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 went out to rescue the dumpster and pull it back up the driveway, it was very warm and humid already. I have a feeling it will not get better as the day goes on, but this is my city and I think of the days when I was growing up and no one had A/C. We used to go to the movies to get cool. For a dime admission, we got a double feature, a cliff hanger, cartoon, and newsreel. Those were the days!
I accomplished some goals over the weekend...Brian came over and took down some sheers, so I could wash them, and then came back so they could be hung back up. Nice to have clean curtains! I also did some more closet cleaning out. Next to tackle all the drawers that are overcrowded with keepsakes and stuff. Maybe in my lifetime that is left, I will get that done!
The subject today is "Landscapes" and I have been admiring the lawns in my neighborhood that always have flowers, and are well groomed. Obviously, the owners love working outside and cultivating beauty, and it pays off! I used to do that, but am not able to do that any more.
I noticed the gnarly, twisted limbs of the oak trees at the park and the gray, hanging moss swaying in the breeze yesterday. Not much is blooming this time of year, except the butterfly bushes. Speaking of that. my beauty berry bush is just about to have lots of purple berries on it. The birds love that! That's how it started; from a seed a bird dropped, and now it is really big. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB
The landscapes around a home are usually very personal and reflect the individual taste of the homeowners. Making the outside reflect the owner is a unique talent landscape architects and novice gardeners have in common. Their work is so admired that friends and neighbors drive by, take pictures, and try to copy what these talented landscape artists create.
Landscaping is indeed an art, but it is also much more. These eye-catching scenes say something about the owner. They express the preferences of the owner, giving insight into what is appreciated and worth all the effort to create.
Most gardeners will tell you that even though they love gardening, it's still work. It involves investing money, time, and hard work to create the desired results. For the first year or two, a well-landscaped yard requires just about as much work as a new baby does. But, if you are willing to follow the directions, invest in the necessary materials, feed and water the garden plants, and battle the weeds, you can expect a lovely garden. It takes preparation and commitment--and a lot of hard work.
The way we live our physical lives also expresses who we are and what we appreciate. It takes preparation, the nourishment of the Word, and constant attention to the weeds in our daily lives in order to create a beautiful and satisfying spiritual landscape.
One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.
James Russell Lowell
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Discouraged?
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 heard thunder close by last night, but while it rained enough to rain out the SPHS graduation, we did not get any around here. Although I did pray for rain, I did not tell God where to direct it. Guess I had better be more specific!
Dave, my yard man, was over yesterday morning, and got the rest of the podocarpus trimmed, so that's done for another year. Now, he will start on the fence which is falling down in a section in the back yard. There is always something to do around the house. I guess painting room by room is next!
After Dave left, I did some more cleaning out of my closet. Got half done, now on to the other end. I read that if you want something new, go shopping in your closet. This is true, as I find things I had not worn in years! So the old becomes new. But I still have not found my Deal's Gap shirt that I bought last Oct. when I was in TN. It has to be someplace!
When I tired of cleaning out, I took a drive to the park, and was surprised to see so many patrons visiting, even though it was hot. The usual anhingas were drying out and a great white egret was fishing intently, but otherwise, all was quiet and peaceful. God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God
Do not be afraid or discouraged.
For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Even the most devout Christians can become discouraged, and you are no exception. After all, you live in a world where expectations can be high and demands can be even higher.
If you find yourself enduring difficult circumstances, don't lose hope. If you face uncertainties about the future, don't become anxious. And if you become discouraged with the direction of your day or your life, don't despair. Instead, lift your thoughts and prayers to your Heavenly Father. He is a God of possiblility, not negativity. You can be sure that He will guide you through your difficulties and beyond them...far beyond.
So here's the moral to the story: God is always with you. He's going to protect you, and because He is always faithful, you can live courageously today and every day of your life.
-Great Thoughts-
The most profane word we use is "hopeless". When you say a situation or person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God.
Kathy Trocccoli
It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his helper is omnipotent.
Jeremy Taylor
-Today's Prayer-
Dear Lord, when I am discouraged, give me perspective and faith. When I am weak, give me strength. When I am fearful, give me courage for the day ahead. I will trust in Your promises, Father, and I will live with the assurance that You are with me not only for this day, but also throughoiut all eternity. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Dave, my yard man, was over yesterday morning, and got the rest of the podocarpus trimmed, so that's done for another year. Now, he will start on the fence which is falling down in a section in the back yard. There is always something to do around the house. I guess painting room by room is next!
