Christmas

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 a light overcast today and the weather will be getting cooler, but as long as we have a bit of sun, it will get a lot warmer this afternoon!

Since I did not feel too energetic yesterday, I talked to God as I drove toward my shopping destination, and I said if there was a close parking space, I would shop, but if not, I would put it off. Well, there was a space right across the street in front of the entrance, so I had to shop! God is good that way!

Afterwards, I went to Steak and Shake for a refreshing shake, which I had not indulged in for several weeks. I drove on to the Park, and saw a couple of egrets huddled together in the canal and a lone great, gray heron all my himself. God is good!

This will be my last blog before taking a vacation while my son and grandson are here, so I wish all of you a Jesus filled Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Luke 2:6-

...And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.
She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips
of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them
in the village inn.

That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding
their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them,
and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. ....
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others----the armies of
heaven---praising God;
"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to all whom God favors."

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalms

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 sunshine and blue skies, but the temp is still chilly and just creeping up to sixty. But it will probably be up to 70 this afternoon. Yesterday, was so pleasant, I had a couple windows open.

My cleaning ladies were here and we had fun teasing Cheryl about her nocturnal habits.
Whenever she gets up during the night, she takes time to look out the window to see that everybody's house and car are all right with no burglars around. I said she would make a good neighborhood watch person, and when I said I was expecting Daryl and Matthew to come in about 3:30 or so Saturday morning, Kim said for one of them to give a wave to Cheryl's house because she would probably be looking out the window!  :)

After they left, I went to the library, and turned in some books and only checked out 2 because I don't expect to have much time to read in the next two weeks. I also met two friends coming out of the Library. It is a nice neighborhood, with friends close by.

After that, I drove on to the Park and enjoyed the sight of a couple of fat wood storks in the canal, turtles on the weir, and the white egrets silhouetted against the greenery. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 150

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in his heavenly dwelling;
Praise him for his mighty works;
 Praise his unequaled greatness!
Praise him with a blast of the trumpet;
 praise him with the lyre and harp!
Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
praise him with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
 praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
Let everything that lives sing praises to the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Paul's Final Advice

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 blue skies, a few clouds and it is a little warmer than yesterday with no fog. I do not have the heat on, so it is warmer in the house than  previously.

Yesterday, I accomplished a few goals...that is, I did some Christmas shopping at the Family Christian Store and took care of five people on my list! Seems like each time I go in there, they have different associates. My check out clerk, Mike, was not too friendly, which is really unusual for that store! I guess being a believer is not a requirement to work there, but it must be hard to give helpful advice on product if you aren't. Since I worked for twelve years in a Christian bookstore, I feel I know how to be people friendly. He did not even ask me for their card, but I gave it to him anyway. Oh, well...maybe he was having a bad day.

After stopping off at the park to see the turtles and egrets and ibis, I came on home, wrapped up all the gifts I have, so far, and relaxed. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those
who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take
tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try
to do good to each other and to everyone else.

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 prophesies. But
test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Keep
away from 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

Love for Enemies

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 thick fog that is slowly disappearing , but that makes the chilly temps more noticeable. Actually, this is the first foggy day I can remember in a long time. We usually do have them in the winter, but it is not winter just yet! But the sun will soon peek through and burn it off. In the meantime, all sound is muted and nice.

My yard guys came in the morning, and once again, blew off the leaves and mowed. But, of course, the leaves are back again and still falling. They forgot to bring my dumpster up, but I was able to pull it back without too much difficulty.

After they left, I had lunch and did some shopping, so I am a little caught up, but have a long ways to go, yet. Then I drove to the Park, which was crowded with people, and saw several black turtles sunning on the bank of the weir. Further down, a great blue heron was in the canal, which is down to a trickle, and an egret and a couple ibis were busy toward the second bridge.  God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Luke 7:27-31
But if you are willing to listen, I say, love
your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.
Pray for the happiness of those who curse
you. Pray for those who hurt you. IF someone
slaps you on the cheek, turn the other cheek.
If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt
also. Give what you have to anyone who asks
you for it, and when things are taken away from
you  don't try to get them back. Do for others as
you would like them to do for you.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalms

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! Brrr! My thermometer read 51 outside temp this morning and the indoor was 70, but old bones ache in the cold weather and mine are no exception. I have a small heater that I take into the bathroom to warm it up before I take the plunge into the shower and that makes it nice and cozy. But the sun is shining and it is a beautiful day!

We had a good sermon yesterday with Pastor Dave relating a few funny, true life stories about gift giving in his own life...how some were appropriate and appreciated and some not so much! He also mentioned living for a time in Johnstown , Penn. which my 5 greats grandfather founded. I chatted with him afterward, and he called his wife to come listen to my story. Turns out that her whole family lived in and are from Johnstown. It is a small world!

