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 was the coldest yet for this fall/winter, so I was glad I had put another blanket on the bed. But once again, the sky is a clear blue and no clouds in sight! However, the wind has picked up, which makes for nice sweater weather outdoors. This is a beautiful time of the year!
Well, I took a couple watches to the jewelry store yesterday to get new batteries installed, and when I got home, discovered one of them still didn't work, so I guess that means another trip today. They are not expensive watches, but I like to change every so often. I ran a couple other errands and my last one was Dunkin' Donuts for pumpkin muffins. When I opened them at home, I found two choc. chip muffins, very dry. Humpf! Guess next time, I will try Starbuck's, which I hear are very good. I could go ahead and bake my own, but it is more fun to buy!
I, of course, had to stop by the Park. and check out what was going on in the animal kingdom. Some turtles were flattened out on the side of the weir, while the anhinga was on the other side of the canal, enjoying the sun. The moorhen family finally found out how to get past the gate and were running around inside and outside. They look so different when they are out of the water, because their legs are longer than they look when they are just paddling around. Seems like the wood storks are coming back more and more. Another large one was on the banks of Lynch Lake, taking time to preen. I also saw one of the tiny canary like birds that come down in the winter. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 1:15-23
Ever since I first heard of your strong faith
in the Lord Jesus and your love for Christians
everywhere, I have never stopped thanking
God for you. I pray for you constantly,
thanking God the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ , to give you spiritual wisdom and under-
standing so that you might grow in your
knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts
will be flooded with light so that you can under
stand the wonderful future he has promised
to those he called. I want you to realize what
a rich and glorious inheritance he has given
to his people.
I pray that you will begin to understand the
incredible greatness of his power for us
who believe him. This is the same mighty
power that raised Christ from the dead and
seated him in the place of honor at God's
right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is
far above any ruler or authority or power or
leader or anything else in this world or in the
world to come. And God has put all things
under the authority of Christ, and he gave
him this authority for the benefit of the church.
And the church is his body, it is
filled by Christ, who fills everything every-
where with his presence.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, November 9, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Psoaring thru Psalm 23
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! Clear skies and bright sunshine and chilly temps are what is the day is like, so far. Not a breeze stirring the trees, but the acorns are still falling, and now the leaves of the oak trees are coming down , wind or not! More sweeping...
Well, last night was so cool, I actually got out my winter flannel pjs, and this morning I put an extra blanket on the bed. My feet get cold, and I do not have my sweet bed warmer, any more. I miss him.
After doing some chores around the house, I decided to take a ride to beautiful downtown St. Petersburg. It was a lovely day and the waterfront was serene and lovely. As usual, the Beach Drive restaurants were busy with people having midday breaks and shoppers bustling from one shop to another. It is good to see so much going on.
I drove around Lynch Lake and saw a very large wood stork preening under a cluster of holly trees and bushes, along with a lot of ducks and a few ibis. As I went on to the park, I saw an anhinga across on the bank of the canal at the weir, and several turtles sunning on the weir. The moorhens were not there yesterday. There were quite a few people walking and looking over the bridge. It was a beautiful day! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd,
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows,
he leads me beside peaceful streams,
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the dark valley of death,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You welcome me as a guest,
anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, last night was so cool, I actually got out my winter flannel pjs, and this morning I put an extra blanket on the bed. My feet get cold, and I do not have my sweet bed warmer, any more. I miss him.
After doing some chores around the house, I decided to take a ride to beautiful downtown St. Petersburg. It was a lovely day and the waterfront was serene and lovely. As usual, the Beach Drive restaurants were busy with people having midday breaks and shoppers bustling from one shop to another. It is good to see so much going on.
I drove around Lynch Lake and saw a very large wood stork preening under a cluster of holly trees and bushes, along with a lot of ducks and a few ibis. As I went on to the park, I saw an anhinga across on the bank of the canal at the weir, and several turtles sunning on the weir. The moorhens were not there yesterday. There were quite a few people walking and looking over the bridge. It was a beautiful day! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd,
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows,
he leads me beside peaceful streams,
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the dark valley of death,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You welcome me as a guest,
anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Peace
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 thought the weather man said no rain for the next five days, and while it is not raining, still the sky is overcast and no sun is shining now. It was a few minutes ago. But it has turned a bit cooler, and I had the heat on for a little while. When I am not moving, I get chilly.