After Dave left, I did some more cleaning out of my closet. Got half done, now on to the other end. I read that if you want something new, go shopping in your closet. This is true, as I find things I had not worn in years! So the old becomes new. But I still have not found my Deal's Gap shirt that I bought last Oct. when I was in TN. It has to be someplace!
When I tired of cleaning out, I took a drive to the park, and was surprised to see so many patrons visiting, even though it was hot. The usual anhingas were drying out and a great white egret was fishing intently, but otherwise, all was quiet and peaceful. God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God
Do not be afraid or discouraged.
For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Even the most devout Christians can become discouraged, and you are no exception. After all, you live in a world where expectations can be high and demands can be even higher.
If you find yourself enduring difficult circumstances, don't lose hope. If you face uncertainties about the future, don't become anxious. And if you become discouraged with the direction of your day or your life, don't despair. Instead, lift your thoughts and prayers to your Heavenly Father. He is a God of possiblility, not negativity. You can be sure that He will guide you through your difficulties and beyond them...far beyond.
So here's the moral to the story: God is always with you. He's going to protect you, and because He is always faithful, you can live courageously today and every day of your life.
-Great Thoughts-
The most profane word we use is "hopeless". When you say a situation or person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God.
Kathy Trocccoli
It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his helper is omnipotent.
Jeremy Taylor
-Today's Prayer-
Dear Lord, when I am discouraged, give me perspective and faith. When I am weak, give me strength. When I am fearful, give me courage for the day ahead. I will trust in Your promises, Father, and I will live with the assurance that You are with me not only for this day, but also throughoiut all eternity. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wisdom from Proverbs
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners, This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Another sunny, dry day, so I am praying for rain, since my pump is worn out, so I can't sprinkle with well water, and I will not use city water. Well, God always takes care of my needs, so I wait and depend on Him.
I took the van in for an oil change yesterday morning, reading a little more of my Jan Karon book while I waited and then went to Walmart for gas. I was pleased to see that it had gone down again. Still too high, but every little downward spiral helps. I drove into the park on the way back and saw several anhingas drying out around the weir and a great, gray heron standing in the canal. No sign of the moorhen family... Squirrels can be so cute, pesky sometimes, but curious. One of them was almost sitting on a wheelchair ramp that was on the pavement in back of a car. He was standing up and looking very much like he wanted to ask someone what that thing was. They climb under cars and up on the tires, checking out everything.
I started typing my devotional after I got home, but as I was in the middle of the scripture, something happened and it all disappeared! I must have hit a wrong key, but by that time, it was later in the morning, so I gave up, even though I was writing about "persistence". :o) So much for paying attention to what I write.. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 2:1-11
My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I took the van in for an oil change yesterday morning, reading a little more of my Jan Karon book while I waited and then went to Walmart for gas. I was pleased to see that it had gone down again. Still too high, but every little downward spiral helps. I drove into the park on the way back and saw several anhingas drying out around the weir and a great, gray heron standing in the canal. No sign of the moorhen family... Squirrels can be so cute, pesky sometimes, but curious. One of them was almost sitting on a wheelchair ramp that was on the pavement in back of a car. He was standing up and looking very much like he wanted to ask someone what that thing was. They climb under cars and up on the tires, checking out everything.
I started typing my devotional after I got home, but as I was in the middle of the scripture, something happened and it all disappeared! I must have hit a wrong key, but by that time, it was later in the morning, so I gave up, even though I was writing about "persistence". :o) So much for paying attention to what I write.. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 2:1-11
My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Humility
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Another warm, sunshiny day but maybe some rain soon, I hope. Yesterday I did not get out much, but tackled a project that has been neglected for too long. I cleaned out my t-shirt drawer and found shirts that had been in there since 1997..souvenirs from CHIC '97 and trips to Nantahala in NC, CO, and WA. I had a shirt from Sequim, WA, the irrigation festival. Their rainfall is so scarce they have a festival each year to celebrate irrigating! We had visited there when nephew, Russ, was Police Chief of the town. While there, we took a trip on the ferry to British Columbia, and enjoyed a day touring the city, and then going to Butchart Gardens! Unforgettable! It was a good time!
