What's the Rush?

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'm back on track now, after an early appointment with the doctor yesterday, to get something done about this nagging cough. I am on antibiotics and a new cough med, so, last night I slept well for the first time in a week! PTL! The Doctor said a lot of people have coughs right now, so something is going around.

God's timing was really perfect yesterday, because when I came out of the waiting room, dark clouds were threatening, and I had to stop at the pharmacy, but made it home just as the sprinkles came. Then came the hard rain! I also had a narrow escape from a large car, which did not stop at a stop sign, and almost hit me just three doors from my house! God protects me! !I am thankful for that!

When I went to the park after the rain, everything looked fresh and green and lovely and the water was almost over the weir. Not many people were out..too hot. I did not even see the usual herons and egrets, for some reason, just the squirrels chasing each other and racing across the street. God is good!

From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming.
James 5:7

Rush hour traffic. What comes to mind when you hear those words? Chances are they don't put a smile on your face, cause your heartbeat to slow, or drop your blood pressure to healthy levels. More likely they bring up images of exhaust smoke, angry drivers, brake lights, and those ever-popular "Detour" or "Lane Closed Ahead" signs.

Rush hour has become an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp. Too many cars have taken the rush out of rush hour. Despite the number of people working part time, on late shifts, or at home, more cars seem to be on the road between 8:00 and 6:00 P.M. than there are people on the planet. And we all know there's absolutely nothing that can be done about it--unless you live in Thailand.

Proving that traffic cops have a sense of humor, an officer in Bangkok gave his men some rather unusual instructions. During morning rush hour at one of the worst spots in town, these traffic directors suddenly looked more like dande-troupe hopefuls than ticket-writing law enforcers.

Since the traffic wasn't going anywhere, anyway, why not do some pirouttes or some break dancing? Why not lighten the mood (if not the load) on the road?

The result has been all they had hoped. The traffic is still tied up in knots, but people are more cheerful about their situation, and the cops are happier too.

Sometimes we feel pressed on all sides, and there seems to be no way out. Perhaps those around us keep turning up the heat, and we can sense we're getting closer and closer to the breaking point.

That's when we need to realize how far we've come and that the rest of the journey will have bright moments if we'll only reach out for them. That's the time to laugh anyway, and do a few pirouettes!

We must wait for God, long,
meekly in the wind and wet,
in the thunder and lightning,
in the cold and dark. Wait,
and he will come. He never
comes to those who do not wait.
Frederick William Faber

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Plans

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 am having a little trouble getting started this morning..just feel tired and unambitious. But I have accomplished a lot, laundry, breakfast and dishes, so enough of that!

When I visited the Park yesterday, I stopped to watch two anhingas sort of fighting for the same spot on a dead log. First time I had seen two together. They are usually loners, not like the moorhens who mate for life. Not many people were there because it was so hot and the first of the week, I guess. Anyway, the grass was very green as were the weeds and all was peaceful. God is good!

Planning from the Promise Bible NLT:

How am I suppose 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 gainknowledge 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 those who are faithful to him. then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and 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. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.

What if my plans fall short of God's plans for me?

Proverbs 19:21 You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail.

Our plans cannot mess up God's plans!

What gives me confidence in my plans?

Jeremiah 29:11" I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

God is in control of all things and always has been. Jesus Christ, who is now resurrected and ruling, will govern and guide us in the best possible ways.

Do not doubt God's good intentions for us. the wonder of creation, the evidence of his constant care, and the priceless gift of Jesus Christ for our salvation give us confidence that he will establish all who trust in him.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Hope

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 three quarter moon had moved to just about straight up overhead. Seemed like it was lower in the west a few days ago. Anyway, it was beautiful and clear for a change.

After a restless night because of coughing, (but, thanks be to God, I was able to attend church yesterday) I will probably be drowsy the rest of the day. I chased a tiny frog in our house, no bigger than my fingernail, but leaping at least twelve inches at a time, and caught it with a tissue. I opened the door and deposited him outside. "All creatures great and small..." "The Lord God loves them all."

I saw a great blue heron in the park with his head all scrunched down...hard to tell just what he was at first. Not many people there, but it was very hot yesterday. We stayed in and kept cool. God is good to provide for all our needs

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I have hope when times are tough?

Hebrews 10:23 Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.

John 14:1 Don't be troubled . You trust in God, now trust in me.

John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Our troubles do not surprise the Lord and should not surprise us. Trouble is rampant in this fallen world. Our focus should be on Jesus who has overcome this world and all its troubles.

Romans 15:13 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.

Our hope is rooted in the wonderful acts of God in creation and history. The Bible gives full testimony to the fact that God is able to deliver us from any and every circumstance. He will either get us out of it or bring us through it--for his glory and our joy.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Benediction

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 got up a little later this morning, but the moon was still visible, although faintly, trying to shine through a cloudy haze. All was still outside with a little promise of rain.

