This morning

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners,

Due to a computer glitch only half of the daily gator bytes message was sent this morning, Since I don't save these and type as I go, I will try to remember what i wrote about the saga of the gecko and send it again tomorrow.

Love and hugs,
amaryllis

Habits

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We had a good rainstorm last night, so everything is still wet outside this morning. Overcast already this morning, so maybe more rain is in store for us, which is good.

Well, I had a surprise when I opened the front door this morning. There was a large possum sniffing all around the front porch, not paying any attention to me. I told him to buzz off and he headed straight across the street to my neighbor's house, I have a feeling there is a colony of them around here, because they have been seen walking on the wires between houses, and up in our oak tree several months ago. UGh! They look like big rats, which I guess they are.

And speaking of wildlife, the gecko or lizard is still on my living room chair. In fact, he is getting pretty feisty. Last night he was perched on top of the chair looking at me, until I walked over to try to catch him and he zoomed back down and hid. Then when I sat on the couch to read the paper, there he was peeking out at me on the side of the chair, just like he was daring me to catch him. I just walked by the chair on my way to the computer and there he was, peeking out from the side again. If he stays much longer, he will expire from lack of food and water, but it's his own fault for being too frisky.

My big adventure yesterday was a trip to Walmart. It is always interesting to see the different people there, including screaming babies. I feel their pain from shopping. Not that is is not a bad experience, just not my favorite thing to do. they have rearranged their produce section so it looks much larger. I bought some really sweet peaches and their bananas were just 49 cents a pound, I drove through the park on my way home and my, it is really overgrown from all the rain and the canal is full of hydrilla, Guess there is no one there to get in a boat and spray with all the lay-offs. Oh, well, God is on His Throne and He is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can God help me deal with bad habits?

Romans 8:5,6 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.

God has given us the Holy Spirit to help make us holy. While victory does not come immediately, we will progress as we fill our minds and hearts with spiritual truth and the promises of God.

Romans 6:12-14 Do not let sin control the way you live, do not give in to its lustful desires. Do not let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness, to be used for sinning. Instead, give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin. Instead, you are free by God's grace.

One of Satan's great lies is that we are victims who have no power to resist sin. the world teaches us that heredity, environment, and circumstance excuse us from responsibility. But God is more powerful than anything that seeks to control us. When we call upon his power through prayer and the support of fellow believers, God breaks our chains and set us free.

How can God help me cultivate good habits?

1 Timothy 4:7-8 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.

1 Corinthians 9:25 All athletes practice strict self-control. The do it ot win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.

Godly habits--such as reading the Bible, praying and giving our time and money in service--give us spiritual stamina, purpose and direction for our lives. they also help us keep our eyes on the eternal prize.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalm 121

Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The sun is shining brightly, the wind is blowing the trees and it looks like a beautiful but hot, as usual, day is here.

My weekend was a bit unusual for me. I had lunch with some dear friends on Friday, with lots of laughter and fun at the Olive Garden. "(when you're here you're family") and brought home some soup which I had enjoyed for lunch.

Then Saturday, Brian and I drove to Orlando to attend the funeral service for my sister-in-law. It was definitely different than the church memorials I have been privileged to attend. While Ruth was a believer, her two sons are not, and were civil to each other, but not agreeing on much of anything. The service was held in the very large funeral home that had a snack bar nook with Starbucks coffees, (Aren't they everywhere) all free for those with services there. We took the free water bottles.

The preacher did the best he could under the circumstances, not knowing Ruth or her family personally. He did read some scripture, though and read some quotations and then asked for people to speak who wanted to remember Ruth. All in all, I think it satisfied the sons and their family. Gary(the son) lost his wife a few years ago, leaving him twin girls and a son to raise, which he has done very well. They are really into soccer. Gary's brother has a wife but no kids and lost his job a couple years ago. I was chosen by God to listen to his problems...this in the midst of the gathering at Ruth's old house. Difficult to hear over the noise of all the conversation, but , anyway, tried to offer the best advice I could, which was for them both to get together sometime with a counselor and iron out their differences before a third party. Life's too short for feuds between brothers. I will keep praying for them, but they live some distance apart, so I can only hope.