Souvenirs are nice, but I have my memories that don't take up so much space...just in my brain!
This morning when I looked out the window, I saw the ibis already working for their food in the yard. The mockingbirds have also been busy, singing very loudly most of the day. I watched a squirrel taking a drink from the bowl I keep on the porch wall, and since his head was stuck in so far, I knew the water was low, so later, after something else knocked it over, I filled it up again. Even the animals get thirsty these days!
I saw a great grey heron in the park almost disguised so he was very hard to see against the mud, and a anhinga drying out, and sitting very still. Some people were hanging over the bridge looking down, so there may have been a gator going underneath, or just resting. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does humility help me confront sin and evil?
James 4:6-10 He gives us more and more strength to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, "God sets himself against the proud, but he shows favor to the humble." So humble yourselves before God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites. Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor.
Pride gives the devil a key to our lives. Humility changes the lock and gives God the key. Humility comes from a godly sorrow for sin. We openly admit that we need God and seek his forgiveness. No proud person can do this.
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves undeer the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all yur worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Souvenirs are nice, but I have my memories that don't take up so much space...just in my brain!
This morning when I looked out the window, I saw the ibis already working for their food in the yard. The mockingbirds have also been busy, singing very loudly most of the day. I watched a squirrel taking a drink from the bowl I keep on the porch wall, and since his head was stuck in so far, I knew the water was low, so later, after something else knocked it over, I filled it up again. Even the animals get thirsty these days!
I saw a great grey heron in the park almost disguised so he was very hard to see against the mud, and a anhinga drying out, and sitting very still. Some people were hanging over the bridge looking down, so there may have been a gator going underneath, or just resting. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does humility help me confront sin and evil?
James 4:6-10 He gives us more and more strength to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, "God sets himself against the proud, but he shows favor to the humble." So humble yourselves before God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites. Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor.
Pride gives the devil a key to our lives. Humility changes the lock and gives God the key. Humility comes from a godly sorrow for sin. We openly admit that we need God and seek his forgiveness. No proud person can do this.
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves undeer the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all yur worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 6, 2011
Philippians 4:4-9
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 cooler today and I should be out walking, instead of inside, typing. One is good for the body and the other is good for the spirit, so I made a choice.
I had a busy weekend, with a shopping spree with Mari, which included a slice of pizza, shopping off calories, and ending with a D"Lite cone. We had a good time but I was pretty tired by the time we finished up. She has boundless energy and I don't. But I did get to the park and saw some of my favorite critters...anhingas, the little moorhen family. a woodstork, and the usual majestic egrets! Life is good and so is God!
A letter from Paul:
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 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 had a busy weekend, with a shopping spree with Mari, which included a slice of pizza, shopping off calories, and ending with a D"Lite cone. We had a good time but I was pretty tired by the time we finished up. She has boundless energy and I don't. But I did get to the park and saw some of my favorite critters...anhingas, the little moorhen family. a woodstork, and the usual majestic egrets! Life is good and so is God!
A letter from Paul:
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 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
Friday, June 3, 2011
Psoaring thru Psalm 98
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! Sunny and warm {hot} again today, but this is June, so crank up the A/C and think of winter, :o)
I had a kinda mixed up day yesterday. I had an appointment at 11, so I had told Dave, I would be gone at 10:30, He was kind enough to come early to be finished with the yard and trimming before I had to leave, which he did. I also told my cleaning ladies I might be late getting home, so told them where to find the key and left a check for them. That much was good, but at 11:06 Mari called and told me I had an app't for eleven! I had had four phone calls, one of which was a scam, and then talked with Dave, and just totally forgot I was to leave at 10:30. Well, Mari was very forgiving, and worked me in between her other clients, Sure enough, before I got home the girls had cleaned and were just finishing up, so everything worked out all right. Whew!
After returning an item to a store, I took a breather to go to the park, and saw a gator hiding in the brush by the lake, and further down the canal a woodstork looking at the water. It was very hot, so not many people were out. On the way back out, a big soft shelled turtle was right in the middle of the road, and did not seem in a hurry to cross, so I carefully drove around him. I would have stopped and moved a gopher tortoise, but I don't trust the wet snappers!
