My Morning Prayer

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! Although it is overcast and supposed to rain today. it's still very warm and humid. But the birds and butterflies do not mind. As I was sweeping the porch off yesterday, I stopped and watched a large swallowtail butterfly flitting all over the yard and the lawn across the street. I can see out my window the mockingbirds landing in the podacarpus hedge and picking off the berries. they have plenty of them to eat!

Hopefully, I won't fall asleep while typing this. Last night I slept about two hours, then got up at 1:30am and read until three, still not feeling sleepy, and came back to bed, but finally got up at 6 and dozed all through my prayer time. Some nights are like that!

Yesterday was a quiet day for me, with no appointments, so I went shopping, and then to the park. I enjoyed seeing the green grass, shrubs and lots of hydrilla on the canal. I saw a little moorhen this side of the weir, paddling happily about. I believe that is the first time I have seen a moorhen at that particular spot. It is good to see them come back. All of the lilies were destroyed when the first cuts were made in the budget, so there was no place for them to build nests. Now that the plants are back in plenty, I believe that is why they are showing up once again. God is good!

I pray this each morning for myself and have sent it before, but it is good to repeat:

"Oh, God, for another day, for another morning, for another hour, for another minute, for another chance to live and serve Thee, I am truly grateful."

Do Thou this day free me
from all fear of the future
from all bitterness toward anyone.
from all cowardice in face of danger,
from all laziness in face of work,
from all failure before opportunity
from all weakness when Thy power is at hand.

But fill me
with Love that knows no barrier
with Sympathy that reaches all
with Courage that cannot be shaken
with Faith strong enough for darkness.
with Strength sufficient for my tasks
with Loyalty to Thy Kingdom Goal,
with Power to lift me to Thee.

Be Thou with me for another day and use
me as Thou will for Christ's sake, I pray.
Amen

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Faithfulness

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, it's kinda cloudy this morning and not a breeze is stirring, so it looks like another hot day in paradise!

I have the front porch to sweep off this morning, because there are some peculiar tiny brown spots in a three foot wide circle on it. There is a squirrel nest high up over the circle. Daryl said the squirrels were probably cleaning house. If so, they certainly had a messy house and now I have a messy porch! :o)

While driving on Park Blvd yesterday after an appointment, I went by a Subway, (freestanding) and went around the block and back to it, and discovered they have a drive-thru! Since it was almost lunch time, I ordered a sandwich.I was so happy to find the drive-thru, because I dislike going in any place by myself...not used to it for one thing.

I started out to the supermarket later on, but ran into raindrops and it looked like a downpour ahead, so I came on back home and waited until the shower stopped, then tried again. I came through the park on the way back, all fresh with the rain and saw quite a few people out. Anhingas and ibis, one drying wings, the others pecking on the ground. I wonder if they ever look up? They seem to be consumed with eating all day. Since I mentioned last week that I had not seen lavender crape myrtles before, I have been noticing them everywhere! I guess God opened my eyes! :o) God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Why should I be faithful?

Psalm 1:1-3 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. But they delight is doing every thing the Lord wants, day and night they think about his law. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.

The quality of our character affects the quality of our life. Integrity brings continual vitality and bears lasting fruit.

Proverbs 3:3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace, write them deep within your heart. then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.

One of our greatest securities in life is that of a good name. Faithfulness brings a good reputation and trust from others. When we have problems, sometimes our reputation can be the key to a positive outcome.

2 Timothy 2:11-13 This is a true saying: if we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.

Faithfulness is not optional. When we fail and fall, we must fall to our knees. Faithfulness is seen not only in our obedience, but also in our repentance.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Phlippin' thru 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 is already in the eighties and promises to be warmer, but this is Florida in the summer, so we can expect steamy and be thankful for shade!

My eyes are still bloodshot from the drops put in them yesterday at the eye exam, but thankfully, the eyes are healthy and no change. I was blessed that Karin drove me and brought along enough reading material for the two hours I was there. I could not get out until about 8, because of the dilation, which lasted for six hours, but was able to go to the Park. Lots of people were out in the evening, walking and picnicking. I saw a beautiful white egret reflected in the water, looking for a fish, a bedraggled looking anhinga on the weir, and several ibis pecking along in the grass. The path on the right had been freshly mowed, so several people were walking their dogs along it. I was a nice evening. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Words from Paul Phil. 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

Forever Young

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 was overcast for just a little while this morning, but now the sun is shining brightly. I kinda wish it would be overcast because i am having my eyes dilated today for an exam and I will probably be tearful all the way home because of the brightness!

I mentioned last week that I had never seen a lavender crape myrtle until then. Well, duh, the church parking lot and all along the street are lined with lavender colored crape myrtles!! Why did I not notice them before? They really are pretty. I saw some families having a picnic in the park yesterday. While it was very hot, it's about ten degrees cooler under the thick shade of the trees with the breezes blowing. I walked past Arrow Lake and watched two pair of moorhens swimming about. They mate for life and the male always helps with the nest when there are eggs in it. Very domestic! We could learn from them. God is good!

