Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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! I can ditto today's weather with yesterdays . The only thing different is the lack of wind right now, but we always have breezes, so that will probably pick up later on.

I heard a truck while I was making my breakfast, and looked out to see a large tree trimmer's truck and mulcher pulling out of the driveway as he turned around. Hmm. Well, no damage done, but that was a little nervy.

 
The only adventure I had yesterday was going to Sweetbay super market and realizing as I checked out, that I did not include my debit card when I changed purses. I keep it, along with credit cards in a separate case. So, not having enough cash, I told the very sweet cashier I would go home and be back shortly. She said it happens all the time, so they took my few items and put them in the cooler while I made my trip to get the needed card. I wasn't gone thirty minutes, and when I came back, the cashier was getting ready to go home. She had to rescan all the items, but I only had a few. I haven't gone off without my cards for ages. Must be old age creeping up!

I drove to the very quiet park and missed a squirrel racing across in front of me, and saw a funny sight. A very large snapper turtle had climbed out of the canal, and was headed into the woods for some reason, while a large blackbird stood on the ground behind him and looked just like he was trying to puzzle out what the turtle was doing there on the ground! No one was walking and only one picnic table was in use, so it was quiet and peaceful. 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 every 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

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Roamin' thru Romans 15

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! Still air and bright sunshine with temps once again near ninety are in store today. The same as yesterday, actually. Today I need to sweep off the porch which still has a few leaves on it from the storm a few nights ago

I had an appointment with my cardiologist yesterday, whose office complex is squeezed between the new St. Anthony's ER and the building on the other side... all a part of the big St. Anthony's buildings. Since I had not been there in six months (praises) I did not know there is another huge building project going on, so, once again, I had to sort of feel my way to the correct entrance and have the valet park my van. My doc is outspoken and sometimes profane, but he is tops in his field and extremely fit. He has done the ironman marathon in Hawaii in his younger years. He crams a lot of talk and info into his 15 or 20 minutes with me, even talking about shoes.

Apparently ekgs are not always accurate, since mine showed I had had a big heart attack some time ago, so he checked with my last year's and it showed the same thing, so he marked it as didn't happen, since to my knowledge, I have never had a heart attack. Can't always rely on machines!

When I came out to collect my van, there was a mix-up with the tickets. I had my half, but the half attached to my keys was for a Hyundai and the numbers did not match, so after waiting about fifteen minutes for them to figure it out, I got the van, which was blistering hot by that time, since it had been sitting in the sun for over an hour. I was in good humor about the whole thing and I think the two guys, who were blaming each other for the mix up appreciated that.

So, after that, I drove the route home which avoided the school zones and visited the park to check it out. The water was still high, and the shadows and sun were contrasting nicely and all was serene. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:


Romans 15:1-10

Living to please others

We may know that these things make no difference, but we cannot just go about and do them to please ourselves. We must be considerate of the doubts and fears of those who think these things are wrong. We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn't please himself. As the scriptures say, "Those who insult you are also insulting me." Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They also give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises.

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement , help you live in complete harmony with each other--each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We accept each other just as Christ has accepted  you, then God will be glorified. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors.  And he came so the Gentiles might also give glory to God for his mercies to them....

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


Love and hugs, 
Amaryllis

Monday, May 21, 2012

From a Tiny Seed

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! Brilliant sunshine today and a cool breeze this morning, but Friday we had a totally unexpected, (at least to me) thunderstorm, that lasted over an hour with strong winds and pelting rain! I know I just had the house washed, but believe me, it got washed again!

I noticed the high water mark around Lynch Lake, as I was on my way to church yesterday morning. It was about 4 feet above what the usual level is. That's a lot of water! God always answers prayers in a big way! My grass is finally growing and needs mowing, so, hopefully, that will get done this week.

I enjoyed a graduation celebration at Cheryl's house yesterday, greeting a lot of old friends and new people, with lots of food and laughter. Afterwards, I went to the park and noticed the grass has greened up more and the water was high again in the canal from the rain. An egret was just taking off in graceful flight and the usual anhinga was airing out his wings after swimming underwater. God is good!