BTW, Brian called this morning and told me Tim Tebow would be on Fox News live in just ten minutes, so I got to watch him plug his new book. Seems like those news people compete to talk fast and interrupt the interviewee before he can finish what he is going to say. But, as usual, Tim spoke up for his faith and gave a good testimony. God is good!
Psalm 98 NLT
Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds.
He has won a mighty victory by his power and holiness.
The Lord has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation!
He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel.
The whole earth has seen the salvation of our God.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!
Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram's horn.
Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
Let the earth and all living things join in.
Let the rivers clap their hands in glee!
Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord,
For the Lord is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with fairness.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I had a kinda mixed up day yesterday. I had an appointment at 11, so I had told Dave, I would be gone at 10:30, He was kind enough to come early to be finished with the yard and trimming before I had to leave, which he did. I also told my cleaning ladies I might be late getting home, so told them where to find the key and left a check for them. That much was good, but at 11:06 Mari called and told me I had an app't for eleven! I had had four phone calls, one of which was a scam, and then talked with Dave, and just totally forgot I was to leave at 10:30. Well, Mari was very forgiving, and worked me in between her other clients, Sure enough, before I got home the girls had cleaned and were just finishing up, so everything worked out all right. Whew!
After returning an item to a store, I took a breather to go to the park, and saw a gator hiding in the brush by the lake, and further down the canal a woodstork looking at the water. It was very hot, so not many people were out. On the way back out, a big soft shelled turtle was right in the middle of the road, and did not seem in a hurry to cross, so I carefully drove around him. I would have stopped and moved a gopher tortoise, but I don't trust the wet snappers!
BTW, Brian called this morning and told me Tim Tebow would be on Fox News live in just ten minutes, so I got to watch him plug his new book. Seems like those news people compete to talk fast and interrupt the interviewee before he can finish what he is going to say. But, as usual, Tim spoke up for his faith and gave a good testimony. God is good!
Psalm 98 NLT
Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds.
He has won a mighty victory by his power and holiness.
The Lord has announced his victory and has revealed his righteousness to every nation!
He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel.
The whole earth has seen the salvation of our God.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!
Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram's horn.
Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
Let the earth and all living things join in.
Let the rivers clap their hands in glee!
Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord,
For the Lord is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with fairness.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Thursday, June 2, 2011
A warning
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! Looks like the Lord blessed us with rain yesterday, but up in North Florida the temps were over a hundred! But this morning it is nice and cool with a good breeze blowing.
I can hear the noise of the trimmer as Dave, the yard man, is working on the hedge. He does a good job and cleans up well. He just has the back hedge to do now, and then he is finished with that. He has already mowed, edged and blown, because today is a busy one for me.
Yesterday, I attended the services for a good friend who passed away from Alzheimers, and the downpour and thunderstorm came during the service. Then afterwards, it was still raining, but another friend walked me to my van under his umbrella, after walking his passengers to his car and while his wife was waiting for him to cover her for her walk to the car. I am so blessed with caring people in my life!
I took a drive in the park after the rain, and everything looked so washed and green. I watched an egret, brilliant white against the green and dark mud, but only a couple cars were in the park. We really needed the rain. God is good!
Malachi 41-6 NLT:
The Lord Almighty says,"The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. The arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw on that day. They will be consumed like a tree--roots and all.
But for you who fear my name, the Sun of righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.
And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I can hear the noise of the trimmer as Dave, the yard man, is working on the hedge. He does a good job and cleans up well. He just has the back hedge to do now, and then he is finished with that. He has already mowed, edged and blown, because today is a busy one for me.
Yesterday, I attended the services for a good friend who passed away from Alzheimers, and the downpour and thunderstorm came during the service. Then afterwards, it was still raining, but another friend walked me to my van under his umbrella, after walking his passengers to his car and while his wife was waiting for him to cover her for her walk to the car. I am so blessed with caring people in my life!
I took a drive in the park after the rain, and everything looked so washed and green. I watched an egret, brilliant white against the green and dark mud, but only a couple cars were in the park. We really needed the rain. God is good!
Malachi 41-6 NLT:
The Lord Almighty says,"The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. The arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw on that day. They will be consumed like a tree--roots and all.
But for you who fear my name, the Sun of righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.
And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)