Thursday, October 31, 2013

Ecclesiastes 4

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! So, it looks like all the treat or treaters will be very warm tonight because the humidity is up and we still have temps in the eighties! But, I always leave my light out since I do not like to open my door after dark. Last year no one came, and that was good.

Brian drove me out to Upham beach yesterday evening for a wedding. I knew it would be dark when we left, so I was very happy that he took off work early to take me. I probably would have gotten lost, anyway, since Upham Beach is not that easy to find!

I was able to walk the boardwalk okay, but I was thankful for Brian's arm and my cane when it came to the sand! It was slow going. My longtime park friend, David, got married with a blending of families. It was the first beach wedding I had attended...the weather was warm, the breeze was nice, and the sunset was beautiful! I met David's family for the first time and while it was a different wedding than most I have attended, still, it was very nice. I pray their joining together will be blessed! Afterwards, Brian and I went to Gigi's for supper, so it was dark when I got home.

My ladies came to clean yesterday and it is always good to catch up with them. I was not finished eating lunch when they came, so they started at the other end of the house, while I munched away. God is good!

This is for the newly weds and any one else it applies to...

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two people can accomplish more than twice
 as much as one; they get
a better return for their labor. If one person
falls, the other can reach out and help.
But people who are alone when they fall
are in real trouble. And on a cold night,
two under the same blanket can gain warmth
from each other. But how can one be warm
alone?  A person standing alone can be
attacked and defeated, but two can stand
back to back and conquer. Three are even
better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Psoaring thru Psalm 32

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! Our nice days continue and will until this weekend, when we will get another cool spell, but that is to be expected at this time of year!  I hope some of you saw the gorgeous sunrise this morning! All pinks and orange...just lovely!

My yard men came Monday and blew all the leaves off the porch, but, of course, they are back again, because the trees are really starting to shed. There is a tree at the end of my block that is so beautiful, I wish I had one. It has purple blossoms all year and never seems to go out of season. I think it is a frangipani (sp) but am not sure. There is one just like it on the way to the park, but much smaller, and planted right up against a house. I think they will be surprised in a couple years, to see that it needs more space!

Speaking of the park, I visited late yesterday afternoon, and saw lots of people there. The large brown gopher tortoise was making his way toward the parking lot from his tunnel and the squirrels were busy, as usual! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 32:7-11

For you are my hiding place,
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory.

The Lord says, "I will guide you along the
best pathways for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control".

Many sorrows come to the wicked ,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.
So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy all you whose hearts are pure!


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Look for Miracles

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 weather is warming up again and the humidity is higher, but still pleasant and nice as long as I don't stay in the sun very long!

I will be going to a wedding tomorrow evening at the beach, and it will probably be cool, since there is always a breeze blowing off the water, but it should be a beautiful sunset! I thought about the change in time coming up and thought it should be soon, but looked at the calendar and it is not until the weekend, which will be November. I thought it always changed in October!

Well, we will get the extra hour's sleep back that we lost last spring...

I went shopping at CVS yesterday, and had a list with me, but wouldn't you know, I had stamps at the top of my list and walked out without buying any! I got everything else on the list, plus a couple extras not on the list! Typical of me...

After leaving there, I drove to the Park, and saw some big, heavy equipment parked on the weir, plus mowers, etc., so it looks like things are looking up as far as expenses go. The park is looking better  and better since the weeds are cut down.
I saw the teacher leading a group of children on a learning tour, pointing out something in a tree. I think they are very fortunate to be able to have field trips like that! I know I would have enjoyed it! God is good!

From the little devotional book, Knowing God:

God verified the message by signs and wonders and various miracles and by giving gifts of the Holy Spirit, whenever he chose to do do.
Hebrews 2:4 NLT

One way to know more about God is to look carefully at the miraculous things that He does. But sometimes, we're simply too preoccupied to notice. Instead of playing careful attention To God's handiwork, we become distracted. Instead of  expecting God to work miracles, we become cynical. Instead of depending on God's awesome power , we seek to muddle along using our own power-- with decidedly mixed results.

