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 definitely cooler with temps in the high fifties...good for those who love winter, not so much for me who likes the warm temps! But lots of sunshine and warming up during the week, so we will be in the eighties again by Friday. Sounds good for Daryl and Matthew, who are coming down Friday from Tenn.!
We had a wonderful combined service yesterday with the children of all ages leading, including the puppets! The little angels came in leading a mini Mary, the baby, and I think Joseph was in there some place. We have many talented little ones who played instruments, and sang. They were much appreciated by the large crowd who thoroughly enjoyed them. After some pertinent thoughts from our temporary youth director, we enjoyed a brunch in honor of our children and family pastor who is leaving for cold Minn.! He is following God's call wherever it leads!
Well, I am not ready for Christmas, so this will be a busy week for me. Lots of shopping to do, and the trouble with that, is that I have no idea what to buy for certain ones! Well, money always works!
I visited Sawgrass several times, just to soak in the peace...saw the gator sunning on the bank of the lake and several turtles on the weir across the road.Also, an anhinga with outstretched wings drying out. God is good!
From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:
This I recall to my mind. Therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Lamentations 3:21-22 KJV
In You Don't Have to Be Blind to See, Jim Stovall writes: Your values determine your character, and they set a framework for the choices you make as well as a framework for evaluating your success. In other words, your values provide the framework for self-accountability.
Each night before I go to bed, I review the day I've just lived. And I evaluate it. I say about various things I've done or said, and about the choices I've made, "That was good. That was great. That wasn't so hot." In appraising my actions and decisions, I'm able to make mid-course corrections as I pursue my goals. In appraising my deeds of a day. I can close my eyes and have a sense of accomplishment, of being one step closer to the fulfillment of my destiny on earth."
Reviewing the day and your values against the criteria of God's Word is a valuable exercise. It allows you to eliminate regret and pride, and you can wipe the slate clean for tomorrow's divine handwriting.
When you recall things about which you are pleased, you praise the Lord for the wisdom, strength and ability He provided throughout the day. Ask him to use your good deeds and right judgments to expand His kingdom on the earth.
Before bed, put both good and bad in God's hands. You can rest in hope for tomorrow because His mercy and compassion give you a new opportunity to set things right, and you can build on the good, moving forward in His power and love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, December 16, 2013
Friday, December 13, 2013
Luke 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! We got the sun back yesterday afternoon and it is here today, also. Even though it is a little cool today, because our cold front came through, it is still a lot warmer than other places in the country! No snow to wade through, just leaves all over the place!
As I was driving yesterday, I noticed lots of contrails criss-crossing in the blue sky. Very cold air up there, and people flying different places. Some of them must get a good view of snow covered fields and cities. I flew to Charlotte several years ago, and there was snow piled up on the airport and fields. It did not seem so cold, though, for some reason. I have seen snow several times, but never had to drive in it!
As I was coming home a couple days ago, I heard A Christmas song that is not played nearly enough and is one of my favorites; Michael Card singing his song, "Joseph's Song". I pulled into the garage and left the radio on JOY FM, so I could hear the rest of the song. It is so lovely the way he expresses the thoughts of Joseph as he questions his ability to raise and be a father to the Son of God. I like Michael Card's voice anyway. A great talent!
After I dropped off a quilt at Rogers's cleaners, I drove on to the park, and was glad to see a volunteer carefully cleaning all the trash out of the canal in front of the weir. It has looked messy for over a week, with what was washed down from the houses that back up to it further down.
An ibis was perched in a tree further down, and a moorhen was sitting in a bush on the other side. Not a whole lot of people, but a group of birders were discussing things with a ranger. I don't know why birders dress so funny, but they are easy to spot...shorts, binocs and sun hats, and usually boots, and backpacks. But I can understand their interest in birds, because I love to see them, too. I went on a hike looking for birds many years ago with Mike, the naturalist, before he retired. He knew every bird and lots about them. He showed me photos of his trip to a panda preserve in China where he went on vacation one year. Fascinating! He was only allowed there because of his profession! God is good!
The Beautitudes
Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said,
"God blesses you who are poor,
for the Kingdom of God is given to you.
God blesses you who are hungry now,
for you will be satisfied.
God blesses you who weep now,
for the time will come when you will
laugh with joy.
God blesses you who are hated and
excluded and mocked and cursed
because you are identified with me, the Son of Man.
When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for joy!
For a great reward awaits you in heaven.
And remember, the ancient prophets were also
treated that way by your ancestors.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
As I was driving yesterday, I noticed lots of contrails criss-crossing in the blue sky. Very cold air up there, and people flying different places. Some of them must get a good view of snow covered fields and cities. I flew to Charlotte several years ago, and there was snow piled up on the airport and fields. It did not seem so cold, though, for some reason. I have seen snow several times, but never had to drive in it!
As I was coming home a couple days ago, I heard A Christmas song that is not played nearly enough and is one of my favorites; Michael Card singing his song, "Joseph's Song". I pulled into the garage and left the radio on JOY FM, so I could hear the rest of the song. It is so lovely the way he expresses the thoughts of Joseph as he questions his ability to raise and be a father to the Son of God. I like Michael Card's voice anyway. A great talent!
After I dropped off a quilt at Rogers's cleaners, I drove on to the park, and was glad to see a volunteer carefully cleaning all the trash out of the canal in front of the weir. It has looked messy for over a week, with what was washed down from the houses that back up to it further down.
An ibis was perched in a tree further down, and a moorhen was sitting in a bush on the other side. Not a whole lot of people, but a group of birders were discussing things with a ranger. I don't know why birders dress so funny, but they are easy to spot...shorts, binocs and sun hats, and usually boots, and backpacks. But I can understand their interest in birds, because I love to see them, too. I went on a hike looking for birds many years ago with Mike, the naturalist, before he retired. He knew every bird and lots about them. He showed me photos of his trip to a panda preserve in China where he went on vacation one year. Fascinating! He was only allowed there because of his profession! God is good!
The Beautitudes
Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said,
"God blesses you who are poor,
for the Kingdom of God is given to you.
God blesses you who are hungry now,
for you will be satisfied.
God blesses you who weep now,
for the time will come when you will
laugh with joy.
God blesses you who are hated and
excluded and mocked and cursed
because you are identified with me, the Son of Man.
When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for joy!
For a great reward awaits you in heaven.
And remember, the ancient prophets were also
treated that way by your ancestors.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Be Silent
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 haven't seen the sun yet, so the cold front came through and I can feel the difference in the air. Low seventies in the house and 65 outside. Not cool enough for heat, but no need for A/C. Yay!
My cleaning ladies came yesterday afternoon, and so a little more decorating got done. I am expecting Daryl and Matthew in two weeks, so if everything is not done by then, they won't care. I heard the prediction that Christmas day will be rainy, so hopefully, the prediction is wrong. We need the rain, but not on special days!
I made a trip to the library and then to the park. Saw the squirrels leaping across the road and what looked like a duck in the canal. For some reason, the ducks don't hang out at the park, Maybe because they would not last with the gators around.!
The man who must live out of his car was there again, with some of his stuff laid out on a picnic table. His car is packed full of everything you can think of, so I don't think he can sleep in it. I have seen him in the library parking lot and various other places. He must have an interesting story in his past.
Well, my porch is full of leaves again, after being blown off Tuesday, so if the wind dies down a little today, I will have to sweep, but God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him.
Psalm 37:7 HCSB
Sometimes 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 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 other ways. Of 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
My cleaning ladies came yesterday afternoon, and so a little more decorating got done. I am expecting Daryl and Matthew in two weeks, so if everything is not done by then, they won't care. I heard the prediction that Christmas day will be rainy, so hopefully, the prediction is wrong. We need the rain, but not on special days!
I made a trip to the library and then to the park. Saw the squirrels leaping across the road and what looked like a duck in the canal. For some reason, the ducks don't hang out at the park, Maybe because they would not last with the gators around.!
The man who must live out of his car was there again, with some of his stuff laid out on a picnic table. His car is packed full of everything you can think of, so I don't think he can sleep in it. I have seen him in the library parking lot and various other places. He must have an interesting story in his past.
Well, my porch is full of leaves again, after being blown off Tuesday, so if the wind dies down a little today, I will have to sweep, but God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him.
Psalm 37:7 HCSB
Sometimes 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 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 other ways. Of 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
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Power of God
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! Once again, all of the north, west and eastern USA is suffering from extremely cold weather and here is sunny Florida, we are still enjoying summer temps and lots of sunshine! Works for me!
I missed sending this blog yesterday, because of a morning appointment with a chiropractor. This is new for me because I have only been to a couple twice in my life. However, I am impressed with this approach to healing...no bone cracking, but using sound waves to correct the spinal problems. We will see if it works on my particular situation. That is really a busy office . I had a thirty minute wait to even get in and then sit an wait once I looked at the xrays of my deteriorated neck. I was glad to leave a couple hours later, even though I had to wear a neck brace for four hours!
Well, I saw an alligator at the park as I drove in Monday and lots of black turtles sunning on the weir on the other side of the road. IN front of the building, across the street was the very large gopher tortoise, with a family around him looking at him. He doesn't seem to mind crowds, because his head was not pulled in, so he was receiving guests!
While I was outside just after sunset, Monday evening, I saw what looked like a large rat whizzing along the telephone wire toward my neighbors, who have a lot of fruit trees in their yard. Makes me shiver! I hate rats! I was looking for the ISS, but did not stay out long enough to see it. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can God's power help me?
Psalm 60:12
With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down
our foes.
We should not look at the size of the problem but at the size of our God.When there
are great things to be done, we have a great God who will do them through us.
Isaiah 40:29
He gives power to those who are tired and worn out: he offers strength to the
weak.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Each time he said,"My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best
in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that
the power of Christ may work through me.
God's power does not depend on human strength and power. In fact our resources can get in the way if we rely on them instead of on the Lord. God's power flows through our weaknesses like electric current through a wire. The wire is simply a conductor with no power in itself , but without the wire, the current doesn't flow. God is looking for people who are wired for his service.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I missed sending this blog yesterday, because of a morning appointment with a chiropractor. This is new for me because I have only been to a couple twice in my life. However, I am impressed with this approach to healing...no bone cracking, but using sound waves to correct the spinal problems. We will see if it works on my particular situation. That is really a busy office . I had a thirty minute wait to even get in and then sit an wait once I looked at the xrays of my deteriorated neck. I was glad to leave a couple hours later, even though I had to wear a neck brace for four hours!
Well, I saw an alligator at the park as I drove in Monday and lots of black turtles sunning on the weir on the other side of the road. IN front of the building, across the street was the very large gopher tortoise, with a family around him looking at him. He doesn't seem to mind crowds, because his head was not pulled in, so he was receiving guests!
While I was outside just after sunset, Monday evening, I saw what looked like a large rat whizzing along the telephone wire toward my neighbors, who have a lot of fruit trees in their yard. Makes me shiver! I hate rats! I was looking for the ISS, but did not stay out long enough to see it. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can God's power help me?
Psalm 60:12
With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down
our foes.
We should not look at the size of the problem but at the size of our God.When there
are great things to be done, we have a great God who will do them through us.
Isaiah 40:29
He gives power to those who are tired and worn out: he offers strength to the
weak.
2 Corinthians 12:9
Each time he said,"My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best
in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that
the power of Christ may work through me.
God's power does not depend on human strength and power. In fact our resources can get in the way if we rely on them instead of on the Lord. God's power flows through our weaknesses like electric current through a wire. The wire is simply a conductor with no power in itself , but without the wire, the current doesn't flow. God is looking for people who are wired for his service.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, December 9, 2013
Power of God
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! After seeing brief glimpses of the snow covered gridirons of the football games in the north, once again, I am thankful for the weather in my home town, St. Petersburg! Sunshine and low eighties with cool nights are just perfect for me!
I had sort of an active weekend. Brian had invited me to a Life Group catered Christmas get together at his church, so we attended and there must have been over a hundred people there at lovely decorated tables and even decorated comfy chairs! Good company, where I met new people, and a couple old friends, good food, (even tho' mine was not warm by the time I was served) good music, and a fun game, which our table tied with another for the most correct answers. This was due in large part to Brian, who was the Bible Challenge winner many years ago as a teenager!
Then, yesterday, at church, three birthday cakes were served between services, for birthday people, including Cora, who was 102 years old!! She is pretty sharp for her age, and very tiny.
I also visited the park a couple times; saw the anhinga with wings spread wide, drying out, an ibis perched in a tree, hanging over the water, the moorhen family swimming all in a row, and people everywhere! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is God's power like?
May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans. May
we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to
honor our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers. Now I
know that the Lord saves his anointed king. He will answer him
from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power. Some
nations boast of their armies and weapons , but we boast in the
Lord our God.
God's power is greater than that of the greatest kings who ever ruled or
the mightiest armies that ever marched. This power is ours as we trust
him, obey him, and honor his name.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had sort of an active weekend. Brian had invited me to a Life Group catered Christmas get together at his church, so we attended and there must have been over a hundred people there at lovely decorated tables and even decorated comfy chairs! Good company, where I met new people, and a couple old friends, good food, (even tho' mine was not warm by the time I was served) good music, and a fun game, which our table tied with another for the most correct answers. This was due in large part to Brian, who was the Bible Challenge winner many years ago as a teenager!
Then, yesterday, at church, three birthday cakes were served between services, for birthday people, including Cora, who was 102 years old!! She is pretty sharp for her age, and very tiny.
I also visited the park a couple times; saw the anhinga with wings spread wide, drying out, an ibis perched in a tree, hanging over the water, the moorhen family swimming all in a row, and people everywhere! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What is God's power like?
May he grant your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans. May
we shout for joy when we hear of your victory, flying banners to
honor our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers. Now I
know that the Lord saves his anointed king. He will answer him
from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power. Some
nations boast of their armies and weapons , but we boast in the
Lord our God.
God's power is greater than that of the greatest kings who ever ruled or
the mightiest armies that ever marched. This power is ours as we trust
him, obey him, and honor his name.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Psoaring thru Psalm 148
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! More warm temps and slight breezes continue, which makes it feel more like spring than almost Christmas! We are blessed to have such beautiful weather right now!
Well, I got more decorating done yesterday, but not the outside lights, yet. I still have a lot more to do, but a little day by day gets things done. I was called in to the doctor's office yesterday to take a breathing test. Fortunately, I still am, and passed with good grades! After that, I zipped over to Krispy Kreme and bought three donuts to take home to my cleaning ladies who were hard at work while I was gone. I had a cruller, and they had a chocolate cream filled and glazed chocolate. Yum! They stopped work immediately so they could have a snack and really appreciated it! I also heard more about their train trip from Hollywood to Tampa and how much they enjoyed it. Only $39 one way and a four hour trip without worries about the traffic! Sounds like the way to go!
Later, I drove to the Park, and saw an unusual sight...a roseate spoonbill very close to an anhinga on the weir. Looked like beauty and the beast! As I drove on in, I pulled in and watched the very large, gopher tortoise at the entrance to his new tunnel. Apparently, he got tired before he slid in and just put his head down for a little nap.
