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! Love this cooler weather and drier air! Temps in the low seventies this morning and the A/C is hardly working! Great!
Well, I watched the debate last night and was trying to read a novel at the same time, but really got caught up in it! All I can say is, I will be glad when all the election stuff is over, so the phone calls and campaign literature will stop.. and the ads on TV! Seems to me, all the money contributed to the candidates to get them elected or re-elected could be put to better use by helping suffering people out. Just sayin'.
My yard got mowed, edged and blowed yesterday, and it really needed it! My yard man lost his helper, so he now works alone. But he does the extra work that I point out to him, actually, it is not extra, he just doesn't notice what needs doing unless I tell him. Then I went to get my hair done and got there too early because I was reading and misread the time. So, I drove to Mickey D's and got a fish sandwich. Now, I probably have been to that place maybe one time in the past several years, so because I read a good review in the Times about their fish sandwiches, I decided to try one. Actually, it was good, if you like tartar sauce, which I do!
I drove through the Park on my way home, still enjoying the Twix bars that Mari gave me. I really think they are my favorite! The grass was freshly mowed and the water remains high in the canal. I think the work on the lake is just about finished, and that may be why the water is high. I saw an anhinga sitting on the weir and ibis near the canal. It was a beautiful day and God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God:
Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him.
Psalm 17:7 HCSBSometimes God speaks loudly and clearly. More often he speaks in a quiet voice--and if you are wise, you will be listening carefully when He does. To do so, you must carve out quiet moments each day to study his word and sense His direction.
Can you quiet yourself long enough to listen to your conscience? Are you attuned to the subtle guidance of your intuition?
Are you willing to pray sincerely and then to wait quietly for God's response? Hopefully so. Usually God refrains from sending his messages on stone tablets or city billboards. More often, He communicates in subtler ways. If you sincerely desire to hear his voice, you must listen carefully. and you must do so in the silent corners
of your quiet, willing heart.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, October 12, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Psoaring thru Psalms
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! No rain is predicted for the next week or so, and the humidity is lower, so at last, it is beginning to feel like fall! And my driveway is covered with acorns which need to be blown off whenever the yard man comes.
I have a new kitchen faucet installed, by my new handyman! He came yesterday and is really good at what he does. He is a very big man, and had to scrunch himself under the sink to do most of the work of the installation. He was also sitting on the floor with his legs bent under him! Ouch! I told him I used to be flexible, but those days are gone forever! I am so happy my dear friend referred me to him, because he does just about everything that I need done, so I am happy to have a capable person to do the work!
After Rick left, I was able to run some errands, including getting gas at Walmart, where I paid 3.46 a gallon with my card! Always happy to see prices go down! I took a ride through the peaceful park and saw an ibis almost hidden in a tree, but because of the whiteness, he was just visible. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 103:1-8
Praise the Lord, I tell myself;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, I tell myself,
and never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle's!
My Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.
the Lord is merciful and gracious;
he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I have a new kitchen faucet installed, by my new handyman! He came yesterday and is really good at what he does. He is a very big man, and had to scrunch himself under the sink to do most of the work of the installation. He was also sitting on the floor with his legs bent under him! Ouch! I told him I used to be flexible, but those days are gone forever! I am so happy my dear friend referred me to him, because he does just about everything that I need done, so I am happy to have a capable person to do the work!
After Rick left, I was able to run some errands, including getting gas at Walmart, where I paid 3.46 a gallon with my card! Always happy to see prices go down! I took a ride through the peaceful park and saw an ibis almost hidden in a tree, but because of the whiteness, he was just visible. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 103:1-8
Praise the Lord, I tell myself;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, I tell myself,
and never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle's!
My Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.
He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.
the Lord is merciful and gracious;
he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love....
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Catching up
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! No rain yesterday, but overcast skies which made it nice and cooler, and today may be the same before our humidity is less. We may have fall yet before Halloween!
