Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I am rejoicing that we got a good, heavy downpour yesterday evening. It was the first rain we had had in about a week and was much needed. I am sure that it filled the canal at the park and probably overflowed the weir..
We spent a lazy day at home after church and tried to stay out of the heat. This morning as I stepped outside, I saw the "blue moon" shining brilliantly in the clear sky...just gorgeous! God is good!
From Quiet Moments:
Trying something new can be frightening and may even be dangerous. That's why it's much smarter to take a calculated risk than a reckless plunge.
A calculated risk is what Charles Lindbergh took when he decided to fly across the Atlantic, alone, in a single-engine plane. If he had not prepared, he might have been anxious, but he was an experienced pilot and mechanic who personally oversaw the construction of his plane. He participated in the planning of every detail of his historic flight. The end result was a safe trip, finished ahead of schedule with fuel to spare.
To a great extent, "Lucky Lindy" made his own luck.
Likewise, heroic spiritual moments are nearly always grounded in advance preparation. Moses grew up in Pharaoh's court, unknowingly being prepared for the day he would demand that Pharaoh let his people leave Egypt. Daniel was a man of prayer years before the king issued a decree banning prayer. the violation landed Daniel in a lion's den, where his prayers of protection were answered.
David was prepared for assuming the throne one day. The years he spent in the wilderness prepared him spiritually to trust God, and God alone, to preserve him protect him, and help him rule an empire. Esther prepared herself for a year before she won the "contest" to be queen.
You may not see clearly what God's purpose is for your life, but you can trust in the fact that He is preparing you for it. He will not waste a moment of your life. So make every relationship and experience count today, knowing He is grooming you for future greatness!
Every experience God gives us,
Every person he puts in our lives,
is the perfect preparation for the
future that only he can see.
Corrie Ten Boom
"Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly." Proverbs 13:16
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 2, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
Planning
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is another warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Just reflecting that last week at this time I was waiting in the airport with Gil, to fly to Puerto Rico for the day, and today, I am waiting to say "good-by" to Matthew as he leaves for home. :o(
Yesterday we walked to the new construction which I was hoping would be finished before Matthew left, but they still have to seal it and finish up, so he will have to walk on it when he comes at Christmas.
From the Promise Bible:
How am I supposed to plan my life?
Proverbs 2:1-11 "My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. . Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe."
A plan is only as good as the information upon which it's based. Our human intellect is limited and inadequate. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday we walked to the new construction which I was hoping would be finished before Matthew left, but they still have to seal it and finish up, so he will have to walk on it when he comes at Christmas.
From the Promise Bible:
How am I supposed to plan my life?
Proverbs 2:1-11 "My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. . Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe."
A plan is only as good as the information upon which it's based. Our human intellect is limited and inadequate. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. The Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Future
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Once again, last night, we had the thunder and lightning, but no rain, Hmmm, what are we doing wrong?
But we went over to the Park, because Matthew wanted to see Terry and wrestle with him, even thought Matthew slept so long, it was too hot to walk, We did, however, spy a hawk perched on top of the fence and drove right up to the fence beside it, and watched it look around, before it flew off! They have a harvester in the lake which is cleaning some of the hydrilla out, and it is interesting to watch it work, spewing water all around. ..always something to see in the park! God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
How can I be sure God will direct my future in this life?
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."
The Lord directs our steps. Though the pathway may lead through dark valleys or seem to take unnecessary detours, we will one day look back and discover that the Lord's way was best.
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."
Too often we doubt God's care. We are tempted to think he is neglecting us or giving us the bare minimum. We have hope in the knowledge that God our loving Creator, will always give us his best.
Phillippians 1:6 "I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again."
God finishes what he starts. We should not allow the limitations of our finite perspective to blind us to the promise that God will complete his work in us. Our future is secure in Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
But we went over to the Park, because Matthew wanted to see Terry and wrestle with him, even thought Matthew slept so long, it was too hot to walk, We did, however, spy a hawk perched on top of the fence and drove right up to the fence beside it, and watched it look around, before it flew off! They have a harvester in the lake which is cleaning some of the hydrilla out, and it is interesting to watch it work, spewing water all around. ..always something to see in the park! God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
How can I be sure God will direct my future in this life?
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."
