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, with all the dark clouds and threatening thunder and wind, we did not get a drop of rain last night. It was so dark at 7:30 that it seemed like 9 o'clock. But today is bright and the sun is shining, and when I stepped outside this morning, the star that I see in the southwest overhead was valiantly trying to shine through the haze. Tod is good!
When I went to the Park yesterday, I was surprised to see that the grass had been mowed in larger strips than before, and it actually looked better than in a while. Still, the weeds and grass are high where it is not mowed, but much improved over what it has been. The berms where the picnic tables are, are kept mowed. Kids like to roll down the hills, so that is an incentive. Even the banks where the gators like to sun, were cut, so someone must have realized how neglected the Park has been looking. There is till work going on at the building, and I think the windows are being boarded up. I will find out today. Meanwhile, life goes on!
From the Promise Bible NLT, selections from Romans
Pay all your debts, except the debt of love for others. You can never finish paying that! If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the requirements of God's law.
...For the kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with that attitude, you will please God.
..May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other---each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in Him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Presence of God
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 one lone star was still high in the southwest, but I could not see any others. I don't know if that is Venus or what star it is, but it is a pretty sight and kind of comforting to know it is up there twinkling.
I watched a great blue heron come in for a landing on the canal yesterday at the park. What a majestic sight! His wingspan was about six feet, and he landed at the spot right beside a turtle and an egret. The fishing must have been good! It was so hot yesterday we did not stay out long. I am thankful for air conditioning in the car and at home! God is good!
We have very active squirrels in our trees right now, I clucked at them when I had the garage door open and they stopped and listened, and then I threw a couple peanuts out for them and they immediately grabbed them. They usually look fat, but right now they are kinda skinny. Don't know why;, there are still plenty of acorns on the ground and buried where they put them. Well, they burn lots of energy running across streets and on the lines and hopping from tree to tree!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Are there times when God leaves me?
Joshua 1:9 I command you--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Matthew 28:20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
God does not come and go depending on his moods or circumstances. Knowing he is always with us can be a comfort in loneliness , a stimulus to obedience, a hedge against temptation, and a source of joy in his companionship.
Psalm 139:1-12 O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know! I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night--but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are both alike to you.
Even when we feel distant from God he is there. The sooner we break with our denial, the sooner we will be able to deal with the things we are trying to hide and the intimacy that threatens us. The promise of God's presence holds the promise of our freedom.
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 one lone star was still high in the southwest, but I could not see any others. I don't know if that is Venus or what star it is, but it is a pretty sight and kind of comforting to know it is up there twinkling.
I watched a great blue heron come in for a landing on the canal yesterday at the park. What a majestic sight! His wingspan was about six feet, and he landed at the spot right beside a turtle and an egret. The fishing must have been good! It was so hot yesterday we did not stay out long. I am thankful for air conditioning in the car and at home! God is good!
We have very active squirrels in our trees right now, I clucked at them when I had the garage door open and they stopped and listened, and then I threw a couple peanuts out for them and they immediately grabbed them. They usually look fat, but right now they are kinda skinny. Don't know why;, there are still plenty of acorns on the ground and buried where they put them. Well, they burn lots of energy running across streets and on the lines and hopping from tree to tree!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Are there times when God leaves me?
Joshua 1:9 I command you--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Matthew 28:20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
God does not come and go depending on his moods or circumstances. Knowing he is always with us can be a comfort in loneliness , a stimulus to obedience, a hedge against temptation, and a source of joy in his companionship.
Psalm 139:1-12 O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know! I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night--but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are both alike to you.
Even when we feel distant from God he is there. The sooner we break with our denial, the sooner we will be able to deal with the things we are trying to hide and the intimacy that threatens us. The promise of God's presence holds the promise of our freedom.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tired
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
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
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
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