Well, this is probably more information than anyone really wanted to hear, but it was an unusual weekend, as I said.

I did enjoy the church service yesterday, which was a DVD of Pastor Rick's daughter's wedding and his sermon to them. It was funny and poignant and I was teary eyed at some points. God is good!

From the Message.

Psalm 121
I look up to the mountains,
does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

He won't let you stumble,
your Guardian God won't fall asleep.
Not on your life! Israel's
Guardian will never doze or sleep.

God's your Guardian
right at your side to protect you--
shielding you from sunstroke,
sheltering you from moonstroke.

God guards you from every evil,
He guards your very life.
He guards you when you leave and when you return.
He guards you now, he guards you always.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalm 112

Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I had to run some errands yesterday, which involved getting out of the car into the very hot sun. Wow! What heat! I slather on #49 sun block each day because I just had another pre-cancerous spot removed, so I try to be careful. I also take a bottle of water with me whenever I leave home.

I drove through the park to see everything simmering in the bright sun, but the trees shade the drive into the park, and the shade is thick and cool all around. I didn't see many people around and no anhingas again, but passed a beautiful crape myrtle bush, just covered with white blossoms. We saw beautiful ones in Ala. and GA last week, but ours are just as pretty here.
Today I am going out to lunch with some dear friends before they leave for MIchigan for about five weeks. It will be good to catch up with them. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 112

Happy are those who fear the Lord.
Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what he commands.
Their children will be successful everywhere.
An entire generation of godly people
will be blessed.
they themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will never be forgotten.
When darkness overtakes the godly. light
will come bursting in.
They are generous , compassionate,
and righteous.
All goes well for those who are generous,
who lend freely and conduct their business fairly.
Such people will not be overcome by evil
circumstances.
Those who are righteous will be
long remembered.
They do not fear bad news;
they confidently trust the Lord to care
for them.
They are confident and fearless
and can face their foes triumphantly.
They give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will never be forgotten.
They will have influence and honor.
The wicked will be infuriated when they
see this.
They will grind their teeth in anger,
They will slink away, their hopes Thwarted.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.

Love and hugs and have a great weekend,
Amaryllis

A fight to the finish

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Already the sun is shining, and the clouds white against the blue sky, the breeze is blowing and God is in control! It isn't that I got up late, because I rolled out of bed at 6; I just showered, ate breakfast and read my emails.

Btw, in case anyone is interested, I had French toast with fresh peaches and banana for breakfast. First time in a long time. It's usually oatmeal with cranberries, cinnamon and banana. A little change is good once in a while. :o)

I was overjoyed to get my van out of the repair shop yesterday! Not so overjoyed at the price, but it's only money, right? It's hard to get along without a car. I have a friend who gave up driving, and she pays someone to take her shopping, and usually takes a cab to the doctor appointments, so one way or another you have to pay. Well, God always provides for my needs, abundantly!

I saw a small egret at the side of the canal at the Park yesterday, but other than squirrels, no other critters. It had just rained and everything was damp and still and very green. I noticed the grass is growing back in clumps in front of the house on the property.There is a Sheriff's deputy living there now. The grass had been sprayed and was dead for months, but now they are mowing it again. I guess the original purpose was to avoid mowing. Didn't work. But God is good!

From The Message:

Ephesians 6

And that about wraps it up. God is strong and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own., Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued. so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

And don't forget to pray for us. Pray that I'll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all, the Message that I, jailbird preacher that I am, am responsible for getting out....

Good-bye, friends. Love mixed with faith be yours from God the Father and from the Master, Jesus Christ. Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus Christ.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

1 Corinthians 13

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partner! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I see high puffy white clouds scudding across the blue sky and the sun drying up the wet grass. I just had a call from David, my yard man, just back from Ala. and he is coming over to mow, which the grass sorely needs.

Last night we had another thunderstorm with more rain, which we need, but not all the wind and blowing, which was good.