Miracles, both great and small, are an integral part of everyday
life-and they are a part of your life, too. But here's the million
dollar question; have you noticed?

If you lack the faith that God can work miracles in your own life, it's
time to reconsider. Instead of doubting God, trust His power, and
expect His miracles. Then, wait patiently ...because something
miraculous is about to happen.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, October 28, 2013

1 Timothy

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! These cool nights and warm days are just about perfect! The sun is warm during the day and yet there is a definite coolness to the breeze that reminds us that we are in an autumn zone...My oak trees are certainly testifying to that! Acorns and leaves are falling ,although not as much as they will later on!

On my way to church yesterday morning, I saw a large flock of ibis around Lynch Lake and a mama duck with over a dozen babies were waddling through yards surrounding the lake. It is so amazing how the tiny fuzzy ducklings can hop up curbs and waddle endlessly around with Mama wherever she goes, without getting tired. I have seen them just flop down, though, so they must take rests whenever it is time.

Speaking of church, we listened to the last of the Revelation series Pastor Rick has been preaching.  Very powerful! One of the illustrations he used was quite interesting to me...he used the Johnstown, PA flood and the fact that the people were warned three times about the weakness of the dam, which flooded the whole town. Johnstown was founded by my great , great great and maybe two more, grandfather! I told Pastor Rick this afterwards and he was excited to hear of the connection! God is good!

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Tell those who are rich in this world
not to be proud and not to trust in their
money which all too soon will be gone.
But their trust should be in the living God
who richly gives us all we need for our
enjoyment. Tell them to use their money
to do good. They should be rich in good
works and should give generously to those
in need, always being ready to share with
others whatever God has given them. By doing
this they will be storing up their treasure as
a good foundation for the future  so that they
may take hold of real life...


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, October 25, 2013

1 Thessalonians

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!  A beautiful start to the day1 The sun is shining brightly, and a gentle breeze is blowing and the temp is in the high sixties! Just about perfect!

However, my hands are so cold, I can hardly type! That's the way cold weather affects me...my hands and feet stay cold. Some people stay warm all the time. Louis radiated heat and it felt good at night to warm up my cold feet on him. One Sunday, in church, I was sitting alone, when a friend sat down next to me and I could feel his warmth with no contact at all. Just like a big heater!

Yesterday, I watched the entire funeral service for Congressman Bill Young, and it was very impressive to hear all the tributes and appreciation expressed by friends and colleagues . I even choked up at times. He was a good man and will be missed. But, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No
matter what happens, always be thankful,
for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff
at prophecies, but test everything that is
said. Hold on to what is good. Keep away
form every kind of evil.

Now may the God of peace make you holy
in every way, and may your whole spirit and
soul and body be kept blameless until that
day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.
God, who calls you, is faithful. He will do this.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, October 24, 2013

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! Well! Fall has finally fallen! It is very cool outside and the house is cooling off inside. So, those who have been waiting for cool weather are happy, and those who like the warm weather, will have that back before long! When the sun comes out to stay, it will be very warm for awhile!

Yesterday, my cleaning friend came without her partner, who is taking it easy with a sore back. Since Cheryl came early, I did not have time to compose and send my blog, but I am back now!

I drove to The Fresh Market for the first time in the afternoon, and was amazed by all the different varieties of veggies, meats and the Bakery!  I bought a pre-cooked salmon steak and a roasted chicken breast to bring home. Prices are much higher than regular super markets, but "Alice, you are not in Walmart anymore!" The more I walked around and looked, the more I found to buy, so my visit was worthwhile. I especially liked the fresh salad bar and bought some delicious shrimp salad, with very large shrimp! They also have a fresh salsa bar, which really looked tempting...maybe next time.  All in all, it was a good experience.

Afterwards, I drove to the Park, and saw many people enjoying the fresh air, egrets, ibis, and other wild life, grass and sun! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Justice

What can I do when I suffer injustice?

