John 3:16

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! Another chilly morning, which everyone is tired of, but the warming up is due to take place gradually today. so, Hooray! Actually, it has been warm in the sun during the day and the sky has been cloudless, so even though the wind is cold, the sun is great!

I have been busy with doctor visits, which happened again yesterday. I hurried to get to the office by 10:30 only to wait for over an hour, due to a couple emergencies, so once again, I did a lot of people watching...very interesting, especially the elderly woman with pink hair. Another one with a vase of flowers clutched in her hand, and lots of people busy texting. We are all different and God loves us all! I was apologized to several times by the nurses for the long wait, but finally got the minor surgery done and now have a sore belly. I am praying for fast healing , so I can get the stitches out in a week! I stopped at BK to get a turkey burger on the way home, and then waited for my cleaning ladies to come. They are good to chat with  and always have a lot to say while they work.

After they left, I drove out to Walmart to gas the van up. I was down to a quarter of a tank, which is lower than I let it get, but had not had time to go gas up all week, Of course, I had to stop in at the park on my way back, and saw the big gator posing for pictures on the bank of the canal near the weir. He has been there two days in a row, and Tuesday, he had his head raised and was smiling. What a ham!  There were lots of people stopping to look at him, so he knew he had a crowd! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible AMP:

John 3:16
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized
the world that he {even} gave up His only
begotten [unique} Son, so that whoever
believes in [trusts, clings to, relies on] Him
shall not perish--come to destruction, be lost-
but have eternal (everlasting) life.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalm 37

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! Well, the wind blew in the chilly weather. I turned the heat on last night, after having the air on Friday and Sat. Changeable weather? I guess so! But next week promises to be a lot warmer. Yay!

I spent quite a few minutes in the doctors' very large waiting room yesterday, doing some people watching. I did not take a book with me, because I didn't want to carry it, but saw one woman reading her book. However, she left it with her husband when she was called in. I saw one tall young man come in, he must have been close to 7 ft. tall, because he barely cleared the door!. He was with his mom or guardian, because they were of different races. By the time I got in to see the Dr. the room was full, but when I came out some time later, there was only one person left. Of course, it was already 4:30 by the time I left. 

After I left, I drove to the park to refresh myself, and saw turtles, an anhinga, and squirrels and ibis. One little boy was walking around the gopher tortoise hole, and almost fell in. I don't think he knew they are protected. Even though it was late in the afternoon, many people were enjoying the sun. After I left there, I went on to CVS, to pick up a prescription that the doc's office had electronically sent in, and found a long wait there at the pick up  window. Someone was having a problem.  After about 15 minutes, someone opened up another pick up window and I was finally able to get what I wanted and leave. Yesterday, was an exercise in patience! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 37:3-9
Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence  as clear as
the dawn, and the justice of your cause 
will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper,
or fret about their wicked schemes.

Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others--
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed, 
but those who trust in the Lord will
possess the Land.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Paul's final thoughts

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 wind is really blowing today, but not so much that it will cause any damage like the winds did in Central Florida over the weekend. I saw photos of the damage around Orlando, but we never even got rain! So, anyway, it looks like March is going out like a lion, because now we are expecting one last blast of cold air before Easter. Can't put away the winter clothes, yet!

It was fun seeing the little kids sing their "JUMP" song yesterday at church with great enthusiasm...seemed like all the people were enjoying it, too! After church I drove to the park before going home to finish off my Sonny's Barbeque  that I had Sat. night. I noticed that the black turtles hug the bank while in the water. I saw a dozen or so, very hard to see, but they were lined up along the grass, while still wet.  An anhinga was on the weir drying off the wings. Saturday when I drove through, I was just in time to see a roseate spoonbill fly across in front of the car, so I could see the beautiful pinks underwings! Gorgeous! Also, a gator was floating in the water. I think that is the one who has been sunning on the bank. Lots of wildlife in a natural setting! God is good! 

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Philippians 4:4-9

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 may the
God of peace be with you.

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

Love and hugs, 
Amaryllis

The Beatitudes

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 have lots of clouds and some sunshine today for the start of the Grand Prix, so, hopefully, the rain will stay away this weekend at least. This will help the city to look good on TV wherever it is shown. I guess one of my favorite restaurants, The Hangar, has to close for the race. Hurts a lot of businesses that way.