I have been watching a mango develop on the neighbor's tree which is right outside my window, but now it has disappeared. So I don't know whether it dropped off, or they picked it green. Unfortunately, none of them drop in my yard. :o) I walked into the produce of the supermarket yesterday and at once, the scent of peaches and nectarines hit my nose with their fragrance! Ummm. beats any man-made perfume , for sure!

I almost picked up a bag of raw peanuts for the critters in my trees, but decided not too, yet, because there are still plenty of acorns on the ground and in the ground for them to eat. I know at the park they are always busy eating acorns and running back and forth across the street to see if there are more pickings on the other side. I had to stop for one yesterday who sat for a minute right in front of the car, before scampering off. The water in the canal was full of trash and debris from the runoff of the houses that border the canal. That will probably be cleaned up soon by a volunteer. It was strange...I didn't see any anhingas drying wings. That's a first. Well, God is good!

Thought I would send a little different version of the "Love" chapter from The Message. See how you like it;

1 Corinthians 13
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "jump," and it jumps, but I don't have love, I'm nothing.
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believer, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut.
Doesn't have a swelled head.
Doesn't force itself on others.
Isn't always "me first".
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others.
Doesn't revel when others grovel.
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything.
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best.
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day, praying tongues will end, understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete but when the Complete arrives. our incompletes will be canceled.
When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But ti won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward the comsummation. Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Will of God

Good morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners, This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The sun is shining and the breeze is blowing and except for the puddles and wet grass, you would never know we had a fierce storm last night. I don't have a rain gauge, but we probably got about two inches, in the short time it came down. I watched the storm come both from my windows and on Bay News 9. , from the Radar. God always provides what we need.

Well, yesterday I was complaining about lack of sleep from the toe pain, but last night I slept soundly without any pain at all. God is good to answer prayers in His time.

Not so good news on the auto front; the transmission had not come in for the van as of yesterday, maybe today, so I don't know if I will have it by the end of the week or not. Brian and I are planning to go to Orlando for my sister-in-law's funeral services, so guess we will have to use his car. His is fine to ride in, just not as easy for me as my van. Guess it's hard to change as we get older.:o)

I went to the Park yesterday and enjoyed the peace and quiet waters. No turtles were basking in the sun, but I was sad to see a squirrel who didn't make it across the street before it got hit by a car. Cars still go too fast driving in there, but the squirrels are quick and sometimes dart across right in front of a car. I haven't seen a gopher tortoise for awhile, but watched the great blue heron unwinding his neck as he fished. God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

Does God really have a plan for my life?

Psalm 139:3 You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am.

Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathways for your life. I will advise and watch over you."

Ephesians 1:11 Because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as he decided long ago.

Psalm 138:8 The Lord will work out his plans for my life--for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. don't abandon me, for you made me.

God has a plan for our lives. It is not an unthinking, automated script that we must follow. It is a journey with various destinations and appointments and a great deal of freedom as to the pace and scope of the travel. God's plan for us will always have a sense of mystery, but we can be certain that he will guide us as long as we rely on his leading.

Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you,"says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Sometimes we are tempted to question God's will for our lives, thinking he has made a mistake. God promises to give us the best as we follow his ways. Ultimately, even what looks like a mistake can become the means to something wonderful.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Romans 8:24-28

Good morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Happy First Day of Summer! Although we have been having summer weather for some time now, at last, it is official. My grass is very high, now, so I will be glad when the yard man comes back from vacation. A little rain and sunshine, and it takes off!

I spent a sleepless night because I have a shooting pain in my big toe that comes every few seconds. Sounds funny, I know, but it is really painful. I pray God will see fit to remove the pain today. Enough of my complaints.

Yesterday, on the way back from Bay Pines, Brian and I stopped at a roadside peach and tomato stand. The peaches are sweet and juicy from Ga. and the tomatoes are big and almost ripe. I had one of each last night and they were so good! Reminds me of going to a Georgia Belle orchard in NC. and eating them off the tree, with juice dripping off my chin. Georgia Belles can't be shipped because they are too fragile, but they are the best!

I drove through the Park yesterday, and saw quite a crowd because of Father's Day, I guess. Grass was freshly mowed and looked good and the egrets were fishing single-mindedly, as usual. Also, yesterday evening when I took the dumpster down to the curb, I saw another tiny frog. Maybe the rain has caused them to hatch out from underground, if that is what frogs do. But God is good to all his critters!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 8:24-28

And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Now that we are saved, we eagerly look forward to this freedom.. For if you already have something you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently.

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Fellowship

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is already another very warm morning and predicted to be very hot again. I am so thankful for A/C, because I just can't take the heat too well any more. We had thunder in the close distance yesterday, but only a few sprinkles. My grass is growing tall, but my yard man is out of town for a week, so it will have to wait.

Yesterday I rented a car because my van is in the garage for a week or more awaiting a transmission transplant. this is a Pontiac V-5 for those who know what that car looks like. It is a sporty looking two door that looks raised in the rear, but it's easy to handle, and leaves lots of room in the garage. I would have preferred a four door, but they didn't have any left at Enterprise. I was picked up by a man in a very large pick-up truck, which I had a little difficulty climbing in. . Still having new adventures, although not quite as exciting as the last two. :o)

I drove through the park in my new wheels, for the first time in a week. It was freshly mowed and looked cool. although looks can be deceiving. I was mentally comparing the peace of the park with the peace of the mountains we just left. I love the mountains, but since they are not close by, Sawgrass is a special place to me. I took a walk there the day Daryl left home for Tenn. It was a very cold day and I was feeling depressed, but God put a friend from church in my path, and I came away feeling much better about the whole situation. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How does the Lord change the quality of our fellowship?

Matthew 18:26 Where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them.

The promise of the Lord's presence transforms our fellowship. We draw strength from the testimony of God's faithfulness in other's lives. We learn to comfort one another with the comfort we receive from the Lord. And we experience love and forgiveness in practical ways.

What does God provide for us through fellowship?

Acts 4:32-35 All the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own; they shared everything they had. And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God's great favor was upon them all. There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need.

Our fellowship with other believers is meant to provide for our needs in the most practical ways. God's love for us moves us to share our resources with each other. This practical expression of love unleashes God's power and empowers our witness to the world.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,

Amaryllis

More Protection

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We had no rain yesterday, although I could hear thunder in the distance, so I guess our rainy season is here. My yard is still wet from the downpour that took out the electricity Tuesday, so we can do without for a day or two.

As I ate my oatmeal and fruit this morning, I was thinking about the lack of cereal on the menus in Centre, AL. No oatmeal or other cereals, just eggs, grits, sausage, hash browns, bacon and waffles, Also, the restaurants don't observe the clean indoor air act. They all allow smoking. Yuck!

We went to Ballplay, Al. to have a meal at Beans 'n Greens, Yep, that's the name of the restaurant and town. One restaurant and one small country grocery across the street, and that's it! The buffet was not bad for a country place; mostly catering to farmers. They brought out some fresh out of the oven cinnamon rolls, just as we were checking out, so I had to have one to go. I love cinnamon rolls! The country around there is filled with fields of soy beans and corn, and it is pretty rolling country., Quite different from St. Petersburg! But still God's country. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 91:1-4 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety, he is my God and I am trusting him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

God guards us from the dangers that stalk us. God is a refuge, a shelter, and a place of safety from all threats. His promises shield us and inspire our faith and courage.

1 Thessalonians 3:3 The Lord is faithful; he will make you strong and guard you from the evil one.

To gain spiritual strength from the Lord, He teaches us to protect ourselves through discernment, self-discipline, and the confident exercise of our authority in Christ.

Ephesians 6:10-12 Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

Spiritual battles require spiritual protection. God's armor shields us against the world, the flesh, and the devil. We must focus on the Lord's protection instead of evil's threats and stand firm in our faith.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Protection

Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The sun is shining brightly and birds are singing and maybe we won't have the thunderstorm like we had yesterday that knocked out our power for three and a half hours! Lightning struck the transformer next door and Progress Energy workers had to put a new one on the pole. That was a hot job!

