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 is the string of warm days that should be spring instead of Feb.! I am comfy in short sleeve, so have gone back to summer clothes, instead of winter. But, at least, I got to wear my leather jacket once and that was on the motorcycle ride a couple weeks ago. Thanks, again, David!
Lots of people are enjoying the park these days...Sat. I saw a bride and groom with their photographer. walking along the sidewalk, up to a bench on the berm for pics. I did not see any other of the wedding party around, just the usual dog-walkers , moms with little ones in strollers, older people with walkers, runners and picnickers. I also saw the big gator, all wet and shiny, turtles black and shiny, and the gopher half out of his tunnel. dry and brown.
I enjoyed attending the date/Knight dinner at Chick-fil-a for sons and moms that Brian made reservations for. I knew we would be the oldest couple there by far, but it was fun. There was a special section reserved with tablecloths sprinkled with colored shiny stars, balloons on the tables and we were served our orders, instead of having to carry them. We also got free ice cream for dessert, and the giant cow came around to give every one high fives and pose for pics. It was a thoughtful thing for the manager to do...
Well, Patriot fans, I was rooting for the Giants, so sorry for you and happy for me! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I know God hears my prayers?
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.
2 Chronicles 7:14 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.
1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers, But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. We must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
1 John 5:14.15 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 us 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, February 6, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
Comfort
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! Today is overcast with high clouds, and while it is still warm, there is still a chance of rain. So, the question is..Should I get the van washed or not? That is usually a sure way to get rain!
I was happy with myself yesterday. I did laundry and ironed the same day. That usually does not happen, because I am not very fond of ironing. I also vacuumed with my freshly cleaned bagless vacuum. I thought one of those would be less trouble than the bag, but it has several filters that really fill up with dust and require a thorough cleaning. So, I just can't get out of work... I also went to Publix and discovered that the Taste-lee tomatoes are back, so I bought two and had a yummy tomato and cheese sandwich for lunch!
I saw the busy little moorhens at the park yesterday. I think I have mentioned that they mate for life and are always in pairs. They seem to not be afraid of gators, because this pair was swimming right in front of the gator hangout. I also watched the gopher, still sitting on his front porch, very close to the parking area. It looked like the picnic areas had been very busy, because the garbage can was overflowing on the ground, which mean raccoons get happy! And speaking of wild animals, my two neighbors and friends across the street saw four possums crossing the street and going in their backyards. I have seen them walking on the telephone lines and wondered how they could balance, because they are usually pretty fat. So they must be all over this neighborhood! Oh, well, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Will God really take time to involve himself in my little problems?
Isaiah 40:11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
Luke 12:6,7 What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid: you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.
1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
God measures problems by love, not by size. Even small things can be avenues for God's great care. Don't look at the size of your problem, but look at the greatness of God's love and concern.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was happy with myself yesterday. I did laundry and ironed the same day. That usually does not happen, because I am not very fond of ironing. I also vacuumed with my freshly cleaned bagless vacuum. I thought one of those would be less trouble than the bag, but it has several filters that really fill up with dust and require a thorough cleaning. So, I just can't get out of work... I also went to Publix and discovered that the Taste-lee tomatoes are back, so I bought two and had a yummy tomato and cheese sandwich for lunch!
I saw the busy little moorhens at the park yesterday. I think I have mentioned that they mate for life and are always in pairs. They seem to not be afraid of gators, because this pair was swimming right in front of the gator hangout. I also watched the gopher, still sitting on his front porch, very close to the parking area. It looked like the picnic areas had been very busy, because the garbage can was overflowing on the ground, which mean raccoons get happy! And speaking of wild animals, my two neighbors and friends across the street saw four possums crossing the street and going in their backyards. I have seen them walking on the telephone lines and wondered how they could balance, because they are usually pretty fat. So they must be all over this neighborhood! Oh, well, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Will God really take time to involve himself in my little problems?
Isaiah 40:11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
Luke 12:6,7 What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid: you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.