Sunday, we had a most meaningful communion service, with hand washing before partaking of the elements. Then, after church, we had a picnic in the parking lot to celebrate FCC's 37th anniversary! Thanks to the comfortable umbrellas and overcast skies, it was perfect weather! I chose a table and then was interested to see who God brought to sit with me. I was pleased to have a young couple with their 2 year old daughter, and a new couple sit and chat awhile and then Martha Ann and Joyce came and Tim had everyone sing Happy Birthday to Martha Ann. (Her 80th is today). Then, later, another friend came and squeezed in and had dessert with us. It was a good afternoon!
Yesterday, Brian invited me to go the Sarasota to have lunch at Der Dutchman, a huge Mennonite restaurant, even bigger than Miller's in Bradenton! After I finished my slice of peanut butter pie, we took a drive to St. Armand's Key and discovered the shopping district was packed with shoppers, and diners at the many restaurants.
Before we had lunch, we covered some of the stores on the same complex and I bought a Christmas gift at Miller's furniture store. They have beautiful wood furniture of all kinds, including roll top desks! and lots of gift items. We also visited the quilt shop,but no quilts were for sale. Lots of quilting supplies, plus a huge quilt being stitched by two ladies; one Mennonite and one not. could tell by the cap she was wearing...
On the way back to the interstate, I saw a flock of roseate spoonbills in a water-filled ditch beside the highway! Gorgeous! God is good!
A Prayer From a Friend:
Dear Jesus,
I long for my spiritual and physical life to become such a blend that I can not separate the two. I also desire to be a Lighthouse for your love with friends, neighbors, and extended family. I want to be able to do more for others than what I can accomplish on my own. I am so thankful for how I have been pulled out of the darkness and into the light. I am so thankful that you regenerate and prepare me for each day. What an awesome thought to know that I am your brother - and God's child. I so desire to receive power and direction from you to sharing hope and direction with other people. I come to you and give you my life today-seeking the love, guidance, power, and majesty of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Sunday, we had a most meaningful communion service, with hand washing before partaking of the elements. Then, after church, we had a picnic in the parking lot to celebrate FCC's 37th anniversary! Thanks to the comfortable umbrellas and overcast skies, it was perfect weather! I chose a table and then was interested to see who God brought to sit with me. I was pleased to have a young couple with their 2 year old daughter, and a new couple sit and chat awhile and then Martha Ann and Joyce came and Tim had everyone sing Happy Birthday to Martha Ann. (Her 80th is today). Then, later, another friend came and squeezed in and had dessert with us. It was a good afternoon!
Yesterday, Brian invited me to go the Sarasota to have lunch at Der Dutchman, a huge Mennonite restaurant, even bigger than Miller's in Bradenton! After I finished my slice of peanut butter pie, we took a drive to St. Armand's Key and discovered the shopping district was packed with shoppers, and diners at the many restaurants.
Before we had lunch, we covered some of the stores on the same complex and I bought a Christmas gift at Miller's furniture store. They have beautiful wood furniture of all kinds, including roll top desks! and lots of gift items. We also visited the quilt shop,but no quilts were for sale. Lots of quilting supplies, plus a huge quilt being stitched by two ladies; one Mennonite and one not. could tell by the cap she was wearing...
On the way back to the interstate, I saw a flock of roseate spoonbills in a water-filled ditch beside the highway! Gorgeous! God is good!
A Prayer From a Friend:
Dear Jesus,
I long for my spiritual and physical life to become such a blend that I can not separate the two. I also desire to be a Lighthouse for your love with friends, neighbors, and extended family. I want to be able to do more for others than what I can accomplish on my own. I am so thankful for how I have been pulled out of the darkness and into the light. I am so thankful that you regenerate and prepare me for each day. What an awesome thought to know that I am your brother - and God's child. I so desire to receive power and direction from you to sharing hope and direction with other people. I come to you and give you my life today-seeking the love, guidance, power, and majesty of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Friday, October 5, 2012
One Scripture
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! What a surprise in the weather yesterday! It was so hot around noon. I was sweeping the porch and the heat felt like the middle of summer, instead of Oct. No breeze and a lot of sun. Then, as I was getting ready to leave for a church meeting, the rains came and it was a real thunderstorm, so that canceled my plans to go out. But, today, the sun is shining and still not much breeze, but there is always A/C to keep us cool!
