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

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

[left that other site]

Happy Gratituesday!

I Am Grateful That Today is Not as Hot as Yesterday was.

(((HUGS)))

ML/LTOS

[luvie]

Amen to that....because this next 7 days after today will be over 100.🔥

Have I said lately that I hate summer? LOL!

[left that other site]

And I hate winter. So we are a pair.

[The Mayor]

July 6

You Can Do It!

Bible in a Year:

• Job 32–33
• Acts 14

[Paul and Barnabas] returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.

Acts 14:21–22

Encouragement is like oxygen—we can’t live without it. This was true for nine-year-old James Savage. The boy swam more than two miles from the San Francisco shoreline to Alcatraz Island and back, breaking the record for the youngest person to accomplish the feat. But thirty minutes into the swim, the choppy, frigid waters made James want to quit. However, a fleet of paddlers called out, “You can do it!” The words gave him the boost he needed to finish his goal.

When the choppy, frigid waters of tribulation made believers in Jesus want to give up, Paul and Barnabas encouraged them to continue their journey. After the apostles preached the gospel in the city of Derbe, they “returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith” (Acts 14:21–22). They helped the believers to remain firm in their faith in Jesus. Troubles had weakened them, but words of encouragement strengthened their resolve to live for Christ. In God’s strength, they realized they could keep pressing on. Finally, Paul and Barnabas helped them understand that they would “go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (v. 22).

Living for Jesus can be difficult, and we’re sometimes tempted to give up. Fortunately, Jesus and fellow believers in Him can provide the encouragement we need to press on. With Him, we can do it!

Reflect & Pray

What people in your circles of influence need to hear, “You can do it!”? What specific words of wisdom and encouragement can you share this week? 

Jesus, when I’m tempted to give up, please send people to give me confidence and courage to continue my walk with You.

[luvie]

What!!
You Bet I Wish You
A Warm & Fuzzy Wednesday!
Love, Peaches

[left that other site]

Happy Warm & Fuzzy Wednesday!

Have A Beautiful Day!

(((HUGS)))

ML/LTOS

[TheConservativeParty]

Hi Peaches! Looks like a good nap!
😅

[TheConservativeParty]

Happy WF Wednesday!

I spent an hour and a half at the dentist today....dental crown prep. Not fun.
Glad it is over. Permanent crown in 2 weeks. 👑

Have a good night!
😊

[luvie]

LOL! It was till I sneezed and disturbed him. :)

[luvie]

Looks like someone is, for sure!

[TheConservativeParty]

His expression is exactly right for being woke up by a sneeze!
😄

[luvie]

I know huh...and he stayed in that position long enough for me to get the phone up to take the picture. LOL!

[left that other site]

Eyew...I hate going to the dentist.

no offence to any FReeper dentists who may be reading this.

[The Mayor]

July 7

Hurry Up and Wait

Bible in a Year:

• Job 34–35
• Acts 15:1–21

Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14

“What will we do with all our spare time?” That thought was at the heart of an essay published in 1930 by the economist John Maynard Keynes. In it, Keynes proposed that within a hundred years, technological and economic advances would bring humans to a point where we would work only three hours a day and fifteen hours a week.

It’s been more than ninety years since Keynes published his famous essay. But technology, instead of creating more leisure, has made us busier than ever. Our days are full, and while everyday tasks like travel and meal preparation take less time, we’re still in a hurry.

One striking incident from David’s life shows us how to stay steady in life’s rush. When he was fleeing King Saul (who was trying to kill him), he asked the king of Moab, “Would you let my father and mother come and stay with you until I learn what God will do for me?” (1 Samuel 22:3, italics added). David had his hands full. He was trying to escape Saul’s murderous pursuits and also provide for his family. But even in his hurry, he took the time to wait on God.  

When life’s frenetic pace sweeps us along, we can trust the One who can keep us in His peace (Isaiah 26:3). David’s words sum up the matter well: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).

Reflect & Pray

In what ways can you wait on God even when life’s busy? Where do you need His help to trust Him today?

You are my calm in every rush, Father. Thank You for giving me Your peace as I continue to trust You.

[luvie]

"Replaced And Abandoned"
Happy Thankful Thursday!

[left that other site]

Happy Thankful Thursday!

Have A Beautiful, Thankful Day!

(((HUGS)))

ML/LTOS

[The Mayor]

July 8

Food That Says I Love You

Bible in a Year:

• Job 36–37
• Acts 15:22–41

He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them.

Luke 22:19

I attended a family birthday gathering where the hostess wove the theme of “favorite things” into the decor, the gifts, and—best of all—the food. Because the birthday girl loved steak and salad—and white chocolate raspberry Bundt cake—the hostess grilled steak, spun spinach, and ordered that favorite cake. Favorite foods say, “I love you.”

The Bible contains many references to banquets, feasts, and festivals, pairing the physical act of eating with celebrations of God’s faithfulness. Feasting was a part of the sacrificial system of worship practiced by the Israelites (see Numbers 28:11–31), with Passover, the festival of weeks, and new moon feasts held every month. And in Psalm 23:5, God prepares a table with an abundant meal and cups overflow with mercy and love. Perhaps the most lavish pairing of food and wine ever expressed was when Jesus broke a piece of bread and took a cup of wine, illustrating the gift of His death on a cross for our salvation. He then challenged us to “do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).

As you partake of food today, take a moment to consider the God who made both mouth and stomach and offers food to you as a language of His love in celebration of His faithfulness. Ours is a God who feasts with the faithful, pairing His perfect provision with our great need, saying, “I love you.”

Reflect & Pray

What is a favorite food that you use in celebration? How can you thank God as you enjoy food today?

Thank You, God, for all You faithfully provide, including my daily bread and my very salvation.

[luvie]

Chris DeBurgh~The Lady In Red

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!

[left that other site]

Happy Red Friday!

The Beginning Of A Great Weekend For All, I Hope!

(((HUGS)))

ML/LTOS

[The Mayor]

Our Daily Bread

Saturday,
July 9, 2022

The Dream Team

Read: Romans 12:3–8

So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:5

Together, friends Melanie and Trevor have hiked miles of mountain trails. Yet neither would be able to do so without the other. Melanie, born with spina bifida, uses a wheelchair. Trevor lost his sight to glaucoma. The duo realized they were one another’s perfect complement for enjoying the Colorado wilderness: As he walks the trails, Trevor carries Melanie on his back; meanwhile, she gives him verbal directions. They describe themselves as a “dream team.”

Paul describes believers in Jesus—the body of Christ—as a similar kind of “dream team.” He urged the Romans to recognize how their individual giftings benefited the larger group. Just as our physical bodies are made up of many parts, each with different functions, together we “form one [spiritual] body” and our gifts are meant to be given in service for the collective benefit of the church (Romans 12:5). Whether in the form of giving, encouraging, or teaching, or any of the other spiritual gifts, Paul instructs us to view ourselves and our gifts as belonging to all the others (vv. 5–8).

Melanie and Trevor aren’t focused on what they lack, nor are they prideful of what they do have in comparison to the other. Rather, they cheerfully give of their “gifts” in service to the other, recognizing how much they’re both bettered by their collaboration. May we too freely combine the gifts God has given us with those of our fellow members—for the sake of Christ.  — Kirsten Holmberg

What gifts and abilities has God given you? How can you share them with those around you?

Father, please show me how I can use my resources and abilities to benefit the body of Christ.

Bible in a year: Job 38–40; Acts 16:1–21