1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
God measures problems by love, not by size. Even small things can be avenues for God's great care. Don't look at the size of your problem, but look at the greatness of God's love and concern.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Be On Guard Against Temptation
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 have some high , filmy clouds this morning , but still in the sixties and supposed to warm up to the eighties! What a winter this has been so far! I am not complaining, though!
After running several errands yesterday, I went to the park. listening to the Beatles on the radio and stopped to look at the fat gator sunning on the bank of the lake, and the turtles drying out on the other side, on the bank of the weir. Then on to the gopher tortoise in his usual spot by his tunnel. Maybe there are eggs down in there that he or she is waiting to hatch.
I saw a flock of ibis at Lynch Lake along with lots of ducks and a tri-colored heron. Lots of wildlife all over the lakes and bodies of water. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
The spirit is willing but the body is weak.
Matthew 26:41 NIV
Have you noticed that this world is filled to the brim with temptations? Unless you've been living the life of a hermit, you've observed that that temptations, both great and small are everywhere.
Some temptations are small; eating a second scoop of ice cream, for example, is tempting, but not very dangerous. Other temptations , however, are not nearly so harmless. The devil is working 24/7, and he's causing pain and heartache in more ways than ever before. Thankfully, in the battle against Satan, we are never alone. God is always with us, and He gives us the power to resist temptation whenever we ask Him for the strength to do so.
In a letter to believers, Peter offered a stern warning: "Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:9 NKJV) As Christians, we must take that warning seriously, and we must behave accordingly.
Jesus faced every temptation known to man, so that he could identify with us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
After running several errands yesterday, I went to the park. listening to the Beatles on the radio and stopped to look at the fat gator sunning on the bank of the lake, and the turtles drying out on the other side, on the bank of the weir. Then on to the gopher tortoise in his usual spot by his tunnel. Maybe there are eggs down in there that he or she is waiting to hatch.
I saw a flock of ibis at Lynch Lake along with lots of ducks and a tri-colored heron. Lots of wildlife all over the lakes and bodies of water. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
The spirit is willing but the body is weak.
Matthew 26:41 NIV
Have you noticed that this world is filled to the brim with temptations? Unless you've been living the life of a hermit, you've observed that that temptations, both great and small are everywhere.
Some temptations are small; eating a second scoop of ice cream, for example, is tempting, but not very dangerous. Other temptations , however, are not nearly so harmless. The devil is working 24/7, and he's causing pain and heartache in more ways than ever before. Thankfully, in the battle against Satan, we are never alone. God is always with us, and He gives us the power to resist temptation whenever we ask Him for the strength to do so.
In a letter to believers, Peter offered a stern warning: "Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:9 NKJV) As Christians, we must take that warning seriously, and we must behave accordingly.
Jesus faced every temptation known to man, so that he could identify with us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Psoaring thru Psalms
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 in our string of beautiful days, with clear blue skies and cool temps at night. It warmed up so much yesterday, that although I took a sweater with me to the doc's office, even it was warm, so I didn't need it at all!
My dermatologist and his brother are now practicing together and I had the new brother yesterday. He is very young, and I would rather have the older brother, still. My face got several spots frozen, some of which I did not think necessary, but what can I do? He's the one with the degree....
I did get to see downtown, where I don't go too often, but it is a bustling place. The waterfront is really beautiful and there are more and more outdoor cafes! When I was growing up, that was the only place to go to shop, but it was mostly older people. Now, the crowd is much younger!
I got to the park, and that is really the place for outdoor dining! Squirrels, ibis, turtles and the big, fat gator lounging on the bank, Now that is my kind of scenery! I saw the man who lives in his car there with all his stuff spread out over two tables. I don't know where he gets the money from for the upkeep of his Avalon, which is about ten years old, but I guess he gets money from somewhere.
I discovered that my hidden azalea in the backyard has many dark pink blossoms on it and is really pretty. Louis planted that many years ago when the fireplace room was a screened in porch, and useless in the hot summer, but the azalea was a spot of beauty. It thrives without care, unlike some other plants. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 119:1-8
Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced
when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you by living as I should.
I will obey your principles,
Please don't give up on me!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My dermatologist and his brother are now practicing together and I had the new brother yesterday. He is very young, and I would rather have the older brother, still. My face got several spots frozen, some of which I did not think necessary, but what can I do? He's the one with the degree....