Brian and I had a wonderful trip to Al. to see my Uncle Dan and Aunt Bernice. They are doing well for their ages. Uncle Dan has tall corn almost ready to pick and yellow squash that is already grown. He also has gorgeous hydrangeas, pink, blue, purple and lavender. I have never seen purple and lavender hydrangeas! The property is large with lots of trees and the birds were singing and flitting about. I was so happy to see mountains again! It has been a long time. We drove to Little River Canyon and looked at the waterfalls and could see way, way, down people splashing around in the very cool water while the water gushed over the rocks below us at the overlook. The sun was blistering, but the shade was cool.

Daryl and Matthew came down on Sunday, so we got to spend some time together and introduce Matthew to his 95 yr. old great, great uncle for the first time. Brian and I went with Uncle Dan and Bernice to their Baptist church Sunday... a very large church with small attendance at second service.

Afterwards, we all met Daryl and Matthew who had just arrived and went to the hospital cafeteria for lunch. Seems a lot of church people go eat in the cafeteria on Sundays. I must say the food there was a lot better than the cafeteria food locally! Even though the van is in the shop, now, we got home safely. God is good!

Where can I find protection and safety?

Psalm 121:2-8 My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

Our protection is directly related to the character, competence, and capability of our protector. The Lord is unsurpassed in all areas. The Maker of heaven and earth is our personal protector. He never sleeps and never turns his attention from us. We walk securely because he guards our every step.

Psalm 91:1-4 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

God guards us from the dangers that stalk us. God is a refuge, a shelter, and a place of safety from all threats. His promises shield us and inspire our faith and courage.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

road trip

Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for prayers. Brian and I arrived home safety a little after 8:30. God was so good, because the transmission started acting up as we drove off the Howard Frankland bridge. Guess I have a phone call top make to Cartek tomorrow! I am extremely tired but happy we went.

Love and nite nite,
Amaryllis

Crisis

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Since my oak trees were trimmed, the sun shines brightly through the front windows, now, where before the graceful fall of the branches kept the brightness out. But it only last for a few minutes, and then the sun keeps rising.

It looks like good weather for our trip tomorrow, so I hope it is still good in Georgia. It will be good to get away for a couple days.

Yesterday, after running around doing errands, I drove to the park for a little peace and quiet, and was pleased to see the ancient gopher tortoise munching his way through the grass in his usual spot. Some things never change and that is good. Most of the shrubs have been whacked way down, but not the grass, except where people walk most often. I filled up the bowl that I keep on the front wall so that critters can come and get a drink. Some of the birds take baths in it, which splashes out most of the water, but I keep refilling it for them. Even the squirrels drink out of it. I saw a tiny frog when I brought the dumpster back a little while ago. The frogs are even hurting for moisture, too. But God is good, and He will bring rain when we need it!

From the Promise Bible NLT:


Shouldn't those who believe in God be free from crisis?

John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

Crisis should not surprise us. We expect crisis and difficulty because we live in a fallen world. Jesus' warning keeps us from panic, and his promise of victory keeps us from discouragement.

1 Peter 1:6-7 Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Times of crisis are like a fire that refines, like a knife that prunes, like a wind that sifts the wheat from the chaff. Ask God for the strength to hold on and for the strength to let go of ungodly things. Look to the joy that awaits on the other side of the trial.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Have a Jesus-filled weekend, friends)

Decisions

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! As I was praying and writing names down, my eyes wandered to the window where i saw a great shaking of the podocarpus branch from the hedge next door and then a great swaying of the oak tree branches. Sure enough, two squirrels were making long leaps from one branch to another. Talk about flying squirrels!! They are able to fly incredible distances from house to tree to hedge. Fearless!

Well, we had a little rain night before last, which I did not know about until I woke up. We certainly need all we can get. The grass is growing whether it is dry or wet, though, So I am happy I have someone to cut it for me.

I drove to the park yesterday, after completely many errands in the morning and a group of squirrels were busily digging for acorns along side the road, and then, one suddenly dashed out in front of the van! I was sure i was going to run over him, but somehow, he escaped. Playing daredevil, again. My heart doesn't need that! The water is dark again, so the algae that was causing it to be green is gone. Very strange. But God is good!