From the book Quiet Moments with God:

You will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine.
1 Timothy 4:6

General Douglas MacArthur once said:

Whatever your years, there is in every being's heart the love of wonder, the undaunted challenge of events, the unfailing childlike appetite for what is next, and the joy and the game of life. You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as our fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair. In the central place of every heart there is a recording chamber; so long as it receives messages of beauty, cheer, and courage, so long are you young.

We are never too old to learn or to be used for good. We are never too old to be awed by a thing of beauty or to be thirsty for knowledge. Joyful living knows no age limits, and filling our minds with delight in life may in some ways keep us forever young. Our age is not truly measured in physical characteristics and weaknesses, but by our spirit. We are always of value to our Lord. If we are willing to learn new things, develop new skills , and renew our spirits with the nourishment of His Word, we can always grow, regardless of our age.

The growth process never really stops, even when we say we don't want to learn any more. Something inside us is always taking in something. Our choice is in whether we allow what we are learning to help us grow or not. (Even riding on a motorcycle or Sea-Doo)

Be not afraid of growing slowly,
be afraid only of standing still.
Chinese Proverb

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
amaryllis

RED MARBLES

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners. this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

I think this story will take the place of anything I could send , so have a wonderful weekend and remember to be kind to someone, because you may meet an angel unawares.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Fri, Jul 9, 2010 at 6:52 AM
Subject: RED MARBLES
To:

RED MARBLES

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas.

I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.

Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.

'Hello Barry, how are you today?'

'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.'

'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'

'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'

'Good. Anything I can help you with?'

'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'

'Would you like to take some home?' asked Mr. Miller..

'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'

'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'

'All I got's my prize marble here.'

'Is that right? Let me see it' said Miller..

'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'

'I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked.

'Not zackley but almost..'

'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble'. Mr. Miller told the boy.

'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.'

I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.

Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died.

They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.

Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her, and moved on to the casket.

Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one; each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes..

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket.

'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size......they came to pay their debt.'

'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho.'

With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.

The Moral: We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath...

Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ~ A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself...An unexpected phone call from an old friend...Green stoplights on your way to work...The fastest line at the grocery store...A good sing-along song on the radio...Your keys found right where you left them.

Send this to the people you'll never forget. I just Did....

If you don't send it to anyone, it means you are in way too much of a hurry to even notice the ordinary miracles when they occur.

IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED

Have a Great Day!

Psoaring thru Psalm 20

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 almost have to wear my sunglasses indoors for a few minutes each morning since our trees were trimmed! The sun comes in now under the branches and shines across the living and dining rooms, very brightly for about five minutes, now. Quite surprising how much difference a little trimming can do!

But it was good for the grass, because now where there was no sun and the grass died, now it is slowly growing back, so it looks much better. Not good, yet, but better. I haven't seen anyone else using their sprinklers lately. Our gutters are still running with water and it is oozing out of the driveways. We are wet!!

I could see over at the park where the water came up over the weir and lots of weeds were wrapped around the posts. Someone picked up all the trash, though, so it looked really good. I saw a bedraggled anhinga drying out on the concrete drive. For some reason he did not preen his feathers, so he looked unkempt. A great blue heron was fishing and the usual squirrels were scampering across the road and up the trees.They scare me sometimes, when they race out in front of the car! I am always afraid I will hit one. But they are swift and so far I have missed them. God is good!

Psalm 20 NLT;

In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.
May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from his sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May he remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings.

May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory
flying banners to honor our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.

Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed king.
He will answer him from his holy heaven
and rescue him by his great power.
Some nations boast of their armies and weapons.
but we boast in the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse
but we will rise up and stand firm.

Give victory to our king, O Lord,
Respond to our cry for help.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Protection

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!. "Sunshine on my shoulders, makes me happy"...can you hear John Denver singing that? While I liked the coolness that the rain and overcast skies brought, I do like the sun shining brightly, and perking everything up. Water drops are still shining like diamonds on plants and bushes, and my porch is wet, but will soon dry up. God knows our needs and He provides.

My crape myrtle is still showing beauty with pink blooms, although it is in the back yard and not visible from the front, but I can see it from my prayer room. Also. I saw a lavender one in front of the Christian Bookstore when I visited them yesterday. I had never seen that color before on a crape myrtle. The yellow golden rain tree in a yard on the way into the park, had shed yellow blossoms all over the driveway of the house. They looked very pretty , but the house is vacant and no one is there to look after it.

I saw more white toadstools scattered around the ground in the park , which we used to call "fairy rings" when I was a kid. There are dozens of them all over, which shows how wet the ground is. Sometimes the squirrels eat the ones in my yard, but the ones in the park must not be good for them, because they are untouched. I saw the great white heron fishing with his neck stretched out. They are so lovely and graceful! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How does the Lord protect me?

Joshua 23:10 Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised.

When enemies come against us, they really come against the Lord,. we are continually reminded that victory is assured when we let the Lord fight our battles. He can turn our enemies against each other so that they destroy themselves while we walk away unscathed.

Psalm 91:1-4 Those who live in the Shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the Lord. He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I am trusting him. For he will rescue you from every shelter with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

God guards us from the dangers that stalk us. God is a refuge, a shelter, and a place of safety from all threats. His promises shield us and inspire our faith and courage.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis