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Amy's Place ... Poetry and Potpourri ... March, 2013
3-1-2013 | JustAmy; St.Louie1; MamaBear; Billie; Meg33, Friends

Posted on 03/01/2013 7:30:59 AM PST by JustAmy

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To: Jim Robinson; JustAmy; Billie; MEG33; jaycee; dutchess; GodBlessUSA; deadhead; LUV W; mathluv; ...

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Bumper Cars

March 5, 2013

Life is a lot like “bumper cars” at an amusement park. You get in your car, knowing that you will get hit . . . you just don’t know how hard. And when you get hit, you step on the gas pedal, chase the one who has hit you, and hope to bump that person harder than they have bumped you.

That may be a fun strategy for bumper cars, but it’s a terrible strategy for life. When you get bumped in life, bumping back only escalates matters and in the end everyone suffers damage.

Jesus had a better strategy: Forgive those who have “bumped” us. Like Peter, we may wonder how many times we have to forgive. When Peter asked Jesus, “Up to seven times?” Jesus answered “Up to seventy times seven” (Matt. 18:21-22). In other words, there are no limits to grace. We should always extend a spirit of forgiveness. Why? In the story of the forgiving master, Jesus explained that we forgive not because our offenders deserve it but because we’ve been forgiven. He says, “I forgave you . . . because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” (vv.32-33).

Since we are among those who’ve been forgiven much, let’s stop the damage and share that blessing with others.

Lord, remind us of how deeply we have offended You
and how often You have extended the grace of
forgiveness to us. Teach us to forgive others and to trust
You to deal with those who sin against us.
Forgiveness is God’s grace in action through us.

Read: Matthew 18:23-35

Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times? —Matthew 18:21
Bible in a Year:
Deuteronomy 1-2; Mark 10:1-31


101 posted on 03/06/2013 7:34:53 AM PST by The Mayor ("If you can't make them see the light, let them feel the heat" — Ronald Reagan)
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To: everyone; FRiends; All
(((((Sending Hugs to Everyone)))))


102 posted on 03/06/2013 1:38:52 PM PST by Kitty Mittens (To God Be All Excellent Praise!)
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To: Jim Robinson; JustAmy; Billie; MEG33; jaycee; dutchess; GodBlessUSA; deadhead; LUV W; mathluv; ...

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On The Fringe

March 7, 2013

When butterflies hatch at Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan, they do so in an indoor tropical paradise perfectly suited to meet their every need. The temperature is perfect. The humidity is perfect. The food is a perfect balance of calories and nutrition to keep them healthy. No need to go elsewhere. Yet some butterflies see the bright blue sky outside the conservatory and spend their days fluttering near the glass ceiling far away from the plentiful food supply.

I want to say to those butterflies, “Don’t you know everything you need is inside? The outside is cold and harsh, and you will die within minutes if you get what you are longing to have.”

I wonder if that is the message God has for me. So I ask myself, Do I look longingly at things that would harm me? Do I use my energy to gain what I don’t need and shouldn’t have? Do I ignore God’s plentiful provision because I imagine that something just beyond my reach is better? Do I spend my time on the fringes of faith?

God supplies all our needs from His riches (Phil. 4:19). So instead of striving for what we don’t have, may we open our hearts to gratefully receive everything we’ve already been given by Him.

All that I want is in Jesus;
He satisfies, joy He supplies;
Life would be worthless without Him,
All things in Jesus I find. —Loes
Our needs will never exhaust God’s supply.

Read: Philippians 4:10-20

God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:19
Bible in a Year:
Deuteronomy 3-4; Mark 10:32-52


103 posted on 03/07/2013 5:50:28 AM PST by The Mayor ("If you can't make them see the light, let them feel the heat" — Ronald Reagan)
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To: Jim Robinson; JustAmy; Billie; MEG33; jaycee; dutchess; GodBlessUSA; deadhead; LUV W; mathluv; ...

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Jesus’ Team

March 8, 2013

In 2002 the Oakland Athletics built a winning baseball team in an unorthodox way. They had lost three top players after 2001, and the team didn’t have money to sign any stars. So Oakland’s general manager, Billy Beane, used some often-neglected statistics to assemble a group of lesser-known players either “past their prime” or seen by other teams as not skilled enough. That ragtag team ran off a 20-game winning streak on the way to winning their division and 103 games.

This reminds me a little of the way Jesus put together His “team” of disciples. He included rough Galilean fishermen, a zealot, and even a despised tax collector named Levi (Matthew). This reminds me that “God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty” (1 Cor. 1:27). God used those dedicated men (minus Judas) to ignite a movement that affected the world so dramatically it has never been the same.

There’s a lesson here for us. Sometimes we seek out the familiar, the influential, and the rich. And we tend to ignore people with less status or those with physical limitations.

Jesus put some of society’s less desirable people on His team—treating everyone the same. With the Spirit’s power and guidance, we too can honor all people equally.

In Jesus Christ we all are equal,
For God’s Spirit makes us one;
As we give each other honor,
We give glory to His Son. —Fitzhugh
There are no unimportant people in the body of Christ.

Read: Luke 5:27-35

He . . . saw a tax collector named Levi . . . . And He said to him, “Follow Me.” —Luke 5:27
Bible in a Year:
Deuteronomy 5-7; Mark 11:1-18


104 posted on 03/08/2013 5:51:48 AM PST by The Mayor ("If you can't make them see the light, let them feel the heat" — Ronald Reagan)
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To: The Mayor; All; Friend; MEG33; yorkie; jaycee; Kitty Mittens; left that other site; LUV W; ...

*Have A Great Weekend*

ronald-reagan-twoflags-2-1 photo ronald-reagan-twoflags-2-1-1.jpg

105 posted on 03/08/2013 8:35:07 AM PST by oldteen
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To: oldteen; ConorMacNessa; LUV W; AZamericonnie; Brad's Gramma; JustAmy; jackv; jaycee; yorkie; ...

It's Friday!








Wear a Little something red today for Our American heroes!

ML/LTOS
(El Kabong)

106 posted on 03/08/2013 9:01:44 AM PST by left that other site (Worry is the darkroom that developes negatives.)
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To: The Mayor
There is a desire in people to be where they are not. Mostly we are looking to be somewhere else, doing something new and different. It is as if somewhere else is better, or fulfilling, or holding some wonderful secrets we want to chase.

God created the butterfly with instincts. Naturally they migrate to warmer climates in the fall. We may close them inside and interfere with their natural instincts to migrate.

We trust God and are to be content where ever we find our self. Change what in our circumstances will be good to change and tell our brethren about God. Be true to God.

There is a work or lesson in all things. Even suffering. Repent and turn to God and away from evil, in Jesus name. Amen.

107 posted on 03/08/2013 9:34:10 AM PST by geologist ("If you love me, keep my commands" .... John 14 :15)
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To: Jim Robinson; JustAmy; Billie; MEG33; jaycee; dutchess; GodBlessUSA; deadhead; LUV W; mathluv; ...

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Praying Friends

March 9, 2013

I met my friend Angie for lunch after having not seen her for several months. At the end of our time together, she pulled out a piece of paper with notes from our previous get-together. It was a list of my prayer requests she had been praying for since then. She went through each one and asked if God had answered yet or if there were any updates. And then we talked about her prayer requests. How encouraging to have a praying friend!

The apostle Paul had a praying relationship with the churches he served, including the one at Thessalonica. He thanked God for the faith, love, and hope of the people (1 Thess. 1:2-3). He longed to see them, and asked God “night and day” that he might be able to visit them again (3:10-11). He requested that the Lord would help them “increase and abound in love to one another and to all” (v.12). He also prayed that their hearts would be blameless before God (v.13). They must have been encouraged as they read about Paul’s concern and prayers for them. Paul knew too his own need for God’s presence and power and pleaded, “Brethren, pray for us” (5:25).

Loving Father, thank You for wanting us to talk with You. Teach us all to be praying friends.

I need the prayers of those I love
While traveling on life’s rugged way,
That I may true and faithful be,
And live for Jesus every day. —Vaughn
The best kind of friend is a praying friend.

Read: 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Brethren, pray for us. —1 Thessalonians 5:25
Bible in a Year:
Deuteronomy 8-10; Mark 11:19-33


108 posted on 03/09/2013 6:35:05 AM PST by The Mayor ("If you can't make them see the light, let them feel the heat" — Ronald Reagan)
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To: The Mayor; All; Friend; MEG33; JustAmy; yorkie; jaycee; left that other site; LUV W; ...
caturday photo lolcatsdotcom6rodis9fofwh8y7e.jpg

Have a great weekend!

109 posted on 03/09/2013 10:31:03 AM PST by oldteen
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To: oldteen; MEG33; jaycee; yorkie; left that other site; ConorMacNessa; GodBlessUSA; Colonel_Flagg; ...

Happy up-close-and-personal Caturday!

110 posted on 03/09/2013 10:55:13 AM PST by luvie (All my heroes wear camos!)
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To: oldteen

Happy Dog/Caturday!






Have an Interspecies HUG today!

ML/LTOS
(El Kabong)

111 posted on 03/09/2013 11:10:07 AM PST by left that other site (Worry is the darkroom that developes negatives.)
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To: LUV W

Awwwww...So Sweeeeett!


112 posted on 03/09/2013 11:11:56 AM PST by left that other site (Worry is the darkroom that developes negatives.)
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To: left that other site

I’m sure you have had that same experience with Linda! :)


113 posted on 03/09/2013 11:23:22 AM PST by luvie (All my heroes wear camos!)
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To: JustAmy; everyone; FRiends; All; y'all

A Beautiful Caturday to All

114 posted on 03/09/2013 12:36:50 PM PST by Kitty Mittens (To God Be All Excellent Praise!)
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To: LUV W; All

Have a blessed Lord’s day, hubby forgot to set the clocks forward last night....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kace3TBloZo

At Calvary


115 posted on 03/10/2013 6:30:09 AM PDT by GailA ( those who do not keep promises to the Military, won't keep them to U)
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To: FRiends; JustAmy; Mama_Bear; jaycee; yorkie; Kitty Mittens; The Mayor; oldteen; LUV W; ...

~Welcome To Sunday At Amy's Place~


The God who made the firmament,
Who made the deepest sea,
The God who put the stars in place
Is the God who cares for me. —Berg

~Blessings To All Who Enter Here~

116 posted on 03/10/2013 6:45:03 AM PDT by MEG33
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To: MEG33; ConorMacNessa; LUV W; AZamericonnie; Brad's Gramma; JustAmy; jackv; jaycee; yorkie; ...

Happy Sunday!








An episode of the quirky TV Series "Northern Exposure" was dedicated to the winter-long Alaskan Night and its effect on the residents of the town.
Everybody in the town was affected by the six months of darkness, with different kinds of "craziness". It was a funny episode, but it illustrated a very important point. LIGHT is important to our well-being. Of course, people who suffer from blindness have to cope with darkness, and most blind people have learned to adjust to their situation by compensating with their other senses. There is even a mental disorder (SAD) that is characterized by depression during long winter nights.

When God said, "Let There Be Light!", His Wonderful Creation Was Begun.

This Magnificent "Thing" called "LIGHT", which Scientists say is made up of Photons, Is a Form of Energy, travels in a straight line (but can be bent, breaking it up into a glorious spectrum of colors!), can be concentrated into lasers that burn away tumors or can carry messages to the moon, allows "Art" to exist, Cheers up a weary heart, guides Sailors across trackless seas (or warns them of rocks!), and makes plants grow.

King David, under the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit, calls YHVH Ori, My LIGHT and My Salvation.

Whom shall we fear?

NOBODY!

We pray for the Repentance, Restoration, and Renewal of Our Beloved Nation.

The LORD is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

(This is From Today's Jerusalem thread, but thought that it would be nice to share here on Amy's Place for a Sunday Reflection.)

((((HUGS))))


ML/LTOS
(El Kabong)

117 posted on 03/10/2013 7:32:26 AM PDT by left that other site (Worry is the darkroom that developes negatives.)
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To: LUV W

Indeed I do!

She missed “Daylight Saving Time” this morning. We BOTH overslept! LOL!


118 posted on 03/10/2013 7:36:01 AM PDT by left that other site (Worry is the darkroom that developes negatives.)
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To: Jim Robinson; JustAmy; Billie; MEG33; jaycee; dutchess; GodBlessUSA; deadhead; LUV W; mathluv; ...

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Extravagant Gifts

March 10, 2013

When I was pastoring a small church, we faced a huge crisis. Unless we could complete the extensive renovations necessary to bring our building up to the proper safety codes, we would lose our place of worship. A desperate time of fundraising ensued to pay for those renovations; but of all the money given, one gift captured our leadership’s attention.

An elderly woman in the church donated several hundred dollars to the project—money we knew she could not spare. We thanked her for her gift but wanted to return it, feeling that her needs were greater than the church’s. However, she refused to take the money back. She had been saving for years in order to buy a stove and was cooking on a hot plate in the meantime. Yet she insisted that she needed a place to worship with her church family more than she needed a stove. We were astounded by her extravagant gift.

When our Lord observed a widow putting two mites (the smallest of coins) into the temple offerings, He praised her for her extravagance (Luke 21:3-4). Why? Not because of how much she gave, but because she gave all she had. It’s the kind of gift that not only honors our God, but also reminds us of the most extravagant of gifts to us—Christ.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what can I give Him—give my heart. —Rossetti
Gratitude of heart can often be seen in a generous spirit.

Read: Luke 21:1-4

All these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had. —Luke 21:4
Bible in a Year:
Deuteronomy 11-13; Mark 12:1-27


119 posted on 03/10/2013 8:22:43 AM PDT by The Mayor ("If you can't make them see the light, let them feel the heat" — Ronald Reagan)
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To: left that other site

prayers up


120 posted on 03/10/2013 8:23:45 AM PDT by DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis
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