The Lord directs our steps. Though the pathway may lead through dark valleys or seem to take unnecessary detours, we will one day look back and discover that the Lord's way was best.
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."
Too often we doubt God's care. We are tempted to think he is neglecting us or giving us the bare minimum. We have hope in the knowledge that God our loving Creator, will always give us his best.
Phillippians 1:6 "I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again."
God finishes what he starts. We should not allow the limitations of our finite perspective to blind us to the promise that God will complete his work in us. Our future is secure in Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Gallopin' thru Galatians
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the warm day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I couldn't see any stars when I stepped outside early this morning, but perhaps there was a haze that hid them from view. We did not get any rain even though the thunder and lightning were very close last night.
Matthew and I took a walk out to the Tower yesterday before the heat set in, and we were excited to see Mama gator back at her old nest! We hadn't seen her there for a long time...I always look, but since we have had a little rain, there is enough water at her nest for her to have her body hidden, while her head sticks up. Matthew also saw a skink, which he couldn't catch. We don't see them very often. God has made many things for us to enjoy!
We also talked with Terry who wanted us to come to the house to see Gail, (his wife) so she could meet Matthew again, and we received three tomatoes from her garden in a pot, yes, she grows them in a large pot. We are blessed!
From the Promise Bible:
"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
Those who live to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up. For we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.
Ephesians 1:16 "I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand 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."
Colossians 3:23 "Work had 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."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Matthew and I took a walk out to the Tower yesterday before the heat set in, and we were excited to see Mama gator back at her old nest! We hadn't seen her there for a long time...I always look, but since we have had a little rain, there is enough water at her nest for her to have her body hidden, while her head sticks up. Matthew also saw a skink, which he couldn't catch. We don't see them very often. God has made many things for us to enjoy!
We also talked with Terry who wanted us to come to the house to see Gail, (his wife) so she could meet Matthew again, and we received three tomatoes from her garden in a pot, yes, she grows them in a large pot. We are blessed!
From the Promise Bible:
"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us; love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
Those who live to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up. For we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.
Ephesians 1:16 "I have never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand 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."
Colossians 3:23 "Work had 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."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Prayer Pause
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners, This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! This morning as I stepped outside in the pre-dawn darkness, I actually saw stars, so the sky must be clearer than it has been.
We went to the Park yesterday before the heat settled in and Matthew had a good time teasing with Terry, who is like a giant kid. I will certainly miss Matthew when he leaves for home Friday. He is an active little boy, almost as tall as I am now!
As we were driving home around the lake near our house, we saw an osprey on the line, and, at first, we thought it was an eagle. God is good!
From the Quiet Moments book:
A coffee break is a good time for prayer!
When we pray at the outset of our day, our prayer is often for general guidance and help from the Lord. When we pray in the midst of our day, our prayer is much more likely to be specific and aimed at immediate needs and concerns. By the time a coffee break rolls around, we have a much better idea of what our day holds, including what particular dangers, difficulties, or temptations we are going to face! It is with that knowledge, born of experience, that this prayer of St. Patrick takes on even greater meaning:
May the wisdom of God instruct me,
the eye of God watch over me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God give me sweet talk,
the hand of God defend me,
the way of God guide me.
Christ be with me.
Christ before me.
Christ in me.
Christ under me.
Christ over me.
Christ on my right hand,
Christ on my left hand.
Christ on this side.
Christ on that side.
Christ in the head of everyone to whom I speak.
Christ in the mouth of every person who speaks to me.
Christ in the eye of every person who looks upon me.
Christ in the ear of everyone who hears me today.
Amen.
Take time in the middle of your day to ask the Lord for His wrap-around presence, His unending encouragement, and His all-sustaining assistance. And in return be a vessel that carries His presence, encouragement, and assistance to others.
Do not look upon the vessel
but upon what it holds.
Hebrew Proverb
Psalm 119:116
"Uphold me according to your promise that I may live."
I always give thanks for you , remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We went to the Park yesterday before the heat settled in and Matthew had a good time teasing with Terry, who is like a giant kid. I will certainly miss Matthew when he leaves for home Friday. He is an active little boy, almost as tall as I am now!
As we were driving home around the lake near our house, we saw an osprey on the line, and, at first, we thought it was an eagle. God is good!
From the Quiet Moments book:
A coffee break is a good time for prayer!
