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! The thin sliver of the moon is still very bright in the early morning sky and not quite dimming the glory of the stars shining, but the air is not much cooler yet, although the weatherman says the next couple days will bring fall again. Can hardly wait!
I watched a large white egret land on the bank by the lake at the park yesterday and the anhinga was drying his wings while resting on a dead log. Squirrels were dashing madly in front of the car as i drove on the road. I think they like to play "chicken"! But all was quiet and simmering in the heat and bright sunshine. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
For all you Gator fans, this is the verse Tim Tebow wore on his cheek pads Saturday; 1 Thess. 5:18
Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy,. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else.
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil.
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.
God, who calls you, is faithful; he will do this....
And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
More joy
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 thought I felt just a hint of coolness in the breeze. Could it be that real fall weather is coming again soon? The moon was still bright and has moved over to the east in preparing for its disappearance in a few days, and the stars were still twinkling brightly. God is good!
When I went to the Park yesterday, I was struck by the absence of birds, or animals in sight. I usually see an anhinga and squirrels but did not even see movement. Kinda strange, but maybe it was due to the heat. The weeds have grown very tall where the path that was opened where the woman was attacked by a gator happened. The path is now closed, but the gator is gone. My own thoughts are that the path should never have been opened. Just my humble opinion. But God is good and is Lord of all!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be joyful in hard times?
Philippians 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again---rejoice! ..I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes . God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
James 1:2 Dear Brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.
Troubles remind us of two things. First, they remind us that this is a fallen world full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in Him. This kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I went to the Park yesterday, I was struck by the absence of birds, or animals in sight. I usually see an anhinga and squirrels but did not even see movement. Kinda strange, but maybe it was due to the heat. The weeds have grown very tall where the path that was opened where the woman was attacked by a gator happened. The path is now closed, but the gator is gone. My own thoughts are that the path should never have been opened. Just my humble opinion. But God is good and is Lord of all!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be joyful in hard times?
Philippians 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again---rejoice! ..I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes . God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
James 1:2 Dear Brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.
Troubles remind us of two things. First, they remind us that this is a fallen world full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in Him. This kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, October 12, 2009
Joy
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 last quarter of the moon was shining clearly and the stars were visible still. No sign of the clouds that brought a short thunderstorm last night. It rained for about five minutes after dark. But we welcome the rain no matter how short!
We drove to beautiful downtown St. Petersburg the other day and admired the expensive yachts moored at the Vinoy basin and then cruised by the Kopsick garden and further on saw a wedding party at the water's edge. The minister was just crossing the street with robe flying and the male attendants were impressive in dress whites. It was a lovely warm day for a wedding.
I also was delighted to see a roseate spoonbill take off right beside me as I was traveling along a busy street. It soared around in front of the van and zoomed off toward the north! What a beautiful pink! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
JOY
Where does joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song.
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever.
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We drove to beautiful downtown St. Petersburg the other day and admired the expensive yachts moored at the Vinoy basin and then cruised by the Kopsick garden and further on saw a wedding party at the water's edge. The minister was just crossing the street with robe flying and the male attendants were impressive in dress whites. It was a lovely warm day for a wedding.
I also was delighted to see a roseate spoonbill take off right beside me as I was traveling along a busy street. It soared around in front of the van and zoomed off toward the north! What a beautiful pink! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
JOY
Where does joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song.
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever.
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, October 9, 2009
Paul's Prayer
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, once again the portion of the visible moon was shining brightly and the sky was clear. Our large oak trees do not seem to be shedding acorns as fast as they were, but the squirrels have been busy nipping off branches for a new nest, I picked up a double hand full yesterday in the same spot where i picked up two days ago. They must be building a condo!
Because of the heat and the water in the street gutters drying up, we have been having a lot of birds come to the little pot of water I keep there for them and the squirrels to drink. Even the feral cat that hangs around, comes once in a while to drink. This is almost the second week of Oct. and we had a temp. of 91 yesterday!! There is a very little breeze today, so perhaps we won't notice the heat so much. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 1:9-12
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants you to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Because of the heat and the water in the street gutters drying up, we have been having a lot of birds come to the little pot of water I keep there for them and the squirrels to drink. Even the feral cat that hangs around, comes once in a while to drink. This is almost the second week of Oct. and we had a temp. of 91 yesterday!! There is a very little breeze today, so perhaps we won't notice the heat so much. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 1:9-12
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants you to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Character, con't.
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! The lop-sided moon was shining brightly, in the same position as yesterday, when I stepped outside this morning, Right overhead, but sinking slowly in the west. It was casting large shadows under the trees and the whole street was lit up with its brightness. God is good!
After a frustrating morning yesterday, Diane the home care nurse came, and I took off for a little rest and relaxation. I bought a fast food salad and went to the Park for a picnic by myself. I found a table in deep shade, and although the table was very dirty, I covered it and enjoyed the nice breeze. Afterwards, I walked to the canal and let the still waters restore my soul. I watched an anhinga waddle across the weir. The are totally unbalanced and very ungainly when they walk, but they are very graceful under water. God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What does God promise as we mature in godly character?
Matthew 5:8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
We will experience an increasing sense of God's presence and his blessing.
James 1:4 When your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
Romans 5:3-5 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
As we mature in our faith, we will become stronger and stronger people. Character is like a muscle-it gets stronger with exercise. As our character develops, our confidence in our salvation increases, and the assurance of God's
love fills our hearts.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
After a frustrating morning yesterday, Diane the home care nurse came, and I took off for a little rest and relaxation. I bought a fast food salad and went to the Park for a picnic by myself. I found a table in deep shade, and although the table was very dirty, I covered it and enjoyed the nice breeze. Afterwards, I walked to the canal and let the still waters restore my soul. I watched an anhinga waddle across the weir. The are totally unbalanced and very ungainly when they walk, but they are very graceful under water. God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What does God promise as we mature in godly character?
Matthew 5:8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
We will experience an increasing sense of God's presence and his blessing.
James 1:4 When your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
Romans 5:3-5 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
As we mature in our faith, we will become stronger and stronger people. Character is like a muscle-it gets stronger with exercise. As our character develops, our confidence in our salvation increases, and the assurance of God's
love fills our hearts.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Character
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 good view of the full moon as I stepped outside this morning! It was right over our house, so no wonder I slept fitfully last night! :o) The stars manage to shine in all their glory as if competing with the moon, but God is the brightest of all!
Well, we had two different Davids over yesterday. A contrast in personalities. One, dedicated to serving the Lord and helping people like us by snaking the toilet and the other, a non-believer who is also a helper for pay, but very practical and loving. He mows the yard for us and does other work outside. We are blessed to have friends like that! I first met the second David at the Park many years ago, and have followed his life through his divorce and other problems he has encountered. I keep praying for him and his family for their salvation and he has even asked me to pray for him on occasion. God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Will God do anything to change my character, or is it all up to me?
Galatians 5:22-23 When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, ans self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
Philippians 2:5, 12-13 Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. ...dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
A transformed character reflects God's work within us and our own choices. The Holy Spirit awakens our desire for love, integrity, and responsibility, but we must choose these in every situation.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, we had two different Davids over yesterday. A contrast in personalities. One, dedicated to serving the Lord and helping people like us by snaking the toilet and the other, a non-believer who is also a helper for pay, but very practical and loving. He mows the yard for us and does other work outside. We are blessed to have friends like that! I first met the second David at the Park many years ago, and have followed his life through his divorce and other problems he has encountered. I keep praying for him and his family for their salvation and he has even asked me to pray for him on occasion. God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Will God do anything to change my character, or is it all up to me?
Galatians 5:22-23 When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, ans self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
Philippians 2:5, 12-13 Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. ...dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.
A transformed character reflects God's work within us and our own choices. The Holy Spirit awakens our desire for love, integrity, and responsibility, but we must choose these in every situation.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Help Others, Help Yourself
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 moon was shining brightly and stars were also clearly visible. The mist from yesterday was totally gone. Today is supposed to get up to the hundreds in the heat index, but thankfully, the A/C is working! God is good!
The mowers had just finished when I went to the park yesterday, but they are not bothering with the path where the lady was attacked by the gator last week. "Too soon old, and too late smart", a favorite saying of my late Pennsylvania Dutch grandmother. But the turtles were sunning and the canal water was quiet and all was peaceful. God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead, also. James 2:26
Who comes to the rescue of towns torn apart by a tornado, or a church with a small congregation and smaller budget that needs much repair?
A group of mostly retirees in recreational vehicles. They travel throughout the South during the autumn and winter months, escaping cold temperatures and doing good along the way. Some are experienced in carpentry and construction, and some are not, but they all have the same goal: to make their time count by helping others.
The UMC chooses projects and assigns teams to each site. The workers, who pay all their expenses, meet at the appointed time and get right to work. To keep the jobs enjoyable, everyone works four days and then has three days off to relax and see the sights. The fun part, reported one woman volunteer, is the opportunity to have fellowship with like-minded people.
The same generosity of spirit, on a slightly different scale, is described in the Book of Acts. "All the believers, were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was disstributed to anyone as he has need." (Acts 4:32,34-35)
When we have the chance to do good, we should jump at it. "In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets," Jesus said in Matthew 7:12. Jesus asked us to serve, and we will be blessed when we do so.
No act of kindness, however small is ever wasted.
Aesop
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The mowers had just finished when I went to the park yesterday, but they are not bothering with the path where the lady was attacked by the gator last week. "Too soon old, and too late smart", a favorite saying of my late Pennsylvania Dutch grandmother. But the turtles were sunning and the canal water was quiet and all was peaceful. God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead, also. James 2:26
Who comes to the rescue of towns torn apart by a tornado, or a church with a small congregation and smaller budget that needs much repair?
A group of mostly retirees in recreational vehicles. They travel throughout the South during the autumn and winter months, escaping cold temperatures and doing good along the way. Some are experienced in carpentry and construction, and some are not, but they all have the same goal: to make their time count by helping others.
The UMC chooses projects and assigns teams to each site. The workers, who pay all their expenses, meet at the appointed time and get right to work. To keep the jobs enjoyable, everyone works four days and then has three days off to relax and see the sights. The fun part, reported one woman volunteer, is the opportunity to have fellowship with like-minded people.
The same generosity of spirit, on a slightly different scale, is described in the Book of Acts. "All the believers, were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was disstributed to anyone as he has need." (Acts 4:32,34-35)
When we have the chance to do good, we should jump at it. "In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets," Jesus said in Matthew 7:12. Jesus asked us to serve, and we will be blessed when we do so.
No act of kindness, however small is ever wasted.
Aesop
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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