Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for prayers. Brian and I arrived home safety a little after 8:30. God was so good, because the transmission started acting up as we drove off the Howard Frankland bridge. Guess I have a phone call top make to Cartek tomorrow! I am extremely tired but happy we went.
Love and nite nite,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 14, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Crisis
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! Since my oak trees were trimmed, the sun shines brightly through the front windows, now, where before the graceful fall of the branches kept the brightness out. But it only last for a few minutes, and then the sun keeps rising.
It looks like good weather for our trip tomorrow, so I hope it is still good in Georgia. It will be good to get away for a couple days.
Yesterday, after running around doing errands, I drove to the park for a little peace and quiet, and was pleased to see the ancient gopher tortoise munching his way through the grass in his usual spot. Some things never change and that is good. Most of the shrubs have been whacked way down, but not the grass, except where people walk most often. I filled up the bowl that I keep on the front wall so that critters can come and get a drink. Some of the birds take baths in it, which splashes out most of the water, but I keep refilling it for them. Even the squirrels drink out of it. I saw a tiny frog when I brought the dumpster back a little while ago. The frogs are even hurting for moisture, too. But God is good, and He will bring rain when we need it!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Shouldn't those who believe in God be free from crisis?
John 16:33 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.
Crisis should not surprise us. We expect crisis and difficulty because we live in a fallen world. Jesus' warning keeps us from panic, and his promise of victory keeps us from discouragement.
1 Peter 1:6-7 Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Times of crisis are like a fire that refines, like a knife that prunes, like a wind that sifts the wheat from the chaff. Ask God for the strength to hold on and for the strength to let go of ungodly things. Look to the joy that awaits on the other side of the trial.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Have a Jesus-filled weekend, friends)
It looks like good weather for our trip tomorrow, so I hope it is still good in Georgia. It will be good to get away for a couple days.
Yesterday, after running around doing errands, I drove to the park for a little peace and quiet, and was pleased to see the ancient gopher tortoise munching his way through the grass in his usual spot. Some things never change and that is good. Most of the shrubs have been whacked way down, but not the grass, except where people walk most often. I filled up the bowl that I keep on the front wall so that critters can come and get a drink. Some of the birds take baths in it, which splashes out most of the water, but I keep refilling it for them. Even the squirrels drink out of it. I saw a tiny frog when I brought the dumpster back a little while ago. The frogs are even hurting for moisture, too. But God is good, and He will bring rain when we need it!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Shouldn't those who believe in God be free from crisis?
John 16:33 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.
Crisis should not surprise us. We expect crisis and difficulty because we live in a fallen world. Jesus' warning keeps us from panic, and his promise of victory keeps us from discouragement.
1 Peter 1:6-7 Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Times of crisis are like a fire that refines, like a knife that prunes, like a wind that sifts the wheat from the chaff. Ask God for the strength to hold on and for the strength to let go of ungodly things. Look to the joy that awaits on the other side of the trial.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Have a Jesus-filled weekend, friends)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Decisions
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! As I was praying and writing names down, my eyes wandered to the window where i saw a great shaking of the podocarpus branch from the hedge next door and then a great swaying of the oak tree branches. Sure enough, two squirrels were making long leaps from one branch to another. Talk about flying squirrels!! They are able to fly incredible distances from house to tree to hedge. Fearless!
Well, we had a little rain night before last, which I did not know about until I woke up. We certainly need all we can get. The grass is growing whether it is dry or wet, though, So I am happy I have someone to cut it for me.
I drove to the park yesterday, after completely many errands in the morning and a group of squirrels were busily digging for acorns along side the road, and then, one suddenly dashed out in front of the van! I was sure i was going to run over him, but somehow, he escaped. Playing daredevil, again. My heart doesn't need that! The water is dark again, so the algae that was causing it to be green is gone. Very strange. But God is good!
All of us have decisions to make every day...some more important and life changing than others, so here are some words to help us:
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What kind of help does God give us?
2 Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
God wants to help us make the right decisions. He is looking for us to depend fully on him. Our openness is God's opportunity.
James 1:5-8 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.
Some people fear that they are bothering God with their problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is looking for ways to help us because he loves us. Our commitment to him releases his resources for us.
Romans 8:26-27 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.