When we pray at the outset of our day, our prayer is often for general guidance and help from the Lord. When we pray in the midst of our day, our prayer is much more likely to be specific and aimed at immediate needs and concerns. By the time a coffee break rolls around, we have a much better idea of what our day holds, including what particular dangers, difficulties, or temptations we are going to face! It is with that knowledge, born of experience, that this prayer of St. Patrick takes on even greater meaning:
May the wisdom of God instruct me,
the eye of God watch over me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God give me sweet talk,
the hand of God defend me,
the way of God guide me.
Christ be with me.
Christ before me.
Christ in me.
Christ under me.
Christ over me.
Christ on my right hand,
Christ on my left hand.
Christ on this side.
Christ on that side.
Christ in the head of everyone to whom I speak.
Christ in the mouth of every person who speaks to me.
Christ in the eye of every person who looks upon me.
Christ in the ear of everyone who hears me today.
Amen.
Take time in the middle of your day to ask the Lord for His wrap-around presence, His unending encouragement, and His all-sustaining assistance. And in return be a vessel that carries His presence, encouragement, and assistance to others.
Do not look upon the vessel
but upon what it holds.
Hebrew Proverb
Psalm 119:116
"Uphold me according to your promise that I may live."
I always give thanks for you , remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 25, 2007
Psoaring thru Psalms
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! As I stepped outside I could see puffy clouds, but now the sky seems clearer, although we may have a shower unexpectedly like we did yesterday.
God provides for our needs!
I am still basking in the afterglow of my special day trip to Puerto Rico Friday. I never would have guessed so much could be packed into 24 hours, but we did it! I was sleepy all day Saturday, and took a short nap Sunday, but feel caught up this morning. With Matthew around, there's not much time for sleeping! He leaves for Tenn. Friday, and I will really miss him!
From the Promise Bible:
Psalm 46
"God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will 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!
The Lord Almighty is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
Come, see the glorious works of the Lord.
See how he brings destruction upon the world
and causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear in two;
He burns the shields with fire.
Be silent and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation,
I will be honored throughout the world."
The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
God provides for our needs!
I am still basking in the afterglow of my special day trip to Puerto Rico Friday. I never would have guessed so much could be packed into 24 hours, but we did it! I was sleepy all day Saturday, and took a short nap Sunday, but feel caught up this morning. With Matthew around, there's not much time for sleeping! He leaves for Tenn. Friday, and I will really miss him!
From the Promise Bible:
Psalm 46
"God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will 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!
The Lord Almighty is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
Come, see the glorious works of the Lord.
See how he brings destruction upon the world
and causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear in two;
He burns the shields with fire.
Be silent and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation,
I will be honored throughout the world."
The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Saturday, June 23, 2007
What a walk!
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!
Instead of a walk in the park, yesterday, my day started at 4 AM. Gil came to pick me up at 5:30 and we were off to TIA to catch a flight to San Juan, PR. We had a smooth flight, watching "Facing the Giants" DVD on Gil's PC. What a wonderful movie!
After we arrived in San Juan, the first little bump in our plans was the rental car agency. We had to waste about 45 minutes getting the van to take us to "Charlie's" and then got the Hyundai and off we went to see old San Juan and El Yunque rainforest. Since this was my first visit to PR, and Gil is an experienced traveler, I was thrilled and thankful to have such a tour guide. Gil got in his "aggressive" mode to match the traffic, which was heavy and fast. I noticed that patience was thin in most drivers. When the light turns green, the first thing you do is blow your horn to make the first driver in line take off! Our first stop was at BK, where we had to get a ticket to open the gate to the parking lot!! Since neither of us had much breakfast, we welcomed the burgers and shakes as we kept going. I was excited to see the mountains in the distance, since it has been a long time since I have left Florida.
The rainforest was peaceful, quiet and lovely with mountain sides overflowing with ferns and waterfalls cascading down the black rocks. Large stands of bamboo were growing wild as were impatiens which were blooming. The little car chugged right along up the steep hills and many people were also enjoying the views. We stopped at the Tower, but since the altitude already had me breathing kinda hard, I did not climb up to the top.
Gil took pictures of me everywhere, so be prepared!
We visited Suzuki del Caribe next, to visit briefly with some of the staff and Barry, the manager, and they treated me royally. I was welcomed with open arms as a friend of Gil's, who has had a business relationship for many years with them. Some of the girls gave me a lovely bouquet of roses and a green puff flower which I had never seen before, and I also received from Barry and Judy, a little souvenir of San Juan.
Since Matthew is so enthusiastic about Hayabusa motorcycles, we had to visit the showroom, where, once again, Gil took a photo of me standing beside one, just to show Matthew!
I did not get to taste "Mondongo" which I understand is some kind of delicacy, but I am not sure I missed out on something good...:o)
We could see God's humor and hand in many instances...the Admiral's Club was right near our landing and departure gates, and we made connections right when we needed to. The shuttles were waiting as we arrived..most people were very nice and friendly, and we had a great loooong day. Our returning flight was delayed, so we were booked on another with did not leave until 12:40 AM, as it was also delayed. We waited a couple hours in the Admiral's lounge in Miami, which even had about ten showers, which I did not take advantage of, but it also had tea, coffee, milk and cheese and cracker snacks which we helped ourselves to. Seems like the longer I stay up past my bedtime, the hungrier I get!.
We had long fast walks in various terminals, but found many humorous things to chuckle about. It was a wonderful day which ended for me about 3:30 this morning, when I finally sank into my bed.
I praise God for dear friends like Gil and for family and for watching over us and preparing the way.
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Instead of a walk in the park, yesterday, my day started at 4 AM. Gil came to pick me up at 5:30 and we were off to TIA to catch a flight to San Juan, PR. We had a smooth flight, watching "Facing the Giants" DVD on Gil's PC. What a wonderful movie!
After we arrived in San Juan, the first little bump in our plans was the rental car agency. We had to waste about 45 minutes getting the van to take us to "Charlie's" and then got the Hyundai and off we went to see old San Juan and El Yunque rainforest. Since this was my first visit to PR, and Gil is an experienced traveler, I was thrilled and thankful to have such a tour guide. Gil got in his "aggressive" mode to match the traffic, which was heavy and fast. I noticed that patience was thin in most drivers. When the light turns green, the first thing you do is blow your horn to make the first driver in line take off! Our first stop was at BK, where we had to get a ticket to open the gate to the parking lot!! Since neither of us had much breakfast, we welcomed the burgers and shakes as we kept going. I was excited to see the mountains in the distance, since it has been a long time since I have left Florida.
The rainforest was peaceful, quiet and lovely with mountain sides overflowing with ferns and waterfalls cascading down the black rocks. Large stands of bamboo were growing wild as were impatiens which were blooming. The little car chugged right along up the steep hills and many people were also enjoying the views. We stopped at the Tower, but since the altitude already had me breathing kinda hard, I did not climb up to the top.
Gil took pictures of me everywhere, so be prepared!
We visited Suzuki del Caribe next, to visit briefly with some of the staff and Barry, the manager, and they treated me royally. I was welcomed with open arms as a friend of Gil's, who has had a business relationship for many years with them. Some of the girls gave me a lovely bouquet of roses and a green puff flower which I had never seen before, and I also received from Barry and Judy, a little souvenir of San Juan.
Since Matthew is so enthusiastic about Hayabusa motorcycles, we had to visit the showroom, where, once again, Gil took a photo of me standing beside one, just to show Matthew!
I did not get to taste "Mondongo" which I understand is some kind of delicacy, but I am not sure I missed out on something good...:o)
We could see God's humor and hand in many instances...the Admiral's Club was right near our landing and departure gates, and we made connections right when we needed to. The shuttles were waiting as we arrived..most people were very nice and friendly, and we had a great loooong day. Our returning flight was delayed, so we were booked on another with did not leave until 12:40 AM, as it was also delayed. We waited a couple hours in the Admiral's lounge in Miami, which even had about ten showers, which I did not take advantage of, but it also had tea, coffee, milk and cheese and cracker snacks which we helped ourselves to. Seems like the longer I stay up past my bedtime, the hungrier I get!.
We had long fast walks in various terminals, but found many humorous things to chuckle about. It was a wonderful day which ended for me about 3:30 this morning, when I finally sank into my bed.
I praise God for dear friends like Gil and for family and for watching over us and preparing the way.
I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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