Well, I did not stay up for the election results, but I was pretty sure by the time I went to bed that Obama had been re-elected. As I was reminded this morning of a quote by R. C. Sproul..."It does not matter who is in the White House. What matters is Who is over it!" So. at least, all the political mail, commercials and phone calls, will now cease, and I for one am glad. I am on the Do Not Call registry, but that does not stop charities, and political calls from coming. One morning I had 8 calls in twenty minutes! I am thankful for caller I.D. because I do not pick up or answer strange numbers with no name.
Yesterday, I went out briefly to run an errand, and stopped in at the park, to see what was going on. The family of moorhens that lives across the street on the other side of the weir, was gathered in front of the gate at the weir, running around and looking like they wanted to get in . All they had to do was go around it or fly,, but I guess they didn't realize that. On the other side of the gate were two anhingas. Maybe they were having a conversation with the moorhens...:o). The sun was shining after a morning rain, and quite a few people were walking around and enjoying being out in the fresh air. The acorns are falling there, just a s they are falling here. I can hear them on the flat roof of our fireplace room, and have decided that is what I hear when I thought it was the acorns falling down the chimney. There is no way anything can get in the chimney. I went outside and looked, and the wire cover over the top is in place and doing its job, so I don't have to worry about a bird or critter getting down into the fireplace. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be at peace with others?
Psalm 34:14-15
Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.
When we pursue peace with others, the Lord supports us in every way. He guards our steps and hears our prayers. We can pray confidently for him to change our own hearts and to touch the lives of those with whom we want to be reconciled.
Matthew 5:0 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses us as we seek to bring his peace to others.
Psalm 37:37 Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful
future lies before those who love peace.
Bitterness and revenge can never bring lasting satisfaction.
Anger and conflict will destroy our future. God promises a great
future to those who make loving him and living at peace with others
as a way of life.
Proverbs 13:20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts
that are planning peace!
Seeking peace with others is one of the surest ways to release streams of joy and peace into our own hearts.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, I did not stay up for the election results, but I was pretty sure by the time I went to bed that Obama had been re-elected. As I was reminded this morning of a quote by R. C. Sproul..."It does not matter who is in the White House. What matters is Who is over it!" So. at least, all the political mail, commercials and phone calls, will now cease, and I for one am glad. I am on the Do Not Call registry, but that does not stop charities, and political calls from coming. One morning I had 8 calls in twenty minutes! I am thankful for caller I.D. because I do not pick up or answer strange numbers with no name.
Yesterday, I went out briefly to run an errand, and stopped in at the park, to see what was going on. The family of moorhens that lives across the street on the other side of the weir, was gathered in front of the gate at the weir, running around and looking like they wanted to get in . All they had to do was go around it or fly,, but I guess they didn't realize that. On the other side of the gate were two anhingas. Maybe they were having a conversation with the moorhens...:o). The sun was shining after a morning rain, and quite a few people were walking around and enjoying being out in the fresh air. The acorns are falling there, just a s they are falling here. I can hear them on the flat roof of our fireplace room, and have decided that is what I hear when I thought it was the acorns falling down the chimney. There is no way anything can get in the chimney. I went outside and looked, and the wire cover over the top is in place and doing its job, so I don't have to worry about a bird or critter getting down into the fireplace. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be at peace with others?
Psalm 34:14-15
Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.
When we pursue peace with others, the Lord supports us in every way. He guards our steps and hears our prayers. We can pray confidently for him to change our own hearts and to touch the lives of those with whom we want to be reconciled.
Matthew 5:0 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses us as we seek to bring his peace to others.
Psalm 37:37 Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful
future lies before those who love peace.
Bitterness and revenge can never bring lasting satisfaction.
Anger and conflict will destroy our future. God promises a great
future to those who make loving him and living at peace with others
as a way of life.
Proverbs 13:20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts
that are planning peace!
Seeking peace with others is one of the surest ways to release streams of joy and peace into our own hearts.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, November 6, 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! Rain is dripping from the roof and the sky is still overcast, but I think the sun will be out sometime today, as the weather turns colder. The sprinkles should not keep anyone from voting, though. I have voted absentee ballot for several years and that, for me, is a good way to vote.
