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 a few sprinkles of rain last night, it has turned into a beautiful day...still warm, Okay, hot, but clear skies so far. I really enjoy looking at the billowing clouds during the hot afternoons. They look so white against the pure blue of the sky. When I was a teenager we used to lie on the grass and look for different faces and shapes in the clouds. Of course, they didn't last long, because the wind was always changing the shapes. Ah, those were the days!
The park seldom changes, either. Always peaceful and fairly quiet except for the roar of the interstate close by, but still peaceful. The water looked still yesterday, but always has a current. Lots of lilies still floating, because the canal does not get cleaned like it used to, but the fish and anhingas don't seem to mind. God is good!
The Lord is with you when you are with Him.
If you seek HIm, He will be found by you. 2 Chronicles 15:2 HCSB
Do you ever wonder if God is really "right here, right now?" Do you wonder if God hears your prayers, if He understands your feelings, or if He really knows your heart? If so, you're not alone: lots of very faithful Christians have experienced periods of doubt. In fact, some of the biggest heroes in the Bible had plenty of doubts--and so, perhaps will you. But when you have doubts, remember this: God isn't on a coffee break,and He hasn't moved out of town. He's right here, right now, listening to your thoughts and prayers, watching over your every move.
If you'd like to get to know God a little bit better, He's always available--always ready to listen to your prayers, and always ready to speak to your heart. Are you ready to talk to Him? If so, congratulations. If not, what are you waiting for?
"God's presence is with you, but you have to make a choice to believe--and I mean really believe --that this is true. This conscious decision is yours alone.
-Bill Hybels
From the devotional book, Knowing God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
How can I know God hears my prayers?
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 and few clouds are in the sky this morning, but that is the way Sunday started out, and then in the afternoon, later, we had about a thirty minute downpour! After that the sun came out again and it was very humid.
Yesterday was the first day of our new church schedule and picnic. I thought it would be too hot to stay for me, but I did stay and sat with the Massey's and enjoyed a simple meal. It took a lot of volunteers to set up the colorful tables and umbrellas in the parking lot and prepare the boxed lunches! We are blessed to have those volunteers.
I went to the park before it rained and saw butterflies flitting about, but not many people out. An anhinga had his wings spread out drying on a dead stump and there is a small maple tree that was newly planted earlier in the spring and now it is nearly all a pretty red. I am seriously considering flying to TN next month for a week, so I can see some color in the mountains, which should be pretty by then. I will get to see Daryl and maybe Matthew when he is out of school. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him,yes, to all who call on HIm sincerely.
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
1 John 14:15 We can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we know he is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that he will give what we ask for.
While we may not know God's specific will for every situation, we do know that his will is to empower our obedience, to overcome evil with good, and to equip us to be his witnesses. We can pray confidently for his power and guidance, knowing that we are asking for the very things he most longs to give.
Philippians 4:6,7 Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all e 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.
There's no limit on prayer Big requests, small requests, and all sizes in between are weicomed by God. If something bothers us, it should be brought to God.
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The sun is shining and few clouds are in the sky this morning, but that is the way Sunday started out, and then in the afternoon, later, we had about a thirty minute downpour! After that the sun came out again and it was very humid.
Yesterday was the first day of our new church schedule and picnic. I thought it would be too hot to stay for me, but I did stay and sat with the Massey's and enjoyed a simple meal. It took a lot of volunteers to set up the colorful tables and umbrellas in the parking lot and prepare the boxed lunches! We are blessed to have those volunteers.
I went to the park before it rained and saw butterflies flitting about, but not many people out. An anhinga had his wings spread out drying on a dead stump and there is a small maple tree that was newly planted earlier in the spring and now it is nearly all a pretty red. I am seriously considering flying to TN next month for a week, so I can see some color in the mountains, which should be pretty by then. I will get to see Daryl and maybe Matthew when he is out of school. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him,yes, to all who call on HIm sincerely.
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
1 John 14:15 We can be confident that he will listen to us whenever we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we know he is listening when we make our requests, we can be sure that he will give what we ask for.
While we may not know God's specific will for every situation, we do know that his will is to empower our obedience, to overcome evil with good, and to equip us to be his witnesses. We can pray confidently for his power and guidance, knowing that we are asking for the very things he most longs to give.
Philippians 4:6,7 Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all e 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.
There's no limit on prayer Big requests, small requests, and all sizes in between are weicomed by God. If something bothers us, it should be brought to God.
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, September 10, 2010
A 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! Well, our evening rainstorm turned out to be just a few sprinkles and never did get started into a full-fledged shower, but that's okay because our gutters are still running full of water.
I watched a squirrel in the yard with his mouth full of something, waiting for me to put the car in the garage, and then he raced up the tree to either eat whatever or stash it away. I couldn't tell what it was. Sometimes they eat toadstools and other times they leave them alone. They seem to know which ones are not good.
