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, with acorns crunching under my feet, I could see the full moon dimly shining through the fast moving clouds. It looked like fog high up. The sun still isn't shining, but maybe that means rain. Hopefully so!
All was calm and peaceful in the Park yesterday... at least on the surface. We never know what is going on underneath the water and in the deep forest. I like to watch the egrets when they look for fish. They are so intent, with eyes focused on their next meal, and the small green herons perch on low branches and are just as intent looking for their food. The anhingas dive down and come up with fish too big to swallow easily, so they juggle and juggle the fish, until it is turned just the right way, so it will slip down the throat easily. Personally, I prefer my fish cooked. :o)
From Quiet Moments with God:
"In him we live and move and have our being."
Acts 17:28 KJV
If asked whether it's better to be proud or humble, most people would say "humble," since we have been taught that pride is a sin. However, if we think being humble means we are to denigrate ourselves or settle for mediocrity, we have the wrong definition of humility.
Humility is remaining teachable in all situations, knowing God is so much greater and we have so much to learn. Humility comes when we recognize God loves us just the way we are and that He will be patient as we strive to become like Him in character, word, and deed.
Motivational speaker and author Denis Waitley has written:
When you come down to the bottom line, joy is accepting yourself as you are right now--an imperfect, changing, growing, and worthwhile person. Realize that liking yourself and feeling that you're an OK individual in your own special way is not necessarily egotistical.
Take pride in what your are accomplishing, and even more importantly, enjoy the unique person you are just in being alive right now. Understand the truth that although we as individuals are not born with equal physical and mental attributes, we are born with equal rights to feel the excitement and joy in believing we deserve the very best in life."
If you scored a victory today, if you won the prize, if you did the right thing, if you moved beyond yourself and extended an act of love and charity to another human being, rejoice in it! Delight in your awareness that the Lord is working in your life and through your life.
To delight in the Lord's work isn't pride. It's a form of praise to your Father who is proud of you any time you succeed according to His principles and design. All the glory goes to Him. It is because of him that we can succeed.
"The smile of God is victory."
John Greenleaf Whittier
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis ( Happy Birthday, Sue!)
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
HALT!
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 noticed when I stepped outside this morning, that we had some rain during the night. It wasn't much, but after praying for rain, I thank God. Of course, I didn't mention how much rain we needed, but I am sure He knows!
The full moon was shining dimly in the west, but due to clouds was not as bright as it probably will be tonight.
Yesterday lots of people were enjoying the Park. I saw out of state tags and hometown tags, so there is something for everyone to enjoy! An egret was perched on a tree over the water and a couple turtles were sunning themselves. "All creatures great and small, the Lord God loves them all!" God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God devotional:
Hebrews 12:1 TLB Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up.
Those who counsel the clinically depressed often suggest the HALT! method to their patients. HALT is an acronym based upon these four words:
. Hungry
. Angry
. Lonely
. Tired
Too much of any of these conditions can result in a stress overload and lead to a downward spiral that eventually crashes into a form of depression. When two or more of these conditions are present, the downward plunge happens faster, with greater pain. And, if all four conditions are present as an ongoing pattern in a person's life, the person's depression may not only be deep, but life itself may be endangered.
To compound the problem, hunger anger, loneliness, and exhaustion tend to cluster together. If you are overly tired, it's easier to become angry. If you have missed a meal, you are likely to get tired more quickly, and so forth.
Therefore, any time you are feeling too hungry, too angry, too lonely, or too tired...it's time to call a HALT! and to take immediate remedial action. Have a healthy bite to eat. Release your anger in prayer, exercise, or an act of reconciliation. Call a friend, and pour out your heart. Take a nap, or go to bed early.
"Call it to a halt" and "enough is enough" are well-known phrases we need to apply on a daily basis. Don't neglect your personal nutrition. Get enough sleep. Balance your life with friendships. Live in peace with the people around you.
As you prepare to come to the end of your workday, it's especially important you remember to HALT!. Don't push yourself into overdrive, even if you have to work overtime. Avoid setting yourself up for a crash by staying well fed, calm, in touch with friends, and refreshed.
"Holy Leisure" refers to a sense of balance in the life, an ability to be at peace through the activities of the day, an ability to rest and take time to enjoy beauty. An ability to pace ourselves.
Richard Foster
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs.
Amaryllis
The full moon was shining dimly in the west, but due to clouds was not as bright as it probably will be tonight.