I have been busy this morning, with washing sheets, drying them and putting them back on the bed. I also changed quilts and put the Amish quilt on made by my late friend in 1986. We had traveled to Middlebury, IN to visit my Grandpa's old farm, which is right across the unpaved street from her house. I had ordered it by mail, because they did not have a phone, and told her what colors I wanted, so it was just perfect when I picked it up. We were privileged to have a meal with them and later, her husband, took us for a buggy ride, around the neighborhood, where Will pointed out the houses of relatives, I did not know I had. It was a memorable time!
I ran a few errands yesterday, and took a brief ride in the park. I saw a couple anhingas drying out on the weir, and on the right side , the family of moorhens was paddling around. There were not many people out, but some dog walkers and others enjoying the day. A large gopher popped out of his hole and took a look around and decided to go back down when some people got too close. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I experience God's guidance?
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do no depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
The first step in guidance is knowing where to put your trust. Travelers rely on maps when visiting new places. In the same way, we must trust God to lead us and realize our own limitations. We do not understand all the complexities of life, and the Lord does.
Matthew 7:7-11
Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for.
Keep on looking and you will find. Keep on knocking and
the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives.
Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is open to everyone who
knocks. You parents--if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do
you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you
give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how
to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your
heavenly Father give good gifts to those ask Him.
God invites us to pray so that we will know him more fully as our loving Father
and understand ourselves more clearly as well. Even as a parent gives more`
and more responsibility to a child as he or she grows, so the Lord expects
us to take responsibility for seeking and following his direction.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I have been busy this morning, with washing sheets, drying them and putting them back on the bed. I also changed quilts and put the Amish quilt on made by my late friend in 1986. We had traveled to Middlebury, IN to visit my Grandpa's old farm, which is right across the unpaved street from her house. I had ordered it by mail, because they did not have a phone, and told her what colors I wanted, so it was just perfect when I picked it up. We were privileged to have a meal with them and later, her husband, took us for a buggy ride, around the neighborhood, where Will pointed out the houses of relatives, I did not know I had. It was a memorable time!
I ran a few errands yesterday, and took a brief ride in the park. I saw a couple anhingas drying out on the weir, and on the right side , the family of moorhens was paddling around. There were not many people out, but some dog walkers and others enjoying the day. A large gopher popped out of his hole and took a look around and decided to go back down when some people got too close. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I experience God's guidance?
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do no depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
The first step in guidance is knowing where to put your trust. Travelers rely on maps when visiting new places. In the same way, we must trust God to lead us and realize our own limitations. We do not understand all the complexities of life, and the Lord does.
Matthew 7:7-11
Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for.
Keep on looking and you will find. Keep on knocking and
the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives.
Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is open to everyone who
knocks. You parents--if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do
you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you
give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how
to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your
heavenly Father give good gifts to those ask Him.
God invites us to pray so that we will know him more fully as our loving Father
and understand ourselves more clearly as well. Even as a parent gives more`
and more responsibility to a child as he or she grows, so the Lord expects
us to take responsibility for seeking and following his direction.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, November 5, 2012
Wisdom
Good Morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The fog has mostly burned off and the sun is shining and it promises to be another warm day, this day before election day. I sent my absentee ballot in a couple weeks ago and was glad I had chosen that way to vote, since I needed a lot of time and help to figure out the amendments!
Saturday I saw a lot of fowl around Lynch Lake as I left for some errands. There were several moorhens, egrets, and leaving twin wakes across the lake, a couple small ducks paddling to the other side. It was a warm, sunny day. Yesterday I saw two anhingas, several turtles sunning on the bank of the weir, and a woodstork actually pecking for food along the canal. A flock of ibis took off flying in single file, and looking very beautiful. What wondrous sights are all around us if we only look! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
James 1:5 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.
We need not be embarrassed to ask God for the wisdom and direction we need. He will certainly give it if we ask him.
Colossians 3:16 Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
Proverbs 1:23 Come here and listen to me! I'll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise.
Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, riviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
God's word is our most reliable source of wisdom and insight. It speaks to all situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Saturday I saw a lot of fowl around Lynch Lake as I left for some errands. There were several moorhens, egrets, and leaving twin wakes across the lake, a couple small ducks paddling to the other side. It was a warm, sunny day. Yesterday I saw two anhingas, several turtles sunning on the bank of the weir, and a woodstork actually pecking for food along the canal. A flock of ibis took off flying in single file, and looking very beautiful. What wondrous sights are all around us if we only look! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
James 1:5 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.
We need not be embarrassed to ask God for the wisdom and direction we need. He will certainly give it if we ask him.
Colossians 3:16 Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
Proverbs 1:23 Come here and listen to me! I'll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you wise.
Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, riviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
God's word is our most reliable source of wisdom and insight. It speaks to all situations.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, November 2, 2012
Words from Paul
Good midday, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is another beautiful day with lots of sun and warming temps and very little wind. I should be out in it instead of in the house facing a load of laundry, but the day is not over yet...
My yard man came by yesterday and blew off the driveway, which was full of smashed acorns and twigs from the wind. He and his wife and kids had walked by Halloween and he noticed what a mess it was, so decided he had better do something about it. Now, if he could only do something about the flying cricket that is in the house...
I was at the park yesterday and enjoyed the peacefulness and the ibis and the egrets. The anhinga was back drying out the wings on the weir. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 4:6-9
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say again, rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter.
Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are
excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and
heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My yard man came by yesterday and blew off the driveway, which was full of smashed acorns and twigs from the wind. He and his wife and kids had walked by Halloween and he noticed what a mess it was, so decided he had better do something about it. Now, if he could only do something about the flying cricket that is in the house...
I was at the park yesterday and enjoyed the peacefulness and the ibis and the egrets. The anhinga was back drying out the wings on the weir. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 4:6-9
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say again, rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter.
Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are
excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and
heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Hunger for 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! And happy November first! It is kinda overcast and cool this morning, but I saw the sun a few minutes ago, I think. There is even rain predicted, but that may not be in this area. Whatever happens, we are blessed not to have the cleanup going on in the northern states.
As I bought a bag of Kit Kats and Twix yesterday, I thought of trick or treaters, but did not have a soul come to the door. Oh, well, guess they will get eaten eventually, by me. If I had my grandson here, they would not last long. Twix are his favorites!
As I was going by a retention pond yesterday, I caught a flash of pink, and sure enough, a roseate spoonbill was preening himself. What a pretty color God gave them! As I drove to the park, I saw a great gray heron and several ibis pecking at the picnic tables. Not many people were there, but a few dog walkers were just arriving. The trees were showing signs of the wind, as there were small branches lying around that had been broken off. Looked like my front yard, which also has broken branches and twigs lying around. I swept off the porch and almost needed a shovel, it was so deep in acorns and trash from the trees! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I satisfy the deep longings of my life?
Matthew 6:31-33
Don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
When we seek the Lord and order our lives according to his priorities, everything else falls into proper perspective. We can trust him to provide all we need.
Matthew 7:7
Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.
Psalm 37:4-5
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord, Trust him and he will help you.
Faith does not mean inaction. The Lord invites us to earnestly pursue our godly desires. As we do, he promises to lead us into joy and satisfaction.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, love and joy!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
As I bought a bag of Kit Kats and Twix yesterday, I thought of trick or treaters, but did not have a soul come to the door. Oh, well, guess they will get eaten eventually, by me. If I had my grandson here, they would not last long. Twix are his favorites!
As I was going by a retention pond yesterday, I caught a flash of pink, and sure enough, a roseate spoonbill was preening himself. What a pretty color God gave them! As I drove to the park, I saw a great gray heron and several ibis pecking at the picnic tables. Not many people were there, but a few dog walkers were just arriving. The trees were showing signs of the wind, as there were small branches lying around that had been broken off. Looked like my front yard, which also has broken branches and twigs lying around. I swept off the porch and almost needed a shovel, it was so deep in acorns and trash from the trees! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I satisfy the deep longings of my life?
Matthew 6:31-33
Don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
When we seek the Lord and order our lives according to his priorities, everything else falls into proper perspective. We can trust him to provide all we need.
Matthew 7:7
Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.
Psalm 37:4-5
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord, Trust him and he will help you.
Faith does not mean inaction. The Lord invites us to earnestly pursue our godly desires. As we do, he promises to lead us into joy and satisfaction.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, love and joy!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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