I did get to see downtown, where I don't go too often, but it is a bustling place. The waterfront is really beautiful and there are more and more outdoor cafes! When I was growing up, that was the only place to go to shop, but it was mostly older people. Now, the crowd is much younger!
I got to the park, and that is really the place for outdoor dining! Squirrels, ibis, turtles and the big, fat gator lounging on the bank, Now that is my kind of scenery! I saw the man who lives in his car there with all his stuff spread out over two tables. I don't know where he gets the money from for the upkeep of his Avalon, which is about ten years old, but I guess he gets money from somewhere.
I discovered that my hidden azalea in the backyard has many dark pink blossoms on it and is really pretty. Louis planted that many years ago when the fireplace room was a screened in porch, and useless in the hot summer, but the azalea was a spot of beauty. It thrives without care, unlike some other plants. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 119:1-8
Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced
when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you by living as I should.
I will obey your principles,
Please don't give up on me!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Joy
Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The weather is still beautiful with lots of sunshine and wind blowing this morning. However we still desperately need rain all over the state!
My day did not start off too well, I knocked over a large glass of water while I was enjoying breakfast, so had to stop and mop . Well, it could have been milk, so it wasn't all bad...just took a lot longer than I had planned. And this afternoon I go to my dermatologist where I will probably come out stinging where he freezes all the potential skin cancers that develop every six months. That goes with pale skin and living in Florida.
Yesterday I saw in my backyard, a squirrel sitting on top of the fence very still. I stood and watched him for a while, wondering if he was sick, but he just sat there sunning. I checked later and he was gone, so I guess he was just resting, which is unusual for squirrels! And over at the park, the squirrels seem to have thinned out, because the workers have to capture them for relocation after they get so aggressive from people giving them peanuts. I did not see the gator at the lake, but turtles were on the other side and lots of people were enjoying that spot of beauty very near the city. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How Can I be joyful in hard times?
Habakkuk 3:17,18 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails and the fields lie empty and barren, even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
Philippians 4:4,12 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! I know how to live on almost nothing, or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach, or empty, with plenty or little.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods, and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
James 1:2 Dear Brothers and Sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.
Troubles remind us of two things. First, they remind us that this is a fallen world full of futility and frustration. Second they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises us lasting joy for all those who believe in him. This kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, love and joy!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My day did not start off too well, I knocked over a large glass of water while I was enjoying breakfast, so had to stop and mop . Well, it could have been milk, so it wasn't all bad...just took a lot longer than I had planned. And this afternoon I go to my dermatologist where I will probably come out stinging where he freezes all the potential skin cancers that develop every six months. That goes with pale skin and living in Florida.
Yesterday I saw in my backyard, a squirrel sitting on top of the fence very still. I stood and watched him for a while, wondering if he was sick, but he just sat there sunning. I checked later and he was gone, so I guess he was just resting, which is unusual for squirrels! And over at the park, the squirrels seem to have thinned out, because the workers have to capture them for relocation after they get so aggressive from people giving them peanuts. I did not see the gator at the lake, but turtles were on the other side and lots of people were enjoying that spot of beauty very near the city. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How Can I be joyful in hard times?
Habakkuk 3:17,18 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails and the fields lie empty and barren, even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
Philippians 4:4,12 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! I know how to live on almost nothing, or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach, or empty, with plenty or little.
Joy is a choice. We may not realize it, but we choose our moods, and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
James 1:2 Dear Brothers and Sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.
Troubles remind us of two things. First, they remind us that this is a fallen world full of futility and frustration. Second they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises us lasting joy for all those who believe in him. This kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, love and joy!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, January 30, 2012
Colossians 1:7-14
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! We have had such beautiful weather, with blue skies and sunshine, cool temps at night and nice in the day time. The only flaw is a lack of rain which makes for wildfires, so I pray God will send us rain in his time.