When we are overwhelmed, confused, or uncertain, we should not hesitate to pray. In fact, these are the best times to pray because the Holy Spirit can then help us the most. We describe our situation and trust God to prescribe the solution.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, we had a little rain night before last, which I did not know about until I woke up. We certainly need all we can get. The grass is growing whether it is dry or wet, though, So I am happy I have someone to cut it for me.
I drove to the park yesterday, after completely many errands in the morning and a group of squirrels were busily digging for acorns along side the road, and then, one suddenly dashed out in front of the van! I was sure i was going to run over him, but somehow, he escaped. Playing daredevil, again. My heart doesn't need that! The water is dark again, so the algae that was causing it to be green is gone. Very strange. But God is good!
All of us have decisions to make every day...some more important and life changing than others, so here are some words to help us:
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What kind of help does God give us?
2 Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
God wants to help us make the right decisions. He is looking for us to depend fully on him. Our openness is God's opportunity.
James 1:5-8 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.
Some people fear that they are bothering God with their problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is looking for ways to help us because he loves us. Our commitment to him releases his resources for us.
Romans 8:26-27 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.
When we are overwhelmed, confused, or uncertain, we should not hesitate to pray. In fact, these are the best times to pray because the Holy Spirit can then help us the most. We describe our situation and trust God to prescribe the solution.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
A Benediction
Good mid-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 made the mistake of going for lab work without first making an appointment, so had to wait about 45 minutes. What a crowd! I did not think they would be so busy this time of year, but I was wrong. Of course, I was fasting, so by the time I came home, I was really hungry and thirsty ! Well, anyway, that's done.
Yesterday, I visited my dermatologist and, as a result, I have a nice blotch on my nose, and one on my leg, which he thinks are basal cell carcinomas, so he sent them off to be biopsied. Brian and I are leaving Friday early to go to Alabama to visit my uncle and meet Daryl and Matthew on Sunday. They are only two hours away. But, I will have a not so pretty nose the whole time. Oh, well, it's not how I look, it's the joy of being with family that counts!
I went to the park yesterday and got out to walk just a little, since the sun was so hot, and was just in time to see a large gator swim under the bridge and on down the canal , leisurely leaving a wake behind. Meantime, an egret was right beside the bridge looking at me as I looked at it. They are really used to people. God is good!
Here is a short benediction from Jude, NLT
And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, I visited my dermatologist and, as a result, I have a nice blotch on my nose, and one on my leg, which he thinks are basal cell carcinomas, so he sent them off to be biopsied. Brian and I are leaving Friday early to go to Alabama to visit my uncle and meet Daryl and Matthew on Sunday. They are only two hours away. But, I will have a not so pretty nose the whole time. Oh, well, it's not how I look, it's the joy of being with family that counts!
I went to the park yesterday and got out to walk just a little, since the sun was so hot, and was just in time to see a large gator swim under the bridge and on down the canal , leisurely leaving a wake behind. Meantime, an egret was right beside the bridge looking at me as I looked at it. They are really used to people. God is good!
Here is a short benediction from Jude, NLT
And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 7, 2010
Discernment
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! Puffy clouds are building up and the breeze is blowing, although it is very warm already and will probably climb up to 90 again. But this is summer , almost, "and the livin' is easy. Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high". From Porgy and Bess.
I had a nice, lazy afternoon after church yesterday. Finished up a novel I was reading, which took place in Chimney Rock, NC and Lake Lure area. It brought back fond memories, because we went there as a family for several years in a row. Beautiful country as we climbed up to the Great Smokies.
But back to the present, I saw a lovely roseate spoonbill as I drove by the lake near here, and when I went to the park, I saw a woodstork take off and fly. I have seldom seen a woodstork there and I believe that is the first time I have seen one fly. It was very hot, so there weren't many people out.I can't take the heat any more, so I am careful not to walk in it. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
When I am confused, where do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding and direction?
James 1:5-8 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.
Psalm 119:125 Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your decrees.
Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom. It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies," God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had a nice, lazy afternoon after church yesterday. Finished up a novel I was reading, which took place in Chimney Rock, NC and Lake Lure area. It brought back fond memories, because we went there as a family for several years in a row. Beautiful country as we climbed up to the Great Smokies.