I have been very interested in the story of how preparations have been made for the moving of a hundred year old oak tree to make way for construction. Every precaution was taken to move it on a dolly after the excavation around the roots was done, so I thought it appropriate for this devotional today...

From Quiet Moments with God:

"Other seeds fell into the good
soil and as they grew up and
increased, they yielded a crop
and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."
Mark 4:8 NASB


The story goes that a century ago a German princess lay dying. While on her deathbed, she requested that her grave be covered with a large granite slab and that stone blocks be placed all around the slabs to seal the grave. Se also gave orders for the granite and stones to be held together with large fasteners made of iron. At her request, the inscription in the top of the stone read, " The burial place, purchased to all eternity, must never be opened."

Apparently during the burial, a tiny acorn found its way into the grave. Sometime later, a small shoot began to push its way up through t thin crack in the granite slab. The acorn was able to absorb in just enough nourishment to grow. After years of growth, the mighty oak tree broke through the aging iron clamps. The iron was no match for the oak, and the clamps burst, exposing the grave that was never to be opened. New life sprang forth from a deathbed and one tiny seedling.

Every day we are given numerous opportunities to take advantage of fresh new starts. New beginnings often come when something else has ended. When we allow sin to die in our hearts, we find new life in Christ. Perhaps it is no accident that the mighty oak, which is one of the tallest and strongest trees in the world, starts from a tiny little seed.

What seems to be the end
may really be a new beginning.
Unknown

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


Love and hugs, 
 Amaryllis

Friday, May 18, 2012

Give Your Best

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 sun is shining brightly, no, or very, few clouds in the sky , birds are chirping, squirrels are scampering and digging, and it is a beautiful day in the neighborhood!
 

The sun as it shines through the high crescent shaped window in my front door is blinding for a little while early in the morning as I walk across the living room. But in a little while it rises enough so it gets above the window...nice while it lasts!

I had a good night's sleep in contrast to the sleepless one Wed. night., so already today is a better day. Well, the graduation announcements keep coming in and amaze me with how fast the kids are growing up. So far, I have 3, not counting the college announcement from a friend who has worked hard to get her degree after raising her kids, and one more invitation to come in, from a great nephew!

I went to the park yesterday and almost clipped a squirrel who was stretched out leaping across in front of the car! The water is up after our nice rain, the moss was swaying in the breeze and the mowing crew was doing their job with a long piece of moss hanging from one of the ride on mowers brace across the back. It was kinda funny! And the man who lives in his car, was pulling everything out of the vehicle and had bags all over the top and hood of the car, cleaning it out, I guess. The car is absolutely packed with all his stuff. But, God loves him and God is good!

From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God for teachers:

"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded and from the one who has been entrusted with much , much more will be asked." 
Luke 12:48


Mrs. Gibson's kindergarten class filed onto the stage. This was the day they had all waited and practiced for . The children bounced with excitement, every boy and girl dressed in his or her Christmas best. The stage was a plethora of red, white, green, smiles, and wiggles!

The program progressed smoothly. Mrs. Gibson smiled at the children, and they smiled back. They seemed to remember every instruction she had given them before they went on stage. Mrs. Gibson began to relax and enjoy the presentation.

Chris was one of the last children to speak and stepped proudly to the microphone. He took a deep breath and began. "The Wise Men brought their best gifts to Jesus. They brought Gold, Frankenstein, and Smurfs."

Chris got quite an ovation. He lingered for a moment behind the microphone, chest thrust out, all smiles. He had done his best.

That is all any of us can do. God gave His very best gift to us. When we bring our gifts to Jesus, they don't have to be perfect. They just need to be our best, given from a heart of love.

Give of you best to the Master,
Naught else is worthy His love.
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up his glory above. Laid down 
His life without murmur.
You from sin's ruin save;
Give Him your heart's adoration.
Give Him the best that you have.
Howard B. Grose

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


Love and hugs, 
Amaryllis

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Psoaring thru Psalm 121

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 rain was so welcome off and on yesterday, and most of last night, but today we are back to sunshine and a few clouds. the front porch is still really wet, with enough leaves to stick to the feet and get tracked into the house. Well, easy to pick up, anyway.For some reason, I could not get to sleep last night, so about 2:30 I rolled out of bed and warmed some milk and ate some applesauce, and ate while reading until about 3:15. Still didn't sleep much, but probably will tonight.

Yesterday my cleaning friends came and discovered a dead baby possum in the front yard. I had seen it the day before, but thought it was a large toadstool. It is all curled up and has been dead for quite some time. I have no idea where it came from, poor thing. Maybe a hawk dropped it as he was flying by!

As I headed out after the ladies left, I drove around Lynch Lake and saw my favorite...a roseate spoonbill..so pretty! I was on my way to Publix where the parking lot was full of puddles. I started looking over the goodies in the bakery section, and accidentally ticked another cart with mine. After saying, "Sorry" I realized the smiling face belonged to an old friend from St. James UMC. We had a good chat about old acquaintances from the past and, unfortunately, about the situation at St. James, which now has just a part time preacher, who is not through with seminary. The attendance has dwindled down to less than a hundred. So sad, because it once was a vital, strong church. Sigh. It is good how God puts special people in our paths during our daily activities! God is good!

Psalm 121 NLT (I memorized this as a child in SS. KJV

I look up to the mountains--
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made the heavens and the earth!

He will not let you stumble and fall,
the one who watches over you will not
sleep.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never tires and never sleeps.

The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your
protective shade.
The sun will not hurt you by day,
nor the moon at night.
The Lord keeps you from all evil
and preserves your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you
come and go,
both now and forever more.

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


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Psoaring thre Psalm 105

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 Had Rain!! It is so good to see the drips falling off the roof. It wasn't much, but any little bit makes everything green up and look fresh. I even heard thunder earlier.  I don't expect it to last all day, but enough so I can see the lawn getting wet.

I saw several white ibis pecking across the street a while ago. Their white is always such a contrast with all the greenery around. Beautiful! I went to the park yesterday and hardly anyone was there. I parked in the shade and walked out to the bridge, being careful to stay in the shade. The sun was very hot, and since I have already been through several skin cancer surgeries, I am very aware of the dangers to me. I stood in the shade of the shelter, enjoying the breeze and looking into the water. The canal is very shallow and is now almost covered with all kinds of growth...hydrilla and other water plants. The only animal I saw was a turtle on a piece of concrete. I didn't even notice any fish, but I wasn't in the middle of the bridge. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed seeing a royal poinciana tree with brilliant red blooms on the way home. God is good!

Psalm 105:1-8 NLT
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness.
Let the whole world know what he has done.
Sing to him, yes, sing his praises.
Tell everyone about his miracles.
Exult in his holy name;
O worshipers of the Lord, rejoice!
Search for the Lord and for his strength,
and keep on searching.
Think of the wonderful works he has done,
the miracles and the judgments he
handed down.
O children of Abraham, God's servant,
O descendants of Jacob, God's chosen one.
He is the Lord our God.
His rule is seen throughout the land.
He always stands by his covenant--
the commitment he made to a thousand
generations...

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


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Work

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! Today is another over cast day, but like yesterday, if it rains I will be pleasantly surprised! But it was good that no rain came yesterday, because the work on the house got done in good time.

The house is now clean on the outside!  Window sills are scrubbed of all pollen and dirt and the whole house got scrubbed and rinsed, Now, maybe, I can postpone having it painted for a year or so. The young man that did the cleaning used brushes and tsp, although he wasn't happy with the results of the tsp on the discoloration on the stucco of the porch walls. I did not expect perfection and told him so, because it looked so much better!

The job took all morning and  into the afternoon, but I was still able to run some errands after he left, and since, I had a hurried lunch, I thought it was an excellent idea to have a half price choc. chip cookie and mint milk shake from Steak and Shake. I was right! It was a good idea and very refreshing.

 
I stopped in at the park and noticed very few people there and saw the usual ibis and egrets pecking and fishing. As I came home from church Sunday, I noticed a beautiful white egret right at the edge of the yard stretching his neck toward a bush. He looked like a yard ornament! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How is my work important to the Lord?

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs.


Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work: (1) having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and (2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.

Proverbs 13:11 Wealth from get-rich-schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.


Honest , hard work is much better than get-rich-schemes. Money quickly gotten is often quickly wasted.

Romans 12:8 If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.


God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs, 
Amaryllis