Last night, I took a peek out of the front door before turning on the porch night light, and there was a little brown bunny sitting in the yard. He did not seem afraid, so I spoke to him for a couple minutes and left him sitting there. He was really cute. The birds have been out in full force, and though I can hear them singing close by, I usually cannot spot them in the trees. And, the squirrel nest is getting bigger because they are still dropping all the leaves and twigs down on the driveway. Yesterday, I swept another big pile of twigs off! They make very messy nests!

On another note; I think I related the story of the Times being thrown out in the yard, when I had requested it be put on the porch; Well, it has been placed in a chair right by the door for the past three or four mornings, so I wrote a note last night and taped it to the chair, thanking the carrier. He responded with a "no problem." and laid it on the paper. I know the carrier is a man, because my neighbor and friend has seen him.

Well, I am disposing of my balloons today. Just since yesterday, they have sagged more and are now floating just above the sofa, so it is time to say good bye...(sounds like the name of a song). Speaking of that, I know the DVD of Les Miserables is out today, and I really want to buy that!

I drove to the park yesterday, but while I saw lots of people, I did not see any birds, fowls or animals. Very strange! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Luke 5:20
Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said;
"God blesses you who are hungry now,
for you will be satisfied.
God blesses you who weep now,
for the time will come when you will laugh with joy.
God blesses you who are hated and 
excluded and mocked and cursed
because you are identified with me,
the Son of Man."

When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for
joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.
And remember , the ancient prophets were
also treated that way by your ancestors.

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

Paul's request for prayer

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! One day I have the windows open and the next they are closed and a bit of heat is needed! What changeable weather we have! I remember when I was just 12 or so, we would go to Sunrise services at the Spa Beach downtown, sponsored by a local church and it was nearly always a little cool, so I guess this weather is to be expected near Easter.

 After the yard man came yesterday, and we talked a while about the sprinkler system he wants to install for me, It was not long after that until my cleaning ladies came, so I did not have lunch until later in the afternoon That was okay, because I had a late breakfast. I always enjoy chatting with them while they work.

Well, looks like I can finally dispose of my birthday balloons! It has been two months since Mari treated me to lunch and that's when she loaded me down with balloons. They have drifted all across the room and are now sagging about three feet from the ceiling. But, my, they have lasted far longer than I thought they would! I have enjoyed looking at them, but all good things must come to an end.

I am still learning to use my iphone, and making slow progress just pushing buttons and exploring. Brian has helped me a lot , but I am not so adept with my thumbs and texting, so I still have to use the tip of a finger. At least I know how to call someone!

I have been in the park each day and see the ibis, (which are also walking down through our neighborhood yards, daily). I noticed the anhinga has decided to stretch his wings close to the road, now, instead of being on the weir. I also saw a small gopher tortoise on the grass near the old tunnel. Come to think of it, I believe turtles are hatched from eggs. That must be why the gophers are digging tunnels to lay the eggs in. Never thought about that before. Oh, well, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Finally, dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to pray
for us. Pray first that the Lord's message will spread
rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when
it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be saved from
wicked and evil people, for not everyone believes
in the Lord. But the Lord is faithful: he will make you
strong and will guard you from the evil one. And we 
are confident in the Lord that you are practicing the
things we commanded you, and that you always will.
May the Lord bring you into an ever deeper under
standing of the love of God and the endurance that
comes from Christ.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Story of three trees

This will have to do for a devotional today, since my yard man came and it is late! Love and hugs, Amaryllis

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 9:28 AM
Subject: Story of three trees
To: 

Story of Three Trees Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, 'Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.' 

 

Then the second tree said, 'Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.' 

 

Finally the third tree said, 'I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest Tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.' 

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, 'This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, 'and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest. 

 

At the second tree the woodsman said, 'This looks like a strong tree. I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was happy Because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship. 

 

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, 'I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one,' and he cut it down. 

 

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. 

 

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. 

 

The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark. 

 

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. 

 

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time. 

 

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said 'Peace' and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat. 

 

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it. 

 

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts. 

 

Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. 

 

We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best. 

