposites helpful to us in defining or "bordering" our lives, but they can help us release stress as well.
Very often people who are engaged in physical, muscle intensive work all day choose a mental activity with which to relax and unwind. Those who have idea intensive jobs often enjoy relaxing with hobbies that make use of their hands, such as woodcarving or needlework. Those in sterile, well ordered environments look forward to going home to weed their gardens.
Structured tasks and routines are good relaxation for those involved in the creative arts. The musician runs home to the computer. The surgeon delights in growing orchids in a hothouse. The factory worker enjoys crossword puzzles. The executive unwinds in the kitchen, preparing gourmet meals.
The Lord created us for this rhythm of opposites. God told Noah as he and his family left the ark that Noah would experience "Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat, And winter and summer, And day and night shall not cease" (gen. *:22) Human beings were set in a world of opposites.
When you feel stressed out at day's end, try engaging in an activity that is opposite in nature to the work you have been doing. If you have been using your mind, turn to an activity that is physical. If you have been exerting physical energy, turn to an activity that is mental.
Let the pendulum swing back to rest in a central location.
Renewal and restoration are not luxuries. They are essentials.
Charles R. Swindoll
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Words from Paul
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Rain is predicted today as the cold front moves through, but when I stepped outside this morning, the sky was almost clear, although I could not see the waning moon and the planet very close to it like yesterday. However, it was very windy and almost chilly!
The only time we ventured out yesterday, in the short time it was not raining hard, was to the Park. We saw two peacocks on the way in, and on the bank by the canal was a very large gator taking a break. He wasn't basking in the sun, because there wasn't any. We drove on in the park, and very few people were there, but some hardy ones were enjoying walking in the sprinkles. The water is up and the park looks good and green. God is good!
Philippians 4:4
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything, Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing and the God of peace will be with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The only time we ventured out yesterday, in the short time it was not raining hard, was to the Park. We saw two peacocks on the way in, and on the bank by the canal was a very large gator taking a break. He wasn't basking in the sun, because there wasn't any. We drove on in the park, and very few people were there, but some hardy ones were enjoying walking in the sprinkles. The water is up and the park looks good and green. God is good!
Philippians 4:4
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything, Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing and the God of peace will be with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, May 18, 2009
Roamin' thru Romans 8
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the rainy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yes, I mean rainy!! The sound of thunder is rumbling all around and the morning is dark, so far. It is great! Not so good for those who have to drive to work, however.
We spent a quiet Sunday yesterday..not going to church because of a difficult Saturday night, with changed sleeping patterns in hubby's confused mind. But, hopefully, we will overcome that problem this week and be back to normal. (for us)
We went out for awhile and drove through the greener Park. I noticed that the water was almost up to the road across the weir, and saw evidence that the water had been over the road. All the grass is growing and green and things are looking much better! God is good!
We also watched the Rays interesting and unusual game with the mobbing on the field, and DH mix up. Fun!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Romans 8:24.
For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently.
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know how we should pray, nor what we should pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We spent a quiet Sunday yesterday..not going to church because of a difficult Saturday night, with changed sleeping patterns in hubby's confused mind. But, hopefully, we will overcome that problem this week and be back to normal. (for us)
We went out for awhile and drove through the greener Park. I noticed that the water was almost up to the road across the weir, and saw evidence that the water had been over the road. All the grass is growing and green and things are looking much better! God is good!
We also watched the Rays interesting and unusual game with the mobbing on the field, and DH mix up. Fun!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Romans 8:24.
For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently.
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know how we should pray, nor what we should pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, May 15, 2009
Proverbs
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, another beautiful thunderstorm and rain last night. When I stepped outside this morning, the trees were still dripping and water was in the gutter. I heard what sounded like cicadas humming across the street, but the half moon was shining through the haze and everything looked fresh and green!
David mowed our yard yesterday, what's left of it, and it looks good. He always does a good job.
When I went into the park, we passed a peacock, with his tail feathers gleaming in the sun. I had never noticed before how iridescent the colors are when the light is on them. Beautiful! God is good!
That was the beautiful, but the ugly was all the trash that washed down from behind the houses that border the park. The canal was full of it. Not a good thing! But I am hoping it will soon be cleaned up.
I had a good walk in Walmart and picked a good day to go. While the parking lot seemed full, the store had not so many people in it, so I didn't have a problem getting through the aisles. Seems like they have widened the aisles and have less merchandise.. Hmmm.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 2 The benefits of Wisdom
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 hose 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
David mowed our yard yesterday, what's left of it, and it looks good. He always does a good job.
When I went into the park, we passed a peacock, with his tail feathers gleaming in the sun. I had never noticed before how iridescent the colors are when the light is on them. Beautiful! God is good!
That was the beautiful, but the ugly was all the trash that washed down from behind the houses that border the park. The canal was full of it. Not a good thing! But I am hoping it will soon be cleaned up.
I had a good walk in Walmart and picked a good day to go. While the parking lot seemed full, the store had not so many people in it, so I didn't have a problem getting through the aisles. Seems like they have widened the aisles and have less merchandise.. Hmmm.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 2 The benefits of Wisdom
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 hose 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Psoaring thru Psalm 23
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 a storm we had last night! Be careful what you pray for, because God will answer in a most unexpected way. We had pouring rain for about an hour... streets were flooded, lightning flashing, thunder booming, it was great!! It is still raining in our front yard, because the trees are wet and dripping every time the wind blows.
Yesterday was kind of unusual in that the phone rang a lot, and one of the calls was from an old school days friend who missed me at the reunion last week and just called to check up on me. We really have not kept in touch, but were friends in high school. She now has my email address and has already sent an email. It was good to hear from her.
I am eager to get over to the park to see how fresh and green everything will look after the rain. Yesterday all was simmering in the heat and not many people were out. But, I saw the gopher tortoise I had been missing! He was munching on the grass in his usual spot. An ibis glided gracefully in front of the car and came to a landing, only to be scared by a feisty squirrel. God is good!
Psalm 23 NLT
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
He leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the dark valley of death,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies,
you welcome me as a guest,
anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Yesterday was kind of unusual in that the phone rang a lot, and one of the calls was from an old school days friend who missed me at the reunion last week and just called to check up on me. We really have not kept in touch, but were friends in high school. She now has my email address and has already sent an email. It was good to hear from her.
I am eager to get over to the park to see how fresh and green everything will look after the rain. Yesterday all was simmering in the heat and not many people were out. But, I saw the gopher tortoise I had been missing! He was munching on the grass in his usual spot. An ibis glided gracefully in front of the car and came to a landing, only to be scared by a feisty squirrel. God is good!
Psalm 23 NLT
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
He leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the dark valley of death,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies,
you welcome me as a guest,
anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Rescue Part 2
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 didn't really want to get out of bed this morning, but finally did, a little after six. When I stepped outside, it was already daylight and still the lopsided moon was in the same place as yesterday...guess it didn't move in twenty four hours. :o)
Yesterday afternoon was really busy..I went to the support group meeting, left early, so John could go to work, and then the rep from the Home Care org. came to talk to us about hiring a person for three hours a week. That took almost all the rest of the afternoon, so no walks in the park yesterday. But this morning, so many birds were chirping, it sounded like a heavenly choir all singing a different song. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why can't we depend on our own resources and rescue ourselves?
Psalm 33:16-22 The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Don't count on your warhorse to give you victory--for all its strength, it cannot save you. But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. We depend on the Lord alone to save us. Only he can help us, protecting us like a shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us. Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
When trouble comes, our first reaction is usually to try and solve the problem using our financial assets, human connections, talents, and abilities. Though these will all fail us in time, God never will. God alone is our greatest defense. God alone has the infinite resources we need.
Is there anything we can do to rescue ourselves?
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked way, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
There are times when we bring problems on ourselves through our own disobedience. Our rescue depends on our faith and obedience. God call us to humility and repentance to make way for his rescue.
How does God rescue us from the spiritual forces of evil and darkness?
Matthew 6:13 Don't let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Prayer is a primary means by which God rescues us.
Ephesians 6:10-13 Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Matthew 10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.
Though we are embroiled in a spiritual war with this world, we stand tall because we have full confidence in Christ's authority. We stand strong in the strength and protection of the Lord. This faith overcomes all fear.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday afternoon was really busy..I went to the support group meeting, left early, so John could go to work, and then the rep from the Home Care org. came to talk to us about hiring a person for three hours a week. That took almost all the rest of the afternoon, so no walks in the park yesterday. But this morning, so many birds were chirping, it sounded like a heavenly choir all singing a different song. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why can't we depend on our own resources and rescue ourselves?
Psalm 33:16-22 The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Don't count on your warhorse to give you victory--for all its strength, it cannot save you. But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. We depend on the Lord alone to save us. Only he can help us, protecting us like a shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us. Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
When trouble comes, our first reaction is usually to try and solve the problem using our financial assets, human connections, talents, and abilities. Though these will all fail us in time, God never will. God alone is our greatest defense. God alone has the infinite resources we need.
Is there anything we can do to rescue ourselves?
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked way, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
There are times when we bring problems on ourselves through our own disobedience. Our rescue depends on our faith and obedience. God call us to humility and repentance to make way for his rescue.
How does God rescue us from the spiritual forces of evil and darkness?
Matthew 6:13 Don't let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Prayer is a primary means by which God rescues us.
Ephesians 6:10-13 Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Matthew 10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.
Though we are embroiled in a spiritual war with this world, we stand tall because we have full confidence in Christ's authority. We stand strong in the strength and protection of the Lord. This faith overcomes all fear.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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