On my way to church, I drove by Lynch Lake and saw lots of ibis, seagulls, and ducks, plus a couple wood storks. Then, afterwards, I drove to the Park and once again, saw lots of ibis, a couple wood storks and an anhinga with outspread wings on the weir. And down in the canal, egrets herons and ibis. It was a good day for fowl watching! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 92:1-4

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to the Most High.
It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening,
accompanied by the harp and lute
and the harmony of the lyre.
You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me!
I sing for joy because of what you have done.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Hope for Eternal Life

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! Once again we have overcast skies and chilly temps, but hopefully, the sun will be shining  later on.

I am receiving Christmas cards, even though I have not sent any for a couple years. Just a few to family and close friends, usually, but not nearly what I used to do. Some people who are not on FB, I do not hear from during the year, so I do not send any to them. I do enjoy receiving them, though.

I did a little more shopping at Publix than I had planned, yesterday...just about bought out the store, but I was thinking of Daryl and Matthew who are coming a week from today! Yikes! I have to get busy!

I drove through the park after I bought the groceries and saw egrets, ibis and a dark anhinga contrasting with the white feathers on the ibis he was next to. There were dog walkers and people walking about, just enjoying the beautiful day. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Peter 1:3-7
All honor to the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy
that God has given us the privilege of being
born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation
because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead.
For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for
his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and
undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
And God, in his mighty power, will protect you
until you receive this salvation, because you are
trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for
all to see. So 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.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalms

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 like yesterday, not a cloud in the sky yet. The prediction is for clouds to move in later in the day, but it will still be cool. Very nice! I even had a couple windows open yesterday while my cleaning ladies were here!

Well, we have a very active street today. Kim's house is getting a new roof, so the four trucks and trailer were here before 7, and about seven men were up on the roof getting started early. Kim said yesterday, that she and Kevin were getting anxious for the work to be done. Cheryl called and said she had pulled her garbage dumpster over to my driveway, because she got skipped when the garbage truck could not get to it with the truck parked in the way. So, sure enough, they picked up her dumpster and then did mine. She was kind enough to put mine back and then took hers across the street. She is so thoughtful!

Speaking of Cheryl; she taught me how to scan something and send it or store it on my computer. There is so much I do not know about the PC, but I am open to learning!

After they were finished with the house, I went to the library to return books and pick up more, then cruised through the park, and saw the great blue heron once again, in almost the same spot as the day before. Also, ibis, and of course, the squirrels scampering. And a spot of pink in the canal as I drove in, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 113

Praise the Lord!

Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord.
Praise the name of the Lord!
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
forever and ever.
Everywhere--from east to west--
praise the name of the Lord.
For the Lord is high above the nations,
his glory is far greater than the heavens.

Who can be compared with the Lord our
God, who is enthroned on high?
Far below him are the heavens and the earth.
He stoops to look,
and he lifts the poor from the dirt,
and the needy from the garbage dump.
He sets them among princes,
even the princes of his own people!
He gives the barren woman a home,
so that she becomes a happy mother.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalms

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, our chilly weather is back and so I have the heat on. I would have a fire in the fireplace, but since I will not spend much time in that room, there is no reason to have the fire going. But the sun is shining and should warm things up soon...

I did some shopping yesterday and on my way to Gateway, saw a very fat osprey perched on the very  top of a telephone pole. I am sure he had a bird's eye view of everything.  After I finished my shopping, I took a little side trip over to the Park, and was pleased to see my friend, David, out running in the cool air. So, after I finished my visit, I followed a car doing 15 mph all the way up 25th St. It was a lesson in patience! I caught up and passed David, and stopped to chat with him for a few minutes. It was good to see him . Today he is flying to Las Vegas for thirty hours! Lucky him!

There wasn't much activity at the park, besides people. I saw a great blue heron in the canal, but no ibis, which was strange, but it was probably the time of day that accounted for the lack of activity. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 139:1-6
O lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything 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.
too 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

Colossians

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 has shone for a little bit, but it is still overcast and now the wind is blowing, so it is pretty chilly. I turned the heat on yesterday , after having the A/C on the day before, so the weather is very changeable. But I heard on the TV about the Nor'easter that NY is getting and watched the Packers play in Green Bay, while a light snow was falling, so I can't complain!

I did not go out yesterday, so just did laundry and took it easy, since it rained right after the yard guys left. And, yes, the garbage dumpster is still sitting at the foot of the driveway, full of leaves, and too heavy to move. And the leaves are not through falling by any means! The trees are still full, so there are a lot more to come off!

But God is good to give us trees for shade!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Colossians 3:12-15
Since God chose you to be the holy people, whom he loves, you must
clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness,
humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make
 allowance for each others faults, and forgive the
person who offends you.Remember, the Lord forgave you,
so you must forgive others. And the most important
piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what
binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace
that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members
of one body, you are all called to live in peace.
And always be thankful.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Roamin' thru Romans 12

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 another overcast day and rather chilly to me. Yesterday was overcast and misty in the morning. (Sounds like a song title.) I don't think it is misty today, but surely could be!

