Amy's Place ... Poetry and Potpourri ... January - December, 2022

1-01-2022 | The Mayor; Luvie; JustAmy

[TheConservativeParty]

Aw, those are cute little hounds! Puppies, my favorite, always want one. 🥰

Good Night!
💫⭐️🌟✨🌙

[Kitty Mittens]

Thank you for the Beautiful Pics & Pings, Dearest FRiends.
(((((Love, and God Bless)))))

[The Mayor]

Our Daily Bread

Thursday,
June 2, 2022

Set Apart

Read: Ephesians 4:29–32

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart. Matthew 11:29

In November 1742, a riot broke out in Staffordshire, England, to protest against the gospel message Charles Wesley was preaching. It seems Charles and his brother John were changing some longstanding church traditions, and that was too much for many of the townsfolk.

When John Wesley heard about the riot, he hurried to Staffordshire to help his brother. Soon an unruly crowd surrounded the place where John was staying. Courageously, he met face to face with their leaders, speaking with them so serenely that one by one their anger was assuaged.

Wesley’s gentle and quiet spirit calmed an angry mob. But it wasn’t a gentleness that occurred naturally in his heart. Rather, it was the heart of the Savior whom Wesley followed so closely. Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). This yoke of gentleness became the true power behind the apostle Paul’s challenge to us: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

In our humanness, such patience is impossible for us. But by the fruit of the Spirit in us, the gentleness of the heart of Christ can set us apart and equip us to face a hostile world. When we do, we fulfill Paul’s words, “Let your gentleness be evident to all” (Philippians 4:5). — Bill Crowder

Why does today’s culture see gentleness as weakness? How is gentleness actually strong?

Dear God, remind me that Jesus displayed a heart of gentleness and compassion to His adversaries.

Read more about Jesus.

Bible in a year: 2 Chronicles 17–18; John 13:1–20

[luvie]

He sure does seem to like them...and piggy seems to like him, too! 🐷

[luvie]

Thankful for small treasures
Within the Wandering Jew Plant Leaves
Happy Thankful Thursday!

[mairdie]

EXCELLENT!

[left that other site]

Happy Thankful Thursday!

I Am Thankful For ice Cream...Every Little Once in a While.

(((HUGS)))

ML/LTOS

[luvie]

Sounds yummy!

[TheConservativeParty]

Good Night FRiends!
🌙💫⭐️🌟✨

[luvie]

Sweet dreams! 💤🛌

[The Mayor]

Our Daily Bread

Friday,
June 3, 2022

Spotting Rainbows of Hope

Read: Psalm 42

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him. Psalm 42:5

During an October vacation, another battle with chronic pain forced me to spend the first few days recovering in our room. My mood became as overcast as the sky. When I finally ventured out to enjoy sightseeing at a nearby lighthouse with my husband, gray clouds blocked much of our view. Still, I snapped a few photos of the shadowy mountains and dull horizon.

Later, disappointed because a downpour tucked us in for the night, I skimmed through our digital pictures. Gasping, I handed my husband the camera. “A rainbow!” Focused on the gloominess earlier, I’d missed out on God refreshing my weary spirit with the unexpected glimpse of hope (Genesis 9:13–16).

Physical or emotional suffering can often drag us down into the depths of despair. Desperate for refreshment, we thirst for reminders of God’s constant presence and infinite power (Psalm 42:1–3). As we recall the countless times God has come through for us and for others in the past, we can trust that our hope is secured in Him no matter how downcast we feel in the moment (vv. 4–6).

When bad attitudes or difficult circumstances dim our vision, God invites us to call on Him, read the Bible, and trust His faithfulness (vv. 7–11). As we seek God, we can rely on Him to help us spot rainbows of hope arched over the darkest days. — Xochitl Dixon

When have bad attitudes negatively affected your vision? How can you make sure your hope is centered on God?

Loving God, thank You for refreshing my spirit and turning my plea for mercy into hope-filled praises.

Bible in a year: 2 Chronicles 19–20; John 13:21–38

[luvie]

Thanks!

[luvie]

WEARING RED ON FRIDAY
FOR OUR HEROES!




Chris DeBurgh~The Lady In Red

The red of courage
The crimson of blood
Are the colors I wear
To honor the heroes
Who possess the one
And spill the other
For all of us

~~

[left that other site]

Happy Red Friday!

Remember To Thank Our Troops!

((((HUGS))))

ML/LTOS

[JustAmy]

Graphic by Mama Bear

STRAWBERRY PIZZA

1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. light brown sugar
1 c. pecan pieces
2 sticks butter (melt in oven or on stove. (Do not microwave)
Mix together.

Lightly grease (or Pam) one 14 inch pizza pan.
Hand pat in bottom (press in), leave lip up around sides.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Set aside, let it cool.

2nd layer:

1 (8 oz.) cream cheese
1 c. confectioners' sugar
1 (8 oz.) container Cool Whip
Mix well. Spread over cold crust.

Top:

Slice strawberries in half. Arrange on top of second layer. Chill and enjoy

[JustAmy]

Happy Donut Day!!

[The Mayor]

Our Daily Bread

Saturday,
June 4, 2022

God Focus

Read: 1 Timothy 6:6–11

Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

When I was shopping for engagement rings, I spent many hours looking for exactly the right diamond. I was plagued by the thought, What if I miss the best one?

According to economic psychologist Barry Schwartz, my chronic indecision indicates that I am what he calls a “maximizer,” in contrast to a “satisficer.” A satisficer makes choices based on whether something is adequate for their needs. Maximizers? We have a need to always make the best choice (guilty!). The potential outcome of our indecision in the face of many choices? Anxiety, depression, and discontent. In fact, sociologists have coined another phrase for this phenomenon: fear of missing out.

We won’t find the words maximizer or satisficer in Scripture, of course. But we do find a similar idea. In 1 Timothy, Paul challenged Timothy to find value in God rather than the things of this world. The world’s promises of fulfillment can never fully deliver. Paul wanted Timothy to instead root his identity in God: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (6:6). Paul sounds like a satisficer when he adds, “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (v. 8).

When I fixate on the myriad ways the world promises fulfillment, I usually end up restless and unsatisfied. But when I focus on God and relinquish my compulsive urge to maximize, my soul moves toward genuine contentment and rest.      — Adam Holz

Would you say you tend to be a content person? Why or why not? How do you think your relationship with God affects your overall contentment in life?

Father, help me to remember that only You can fill my soul.

Bible in a year: 2 Chronicles 21–22; John 14

[luvie]

Drat! I forgot to! LOL!

[luvie]

Peaches Checking Out The Lilies
Happy Caturday!

[mairdie]

Absolutely lovely, luvie.