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 sunshiny day with white, puffy clouds to greet the second day of August. Yesterday as I was completing my shopping list, I noticed a sudden hard shower. I knew it had gotten darker, but didn't realize the rain was coming. It lasted only about twenty minutes, but was a real soaker! Now I see there is a tropical disturbance a couple thousand miles from here, maybe this weekend we will get some of the effects from that.
It doesn't do me much good to make a list for groceries if I don't follow it closely, because I invariably forget to get something that was on it. Same thing happened yesterday. I thought I had pretty well completed it, but got home and realized I had neglected to get a couple things I really wanted. Wanted, not needed. Oh, well, another trip sometime soon.
Since my visit to the dermatologist Tuesday, my face is really spotty. I have a very red spot on my forehead and one on my left temple, and another down along the jaw line. But, I was brave enough to go out amidst people yesterday and the looks I got did not bother me. None of the critters at the park care about my face. Animals are very forgiving! I saw lots of ibis, including their young, anhingas and one white heron. Several of the ibis were perched in an oak tree over the canal. outstanding amidst the greenery. They are not very graceful teetering on a branch, but still pretty to look at. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we fill not fear , even if earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the Most High.
God himself lives in that city: it cannot be destroyed.
God will protect it at the break of day.
The nations are in an uproar,
and kingdoms crumble!
God thunders, and the earth melts!
Come see the glorious works of the Lord!...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
1 John
Good Morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners and Happy August First! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! As I said yesterday August always reminds me that fall is coming and in about two or three months we will have cooler weather...maybe October.
I have a messed up face, which I hope will be better by Sunday. Yesterday I had an appointment with my dermatologist, who froze several places on my face, so now I have a large red spot in the top middle of my forehead just at the hairline, a small biopsied place on my head and several on my arms. That's the price I am paying for having fair skin and too much sun in my younger days. Beware of sunburn, Young'uns!
I enjoyed a visit from my friend, David, catching up. I had not talked to him in a few weeks. Old friends are the best! In the afternoon, I paid a visit to the park, and saw a flock of ibis busy pecking down on the banks of the canal. Only a few people were there, but a lot was going on downtown where my doctor's office is located. I thought I would run into rain on the way home, because of big black clouds, but not a drop came down. Rain is predicted for today, but, hopefully, it will hold off until I can get to the supermarket. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Conclusion
I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. And 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 to us And if we know he is listening whenever we make our requests, we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for.
If you see a Christian brother or sister sinning in a way that does not lead to death, each should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying that you should pray for those who commit it. Every wrong is sin, but not all sin leads to death.
We know that those who have become part of God's family do not make a practice of sinning, for God's Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot get his hands on them. We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the power and control of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we are in God because we are in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.
Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I have a messed up face, which I hope will be better by Sunday. Yesterday I had an appointment with my dermatologist, who froze several places on my face, so now I have a large red spot in the top middle of my forehead just at the hairline, a small biopsied place on my head and several on my arms. That's the price I am paying for having fair skin and too much sun in my younger days. Beware of sunburn, Young'uns!
I enjoyed a visit from my friend, David, catching up. I had not talked to him in a few weeks. Old friends are the best! In the afternoon, I paid a visit to the park, and saw a flock of ibis busy pecking down on the banks of the canal. Only a few people were there, but a lot was going on downtown where my doctor's office is located. I thought I would run into rain on the way home, because of big black clouds, but not a drop came down. Rain is predicted for today, but, hopefully, it will hold off until I can get to the supermarket. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Conclusion
I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. And 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 to us And if we know he is listening whenever we make our requests, we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for.
If you see a Christian brother or sister sinning in a way that does not lead to death, each should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying that you should pray for those who commit it. Every wrong is sin, but not all sin leads to death.
We know that those who have become part of God's family do not make a practice of sinning, for God's Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot get his hands on them. We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the power and control of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we are in God because we are in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.
Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Make the most of the time you've been given
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 in our string of sunny, puffy clouds and light wind days! And we are almost into August, which always reminds me that autumn is around the corner, although the weather is not likely to change for another three months or so.
I don't know about anyone else, but I will really be happy when the election is over and I stop getting unwanted phone calls! I am on the "do not call" list, but politicians are exempt and I probably get five or six calls a day which I do not answer, because I have caller ID. Sometimes I just click them off, but one particular person always leaves a long message and I do not intend to vote for him, anyway. Grrr! That is my gripe of the day!