I have spent the last ten minutes or so watching my yard men blow thousands of leaves into the gutter, then put as many as possible in the empty dumpster, and also a yard bag. The younger guy even climbed in the dumpster and jumped up and down so he could  pack more leaves in. Of course, it will have to stay down at the foot of the driveway until Thursday, because it is too heavy to carry back and forth. I was really happy to see them pick up the leaves, though, because everything was covered. I did not think they would take time to do that.

While channel hopping Saturday, I came across a movie just starting and it turned out to be" Message in A Bottle", which I had never seen. I had been wanting to read the book by Nicholas Sparks, but had not seen it at the library, so, of course, I had to watch the whole thing and I am glad I did, even though I was teary eyed at the ending. Sigh.

On my way around Lynch Lake Saturday, I noticed a whole flock of wood storks standing solemnly in a carport at a house. There must have been almost a dozen. Now, I thought they only ate fish and stork food, but someone must have been feeding them or they would not have invited themselves to that house.  I am sure they left their calling cards behind.

And yesterday, on my way home from church, I noticed the tide was low and an egret and a pretty pink roseate spoonbill were pecking along the muddy bottom for food. ,God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 12:14-21

If people persecute you because you are a Christian,
don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. When
others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share
their sorrow. Live in harmony with each other. Don't try
to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people.
And don't think you know it all!
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.

Instead, do what the Scriptures say:

"If your enemies are hungry, feed them,.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink,
and they will be ashamed of what they have
done to you."

Don't  let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

A Living Sacrifice to 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! What can I say? We are continuing in the string of beautiful weather, with sun, breezes and temps near 80 around noon and sixties at night....could not be better!

I did not see the Orion blast off earlier, but saw it on TV. We have too many tall trees in this neighborhood to see contrails from the blast offs that we used to be able to see in the early days of the shuttles. It is still a thrilling sight! Just to think that this one is going to Mars eventually!

Well, I had very mixed feelings yesterday when I got my hair cut by someone other that Mari, who has been my friend and stylist over thirty years. She has retired, so now I cannot rely on her any more. What a friend she has been! Seasons in life change and so I must flow with the seasons, but that does not make it easy. Sigh.

To comfort myself, I went shopping and bought some pretty tops, which I have to take back and exchange because I did not try them on and they are too big. Oh, well, I don't mind. I may pick out something else I like!

I stopped in at the park and saw all the usual birds in the canal ,  and then went on to the Library, although I was pretty tired by that time. I had stopped at the Subway and got a good sandwich with lots of veggies in it, so I had energy enough to get some more books. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 12:
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 one body,
and each of us has different work to do. And since we are
of one body in Christ, we belong to each other and each of
us needs all the others....

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

A Living Sacrifice to 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! I have had a couple windows open for the past few days, because the weather is so perfect! Sunshine and temps between the sixties and high seventies!

I was outside for over an hour yesterday, watching and talking with my handy man, Rick, as he hung the lights. Unfortunately, I had not bought enough, so,, I have two different kinds of icicle lights, and not enough of them. I am wondering if I should leave them as is, and be unique in the neighborhood, or go and get some more. Decisions, decisions...But they did look pretty last night!

Then my cleaning ladies came and so they will come two more times before Daryl and Matthew come from TN. Can hardly wait!

I did get to the ATM at the bank and was so pleased to discover they had installed a new one which is so much easier to use than the old one., I used to have to insert my card several times to get it to work, but this new one is touch screen and the card just slides in and out so easily! My money at work!

Then I went on to the park and just a few people were there. I guess because school was not out yet, but lots of dogs were being walked. The usual ibis were there and egrets in the canal, but all was quiet. 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 living and
holy sacrifice---the kind he will accept. When you think
of what he has done for you, is this too much to accept?
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

Jesus, the True Vine

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 little rain last night early, but today is sunshiny and warm with just a cool breeze blowing. It is predicted to reach almost 80 by the end of the week!

My yard man did not come yesterday, so I called him to see if he had quit, but he said he had taken off Thanksgiving week, and yesterday his helper did not show up. But he was already here this morning, so all the leaves and acorns have been blown off temporarily, (they are still falling), and the yard cleaned up in the front. I am glad that is taken care of..

I made a shopping trip to CVS yesterday and got some needed things. Then, after I came home I decided to go on over to Big Lots to get another string of lights, because my handy man is coming Wed. to put up the outside lights. I think I did not get what I wanted the first time I was in, but this time I got the long icicle lights, which I think are so unusual. While I was there, at the Rutland Plaza, I had thought to go in the Romance Jewelers to get a couple watch batteries replaced, and much to my dismay, discovered they had gone out of business! I really enjoyed visiting with Roger when I went in! Sigh. So sad to see another small business close. Guess I will have to go to Northeast Shopping Center now, for the batteries.