I have been fascinated by cloud formations and contrails these past few days. As I was driving a couple days ago, I noticed two different contrails, quite wide because of wind, and one of them had just a strip of rainbow colors. The other had none. But my niece had posted a pic of the halo around the sun and she said the rainbow went all around. I just could see part of it. but it was beautiful! Then yesterday I saw contrails in the making as the plane flew so high I could not see it. Reminds me of the old movie, "High and Mighty", one of my favorite John Wayne films.
I spied two big gators sunning on the bank of the lake at the park Sat. and lots of turtles on the other side of the road. Then, yesterday, only one of the gators was sunning and about a dozen turtles were on the bank of the weir. A tri-colored heron was standing straight and tall and looking very majestic on the bank of the canal, while several ibis were pecking in the muddy water. I just happened to think that I have not seen a robin yet this winter, and usually they are all over. Hmm. Maybe just not in this neighborhood. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 1:7
Epaphras, our much-loved co-worker, was the one who brought you the Good News. He is Christ's faithful servant, and he is helping us in your place. He is one who told us about the great love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance that you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I have been fascinated by cloud formations and contrails these past few days. As I was driving a couple days ago, I noticed two different contrails, quite wide because of wind, and one of them had just a strip of rainbow colors. The other had none. But my niece had posted a pic of the halo around the sun and she said the rainbow went all around. I just could see part of it. but it was beautiful! Then yesterday I saw contrails in the making as the plane flew so high I could not see it. Reminds me of the old movie, "High and Mighty", one of my favorite John Wayne films.
I spied two big gators sunning on the bank of the lake at the park Sat. and lots of turtles on the other side of the road. Then, yesterday, only one of the gators was sunning and about a dozen turtles were on the bank of the weir. A tri-colored heron was standing straight and tall and looking very majestic on the bank of the canal, while several ibis were pecking in the muddy water. I just happened to think that I have not seen a robin yet this winter, and usually they are all over. Hmm. Maybe just not in this neighborhood. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 1:7
Epaphras, our much-loved co-worker, was the one who brought you the Good News. He is Christ's faithful servant, and he is helping us in your place. He is one who told us about the great love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance that you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, January 27, 2012
Hope
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 had a little rain during the early morning hours, but not enough. At least the oak pollen is dampened, so the air is a bit cleaner. While it's a little cooler, it is still not cold, so it's a nice change.
My handy yardman was here this morning, to take care of some chores, so that is why this is a little late in coming.
I saw lots of people and birds out yesterday at the park, including a long row of ibis over at Lynch Lake. They were lined up perfectly along one of the drainage outlets. Lots of seagulls and ducks, also, one of which dunked his head down while the tail stuck up in the air, while I watched. Very funny!
At the park, I saw turtles sunning, egrets on the bank, with people taking photos of them, and squirrels running all over the ground. I also spotted the gopher on his front porch again. Guess he just likes to watch people go by. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 16:23
Without wavering, let us hold tight to the hope we say we have , for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness, When everything else falls apart, we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
John 14:1
Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you may have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, for I have overcome the world.
Our troubles do not surprise the Lord and should not surprise us. Trouble is rampant in this fallen world. Our focus should be on Jesus who has overcome this world and all its troubles.
Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace, all who trust, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, love, and joy!
Love and hugs
Amaryllis
My handy yardman was here this morning, to take care of some chores, so that is why this is a little late in coming.
I saw lots of people and birds out yesterday at the park, including a long row of ibis over at Lynch Lake. They were lined up perfectly along one of the drainage outlets. Lots of seagulls and ducks, also, one of which dunked his head down while the tail stuck up in the air, while I watched. Very funny!
At the park, I saw turtles sunning, egrets on the bank, with people taking photos of them, and squirrels running all over the ground. I also spotted the gopher on his front porch again. Guess he just likes to watch people go by. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 16:23
Without wavering, let us hold tight to the hope we say we have , for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness, When everything else falls apart, we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
John 14:1
Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you may have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, for I have overcome the world.
Our troubles do not surprise the Lord and should not surprise us. Trouble is rampant in this fallen world. Our focus should be on Jesus who has overcome this world and all its troubles.
Isaiah 26:3-4
You will keep in perfect peace, all who trust, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, love, and joy!
Love and hugs
Amaryllis
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