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! My day started out with a pleasant mystery this morning. Someone brought my garbage dumpster up from the curb to in front of the garage! The only person I can think of who might have done it, is Mr. Soon, my neighbor who lives several houses down the street. I haven't seen him, but he may still be walking with his grandkids to school, and, if so, he goes right by the house. He is a kind man who has been concerned that I live alone, now. But no matter who it was, it was a kind gesture that really started my day off with a thankful heart!
Yesterday, we had thunderstorms off and on; very short ones, but it did cool things off a bit. And today it is a bit cooler now, but not for long. I went to the park yesterday afternoon and saw lots of people hanging over the railing looking at the little gator hanging out on the mudbank. A gorgeous egret was standing on a lily pad in the water, fishing and the heat was rising! And, oh, I watched the beautiful cardinal in the hedge outside my window. If I had a dress that color, I would wear it a lot! God is so good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Listen carefully to wisdom; set your mind on understanding.
Proverbs 2:2 NCV
Whether you're twenty-two or a hundred and two, you've still got lots to learn. Even if you're very wise, God isn't finished with you yet, and He isn't finished teaching you important lessons about life here on earth and life eternal.
God does not intend for you to be a stagnant believer. Far from it. God wants you to continue growing as a person and as a Christian every day that you live. And make no mistake: both spiritual and intellectual growth are possible during every stage of life.
Are you a curious Christian who has committed yourself to the regimen of regular Bible study, or do you consult your Bible on a hit-or-miss basis? The answer to this question will be an indication of the extent to which you allow God to direct the course of your life.
Do you want to know God?
Then study His Word and talk to Him often. While you're at it, associate, day in and day out, with godly men and women. And act in accordance with your beliefs.
When you study God's Word and live according to His commandments, you will become wise...and you will serve as a shining example to your friend, to your family, and to the world.
-GREAT THOUGHTS-
The wonderful thing about God's schoolroom is that we get to grade our own papers. You see, He doesn't test us so He can learn how well we're doing, He tests us so we can discover how well we're doing.
Charles Swindoll
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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 sky is blue and the clouds are white and a gentle breeze is blowing, but not from Irene. I have been praying for all those in the path of this terrific hurricane. I checked with Jay Bowman on Facebook yesterday and he said they have not evacuated yet. He lives close to the Outer Banks...
Today I had a surprise when I walked outside to pick up the Times. I turned and saw a flock of Ibis walking toward me , just a few feet away. They looked like they were expecting a hand-out, but I don't know if anyone has time to feed them because they graze so fast and cover a lot of ground in a short time. I counted a moving fourteen, but there was one on the other side of the driveway , and he had a squirming frog in his beak. I was sorry for the frog, but the ibis was determined. I didn't stay to see how the ibis was going to swallow the large frog..
I went shopping at Publix yesterday and had the stock girl carry out the groceries, after she asked. It was about 100 heat index when I got there after waiting for Dave C. to mow, edge and blow the yard. He is always interesting to chat with. When he has time he will start cleaning out the garage to make room for a few things from the shed and then tear the shed down. He is very helpful, so I am blessed to have him available. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret. Then your father, who see what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:3-4
Melanie read the suggestions carefully, "Place contrasting colors together, like peach with blue. Or try red, white, and blue, for a bright, patriotic flower bed. If you prefer, naturalize your bulbs, incorporating them into your yard's natural habitat. This works particularly well if you live in a wooded, grassy area."
She grabbed her fardener's tools and set to work, planting some in circles and others in rows. Melanie reserved a handful of varied size bulbs, and like a mother hiding Easter eggs for her expectant child, she tossed bulbs randomly on the grass. Wherever they landed, Melanie carved a hole and dropped them in the dround.
Weeks passed, and Melanie forgot about the bulbs--including their secret hiding places. One early spring day, Melanie walked out in her backyard and saw green shoots poking through the earth. In the next few weeks, her yard looked like a magical wonderland, As she strolled through the green terrain, she realized the most fun part was seeing the bulbs pop up among the natural seting--beside trees, in the middle of a grassy slope, or tucked away in a corner. Nature has worked its magic and rewarded Melanie's long forgotten efforts with a harvest of beautiful flowers.
Christlike deeds are like the bulbs in Melanie's garden. Some we plant in deliberate, orderly fashion. Others, because of the God-nature planted within us, spill out from our lives naturally like spontaneous love gifts to those around us. These colorful bouquets spring up in the most unexpected places, a true "God-thing," blessing us-and others-in a most beautiful way.
A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives you roses.
Chinese Proverb
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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! Rain is still dripping off the roof, from the thunderstorm we had last night. Looks like they roll in about 7:30 each evening, now, but the sun is shining and it will still be quite warm today.
I did not get out much yesterday. My cleaning ladies came in the morning and I always enjoy talking with them as they work. It's good to hear what is going on in their world. They are planning a weekend trip to VA. and are worried about all the rain they will probably have. They have been working together for fourteen years and get along very well, living right next door to each other, and across the street from me. I am glad to have Cheryl, who always keeps an eye out for me.
I did get out to the park, for a bit of peace from the tree trimmer who was working all day just two houses down the street. What a noise from the chipper!! I hope they wear earplugs!
That young gator is being fed by onlookers who drop stuff down on the mudbank where he sits. Even though the sign is right in front of them, they still do what is forbidden. ..oh, well..
I was happy to hear several different bird calls when I stepped outside yesterday morning. I just stood and watched a mockingbird pecking along the ground. He ignored me and came hopping toward me and kept pecking until he reached the driveway and then took off! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 15
Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise persistent sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend, and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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! Seems like the rain can pop up any time. Yesterday was nice and hot and then later in the evening a thunderstorm blew up and I mean blew! I rescued my large poinsettia plant which is still thriving from Christmas, because it was blowing on the porch, and I was afraid it would topple off the table it sits on.
I had another unexpected encounter in the Public Library this time. Yesterday I wrote about the Asian woman, well, this was a European couple, I think. I could not tell from their accents, but they came to the same aisle I was browsing through, and , as I was adjusting my hearing aid, it popped out of my ear. I heard it hit a shelf on the way down, so I started looking for it, and the couple heard it and got down on their hands and knees looking. I showed them what the other one looked like so they would know what they were looking for, and sure enough, the woman found it on top of a book on the bottom shelf. This lead to a short conversation and the man asked me about the book he was looking for; To Kill A Mockingbird: by Harper Lee. One of my all time favorites, by the way, The Librarian had written it down and said there was one copy on the shelf. I helped them look for it, and told him about large print, so we went over there and looked and no book. We went back to the other aisle and after thanking me profusely and me doing the same, we parted ways. I think he must have finally found the book, but it was well hidden, God places unusual people in our paths daily it seems.
After getting my glasses adjusted at the optical shop, I went on to the park. It was noon and getting very hot, so I did not get out, but noticed the squirrels zipping around and a beautiful egret posed to catch lunch. I did not get out to check on the gator, because a couple of men were standing in front of the railing where the gator hangs out. Maybe sometime today..God is good!
From the little God's Promises book:
Proverbs 4:5-11
Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
Love her, and she will keep you,
Wisdom is the principal thing:
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding,
Exalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her,
She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to you.
Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
And the years of your life will be many.
I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is a beautiful, clear morning and we did not get any rain in this area yesterday. Yay!
I had an interesting morning/afternoon yesterday. I took my friend to the doctor, and we left there to go to the radiology place in Pinellas Park, and while I was waiting , an Asian woman who was filling out her form, came over and sat beside me and asked for help in spelling. At first I had difficulty understanding her, but then I realized through a bit of sign language, what she wanted, so I helped her with the form. Then, she started asking me personal questions..how old I was, did I live in a house, where was my husband, couldn't believe I lived alone in a what must have seemed to her, a big house, etc., and other flattering things. I think in their culture, they take care of the older people and all live in the same house. I know my neighbor up the street, from Cambodia, I think, has three generations living in his house. I was able to understand most of what she said because she spoke my language a lot better than I would have spoken hers. It was an unexpected encounter. She also wanted to know how I knew my friend, and I told her from church, and that lead to another discussion. God puts all kinds of people in our paths, daily.
After we stopped for lunch at Olive Garden, which had a thunderstorm while we were there, my friend and I headed for her house, where it had not rained at all. I dropped her off, and then drove to the park. Only three cars were there, and one of them was the teachers, so I got out and walked out to the shelter at the entrance bridge. It was overcast and a cool, rain smelling breeze was blowing, but I was not dressed for a walk, so I just looked over the railing at the little gator, who lives on the mud bank directly below. He is really growing fast! He must be about two feet long by now. Still the same color as the mud, though. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God's comfort. .
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
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, I prayed for all the teachers and students headed for school today. Due to the construction going on at Lynch, cars were parked in front of my house two blocks away! Must have been chaos for the teachers!
This will be short this morning, because I am taking a dear friend to the doctor.. So, since I read this scripture before church yesterday, and then Pastor Rick read it, I thought I would send it today;
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Can anything separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves me if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death?...
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We have clear, blue skies this morning and a slight breeze blowing, so while it nice now, we will have nineties again midday and later. Dave, my yard man is coming later and he is always drenched because he does two yards before he gets to me. This is his part-time work, but he does a good job on his days off from his park ranger job.
I did some grocery shopping yesterday after putting it off as long as I could. So I got a lot of exercise because I parked under a tree way out from the Sweetbay supermarket. It's worth it to keep the car cooler. I also did a lot of walking in the store. Wish the baked goodies didn't look so enticing. Takes a lot of will power to resist!
Later on, I went to the park and it looks a lot nicer mowed and loose limbs picked up. Not too many people were there in the hot day, but several walking their dogs.
The egrets look so graceful with their long necks stretched out against the green and dark, leafy background. If I were an artist I would paint them. Flocks of ibis pecking their way along...one crosses the street, and the others play follow the leader, and soon all are on the other side. Butterflies, yellow, and some yellow and black fluttering along aimlessly...these are a few of my favorite things! God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth and a word spoken in due season. How good is it! Proverbs 15:23 KJV
Disagreements are a natural part of working together--and different points of view are critical to creative and problem-solving processes. Still, the friction caused when differing opinions arise can cause needless pain and waste valuable time and energy. Occasionally, the best way to convince someone of your point of view while maintaining clear lines of communication is just to keep quiet and "start plastering".
Benjamin Franklin learned that plaster sown in the fields would make things grow. He told his neighbors, but they did not believe him, arguing that plaster could be of no use at all to grass or grain.
After a little while, he allowed the matter to drop. But he went into the field early the next spring and sowed some grain. Close by the path, where people would walk, he traced some letters with his finger and put plaster into them.
After a week or two, the seed sprang up. His neighbors, as they passed that way, gasped at what they saw. Brighter green than all the rest of the field, sprouted Franklin's seeded message in large letters, "This has been plastered."
Benjamin Franklin did not need to argue with his neighbors about the benefit of plaster any longer!
The answer to some disagreements may be to stop talking and try out several solutions together, measure them against like standards, and then resume the selection process. Meanwhile, tempers cool, objectivity returns, and new options can surface.
The best way to keep people
from jumping down your throat
is to keep your mouth shut.
Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