I drove on to the park after that disappointment, and, once again, lots of people were out enjoying the sun and exercise. One man was crouched down just watching a gopher tortoise, who was staring right back at him. Ibis and egrets were in the canal again, but when I drove by Lynch Lake earlier, there were flocks of seagulls, an osprey on the line, wood storks on the banks, and one pink beauty shining among the ibis! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

John 15:5-8
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me,
and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me
you can do nothing. Anyone who parts from me is thrown
away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are
gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you stay joined to me
and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you
like, and it will be granted! My true disciples produce much
fruit. This brings much glory to my Father.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Jesus' Prayer of 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!  This is one more in the string of perfect days we have been having! Blue skies, lots of sun, gentle breezes...who could ask for anything more?

I watched the Packers-Patriots game yesterday, played in below freezing weather, at Green Bay WS, with thousands of screaming fans sitting in the cold and not seeming to mind at all, since the Packers won! Yay! My mother was from Wisconsin and my sister was born there, so I have a connection. I also watched the Gators narrowly lose, but that's another story. Sigh.

I hope you all had as good a Thanksgiving as I did. Brian and I drove up to Dunnellon to be with my two nieces, my sister, my great nephew and a couple cousins of theirs, so there was good company, and great food. Much laughter, and memories!

The drive up was perfect and we made good time on the Suncoast Parkway. Not much traffic and blue skies! We were interested in a shiny, black new looking Corvette, that we picked up in Pasco Co. and followed and passed back and forth until we got to Crystal River. We sorta wondered where they were headed and missed them when we turned off to head for Dunnellon. We stopped by my mother's old house on Blue Run and saw that it looks much the same as when we sold it. Those were good times! Then we headed for home and once again, had really good weather and a great trip!

I have seen more wood storks around the various lakes and yesterday on my way to church had to suddenly stop to let one cross in front of me unexpectedly! they have taken to hanging out in people's yards around Lynch Lake and this one was crossing the street from a house. There were several more around the lake and ducks, ibis, and seagulls. A busy place! Over at the park I saw turtles of various sizes sunning on the banks of the weir, and ibis and egrets in the canal. Lots of people were at the park, which was closed Friday. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Matthew 11:25-30

Then Jesus prayed this prayer, "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves
so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike. Yes, Father,
it pleased you to do it this way!

My Father has given me authority over everything. No one really
knows the Son, except the Father, and no one really knows the
Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

Then 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,
and let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you
will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the
burden I give you is light."

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Giving Thanks

Good Morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The rain has almost stopped, although the sky is overcast and it has really cooled off, so we will have a chilly Thanksgiving.

This is just a short note today, to give thanks for Jesus saving me with all my faults, and for my family who love me, and for tomorrow, which would have been the 66th anniversary of the day I married my one true love, Louis.

It will be a happy day filled with love and lots of talk and catching up, but also a little sad.
I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and pray for safety for those on the road, including Brian and me.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalms

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 are in for a rainy, breezy day. Already the skies are cloudy, but they lighten up periodically, and then comes more rain. I am hoping it will let up some later on, so I can do some errands and then scoot home. I am having a ketchup crisis here. I am almost out and that is a staple!

So, it looks like Thanksgiving will be  a bit chilly this year, as we go over the river and through the woods to my niece's  house in Dunnellon. We have been there with family for the past couple years and it is always good to get together while we are still able to get around. (My sister and I, not the young'uns.)

I usually mute commercials, especially the ones selling cars that always have someone yelling, but each time the Publix commercial comes on, I have to admit I get a little teary eyed. "It may not be flawless, the soft spoken narrator says, "but it is always perfect." Happy Thanksgiving from Publix, where shopping is a pleasure.!  That one and the Budweiser commercial at Christmas, grab my attention.
God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 147:7-11

Sing out your thanks to the Lord;
sing praises to our God, accompanied by harps.
He covers the heavens with clouds,
provides rain for the earth,
and makes the green grass grow
in mountain pastures.
He feeds the wild animals
and the young ravens cry to him for food.

The strength of a horse does not impress him,
how puny in his sight is the strength of a man.
Rather, the Lord's delight is in those who honor him,
those who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Praise the Lord!

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalms

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 has been no sun so far, but fog and humidity. It was so warm yesterday that I turned the A/C on when Brian came over. Then he mentioned that he was off the day after Thanksgiving and we could begin to decorate for Christmas! I had not given that a thought,even though I saw a house being strung with lights just a couple days ago! Time is flying!

I am so looking forward to February, because Brian secured tickets for us to see Harry Connick, Jr,'s concert at REH ! For those of you who don't know who he is, he is a judge for American Idol, an accomplished singer and piano player, and starred in the two Winter the Dolphin, series of films! He is one of my favorites!

We had an excellent sermon with some humor throughout yesterday. Pastor Dave has so many funny stories that have happened to him over all the years he has spent in the pulpit. I will miss him when he is gone.But I am also looking forward to seeing Pastor Kevin and Lori 's arrival, with great anticipation!

I saw an osprey perched high on a light pole as I was coming home yesterday and also saw wood storks, lots of ibis, mature and immature, and the usual ducks in Lynch Lake as I was on my way to church. God is good!

Psoaring thru Psalms

Psalm 119:1-8

Happy are the people of integrity.
who follow the Law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us to keep
your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your principles!
Then I will not be disgraced,
when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you by living as I should.!
I will obey your principles,
Please don't give up on me!

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

Love and hugs
 Amaryllis

All Christians

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 slowly warming up, but this morning it was 59 which to me is chilly, especially when the wind is blowing. However, it is good to see the sun shining.

I kept my doctor's appointment yesterday afternoon and was in and out in less than an hour, which is great time. I like to have an appointment right after lunch so I am the first one in. Dr. H. was full of talk about all the snow in Buffalo and said he would have liked to fly up there on the weekend, just to see it and then come right back. I told him about my pilot friend who was just in Buffalo and did not see any snow where he was. However, I see where the Bills are holding their game  in Detroit on Sunday because the field is covered.  One more reason I am happy to be in Florida!

After I left the Doc's office, I zipped across 9th St. and drove on to Wendy's for a cheeseburger, and was pleased to discover that they have .99 cent burgers. I know Burger King has Junior Whoppers, but did not know Wendy's also has a small burger. So I bought that and headed home to have a late lunch. After that, I headed for Walmart to gas up the van, and stopped on the way at the Park, where I saw anhingas sunning and way down the canal, a beautiful splash of pink once again. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Peter 3:8-12
Finally, all of you should be of one mind,
full of sympathy toward each other, loving
one another with tender hearts and humble minds.
Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people
 say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them
 back with a blessing  That is what God wants you
to do and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures
say, "If you want a happy life and good days,
keep your tongue from speaking evil,
and keep your lips from telling lies.
Turn away from evil and do good.
Work hard at living in peace with others.
The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right,
and his ears are open to their prayers.'But the Lord turns his face
against those who do evil."

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis12

Faith and Endurance

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 was a couple degrees warmer today than yesterday, but 51 is still cold to me. The temp. inside was 68 and that still seems chilly to me, if I am not moving around much. It seems strange that we are supposed to be using the A/C by Sunday...I will have to wait and see about that!

My ladies came to clean yesterday and for once, Cheryl did not have flip-flops on. Instead, she was wearing sneakers. I kid her, because she is so warm natured, but she and Kim were both wearing coats and long sleeved shirts. That wind was icy when I was sweeping the trash off the porch. Kim has been getting estimates for roof replacement and I was totally surprised by how much it costs now days to get a new roof! I have a 25 year warranty on my roof, and it is in its 14th year, so I will probably not be around when it has to be replaced.

I shopped at CVS yesterday, and loaded up on tissues, which were on sale. I have such allergies, that I use tissues by the ton, it seems. Nearly every other day, I have a sneezing fit and sneeze for about a dozen times, then I'm done for a good long time. I think I am allergic to my house.

When I drove on to the Park, I saw some bundled up people on the bridge and further down toward the second bridge, some beautiful pink was showing as a couple of spoonbills were busy in the middle of the canal. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

James 1:2-8

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. So let
it grow for when your endurance is fully developed, you
will be strong in character and ready for anything.

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 an 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.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Love

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 have to keep rubbing my hands together to keep them warm, because the temp. was 45 when I arose ,(not inside) and 67 in the bedroom. Now the sun is shining sometimes, and we have climbed up to 49. That is still cold, especially with the wind blowing. Oh, well, at least we do not have to shovel white stuff off the sidewalks!

Seems like today would be a good day to do my ironing, since I definitely will not get too warm! After doing laundry, I went to the library, to check out more books and drop off the six I had finished. There was what looked like a homeless person bundled up on a bench out front. I couldn't tell if it was a man or woman, but I really hope they found shelter indoors someplace last night. That time of day was a busy one for the usually fairly calm library, but school was out and the parking lot was almost full. My particular branch is a very busy place!

