Tuesday, November 2, 2010

2 Chronicles 7:14

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 overcast and gloomy today and that's a good thing, because rain is predicted and we really need it. This morning I watched a squirrel on the line in my backyard, running his tongue along the box that has phone wires in it. I think he was getting the dew off it. Now, that's dry! I have a bowl on my front wall that has water in it for the birds and squirrels, but maybe he didn't know it was there.

Today is voting day, which I already did by absentee ballot, but, I for one, will be very happy to see the end of commercials with candidates being negative about each other. Glad there is a mute button!

We had a sparse Faith Group meeting last night. For the first time, we only had six people and I was the only one who showed up for the supper. But it was very good, the supper and the meeting and a very powerful explanation of marriage and submission. I am so glad I went!

In keeping with the date, I think this verse is appropriate:

From the Promise Bible, NLT:

"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."

And I pray that God will direct the voters and that His choices will win.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, October 29, 2010

Deuteronomy 26:11 and a word from Abby

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We were promised a cold front would come through and this morning, it is definitely cooler. Not cold, but very pleasant, with lower humidity. We so need rain, though. I hope God hears our prayers for rain and answers soon.

Well, God certainly had different plans for me yesterday morning than I had. Since my friend, David C. was coming over to mow, I asked him to pick up the new dryer from Sears outlet, which he did. After it was hooked up he tested it, and a loud clunking noise issued from the barrel as it turned. After an hour and a half, at least, of frustrating phone calls, trying to get someone to pick up the phone at the outlet, and then calling the 800 number, we decided to go out there with the dryer and exchange it for another. Then another wait of over 45 minutes for someone to wait on us. Seems they were having a big sale, and only two sales people were scheduled. Like many other businesses these days, they have cut service, so I guess they would rather lose customers than pay people to help. Anyway, the lone saleslady called the manager from somewhere and we finally got the transaction completed and left with the dryer. I told David they better hurry up, because I get mean when I'm hungry. He just grinned, because in all the years I've known him, he has never seen me get mean. We finally got back home here about 1:30 and got the dryer hooked up and it seems to work ok, although I was too tired to do laundry yesterday. But God was in control and He is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

"O Lord, I have brought you the a token of the first crops you have given me from the ground. Then place the produce before the Lord your God, and worship him. Afterward, go and celebrate because of all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household."

Words from Dear Abby:

Take time to work,
It is the price of success.
Take time to think,
it is the source of power
Take time to play,
It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read,
It is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly,
It is the road to happiness.
Take time to love and be loved,
It is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to share,
Life is too short to be selfish.
Take time to laugh,
Laughter is the music of the soul.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Let God Guide the Way

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 hope some of you have been enjoying the sunsets lately. I know the sun sets in the west, but the reflection on the clouds in the east have been spectacular! Lavenders, pinks and bits of yellow. God knows how to paint!

I noticed this morning, that my amaryllis have died, yellow leaves, not all of them, but I am wondering if the tenting of the house next door had anything to do with it. Maybe when the tent was taken off some of the gas escaped. Scary thought. I will water them thoroughly today and see if that helps.

Well, yesterday was a different day. After I discovered that the dryer was defunct, I loaded the wet sheets in the basket and put them in the back of the car, then drove out to Sears outlet and bought a new, inexpensive dryer. They wanted a large sum of money for delivery, but I am blessed to have friends who have trucks, so it will be delivered today for the cost of a piece of pie. Can't beat the price! God is good!

After the trip to get the new dryer. I stopped at a laundrymat (that's actually the way it's spelled) and used one of their dryers. Since I was close to a supermarket, I stopped in and bought things I was totally out of at home. Whew! I was one tired biker chick when I got back home!

From the little devotional book: Knowing God

The true children of God are those who let God's Spirit lead them. Romans 8:14 NCV

The Bible promises that God will guide you if you let Him. Your job is to let Him. But sometimes, you will be tempted to do otherwise. Sometimes, you'll be tempted to go along with the crowd, other times, you'll be tempted to do things your way, not God's way, When you feet these temptations, resist them.

God has promised that when you ask for His help, He will not withhold it. So ask. Ask Him to meet the needs of your day. Ask Him to lead you, to protect you, and to correct you. And trust the answers He gives.

God stands at the door and waits. When you knock, He opens. When you ask, He answers. Your task, of course, is to seek His guidance prayerfully, confidently, and often.

Great Thoughts

We have ample evidence that the Lord is able to guide. The promises cover ever imaginable situation. All we need to do is to take the hand he stretches out.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Challenges

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 air is much drier this morning, and cool, but it will get much warmer this afternoon, I'm sure. Here it is almost November and summer clothes are still appropriate for wearing!

Since my clothes drier decided not to work this morning, if I had a clothesline, I could hang my sheets on it, and they would be dry in no time. Oh, well, looks like a trip to the laundry is on the agenda for today. Good thing I am flexible with my time!

The weather was a little warm yesterday, but I found a table under the shade of a pine tree at the park, and had a picnic lunch with my friend, Dave, who is a Park Ranger, now. He is one of the few who still has a job with the county, after all the cuts. We always have interesting conversations because he is an unbeliever. We are polar opposites in our beliefs, but have been friends for a long time and he cuts my yard, when it needs it and does other things for me that need doing. I keep on praying for him, which he doesn't believe in, and maybe, in God's timing....who knows?

According to him, there are about three gator nests along the boardwalk, which I have not seen, although I saw signs of the nests on my walks. One at the original nest, and another off to the side, besides the babies which are at the first covered shelter. Lots of birds were out yesterday, including a cardinal flitting about in a magnolia tree. God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

Why does God allow challenges in our lives?

James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.

Challenges that threaten and try us are the very tools that God uses to strengthen and mature us. As we endure, we gain greater wisdom, integrity, and courage to face whatever comes our way.

Are some challenges too small to bother God?

Psalm, 27:5 Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.

Nothing is too small for God When we commit our plans to the Lord, he commits himself and his infinite resources to us.

What has God given me to help me face my challenges?

Joshua 1:7 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do.

God has given us his word to direct us. The promise of success is embedded in our commitment to obedience.

1 Chronicles 28:20 David continued, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid for discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly."

Instead of being discouraged by the size of the task, we should be encouraged by the limitless power of God.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Blessings

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, even though the thermometer read 78, the breeze was cool on my face and the sun was coming up, so it was really nice.

Yesterday, I decided to sweep off the porch, even though the acorns are falling daily, and as I swept, I got pelted with the falling acorns. In fact, I came in the house with one in my hair! If the squirrels are storing up for the winter, they don't have to work very hard, because hundreds are on the ground.

It has been so dry, I watered the staghorn fern again, because it was looking very droopy. It is a huge plant, so when it droops, it looks very sad and neglected. I also watered the plumbago, which still has a few blooms on it. They are such a pretty flower, but it is sort of hidden, so no one can see it very well.

I went over to the park, and acorns have carpeted everything there, also. But the squirrels keep coming around if you park in the circle, because people keep feeding them as picnickers toss out food. My friend, Dave, who is a park ranger, is now patrolling at Sawgrass and he is trying to restore some of the rules posted, since they have been pretty much ignored since full-time staff is no more.He is even walking the boardwalk, trying to eliminate the dog walkers who ignore the signs saying no dogs. He says "there's a new sheriff in town." Ha, But, I say, good for him! I am having a picnic lunch with him at the park today. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How has God promised to bless his people?
Numbers 6:24-26 May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

God's blessing encompasses all of life. We live in his protection, his presence, and his peace. Nothing this world offers can compare in scope or duration with the blessings of God.

Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God, the Creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.

2 Corinthians 12:13 The only thing I didn't do, which I do in other churches was to become a burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong!

Jesus Christ blesses us with forgiveness and redemption. God the Father blesses us with the assurance that we are loved and of infinite worth. The Holy Spirit blesses us with fellowship and the continual presence of God.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, October 25, 2010

Ready to Move Mountains?

From: Amaryllis Green
Date: Mon, Oct 25, 2010 at 9:49 AM
Subject: Ready to Move Mountains?
To: Prayer Partners


Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! This morning we have a cool wind blowing and lots of sunshine. As I stood outside I saw two mockingbirds perched on the wire and a cardinal went flying by as an airplane flew up, made a right turn then another and headed north. Lots of activity early in the day. Speaking of activity, I think there is a new squirrel family in the oak trees in the back yard. Two small ones were chasing each other around and around the tree, and then a third joined in. I usually see them leap from the tree to the telephone wire in the back, so I think they must come from those trees.

I went for a walk Saturday in the park. Walked up the sidewalk to the second bridge and on to the third bridge. The only signs of life I saw, human or animal , were four moorhens splashing quietly in the shallow water at the third bridge. They didn't look small, so they must have been two couples, since they stay together for life. Humans could take a lesson from their devotion.

God's timing is perfect, since the weather last week was so great for my trip to Tenn. and NC. Today it has been stormy up there, and I would not look forward to flying in stormy weather! But God is good!

From the devotional, Knowing God;

For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this moiuntain, "Move from here to there", and it shall move, and nothing shall be impossible to you.
Matthew 17:20 NASB

Because we live in a demanding world, all of us have mountains to climb and mountains to move. Moving those mountains requires faith.

Are you a mountain-moving Christian whose faith is evident for all to see? Or, are you a spiritual underachiever? As you think about the answer to that question, consider this: God needs more people who are willing to move mountains for His glory and for His kingdom.

Are you willing to let God help you move mountains, or are you still stumbling around over a few little molehills? The answer should be obvious. And so, with no more delays, let the mountain moving begin!

-- Great Thoughts
My faith does not rest on what I am or will be or will feel or will know, but in what Christ is, in what he has done, and in what he is now doing for me.
C. H. Spurgeon

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, October 22, 2010

Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Empowering

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 are blessed with another clear, cool day today, in fact, I believe it is the coolest yet. In the sixties this morning, but warming up to about 80 this afternoon, so I guess this is the "cold front" that was predicted.

Last Friday at this time I was in the air, flying toward Chattanooga, to see Matthew's appearance at the last home game for Cleveland High, and watch him play the trombone and march. It was a very cold windy night in the bleachers, but I really enjoyed it. It is a great band and has always placed well in competitions.

Speaking of last weekend, as we were on the mountain roads, winding up and then down, we saw lots of other vehicles, including a Lotus. Now, I don't know my cars well, but Daryl spotted it behind us and he and Matthew were quite excited to see it. Out of respect for the Lotus, as soon as he could, Daryl pulled over to let him fly by, which resulted in a wave through the moon roof. Unfortunately, the Lotus wound up behind a slower camper van, but not for long. As soon as he could, the driver flashed by the camper and before long was lost to sight. He probably was a state or two away while we were still winding down the mountain!

We stopped at Robbinsville that day or the next to have lunch, at a small place with excellent barbeque. I had a cup of veggie soup which was homemade with lots of chunky veggies in it, along with my pulled pork sandwich, served with two kinds of sauce, vinegar and sweet. Yum. Then to top it off, I had fresh peach cobbler served with a big scoop of ice cream. I'm making myself hungry, since I haven't had breakfast yet! We still had time to admire the granite mountainsides, set off by the russets, oranges, reds and yellow colors of the leaves! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

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 power at 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,
Am