Friday, November 5, 2010

Psoaaring through Psalm 20

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, November weather is finally here! The weather is in the sixties this morning and tomorrow is supposed to be really cold...well, not snow or anything like that, but cold enough for heat for us Floridians! We've been spoiled by this long, warm, spell!
Yesterday I managed to do all my errands and only got sprinkled on. When the hard rains came, I was ready to settle down with a book, so life was good.

I had an appointment with my doctor in the afternoon, and found out I am good for another thousand miles! I thank God for good health for my age or any age!

When I went to the park, not many people were there because of the cloudy, overcast weather, I guess. I saw a lot of trash, which had washed down just in front of the weir, and a great blue heron was almost invisible because of his color, right in the middle of it. Looked like he had spied something that was tasty in the midst of the stuff. A couple of turtle were trying to dry off on the bank, but no sun just then. When I got to the canal, a bright, white spot caught my eye. It was an ibis in a tree, looking down on the water. It was outstanding and almost hidden in the green of the trees..

When I went to the library later on, I had to stop for a flock of ibis strolling across the street. One of them stopped right in front of the car to scratch...very unconcerned about his safety! But God is good!

Psalm 20 NLT:

In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.
May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from his sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May he remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings.

May he grant your heart's desire
and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory,
flying banners to honor our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.

Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed
King.
He will answer him from his holy heaven,
and rescue him by his great power.
Some nations boast of their armies and weapons.
But we boast in the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse,
but we will rise up and stand firm.

Give victory to our King, O Lord!
Respond to our cry for help.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Trust Him when Times are Tough

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 was awakened about 3:45AM this morning when a brilliant flash of lightning glowed through the curtain, followed by the low rumble of thunder. I thought, "Praise God", He answers prayers. We have really needed rain and I'm not sure how much or how long it rained, but today, everything is wet and that is good. I had swept the porch clean of acorns late in the afternoon, and this morning it is covered with them again. Oh, well, just have to wait until they dry to sweep these off.

While the cold front is coming about Friday, I think, it seems funny that we go from A/C to heat in 24 hours or less. That's the way our weather is, though.

Yesterday, I drove to Walmart, found a convenient parking space right away, and went in to the crowded store. Mostly, older people like me , but a few young mothers with small children in the carts. After using the patience God gave me, while waiting for some people to move their carts, and going clear around the aisle to get where I wanted to go, I finally got everything on my list and some things that were not (I avoided the half price candy aisle) I got in line at one of the check outs. Of course, there were not nearly enough cashiers for the crowd that was in there. I probably waited over twenty minutes in line, and the older man two carts in front, turned around and said, "I was only 16 when I got in this line." :o) I got a chuckle out of that! The woman in front of me was on her cell the whole time she waited, and had her hand in front of her mouth, so her conversation was a little more private. It was a good time for people watching!

It was a relief to go to the Park later, where there was peace and quiet. God is good!

From the little devotional Knowing God:

Trust Him when Times Are Tough

He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.
2 Corinthians 1:4 MSG

All of us face times of adversity. On occasion, we all must endure the disappointments and tragedies that befall believers and nonbelievers alike. The reassuring words of 1 John 5:4 remind us that when we accept God's grace, we overcome the passing hardships of this world by relying upon His strength, His love, and His promise of eternal life.

When we face the inevitable difficulties of life here on earth, God stands ready to protect us. Our responsibility, of course,is to ask Him for protection. When we call upon him in heartfelt prayer, He will answer in His own time and according to His own plan-and He will heal us. And while we are waiting for God's plans to unfold and for His healing touch to restore us, we can be comforted in the knowledge that our Creator can overcome any obstacle, even if we cannot. Let us take God at his word, and let us trust Him.

"A brook would lose its song, if God removed the rocks."
Anonymous

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Changes

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 still waiting for the cold front that's coming this weekend, but the weather has been really pleasant the past two days. Yesterday we had a little sprinkle of rain early, but even though the clouds looked very threatening all day, that was all the rain we received. Well, there is always hope.

I saw a funny sight yesterday as I was coming along Turner's Creek. The tide was out and several guys were throwing their nets in the water, hoping to catch some mullet, I guess, and there, a little distance away was a woodstork, patiently waiting. I have never seen one so close to humans before, it is usually the pelicans that are waiting for a handout. I also saw a great blue heron at the lake and a flock of ducks. Mama was marching toward the water with a dozen or so babies all in a row behind her . She had her ducks in a row. :o)

The anhingas were drying wings at the park, and a turtle was drying out on the bank of the weir, but not a lot of people were walking, because of the weather, I guess, although cloudy weather is best for walking, I think.

Well, because of the results of the election yesterday. I thought these scriptures would be appropriate. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I hope that I can change for the better?

2 Corinthians 5:17 Those who became Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!

Philippians 1:6 I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.

A great work takes a long time to complete. Though we are converted in a moment of faith, the process of transformation into Christ-likeness takes a lifetime. While it may appear slow to us, it is relentless and certain.

Are there some changes that are too overwhelming for our faith?

Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and mountains crumble into the sea.

Faith is the answer to fear. No amount of change in our life will affect God's care for us.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

2 Chronicles 7:14

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's overcast and gloomy today and that's a good thing, because rain is predicted and we really need it. This morning I watched a squirrel on the line in my backyard, running his tongue along the box that has phone wires in it. I think he was getting the dew off it. Now, that's dry! I have a bowl on my front wall that has water in it for the birds and squirrels, but maybe he didn't know it was there.

Today is voting day, which I already did by absentee ballot, but, I for one, will be very happy to see the end of commercials with candidates being negative about each other. Glad there is a mute button!

We had a sparse Faith Group meeting last night. For the first time, we only had six people and I was the only one who showed up for the supper. But it was very good, the supper and the meeting and a very powerful explanation of marriage and submission. I am so glad I went!

In keeping with the date, I think this verse is appropriate:

From the Promise Bible, NLT:

"If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land."

And I pray that God will direct the voters and that His choices will win.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, October 29, 2010

Deuteronomy 26:11 and a word from Abby

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 were promised a cold front would come through and this morning, it is definitely cooler. Not cold, but very pleasant, with lower humidity. We so need rain, though. I hope God hears our prayers for rain and answers soon.

Well, God certainly had different plans for me yesterday morning than I had. Since my friend, David C. was coming over to mow, I asked him to pick up the new dryer from Sears outlet, which he did. After it was hooked up he tested it, and a loud clunking noise issued from the barrel as it turned. After an hour and a half, at least, of frustrating phone calls, trying to get someone to pick up the phone at the outlet, and then calling the 800 number, we decided to go out there with the dryer and exchange it for another. Then another wait of over 45 minutes for someone to wait on us. Seems they were having a big sale, and only two sales people were scheduled. Like many other businesses these days, they have cut service, so I guess they would rather lose customers than pay people to help. Anyway, the lone saleslady called the manager from somewhere and we finally got the transaction completed and left with the dryer. I told David they better hurry up, because I get mean when I'm hungry. He just grinned, because in all the years I've known him, he has never seen me get mean. We finally got back home here about 1:30 and got the dryer hooked up and it seems to work ok, although I was too tired to do laundry yesterday. But God was in control and He is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

"O Lord, I have brought you the a token of the first crops you have given me from the ground. Then place the produce before the Lord your God, and worship him. Afterward, go and celebrate because of all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household."

Words from Dear Abby:

Take time to work,
It is the price of success.
Take time to think,
it is the source of power
Take time to play,
It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read,
It is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly,
It is the road to happiness.
Take time to love and be loved,
It is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to share,
Life is too short to be selfish.
Take time to laugh,
Laughter is the music of the soul.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Let God Guide the Way

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 some of you have been enjoying the sunsets lately. I know the sun sets in the west, but the reflection on the clouds in the east have been spectacular! Lavenders, pinks and bits of yellow. God knows how to paint!

I noticed this morning, that my amaryllis have died, yellow leaves, not all of them, but I am wondering if the tenting of the house next door had anything to do with it. Maybe when the tent was taken off some of the gas escaped. Scary thought. I will water them thoroughly today and see if that helps.

Well, yesterday was a different day. After I discovered that the dryer was defunct, I loaded the wet sheets in the basket and put them in the back of the car, then drove out to Sears outlet and bought a new, inexpensive dryer. They wanted a large sum of money for delivery, but I am blessed to have friends who have trucks, so it will be delivered today for the cost of a piece of pie. Can't beat the price! God is good!

After the trip to get the new dryer. I stopped at a laundrymat (that's actually the way it's spelled) and used one of their dryers. Since I was close to a supermarket, I stopped in and bought things I was totally out of at home. Whew! I was one tired biker chick when I got back home!

From the little devotional book: Knowing God

The true children of God are those who let God's Spirit lead them. Romans 8:14 NCV

The Bible promises that God will guide you if you let Him. Your job is to let Him. But sometimes, you will be tempted to do otherwise. Sometimes, you'll be tempted to go along with the crowd, other times, you'll be tempted to do things your way, not God's way, When you feet these temptations, resist them.

God has promised that when you ask for His help, He will not withhold it. So ask. Ask Him to meet the needs of your day. Ask Him to lead you, to protect you, and to correct you. And trust the answers He gives.

God stands at the door and waits. When you knock, He opens. When you ask, He answers. Your task, of course, is to seek His guidance prayerfully, confidently, and often.

Great Thoughts

We have ample evidence that the Lord is able to guide. The promises cover ever imaginable situation. All we need to do is to take the hand he stretches out.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Challenges

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 air is much drier this morning, and cool, but it will get much warmer this afternoon, I'm sure. Here it is almost November and summer clothes are still appropriate for wearing!

Since my clothes drier decided not to work this morning, if I had a clothesline, I could hang my sheets on it, and they would be dry in no time. Oh, well, looks like a trip to the laundry is on the agenda for today. Good thing I am flexible with my time!

The weather was a little warm yesterday, but I found a table under the shade of a pine tree at the park, and had a picnic lunch with my friend, Dave, who is a Park Ranger, now. He is one of the few who still has a job with the county, after all the cuts. We always have interesting conversations because he is an unbeliever. We are polar opposites in our beliefs, but have been friends for a long time and he cuts my yard, when it needs it and does other things for me that need doing. I keep on praying for him, which he doesn't believe in, and maybe, in God's timing....who knows?

According to him, there are about three gator nests along the boardwalk, which I have not seen, although I saw signs of the nests on my walks. One at the original nest, and another off to the side, besides the babies which are at the first covered shelter. Lots of birds were out yesterday, including a cardinal flitting about in a magnolia tree. God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

Why does God allow challenges in our lives?

James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.

Challenges that threaten and try us are the very tools that God uses to strengthen and mature us. As we endure, we gain greater wisdom, integrity, and courage to face whatever comes our way.

Are some challenges too small to bother God?

Psalm, 27:5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.

Nothing is too small for God When we commit our plans to the Lord, he commits himself and his infinite resources to us.

What has God given me to help me face my challenges?

Joshua 1:7 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do.

God has given us his word to direct us. The promise of success is embedded in our commitment to obedience.

1 Chronicles 28:20 David continued, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid for discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly."

Instead of being discouraged by the size of the task, we should be encouraged by the limitless power of God.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis