Amy's Place ... Poetry and Potpourri ... July, August and September 2020

7-1-2020 | Meg33; The Mayor, Trisham, JustAmy

[The Mayor]

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list

July 31

Shining Light

Bible in a Year:

• Psalms 54–56
• Romans 3

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 I felt nervous about a five-week prayer class I agreed to teach at a local church. Would the students like it? Would they like me? My anxiety was ill-focused, leading me to over-prepare lesson plans, presentation slides, and class handouts. Yet with a week to go, I still hadn’t encouraged many people to attend.

In prayer, however, I was reminded that the class was a service that shined light on God. Because the Holy Spirit would use the class to point people to our heavenly Father, I could set aside my nervousness about public speaking. When Jesus taught His disciples in His Sermon on the Mount, He told them, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house” (Matthew 5:14–15).

Reading those words, I finally sent out a class announcement on social media. Almost immediately, people started registering—expressing gratitude and excitement. Seeing their reactions, I reflected more on Jesus’ teaching: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (v. 16).

With that perspective, I taught the class with joy. I pray that my simple deed becomes a beacon and encourages others to shine their light for God as well.

By:  Patricia Raybon Reflect & Pray

When have you felt nervous or self-conscious about sharing your deeds and gifts for God? How can your deeds and gifts help others, and what are ways you can share them?

Jesus, empower me to let my God-given light shine so others can see and glorify You.

[luvie]

Gregg Karukas~Girl In The Red Dress

[left that other site]

Happy Red Friday!

Stay Cool, and Remember to Say a Prayer For Our Military and First Responders.

(((HUGS)))

ML/LTOS

[JustAmy]

Happy Friday, Friends.

Wishing everyone a cooler weekend.
Stay safe.

[luvie]

Lovely!

[The Mayor]

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list

August 1

A Divine Duet

Bible in a Year:

• Psalms 57–59
• Romans 4

If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.

John 15:5

At a children’s music recital, I watched a teacher and student seat themselves in front of a piano. Before their duet began, the teacher leaned over and whispered some last-minute instructions. As music flowed from the instrument, I noticed that the student played a simple melody while the teacher’s accompaniment added depth and richness to the song. Near the end of the piece, the teacher nodded his approval.

Our life in Jesus is much more like a duet than a solo performance. Sometimes, though, I forget that He’s “sitting next to me,” and it’s only by His power and guidance that I can “play” at all. I try to hit all the right notes on my own—to obey God in my own strength, but this usually ends up seeming fake and hollow. I try to handle problems with my limited ability, but the result is often discord with others.

My Teacher’s presence makes all the difference. When I rely on Jesus to help me, I find my life is more honoring to God. I serve joyfully, love freely, and am amazed as God blesses my relationships. It’s like Jesus told His first disciples, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Each day we play a duet with our good Teacher—it’s His grace and power that carry the melody of our spiritual lives.

By:  Jennifer Benson Schuldt Reflect & Pray

Why do you sometimes resist the help and encouragement God offers? How could reliance on Him change your outlook and your actions in certain situations?

Dear God, help me to remember that You’re with me in every moment. I welcome Your influence and instruction today. Thank You for Your nearness.

[luvie]

This is Smokey
He is the "new addition"
He's VERY underweight
But we're working on that
He's a sweetheart.
Happy Caturday from Smokey!

[left that other site]

Happy Cat/Dogurday!

Go Ahead. Take your Motorcycle Ride. I'll just Relax Right Here, Thank You Very Much.

((((HUGS))))

ML/LTOS

[JustAmy]

Happy Caturday, Friends.
Hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying these summer days.

[JustAmy]

“Middle age is when you're sitting at home on a Saturday night
and the telephone rings and you hope it isn't for you”
~Ogden Nash

“Every man has a right to a Saturday night bath.”
~Lyndon B. Johnson

“If you are single there is always one thing you should take out with you on a Saturday night ...
your friends.”
~Sarah Jessica Parker

[TheConservativeParty]

Oh gee forgot it was Caturday! Had to work today, not my usual day...feels like Friday today. Arg! 🙃

[left that other site]

oooops!

[Silentgypsy]

Thank you.

[The Mayor]

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list

August 2

Kind Correction

Bible in a Year:

• Psalms 60–62
• Romans 5

Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death.

James 5:20

The early spring weather was refreshing and my traveling companion, my wife, couldn’t have been better. But the beauty of those moments together could have quickly morphed into tragedy if it weren’t for a red and white warning sign that informed me I was headed in the wrong direction. Because I hadn’t turned wide enough, I momentarily saw a “Do Not Enter” sign staring me in the face. I quickly adjusted, but shudder to think of the harm I could have brought to my wife, myself, and others if I’d ignored the sign that reminded me I was going the wrong way.

The closing words of James emphasize the importance of correction. Who among us hasn’t needed to be “brought back” by those who care for us from paths or actions, decisions or desires that could’ve been hurtful? Who knows what harm might have been done to ourselves or others had someone not courageously intervened at the right time.

James stresses the value of kind correction with these words, “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins” (5:20). Correction is an expression of God’s mercy. May our love and concern for the well-being of others compel us to speak and act in ways that He can use to “bring that person back” (v. 19).

By:  Arthur Jackson Reflect & Pray

What risks or rewards are associated with helping a wanderer find his or her way back to where they belong? When did God use someone to bring you back from a not-so-good place?

Father, keep me from straying from Your truth and grant me courage to help bring back those who are wandering.

[luvie]

Blessed Union Of Souls~I Believe

Dallas Christian Choir~How Beautiful

Casting Crowns~Praise You In The Storm

Providence~O Come Angel Band

Glen Campbell~The Savior I Sing Of Today

The Trevecca Madrigalians~It Is Well With My Soul

Jeff Beck~Amazing Grace

Have a blessed Sunday

[left that other site]

Happy Sunday!

May Your Day Be Blessed!

"He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." (Romans 4:25)

God Bless America!



ML/LTOS

[TheConservativeParty]

Hope you all are having a lovely Sunday.
We are watching the splashdown and recovery of the SpaceX Dragon capsule on CSPAN. This is replay of actual landing....while waiting for a live conference about the mission and splashdown. It is now about 4pm central, if anyone wants to try CSPAN to see this.

Cheers

[TheConservativeParty]

Hope you all are having a lovely Sunday.
We are watching the splashdown and recovery of the SpaceX Dragon capsule on CSPAN. This is replay of actual landing....while waiting for a live conference about the mission and splashdown. It is now about 4pm central, if anyone wants to try CSPAN to see this.

Cheers

[luvie]

I watched the touchdown, but then took a nap. It was a textbook return to earth. Welcome home, astronauts!

[TheConservativeParty]

I liked the parachutes, looked cool floating down to the water with those slowing them down. It is funny how they officially call the astronauts Bob and Doug. Every time they say that , it reminds me of the characters Bob and Doug MacKenzie from the1980’s.