Romans 12:17-19

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a
way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part
to live in peace with everyone as much as possible. Dear
friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For
it is written, "I will take vengeance, I will repay those who
deserve it ," says the Lord.


-God teaches us to respond differently to injustice than the
world does. Vengeance and retribution are the way of the world.
God teaches us to trust in him and allow him to settle the score.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

My Morning 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! Seems like it is always overcast when I turn off the porch light, but then the sun comes fully up and we have lots of sun and clouds! Our humidity will be lower in the next few days as the temps drop, so that will be nice.

I am getting acquainted with my new shower hose, which was installed by Rick, my handy man, Saturday. If I have it on full blast, the water does not go down the drain fast enough, but if I set it so the flow is lighter, no problem with the drain. I am hoping not to have to call a plumber, because the clogged drain stuff I have used usually works well.  I am so happy I have the new shower because the old hose was leaking water up and over the shower door and landing on the floor, before I taped it. What did we do before duct and adhesive tape?

Rick also repaired the socket in a lamp in the living room. Once again, I am blessed to have people to call on who do so much for me!

Yesterday, after shopping at CVS, I gave in to temptation and ordered a half price milkshake from Steak and Shake, right next door. I took it to the Park and sat with the windows rolled down, slurping on the shake. I could hear a mockingbird singing its little heart out, while the squirrels were on their busy way, scampering up and down and across the road. On the way out, I saw a small brown tortoise, munching on the grass near the parking lot, while a great, blue heron was standing sentinel in the canal. God is good!

My Morning Prayer;

"Oh, God, for another day, for another morning,
for another hour, for another minute, for another
chance to live and serve Thee, I am truly grateful."
Do thou this day  free me
from all fear of the future
from all bitterness toward anyone.
From all cowardice in face of danger
from all laziness in face of work,
from all failure before opportunity
from all weakness when Thy power is
at hand.

But fill me
with Love that knows no barrier
with Sympathy that reaches all
with Courage that cannot be shaken
with Faith strong enough for darkness.
With Strength sufficient for my tasks
with Loyalty to Thy Kingdom Goal,
with Power to lift me to Thee.

Be thou with me for another day and use
me as Thou will for Christ's sake, I pray.
               Amen

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, October 21, 2013

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! My, the days are really getting shorter! It seems like the sun does not come up until well after seven, now. When I roll out of bed around 6:30, it is still dark, so I don't turn off the outside light until an hour or so later.

Speaking of the outside light, Brian and I ate dinner at Cracker Barrel Saturday night, and I forgot to turn on the light before I left home. When we were getting in the car to come home, my cell rang, but before I could pull it out of my purse, it quit, and then Brian's cell started ringing. He said it was probably Cheryl, wondering why my porch light was not on. He was right. My neighbor had come over to see if my van was in the garage and because she did not see Brian pick me up, she thought maybe I had fallen and bonked my head. She had been gone for a couple days and I did not think she was back, yet. I am so blessed to have people who care and worry about me!

We had a powerful church service yesterday on Chapt. 20 of Revelation! I hope the sinner's prayer at the end had an effect on those who needed to pray it. We will find out whose name is written in the Book of Life when we get to Heaven!

 I visited the Park and saw three ibises pecking on the hill, and the large, brown gopher tortoise lumbering along near the parking lot. People strolling, walking dogs and kids playing  making good use of the park and enjoying nature! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 12:1-2
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you
to give your bodies to God. Let them be a willing
and holy sacrifice---the kind he will accept. When
you think of what he has done for you. is this too
much to ask? Don't copy the behavior and customs
of this world, but let God transform you into a new
person by changing the way you think. Then you
will know what God wants you to do, and you will
know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, October 18, 2013

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! Our beautiful fall weather continues with sunshine and cooler air, but more humidity today. I will be surprised when the cold weather comes next week, because of the change from A/C to heat!

This is in the small world dept; yesterday my pest control man came, (he is third generation of the independent outfit I have used for years) and he brought a friend who is partnering with him in the business. The partner is the grandson of a pharmacist I used to know at Galen's drug store fifty years ago, when my sons were babies! Another third generation!  As I said; it is a small world!

I had an appointment with my audiologist at 3 PM yesterday, and arrived a few minutes before, but had to wait for over an hour before I was seen because the previous patient was late. All actions have consequences! It was so cold inside that I went out for about ten minutes to warm up. I should always carry a sweater in the car! My audiologist is a young strawberry blond man who is very kind and gentle handling old geezers. He has two little girls, 3 and not yet one year old, and a very pretty wife. I have known Keith for over three years, and really like him, but he needs to keep his office a little warmer!

After I thawed out, I drove on to the park and watched an egret and squirrels scampering up trees and across the road. Several people were enjoying the sun, the views, and one man was reclining on a blanket on the hill beside the canal. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Matthew 5:2
God blesses those who realize their need for him.
for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are gentle and lowly
for the whole earth will belong to them.
God blesses those who are hungry and
thirsty for justice,
for they will receive it in full.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted
because they live for God,
 for the Kingdom if Heaven is theirs.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, October 17, 2013

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! We are still into fall weather and it feels wonderful to have the cool air in the mornings and even sometimes in the shade during the hot afternoons! From what I hear from the predictions, we will even have chilly weather sometime later next week! I don't know if I am ready for that or not...

I had to go grocery shopping yesterday. There comes a time when the milk is running out and the bread needs replenishing, so I decided to try the Walmart NS again. I had not been there in awhile, and was pleased to see they had upgraded their produce dept. The problem I had with their stocking is that the cranberry juice I buy is on the highest shelf and I have trouble stretching high enough to grab hold of it and keep it from falling on my face. Sometimes I can politely ask a man to help me , but yesterday I did it myself with no disaster! I was able to find everything on my list and saved a lot by shopping there.

I stopped by the Park on the way and looked for a gopher, but did not see one. But I did see the ibis and egrets pecking and fishing, so God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 37:3-7

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 hearts 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...


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

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! The days are getting shorter, so the sun is coming up later than a few weeks ago, so when I roll out of bed around 6:30 or so, it is still dark outside (and inside). But the air is cooler morning, and evening, and that is a good thing! Beautiful weather!

Well, I was hoping the Tigers would win yesterday, but one run won the game and that was the only run the whole game! I wanted Justin Verlander to win, since the Rays did not make it. But, it won't change the rotation of the earth if they don't and there will still be beans in Boston. But I was disappointed, just the same!

I finally started out to get a new shower hose for my shower, and drove down 28th St. for a change. Should have gone down 34th St. I got behind a guy on a motor scooter, and while he drove a bit slower than the speed limit, I had to follow him all the way to Central Plaza where he turned in at the exact same place where I was going! I thought I had lost him at one point, but I think he turned off and went a different way for a couple blocks.

After calling Daryl, for information, I made my purchase at Ferguson's and on the way home on 34th St. drove by the scene of a serious accident. One person was already on a gurney and it looked like another one on the median ground. Lots of emergency vehicles were surrounding the area and traffic was backed up southbound for blocks! I was happy to be northbound...

I drove into the park on my way home, and saw an anhinga on the weir, and squirrels scampering in the freshly cut grass. Quite a few people were enjoying the beautiful weather and the peacefulness and beauty of the park. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

 Romans 8:24-28
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  believers 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

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

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 !Well, God's timing is so perfect! The roof was coated yesterday with lots of sunshine to dry it out. Today we have had fog or something all morning, but no sun at all!

Rick not only did the roof, but when I asked him to give me a date to trim all the hedges and clean out the gutters, he started right in and got all that done. He took a break in the middle and we had lunch, so he was finished with everything about 2 PM. He had an unfortunate incident happen in Lowe's parking lot. A lady backed right into his shiny, black Ford truck, and left a big crunch in the side. At least, she had insurance, so the repairs will be paid for. I saw two cars back into each other in the CVS lot one day., Neither driver looked before backing...they met by chance! There is so much traffic in the CVS parking lot, I always take my time before backing up.

I watched butterflies flitting by as I was watching Rick work on the podacarpus hedge. My beauty berry bush is full of berries and the birds and butterflies both like them. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I know God hears my prayers?

Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him,yes, to all who call on him
sincerely.


The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response
rather than our last resort. He always listens to those
who are honest with him.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name
will humble themselves and pray and seek my
face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear
from heaven  and will forgive their sins and heal
their land.


Since prayer is conversation with God, we must approach
God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any
relationship we value. We must be humble, not arrogant. We
must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, October 14, 2013

Psoaring thru Psalm 145

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! Lots of sun this morning, and cool air, so it is very fall like and I really like it!

My friendly handy man is here, working on coating my flat roof, after washing and blowing it. I am blessed to have someone I can depend on to do what repairs need to be done around here.

We had a meeting last night at church to elect our search committee for a new pastor.  There are always changes is life, but God is in control.

I saw lots of people at the Park yesterday, enjoying the slight coolness of the fall weather. A white egret, several ibises, and a gopher tortoise were also enjoying whatever they could find to eat!  God is good!

From the Promise Bible, NLT:

Psalm 145:14-18

For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.
You rule generation after generation.

The Lord is faithful in all he says;
he is gracious is all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen
and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
All eyes look to you for help
you give them their food as they need it
When you open your hand,
you satisfy the hunger  and thirst
of every living thing...


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, October 11, 2013

A Prayer of Praise

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! There is lots more sunshine coming in the windows around here, because yesterday the trees were trimmed. I had expected them to come today, since that was the date decided upon, but I was surprised when they showed up a day earlier!

I was outside a lot all afternoon, while I watched the young man who climbed up very high in the oaks. I was under the shelter of the porch roof most of the time, to avoid anything falling on my head. The tree man anchored himself with a very long rope and safety harness, But he fearlessly swung from one branch to another, while he pruned and got rid of deadwood. The guys on the ground took care of cleanup, while another one worked in the backyard on the two oaks back there.

They worked all afternoon, from about 1 through 5:30, but did a thorough clean-up when they finished. I enjoyed the cool, fallish air while sitting and standing outside, for a couple hours, then as the afternoon wore on, it got really hot again. This morning I stepped outside and the temp was in the low seventies. Birds were chirping and singing , and just outdoing themselves, but the squirrels still have not come back, after the uproar yesterday. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Jude 24-25

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

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Confidence

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! Lots of sun this morning, but the air still feels like fall is finally here! Ir makes for more pleasant work for those outside.

My cleaning ladies came yesterday, and are happy to have the next week off. They have quite a business going, just by word of mouth. But they are glad to be able to limit their work, so they can choose their own hours and work just when they want to.

As we were chatting, BoJangles restaurant came up and Kim was raving about their biscuits. I was interested, since that is where my grandson works in TN, so I Googled to see if there was a BoJangles around here, and there is not! Oh, well, it was just a thought.

I drove through the park yesterday late afternoon, and saw a flock of ibis, quite a few people and the large, brown gopher tortoise ambling along near the parking lot. This place is a bird watchers paradise, and I often see groups of people with binoculars staring up at the trees. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can we have confidence in the face of life's greatest hardships?

Romans 8:38-39
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love.
 Death can't and life can't. The angels can't and the demons can't.
Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even
the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we
are high above the sky , or in the deepest ocean, nothing in
all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love
of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Psoaring thru Psalm 139

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! Hmm...very overcast this morning, but the prediction is for sun the rest of the day. However, this suits the mood since the Rays lost last night and the season is over for them. I did not feel good about the game from the start, so was not too surprised that it turned out the way it did. I even went to bed before it was over, because I could not stand to hear the Sox announcers any more. I had the TV on mute most of the game. Sigh.