I watched a silly squirrel playing in the hedge yesterday...he wiggled all the way through, then climbed up on a very long branch, which swayed down with his weight and then he scrambled off when it went back up and leaped onto another branch. No wonder they eat so many acorns, with all that energy!
I went to the park in the afternoon and saw a beautiful, graceful white egret taking off and what looked like a small gator near the weir. When I came back out the head was not there, so maybe it was a gator. Anyway, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 139:23,24
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I watched a silly squirrel playing in the hedge yesterday...he wiggled all the way through, then climbed up on a very long branch, which swayed down with his weight and then he scrambled off when it went back up and leaped onto another branch. No wonder they eat so many acorns, with all that energy!
I went to the park in the afternoon and saw a beautiful, graceful white egret taking off and what looked like a small gator near the weir. When I came back out the head was not there, so maybe it was a gator. Anyway, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 139:23,24
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Matthew 6
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 is a much different morning than yesterday. We have bright sun and few clouds, but the water is still dripping off the roof, so that was a lot of water that came down! Our street gutters have not been dry for weeks. But we will take what God gives, because dry times will come!
I did not go out at all yesterday because of the rain, but my cleaning ladies came in and we had a conversation about the big yard sale they have coming up. They are inviting all the neighbors who want to join in, so it might turn out to be a neighborhood sale! I have lots of stuff that needs to be cleaned out, but I get weary just thinking about labeling and sorting and packing. They offered to take the stuff and sell it for me, but I am not inclined to do that right now. Kim's granddaughter is going to have a lemonade stand, (she's only about 4 or 5) and she is really excited about it. Sounds like a big crowd for a while
Well, I said farewell and wait until next year to the Rays last night. It was fun to see Longoria's three home runs and to see the Rays win their last game. Also, sad to see B. J. Upton's tears in the dug out as he probably played his last game with the Rays. He will be a free agent and stands to make mega bucks if another club picks him up, but he has played with the Rays since he was 19. Sigh.Only 131 days until they play again! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Teaching about money and possession
Matthew 6:25-31
So I tell you, don't worry about everyday
life---whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes.
Doesn't life consist of more than
food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need
to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your
Heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more
valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add
a single moment to your life? Of course not....
So don't worry about having enough food, drink or
clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so
deeply concerned about these things? You're
heavenly Father already knows all your needs,
and he will give you all you need from
day to day if you live for him and make the
Kingdom of God your primary concern...
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I did not go out at all yesterday because of the rain, but my cleaning ladies came in and we had a conversation about the big yard sale they have coming up. They are inviting all the neighbors who want to join in, so it might turn out to be a neighborhood sale! I have lots of stuff that needs to be cleaned out, but I get weary just thinking about labeling and sorting and packing. They offered to take the stuff and sell it for me, but I am not inclined to do that right now. Kim's granddaughter is going to have a lemonade stand, (she's only about 4 or 5) and she is really excited about it. Sounds like a big crowd for a while
Well, I said farewell and wait until next year to the Rays last night. It was fun to see Longoria's three home runs and to see the Rays win their last game. Also, sad to see B. J. Upton's tears in the dug out as he probably played his last game with the Rays. He will be a free agent and stands to make mega bucks if another club picks him up, but he has played with the Rays since he was 19. Sigh.Only 131 days until they play again! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Teaching about money and possession
Matthew 6:25-31
So I tell you, don't worry about everyday
life---whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes.
Doesn't life consist of more than
food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need
to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your
Heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more
valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add
a single moment to your life? Of course not....
So don't worry about having enough food, drink or
clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so
deeply concerned about these things? You're
heavenly Father already knows all your needs,
and he will give you all you need from
day to day if you live for him and make the
Kingdom of God your primary concern...
I always give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
The Power of Encouragement
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 was so surprised to find out a steady rain was falling when I opened up the drapes this morning! Then, when I listened more closely, I could hear it on the roof. So, while eating breakfast, a loud thunderboomer roared, but that was it. Now, the rain has stopped for awhile, but there is a steady drip off the roof.
