Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the so far, clear day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Because of the smoky haze all day yesterday and three doctor appointments, we never made our walk in the park. However, we did ride over and through it and not very many people were brave enough to breathe the smoke.
We are thankful for the westerly breeze that blew it all away toward evening!
I noticed an eagle on the line beside the Lake near our house and a roseate spoonbill in it, so God sends His critters in our own neighborhood to enjoy! God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
Stress has become a buzzword for Americans, especially in the last decade. At some point in our lives, we are all overcome with hectic schedules and perfectionistic tendencies.
In his article "Confessions of a Workaholic," psychiatrist Paul Meier wrote, "Having grown up with an overdose of the Protestant work ethic, I was an honor student who was somewhat overzealous...I was a first-class workaholic and I was proud of myself for being one. I thought that was what God wanted of me."
But later through the help of friends, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and biblical teaching, Dr. Meier established new priorities. At the top of his list was: "Know God personally."
He observed, " I've learned to accept living in an imperfect world.Every need is not a call for my involvement. I have learned to trust God instead of myself to rescue the world. He can do a much better job of it anyway."
Jesus, too, must have been exhausted by demands placed upon Him. When he departed to pray in quiet solitudy, He left a significant example for us to follow-daily.
Ask the Father to help you make quietness a priority so that, regardless of the time of day, you can go to the garden alone and hear His voice.
Do not look forward to what may happen
tomorrow; the same everlasting Father, who
cares for you today will take care of you
tomorrow. And every day. Either He will
shield you from suffering, or He will
give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Saint Francis of Sales
"After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by himself to pray and when it was evening, He was there alone.
Matthew 14:23
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Truths from Ephesians
Good Morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, the air was full of smoke, so wildfires must be burning in Central Florida. The half-moon was shining brilliantly, so nothing obscured it.
Our city is beautiful this time of year, with jacarandas showering lavender blooms everywhere. Our neighborhood is gorgeous with the flowering trees and the blooming amaryllis God is a Master Painter!
I watched the baby hawks for awhile yesterday, at the Park. They are getting so big and stretching their wings, it looks like they will soon be able to leave the nest, which must be very crowded when Ma and Pa come in. They are still not pretty, but have lost their yellow fuzz.
From the Promise Bible:
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
Paul's Prayer
"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him."
"So be careful how you live, not as fools, but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do....Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
"Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free."
"Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen. "
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Our city is beautiful this time of year, with jacarandas showering lavender blooms everywhere. Our neighborhood is gorgeous with the flowering trees and the blooming amaryllis God is a Master Painter!
I watched the baby hawks for awhile yesterday, at the Park. They are getting so big and stretching their wings, it looks like they will soon be able to leave the nest, which must be very crowded when Ma and Pa come in. They are still not pretty, but have lost their yellow fuzz.
From the Promise Bible:
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
Paul's Prayer
"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him."
"So be careful how you live, not as fools, but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do....Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
"Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free."
"Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen. "
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, May 7, 2007
Plans
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the windy, cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, we have to be careful what we pray for; I prayed for rain and last night we got a thunderstorm with lots of wonderful rain. I could just imagine the grasses and plants drinking it in! God is good!
It was so warm yesterday, I didn't attempt to walk, but we drove through the Park and saw a number of people enjoying picnics in the shade and children having fun, in spite of the heat. I had fun in my air conditioning. :o)
The start of another week brings thoughts of work and how God leads us if we only seek His will. From the Promise Bible:
Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Sometimes we are tempted to question God's will for our lives, thinking he has made a mistake. God promises to give us the best as we follow his ways. Ultimately, even what looks like a mistake can become the means to something wonderful.
Colossians 3:23-24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord, rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."
Psalm 138
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by the honor of your name.
When I pray, you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
It was so warm yesterday, I didn't attempt to walk, but we drove through the Park and saw a number of people enjoying picnics in the shade and children having fun, in spite of the heat. I had fun in my air conditioning. :o)
The start of another week brings thoughts of work and how God leads us if we only seek His will. From the Promise Bible:
Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Sometimes we are tempted to question God's will for our lives, thinking he has made a mistake. God promises to give us the best as we follow his ways. Ultimately, even what looks like a mistake can become the means to something wonderful.
Colossians 3:23-24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord, rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."
Psalm 138
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by the honor of your name.
When I pray, you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me the strength I need.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Opposites balanced
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the clear day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The moon is shining brightly this morning and dimming all the stars, which means the air is a little cleaner.
We were unable to walk in the park until after dinner last night, but I spent the time talking with Mark, working the late shift. He needs encouragement because his mother is in a nursing home and he worries about her. Then Steve, the naturalist, stopped by on his bike, and said he was enjoying the cookies I brought. Then David Massey came running by and stopped for a hug and brief chat before he was off and running again.
We did see wildlife, though. The hawk flew by and landed on a dead tree as we drove in, and lots of squirrels were very busy running around and digging for acorns. God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
Much of our lives seem to be suspended between opposites. We grow up leaning to label things as good and bad, hurtful and helpful, naughty and nice. People are kind or mean. the thermostat can be adjusted to avoid extremes of heat and cold. We look forward to the changing of seasons from summer to winter.Time is divided by day and night.
These opposites can also help us release stress.
Every often people who are engaged in physical, muscle-intensive work all day choose a mental activity with which to relax and unwind. Those who have idea-intensive jobs often enjoy relaxing with hobbies that make use of their hands, such as woodcarving or needlework. Those in sterile, well-ordered environments look forward to coming home to weed their gardens.
Structured tasks and routines are good relaxation for those involved in the creative arts. The musician runs home to his computer. The surgeon delights in growing orchids in a hothouse. The factory worker enjoys crossword puzzles. The executive unwinds in the kitchen, preparing gourmet meals.
The Lord created us for this rhythm of opposites. God told Noah as he and his family left the ark that Noah would experience "seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease" Genesis 8:22 NKJV) Mankind was set in a world of opposites.
When you feel stressed out at day's end, try engaging in an activity that is physical. If you have been exerting physical energy, turn to an activity that is mental.
Let the pendulum swing back to rest in a central location!
People who cannot find time for
recreation are obliged sooner or
later to find time for illness.
John Wanamaker
The day is yours. The night also is yours. You have prepared the light and the sun. You have set all the borders of the earth. You have made summer and winter. Psalm 74:16-17
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We were unable to walk in the park until after dinner last night, but I spent the time talking with Mark, working the late shift. He needs encouragement because his mother is in a nursing home and he worries about her. Then Steve, the naturalist, stopped by on his bike, and said he was enjoying the cookies I brought. Then David Massey came running by and stopped for a hug and brief chat before he was off and running again.
We did see wildlife, though. The hawk flew by and landed on a dead tree as we drove in, and lots of squirrels were very busy running around and digging for acorns. God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
Much of our lives seem to be suspended between opposites. We grow up leaning to label things as good and bad, hurtful and helpful, naughty and nice. People are kind or mean. the thermostat can be adjusted to avoid extremes of heat and cold. We look forward to the changing of seasons from summer to winter.Time is divided by day and night.
These opposites can also help us release stress.
Every often people who are engaged in physical, muscle-intensive work all day choose a mental activity with which to relax and unwind. Those who have idea-intensive jobs often enjoy relaxing with hobbies that make use of their hands, such as woodcarving or needlework. Those in sterile, well-ordered environments look forward to coming home to weed their gardens.
Structured tasks and routines are good relaxation for those involved in the creative arts. The musician runs home to his computer. The surgeon delights in growing orchids in a hothouse. The factory worker enjoys crossword puzzles. The executive unwinds in the kitchen, preparing gourmet meals.
The Lord created us for this rhythm of opposites. God told Noah as he and his family left the ark that Noah would experience "seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease" Genesis 8:22 NKJV) Mankind was set in a world of opposites.
When you feel stressed out at day's end, try engaging in an activity that is physical. If you have been exerting physical energy, turn to an activity that is mental.
Let the pendulum swing back to rest in a central location!
People who cannot find time for
recreation are obliged sooner or
later to find time for illness.
John Wanamaker
The day is yours. The night also is yours. You have prepared the light and the sun. You have set all the borders of the earth. You have made summer and winter. Psalm 74:16-17
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Psoaring thru Psalms
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful May morning that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I saw the huge, full moon as I stepped outside this morning,and it was a strange orangish color from the pollutants in the air. I think it is because of the wildfire smoke.
Yesterday, after a good therapy workout, (ouch), we walked for a little bit and then watched the hawk nest with the babe stretching and poking his fuzzy little head up..strangely, though, I didn't see Ma or Pa flying in or out. It is getting too warm to walk, except early in the morning.
Psalm 34 NLT
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness,
let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me,
freeing me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be
radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
I cried out to the Lord in my suffering,
and he heard me.
He set me free from all my fears.
For the angel of the Lord guards all who
fear him.
and he rescues them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him
reverence.
for those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes
go hungry
but those who trust in the Lord will
never lack any good thing.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, after a good therapy workout, (ouch), we walked for a little bit and then watched the hawk nest with the babe stretching and poking his fuzzy little head up..strangely, though, I didn't see Ma or Pa flying in or out. It is getting too warm to walk, except early in the morning.
Psalm 34 NLT
I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness,
let us exalt his name together.
I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me,
freeing me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be
radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
I cried out to the Lord in my suffering,
and he heard me.
He set me free from all my fears.
For the angel of the Lord guards all who
fear him.
and he rescues them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him
reverence.
for those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes
go hungry
but those who trust in the Lord will
never lack any good thing.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Crisis
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! Happy May Day! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I remember when our boys were little we would make up little baskets of flowers and take them to the neighbors every May first. I hope they remember that. (The boys, not the neighbors.)
Yesterday, I walked out to the tower and watched the two little striped gators right beside the log they like to catch some rays on. They seemed to be looking at the people looking at them.
After that, we watched Ma and Pa hawk flying back and forth with food for the yellow, fuzzy babe that showed its head and flapped its wings over the nest. They are so protective of the baby! God is awesome!
From the Promise Bible:
Shouldn't those who believe in God be free from crisis?
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."
Crisis should not surprise us. We expect crisis and difficulty because we live in a fallen world. Jesus' warning keeps us from panic, and his promise of victory keeps us from discouragement.
Psalm 46:1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!"
Nothing in the world is stable or safe. We can find no lasting shelter apart from the Lord. When we rely on him, though everything else is shaken, our faith never will be.
What happens to us through times of crisis?
Romans 5:3-4 "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us. and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. "
God's transforming power often touches us most deeply in times of crisis. Times of crisis can strengthen our character.
Times of crisis are like a fire that refines, like a knife that prunes, like a wind that sifts the wheat from the chaff. Ask God for the strength to hold on and for the strength to let go of ungodly things. Look to the joy that awaits on the other side of the trial.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, I walked out to the tower and watched the two little striped gators right beside the log they like to catch some rays on. They seemed to be looking at the people looking at them.
After that, we watched Ma and Pa hawk flying back and forth with food for the yellow, fuzzy babe that showed its head and flapped its wings over the nest. They are so protective of the baby! God is awesome!
From the Promise Bible:
Shouldn't those who believe in God be free from crisis?
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."
Crisis should not surprise us. We expect crisis and difficulty because we live in a fallen world. Jesus' warning keeps us from panic, and his promise of victory keeps us from discouragement.
Psalm 46:1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!"
Nothing in the world is stable or safe. We can find no lasting shelter apart from the Lord. When we rely on him, though everything else is shaken, our faith never will be.
What happens to us through times of crisis?
Romans 5:3-4 "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us. and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. "
God's transforming power often touches us most deeply in times of crisis. Times of crisis can strengthen our character.
Times of crisis are like a fire that refines, like a knife that prunes, like a wind that sifts the wheat from the chaff. Ask God for the strength to hold on and for the strength to let go of ungodly things. Look to the joy that awaits on the other side of the trial.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Joy
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners, a bit later than usual. This is the misty day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
Due to a balky PC, I could not get through earlier. I think that was God playing a trick on me, because I was going to write about "joy". I was not joyful over the PC acting up, but all is forgiven, now.
Because of the all day rain, yesterday, I did not walk in the Park, but hope to today. When I went out early this morning, the half-moon was shining brightly, so, we should have some sun today. I am really thankful for the rain, though. We sorely needed it!
From the Promise Bible:
Where does joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 "Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song."
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 "He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever."
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
How can I be joyful in hard times?
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.
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Due to a balky PC, I could not get through earlier. I think that was God playing a trick on me, because I was going to write about "joy". I was not joyful over the PC acting up, but all is forgiven, now.
Because of the all day rain, yesterday, I did not walk in the Park, but hope to today. When I went out early this morning, the half-moon was shining brightly, so, we should have some sun today. I am really thankful for the rain, though. We sorely needed it!
From the Promise Bible:
Where does joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 "Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song."
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on circumstances nor on our performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4 "He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever."
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
How can I be joyful in hard times?
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.
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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