But back to the present, I saw a lovely roseate spoonbill as I drove by the lake near here, and when I went to the park, I saw a woodstork take off and fly. I have seldom seen a woodstork there and I believe that is the first time I have seen one fly. It was very hot, so there weren't many people out.I can't take the heat any more, so I am careful not to walk in it. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
When I am confused, where do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding and direction?
James 1:5-8 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.
Psalm 119:125 Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your decrees.
Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom. It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies," God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, June 4, 2010
Philippians
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 looks like we will have some more rain today after the thunderstorms last night. I went to bed with the sound of distant thunder in my ears, but then it got closer and the brilliant, flashing lightning was shining through the curtains, so I rolled over to try to get to sleep. We certainly needed the rain, though, and I am glad we got a good soaking.
I am expecting David C. over soon to mow and then wash the house, which still has a lot of pollen, dust and webs on it, but if it rains, I think he can skip the house washing.
We seem to have a new family of squirrels running up and down the oak trees. I don't know where they went while the trees were being trimmed, but they got busy right away and started building another nest, which means lots of leafy twigs on the ground. Very messy. It is cute to see them stretch to get water out of the bowl I keep on the wall for birds and squirrels. Lot of jays come to drink and a few mockers, but the jays don't like anyone else to drink. They are very aggressive! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again---rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
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.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I am expecting David C. over soon to mow and then wash the house, which still has a lot of pollen, dust and webs on it, but if it rains, I think he can skip the house washing.
We seem to have a new family of squirrels running up and down the oak trees. I don't know where they went while the trees were being trimmed, but they got busy right away and started building another nest, which means lots of leafy twigs on the ground. Very messy. It is cute to see them stretch to get water out of the bowl I keep on the wall for birds and squirrels. Lot of jays come to drink and a few mockers, but the jays don't like anyone else to drink. They are very aggressive! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again---rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
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.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Paul's Prayer
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad n it! I was struck by how warm and humid the air is when I stepped outside this morning. Whew! Looks like today will be a scorcher! Thank God for A/C!
I'm later than usual this morning, because I just took a pecan pie out of the oven. I am having a friend over to work on a toilet that seems to be leaking, and yesterday he asked for a sour orange pie. Problem is, the trees have all been cut down at the park because of too much work cleaning the fallen fruit, I guess. No one is around to clean up and besides, they are out of season. So, I thought maybe the pecan pie would be a substitute. I don't bake much any more because there is no one here to eat dessert but me, and I sure don't need the calories!
Yesterday, after running some errands, I bought a swirl cone from Checkers and drove to the park to enjoy it. Well, I was slurping along the way, because they melt so fast! There was still some left when I got to the Park, so I pulled over and rolled the window down to finish it off. I was watching about seven squirrels racing and chasing each other up and down the trees, when I looked down at the street and there were a couple, sitting up and expectantly waiting for a bite. I told them I was not supposed to feet them, and off they ran for a while, but then they were back to try one more time. They are used to being fed, now, because no one is around to tell people not to, and, of course, the signs don't mean much. But, God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Empowering
Ephesians 3:14-21
When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now glory be to God! By his mighty work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.
Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I'm later than usual this morning, because I just took a pecan pie out of the oven. I am having a friend over to work on a toilet that seems to be leaking, and yesterday he asked for a sour orange pie. Problem is, the trees have all been cut down at the park because of too much work cleaning the fallen fruit, I guess. No one is around to clean up and besides, they are out of season. So, I thought maybe the pecan pie would be a substitute. I don't bake much any more because there is no one here to eat dessert but me, and I sure don't need the calories!
Yesterday, after running some errands, I bought a swirl cone from Checkers and drove to the park to enjoy it. Well, I was slurping along the way, because they melt so fast! There was still some left when I got to the Park, so I pulled over and rolled the window down to finish it off. I was watching about seven squirrels racing and chasing each other up and down the trees, when I looked down at the street and there were a couple, sitting up and expectantly waiting for a bite. I told them I was not supposed to feet them, and off they ran for a while, but then they were back to try one more time. They are used to being fed, now, because no one is around to tell people not to, and, of course, the signs don't mean much. But, God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Empowering
Ephesians 3:14-21
When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now glory be to God! By his mighty work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.
Amen.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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