Also, speaking of wildlife, as I opened the sidedoor in the garage, a pretty black snake slithered off against the house. He was either snacking on ants, or looking for water, as it is still very dry around here. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Praise the Lord from the heavens!
Praise him from the skies!
Praise him, all his angels!
Praise him all the armies of heaven!
Praise him, sun and moon!
Praise him all you twinkling stars!
Praise him, skies above!
Praise him, vapors high above the clouds!
Let every created thing give praise to the Lord,
for he issued his command and they came into being.
He established them forever and forever.
His orders will never be revoked.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, I got more decorating done yesterday, but not the outside lights, yet. I still have a lot more to do, but a little day by day gets things done. I was called in to the doctor's office yesterday to take a breathing test. Fortunately, I still am, and passed with good grades! After that, I zipped over to Krispy Kreme and bought three donuts to take home to my cleaning ladies who were hard at work while I was gone. I had a cruller, and they had a chocolate cream filled and glazed chocolate. Yum! They stopped work immediately so they could have a snack and really appreciated it! I also heard more about their train trip from Hollywood to Tampa and how much they enjoyed it. Only $39 one way and a four hour trip without worries about the traffic! Sounds like the way to go!
Later, I drove to the Park, and saw an unusual sight...a roseate spoonbill very close to an anhinga on the weir. Looked like beauty and the beast! As I drove on in, I pulled in and watched the very large, gopher tortoise at the entrance to his new tunnel. Apparently, he got tired before he slid in and just put his head down for a little nap.
Also, speaking of wildlife, as I opened the sidedoor in the garage, a pretty black snake slithered off against the house. He was either snacking on ants, or looking for water, as it is still very dry around here. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Praise the Lord from the heavens!
Praise him from the skies!
Praise him, all his angels!
Praise him all the armies of heaven!
Praise him, sun and moon!
Praise him all you twinkling stars!
Praise him, skies above!
Praise him, vapors high above the clouds!
Let every created thing give praise to the Lord,
for he issued his command and they came into being.
He established them forever and forever.
His orders will never be revoked.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
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! It is another beautiful day in paradise! The sun is shining and the gentle breeze has just sprung up. Birds are singing, butterflies are flitting and spring training starts in Feb.!
I was able to get a little more done around the house yesterday, but because I cannot dare to climb on a stool to put stuff up, I have to wait for Brian or, my handy man will call later this afternoon to set a date to put up the outdoor lights, so maybe he will have time to get some things down for me. I used to be able to get everything done in one day, but time marches on!
I did not get the car washed yesterday, so maybe I can get that done today. It is really dirty from our Thanksgiving trip, but I did get to the park and enjoyed the scenery and the water. An anhinga was drying out the wings at the weir and the moorhen family was visible on the other side at the lake. God is good!
Psalm 1 NLT
Oh, the joy of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners, or join with scoffers.
But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants;
day and night they think about his law.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing their fruit each season without fail.
Their leaves never wither,
and in all they do they prosper.
But this is not true of the wicked.
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
For the Lord watched over the path of the godly,
but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers
with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was able to get a little more done around the house yesterday, but because I cannot dare to climb on a stool to put stuff up, I have to wait for Brian or, my handy man will call later this afternoon to set a date to put up the outdoor lights, so maybe he will have time to get some things down for me. I used to be able to get everything done in one day, but time marches on!
I did not get the car washed yesterday, so maybe I can get that done today. It is really dirty from our Thanksgiving trip, but I did get to the park and enjoyed the scenery and the water. An anhinga was drying out the wings at the weir and the moorhen family was visible on the other side at the lake. God is good!
Psalm 1 NLT
Oh, the joy of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners, or join with scoffers.
But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants;
day and night they think about his law.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing their fruit each season without fail.
Their leaves never wither,
and in all they do they prosper.
But this is not true of the wicked.
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
For the Lord watched over the path of the godly,
but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers
with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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