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 am expecting my tree trimmer to call saying he is on his way, and then the yard will be mowed later, so guess I am staying home this morning.
I had enough outings yesterday, though. After my walk in the park, I drove out to the Mall. When I got through there, it was lunch time, so I was glad to come home and collapse. Still don't have a lot of stamina, but getting better, praise God!
I am always amazed at how many blue jays are flying around here. I keep a bowl of water on the front wall, and they are always drinking and bathing in it! They get pretty huffy when any other bird tries to drink. The squirrels also come and drink out of it. They must get really thirsty after eating dry acorns all day! :o)\
I always see the baby osprey sitting atop the light pole at Publix, whenever I go there. The baby is as big as the parents, now, so soon it will be flying off. It doesn't look too secure to me, because there are only a few sticks left of their nest, but I guess it is home, sweet home to them. God is good!
Since today is the National Day of Prayer here is the verse from 1 Chronicles. We certainly all need to pray for our country, and government these days!
1 Chronicles 7:14
If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
Comparison (from Hymns For the Family of God;)
Jesus Christ is unique, and one cannot be in His presence and not reveal the man he really is. Jesus pulls each person from behind his mask. In the exposure of that bleeding love on the cross, men become what they really are.
You may think you are wonderful until you stand in the presence of the One who is purity itself. It is the pure light of God that pierces a man. You can keep up your pretense of being holy until you stand in the light. Then immediately there is nowhere to hide, all your masks are torn away, all your hollow smiles fade.
Revival means to be exposed for what we are. The presence of the Lord is revealing.
--Festo Kivengere
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
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! The sun has not shone yet, but the cloudy weather is welcome if it brings rain. While some states get too much rain, we need it right now.
I did something I have not done in a long time. I went walking before breakfast and while it was cooler. Hardly anyone was at the Park, so I took my stick that Terry gave me and started out. I paused at the first covered shelter and watched a large raccoon across the water, walking along until he disappeared into the underbrush. It was time for him to sleep all day. Then I walked on to the tower and the wind was blowing, making waves, and there on the side was a big gator, letting the water wash up almost to his eyes. I spoke to him and wished him a good day, then started back...Met only three people out that early. a good time to go! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 19:9-14
Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.
They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.
They are a warning to those who hear them.
There is a great reward for those
who obey 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
I did something I have not done in a long time. I went walking before breakfast and while it was cooler. Hardly anyone was at the Park, so I took my stick that Terry gave me and started out. I paused at the first covered shelter and watched a large raccoon across the water, walking along until he disappeared into the underbrush. It was time for him to sleep all day. Then I walked on to the tower and the wind was blowing, making waves, and there on the side was a big gator, letting the water wash up almost to his eyes. I spoke to him and wished him a good day, then started back...Met only three people out that early. a good time to go! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 19:9-14
Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair.
They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.
They are a warning to those who hear them.
There is a great reward for those
who obey 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
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Joy
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! Well, we don't get much cooler at night than in the seventies, but the wind blowing keeps us cool even in all the humidity.
I headed out yesterday to gas up the van, and the wind is always blowing gales at the gas pumps at Walmart, but it feels good in the summer. As I was driving into the Park, I saw a lady peahen, and further down the street Mr. peacock was strutting again, so it must be courting time. Soon there will be babies running around. I had to almost stop to avoid hitting the lady, who was in the street. I wonder if they are called peacocks because that is the size of their brains. They are all beauty, not brains!
I was reading Psalm 104:1-23 this morning, telling of God's beauty that He has created for us to enjoy. Beautiful description of the earth and all its beauty! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be joyful in hard times?
Habakkuk 3:17-18 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
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 oiur attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
James 4:14-18 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be our 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
I headed out yesterday to gas up the van, and the wind is always blowing gales at the gas pumps at Walmart, but it feels good in the summer. As I was driving into the Park, I saw a lady peahen, and further down the street Mr. peacock was strutting again, so it must be courting time. Soon there will be babies running around. I had to almost stop to avoid hitting the lady, who was in the street. I wonder if they are called peacocks because that is the size of their brains. They are all beauty, not brains!
