Good morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, we had another doctor's appointment yesterday in the rain, but this time the doc's office was only a short distance away and the rain was light. Due to the weather they had a lot of cancellations, so we were able to get in right away.
We drove through the park in the rain and only a couple cars were there; the canal is full and all the trees and shrubs are very green. We saw ibis, they are everywhere, and herons, no anhingas drying, because the rain was falling., but we saw a bedraggled peacock on the way out. They are not so regal in the wet! But God is good!
Matthew had a huge fun day at Busch Gardens yesterday and didn't come home until just before ten. He is still sleeping, but told me last night about all the rides he went on, including the one that thoroughly wet him down. He was soaked! He will be leaving us tomorrow. :o( Pray for a safe trip home for him and Brian as they go halfway and Daryl meets him just south of Atlanta!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.
1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.
Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. We must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.
Philippians 4:6-7 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.
There is no limit on prayer. Big requests, small requests, and all sizes in between are welcomed by God. If something bothers us, it should be brought to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thoughts for the day
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We have been waiting for friends to pick Matthew up for a trip to Busch Gardens, so that's the reason for the delay.
We were at the Park in time to see the helicopter dropping the mixture for mosquito control yesterday. The pilot swoops so low, he is clearly visible in the bubble, so we were excited to stay and watch.
Last evening, Louis had a 5 o'clock appt. with the Podiatrist, and it was pouring and storming at that time, but, foolish me, we took off because I could not get through on the phone to cancel. Anyway, we drove through the hail and lots of water and got soaked going into the doctor's office. We got home and dried off and changed clothes, then went out to dinner with our friends. God is good!
From the little book You're a Blessing to Me:
I believe that God brings us many precious gifts during our lives-spectacular sunsets, good food, the warmth of the sunshine, and the refreshment of cool rains.
But even with all those great gifts, and many more besides, He didn't stop there. He gave us people, people like you, who bless our lives with kindness.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We were at the Park in time to see the helicopter dropping the mixture for mosquito control yesterday. The pilot swoops so low, he is clearly visible in the bubble, so we were excited to stay and watch.
Last evening, Louis had a 5 o'clock appt. with the Podiatrist, and it was pouring and storming at that time, but, foolish me, we took off because I could not get through on the phone to cancel. Anyway, we drove through the hail and lots of water and got soaked going into the doctor's office. We got home and dried off and changed clothes, then went out to dinner with our friends. God is good!
From the little book You're a Blessing to Me:
I believe that God brings us many precious gifts during our lives-spectacular sunsets, good food, the warmth of the sunshine, and the refreshment of cool rains.
But even with all those great gifts, and many more besides, He didn't stop there. He gave us people, people like you, who bless our lives with kindness.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Opposites Balanced
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 saw the sun rise painting the clouds pink this morning as I stepped outside. Beautiful! God is Awesome!
Yesterday we walked in the morning, and it was already very warm. It doesn't seem to bother Matthew-he just drips, but it bothers me. I was glad for the breeze, but as soon as it stopped, the dripping started. We watched two circling ospreys when we arrived at the tower, but they didn't hover. No sign of the gators, so we were a little disappointed. Matthew asked where they were, and I said wherever they want to be!
We did see butterflies and anhingas and great blue herons, so we enjoyed the beauty. Yesterday, Matthew discovered a black snake in our shed and was disappointed that he couldn't catch it. His dad was great at catching snakes and, as a matter of fact, we still have a pickled one in his old room.
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Opposites Balanced
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 NKJV
Much of our lives seem to be suspended between opposites. We grow up learning 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.
Not only are these opposites helpful to us in defining or "bordering "our lives, but they can also help us release stress.
Very 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 wood carving 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 opposite in nature to the work you have been doing. If you have been using your mind, turn to 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
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I saw the sun rise painting the clouds pink this morning as I stepped outside. Beautiful! God is Awesome!
Yesterday we walked in the morning, and it was already very warm. It doesn't seem to bother Matthew-he just drips, but it bothers me. I was glad for the breeze, but as soon as it stopped, the dripping started. We watched two circling ospreys when we arrived at the tower, but they didn't hover. No sign of the gators, so we were a little disappointed. Matthew asked where they were, and I said wherever they want to be!
We did see butterflies and anhingas and great blue herons, so we enjoyed the beauty. Yesterday, Matthew discovered a black snake in our shed and was disappointed that he couldn't catch it. His dad was great at catching snakes and, as a matter of fact, we still have a pickled one in his old room.
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Opposites Balanced
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 NKJV
Much of our lives seem to be suspended between opposites. We grow up learning 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.
Not only are these opposites helpful to us in defining or "bordering "our lives, but they can also help us release stress.
Very 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 wood carving 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 opposite in nature to the work you have been doing. If you have been using your mind, turn to 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
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
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! When I stepped outside this morning, it was almost daylight, which is coming earlier and earlier. The moon was not visible because of a light covering of clouds, but the air was a little cooler! God is good!
All was quiet at the Park yesterday. Not many people venturing out in the heat, but we saw a peacock sitting against a window in a house which has a basement. Imagine looking out your window and seeing beady eyes staring at you! The males have lost their gorgeous tails and have only bare whatevers dragging along behind them. I don't know what the hard part that holds the feathers is called, but it isn't pretty. :o)
from the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 20
In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.
May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings.
May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory. flying banners to honor our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.
Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed king.
He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power.
Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm.
Give victory to our king, O Lord!
Respond to our cry for help.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
All was quiet at the Park yesterday. Not many people venturing out in the heat, but we saw a peacock sitting against a window in a house which has a basement. Imagine looking out your window and seeing beady eyes staring at you! The males have lost their gorgeous tails and have only bare whatevers dragging along behind them. I don't know what the hard part that holds the feathers is called, but it isn't pretty. :o)
from the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 20
In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.
May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings.
May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory. flying banners to honor our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.
Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed king.
He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power.
Some nations boast of their armies and weapons, but we boast in the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm.
Give victory to our king, O Lord!
Respond to our cry for help.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 23, 2008
Joy
Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the clear, sunshiny day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside earlier , the waning moon was visible in the southern sky, just short of three-quarters full, but I didn't see any stars. After all the rain and very dark clouds we have had, the blue sky is most welcome!
Matthew's flat bicycle tire was fixed by our friend, Terry, so he enjoyed riding as fast as he could on it. He is also enjoying his new Ron-Jon skateboard and was brave enough to ride it all the way down our driveway, and into the street, after checking to see that no cars were coming. He has also taken it to the Park, but can only ride it on the sidewalk there.
I heard a bird that sounded just like a hawk in one of our trees yesterday, but couldn't see if it was a mockingbird. The water is way up in the park and everything looks really green and pretty. God sends rain when we need it! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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.
James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever truble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.
Troubles remind us of two things; First they remind us that this is a fallen world, full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in him. this kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Matthew's flat bicycle tire was fixed by our friend, Terry, so he enjoyed riding as fast as he could on it. He is also enjoying his new Ron-Jon skateboard and was brave enough to ride it all the way down our driveway, and into the street, after checking to see that no cars were coming. He has also taken it to the Park, but can only ride it on the sidewalk there.
I heard a bird that sounded just like a hawk in one of our trees yesterday, but couldn't see if it was a mockingbird. The water is way up in the park and everything looks really green and pretty. God sends rain when we need it! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
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.
James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever truble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.
Troubles remind us of two things; First they remind us that this is a fallen world, full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in him. this kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, June 20, 2008
Power naps
When I stepped outside this morning, the full moon was shining brightly with a star directly above it! God is Awesome!
We went walking at the Park yesterday, Matthew with his rip-stik, but saw Terry in his office, so we chatted with him about the changes coming to everyone at the parks in the county and they are not good. I fear for the cleanliness of the grounds and safety of the patrons for the coming months.
Anyway, we walked out to the shelter to look for the babies and they have gone on their ways. Even no sign of Mama. Like all children, they leave home after awhile. We did see a great blue heron, and as we were walking back, I stopped and watched a white ibis. fly by right in front of me! Cool! God is good!
From the book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
With Him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles and the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah King of Judah.
2 Chronicles 32:8 KJV
Only one thing is required for people to fall asleep this quickly and benefit fully from a power nap--the ability to "turn off the mind." We quiet our minds by not thinking about all that remains to be done, worrying about all that might happen, or fretting over events in the past.
Power nappers are experts at inducing a form of inner peace that comes from knowing all will be well with the world while they check out for a few minutes. What they believe with their minds actually helps their bodies relax.
When King Hezekiah told the people that the Lord was with them and would fight their battles, they rested upon his words. His words gave them inner peace, confidence, and a rest for their souls.
We can take those same words to heart today. the Lord is with us also, to help us and to fight our battles.
These simple lyrics from a Bible-school chorus say it well:
You worry and you wonder how you're gonna get it done, from the rising of the moon 'til the setting of the sun. Plenty to do when your rest is through. Let him have the world for a turn or two. there will be plenty to do when you wake up so sleep on for a few minutes, not without design does God write the music of our lives, be ours to learn the time, and not be discouraged at the rests. They are not to be slurred over, not to be omitted, not to destroy the melody, not to change the keynote. If we look up God Himself will beat the time for us. With the eye on Him we shall strike the next note full and clear.
John Ruskin
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy
and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Ephesians 6
Good rainy morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I was awakened early this morning by a brilliant flash of lightning and the boom of thunder. When I arose later, everything was wet and more rain started to come down. A good way to start the day! I should have just stayed in bed and slept!!
Anyway, breakfast is over for the big people and waiting for the smaller person to get up. Yesterday we walked down the sidewalk at the Park and saw that the tree across the canal has been removed. We saw anhingas drying wings, and turtles sunning. Because it was cloudy, the shade was most welcome! God is good!
Excerpts from Ephesians 5 and 6 NLT:
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.
Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. 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 hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though your 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...
May God give you peace, dear brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace be upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was awakened early this morning by a brilliant flash of lightning and the boom of thunder. When I arose later, everything was wet and more rain started to come down. A good way to start the day! I should have just stayed in bed and slept!!
Anyway, breakfast is over for the big people and waiting for the smaller person to get up. Yesterday we walked down the sidewalk at the Park and saw that the tree across the canal has been removed. We saw anhingas drying wings, and turtles sunning. Because it was cloudy, the shade was most welcome! God is good!
Excerpts from Ephesians 5 and 6 NLT:
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.
Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. 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 hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though your 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...
May God give you peace, dear brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace be upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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