Thursday, November 15, 2012

Psoaring thru Psalm 62

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 the series of overcast days and late sunshine, but still no rain. When I went out to look for the paper this morning, I finally found it on one corner of the porch, hidden by the large poinsettia potted plant, which had been knocked over when the paper was thrown . With no rain, I have tried to keep the plants watered, so not too much of the soil was spilled out.

My cleaning ladies came yesterday, and we chatted while they worked. They are both going camping for Thanksgiving; Cheryl with her brothers at Ft. DeSoto, in their campers, and Kim and her husband in a cabin at a campground near Lake Wales. So, I asked jokingly, who was going to call me when the porch light was not on after dark and check up on me to see if I was Okay. They laughed and said I was on my own. But I really appreciate that Cheryl is so watchful of me. I think she is a born caretaker.

My yard man, Jason, also came unexpectedly, and he, also, is taking a few days off next week, so he was doing his lawns early. He blew off  the porch and driveway, which were covered with acorns, mostly smashed on the driveway. He had also trimmed some oak trees which had sprung up behind my hedge and disposed of them. He noticed that there are two holes under the fence, which seem to be bunny holes. I have seen a couple brown bunnies in the yard, but not for awhile.

I drove over to the park later, and saw that not many people were there, but it was very peaceful and quiet with ibis pecking and butterflies flitting about. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 62:5-12

I wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy
can reach me.

O My people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.

From the greatest to the lowliest---
all are nothing in his sight.
If you weigh them on the scales,
they are lighter than a puff of air.
Don't try to get rich
by extortion or robbery.
And if your wealth increases,
don't make it the center of your life.

God has spoken plainly,
And I have heard it many times.
Power, O God, belongs to you.
Unfailing love, O Lord, is yours.
Surely you judge all people
according to what they have done.

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


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

The Lord's charge to Joshua

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 an overcast, cooler morning so far, but a promise of getting warmer this afternoon. It is so strange when the sun does not shine, simply because that is so normal for this area.

I saw an unusual sight yesterday in a neighborhood yard as I was leaving to do errands. Three wood storks were standing sentinel like, in a driveway. I believe that is the first time I have seen them not on the bank of water someplace.. They are really big birds!

I drove out to Walmart to gas the van up and was pleased to see that prices are down and seem to be getting close to $3 a gal. Actually, I paid more for a half gallon of milk, than for a gallon of gas! Made the mistake of buying the milk at Farm Store. Lesson learned.

I stopped by the park on the way back and it was very busy with a lot of people enjoying the beautiful day! I was pleased to see the gopher tortoise ambling along near his hole in the ground. I had noticed it was freshly used, but had not seen the gopher in a few weeks. I did not see the moorhens or the anhinga on the weir, but God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Joshua 1:5-9
No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long
as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not
fail you or abandon you.

Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to 
possess all the land I swore to give my ancestors. Be strong and 
very courageous. Obey all the laws  Moses gave you. Do not turn
away from them, and you will be successful in every thing you do.
Study the 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.

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


Love and hugs.
Amaryllis

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Let God Guide the Way

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Believe it or not, I turned on the a/c late yesterday evening. It was so warm in the afternoon, I closed the southern kitchen window because too much heat was coming in! This is in the middle of November! Today is slightly cloudy, but we have had sunshine already, and it is still warm. I took one blanket off the bed yesterday and will put it back on if we get a cold front anytime soon, but meanwhile it is summer again!

I had to make a trip to Publix yesterday, because I was low on a lot of groceries. I had my list all made out and followed it closely, except I discovered a lot of buy one, get one free deals that I had not counted on, so I had to take advantage of those, too! The only thing I forgot was milk which I am almost out of. Oh, well, I will get some today. The bakery had pumpkin muffins, so, of course, I had to pick a four pack up, two of which are already gone!

After doing laundry, I swept up the porch again, and as I was sweeping, more acorns were falling, along with the autumn leaves...hmmm, reminds me of a song. It was a good productive day and God is good!

From the Little book of Devotions, Knowing God:

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


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

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

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

                                                                     -Great Thoughts-

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

                                                                    -Today's Prayer-

Dear Lord, thank You for Your constant presence and Your constant love. 
I draw near to You this day with the confidence that You are ready to
guide me . Help me walk closely with You, Father, and help me share Your
Good News with all who cross my path.
Amen

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


Love and hugs 

Amaryllis

Monday, November 12, 2012

Battle Hymn

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! Cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon! Perfect weather this time of year. This is what we hope and look forward to during the long, hot summer days! Bright sunshine and no clouds, so it is a beautiful day!

Brian and I drove out to Bay Pines Cemetery Saturday afternoon and I was so impressed by the careful mowing work that had been done. The grass was clipped precisely at each in ground marker, in readiness for the ceremonies for Veteran's Day on  Sunday.. It was quiet with only a couple cars at various spots. We placed flowers and visited for a few minutes, then made our way towards home. On the way, we stopped in at Little Italy for pizza, along with many others That is a busy place!.  I had pizza for lunch yesterday and I still have a slice left! We should have ordered a smaller one....

Yesterday, after church, I drove to the park, and saw a lot of people there, including three Buddhist monks dressed in their saffron colored robes, striped socks and sandals. I think they are Buddhist, but not  sure. Anyway, I also saw a large, shiny, black gator sunning along the bank of the lake on the right side. He has not been there for many months. Most people do not notice the gators over there, because they don't look as they are whizzing in. But God is good!

In honor of our veterans and those who are serving now, here are the words to the Battle Hymn of the Republic:

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored.
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword.
His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watchfires of a hundred circling camps,
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps.
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps.
His day is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat.
He is sifting out the hearts of mem before His judgment seat.
O be swift, my soul, to answer Him, be jubilant, my  feet!
Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea.
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me.
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free.
While God is marching on!

Glory, glory Hallelujah! Glory, glory Hallelujah!
Glory, glory, Hallelujah! Glory, glory Hallelujah!
His truth is marching on!

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


Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, November 9, 2012

Paul's Prayer for Spiritual 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! 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

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

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