Yesterday lots of people were enjoying the Park. I saw out of state tags and hometown tags, so there is something for everyone to enjoy! An egret was perched on a tree over the water and a couple turtles were sunning themselves. "All creatures great and small, the Lord God loves them all!" God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God devotional:
Hebrews 12:1 TLB Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up.
Those who counsel the clinically depressed often suggest the HALT! method to their patients. HALT is an acronym based upon these four words:
. Hungry
. Angry
. Lonely
. Tired
Too much of any of these conditions can result in a stress overload and lead to a downward spiral that eventually crashes into a form of depression. When two or more of these conditions are present, the downward plunge happens faster, with greater pain. And, if all four conditions are present as an ongoing pattern in a person's life, the person's depression may not only be deep, but life itself may be endangered.
To compound the problem, hunger anger, loneliness, and exhaustion tend to cluster together. If you are overly tired, it's easier to become angry. If you have missed a meal, you are likely to get tired more quickly, and so forth.
Therefore, any time you are feeling too hungry, too angry, too lonely, or too tired...it's time to call a HALT! and to take immediate remedial action. Have a healthy bite to eat. Release your anger in prayer, exercise, or an act of reconciliation. Call a friend, and pour out your heart. Take a nap, or go to bed early.
"Call it to a halt" and "enough is enough" are well-known phrases we need to apply on a daily basis. Don't neglect your personal nutrition. Get enough sleep. Balance your life with friendships. Live in peace with the people around you.
As you prepare to come to the end of your workday, it's especially important you remember to HALT!. Don't push yourself into overdrive, even if you have to work overtime. Avoid setting yourself up for a crash by staying well fed, calm, in touch with friends, and refreshed.
"Holy Leisure" refers to a sense of balance in the life, an ability to be at peace through the activities of the day, an ability to rest and take time to enjoy beauty. An ability to pace ourselves.
Richard Foster
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs.
Amaryllis
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Hope
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I overslept this morning, so when I stepped outside, it was already daylight and cloudy, so no moon or stars. Now the sky has cleared, so I guess no rain. Sigh. All in God's time.
I watched birds gathering over a small bowl of water I keep on the low wall on our front porch. They seemed to be taking turns, so I refilled it. They like to take baths in it, and it is really too small for that, but there is much splashing, so I guess, to them it is very refreshing.God is good!
I am having to use city water to do a little watering, since our pump needs priming. If I don't use it much, it loses its prime.
I notice they are having trouble with the irrigation at the Park, also, since a few months ago. Terry had said there was an electrical problem, and no one has fixed it yet. They have several wells at the Park to take care of all the sprinklers.
All of the birds and animals have to drink from the canal, now. I saw a gopher tortoise yesterday and a large snapping turtle sunning. It was peaceful in God's Kingdom.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is my Hope?
1 Peter 1:21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God.
The resurrection, the greatest event in history, is the foundation of our hope.
1 Peter 1:3-6 All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.
When people get motion sickness, they need to fix their eyes on the horizon in order to regain composure. Remaining fixed on a point in the distance helps us travel. Jesus' followers fix their eyes on an eternal horizon. This gives us hope in all the discomforts of daily life.
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 10: 23 Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
John 16:33 Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. 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.
Our troubles do not surprise the Lord and should not surprise us. Trouble is rampant in this fallen world. Our focus should be on Jesus who has overcome this world and all its troubles.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I overslept this morning, so when I stepped outside, it was already daylight and cloudy, so no moon or stars. Now the sky has cleared, so I guess no rain. Sigh. All in God's time.
I watched birds gathering over a small bowl of water I keep on the low wall on our front porch. They seemed to be taking turns, so I refilled it. They like to take baths in it, and it is really too small for that, but there is much splashing, so I guess, to them it is very refreshing.God is good!
I am having to use city water to do a little watering, since our pump needs priming. If I don't use it much, it loses its prime.
I notice they are having trouble with the irrigation at the Park, also, since a few months ago. Terry had said there was an electrical problem, and no one has fixed it yet. They have several wells at the Park to take care of all the sprinklers.
All of the birds and animals have to drink from the canal, now. I saw a gopher tortoise yesterday and a large snapping turtle sunning. It was peaceful in God's Kingdom.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is my Hope?
1 Peter 1:21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And because God raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory, your faith and hope can be placed confidently in God.
The resurrection, the greatest event in history, is the foundation of our hope.
