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! Last night I couldn't get to sleep because of the flashes of lightning and distant sound of thunder, and this morning the sky is still overcast. We got a little rain because the porch was a little puddly, but the streets were dry already. Maybe we will get some more today, as we could use it.
Well, romance is in the air! I did not get up at 4, but a couple hours later. However, I saw most of the royal wedding and the royal couple looked very happy. Being practical, I think when do they get to use the bathroom? But, I am sure all that is taken care of. :o) It brought back memories of my own wedding...much different, with no pomp or circumstance, no singing, and just family attending in a Baptist church . My sister was my maid of honor and a good friend was Louis' best man. But our marriage lasted 62 years, and as others, we had lost a child, but had two wonderful sons, and it lasted through sickness and health. I was married to a very affectionate, loving man who was a good father. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Thessalonians 5:12-26
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work. And remember to live peaceably with each other.
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, if faithful; he will do this.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Don't Get Tired of Doing the Right Thing
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 weather has been much different than the weather yesterday going through the south. I was watching the weather channel most of last night, because Daryl had called and said he had seen two tornadoes in Cleveland, Tn and another was on the way. I watched videos of the huge one in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa and people are still digging out, with many deaths. I thank God that my family in Tenn. was spared and have prayed for the ones who were not.
We will be having storms tonight, so the prediction goes, but sometimes the weather man does not get it right. We could use the rain, but not the bad weather! Hopefully, the weather stays good for the last flight of the Endeavor.. But God is still good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9 NIV
The world you live in has a way of testing your faith, your courage, and your intentions. If you intend to follow God (and if you follow through on those intentions) you'll be rewarded...richly rewarded. But if you give in at the first sign of temptation, you're headed for trouble, and fast.
Whose steps will you follow today? Will you honor God as you strive to follow His Son? Or will you join the lockstep legion that seeks to discover happiness and fulfillment through worldly means? If you are righteous and wise, you will follow Christ. You will follow Him today and every day. You will seek to walk in His footsteps without reservation or doubt. When you do so, you will be "right with God" precisely because you are walking with His only begotten Son.
-Great Thoughts-
"In the fulfillment of your duties, let our intentions be so pure that you reject from your actions any other motive than the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
We will be having storms tonight, so the prediction goes, but sometimes the weather man does not get it right. We could use the rain, but not the bad weather! Hopefully, the weather stays good for the last flight of the Endeavor.. But God is still good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9 NIV
The world you live in has a way of testing your faith, your courage, and your intentions. If you intend to follow God (and if you follow through on those intentions) you'll be rewarded...richly rewarded. But if you give in at the first sign of temptation, you're headed for trouble, and fast.
Whose steps will you follow today? Will you honor God as you strive to follow His Son? Or will you join the lockstep legion that seeks to discover happiness and fulfillment through worldly means? If you are righteous and wise, you will follow Christ. You will follow Him today and every day. You will seek to walk in His footsteps without reservation or doubt. When you do so, you will be "right with God" precisely because you are walking with His only begotten Son.
-Great Thoughts-
"In the fulfillment of your duties, let our intentions be so pure that you reject from your actions any other motive than the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 34
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 wind is blowing, but we don't have the storms that are going through Tenn. and up through the east coast, so I am happy about that. Just sunshine and blue skies here.
I had a long afternoon yesterday spent at the doctor's office for a routine check up. But, God is so good to always send someone my way to help pass the time. A couple from the past who we were good friends with, were there, and the man talked with me for half and hour catching up on past events in our lives. That's about the third time old friends and I have caught up in the waiting room, which has turned out to be God's waiting room.
When I finally was able to get to the park, I found few people there, but someone had a fire going in the bar-b-que and it smelled so good! It looked like a family was living in their van, because the back end was open and it was stacked with baskets of clothing and all kinds of things. No telling what their story was, but at least, they had something to eat.
I saw two little heads sticking up out of the osprey nest at Sawgrass Elem. waiting for mom or dad to bring home some food, so they are still nesting atop light poles and the tall platforms that are erected for them. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness;
Let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me,
freeing me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
I cried out to the Lord in my suffering and he heard me.
He set me free from all my fears.
For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear him.
And he rescues them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him reverence,
for those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will
never lack any good thing...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had a long afternoon yesterday spent at the doctor's office for a routine check up. But, God is so good to always send someone my way to help pass the time. A couple from the past who we were good friends with, were there, and the man talked with me for half and hour catching up on past events in our lives. That's about the third time old friends and I have caught up in the waiting room, which has turned out to be God's waiting room.
When I finally was able to get to the park, I found few people there, but someone had a fire going in the bar-b-que and it smelled so good! It looked like a family was living in their van, because the back end was open and it was stacked with baskets of clothing and all kinds of things. No telling what their story was, but at least, they had something to eat.
I saw two little heads sticking up out of the osprey nest at Sawgrass Elem. waiting for mom or dad to bring home some food, so they are still nesting atop light poles and the tall platforms that are erected for them. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness;
Let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me,
freeing me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
I cried out to the Lord in my suffering and he heard me.
He set me free from all my fears.
For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear him.
And he rescues them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him reverence,
for those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will
never lack any good thing...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Wise words from Ecclesiastes
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, we missed another chance last night...the thunder was booming all around, just like Sunday night, but we did not get a drop. Just a few miles from here that area got four inches. Sigh. I am sure our turn will come soon. But, at least, we can enjoy the sunshine and breezes for a beautiful day!
I saw a few people at the park yesterday, looking over the bridge at the anhinga drying his wings, while perched on the dead stump. Several people walking dogs, some with two to walk, You get lots of exercise when you are a dog owner! I saw the inert body of a squirrel lying in a driveway as I drove by. I don't know if someone threw it there, or if it got hit by a car, and crawled there to die. Anyway, I was sad to see it. I know we have lots of squirrels in the neighborhood, but I still don't like to see them hurt. Louis used to set in his chair outside and they would crawl up his pant leg and sit on his lap to get peanuts. He really enjoyed that! I think the ones we have now in the trees are a different family, because they are not so friendly. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT;
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, 5:19-20
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone fan be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life-that is indeed a gift from God. People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I saw a few people at the park yesterday, looking over the bridge at the anhinga drying his wings, while perched on the dead stump. Several people walking dogs, some with two to walk, You get lots of exercise when you are a dog owner! I saw the inert body of a squirrel lying in a driveway as I drove by. I don't know if someone threw it there, or if it got hit by a car, and crawled there to die. Anyway, I was sad to see it. I know we have lots of squirrels in the neighborhood, but I still don't like to see them hurt. Louis used to set in his chair outside and they would crawl up his pant leg and sit on his lap to get peanuts. He really enjoyed that! I think the ones we have now in the trees are a different family, because they are not so friendly. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT;
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, 5:19-20
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone fan be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life-that is indeed a gift from God. People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Monday, April 25, 2011
John 3:16
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! Yesterday was a wonderful day celebrating the risen Lord! It was so good to see all the friends and people at church, many of them new to me, but the church had a good crowd at second service, and, I hope, at first service, too. Brian reported that his church had to move their Sat. night service into the sanctuary from the gym because it has outgrown the gym. They had three services on Sunday, and all were full, so hundreds of people heard the Easter message and how Christ died for them! Hallelujah!
Brian took me to a restaurant for Easter dinner, and we were seated right away! I was really surprised! After dinner we went to the cemetery to put an Easter lily on Louis' grave. There were hundreds of flowers of all colors placed on the stones, so it was very colorful, the wind was blowing, but the sun was very hot, so I used an umbrella for shade and was comfortable. After that, it was later in the afternoon and we were both tired, so he went home after dropping me off, so I read and rested the rest of the day.
I just saw a butterfly fluttering around the hedge outside my window, and it reminded me of the last time I walked in the park. I was coming down the sidewalk and hundreds of small, blue dragonflies were hovering just above the walk. I was not afraid I would step on one, because they moved very swiftly in front of me. It was so cool! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
John 3:16-21
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.
There is no judgment awaiting those who trust Him. But those who do not trust Him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. Their judgment is based on this fact. The light from heaven came into the world, but they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Brian took me to a restaurant for Easter dinner, and we were seated right away! I was really surprised! After dinner we went to the cemetery to put an Easter lily on Louis' grave. There were hundreds of flowers of all colors placed on the stones, so it was very colorful, the wind was blowing, but the sun was very hot, so I used an umbrella for shade and was comfortable. After that, it was later in the afternoon and we were both tired, so he went home after dropping me off, so I read and rested the rest of the day.
I just saw a butterfly fluttering around the hedge outside my window, and it reminded me of the last time I walked in the park. I was coming down the sidewalk and hundreds of small, blue dragonflies were hovering just above the walk. I was not afraid I would step on one, because they moved very swiftly in front of me. It was so cool! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
John 3:16-21
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.
There is no judgment awaiting those who trust Him. But those who do not trust Him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. Their judgment is based on this fact. The light from heaven came into the world, but they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Friday, April 22, 2011
Good Friday
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! This is another beautiful day leading up to Easter Sunday, which will also be a beautiful day because of the meaning of that day. O Happy Day!
Yesterday was a quiet day for me, spent doing some chores around the house. There is always something to do, which I don't usually get done because of reading. When I did go out, I noticed the baby osprey in the nest on top of the field light pole at Sawgrass Elem. It looks almost big enough to leave the nest, now. Also, the birds have really been noisy. Seems like a lot of them are chirping and singing. they love the weather, too! God is good!
Last evening I attended a very moving Maundy Thursday service at church, which was very solemn with scripture reading and a message and then communion. We saw a video depicting Christ's crucifixion which brought me to tears because of the thought that Christ suffered agonies because of my sins! But then came Sunday!!
Luke 22:14 -24 NLT:
Then at the proper time Jesus and the twelve apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, "I have looked forward to this hour with deep longing, anxious to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won't eat it again unitl it comes to fulfillment in the Kingdom of God."
Then he took a cup of wine, and when he had given thanks for it, he said, "Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come."
Then he took a loaf of bread; and when he had thanked God for it, he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." After supper he took another cup of wine and said, "This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you--an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you."
But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. For I, the Son of Man, must die since it is part of God's plan. But how terrible it will be for my betrayer!" Then the disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing...
We will hear the rest of the story Sunday at church. What a glorious morning that will be!!
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 for me, spent doing some chores around the house. There is always something to do, which I don't usually get done because of reading. When I did go out, I noticed the baby osprey in the nest on top of the field light pole at Sawgrass Elem. It looks almost big enough to leave the nest, now. Also, the birds have really been noisy. Seems like a lot of them are chirping and singing. they love the weather, too! God is good!
Last evening I attended a very moving Maundy Thursday service at church, which was very solemn with scripture reading and a message and then communion. We saw a video depicting Christ's crucifixion which brought me to tears because of the thought that Christ suffered agonies because of my sins! But then came Sunday!!
Luke 22:14 -24 NLT:
Then at the proper time Jesus and the twelve apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, "I have looked forward to this hour with deep longing, anxious to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won't eat it again unitl it comes to fulfillment in the Kingdom of God."
Then he took a cup of wine, and when he had given thanks for it, he said, "Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come."
Then he took a loaf of bread; and when he had thanked God for it, he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." After supper he took another cup of wine and said, "This wine is the token of God's new covenant to save you--an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you."
But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me. For I, the Son of Man, must die since it is part of God's plan. But how terrible it will be for my betrayer!" Then the disciples began to ask each other which of them would ever do such a thing...
We will hear the rest of the story Sunday at church. What a glorious morning that will be!!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 139
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! It's Maundy Thursday and the sky is blue with just a few light, puffy clouds scudding across the sky..looks like another beautiful day.
I had an interesting day yesterday, with some surprises in it. You just never know what God has planned for you each day, so it's kind of fun to see what happens. When I went to Publix, I was surprised to see a very old friend from St. James's days, so we chatted a bit and caught up on our families. and I saw another old friend, but not to speak to. Then, later on, A cousin called me from California. I had not heard from him since probably we were both pre-teens! Now, that's a long time!! He found me on Facebook, so that social network can do some good after all!
After that, my friends, and neighbor ladies came to clean the house, so I caught them up on my Not So Great Adventure #4. They are always interested in what goes on with me. One of them, Cheryl, looks after me and almost called me at 11 night before last to tell me my porch light was not on. I had forgotten to turn it on. She always warns me to lock my doors and wear my home companion button. I am blessed to have people looking out for me!! God is good!
I had asked God to direct me in the scripture for today, and when I opened my Bible it fell open to the one I had decided on;
Psalm 139:1-6, 23-24 NLT
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to know!
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path
of everlasting life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had an interesting day yesterday, with some surprises in it. You just never know what God has planned for you each day, so it's kind of fun to see what happens. When I went to Publix, I was surprised to see a very old friend from St. James's days, so we chatted a bit and caught up on our families. and I saw another old friend, but not to speak to. Then, later on, A cousin called me from California. I had not heard from him since probably we were both pre-teens! Now, that's a long time!! He found me on Facebook, so that social network can do some good after all!
After that, my friends, and neighbor ladies came to clean the house, so I caught them up on my Not So Great Adventure #4. They are always interested in what goes on with me. One of them, Cheryl, looks after me and almost called me at 11 night before last to tell me my porch light was not on. I had forgotten to turn it on. She always warns me to lock my doors and wear my home companion button. I am blessed to have people looking out for me!! God is good!
I had asked God to direct me in the scripture for today, and when I opened my Bible it fell open to the one I had decided on;
Psalm 139:1-6, 23-24 NLT
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to know!
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path
of everlasting life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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