I was reading Psalm 104:1-23 this morning, telling of God's beauty that He has created for us to enjoy. Beautiful description of the earth and all its beauty! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be joyful in hard times?
Habakkuk 3:17-18 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
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 oiur attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
James 4:14-18 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be our 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
Monday, May 3, 2010
Abundance
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! The wind is blowing and it promises to be hot again today, but summer will soon be here and then we will be wishing for cooler weather! :o)
I had an active weekend with going to a concert Friday night at Brian's church with a three hundred voice choir, a birthday party on Saturday evening, and church Sunday morning and a program with Curt Cloninger Sunday night! Sunday afternoon a nap and relaxation! I also drove out to the cemetery to see how the grass restoration was coming. The permanent marker is now in place, but all is muddy with a peculiar gridwork across all the graves. I guess this must be to hold the sod in place when it gets planted. They are also putting in palm trees between each section. Always improving,, which is good. It was very hot, so I didn't stay long, but a good wind was blowing, which made it bearable.
Almost forgot! I also got to sit on a Gold Wing motorcycle which I hope to get a ride on soon. It was difficult for me to get on, but with David's help and instructions, I made it! Awesome! I am looking forward to the ride, even if I will have "helmet hair'. :o)
I did go to the park each day, and saw Mr. Peacock strutting around with this tail feathers fully expanded. Yes, he knew he looked spectacular! He really is beautiful, so since God made him that way, he might as well flaunt it! I saw the turtles sunning on the bank, and saw two woodstorks on my way to church yesterday!
The jacarandas are now looking beautiful. I passed one that had branches hanging over the street, and the street was covered with a lovely blanket of lavendar petals! Some of the trees were frost bitten, but most are still beautiful. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT
Under what circumstances does God promise abundance to us?
Malachi 3:10,11 "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do," says the Lord almighty, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not shrivel before they are ripe," says the Lord Almight.
Philippians 4:19 "This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
God's abundant provision is a gracious gift. When we give what God requires we receive more than we could ever desire.
Deuteronomy 30:9 The Lord your God will make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and your fields will produce abundant harvests for the Lord will delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors.
God is not stingy and resentful in supplying our needs. He loves to lavish his abundance on those with grateful hearts.
Why does God give us abundant gifts?
2 Corinthians 9:8 God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
God wants us to have everything we need. But we don't get to keep what we receive, we get to give it away. God is looking for us to share his abundance with others.
I had an active weekend with going to a concert Friday night at Brian's church with a three hundred voice choir, a birthday party on Saturday evening, and church Sunday morning and a program with Curt Cloninger Sunday night! Sunday afternoon a nap and relaxation! I also drove out to the cemetery to see how the grass restoration was coming. The permanent marker is now in place, but all is muddy with a peculiar gridwork across all the graves. I guess this must be to hold the sod in place when it gets planted. They are also putting in palm trees between each section. Always improving,, which is good. It was very hot, so I didn't stay long, but a good wind was blowing, which made it bearable.
Almost forgot! I also got to sit on a Gold Wing motorcycle which I hope to get a ride on soon. It was difficult for me to get on, but with David's help and instructions, I made it! Awesome! I am looking forward to the ride, even if I will have "helmet hair'. :o)
I did go to the park each day, and saw Mr. Peacock strutting around with this tail feathers fully expanded. Yes, he knew he looked spectacular! He really is beautiful, so since God made him that way, he might as well flaunt it! I saw the turtles sunning on the bank, and saw two woodstorks on my way to church yesterday!
The jacarandas are now looking beautiful. I passed one that had branches hanging over the street, and the street was covered with a lovely blanket of lavendar petals! Some of the trees were frost bitten, but most are still beautiful. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT
Under what circumstances does God promise abundance to us?
Malachi 3:10,11 "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do," says the Lord almighty, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you! Your crops will be abundant, for I will guard them from insects and disease. Your grapes will not shrivel before they are ripe," says the Lord Almight.
Philippians 4:19 "This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
God's abundant provision is a gracious gift. When we give what God requires we receive more than we could ever desire.
Deuteronomy 30:9 The Lord your God will make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and your fields will produce abundant harvests for the Lord will delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors.
God is not stingy and resentful in supplying our needs. He loves to lavish his abundance on those with grateful hearts.
Why does God give us abundant gifts?
2 Corinthians 9:8 God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
God wants us to have everything we need. But we don't get to keep what we receive, we get to give it away. God is looking for us to share his abundance with others.
Friday, April 30, 2010
May is coming!
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 have already had a few sprinkles, but now the wind is blowing and the puffy clouds are racing across the blue sky, and the sun is shining, so maybe no rain after all!
I went back out to Walmart yesterday to return the pillow I bought which was not satisfactory, picked up a few other things I had forgotten, and on the way back, I stopped in at the Park. I got out to walk a little bit, and saw Jill and Liz coming off the boardwalk. I stopped to look high up in the oak trees by the building, and discovered the hawks have another nest built. Saw and heard the anhinga perched on the maple stump...it almost seems to speak to the people who stop on the bridge to look at him. He has a peculiar caw for his call. Turtles were sunning on the bank of the weir again and a peacock was trying to ignore some people standing near talking. I think he hopes they are admiring him. :o)
It was after lunch time by then, so I went to Subway to get a chicken teriyaki sandwich and met up with Bud Brown! People I know are everywhere! God is good!
Since May is upon us and I won't be sending the email tomorrow, the following is a salute to May from an old Guideposts day planner;
A Prayer for May:
The rose is nature's gift of love,
And as I watch it bloom,
I marvel at the sweetness
of its delicate perfume.
My heart is filled with praise, Lord,
For this very special gift,
And the lesson that it teaches
When my spirit needs a lift...
It's a lesson that in spite of thorns,
The painful barbs of strife,
My faith can bloom as sweetly
Above the trials of life.
--Alice Joyce Davidson
In May as the earth comes to life with fresh color and new growth, God seems to be going oiut of His way to touch us with beauty and wonder, pouring an extra helping of blesssing into the world.
This month why not go out of your way and pour an extra helping of blessing into someone's life? Offer an extra portion of your time, money, concern or creativity. Jesus called bestowing such bonuses going two miles instead of one. He knew that being a two-miler makes the heart strong.
So, during May, grow strong in heart!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I went back out to Walmart yesterday to return the pillow I bought which was not satisfactory, picked up a few other things I had forgotten, and on the way back, I stopped in at the Park. I got out to walk a little bit, and saw Jill and Liz coming off the boardwalk. I stopped to look high up in the oak trees by the building, and discovered the hawks have another nest built. Saw and heard the anhinga perched on the maple stump...it almost seems to speak to the people who stop on the bridge to look at him. He has a peculiar caw for his call. Turtles were sunning on the bank of the weir again and a peacock was trying to ignore some people standing near talking. I think he hopes they are admiring him. :o)
It was after lunch time by then, so I went to Subway to get a chicken teriyaki sandwich and met up with Bud Brown! People I know are everywhere! God is good!
Since May is upon us and I won't be sending the email tomorrow, the following is a salute to May from an old Guideposts day planner;
A Prayer for May:
The rose is nature's gift of love,
And as I watch it bloom,
I marvel at the sweetness
of its delicate perfume.
My heart is filled with praise, Lord,
For this very special gift,
And the lesson that it teaches
When my spirit needs a lift...
It's a lesson that in spite of thorns,
The painful barbs of strife,
My faith can bloom as sweetly
Above the trials of life.
--Alice Joyce Davidson
In May as the earth comes to life with fresh color and new growth, God seems to be going oiut of His way to touch us with beauty and wonder, pouring an extra helping of blesssing into the world.