1 Peter 1:3-6 All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.
When people get motion sickness, they need to fix their eyes on the horizon in order to regain composure. Remaining fixed on a point in the distance helps us travel. Jesus' followers fix their eyes on an eternal horizon. This gives us hope in all the discomforts of daily life.
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 10: 23 Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
John 16:33 Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. 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.
Our troubles do not surprise the Lord and should not surprise us. Trouble is rampant in this fallen world. Our focus should be on Jesus who has overcome this world and all its troubles.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
God is Good
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 early this morning, the air was not quite as cool as yesterday. I saw lots of stars, some much brighter than others. I don't know when the moon sets, but last night it was almost full and gorgeous in the sky almost directly overhead our house. It will be full on the 13th.
I saw a little drama yesterday in the park. An egret was pecking in the mud on the lake bank across from the canal, and a large gator was in a crouching position just a few feet away. The egret looked very unconcerned, but I am sure was quite aware of the danger. When we came back out, the gator's tail was only visible as he had gone down into the water. Hopefully, he didn't get the egret!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Luke 14:10 KJV
"Friend, go up higher"
An ancient legend of a swan and a crane tells us about God's goodness-which may be different from what we believe to be good:
A beautiful swan came to rest by the banks of a pond where a crane was wading, seeking snails. For a few minutes the crane looked at the swan and then asked, "Where do you come from?"
The swan replied, "I come from Heaven!"
"And where is Heaven?" asked the crane.
"Heaven!" replied the swan, "Heaven!" Have you never heard of Heaven?" And the beautiful swan went on to describe the splendor and grandeur of the eternal city. She told the crane about the streets of gold and the gates and walls made of precious stones. She told about the river of life which was as pure as crystal. On the banks of this river stood a tree with leaves for the healing of the nations of the world. In great and eloquent language, the swan described the hosts of saints and angels who lived in the world beyond.
Somewhat surprisingly, the crane didn't appear to be the least bit interested in this place the swan described. Eventually he asked the swan, "Are there any snails there?:
"Snails!" declared the swan, obviously revolted at the thought. "No! Of course there are not!"
"Then you can have your Heaven," said the crane, as it continued in search along the slimy, muddy banks of the pond.
"What I want is snails!"
This fable has a profound truth in it, How many of us turn our backs on the good God has for us in order to search for snails?
Seek out the good that God has for you today. Ask God to give you the desire for His good, instead of what you consider to be good. Don't bury your head deep in slime when God wants you to experience the delights and joy of His Heaven!
OUR LOVE FOR GOD IS TESTED BY THE QUESTION OF WHETHER WE SEEK HIM OR HIS GIFTS.
Ralph Washington Sockman
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I saw a little drama yesterday in the park. An egret was pecking in the mud on the lake bank across from the canal, and a large gator was in a crouching position just a few feet away. The egret looked very unconcerned, but I am sure was quite aware of the danger. When we came back out, the gator's tail was only visible as he had gone down into the water. Hopefully, he didn't get the egret!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Luke 14:10 KJV
"Friend, go up higher"
An ancient legend of a swan and a crane tells us about God's goodness-which may be different from what we believe to be good:
A beautiful swan came to rest by the banks of a pond where a crane was wading, seeking snails. For a few minutes the crane looked at the swan and then asked, "Where do you come from?"
The swan replied, "I come from Heaven!"
"And where is Heaven?" asked the crane.
"Heaven!" replied the swan, "Heaven!" Have you never heard of Heaven?" And the beautiful swan went on to describe the splendor and grandeur of the eternal city. She told the crane about the streets of gold and the gates and walls made of precious stones. She told about the river of life which was as pure as crystal. On the banks of this river stood a tree with leaves for the healing of the nations of the world. In great and eloquent language, the swan described the hosts of saints and angels who lived in the world beyond.
Somewhat surprisingly, the crane didn't appear to be the least bit interested in this place the swan described. Eventually he asked the swan, "Are there any snails there?:
"Snails!" declared the swan, obviously revolted at the thought. "No! Of course there are not!"
"Then you can have your Heaven," said the crane, as it continued in search along the slimy, muddy banks of the pond.
"What I want is snails!"
This fable has a profound truth in it, How many of us turn our backs on the good God has for us in order to search for snails?
Seek out the good that God has for you today. Ask God to give you the desire for His good, instead of what you consider to be good. Don't bury your head deep in slime when God wants you to experience the delights and joy of His Heaven!
OUR LOVE FOR GOD IS TESTED BY THE QUESTION OF WHETHER WE SEEK HIM OR HIS GIFTS.