I went shopping yesterday, and, once again, saw fall and Halloween products in one part of the store, and several associates putting up Christmas displays in another part of the store! I still think that is rushing the seasons! It does make me want to start buying for Christmas presents, though. I guess that is the whole idea!!
After I finished with my shopping, I went on over to the park, and found it quiet with just a few people enjoying the sun and cooler breezes, although the sun is still very hot! A very pretty great white heron was standing in the middle of the canal, fish shopping, and a few ibis were busy pecking around, but for the most part, all was calm. God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God
The Power of Encouragement
Patience and encouragement come from God.
And I pray that God will help you all agree
with each other the way Christ Jesus wants.
Romans 15:5 NCV
Here's a question only you can answer. During a typical day, how many opportunities will you have to encourage other human beings? Unless you're living on a deserted island, the answer is "a lot"!
And here's a follow up question: How often do you take advantage of those opportunities? Hopefully, the answer is "more often than not"
Romans 14:19 advises us to "Pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another" HCSB and whatever we do, God smiles.
Whether you realize it or not, you're surrounded by people who need an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a pat on the back. And every time you encourage one of these folks, you'll be doing God's will but obeying God's word.
So with no further ado, let the encouragement begin!
Giving encouragement to others is a most welcome gift, for the results of it are lifted spirits, increased self worth, and a hopeful future.
Lord, make us mindful of our words. This world can ba difficult place, and many of Your children are discouraged and afraid. Make each member of our family a powerful
source of encouragement to those in need, and let our words and deeds be worthy of Your Son, the One who gives us courage and strength, this day and for all eternity. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I went shopping yesterday, and, once again, saw fall and Halloween products in one part of the store, and several associates putting up Christmas displays in another part of the store! I still think that is rushing the seasons! It does make me want to start buying for Christmas presents, though. I guess that is the whole idea!!
After I finished with my shopping, I went on over to the park, and found it quiet with just a few people enjoying the sun and cooler breezes, although the sun is still very hot! A very pretty great white heron was standing in the middle of the canal, fish shopping, and a few ibis were busy pecking around, but for the most part, all was calm. God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God
The Power of Encouragement
Patience and encouragement come from God.
And I pray that God will help you all agree
with each other the way Christ Jesus wants.
Romans 15:5 NCV
Here's a question only you can answer. During a typical day, how many opportunities will you have to encourage other human beings? Unless you're living on a deserted island, the answer is "a lot"!
And here's a follow up question: How often do you take advantage of those opportunities? Hopefully, the answer is "more often than not"
Romans 14:19 advises us to "Pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another" HCSB and whatever we do, God smiles.
Whether you realize it or not, you're surrounded by people who need an encouraging word, a helping hand, or a pat on the back. And every time you encourage one of these folks, you'll be doing God's will but obeying God's word.
So with no further ado, let the encouragement begin!
Giving encouragement to others is a most welcome gift, for the results of it are lifted spirits, increased self worth, and a hopeful future.
Lord, make us mindful of our words. This world can ba difficult place, and many of Your children are discouraged and afraid. Make each member of our family a powerful
source of encouragement to those in need, and let our words and deeds be worthy of Your Son, the One who gives us courage and strength, this day and for all eternity. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
The Rose and The Thorn
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 day started out overcast, but all at once, a hard rain started falling and after about twenty minutes, all of a sudden, the sun came out!. Seems like all I want to do when it rains, is sit and watch the rain pour off the roof!
The gloomy weather seems appropriate for the end of the Rays race for the wild card spot in the playoffs! Well, it was fun while it lasted, and, hopefully, they will come back next year and make it! I really enjoyed watching them and will miss baseball when the season ends.
I took a walk around the house outside yesterday, and discovered some plants that had sprung up as weeds, but were now bushes. I have another beauty berry bush growing right beside the corner of the house. That will have to come out, because they grow really large. Also, a podacarpus tree is growing where it should not be, but they come up all over the yard. I also found another oak tree growing up through a hibiscus. My yard man mows and edges, but does not do anything extra, unless I ask him to specifically. Unlike my former yard man, who was not a professional, but did a lot of extra things, to keep the yard tidy. Sigh. Guess I can't have everything!
I took a trip through the park and saw an anhinga on the weir drying the wings, several people on the bridge, looking at the water, and lots of cars. It was quiet and peaceful with lots of shade from the trees. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
The Rose and the Thorn
Samuel grew, and the Lord was
with him and let none of his
words fall to the ground.
1 Samuel 3:19 RSV
There was a very cautious man
Who never laughed or played;
He never risked, he never tried,
He never sang or prayed.
And when he one day passed away
His insurance was denied;
For since he never really lived,
They claimed he never died!
Unknown
Progressing through life is so risky, and we all must face it at one time or another. In order to learn to walk, toddlers must risk painful falls time and again. Teens with their first driver's licenses immediately face the most dangerous time of their driving careers. Couples taking the vows of marriage must face the possibility that the very union they expect to bring life's greatest joy could also bring them their greatest heartache. And entrepreneurs trying to launch or expand their businesses know that it could easily bring about a substantial loss.
Therefore, if there is such potential for pain in our attempts to grow and achieve throughout our lives, why do we even try?
One reason is that God has blessed us with an inner drive that compels us to improve our life. To paraphrase Anais Nin, the day comes when the risk to remain tight in a bud is more painful than the risk it takes to blossom. And we know that we cannot gather our beautiful roses without the possibility of being pricked by the thorns.
But when the prospect of facing those thorns seems too sharp and painful, remember that as God urges you to reach for new roses, you can also rely on His strength and guidance to help you manage your way through the thorns.
The weaker we feel, the harder we lean on God and the harder we lean the stronger we grow.
Joni Eareckson Tada
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The gloomy weather seems appropriate for the end of the Rays race for the wild card spot in the playoffs! Well, it was fun while it lasted, and, hopefully, they will come back next year and make it! I really enjoyed watching them and will miss baseball when the season ends.
I took a walk around the house outside yesterday, and discovered some plants that had sprung up as weeds, but were now bushes. I have another beauty berry bush growing right beside the corner of the house. That will have to come out, because they grow really large. Also, a podacarpus tree is growing where it should not be, but they come up all over the yard. I also found another oak tree growing up through a hibiscus. My yard man mows and edges, but does not do anything extra, unless I ask him to specifically. Unlike my former yard man, who was not a professional, but did a lot of extra things, to keep the yard tidy. Sigh. Guess I can't have everything!
I took a trip through the park and saw an anhinga on the weir drying the wings, several people on the bridge, looking at the water, and lots of cars. It was quiet and peaceful with lots of shade from the trees. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
The Rose and the Thorn
Samuel grew, and the Lord was
with him and let none of his
words fall to the ground.
1 Samuel 3:19 RSV
There was a very cautious man
Who never laughed or played;
He never risked, he never tried,
He never sang or prayed.
And when he one day passed away
His insurance was denied;
For since he never really lived,
They claimed he never died!
Unknown
Progressing through life is so risky, and we all must face it at one time or another. In order to learn to walk, toddlers must risk painful falls time and again. Teens with their first driver's licenses immediately face the most dangerous time of their driving careers. Couples taking the vows of marriage must face the possibility that the very union they expect to bring life's greatest joy could also bring them their greatest heartache. And entrepreneurs trying to launch or expand their businesses know that it could easily bring about a substantial loss.
Therefore, if there is such potential for pain in our attempts to grow and achieve throughout our lives, why do we even try?
One reason is that God has blessed us with an inner drive that compels us to improve our life. To paraphrase Anais Nin, the day comes when the risk to remain tight in a bud is more painful than the risk it takes to blossom. And we know that we cannot gather our beautiful roses without the possibility of being pricked by the thorns.
But when the prospect of facing those thorns seems too sharp and painful, remember that as God urges you to reach for new roses, you can also rely on His strength and guidance to help you manage your way through the thorns.
The weaker we feel, the harder we lean on God and the harder we lean the stronger we grow.
Joni Eareckson Tada
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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