Amy's Place ... Poetry and Potpourri ... Jan - Dec 2021

5-01-2021 | The Mayor; Luvie; JustAmy

[Silentgypsy]

Thank you and a very Blessed Christmas to all.

[The Mayor]

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Saturday,
December 25, 2021

Christmas Child

Read: Philippians 2:6–11

He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:7

Imagine the One who made cedars spring from seeds starting life over as an embryo; the One who made the stars submitting Himself to a womb; the One who fills the heavens becoming what would be in our day a mere dot on an ultrasound. Jesus, in very nature God, making Himself nothing (Philippians 2:6–7). What an astonishing thought!

Imagine the scene as He’s born in a plain peasant village, among shepherds and angels and bright lights in the sky, with the bleating of animals His first lullabies. Watch as He grows in favor and stature: as a youngster, astounding teachers with answers to grand questions; as a young man at the Jordan, getting His Father’s approval from heaven; and in the wilderness, as He wrestles in hunger and prayer.

Watch next as He launches His world-changing mission—healing the sick, touching lepers, forgiving the impure. Watch as He kneels in a garden in anguish and as they arrest Him while His closest friends flee. Watch as He is spat on and nailed to two wooden posts, the world’s sins on His shoulders. But watch, yes watch, as the stone rolls away, an empty tomb ringing hollow, because He is alive!

Watch as He is lifted to the highest place (v. 9). Watch as His name fills heaven and earth (vv. 10–11).

This Maker of the stars who became a dot on an ultrasound. This, our Christmas Child. — Sheridan Voysey

What would life and history be like had Jesus never been born? What prayer or poem can you offer God to thank Him?

Jesus, thank You for making Yourself nothing so I could be forgiven.

Bible in a year: Zephaniah 1–3; Revelation 16

[TheConservativeParty]

Merry Christmas FRiends
🎄🎄🎄

[left that other site]

MERRY CHRISTMAS

[TheConservativeParty]

Made my first whole turkey today, turned out great. My mom was here for the last hour of roasting and brought the meat thermometer to make sure it was done. Also made mash potatoes, sweet potatoes and stuffing. Mom brought a cherry pie and cookies.

I am stuffed!

🦃

[left that other site]

Awesome!

[luvie]

I hope you and your family had a lovely Chrtstmas, too! 🎄🎅🏻🌟

[luvie]

Casting Crowns~Praise You In The Storm

Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir~How Great Thou Art

Daniel O'Donnel~Church In The Wildwood

Statler Brothers~Amazing Grace

Gaither Vocal Band~Heaven's Joy Awaits

St. Olaf Choir~When Peace Like A River

Providence~Sweet Beulah Land

GOD BLESS YOU THIS LORD'S DAY!

[The Mayor]

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Sunday,
December 26, 2021

Timely Resolution

Read: Matthew 5:21–26

Settle matters quickly with your adversary. Matthew 5:25

The unresolved hurt between Simon and Geoffrey had persisted for years, and Simon’s attempts to reenter the relationship had been resisted. Upon hearing the news of the death of Geoffrey’s mother, Simon traveled “up country” in Kenya to attend her funeral service. Simon reflected on their encounter: “I had no expectations at all in terms of how the whole thing would turn out, [but] after the service, we opened up and had a fruitful talk. We hugged, shared the moment, prayed together, and planned to meet again.” If only Simon and Geoffrey had been able to reconcile earlier, so much ongoing pain could have been avoided.

The words of Jesus in Matthew 5:21–26 help to put unresolved relational tensions in perspective. The anger that can lead to such rifts is a serious matter (v. 22). Furthermore, getting things in order relationally is a fitting prelude to worshiping God (vv. 23–24). The wise words of Jesus to “settle matters quickly with your adversary” (v. 25) remind us that the sooner we do what we can to work toward reconciliation the better for all.

Relationships are risky; they demand work—in our families, in the workplace, in educational settings, and among people who share our faith in Christ. But as those who represent Him, the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), may we find ourselves going out of our way to extend our hearts and hands to those with whom we have unresolved conflict. — Arthur Jackson

Who comes to mind when you think of someone you need to reach out to so that relational healing might begin? What’s keeping you from doing so?

Father, You know where the relational fissures are in my life. Forgive me for my slowness to attempt resolution. Give me the strength to take the next steps.

Bible in a year: Haggai 1–2; Revelation 17

[The Mayor]

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Monday,
December 27, 2021

God’s Right Hand

Read: Isaiah 41:8–13

I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

I helped my elderly dog, Wilson, out to the grass and in the process, I released the leash of our younger dog, Coach, for just a minute. As I bent to pick up Coach’s lead, he spied a bunny. Off he went, ripping the leash from my right hand and corkscrewing my ring finger in the process. I fell to the grass and cried out in pain.

After returning from urgent care and learning I’d need surgery, I begged God for help. “I’m a writer! How will I type? What about my daily duties?” As God sometimes does, He spoke to me from my daily Bible reading. “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13). I scanned the context, which indicated that God’s people in Judah, to whom Isaiah was communicating His message, enjoyed a special relationship with Him. He promised His presence, strength, and help through His own righteous standing, symbolized by His right hand (v. 10). Elsewhere in Scripture, God’s right hand is used to secure victories for His people (Psalm 17:7; 98:1).

During my weeks of recovery, I experienced encouragement from God as I learned to dictate on my computer and trained my left hand in household and grooming functions. From God’s righteous right hand to our broken and needy right hands, God promises to be with us and to help us. — Elisa Morgan

How do you need God’s help today? How have you experienced His help in the past?

Healing God, I need Your help! Please use Your righteous right hand to take hold of my broken, weary hands and help me, I pray.

Bible in a year: Zechariah 1–4; Revelation 18

[luvie]

Happy Monday Madness!

[TheConservativeParty]

Happy Monday!
On this snowy morning, I am glad I quit my job last September, and can stay home. Got a couple of inches of snow, looks pretty and not too cold out there either.

Cheers for the first snowfall

❄️❄️❄️

[left that other site]

Happy Monday Madness!

Merry Christmas and Happy, healthy, Prosperous New Year!

(((HUGS)))

ML/LTOS

[TheConservativeParty]

Hi there! Sun is starting to shine here!

☀️

[left that other site]

Awesome! :-)

[TheConservativeParty]

The forecast says 100% chance of snow for Tuesday. Alrightly then, they seem sure! 😅

[left that other site]

Eyew.

I only like snow on pine trees and Christmas Cards.

[TheConservativeParty]

I prefer no snow. Old Man Winter doesn’t care what I want. 😅

[mylife]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhlSO9_OJxk&list=OLAK5uy_lcdPBtaMmaE3FT8QGZm1W9OqCa6FS9wJo&index=5

[luvie]

Totally!