This month why not go out of your way and pour an extra helping of blessing into someone's life? Offer an extra portion of your time, money, concern or creativity. Jesus called bestowing such bonuses going two miles instead of one. He knew that being a two-miler makes the heart strong.
So, during May, grow strong in heart!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Ecclesiastes 4
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! It is a little cooler today, but we are supposed to be in the nineties this weekend. Officially. summer is not until June, but this is Florida!
When I went to the Park yesterday, I saw over a dozen black turtles flattened on the bank of the weir and the gator on the other side on the bank. The gopher tortoise was in his spot by the curve and the anhinga on the maple tree stump. All was peaceful. I drove on to Walmart and was pleasantly surprised by the wide aisles and sparkling clean floors! They must have a new manager or else have cut down on their merchandise. I did my walking from one end to the other and in between. Good exercise and not too crowded.
I saw the cutest thing in the yard yesterday. A baby squirrel was playing with a fairly long twig that had dropped from the tree. He was throwing it up, rolling on the ground tossing it, and leaping up in a ball, just like a kitten, playing with a toy. It put a smile on my face. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT
Ecclesiastes 5:9
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
5:12
People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich are always worrying and seldom get a good night's sleep....
19
And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life--that is indeed a gift from God. People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I went to the Park yesterday, I saw over a dozen black turtles flattened on the bank of the weir and the gator on the other side on the bank. The gopher tortoise was in his spot by the curve and the anhinga on the maple tree stump. All was peaceful. I drove on to Walmart and was pleasantly surprised by the wide aisles and sparkling clean floors! They must have a new manager or else have cut down on their merchandise. I did my walking from one end to the other and in between. Good exercise and not too crowded.
I saw the cutest thing in the yard yesterday. A baby squirrel was playing with a fairly long twig that had dropped from the tree. He was throwing it up, rolling on the ground tossing it, and leaping up in a ball, just like a kitten, playing with a toy. It put a smile on my face. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT
Ecclesiastes 5:9
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
5:12
People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich are always worrying and seldom get a good night's sleep....
19
And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life--that is indeed a gift from God. People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Words of truth from Matthew
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! This is probably the coolest weather we will have before summer, or so the weatherman says. It is in the sixties this morning, with a cool breeze blowing. That time of year when no heat or A/C is needed. Yay!
I had quite an outing yesterday...first to the church to pick up the agenda from the annual meeting that I missed, then to the park, where I saw the tree trimmers at work on the fallen maple tree. Also, the mowing crew was there doing their limited mowing and edging. I also saw a line up of turtles on a log drying out for a little bit. the water is very high from the storm, so everything is nice and swampy.
After I left the Park, I went out to the Mall, shopped for a little while at Dillard's and then to Peltz. By the time I got on the road again, I was hungry, so went to Subway for a teriyaki chicken sandwich and came home, pretty much exhausted! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT
Matthew 7:1-12
Stop judging other, and you will not be judged. For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying, "Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye," when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log from your own eye; then then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.
Don't give what is holy to unholy people. Don't give pearls to swine! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
Effective Prayer
Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. You parents--if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had quite an outing yesterday...first to the church to pick up the agenda from the annual meeting that I missed, then to the park, where I saw the tree trimmers at work on the fallen maple tree. Also, the mowing crew was there doing their limited mowing and edging. I also saw a line up of turtles on a log drying out for a little bit. the water is very high from the storm, so everything is nice and swampy.
After I left the Park, I went out to the Mall, shopped for a little while at Dillard's and then to Peltz. By the time I got on the road again, I was hungry, so went to Subway for a teriyaki chicken sandwich and came home, pretty much exhausted! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT
Matthew 7:1-12
Stop judging other, and you will not be judged. For others will treat you as you treat them. Whatever measure you use in judging others, it will be used to measure how you are judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying, "Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye," when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log from your own eye; then then perhaps you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye.
Don't give what is holy to unholy people. Don't give pearls to swine! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
Effective Prayer
Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. You parents--if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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