I saw a large flock of ibis on a berm in the park yesterday, but they were at a distance, and they really looked pink. Maybe that was just wishful thinking on my part, because I haven't seen any roseate spoonbills lately. The weeds and grass is really overgrown there at the park, so it is past time for the mowing crew to get in and busy. The animals don't seem to mind, though, especially the gophers and the squirrels. The clouds were dark and threatening while I was there, so I did not linger long. But God is good!
From the NIV Ephesians 3:14-21:
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom the whole family of believers in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Crist may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever!
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I watched a squirrel in the yard with his mouth full of something, waiting for me to put the car in the garage, and then he raced up the tree to either eat whatever or stash it away. I couldn't tell what it was. Sometimes they eat toadstools and other times they leave them alone. They seem to know which ones are not good.
I saw a large flock of ibis on a berm in the park yesterday, but they were at a distance, and they really looked pink. Maybe that was just wishful thinking on my part, because I haven't seen any roseate spoonbills lately. The weeds and grass is really overgrown there at the park, so it is past time for the mowing crew to get in and busy. The animals don't seem to mind, though, especially the gophers and the squirrels. The clouds were dark and threatening while I was there, so I did not linger long. But God is good!
From the NIV Ephesians 3:14-21:
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom the whole family of believers in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Crist may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever!
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Good Soil
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 hope many of you got to see the sunrise this morning. It was all pink and blue and lovely. Seems like after a night rain, the sunrise is always beautiful! I did not see the sun set, though because of the clouds. Once again, we got our evening rain.
I didn't realize school was out at 1:30 on Wednesdays, until I decided to run some errands about that time and discovered lots of school buses and crossing guards getting to their jobs. I try not to go out when schools are letting out. Too much traffic on the roads!
I went to the Park, and saw a group having a picnic under the shelter, the usual Neighborly Center bus drivers, enjoying the breeze under the trees, and two anhingas airing out the wings. A great, blue heron was standing majestically in the canal fishing. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Ezekiel 17:8 It had been planted in good soil by abundant water so that it would produce branches, bear fruit and become a splendid vine.
An employee approached his employer and said, "I've had ten years of experience on this job, and I'm still making the same salary that I made when I started. It's time that I got a raise."
His boss retorted, "You haven't had ten years of experience. You've had one experience for ten years!"
Many of us feel that our lives could be described in the same way: one experience over and over again---or at best, boringly few experiences. When this is the pattern of our lives, we not only become depressed, but we also have no growth. Just as a garden needs fertilizer and nutrients to enrich its soil, we need the enrichment of activities and experiences to broaden our lives and stimulate our souls,
Joseph Campbell once said, "I don't believe people are looking for the meaning of live as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive."
How, then may we enrich our lives? It must be intentional. Don't think that someone else can do it for you. There are multitudes of ways to get started:
. Take up a sport that you always wanted to play.
. Take you spouse or a friend out to dinner and the entertainment of your choice.
. Plan a trip to see something or someone interesting.
. Volunteer to do work that will help the less fortunate.
. Visit a friend that you haven't seen for a while.
. Get involved in a place of worship that challenges you.
Participate! Learn! Sing! Read! Praise! Listen! Give! Talk with your God! In experiences such as these you will fine the source of all the excitement that you can handle.
Experience is the mother of truth, and by experience we learn wisdom.
William Shippen Jr.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I didn't realize school was out at 1:30 on Wednesdays, until I decided to run some errands about that time and discovered lots of school buses and crossing guards getting to their jobs. I try not to go out when schools are letting out. Too much traffic on the roads!
I went to the Park, and saw a group having a picnic under the shelter, the usual Neighborly Center bus drivers, enjoying the breeze under the trees, and two anhingas airing out the wings. A great, blue heron was standing majestically in the canal fishing. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Ezekiel 17:8 It had been planted in good soil by abundant water so that it would produce branches, bear fruit and become a splendid vine.
An employee approached his employer and said, "I've had ten years of experience on this job, and I'm still making the same salary that I made when I started. It's time that I got a raise."
His boss retorted, "You haven't had ten years of experience. You've had one experience for ten years!"
Many of us feel that our lives could be described in the same way: one experience over and over again---or at best, boringly few experiences. When this is the pattern of our lives, we not only become depressed, but we also have no growth. Just as a garden needs fertilizer and nutrients to enrich its soil, we need the enrichment of activities and experiences to broaden our lives and stimulate our souls,
Joseph Campbell once said, "I don't believe people are looking for the meaning of live as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive."
How, then may we enrich our lives? It must be intentional. Don't think that someone else can do it for you. There are multitudes of ways to get started:
. Take up a sport that you always wanted to play.
. Take you spouse or a friend out to dinner and the entertainment of your choice.
. Plan a trip to see something or someone interesting.
. Volunteer to do work that will help the less fortunate.
. Visit a friend that you haven't seen for a while.
. Get involved in a place of worship that challenges you.
Participate! Learn! Sing! Read! Praise! Listen! Give! Talk with your God! In experiences such as these you will fine the source of all the excitement that you can handle.
Experience is the mother of truth, and by experience we learn wisdom.
William Shippen Jr.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Protection
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 know, I know it's later this morning. No excuses, except I got up at the same time and did my routine a little differently, so , at least, I got my praying in, and breakfast eaten.
Well, lots of thunder for a short while, but no rain last night, but we really did not need any for a while, as everything is still wet from the two previous rains. I went to the Park yesterday and all the weeds are flourishing, along with the grass. A turtle and three anhingas were sunning on the banks of the weir and ibises were busily pecking . as usual. Not many people there as school was still in session.
Later on, after my shopping trip, I saw a large osprey sitting on the line stretching across Turner's Creek, right across from Burger King. Maybe he wanted it his way! :o)
Also, I had a surprise visit from my sister-in-law who lives on the west side of town, so we don't see each other that often. We had a pleasant visit for a short while, until she had to go. It was good to see her. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where can I find protection and safety?
Psalm 121:2-8 My help comes from the Lord who made the heavens and earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Our protection is directly related to the character, competence, and capability of our protector. The Lord is unsurpassed in all areas. The Maker of heaven and earth is our personal protector. He never sleeps and never turns his attention from us. We walk securely because he guards our every step.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, lots of thunder for a short while, but no rain last night, but we really did not need any for a while, as everything is still wet from the two previous rains. I went to the Park yesterday and all the weeds are flourishing, along with the grass. A turtle and three anhingas were sunning on the banks of the weir and ibises were busily pecking . as usual. Not many people there as school was still in session.
Later on, after my shopping trip, I saw a large osprey sitting on the line stretching across Turner's Creek, right across from Burger King. Maybe he wanted it his way! :o)
Also, I had a surprise visit from my sister-in-law who lives on the west side of town, so we don't see each other that often. We had a pleasant visit for a short while, until she had to go. It was good to see her. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where can I find protection and safety?
Psalm 121:2-8 My help comes from the Lord who made the heavens and earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Our protection is directly related to the character, competence, and capability of our protector. The Lord is unsurpassed in all areas. The Maker of heaven and earth is our personal protector. He never sleeps and never turns his attention from us. We walk securely because he guards our every step.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Wisdom
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! Rain is still dripping off the roof from a downpour last night after dark and we also had rain the night before, so just as we think we are too dry, God sends rain. He always supplies our needs! The podacarpus hedge outside my window has diamond-like raindrops sparkling on the tops of the branches and it really looks like rain again this morning.
But the weather was good for Labor Day outings yesterday and the park was pretty full of people walking ...not so many having picnics for some reason, but just enjoying the outdoors. The weather is a little cooler now and really nice for walking or running. When I came out of church Sunday, I heard the noisy cicadas in the trees , almost deafening and yesterday I found one on the porch right outside the door. It was large and I nudged it with my foot, but it didn't move, so I thought it was dead. Guess not, because later on, it was not there any more. I don't know whether this is the seven year locust blight or just the year of the cicadas, but God knows and He is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.
Psalm 110:10 Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures. It is understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know but who we know.
Proverbs 3:21-26 My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight., Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your feet from being caught in a trap.
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what is right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
But the weather was good for Labor Day outings yesterday and the park was pretty full of people walking ...not so many having picnics for some reason, but just enjoying the outdoors. The weather is a little cooler now and really nice for walking or running. When I came out of church Sunday, I heard the noisy cicadas in the trees , almost deafening and yesterday I found one on the porch right outside the door. It was large and I nudged it with my foot, but it didn't move, so I thought it was dead. Guess not, because later on, it was not there any more. I don't know whether this is the seven year locust blight or just the year of the cicadas, but God knows and He is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.
Psalm 110:10 Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures. It is understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know but who we know.
Proverbs 3:21-26 My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight., Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your feet from being caught in a trap.
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what is right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, September 3, 2010
A 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! Another beautiful cool morning, and I really think leaves are beginning to fall. Oh, no! Fall can't be here already! I welcome the cooler weather but not the leaves!
I notices they are (leaves) are starting to fall in the park, also. The maples are usually the first to start, but it was still a sunshiny, bright very warm day. I took the van to Cartek yesterday and had it serviced and the cool waiting room was very welcome. It was so quiet I almost took a nap sitting up! :o) By the way, my nose is almost healed. It looks much better on the outside and , hopefully, will soon heal on the inside. Like my friend who knows; radiation is the burn that keeps on burning!. But God is good!
The benediction from Jude from The Message:
But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!
Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not too soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.
And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating-to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I notices they are (leaves) are starting to fall in the park, also. The maples are usually the first to start, but it was still a sunshiny, bright very warm day. I took the van to Cartek yesterday and had it serviced and the cool waiting room was very welcome. It was so quiet I almost took a nap sitting up! :o) By the way, my nose is almost healed. It looks much better on the outside and , hopefully, will soon heal on the inside. Like my friend who knows; radiation is the burn that keeps on burning!. But God is good!
The benediction from Jude from The Message:
But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!
Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not too soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.
And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating-to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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