All of us have decisions to make every day...some more important and life changing than others, so here are some words to help us:

From the Promise Bible NLT:

What kind of help does God give us?

2 Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

God wants to help us make the right decisions. He is looking for us to depend fully on him. Our openness is God's opportunity.

James 1:5-8 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.

Some people fear that they are bothering God with their problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is looking for ways to help us because he loves us. Our commitment to him releases his resources for us.

Romans 8:26-27 The Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.

When we are overwhelmed, confused, or uncertain, we should not hesitate to pray. In fact, these are the best times to pray because the Holy Spirit can then help us the most. We describe our situation and trust God to prescribe the solution.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

A Benediction

Good mid-morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I made the mistake of going for lab work without first making an appointment, so had to wait about 45 minutes. What a crowd! I did not think they would be so busy this time of year, but I was wrong. Of course, I was fasting, so by the time I came home, I was really hungry and thirsty ! Well, anyway, that's done.

Yesterday, I visited my dermatologist and, as a result, I have a nice blotch on my nose, and one on my leg, which he thinks are basal cell carcinomas, so he sent them off to be biopsied. Brian and I are leaving Friday early to go to Alabama to visit my uncle and meet Daryl and Matthew on Sunday. They are only two hours away. But, I will have a not so pretty nose the whole time. Oh, well, it's not how I look, it's the joy of being with family that counts!

I went to the park yesterday and got out to walk just a little, since the sun was so hot, and was just in time to see a large gator swim under the bridge and on down the canal , leisurely leaving a wake behind. Meantime, an egret was right beside the bridge looking at me as I looked at it. They are really used to people. God is good!

Here is a short benediction from Jude, NLT

And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore.
Amen

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Discernment

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Puffy clouds are building up and the breeze is blowing, although it is very warm already and will probably climb up to 90 again. But this is summer , almost, "and the livin' is easy. Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high". From Porgy and Bess.

I had a nice, lazy afternoon after church yesterday. Finished up a novel I was reading, which took place in Chimney Rock, NC and Lake Lure area. It brought back fond memories, because we went there as a family for several years in a row. Beautiful country as we climbed up to the Great Smokies.

But back to the present, I saw a lovely roseate spoonbill as I drove by the lake near here, and when I went to the park, I saw a woodstork take off and fly. I have seldom seen a woodstork there and I believe that is the first time I have seen one fly. It was very hot, so there weren't many people out.I can't take the heat any more, so I am careful not to walk in it. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

When I am confused, where do I turn for clarity, wisdom, understanding and direction?

James 1:5-8 If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.

Psalm 119:125 Give discernment to me, your servant; then I will understand your decrees.

Discernment is the ability to interpret events and to understand the true nature of people and situations. Discernment is an aspect of wisdom. It enables us to see behind the facades that mask the truth. Discernment shows us the way through the maze of options that face us. Like the sun that burns away the fog, discernment cuts through confusion and distractions. Whereas the devil is the "father of lies," God is the father of the truth, and he gives discernment to those who seek it.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Philippians

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It looks like we will have some more rain today after the thunderstorms last night. I went to bed with the sound of distant thunder in my ears, but then it got closer and the brilliant, flashing lightning was shining through the curtains, so I rolled over to try to get to sleep. We certainly needed the rain, though, and I am glad we got a good soaking.

I am expecting David C. over soon to mow and then wash the house, which still has a lot of pollen, dust and webs on it, but if it rains, I think he can skip the house washing.

We seem to have a new family of squirrels running up and down the oak trees. I don't know where they went while the trees were being trimmed, but they got busy right away and started building another nest, which means lots of leafy twigs on the ground. Very messy. It is cute to see them stretch to get water out of the bowl I keep on the wall for birds and squirrels. Lot of jays come to drink and a few mockers, but the jays don't like anyone else to drink. They are very aggressive! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Philippians 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again---rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Paul's Prayer

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad n it! I was struck by how warm and humid the air is when I stepped outside this morning. Whew! Looks like today will be a scorcher! Thank God for A/C!