I had a tree man come to give me an estimate on trimming the four oaks on the property, and went ahead and told him to go ahead and schedule me, so they will be coming out Friday to do the shaping and trimming. He said they were all arborists, so that makes me feel good about having them work on the trees. So, Friday there will be noise for a while.

I noticed while I was in the backyard that there were more mango seeds on the ground. I knew they were in the side yard, but from the looks of the seeds, not much fruit was harvested by my neighbors from the tree next to my property! Mostly critters ate the good fruit! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 139:1-6

O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know e4verything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me when to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say,
even before I say it,Lord.
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
how great for me to know!


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Paul's Thanksgiving

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! After a lot of overcast skies and bright sunshine yesterday, today, so far, is sunny and breezy.

Well, what a game!! I watched the Rays pull off a win. after a nail biting tie with the Red Sox. It takes a while for me to settle down after a walk off ending like that! I hope they can win again tonight!

I drove to the library yesterday and talked to the male librarian about the race his son-in-law won two weeks ago, then I went on to Audibel to make an appointment for a check up for my aids, and after a trip to the park, to check things out, I headed for the Romance Jewelers for a watch battery and new wristband for another watch. I like to chat with Roger, the co-owner, about his daughter with the heart problem, who has been repaired, comparing notes with my son, who has also had his heart repaired. Thank God for doctors and research on these problems!

There wasn't much going on at the park. A few people walking , but no feathered friends were in sight. As I was driving out, I spotted a gopher tortoise across the canal near the weir, just ambling along on the road the employees use. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Colossians 1:9-14
So we have continued praying for you ever since
we first heard about you.
We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what
he wants to do in your lives , and we ask him to make you
wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live
will always honor and please the Lord, and you
 will continually do good, kind things for others.
All the while , you will learn to know God better and
better.

We also pray that you will be strengthened with his
glorious power so that you will have all the patience
and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy,
always thanking the Father, who has enabled you
to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy
people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us
from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness
and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear
Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood
and has forgiven all our sins.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, October 7, 2013

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! I was surprised when I arose and discovered darkness and rain! I had no idea it had rained during the night, but when I turned on the weather, I heard that this is from "Karen", which is breaking up in the gulf.

Then, another surprise, when my yard men came! I did not expect them to come in the sprinkles, but I think they have to come on schedule, in order to keep up. He was nice enough to bring my dumpster back up, which kept me from walking in the wet grass!

Yesterday, after church, Brian came over and put a new bulb in my overhead door light, which had been burned out for a couple weeks! Good job, and I was glad it was so easy! After that, we had a good visit, than he left to go grab a nap.

I saw egrets, ibises,and  a couple anhingas at Lynch Lake, as I was on my way to the Park, in the afternoon. Then when I got to the park, all I saw were people and cars. But over in the circle, a long row of tables had been set up with white tablecloths, for food following a wedding. It was a beautiful afternoon for a wedding, even if a little warm for gals wearing long dresses and guys wearing suits! Pretty setting for a wedding! And perfect weather! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 121
 I look up to the mountains---
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made the heavens and the earth.

He will not let you stumble and fall,
the one who watches over you will not sleep.
Indeed, the one 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 preserves you from all evil
and preserves your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you
come and go both now and forever.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, October 4, 2013

An Encounter

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 noticed high, flat clouds today, I think from the disturbance down south, but then, again, that is too far off , I think. Anyway, they are different from the puffy ones we usually have. It is still very warm!

I am looking forward to watching the Rays beat the Red Sox this afternoon! One More Game, and will be glad to have them back in town once again. Not half as glad as they will be , though! I read that they only packed clothes for three days and they have been on the road a lot longer than that! Sam Fuld still has not seen his newborn son!

I had to go shopping for groceries yesterday, so went over to Sweetbay, and as I was checking out, using the card swipe, I was having a little difficulty reading it, because the light was shining on it. The woman in line behind me, cupped her hand over it, after she had told the cashier how pretty she looked. I thanked her and then, as I started pushing the cart out, she walked with me and told me how much she would love to help me get the groceries in my car. She chatted all the way, wanting to know what I thought of the present condition of things and how the shut down is affecting the work force. She insisted on walking with me to the van and then put my groceries in, meanwhile telling me that she worked at Village Inn, and how much she made an hour, how her father's work has been affected, and that she also cleans up at the stadium for so much an hour. She made a few other flattering remarks...guessed my age at about thirty years younger than I am, and then after I had thanked her and hugged her, she said "God bless you" and I returned the blessing, and we said our goodbyes. I don't even know her name, but that was definitely a God encounter!! She spreads sunshine everywhere she goes. What an attitude! She is a blessing. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Jude 20-25
But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives
on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to
pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. Live in such
a way that God can bless you as you wait for the Eternal
Life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to
give you. Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.
Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of
judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, 

but be careful that you aren't contaminated by their sins.

A Prayer of Praise

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, and forevermore.
Amen


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Psoaring thru Psalm 47

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! This is another day like yesterday and the day before that...lots of sun and a slight breeze. However, the wind may pick up because of the disturbance in the Caribbean, which may be heading for the panhandle. Time will tell.

My cleaning ladies came yesterday and told me about another restaurant I had not known about. They always have lunch some place in the area, as they are going from one house to another. After they left, I got in the van and left for some shopping I had to do.

Today I have to go grocery shopping, maybe before I have a podiatrist appointment. I drove to the park after my errand running yesterday, and noticed the peace and dark shadows in the shade and brilliant sunshine in spots. There were quite a few vehicles parked , but not a big crowd. Some people just bring chairs and soak in the sun, while others wax their cars and still others sit and read. A nice getaway! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 47:1-4
Come, everyone, and clap your hands for joy!
Shout to God with joyful praise!
For the Lord most High is awesome,
He is the great King of all the earth.
He subdues the nation before us,
putting our enemies beneath our feet.
He chose the Promised Land as our inheritance,
the proud possession of Jacob's
descendants, whom he loves.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis  ( Go Rays!)

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

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 lots of sun and no rain, although it is called for later on. As I told you yesterday, the yard men came and I noticed their wheels were wet as they mowed in front. Water is still draining from the grass into the street gutter, so we are still saturated.

My amaryllis lilies have long, green leaves and look healthy from all the rain, after being eaten off earlier in the summer by grasshoppers. I think they are planted too deeply to have any flowers, but barring any more predatory critters, maybe I will be surprised. I hope so, because they have not flowered much for a couple years.

When I was in the library Monday, the male librarian checked me out, and I was chatting with him about his race cars. He owns a couple stock cars which his daughters drive at the Showtime Speedway. Now, both daughters are married, and one son-in-law and daughter will be racing against each other, which means lots of audience excitement! I have to wonder why a man would choose to be a student of library science, but, God leads in different ways .

I have a bird-of-paradise bloom on my large bush in the back yard. It used to have many at the same time, but the bush is so large, it needs to be cleaned out, and maybe more blooms would be encouraged. But, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 8:25-28
...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

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

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! Lots of sun and a few puffy clouds this morning, just like yesterday. Although, in the late afternoon I saw the massive piling up of the storm clouds, but nothing happened around here. Cloud formations are so interesting and vary so much, I enjoy looking at them.

Well, along with many others, I stayed up until I was part of the celebration of the Rays victory over the Rangers! What a game! and then, the celebration with the champagne and beer flowing in the clubhouse! Glad I don't have to clean that mess up! Even Todd  Kallas got drenched! Now, on to the Indians!

I am expecting my new yard man this morning since he did not come yesterday. He said they fell behind because of the rain last week. So, he is here now, and I just gave him his check. Now, I have to call a tree trimmer because the oaks have grown so much this year, some of the branches are hanging down too far. Always something going on in the yard...sigh.

I drove to the park yesterday, and saw a few more people there. out enjoying the sun and animals. A few ibis were pecking around and a white egret was silhouetted against the dark green foliage. looking like a painting. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

 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
pathway for your life and will advise you and watch over you."


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.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis