Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the overcast morning that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside this morning, I noticed the wetness of the grass and puddles here and there from the rain last night. Our grass was mowed yesterday and received a good wetting. My skimpy Mexican petunias are a lovely deep lavender from all the rain. the blossoms only last for a day, and then fall off, but share their beauty in a glorious way!
We drove through the Park yesterday morning, and noticed that not many people were there yet. I watched an anhinga waddling into position to spread its wings to dry. They are not built for walking, because of very short legs, so they are very amusing when they try to walk! God is Awesome!
From the NLT Psalm 145:
I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. I will bless you every day, and I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! His greatness is beyond discovery!
Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your owe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy of your righteousness.
The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to get angry; full of unfailing love, the Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will bless you. They will talk together about the glory of your kingdom; they will celebrate examples of your power. They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign. For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule generation after generation.
The Lord is faithful in all he says, he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen, and lifts up those bent beneath their loads. All eyes look to you for help; you give them their food as thy need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely. He fulfills the desires of those who love him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love him but he destroys the wicked.
I will praise the Lord, and everyone on earth will bless his holy name forever and forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Roamin' thru Romans
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 were really early birds today as we had to be at the VA at 6:45am for Louis' lab work. But the traffic was light and we made good time and found a handicapped parking space right in front of the building. Thank you, Lord! Louis had a much longer walk than he is used to, but he made it down the long walk to the elevators and the long hall to the lab, so he can rest the rest of the day.
Yesterday, I walked to the tower and, of course, stopped at the gator nest, to speak to Mama gator. I thought she wasn't there, but kept looking and found her hiding under some thick ferns... the reason being, people have already broken off branches to poke at her to try to get her to move. She is hiding to try to get some peace. I went earlier than usual, so there weren't so many people and it was cooler. On my way back, I stopped in the building to get a drink, and there was my friend, Gail, with her granddaughter! God is good!
From Romans 8 NLT:
For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently.
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, I walked to the tower and, of course, stopped at the gator nest, to speak to Mama gator. I thought she wasn't there, but kept looking and found her hiding under some thick ferns... the reason being, people have already broken off branches to poke at her to try to get her to move. She is hiding to try to get some peace. I went earlier than usual, so there weren't so many people and it was cooler. On my way back, I stopped in the building to get a drink, and there was my friend, Gail, with her granddaughter! God is good!
From Romans 8 NLT:
For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently.
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Braveheart
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! When I stepped outside this morning, a mockingbird was greeting the day with very loud and continuous songs. The moon was not visible because of the cloud cover and, of course, it is very warm.
Yesterday we got our exercise walking the very long halls at the Veteran's Hospital, but in the time we were there, we managed to get in three appointments. Tomorrow Louis has to go back for lab work at 6:45am, so there may not be an email from me in the morning.
By the time we were through with the last app't at 12:30pm, he was tired out, so I had the clerk call for escort service with a wheelchair, to take him from the third floor, out to the front, where we caught a shuttle to the very back row in the parking lot. That place is really busy!!
We are blessed to have such a facility in our area. Some of the nurses were getting their exercise on the lunch breaks by walking very fast around and around the halls. I say, good for them! God is good!
Third John 1-5 NKJV
To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:
Beloved , I pray that you may prosper in all things, and be in health, just as your soul prospers... I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth...
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
...More often than not, when we hear the word "courage," we think of heroic acts in times of crisis. But in our everyday lives, we shouldn't overlook the courageousness of simply being there. Lives are changed when we faithfully provide for our families, care for the elderly, or lend an ear to a troubled student. Persistence in making this world a better place to live-for ourselves and others-is definitely a form of courage.
Albert Schweitzer, the great Christian missionary, doctor, and theologian, was once asked in an interview to name the greatest living person. He immediately replied, "The greatest person in the world is some unknown individual who at this very moment has gone in love to help another."
As you go about your work today, remember that you could be someone else's hero.
Have thy tools ready: God will find the work.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday we got our exercise walking the very long halls at the Veteran's Hospital, but in the time we were there, we managed to get in three appointments. Tomorrow Louis has to go back for lab work at 6:45am, so there may not be an email from me in the morning.
By the time we were through with the last app't at 12:30pm, he was tired out, so I had the clerk call for escort service with a wheelchair, to take him from the third floor, out to the front, where we caught a shuttle to the very back row in the parking lot. That place is really busy!!
We are blessed to have such a facility in our area. Some of the nurses were getting their exercise on the lunch breaks by walking very fast around and around the halls. I say, good for them! God is good!
Third John 1-5 NKJV
To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:
Beloved , I pray that you may prosper in all things, and be in health, just as your soul prospers... I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth...
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
...More often than not, when we hear the word "courage," we think of heroic acts in times of crisis. But in our everyday lives, we shouldn't overlook the courageousness of simply being there. Lives are changed when we faithfully provide for our families, care for the elderly, or lend an ear to a troubled student. Persistence in making this world a better place to live-for ourselves and others-is definitely a form of courage.
Albert Schweitzer, the great Christian missionary, doctor, and theologian, was once asked in an interview to name the greatest living person. He immediately replied, "The greatest person in the world is some unknown individual who at this very moment has gone in love to help another."
As you go about your work today, remember that you could be someone else's hero.
Have thy tools ready: God will find the work.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 30, 2008
Working
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 week will be kinda mixed up because of catching up with appointments that were rescheduled because of our too short visit with Matthew.
We had our last visit to the Park Friday and stopped by the old gator nest to find Mama gator there and the eggs laid on the mound she had made three or four years ago. So, in about two months , we will have many more babies to watch! Mama is really huge...about 8 or 9 feet long. Believe it or not, gators look different in the face, and it's easy to tell them apart! Matthew was impressed with her size, even though we could only see her head.
From the Promise Bible for all you workers at home and away from home, a few words from the Word:
Proverbs 13:11Wealth from get-rich-schemes quickly disappears, wealth from hard work grows.
Honest hard work is much better than get-rich-quick schemes. Money quickly gotten is often quickly wasted.
Romans 12:8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriouslyl. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
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.
God promises a reward to those who work hard. That reward can include-but is not limited to--financial prospeerity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction or the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had our last visit to the Park Friday and stopped by the old gator nest to find Mama gator there and the eggs laid on the mound she had made three or four years ago. So, in about two months , we will have many more babies to watch! Mama is really huge...about 8 or 9 feet long. Believe it or not, gators look different in the face, and it's easy to tell them apart! Matthew was impressed with her size, even though we could only see her head.
From the Promise Bible for all you workers at home and away from home, a few words from the Word:
Proverbs 13:11Wealth from get-rich-schemes quickly disappears, wealth from hard work grows.
Honest hard work is much better than get-rich-quick schemes. Money quickly gotten is often quickly wasted.
Romans 12:8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriouslyl. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
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.
God promises a reward to those who work hard. That reward can include-but is not limited to--financial prospeerity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction or the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, June 27, 2008
Power of Prayer
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
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
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
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