 

Please feel free to keep this moving... Pass it on, so God may inspire more people on The Way. 

May your day be blessed. And until we meet again, may God cradle you in the palm of His hand. 

Make the most of the Time you"ve been given

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! Clouds all day yesterday, and sunshine today. Who can predict accurately the weather?
 
I heard rain for the next five days, but it doesn't look like it today.It was sprinkling very lightly, more like a fog, when I drove to the doctor's yesterday, so the car did not get too messed up, except a bird bombed the windshield. Grrr!

I visited the park later in the day and saw an anhinga with wings spread wide, very close to the road by the weir. A car had pulled over and I think the driver was taking pics of the bird. Then, close to the weir, an ibis was almost hidden against the shrubbery on the bank. There were a lot more people in the parking area than I expected. Lots of folks enjoying the cloudy day!

Well, I had an unexpected phone call early this morning after I had my shower. My friend across the street saw that my outside light was still on, and was calling to see if I was okay. I just had not turned it off yet, but it is good to have a caregiver so close. She is always looking out for me, as well as cleaning my house with her business partner.  God is good!

From the little devotional book Knowing God:

Hard work means prosperity; only fools idle away their time.
Proverbs 12:11 NLT

Time is a non-renewable gift from God. But sometimes,
we treat our time here on earth as if it were not a gift at all.
We may be tempted to invest our lives in trivial pursuits 
and mindless diversions. But our Father in heaven wants us to do more...
much more.

Are you one of those people who puts things off until the 
last minute? Do you waste time doing things that don't matter
very much while putting off the important things until  it's
too late to do the job right? If so, now's the time to start
making better choices.

It may seem like you've got all the time in the world to do the
things you need to do, but time is shorter than you think. Time
here on earth is limited...use it or lose it!

                                                         - Great Thoughts-
Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously  into the fog
of the future, I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly 
what is required of me now.
                                           Elizabeth Elliot

Our time is short! The time we can invest for God, in creative
things, in receiving our fellowmen for Christ, is short!
                                           Billy Graham

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!The wind is blowing and it is cloudy, so it looks like rain, but looks can be deceiving, so I think I will just wait and see what happens. I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon, so if it rains, I hope it will stop before then, because I got the car washed Saturday! That is usually a good way to make sure it rains!

I had a good weekend..Brian took me to Bella's in Tampa for dinner Sat. night, and afterwards, we cruised around Hyde Park for awhile, passing many bars, where crowds were already celebrating St. Patrick's Day.  Seems like there was a bar on each street! Then, Sunday, we had a powerful sermon, and lots of new and old friends were at church at the later service. I really like to sing the worship songs and hear Andrew on the drums. We have a lot of talent in our midst!

I have a very sore heel, from being rammed by a shopping cart in Publix last Thursday. I had just entered the store, and a lady behind me, was not looking, and ran into me full force. I exclaimed, "Ouch!" and she was very apologetic, and kept asking me if I was okay, but I just stood and rubbed my heel, not realizing that it was bleeding where the skin was torn. It is still raw, but healing, but I have to really pad it in order to wear shoes. That was not a pleasure!

But, in between times, I visited the park, and saw the gator basking in the sun on the bank again. Also, lots of people and ibis and an egret or two. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

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

James 1:5-6 
If you need wisdom-if you want to know what God wants  you to do-
ask him, 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 dis-
tractions. 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

Roamin' thru Romans

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! An other chilly start to the day, but like yesterday, it will be warming up to the seventies, so with lots of sunshine it is a pretty day! Yesterday afternoon turned out to be very warm out in the sun, and I had to shed my sweater to bring the groceries in.

Yes, I finally went to Publix, which I had been needing to do for a couple weeks. Shopping was a pleasure, but checking out not so much. I should say just the bagging  was lacking. I admire Publix for hiring handicapped people and those who can barely speak English, but this man could have used a little common sense. He filled one of my bags, (I take my own) so full that the handle ripped the fabric as I took it out of the car. I always take my own insulated bag for cold stuff and he neglected to put ice cream in it and a couple more frozen things. Sigh. Fortunately, nothing was spoiled, but my muscles were sore from lifting the heavy bags. I should have been watching him more closely to make sure the bags were not too full.  On the other hand, there is one stock man who has been there a long time and he is always so helpful. He takes my cart, even if I only have a small amount of groceries, and he takes them to the van and unloads them for me. So, it takes all kinds!

