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! We are having intermittent showers and thunder in the distance, but at least, it is rain, and that is what we desperately need. So God supplies our needs, in His time.
When the weather gets a little better I have to go to Sears to have my car battery checked. Yesterday, it kinda went "Uh" when I started it, so that worries me. I had gone to the cemetery and found all the sod has been replaced and it really looks nice. Lots of flowers were on the graves, but it was very hot. I wore a white long sleeved shirt over my tee shirt, to try to protect my arms, even though I had sunblock on. I took pictures of the whole area, along with the marker, to show Daryl.
I have noticed the same man coming when I am there. He walks out to the grave site of his loved one and just stands there for a while, remembering. It is a quiet, peaceful place with not many people on Sunday.
I also went to the Park and because of the heat and time of day, did not walk, but enjoyed looking at the water and had to stop in the street because a small turtle was stopped right in my path. Cars were coming from the other direction, so I just waited for them to pass, and then drove around the turtle, which started up again after I drove off. It wasn't even at the "turtle crossing" sign! God is good!
For some reason, perhaps the Holy Spirit nudging, I feel that I should send Haggai, Chapter 1 today. I reread an email from my friend sent in 2003 as an end of year message for his business, but it seems appropriate for Church, business or just our own personal lives. This is from the Promise Bible NLT:
Haggai 1:3
This is what the Lord Almighty says: The people are saying, "The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord's house--the Temple.
So the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: Why are you living in luxurious homes while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord Almighty says; Consider how things are going for you! You have food to eat, but not enough to fill you up. You have wine to drink, but not enough to satisfy your thirst. You have clothing to wear, but not enough to keep you warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!
This is what the Lord Almighty says: Consider how things are going for you! Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord. You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord Almighty while you are all busy building your own fine houses. That is why the heavens have withheld the dew and the earth has withheld its crops. I have called for a drought on your fields and hills--a drought to wither the grain and grapes and olives and all your other crops, a drought to starve both you and your cattle and to ruin everything you have worked so hard to get....
2,...Take courage, all you people still left in the land, says the Lord. Take courage and work, for I am with you, says the Lord Almighty. My Spirit remains among you just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.
(Just a small suggestion...read the rest if the chapter, it is short, but meaningful)
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, May 17, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
On the Road Again
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 sunny and dry day today, with a cool breeze blowing this morning, but we really need rain. I guess i will have to water my staghorn fern which is huge, because it is starting to look droopy.
I am still watering my Mother's day flowers and they, for the most part, are still fresh looking. I love fresh roses and colorful flowers!This morning while i was praying, I looked out the window and saw a squirrel whizzing along the telephone line and a mockingbird right on his tail! Too funny! The squirrel is much bigger than the bird, but that doesn't stop the bird! We could all learn a lesson from that! :o) I watched a squirrel take a drink from the bowl I keep on the porch wall for birds. The birds usually take a bath in it and then I have to go replenish the water which gets splashed out!
I drove to the park yesterday and looked at the hawk's nest for awhile, but did not see any activity. I don't think they have hatched out yet. But I am glad the nest is so visible. If the county decides to start charging three dollars to enter the Park, I won't be going so often. But God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power of love and of self discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Getting yourself out of bed in the morning is one thing. Feeling prepared to face whatever comes your way that day is another. Where do you turn for a confidence booster?
Believe it or not, one of the best confidence builders you can find may be inside those fuzzy slippers you like to wear on your own two feet.
Researchers have discovered that regular exercise---thirty minutes, three or four times a week---boosts the confidence level of both men and women. This is due in part to the way exercise strengthens, tones, and improves the body's appearance. It also has to do with brain chemistry.
When a person exercises, changes take place inside the brain. Endorphins, released as one exercises, are proteins that work in the pleasure centers of the brain and make a person feel more exhilarated. When the heart rate increases during exercise, neurotrophins are also released, causing A person to feel more alert and focused.
Are you feeling anxious about your day? Take a walk, cycle, or jog or do some calisthenics first thing in the morning. See if you don't feel a little more on top of the world.
Those who exercise regularly also feel that if they can discipline themselves to exercise, they can discipline themselves to do just about anything!
The human body is one of the most awesome examples of God's creative power--an example we live with daily. He has created us not only to draw confidence from reading His Word and experiencing His presence through prayer, but also from the use of our body.
Put on those walking shoes and talk with God as you go! Not only will your body become more fit and your mind more alert, but the Holy Spirit will give you direction and peace about your day.
God gives to every man the
virtue, temper, understanding,
taste that lifts him into live
and lets him fall just in the
niche he was ordained to fall.
-William Cowper
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, and have a Blessed weekend,
Amaryllis
I am still watering my Mother's day flowers and they, for the most part, are still fresh looking. I love fresh roses and colorful flowers!This morning while i was praying, I looked out the window and saw a squirrel whizzing along the telephone line and a mockingbird right on his tail! Too funny! The squirrel is much bigger than the bird, but that doesn't stop the bird! We could all learn a lesson from that! :o) I watched a squirrel take a drink from the bowl I keep on the porch wall for birds. The birds usually take a bath in it and then I have to go replenish the water which gets splashed out!
I drove to the park yesterday and looked at the hawk's nest for awhile, but did not see any activity. I don't think they have hatched out yet. But I am glad the nest is so visible. If the county decides to start charging three dollars to enter the Park, I won't be going so often. But God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power of love and of self discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Getting yourself out of bed in the morning is one thing. Feeling prepared to face whatever comes your way that day is another. Where do you turn for a confidence booster?
Believe it or not, one of the best confidence builders you can find may be inside those fuzzy slippers you like to wear on your own two feet.
Researchers have discovered that regular exercise---thirty minutes, three or four times a week---boosts the confidence level of both men and women. This is due in part to the way exercise strengthens, tones, and improves the body's appearance. It also has to do with brain chemistry.
When a person exercises, changes take place inside the brain. Endorphins, released as one exercises, are proteins that work in the pleasure centers of the brain and make a person feel more exhilarated. When the heart rate increases during exercise, neurotrophins are also released, causing A person to feel more alert and focused.
Are you feeling anxious about your day? Take a walk, cycle, or jog or do some calisthenics first thing in the morning. See if you don't feel a little more on top of the world.
Those who exercise regularly also feel that if they can discipline themselves to exercise, they can discipline themselves to do just about anything!
The human body is one of the most awesome examples of God's creative power--an example we live with daily. He has created us not only to draw confidence from reading His Word and experiencing His presence through prayer, but also from the use of our body.
Put on those walking shoes and talk with God as you go! Not only will your body become more fit and your mind more alert, but the Holy Spirit will give you direction and peace about your day.
God gives to every man the
virtue, temper, understanding,
taste that lifts him into live
and lets him fall just in the
niche he was ordained to fall.
-William Cowper
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, and have a Blessed weekend,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Love one another
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 sun is shining brilliantly and the birds are flying around and the squirrels are digging for acorns. Life is good! I am still reliving my "biking" experience and thanking God for friends who take care of me to the extent of even selecting music for my listening pleasure as we rode over the highways!
Yesterday was a quiet day compared to the previous one, but I did get to the Park, which was simmering in the heat by early afternoon, so I did not try to walk. Not many people were out and about because of the heat. I went on to Publix to get supplies and noticed the osprey nest was vacant, so it looks like the baby has flown away. Soon the rest of the nest will be on the parking lot, but no one parks there anyway. God is good!
From 1 John 3 NLT:
This is the message we have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was right. So don't be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.
If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to eternal life. But a person who has no love is still dead. anyone who hates another Christian is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don't have eternal life withing them. We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us. and so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters. But if anyone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help--how can God's love be in that person?
Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions, It is by our actions that we know we are living in the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before the Lord, even if our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts and he knows everything.
Dear friends, if our conscience is clear, we can come to God with bold confidence.And we will receive whatever we request because we obey him and do the things that please him. And this is his commandment; we must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. those who obey God's commandments live in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Holy Spirit lives in us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday was a quiet day compared to the previous one, but I did get to the Park, which was simmering in the heat by early afternoon, so I did not try to walk. Not many people were out and about because of the heat. I went on to Publix to get supplies and noticed the osprey nest was vacant, so it looks like the baby has flown away. Soon the rest of the nest will be on the parking lot, but no one parks there anyway. God is good!
From 1 John 3 NLT:
This is the message we have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was right. So don't be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.
If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to eternal life. But a person who has no love is still dead. anyone who hates another Christian is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don't have eternal life withing them. We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us. and so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters. But if anyone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help--how can God's love be in that person?
Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions, It is by our actions that we know we are living in the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before the Lord, even if our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts and he knows everything.
Dear friends, if our conscience is clear, we can come to God with bold confidence.And we will receive whatever we request because we obey him and do the things that please him. And this is his commandment; we must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. those who obey God's commandments live in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Holy Spirit lives in us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Faithfulness
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! After my wonderful day yesterday, today seems like an anti-climax, but I'm sure God has good plans for me today, also. He is faithful! As I was writing down my prayer names today, I looked out the window and saw a cardinal land on a wire and perched there so I could admire his beautiful red head and comb. I also heard the squirrels galloping over the roof above my head. They still can get on the roof, even though the trees have been trimmed!
While David and I were riding at Ft. Desoto yesterday I saw three large osprey nests on top of poles set in the wilderness. All were occupied with babies. I so enjoyed the ride along the beaches and especially, when we stopped to watch the paraboarders?? I don't know what to call them when they splash along on boards holding on to the large kite/chutes. It takes a lot of arm strength to hang on. One of them was lifted out of the water, by a big gust of wind, and it was really windy out there near the skyway!
I was totally confident in David's handling of the bike and felt no fear at all. He was very considerate and helped me with the helmet, the gloves and mike. I felt so loved and cared for all morning, by Gil, David and Mari. God has blessed me with wonderful friends. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 3:3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace, write them deep within your heart. then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
One of our greatest securities in life is that of a good name. Faithfulness brings a good reputation and trust from others. When we have problems, sometimes our reputation can be the key to a positive outcome.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 No one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have-Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames.
The way we live now affects the quality of our life to come. While all who believe in Jesus Christ will inherit eternal life, there will be additional rewards and blessings based on our obedience in this life. Each of us is tested at one point or another. Those who are faithful with what they are given will receive even greater blessings and responsibility.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
While David and I were riding at Ft. Desoto yesterday I saw three large osprey nests on top of poles set in the wilderness. All were occupied with babies. I so enjoyed the ride along the beaches and especially, when we stopped to watch the paraboarders?? I don't know what to call them when they splash along on boards holding on to the large kite/chutes. It takes a lot of arm strength to hang on. One of them was lifted out of the water, by a big gust of wind, and it was really windy out there near the skyway!
I was totally confident in David's handling of the bike and felt no fear at all. He was very considerate and helped me with the helmet, the gloves and mike. I felt so loved and cared for all morning, by Gil, David and Mari. God has blessed me with wonderful friends. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 3:3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace, write them deep within your heart. then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
One of our greatest securities in life is that of a good name. Faithfulness brings a good reputation and trust from others. When we have problems, sometimes our reputation can be the key to a positive outcome.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 No one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have-Jesus Christ. Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames.
The way we live now affects the quality of our life to come. While all who believe in Jesus Christ will inherit eternal life, there will be additional rewards and blessings based on our obedience in this life. Each of us is tested at one point or another. Those who are faithful with what they are given will receive even greater blessings and responsibility.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Blessings
Good afternoon Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This was truly an awesome and fun morning, riding on David's Gold Wing motorcycle! We went to Sawgrass Park, where Gil took photos and video of us, and then headed down to Ft. Desoto, rode all the way from one end to the other; then to the Gulf Beaches, from St. Pete Beach, where we stopped at the Frog Pond and had breakfast, all the way up the beaches to Clearwater.
We took the Bayside Bridge on the way home and ended our ride at Mari's salon, so she could curl my "helmet" hair.Gil met us there and took more pix, even of Mari with David and me.
I am so blessed to have godly men like David and Gil for friends and Mari for a dear friend!
I was on the bike for four hours and am ready to go again! God is good!
Thanks again David, for your time, guidance and conversation! God bless you!
Love and hugs,
Biker Babe
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Beatitudes
Good morning, a little late this 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 had to take my van in for service, so I waited for it and that is why I'm late. It would have been a gorgeous day for an early morning walk, but, maybe, it will be just as gorgeous for my motorcycle ride tomorrow. I will not be sending an email tomorrow morning, because I will be having fun!!!
As I was driving home, I stopped at the Park, and saw an anhinga slowily dragging wet wings across the weir, and on the other side, another anhinga with wings spread, posing for a photo. Not many people were out this early, so no one was looking at the hawk's nest, yet.
I just enjoy so much the beautiful jacaranda trees this spring. I thought many of them would have been damaged by the frost, but it just made them bloom later. There is one a block or two from here that is just breathtaking in its beauty! God used his purple and lavender paint on them.
I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend, with pink and white and lavender roses delivered from my sons and beautiful thoughtful cards from them. Then, Saturday, I had a great time at the Ladies' tea at church, visiting with friends and my two adopted "daughters" for the day on each side. Brian took me to brunch after church yesterday, so I was really blessed with lots of love! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 5:3
God blesses those who realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
God blesses those who are gentle and lowly
for the whole earth will belong to them.
God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty
for justice,
for they will receive it in full.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shone mercy.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted
because they live for God,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Biker Babe)
As I was driving home, I stopped at the Park, and saw an anhinga slowily dragging wet wings across the weir, and on the other side, another anhinga with wings spread, posing for a photo. Not many people were out this early, so no one was looking at the hawk's nest, yet.
I just enjoy so much the beautiful jacaranda trees this spring. I thought many of them would have been damaged by the frost, but it just made them bloom later. There is one a block or two from here that is just breathtaking in its beauty! God used his purple and lavender paint on them.
I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend, with pink and white and lavender roses delivered from my sons and beautiful thoughtful cards from them. Then, Saturday, I had a great time at the Ladies' tea at church, visiting with friends and my two adopted "daughters" for the day on each side. Brian took me to brunch after church yesterday, so I was really blessed with lots of love! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Matthew 5:3
God blesses those who realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
God blesses those who are gentle and lowly
for the whole earth will belong to them.
God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty
for justice,
for they will receive it in full.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shone mercy.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted
because they live for God,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Biker Babe)
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