Ralph Washington Sockman
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, November 10, 2008
Proper Form
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, the air was chilly, but the stars were lighting up the sky. However, I didn't linger long, because I didn't have a jacket on! Brrr! I turned on the heat to warm the house a bit, but I went out to give the staghorn fern a banana peel and the air had warmed up some, so the bright sun will soon warm everything up.
Yesterday was such a beautiful day, I decided to go for a walk, and so did a hundred others! Every picnic table was full, and lots of cars in the parking lot. I walked on to the entrance bridge at the park, and a big family was blocking the way, taking photos of a gator just under the bridge. Then I walked on dodging strollers and people, to the first shelter and more families were gazing at Mama gator and her babies. Mama was totally out of the water and right beside the shelter in full view. I noticed that the water lilies had been sprayed, including the mudbank where the babies liked to hang out, so I don't think she was too happy with that situation..I walked on to the tower, and the wind was blowing and cool, so I went on back the different way, and saw a gator on the bank across from the entrance bridge, also attracting a lot of attention. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
1 Peter 1:15,16 ASV
As he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living because it is written, ye shall be holy, for I am holy.
A father tells a story of an afternoon once spent with his three-year-old daughter. An avid golfer, he was practicing with his clubs in the yard while she played nearby. As he prepared for each swing, he would look to his left to aim the shot, then back to his right to make sure the child was out of harm's way-only then would he take his shot.
Soon, he noticed that his daughter was also "playing golf," She had taken a stick to use as a club, and he watched as she set her "club," carefully looked left, then right, then took her shot. In her perception, proper golfing form required that you look both ways before you swing.
Whether we realize it or not, our example leaves an impression on others. In the 1800s, English minister Charles Spurgeion put it this way:
A man's life is always more forcible than his speech. When men take stock of him they reckon his deeds as dollars and his words as pennies. If his life and doctrine disagree the mass of onlookers accept his practice and reject his preaching.
When Jesus said, "You are the light of the world," He wasn't speaking only of our verbal witness. The most profound message we will ever send is the one we live on a day-to-day basis. And it's never more important than when we don't know anyone is paying attention.
Because Someone is always paying attention.
In darkness there is no choice.
It is light that enables us
to see the difference between
things, and it is Christ who gives us light.
Augustus W. Hare
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside this morning, the air was chilly, but the stars were lighting up the sky. However, I didn't linger long, because I didn't have a jacket on! Brrr! I turned on the heat to warm the house a bit, but I went out to give the staghorn fern a banana peel and the air had warmed up some, so the bright sun will soon warm everything up.
Yesterday was such a beautiful day, I decided to go for a walk, and so did a hundred others! Every picnic table was full, and lots of cars in the parking lot. I walked on to the entrance bridge at the park, and a big family was blocking the way, taking photos of a gator just under the bridge. Then I walked on dodging strollers and people, to the first shelter and more families were gazing at Mama gator and her babies. Mama was totally out of the water and right beside the shelter in full view. I noticed that the water lilies had been sprayed, including the mudbank where the babies liked to hang out, so I don't think she was too happy with that situation..I walked on to the tower, and the wind was blowing and cool, so I went on back the different way, and saw a gator on the bank across from the entrance bridge, also attracting a lot of attention. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
1 Peter 1:15,16 ASV
As he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living because it is written, ye shall be holy, for I am holy.
A father tells a story of an afternoon once spent with his three-year-old daughter. An avid golfer, he was practicing with his clubs in the yard while she played nearby. As he prepared for each swing, he would look to his left to aim the shot, then back to his right to make sure the child was out of harm's way-only then would he take his shot.
Soon, he noticed that his daughter was also "playing golf," She had taken a stick to use as a club, and he watched as she set her "club," carefully looked left, then right, then took her shot. In her perception, proper golfing form required that you look both ways before you swing.
Whether we realize it or not, our example leaves an impression on others. In the 1800s, English minister Charles Spurgeion put it this way:
A man's life is always more forcible than his speech. When men take stock of him they reckon his deeds as dollars and his words as pennies. If his life and doctrine disagree the mass of onlookers accept his practice and reject his preaching.
When Jesus said, "You are the light of the world," He wasn't speaking only of our verbal witness. The most profound message we will ever send is the one we live on a day-to-day basis. And it's never more important than when we don't know anyone is paying attention.
Because Someone is always paying attention.
In darkness there is no choice.
It is light that enables us
to see the difference between
things, and it is Christ who gives us light.
Augustus W. Hare
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, November 7, 2008
Psoaring thru Psalm 19
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 much earlier this morning, I could see stars all over the night sky, for the first time this week, No clouds! I noticed the big dipper and all the other galaxies, before going in out of the coolness. God is Awesome!
It warmed up so much, by the time we came back from Louis' treatment, that I didn't attempt to walk, but did drive through the park and saw lots of people out enjoying the beautiful weather. I watched an egret sitting on a branch low over the water, and squirrels scurrying about. They don't have to worry about enough food, because all the oak trees have a super abundance of acorns this year. Our driveway is full!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 19
The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies, yet their message has gone out to all the earth and their words to all the world.
The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true, each one is fair. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to those who hear them; there is great reward for those who hear them.
How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep me from deliberate sins! Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
It warmed up so much, by the time we came back from Louis' treatment, that I didn't attempt to walk, but did drive through the park and saw lots of people out enjoying the beautiful weather. I watched an egret sitting on a branch low over the water, and squirrels scurrying about. They don't have to worry about enough food, because all the oak trees have a super abundance of acorns this year. Our driveway is full!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 19
The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies, yet their message has gone out to all the earth and their words to all the world.
The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight to life. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true, each one is fair. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to those who hear them; there is great reward for those who hear them.
How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep me from deliberate sins! Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Everyone's a Critic
Good morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Another overcast day which was not predicted. I wouldn't mind at all if it would only bring rain, but all in God's timing.
Well, we have a new president-elect and now we all have to pray. "If my people who are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, then I will heal their land." Not an exact quotation, but close. We used to sing that scripture from Chronicles in choir. Always one of my favorites.
We drove through the Park yesterday and saw the grass was freshly mowed, and lots of people hanging over the bridge railing, looking at a passing gator. I am hoping to walk this morning, before taking Louis for his treatment, which seems to be going well. He has about three weeks more and then, hopefully, we are finished!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful creator in doing what is right.
1 Peter 4:19 NASB
Winston Churchill exemplified integrity and respect in the face of opposition. During his last year in office, he attended an official ceremony. Several rows behind him two gentlemen began whispering, "That's Winston Churchill. They say he is getting senile. They say he should step aside and leave the running of the nation to more dynamic and capable men."
When the ceremony ended, Churchill turned to the men and said, "Gentlemen, they also say he is deaf!"
Most people find it difficult to ignore the brunt of public opinion. It's easier to do things they don't want to do, or not do what they feel is right, rather than stand up for their own desires and convictions. One writer called it "worshiping the god of other people's opinion."
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson:
Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave people to win them.
Ignoring the god of other people's opinion requires strength and focus. Fortunately, we know the God who can grant us that strength and stand with us as we pursue the paths we feel are right. His opinion is the only one that counts.
Take courage. We walk in the wilderness today and in the promised land tomorrow.
Dwight Lyman Moody
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, we have a new president-elect and now we all have to pray. "If my people who are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, then I will heal their land." Not an exact quotation, but close. We used to sing that scripture from Chronicles in choir. Always one of my favorites.
We drove through the Park yesterday and saw the grass was freshly mowed, and lots of people hanging over the bridge railing, looking at a passing gator. I am hoping to walk this morning, before taking Louis for his treatment, which seems to be going well. He has about three weeks more and then, hopefully, we are finished!
From Quiet Moments with God:
Let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful creator in doing what is right.
1 Peter 4:19 NASB
Winston Churchill exemplified integrity and respect in the face of opposition. During his last year in office, he attended an official ceremony. Several rows behind him two gentlemen began whispering, "That's Winston Churchill. They say he is getting senile. They say he should step aside and leave the running of the nation to more dynamic and capable men."
When the ceremony ended, Churchill turned to the men and said, "Gentlemen, they also say he is deaf!"
Most people find it difficult to ignore the brunt of public opinion. It's easier to do things they don't want to do, or not do what they feel is right, rather than stand up for their own desires and convictions. One writer called it "worshiping the god of other people's opinion."
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson:
Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave people to win them.
Ignoring the god of other people's opinion requires strength and focus. Fortunately, we know the God who can grant us that strength and stand with us as we pursue the paths we feel are right. His opinion is the only one that counts.
Take courage. We walk in the wilderness today and in the promised land tomorrow.
Dwight Lyman Moody
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)