I kept an appointment with my podiatrist yesterday, to have him take a look at in ingrown toenail which was so tender, I could hardly walk Wednesday. He took hold of my foot and told me it was icy! I told him I always have cold feet! But, after he worked on the toenail, my foot feels much better today,so maybe I will not need to have a piece of the toenail removed. Ouch!

My yardman came yesterday, and now the driveway looks much better without all the twigs and stuff that fell from the oak trees during the rain we had earlier this week. He also cut the grass, which had not needed it for weeks. I has started to grow, so spring is just around the corner, hopefully! After all the shopping and appointment, I went to the park for relaxation, and stopped to look at the gator who, apparently has moved from across the road to the bank by the weir. Or maybe this is a different one. Anyway, with long shadows and bright sunshine mixed, it was a restful place to go. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 12:3

As God's messenger, I give each of you this warning: be
honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your
value by how much faith God has given you. Just as our
bodies have many parts and each part has a special 
function , so it is with Christ's body. We are all parts of
His own body and each of us has different  work to do.
And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to
each other, and each of us needs all the others...

Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.

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

Love and hugs, 
Amaryllis

Stress, con't.

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's another chilly day, even colder than yesterday, but I turned on the heat before I retired last night and so the house was nice and comfy when I got up. I will be happy when we get back to warmer temps! But I must say, the skies have really been beautiful the past couple days...just some high, small clouds and the contrails have been outstanding, so it must be really cold up in the atmosphere.

My cleaning ladies came yesterday and caught me up on all the neighborhood news, while I caught them up on the neighbor's news. My friend and neighbor to the south, is a young, single guy, who has been there since he was born. His parents built a new house and moved, but he did not want to go with them, so he lives in a house that is much too big for him, and is now going to school part time and working. He graduated several years ago, but is now studying mechanics and hoping to get with a dealership when he completes his course. There have been some incidents at his house while he was gone, so I talked to him about them and he will make sure to lock his doors from now on. It pays to be vigilant. 

I drove to the park, while on my way back from Chick-fil-a and saw the large gator sprawled on the bank of the canal, enjoying the sun. There were few people at that time of late afternoon, so no road blocks this time. Further on, people were enjoying their picnics and walking , because it had warmed up in the afternoon and was quite pleasant. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

 What do we learn from stress?

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 I think you ought to know,
dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went
through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and 
completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would
never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as
a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God
who can raise the dead.

Stress exposes our human limitations so that we can better realize
God's limitless power and love.

Galatians6:9 Don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged
and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate
time.

We keep going because God has promised a rich harvest  in his perfect time.

Romans  5:3,4 We can rejoice, 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.

James 1:2,4 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let
it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance
has a chance to grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will
be strong in character and ready for anything.

While stress exposes our true character, it also helps develop our true
character. Even when we fall short of the mark, God has promised to 
work within us, shaping us into  the image of Christ.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

stress

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! Brr! To me it is chilly, so we go from open windows to closed and I put the heat on this morning. The sun is shining and, unlike yesterday, not a cloud in the sky. Yesterday, I had to reach for the paper on the wet porch with my grabber, since the rain was coming down, but today I walked out in the very dry air, to just pick it up. Lately, the paper has been in the yard, the outside sidewalk and any place but the porch. I did not call, but now they are back to putting it on the porch. Good for them!

I had a wet drive down to the doctor's office yesterday, and now, I have a swollen eye, with an ugly red spot at the base of my left eyebrow. It is supposed for form a blister, which will not be too pretty, but that is the price I have to pay for a misspent youth with too many hours in the sun. Sigh. Because of the squeaky windshield wipers, I paid a visit to Advance Auto Parts, and bought some new wiper blades, which they installed for me, tried them out and no squeaks!

I bought a fish sandwich for my lunch at Checkers and enjoyed lunch after the doc's visit. Then I visited the park, where lots of people were out after the rain. I saw a heart warming sight at one of the picnic tables high on the berm. A very large daddy was holding his infant and swaying back and forth. The baby was tiny and all wrapped in a blanket, so whether it was a boy or girl, I don't know, but the love was evident.God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

What can I do to find relief from stress and anxiety?

Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your
God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

We can turn from fear and anxiety to faith and peace. God promises to supply the power to get us through the hard times.

Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary
and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke
upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle, and
you will find rest for your souls."

Resting in Christ breaks the hold of stress. When we are yoked together
in service to him, we are free from the unrealistic and destructive
expectations that can overwhelm us. Jesus humility  and gentleness
overcome every conflict and stress in this life.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalm 61

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 have rain! It started in the early morning hours, I think, but it was gentle, so I did not hear it. Now the wind is blowing quite strongly, so that means the cold front is coming through. Well, we needed the rain desperately, and God always comes through!

Yesterday was so warm,. I had several windows open and left the garage door window open all night, so I had to close it this morning, because the wind was blowing the rain in.I guess I just didn't trust the  weatherman.
 
I drove to the park yesterday. and saw lots of people and a slight traffic jam just beyond the entrance due to a large gator stretched out on the banks of the canal, just before the weir. Cars were parked on both sides of the street with people scrambling to take pictures of the gator. I can understand the excitement of the tourists, because it is something they only see in zoos, but even I always enjoy seeing a gator in the natural habitat..

Well, I have an appointment with my dermatologist this morning, and I am hoping the weather calms down by then. I always dread going to the doctor to get zapped, but this is the result of a biopsy on a spot by my left eyebrow, which showed to be pre-cancerous.  I will sting and swell up and be hurting for a little while, but God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

O God, listen to my cry!
Hear my prayer!
From the ends of the earth
 I will cry to you for help,
for my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety
for you are my safe refuge,
a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Let me live forever in your sanctuary,
safe beneath the shelter of your wings.

For you have heard my vows, O God.
You have given me an inheritance
reserved for those who fear your name.

Add many years to the life of the king!
May his years span the generations!
May he reign under God's protection forever.
Appoint your unfailing love and
faithfulness to watch over him.
Then I will always sing praises to your name
as I fulfill my vows day after day.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

As Time Goes By

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! Sun is shining, and the temp is already up to 70, so I have no reason to be so slow, except I can always blame it on the time change!

The weekend was great. Brian took me to Starbucks so we could use the WiFi to get my iphone on the internet. For some reason, it did not work, so guess we will have to try again. He said he used the one in TIA because it is free. He tried the one in Hartsfield, but that was a pay to use. Brian was in Atla most of last week for a business seminar. Anyway, at least, I am learning to text. Since texting to me takes a lot longer than a simple phone call, I cannot understand why people text so much! Guess I just don't get it!

I saw two ospreys flying around the light poles at Sawgrass Elementary yesterday, and the one at Gateway parking lot is still active. The old nest is scattered on the ground around the pole they used there, so they will have to start from scratch. There were lots of people at the park yesterday. I drove there to slurp on a strawberry milk shake I bought at Steak and Shake. My one indulgence of the day! I went into the living room when I got out of bed Saturday, and opened the drapes, to see a large flock of ibis, across the street, steadily pecking their way from one yard to another. God is good!

From the devotional book Quiet Moments with God:

This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice
and be glad in it, Psalm 118:24 NKJV
"Where does the time go?" we ask. Here it is- a new day on the horizon-and we can't
remember how it arrived so quickly. Why, last week seems like yesterday,
and last year flew by like a video in fast forward.

And worse, it's hard to remember what we spent it on.

Shouldn't I have more great memories?  We wonder.
What did I accomplish? Is this all I've done with all that time?
Singer Jim Croce mused in his hit song, "Time in a Bottle: that
 "there never seems to be enough time do do the things you want
to do, once you find them." We search so hard for happiness.
But often, we don't understand that happiness is not a goal to be won,
 but a by product of a  life well spent.

This "Old English Prayer" offers simple instruction for enjoying 
the day that the Lord has made:

Take time to work, it is the price of success.
Take time to think, it is the source of power.
Take time to play, it is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read, it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to be friendly, it is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream, it is hitching your wagon to a star.
Take time to love and be loved, it is the privilege of the gods.
Take time to look around, it is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to laugh, it is the music of the soul.

True happiness come from
the job of deeds well cone.
The zest of creating things new. 
Antoine De Saint Exupery

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Roamin' thru Romans

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 have another chilly morning, but the temp is supposed to climb up to the seventies today, and be around 80 Sunday! Sounds good to me! The wind was chilly all day yesterday, and when I drove out to Walmart for gas for the van, the wind was really blowing. I was wearing a windbreaker, but did not have it zipped up, so I stood with my back to the wind, while pumping the gas. It was really chilly, but the sun was hot!

Well, my friend across the street called last night to tell me my porch light was not on. I told her I had turned it on, but apparently, it burned out. The bug lights do not last very long, so maybe I will have a regular light installed. I cannot do it myself, because I am not tall enough, so I will see if Brian has time, since he returned from Atlanta last night after being gone all week on a business trip. I tried to sweep off the porch yesterday morning before my pest control man came, but the wind was blowing the leaves right back at me, so I finally gave up and gave some mighty sweeps just to get them off the door mat! Right now, all is still, so maybe we won't have so much blowing today.

I checked in at the park on my way back from Walmart and saw black turtles plastered against the bank of the weir. I saw a tan gopher tortoise on the walking trail, and noticed as I got to the canal that there is a dull coating of pollen on the water. Of course, it is lined with oak trees, so the seeds and leaves fall right in and on. Quite a few people were out enjoying the good weather, including a car from Quebec, which I followed in. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

The Danger of Criticism Romans 14:1-11
Accept Christians who are weak in faith, and don't argue
with them about what they think is right or wrong. For 
instance, one person believes it is all right to eat anything.
But another believer who has a sensitive conscience will
eat only vegetables. Those who think it is all right to eat
anything must not look down on those who won't. And 
those who won't eat certain foods must not condemn those
who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn
God's servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him
 tell them whether they are right or wrong. The Lord's power
will help them do as they should.

In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another
day, while others think every day is alike. Each person should
have a personal conviction about this matter.
Those who have a special day for worshiping the Lord are trying
to honor him. Those who eat all kinds of food do so to honor the
Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating . And those who
won't eat everything also want to please the Lord and give thanks
to God....

So why do you condemn another Christian? Why do you look down 
on another Christian? Remember each of us  will stand personally
before the judgment seat of God.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Get Beyond the Distractions

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 am chilly sitting here, and I have the heat on, and am dressed warmly, but my bedroom is the coolest one in the house and I am just plain cold! Have to keep my hands warm, so I can type! For some reason, I woke up about 5 and could not go back to sleep, so got up a little earlier than usual. I looked at my indoor outdoor thermometer and the temp was 51 outside, so, hopefully, as the prediction says, it will warm up quickly and we will have eighties by the weekend. Sounds good to me!

I went shopping again yesterday and loaded up on tissues, because the pollen is still flying around and my nose knows it! Wish I had stock in the tissue company! I saw an osprey flying over Turner's creek and I have seen them flying other places, so I think it is nesting time for them. Speaking of nesting, there has been a mama duck and about two dozen babies in the neighborhood lately. They are so tiny, I don't know how they have the stamina to follow her all over streets, yards and all the lakes! They are really cute, but probably not all of them will survive because of all the predators just waiting for them. Sad but true.

I stopped at Steak and Shake and bought a lemonade, because I forgot to take water with me, so I drove on to the park to drink it. I saw a group standing around a large gopher  taking pictures, and the squirrels were back, as were the ibis looking down and pecking while slowly moving. God is good!

From the little devotional book Knowing God:

If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that
you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether
the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your
lfe than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer
appearance than the clothes you have on your body.
Matthew 6:25 MSG

All of us must live through those days when the traffic jams,
the computer crashes, and the dog makes a main course out
of our favorite slippers. But, when we find ourselves distracted
by the minor frustrations of life, we must catch ourselves, take 
a deep breath , and lift our thoughts upward.

Although we may, at times, struggle mightily to rise above the 
distractions of everyday living, we need never struggle alone. God 
is here-eternal and faithful, with infinite patience  and love,
and, if we reach out to him, He will restore our sense of perspective
and give peace to our souls.

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

Love and hugs, Amaryllis