I'm later than usual this morning, because I just took a pecan pie out of the oven. I am having a friend over to work on a toilet that seems to be leaking, and yesterday he asked for a sour orange pie. Problem is, the trees have all been cut down at the park because of too much work cleaning the fallen fruit, I guess. No one is around to clean up and besides, they are out of season. So, I thought maybe the pecan pie would be a substitute. I don't bake much any more because there is no one here to eat dessert but me, and I sure don't need the calories!

Yesterday, after running some errands, I bought a swirl cone from Checkers and drove to the park to enjoy it. Well, I was slurping along the way, because they melt so fast! There was still some left when I got to the Park, so I pulled over and rolled the window down to finish it off. I was watching about seven squirrels racing and chasing each other up and down the trees, when I looked down at the street and there were a couple, sitting up and expectantly waiting for a bite. I told them I was not supposed to feet them, and off they ran for a while, but then they were back to try one more time. They are used to being fed, now, because no one is around to tell people not to, and, of course, the signs don't mean much. But, God is Good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Paul's Prayer for Spiritual Empowering

Ephesians 3:14-21
When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God! By his mighty work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.
Amen.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Hope

Good morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Since I had the oak trees trimmed, the sunshine streams through the front windows for a few minutes and reflects off the dining room table! It is so bright, I am not used to it! But the sun rises higher very quickly, and then the sunbeam is gone. It looks like another very warm day an dry, but that doesn't stop my grass from growing!

Any of you on Facebook know that I had the Great Adventure #2 yesterday, courtesy of David and Gil. Never would I have thought I would get on a jet ski, but after some careful maneuvering, I was able to climb on and off we went! I was gripping David's life vest so tightly, that today my right arm is a little sore in the muscles! I was able to enjoy the vastness, and calm of the early morning ride on Seminole Lake, We even saw a young gator in the still waters.

Getting off the Sea-Doo was another story, as I am not flexible at all, but with the two men pulling me, I managed to stand up on the very messy, (due to duck poop) floating dock! I am totally blessed to have friends willing to give of their time and energy to give me new experiences! Afterward we stopped for breakfast at Perkins, where I was quite conscious of my wet seat! Due to sitting on the wet dock, of course. It was a never-to-be forgotten fun experience, but I hope Adventure #3 will be on dry land or in the air. Stay tuned! God is Good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 5:1-5 Since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rekoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Expectation builds endurance. We can get through a great deal when we realize the wonderful gifts God has for us in this life and in the life to come.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

The latest Great Adventure

Well, I am just back from my latest great adventure! This time it was a Sea-Doo ride on Lake Seminole with David steering and me hanging on for dear life! I must say, I prefer the motorcycle, because getting on and off is a lot easier on the bike than the jet ski. One is dry and one is wet! Also, I am not too flexible, so it took both David and Gil to get me up from a sitting position on the dock!

But I really enjoyed being on the lake so early in the morning and the cool air. I can hardly wait to see what the next "Great Adventure" will be!

Videos and photos will follow soon!
Thanks once again to two guys who don't mind giving of their time for me.

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Be strong

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I hope you all had a good day of remembering and celebrating Memorial Day. The weather was hot and I am sure the beaches were full. I went Sunday to Bay Pines National Cemetery, and all the flags were blowing gently in the wind. There must have been hundreds. I don't know how many graves are there, but it's a lot! Very impressive and moving.

Brian and I went to Dunnellon Saturday for a family reunion of sorts, or get together. I saw people I had not seen for months, we are all so scattered. The food was good and plentiful and the talking was the same. The weather was good until the middle of the afternoon, then the clouds rolled in and thunder started, so those with a long drive, headed for the cars, including us. We came through downpours all the way to Tampa, with just a few breaks between clouds. One good thing, it washed all the lovebugs off the car!
We had a good time, but it was good to be home. God is good.

A few verses from the Promise Bible NLT to give us courage in these times:

Joshua 1:7 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in every thing you do.

1 Chronicles 28:30 David continued, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related in the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly."

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis