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, I am a little later this morning, because hubby decided to get up very early for him. (He is now taking a nap!) So, anyway, I got a shortened prayer time in and am waiting for our friend and handy man to come do some work in the kitchen.
I had an extra three hours for myself yesterday, because our home care aide came an extra day, so I ran some errands, but for some reason, my hip was very painful, so I could not enjoy the shopping and browsing in the library. I took a lot of pain pills and prayer, and this morning, I am very happy that it is much better.
I drove through the Park, not feeling like getting out and walking, but noticed a anhinga sitting where the tri-colored heron was on Monday. Only this time, a large turtle was basking in the sun right beside the anhinga. They get along fine. God's Creation is awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Does my weariness disappoint God?
Psalm 103:13-17 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass, like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone-as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children.
God made us flesh and blood human beings. He loves us as we are, even when we are too weary to do another thing. Like a tender parent who carries a sleeping child to bed, so the Lord cares for us when we are exhausted.
2 Corinthians 12:9 Each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.". So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
Our weariness often makes us more aware of God's faithfulness. In fact, some of our greatest joys come from watching God work when there's nothing else we can do.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Crisis 2
I went to the park yesterday afternoon and walked into the building to see what was new. Nothing, except the aquarium is gone and just a bare platform where it used to be. Mike was in his office, so I did not bother him, but I know he is distressed at the changes. He is always upbeat and has been a good friend for over twenty years. I went for a birding walk with him one October and the first bird we spied was pictured on the cover of the Peterson guide! That was exciting!
I stopped to watch a tri-colored heron sitting on a dead branch in the water of the canal. He was almost invisible amid the grays of the dead wood, but reminded me of a painting. I think Christopher Still, the painter, has done scenes like that.
Then we went to Weedon Island park and noticed quite a few cars parked at their educational building. The launching place at the end was busy, also, with fishermen and kayakers. I remember going to Weedon as a child and it was wild and very little traffic. The old original Florida! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What happens to us through times of crisis?
Spiritual strength can grow from physical weakness. Being physically weak teaches us thaat we cannot rely on our own strength to see us through-we need God's strength.
Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that is is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Times of crisis are like a fire that refines, like a knife that prunes, like a wind that sifts the wheat from the chaff. Ask God for the strength to hold on and for the strength to let go of ungodly things. Look to the joy that awaits on the other side of the trial.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 27, 2009
Patience
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 earlier, a heavy looking black cloud was obscuring the sun which was just coming up, but no rain yet. We had a downpour last night and after a week or so, of heat and sun, it was most welcome! I am thankful for a nice, snug house!
After a wonderful church worship, we went through the Park on the way home and it was drizzling and wet, but a few people were out and even walking dogs. The ever present egret was keeping watch over the water, waiting for lunch, and a peacock was happily pecking at some corn one of the residents had scattered. God is good!
From the little book God's Promises:
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2-4
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.
2 Timothy 2:24
For even Christ did not please himself: but as it is written. "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me." For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus.
Romans 15:3-5
Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage.
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
After a wonderful church worship, we went through the Park on the way home and it was drizzling and wet, but a few people were out and even walking dogs. The ever present egret was keeping watch over the water, waiting for lunch, and a peacock was happily pecking at some corn one of the residents had scattered. God is good!
From the little book God's Promises:
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2-4
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.
2 Timothy 2:24
For even Christ did not please himself: but as it is written. "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me." For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus.
Romans 15:3-5
Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage.
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, July 24, 2009
God's love is with a person when...
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, I am kinda late this morning, because I slept a little longer than usual. I haven't been able to sleep very well this week, so a couple hours more was good!
Already, the dry cleaning man was here, so some people get started early! I used to walk in the park before the sun was up, back when Louis was working . It was always dark enough for a flashlight. One morning I saw a very peculiar critter and stopped and watched as it scampered off. It was an albino raccoon. I could tell it was a raccoon by the weird walk, but otherwise it was kind of spooky. I also walked behind some "Disney like" raccoons on the boardwalk, who were twins and looked very funny running ahead of me. Then there was the morning in the dark, when I walked straight into a golden orb web stretched across the boardwalk, I invented a new dance trying to get the spider off me! Ah, memories! God is good!
From the little book God's Promises
God's Love is with a person when
he brings his problems to God
If you would prepare your heart,
And stretch out your hands toward Him;
If iniquity were in your hand, and yu put it far away,
And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents;
Then surely you could lift up your face without spot;
Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear;
Because you would forget your misery,
And remember it as waters that have passed away,
And your life would be brighter than noonday.
Though you were dark, you would be like the morning.
And you would be secure, because there is hope;
Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety.
Job 11:13-18
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And his ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
and who is he who evil harm you if you
become followers of what is good?
But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed.
And do not be afraid of their threats, nor
be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your
hearts, and always be ready to give a defense
to anyone who asks you a reason for the hope that
is in you, with meekness and fear.
1 Peter 3:12-15
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Already, the dry cleaning man was here, so some people get started early! I used to walk in the park before the sun was up, back when Louis was working . It was always dark enough for a flashlight. One morning I saw a very peculiar critter and stopped and watched as it scampered off. It was an albino raccoon. I could tell it was a raccoon by the weird walk, but otherwise it was kind of spooky. I also walked behind some "Disney like" raccoons on the boardwalk, who were twins and looked very funny running ahead of me. Then there was the morning in the dark, when I walked straight into a golden orb web stretched across the boardwalk, I invented a new dance trying to get the spider off me! Ah, memories! God is good!
From the little book God's Promises
God's Love is with a person when
he brings his problems to God
If you would prepare your heart,
And stretch out your hands toward Him;
If iniquity were in your hand, and yu put it far away,
And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents;
Then surely you could lift up your face without spot;
Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear;
Because you would forget your misery,
And remember it as waters that have passed away,
And your life would be brighter than noonday.
Though you were dark, you would be like the morning.
And you would be secure, because there is hope;
Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety.
Job 11:13-18
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And his ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
and who is he who evil harm you if you
become followers of what is good?
But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed.
And do not be afraid of their threats, nor
be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your
hearts, and always be ready to give a defense
to anyone who asks you a reason for the hope that
is in you, with meekness and fear.
1 Peter 3:12-15
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Reverence, Not Ritual
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, a little fat gray frog was hopping in the grass and a large bug that I think is a cicada was on the mailbox. I did not touch it, because I'm not sure what it is. Anyway, it is supposed to be unbearably hot today, so I think indoors is the place to be, except for a grocery run.
Yesterday, we had a picnic in the Park, after going to Arby's for sandwiches. It was quite warm, but we watched mamas and little ones enjoying a day outdoors. One Mom, pushing a stroller with the cooler in it, and carrying the baby, had two little boys following, holding hands. They were cute! Well, the aquarium is gone and only the platform left for the static displays, but the park is still peaceful and the boardwalk is still there and God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?" Luke 24:38
Have you ever met [people who, when something good comes their way, start wondering when God is toing to take it back?
Long ago, pagans in Germany and Holland believed this way. If Johann met Hans in the forest and said, "Hey Hans! I got that horse I wanted-good price, too!" in a second both men would gasp. Johann would turn to the nearest tree and start pounding on it.
The pagans believed that the gods lived in trees, and if they heard about any human happiness, they would cause mischief. Johann, realizing his mistake in the listening forest, would rap on trees to drive the gods away. Even when it was no longer a custom to literally "knock on wood", the phrase sufficed to fill the same purpose. "May my good fortune suffer no reversal."
In our lives, it's either "Thy will be done" or "knock on wood," Either God is working for our good, or we must be working for our good....
When the city of Hamburg was stricken with the plague and large numbers were dying, the healthy-in mortal dread of becoming ill-flocked to the city's churches. It was not a reverence for God that drew them to church, but the fear of cholera. As soon as the plague abated, their zeal for the worship of God also abated.
The Lord desires and intimate, honest relationship with you-not a relationship rooted in your fear of loss or failure. The"fear of God" does not mean you're afraid of God, it means you have respect for Him. This reverence is born out of trust in His love. Turn to Him this evening to experience life, not merely to avoid disaster. When you do, you'll meet a Heavenly Father who loves you completely and unconditionally.
Don't come to the cross
out of fear of hell.
Come to the cross out
of love for Christ.
unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, we had a picnic in the Park, after going to Arby's for sandwiches. It was quite warm, but we watched mamas and little ones enjoying a day outdoors. One Mom, pushing a stroller with the cooler in it, and carrying the baby, had two little boys following, holding hands. They were cute! Well, the aquarium is gone and only the platform left for the static displays, but the park is still peaceful and the boardwalk is still there and God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?" Luke 24:38
Have you ever met [people who, when something good comes their way, start wondering when God is toing to take it back?
Long ago, pagans in Germany and Holland believed this way. If Johann met Hans in the forest and said, "Hey Hans! I got that horse I wanted-good price, too!" in a second both men would gasp. Johann would turn to the nearest tree and start pounding on it.
The pagans believed that the gods lived in trees, and if they heard about any human happiness, they would cause mischief. Johann, realizing his mistake in the listening forest, would rap on trees to drive the gods away. Even when it was no longer a custom to literally "knock on wood", the phrase sufficed to fill the same purpose. "May my good fortune suffer no reversal."
In our lives, it's either "Thy will be done" or "knock on wood," Either God is working for our good, or we must be working for our good....
When the city of Hamburg was stricken with the plague and large numbers were dying, the healthy-in mortal dread of becoming ill-flocked to the city's churches. It was not a reverence for God that drew them to church, but the fear of cholera. As soon as the plague abated, their zeal for the worship of God also abated.
The Lord desires and intimate, honest relationship with you-not a relationship rooted in your fear of loss or failure. The"fear of God" does not mean you're afraid of God, it means you have respect for Him. This reverence is born out of trust in His love. Turn to Him this evening to experience life, not merely to avoid disaster. When you do, you'll meet a Heavenly Father who loves you completely and unconditionally.
Don't come to the cross
out of fear of hell.
Come to the cross out
of love for Christ.
unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Challenges
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! Seems like the days are getting shorter, because it is darker in the early morning, now. I saw the star still overhead again (I saw it yesterday) and it was shining brightly. No others were visible and no moon,yet. But now, the sun is coming up and the sky is blue and God is good!
Well, we had a great congregational meeting last night and elected a new Lead Pastor! I had heard of Rick Carlson and he and his wife made a good impression on me this past weekend. He is a very talented man and preaches well. I am sure FCC will be blessed by their presence.
I noticed our pink crape myrtle is feeding the birds with its berries. I never knew mockingbirds enjoyed the seed pods of that tree, but saw one flying out with a seed in its mouth. The myrtles have been really pretty this year, from all the rain. God provides!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Challenges
Why does God allow challenges in our lives?
James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
Challenges that threaten and try us are the very tools that God uses to strengthen and mature us. As we endure, we gain greater wisdom, integrity, and courage to face whatever comes our way.
Are some challenges too small to bother God?
Psalm 37:5 Commit everything yoou do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
Nothing is too small for God. When we commit our plans to the Lord, he commits himself and his infinite resources to us.
What has God given me to help me face my challenges?
Joshua 1:7 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything yu do.
God has given us his word to direct us. The promise of success is embedded in our commitment to obedience.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, we had a great congregational meeting last night and elected a new Lead Pastor! I had heard of Rick Carlson and he and his wife made a good impression on me this past weekend. He is a very talented man and preaches well. I am sure FCC will be blessed by their presence.
I noticed our pink crape myrtle is feeding the birds with its berries. I never knew mockingbirds enjoyed the seed pods of that tree, but saw one flying out with a seed in its mouth. The myrtles have been really pretty this year, from all the rain. God provides!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Challenges
Why does God allow challenges in our lives?
James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
Challenges that threaten and try us are the very tools that God uses to strengthen and mature us. As we endure, we gain greater wisdom, integrity, and courage to face whatever comes our way.
Are some challenges too small to bother God?
Psalm 37:5 Commit everything yoou do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.
Nothing is too small for God. When we commit our plans to the Lord, he commits himself and his infinite resources to us.
What has God given me to help me face my challenges?
Joshua 1:7 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything yu do.
God has given us his word to direct us. The promise of success is embedded in our commitment to obedience.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Ecclesiastes 3
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! No rain this morning, but slightly cooler air and less humidity! It was slightly cooler yesterday after the rain, quite pleasant. God is good! When I stepped outside before dawn this morning, I carefully avoided stepping on a frog sitting in my way. He was getting a good meal from bugs from the outside light!
I talked to Mike at the Park yesterday, looking at the empty aquarium. He said he was sad and depressed over the situation, but the bright spot was that he is retiring in 73 days! He said he took the walking catfish home after putting it in the freezer. He had raised it from a kitten, I guess. :o) All of the other fish and turtle were turned loose in the canal. There are only two snakes left for the teacher who comes in the fall. Sigh. He showed me part of the "static" display which will take the place of the other static displays. Not much education in a stuffed snake and a hummingbird under glass.
A time for everything
There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest,
a time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to step away.
A time to search and a time to lose,
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace..
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I talked to Mike at the Park yesterday, looking at the empty aquarium. He said he was sad and depressed over the situation, but the bright spot was that he is retiring in 73 days! He said he took the walking catfish home after putting it in the freezer. He had raised it from a kitten, I guess. :o) All of the other fish and turtle were turned loose in the canal. There are only two snakes left for the teacher who comes in the fall. Sigh. He showed me part of the "static" display which will take the place of the other static displays. Not much education in a stuffed snake and a hummingbird under glass.
A time for everything
There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest,
a time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to step away.
A time to search and a time to lose,
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace..
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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