Yesterday, I stopped at the Park and went in to talk to Mike. I asked him how he felt about coming to work now, with all the changes, and he said he just keeps telling himself how many days he has left before retirement! He really doesn't have much left to do, now that the snakes are all gone, except two. Since they blocked off the reception windows, the large office is dark, so he thinks the teacher will be using his office, which he is trying to clear out. He is trying to stay positive, but no one has answers as to why some things have been done away with.

But, it is still a nice place to walk and see lots of birds, butterflies, and wild creatures, so God is good!

We went to the dentist yesterday for teeth cleaning, and the dentist himself, took Louis and his wheelchair out and down the temporary ramp and put him in the car. We have been patients of his for years, so he knows us pretty well. Life is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

A prayer of Praise:

And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore.
Amen

Have a great weekend and remember I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Paul's Final Thoughts

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, I was surprised to see the star I have been seeing for a couple weeks now, but just below it was the setting full moon! I had not seen the moon since the last full moon and there it was! I guess the rains we had yesterday, washed the sky so that everything was more visible. God is Awesome!

We stayed home yesterday, because of the rain, but David came and mowed the yard, washed the A/C filter and took care of a wasp nest on the front porch. Then, after hot soup and sandwiches for us, our cleaning ladies came, so we had company in and out during the day. Life is good.

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Philippians 4:4-9
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

Psoaring thru Psalm 19

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, I looked up in the west and saw the same star still shining amidst the vast emptiness, then I spied a tiny flashing light and followed it all across from north to south. I am certain it was an airplane and not a UFO! Then the sun came up like a huge orange ball and so it will be another very warm day.

I saw another large gopher tortoise in the Park yesterday...ambling along munching on the tall grass as he went at turtle speed. He looked very old and tough. An anhinga was also drying wings on the banks of the canal, and the typical looking Florida spot with the dead tree had no residents perched on it. There was an airboat in the canal spraying all the unwelcome lily plants and growth along the shores, so some are still working! But God is Good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Excerpts from Psalm 119

The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life.
Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true.
Each one is fair.
They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the cone.
They are a warning to those who hear them;
There is great reward for those who obey them.

How can I know the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
Keep me from deliberate sins!
Don't let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.

May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you,O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Closing the Door

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, it looks like it will be another very hot day with lots of sun, just like yesterday. We had some clouds, but no rain. I stay out of the sun as much as possible with my skin that burns easily!

Yesterday, I saw a beautiful roseate spoonbill at Lynch Lake. They are such a pretty pink color! God made them for our looking pleasure. I went into the Park and noticed how neat the extra mowing made it look. All was quiet in the midday heat. Mike was out checking rain gauges or I would have spoken to him. His duties have diminished considerably lately and I will miss him when he retires.

There is a helicopter buzzing over the interstate as I type this. I hope it does not mean an accident. A short while ago, I heard sirens, so there probably was something that happened. I remember years ago, while walking in the park early in the morning, I was stopped by deputies from walking any more, because someone had hit another car and escaped over the fence around the park. They closed the park and escorted us back to our cars and we had to leave. That was the first time I met our friend, Terry. He took me back to the van and made sure I got out of the park safely. God is good!

From Quiet Moments with God:

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.
Hebrews 6:11

Michelle looked around her office and felt a sigh rise from the depths of her soul. She had worked so hard for all of this and had put so many hours into her vision, especially at the beginning, when her company had only been a dream and her energy was committed to making the dream come true. Someone else had appreciated her creativity--a bigger, larger company that had bought her out in a forceful merger. Now all that was once hers belonged to an unseen face. It was like losing a family member.

Michelle looked out of her office window at her employees. She knew they had been looking to her, waiting to see how she would handle herself over the past four weeks. She was tempted to throw all her energy into a new pursuit, but she also knew that she had a commitment to see this old one to its end. It was a matter of integrity. The new company would never know if she spent her time--their time now--on this new pursuit. But she would know, and her employees would know. No, when she finally handed this company over, she would do so knowing that she had done her best to the very end.

Change takes place in all of our lives. One season end, and another begins. We may say good-bye to a job, a relationship, a town or a dream. With each ending, we have a choice. We can walk away without looking back, ignoring the closure and attention that's needed, or we can take the time to finish well--to tie up loose ends, to say our good-byes, to work hard right to the end. Only then can we know we have closed out the old chapter with integrity.

Is there an area of your life that needs attention today? Something that needs to be finished well? Take a moment and ask God to help you close the door. Then you can face your new beginning with confidence.

Thecrossroads are down here. Which way to pull the rein?
The left bring you but loss, the right nothing but gain.
Angelus Silesius

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

(This devotional reminds me of Pastor Don's leaving and Pastor Rick coming.)