I did get away from the house and went to the park for a little quiet. Two photographers with telephoto lens were busy taking shots at various places. There is always something interesting to see, because it is a very natural place practically in the city. Many people who live here have never even visited it. Since it is only a mile from my house, I have no excuse! I saw some ibis and herons down in the canal fishing and the usual squirrels zipping here and there. The best time to see animals and birds is early in the morning when they all take off looking for food. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Hard work means prosperity; only fools idle away their time.
Proverbs 12:11 NLT
Time is a nonrenewable gift from God. But sometimes, we treat our time here on earth as if it were not a gift at all. We may be tempted to invest our lives in trivial pursuits and mindless diversions. But our Father in heaven wants us to do more...much more.
Are you one of those people who puts things off until the last minute? Do you waste time doing things that don't matter very much while putting off the important things until it's too late to do the job right? If so , it's not time to start making better choices.
It may seem like you've got all the time in the world to do the things you need to do, but time is shorter than you think. Time here on earth is limited....use it or lose it!
Our time is short! The time we can invest for God, in creative things, in receiving our fellowmen for Christ, is short!
Billy Graham
Dear Lord; you have given me a wonderful gift; time here on earth. Let me use it wisely--for the glory of Your kingdom and the betterment of Your world-today and every day.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I don't know about anyone else, but I will really be happy when the election is over and I stop getting unwanted phone calls! I am on the "do not call" list, but politicians are exempt and I probably get five or six calls a day which I do not answer, because I have caller ID. Sometimes I just click them off, but one particular person always leaves a long message and I do not intend to vote for him, anyway. Grrr! That is my gripe of the day!
I did get away from the house and went to the park for a little quiet. Two photographers with telephoto lens were busy taking shots at various places. There is always something interesting to see, because it is a very natural place practically in the city. Many people who live here have never even visited it. Since it is only a mile from my house, I have no excuse! I saw some ibis and herons down in the canal fishing and the usual squirrels zipping here and there. The best time to see animals and birds is early in the morning when they all take off looking for food. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Hard work means prosperity; only fools idle away their time.
Proverbs 12:11 NLT
Time is a nonrenewable gift from God. But sometimes, we treat our time here on earth as if it were not a gift at all. We may be tempted to invest our lives in trivial pursuits and mindless diversions. But our Father in heaven wants us to do more...much more.
Are you one of those people who puts things off until the last minute? Do you waste time doing things that don't matter very much while putting off the important things until it's too late to do the job right? If so , it's not time to start making better choices.
It may seem like you've got all the time in the world to do the things you need to do, but time is shorter than you think. Time here on earth is limited....use it or lose it!
Our time is short! The time we can invest for God, in creative things, in receiving our fellowmen for Christ, is short!
Billy Graham
Dear Lord; you have given me a wonderful gift; time here on earth. Let me use it wisely--for the glory of Your kingdom and the betterment of Your world-today and every day.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Monday, July 30, 2012
Opportunities
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! Sunshine, humidity, and breezes are what's on the weather map for today. It can be felt as soon as I stepped outside this morning, My mowing crew is finished already and the guys were already wet from the heat. And that is the way it will be for them all day.
I thought it was too warm even to shop Saturday, so I didn't! But, I went to the park where the trees give shade and coolness from the heat...at least for a little while. I saw a graceful white heron bending it's very long neck down toward the water, but other than squirrels, that was the only critter I saw.. I think the peacocks must have been relocated, because I have not seen them for months. They are beautiful, but a big nuisance. But God is good!
How can I face challenging, sometimes intimidating, opportunities?
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Our ability to face challenges is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. With Christ's help, we can make the most of every opportunity.
Revelation 3:8 I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.
We can trust that nothing will prevent us from fulfilling the opportunity God has for us.
How do I know if an opportunity is from the Lord?
Joshua 1:7-9 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. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you---be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
What does God promise to those who make the most of his opportunities?
Matthew 25:29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away.
God honors faithfulness in little things with the privilege of responsibility for greater things.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I thought it was too warm even to shop Saturday, so I didn't! But, I went to the park where the trees give shade and coolness from the heat...at least for a little while. I saw a graceful white heron bending it's very long neck down toward the water, but other than squirrels, that was the only critter I saw.. I think the peacocks must have been relocated, because I have not seen them for months. They are beautiful, but a big nuisance. But God is good!
How can I face challenging, sometimes intimidating, opportunities?
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Our ability to face challenges is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. With Christ's help, we can make the most of every opportunity.
Revelation 3:8 I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.
We can trust that nothing will prevent us from fulfilling the opportunity God has for us.
How do I know if an opportunity is from the Lord?
Joshua 1:7-9 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. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you---be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
What does God promise to those who make the most of his opportunities?
Matthew 25:29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away.
God honors faithfulness in little things with the privilege of responsibility for greater things.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Trust the Future to God
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 starting out like yesterday with lots of sun and wind, but unexpectedly, in the middle of the day I realized that rain was falling, No thunder, no lightning, just a steady rain for about thirty minutes. The wind was not blowing, but a cloud was just hovering overhead. Then the sun came out again and it was hot for the rest of the day.
I did not get over to the park until later in the afternoon, and saw lots of people hanging over the bridge looking down, so I am assuming that the gator that hangs around there, was very visible. There were a couple dozen cars parked, so there must have been a crowd on the boardwalk. It was something free to see and learn about nature. I saw the mama duck with all her little fuzzies happily pecking in an area of clover in someone's yard. They are super cute, but not so cute when they grow up. There must be hundreds around this area! This morning I saw a lizard inside the water bowl, so I guess in addition to the birds and squirrels, anoles and lizards also drink. So, God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
"I say this because I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future."
Jeremiah 29:11 NCV
How can you get to know God if you're unwilling to trust Him? The answer, of course, is that you can't. That's why you should trust God in everything (and that means entrusting your future to God).
Do you trust in the ultimate goodness of God's plan for your life? Will you face tomorrow's challenges with optimism and hope? You should. After all, God created you for a very important reason. His reason. And you still have important work to do. His work.
Today, as you live in the present and look to the future, remember that God has an amazing plan for you. Act-and believe--accordingly.
Take courage. We walk in the wilderness today and in the Promised Land tomorrow.
Never be afraid to trust and unknown future to a known God.
Corrie Ten Boom
Lord, sometimes when I think about the future, I worry. Today, I will do a better job of trusting. You. If i become discouraged, I will turn to You. If is am afraid, I will seek strength in You. You are my Father, and I will place my hope, my trust, and my faith in You. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I did not get over to the park until later in the afternoon, and saw lots of people hanging over the bridge looking down, so I am assuming that the gator that hangs around there, was very visible. There were a couple dozen cars parked, so there must have been a crowd on the boardwalk. It was something free to see and learn about nature. I saw the mama duck with all her little fuzzies happily pecking in an area of clover in someone's yard. They are super cute, but not so cute when they grow up. There must be hundreds around this area! This morning I saw a lizard inside the water bowl, so I guess in addition to the birds and squirrels, anoles and lizards also drink. So, God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
"I say this because I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future."
Jeremiah 29:11 NCV
How can you get to know God if you're unwilling to trust Him? The answer, of course, is that you can't. That's why you should trust God in everything (and that means entrusting your future to God).
Do you trust in the ultimate goodness of God's plan for your life? Will you face tomorrow's challenges with optimism and hope? You should. After all, God created you for a very important reason. His reason. And you still have important work to do. His work.
Today, as you live in the present and look to the future, remember that God has an amazing plan for you. Act-and believe--accordingly.
Take courage. We walk in the wilderness today and in the Promised Land tomorrow.
Never be afraid to trust and unknown future to a known God.
Corrie Ten Boom
Lord, sometimes when I think about the future, I worry. Today, I will do a better job of trusting. You. If i become discouraged, I will turn to You. If is am afraid, I will seek strength in You. You are my Father, and I will place my hope, my trust, and my faith in You. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Guidance
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! Lots of sunshine and few clouds around here today and very hot later on, but no rain, I went to the supermarket yesterday with very black clouds hovering and thought that I would surely come out to rain, but the clouds had passed and it was sunshiny and warm by the time I was ready to load up.
The wind is blowing this morning, making the hedge needles tremble like aspens. I saw a squirrel making his way through the thick growth yesterday. I don't know if they like mangos, but all the trees next door have a good crop this year. I see one or two occasionally with a bite mark taken out, in my yard. Squirrels or rats, probably.
The park was busy yesterday, with a few intrepid souls braving the heat to walk. A beautiful, majestic, white heron was waiting for a fish to swim by , and the usual anhinga was drying out his wings while perched on a stump. Lots of activity hidden from view! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be sure God will guide me?
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
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.
Jesus gives this promise to all his followers: If God values the littlest things of his creation, how much more must he value us for whom he gave his own precious Son. When we are anxious or concerned, we need to remind ourselves that God does indeed care about us and is watching over us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The wind is blowing this morning, making the hedge needles tremble like aspens. I saw a squirrel making his way through the thick growth yesterday. I don't know if they like mangos, but all the trees next door have a good crop this year. I see one or two occasionally with a bite mark taken out, in my yard. Squirrels or rats, probably.
The park was busy yesterday, with a few intrepid souls braving the heat to walk. A beautiful, majestic, white heron was waiting for a fish to swim by , and the usual anhinga was drying out his wings while perched on a stump. Lots of activity hidden from view! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be sure God will guide me?
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
Psalm 37:23-24 The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
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.
Jesus gives this promise to all his followers: If God values the littlest things of his creation, how much more must he value us for whom he gave his own precious Son. When we are anxious or concerned, we need to remind ourselves that God does indeed care about us and is watching over us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 23, 2012
Confidence
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! These thunderstorms seem to be coming mostly at night, now.l I dragged the dumpster down to the curb last night dodging rain drops, but was afraid a deluge was coming, so did not want to get caught in that! Now, I think the prediction is for a morning TS and afternoon. Well, God is in charge, so I don't worry about it!
Saturday, Brian and I went to Palm Harbor, so I could visit the SAS store there. Besides, Ellenton, that is the closest since they closed the one at Joe's Creek. Anyway, they were having their annual summer sale, so I bought two pair for comfort. My feet are, or have, worn out over the years, so I really need shoes that fit! And they do not have to be fancy or stylish, just comfy. One of the pair I bought are flip flop style sandals. Smooth and soft!
After I left the shoe store, we stopped at Sweet Tomatoes for lunch, then went to visit my sister and niece who live in Palm Harbor. As close in distance as we are, we still don't keep in touch that often. Sad, but true.
I visited the park during a rain and enjoyed the wet squirrels and a great blue heron, still fishing in the rain. There is a quiet, wet beauty in the fresh green of the trees and shrubs and the rushing of the water. I had to stop and let a raccoon cross the street. He should have been in bed asleep, but looked very disgruntled. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do we find confidence for every day?
Psalm 27 :1 The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger--so why should I tremble?
Psalm 121:8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
Many of the greatest athletes say that their real contest is a mental, not a physical one. It's the same way in our spiritual life. Our confidence comes not from looking around at our physical circumstances, but from looking to God.
How can we have confidence in the face of life's greatest hardships?
Proverbs 3-5,6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
When we rely on God, he will not let us down. Our limited understanding is no match for his limitless love and grace.
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't and life can't . The angels can't and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Saturday, Brian and I went to Palm Harbor, so I could visit the SAS store there. Besides, Ellenton, that is the closest since they closed the one at Joe's Creek. Anyway, they were having their annual summer sale, so I bought two pair for comfort. My feet are, or have, worn out over the years, so I really need shoes that fit! And they do not have to be fancy or stylish, just comfy. One of the pair I bought are flip flop style sandals. Smooth and soft!
After I left the shoe store, we stopped at Sweet Tomatoes for lunch, then went to visit my sister and niece who live in Palm Harbor. As close in distance as we are, we still don't keep in touch that often. Sad, but true.
I visited the park during a rain and enjoyed the wet squirrels and a great blue heron, still fishing in the rain. There is a quiet, wet beauty in the fresh green of the trees and shrubs and the rushing of the water. I had to stop and let a raccoon cross the street. He should have been in bed asleep, but looked very disgruntled. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do we find confidence for every day?
Psalm 27 :1 The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger--so why should I tremble?
Psalm 121:8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
Many of the greatest athletes say that their real contest is a mental, not a physical one. It's the same way in our spiritual life. Our confidence comes not from looking around at our physical circumstances, but from looking to God.
How can we have confidence in the face of life's greatest hardships?
Proverbs 3-5,6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
When we rely on God, he will not let us down. Our limited understanding is no match for his limitless love and grace.
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't and life can't . The angels can't and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
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