Afterwards, I drove on to the Park, and, since it was late in the afternoon, not many people were there and none walking dogs, which is very unusual. there were a lot of ducks gathered on the weir, looking very cold, as they were all huddled up. That was the same situation around Lynch Lake, with a flock of seagulls and ducks and once again, the lone beauty of the roseate spoonbill outstanding amongst the white feathers of the other birds. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Corinthians 13
Love is the Greatest
If I could speak in any language in heaven or in earth,
but didn't love others, I would only be making meaningless
noise like a loud gong or a changing cymbal. If I had the gift
of prophecy, and I knew all the mysteries of the future and
knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what
good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak
to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good
to anybody. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed
my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I would
be of no value whatsoever.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.
Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no
record of when it has been wronged.
It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures
through every circumstance.
Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages
and special knowledge will all disappear.

It's like this: when I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child
does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things
imperfectly as is a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect
clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know
everything completely, just as God knows me now.
There are three things that will endure---faith, hope and love---and the greatest of these is love.

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! The sun is not shining, the sky is overcast, a cold breeze is blowing , but still, I am thankful that I have a warm house, and a roof over my head to keep me dry! Daryl texted that it is snowing in Cleveland, TN, so, at least we don't have that to contend with.

My front porch is a mess from the high winds yesterday...the yard guys came and blew everything off nice and clean, but after they had left, the winds and rain started and now branches , leaves, acorns and a large poinsettia potted plant has blown over. I will have to go clean things up when I finish here.

I enjoyed a quiet day at home yesterday, because after I had washed and dried the sheets and got the bed made up, it was noon and the rain had already started. Since I had an unfinished book to read, I ignored the ironing and when I sat down I sort of zoned out and dozed for an hour. It was as dark at 4 as it usually is at 6 because of the tornado watch. But we needed the rain, so God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 8:35-

Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love?
Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or
calamity, or are persecuted , or are hungry or cold
or in danger or threatened with death?( Even the Scriptures
say, "For your sake we are killed every day, we are being slaughtered
like sheep.) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory
is ours through Christ who loved us.

And 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

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 day started out with sunshine and was warm, but one look at the weather map and I see where the cloud covering came from, as a cold front is moving through. The temp. should be dropping today, and we will have a couple cold nights,but then a nice warm up will happen again and, once again, it will be nice!

I watched a couple football games yesterday that were played in below freezing weather. While the players were exercising with bare arms by playing the game, the spectators were sitting in the cold, and actually acted like they were enjoying it! Of course, if you live in Green Bay, I guess you have the clothes for weather like that! Brrr! That's not for me!

In 1958, Louis and I bought our burial plots at a local cemetery, but since he was in the service, he was eligible for interment at Bay Pines National Cemetery, where I am eligible, also. So, I called the cemetery to see about the procedure for transfering the plots to my sons. I was told there was no need, because upon my demise, they would automatically go to Brian and Daryl as my heirs. When I told Daryl he would be a property owner in Florida, he said maybe he could build a tiny condo on it. When I told a friend at church about it, he laughed and suggested perhaps like the pier..(inverted pyramid).  It is good to laugh about the future!

As I drove around Lynch Lake yesterday, I noticed lots of ibis, several woodstorks, another flock of seagulls and, of course, ducks. And one outstanding beauty, a roseate spoonbill! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 8:26-30
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what
we should pray for. 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. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose
them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with
many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to
come to him. And He gave them right standing with himself, and he promised
them his glory.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

The True Vine

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! Once again, we have a perfect day, with sun and a few clouds and temps in the low seventies already! When I see the weather maps with snow and below freezing temps over most of the rest of the country, I am thankful once again that I live in this part of Florida!

I had a quiet day yesterday. My cleaning ladies came in the middle of the day, and caught me up on the neighborhood news. It seems an ambulance came at 3:30 Tues. Morning to my next door neighbors and took someone to the hospital. I know the two women who live there, Mother and daughter, are both disabled, but they keep to themselves and don't make an effort to stay in touch with the friends around, so, even though the son still lives there, also, I have no idea how they are. I have been friends with them in the past, but because I don't walk well on uneven grass, I cannot get over there, any more. It is sad.

I have been enjoying pictures on Facebook of my new step great-granddaughter, born 11/11 in Tenn. She looks a little like her mother right now, but I am sure she will be changing. She already has three half sisters, so she will be well loved.

I swept the acorns off the porch, along with the leaves and watched a squirrel peeking around the oak tree at me . His nest and tummy should be full with all the bounty of the acorns now falling. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

John 15:5-13

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.
Those who remain in me, and I in them, will
produce much fruit. For apart from me you
can do nothing. Anyone who parts from me
is thrown away like a useless branch  and withers.
Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.
But if you stay joined to me and my words remain
in you, you may ask any request you like, and it
will be granted. My true disciples produce much
fruit. This brings great glory to my Father.

I have loved you even as the Father has loved me.
Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain
in my love, just as I obey my Father  and remain in
his love. I have told you this so that  you will be filled
with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command
you to love each other in the same way that I love you.
And here is how to measure it--the greatest love is
shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!

 Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalms

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 always chilly in the house when I roll out of bed, but other people think it is just right with no heat and no air. Of course, this weather is perfect, compared to the rest of the country with the early snowfall! I am just wimpy when it comes to getting in the shower. After I move around a bit, I am fine and warmed up. Just old bones, I guess.

Yesterday, while I was sitting here typing, I heard a loud blower, and wondered who was doing it. I got up to see if the lawn guy's truck was out front, but did not see anything. However, when I opened the front door later, I saw that the driveway and porch had been blown off. Most of the acorns and leaves were gone. So, someone had come and done the good deed, but it was Tuesday, and my lawn guys come on Monday. Well, I am not complaining! It will just remain a mystery.

I drove out to the Disston Shopping Plaza yesterday, which is always busy, but found a parking space right in front of LIttle Italy. The tantalizing smells of pizza and other goodies were tempting, but it was the middle of the afternoon and I was not hungry. Sigh. Wouldn't you know?

On the way back home, I stopped at the park and saw the turtles once again sunning on the bank of the weir and, further on, a couple taking pictures of the very large, brown gopher tortoise. They were standing right in front of him, and he is so used to people that he sometimes does not even pull his head in. A couple of egrets were in the canal, which is still really overgrown, and people were strolling around. One couple was sitting on a bench totally engrossed in each other. Ah, Love! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 139:23,24  Psalm 141 :3,4

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Psalm 141: 3,4
Take control of what I say, O Lord,
and keep my lips sealed.
Don't let me lust for evil things.
Don't let me participate in acts of wickedness.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalms

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! While we still have temps in the sixties and climbing into the seventies today, I see photos of all the snow in Minn. and Wyoming. People shoveling white stuff and traffic all tied up, and here it isn't even January! Give me Florida, any day!

Well, it was time for me to do my two week grocery shopping, so, yesterday, I headed up to my Publix and saw the most adorable little baby with his mama . He must have been about four months old, with strawberry blond hair. I wanted to touch his hair, but held back because you just don't do that with someone else's child. Of course, I would have asked permission. But, anyway, each time he saw me, he gave me a big smile, and we kept running into each other all through the store. He was so interested in all the people that walked by and only started to fuss when Mom was almost through with her shopping. He was a bright spot in the day! He made shopping a pleasure, because the new cashier and new stock man did not know much about what they were doing. Oh, well, everyone has to learn!

I have my appointment with the plastic surgeon for Dec. 2. That will be for a consultation, I am thinking, then will follow the date for the surgery. Her office is in Largo, which is only a little over 6 miles from here. I think that is as the crow flies!

After I got through with putting groceries away, I took off for the park and saw lots of turtles sunning on the bank of the weir, along with a couple of anhingas. But while the canal had more water in it, because of the rain, I did not see any ibis or herons in it. It must have been the wrong time of day for me to be there. But it was peaceful and quiet and I enjoyed just absorbing. 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,
and 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 remember you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love! And I remember the men and women who served us in all the wars. God bless them!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Love for Enemies

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! While it is still cool to me, the sun is shining and not a cloud in the sky. With a slight breeze , the weather just looks perfect. This morning I heard about the Arctic chill headed for the northeast, and it's snowing in Minneapolis! I am so happy I live here!

I hope everyone had a good weekend. Brian took me to William Dean chocolates in Belleair Bluffs Sat. for the first time. I indulged and bought myself 8 delightful pieces of colorful chocolates and a lemon tart. They have four tables where they serve tea by reservation only, but to me, it does not seem like a tea room. I think of a tea room as having frilly, tablecloths, flowery cups and tea pots, etc. but this one did not, although I did not stare to see what everyone had on the tables. It is right in the commercial selling area. Very small.They also have some delightful looking gelatos. (sp) I was excited to be there.

Then we went on to check out the plastic surgeon's office complex. I am very inept when it comes to directions...directionally challenged, I call it, so scouting out unfamiliar places works for me! The way Brian took me seems very simple, but he will also print out a map for me when it is time for me to go see her.

Daryl says it was in the mid thirties yesterday morning in TN, so once again I am happy to be here. When I drove through the park yesterday, I noticed the yellow leaves on the trees which are falling fast, and looking like the north during autumn. Lots of people were out enjoying the weather, even though there was a light sprinkle falling. The canal had its share of ibis and herons and I saw one man on his hands and knees, peering down into the gophers tunnel. Funny sight! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Luke 6:22-31

But if you are willing to listen, I say, love
your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.
Pray for the happiness of those who curse you.
Pray for those who hurt you.
If someone slaps you on one cheek, then turn
the other cheek. If someone demands your coat,
offer your shirt also. Give what you have to anyone
 who asks you for it, and when things are taken
away from you, don't try to get them back. Do for
others as you would like them to do for you.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

A Simple Prayer for November

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, the temp is already in the middle seventies and it is a beautiful day!

My gals came to clean yesterday and we talked about places to eat. They always have lunch some place before they come and so they know a lot of the restaurants around here. Which is good information for me, since I don't get out that much. Yesterday they ate at a Chinese restaurant in the Tyrone area and raved about how good the food was. I had not eaten yet when they came, so it made me hungry.

After they left, I went to Rogers Cleaners to pick up my Amish quilt I had left there and then checked out the parking for St. Pete Bakery, but did not go in. It looked like Sunken Gardens had a good crowd. Carrabbas (sp) not so much.  From there I stopped at the Salvation Army and dropped off the stuff I had cleaned out of my closet a couple months ago. I still have a lot more to clean oiut!

Then I drove on to the Park, and while there were not so many people , still the canal had roseate spoonbills, ibis and herons busy walking in the mud and apparently finding lots to eat. I also watched the large brown gopher tortoise ambling around. God is good!

( I will not be posting tomorrow, due to taking Brian for a procedure.)

From the Guideposts Daily Planner

My heart is filled with thanks, Lord,
For the harvest You bestow,
Not only for the grains and fruits
That You caused to grow,
But for the harvest of the soul.
The good things that I feel,
the closeness of my family,
the friendships that are real...
And thank you, Lord for planting
those seeds within me, too,
A thirst for knowledge,
cherished dreams.
A faith that's deep and true.
     -Alice Joyce Davidson

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! There are a lot more clouds today than yesterday, so right now although the sun is shining, it is dimmed in some places by a nice, white clouds. But the temp is still cool and nice!

I had a nice shopping day at Walgreen's yesterday. I don't usually go there because CVS is closer and more convenient, but I must say, the service at Walgreen's is outstanding, almost like Publix. Plus, it was Senior Day, which I did not know, so I got 20% off all my purchases. That is always good news.

After leaving Walgreen's, I went on to the park, and was so amazed at the many varieties of water fowl in the canal! Wood storks, ibis, a very large great blue heron, and roseate spoonbills, all very intent on gathering whatever food was available in the mud and shallow water. It was such a pretty picture...an artist would have loved it! I saw a person with a very large telephoto lens on his camera taking shots of all the wildlife. On the way out of the park, I stopped to watch a very large gator on the bank by the weir. He was just resting, beside turtles and one anhinga. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Matthew 5:1-12

One day as the crowds were gathering, Jesus went up the
mountainside with his disciples and sat down to teach them.

The Beatitudes

This is what he taught them:

"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 of heaven is theirs.

God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about
because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a
great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets
 were persecuted, too.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Time for Everything

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 in the string of perfect weather days...lots of sunshine, cool in the morning and warming up in the afternoon. Just beautiful!

I had a cute visitor all day yesterday. Peter Cottontail was huddled up in the mulch just behind the azaleas in front of the house, and every time I opened the door to peek at him, he was just looking at me with his big, brown eye. Since he was facing the house, I could only see one eye. He uncurled himself and was sort of stretched out from the furry ball in the morning, but never moved from the spot. This morning he is gone, but the mulch is all flattened down where he was curled up. I miss him.

After I left the Pierce Clinic yesterday afternoon, I drove out to Walmart to gas the van up, and was pleasantly surprised to see gas is still going down. On the way, I stopped at the Park, and saw turtles sunning on the banks of the weir, lots of people, and since the canal is down to a trickle, more egrets and roseate spoonbills pecking in the mud. It was a beautiful day for bird watching and people watching. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

 Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.

And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it
or taken from it. God's purpose in this is that people should fear him.
Whatever exists today and whatever will exist in the future has already existed
in the past. For God calls each event back in its turn.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Faith and endurance

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 know most people love this cool weather, but I do not like to wear a vest or something to keep me warm in the house without heating indoors too much. I have to admit that the blue skies and sunshine are truly beautiful, but I am waiting for the weather to warm up some, which should be in a couple days.

Well, all the clocks and watches were reset over the weekend, and I made it to church at 9:30 for the exciting sermon by our lead pastor candidate. I must say, I thought it was a dynamic sermon and I was looking forward with anticipation to hearing the vote last night in favor of calling him to FCC. Of course, the fact that I have known him since he was 14 did not have much to do with my vote. So, I see an exciting future in store for my church!

Not so exciting news...I received my tax bill Friday. Oh, well," render unto Caesar what is Caesar's"...or words to that effect.

I still have not heard back from Dr. Nelson's office about the plastic surgeon for my nose. There was one listed in my provider directory who seemed highly rated, so I will see what he thinks. The ones I would like to contact do not accept my insurance, so I have to go with the one that will. I just have to wait to hear what the verdict will be. But God is in control and I know it will turn out all right.

I visited the Park yesterday and Saturday and both times there were many visitors. The large gopher tortoise was ambling about and another one was trying to get into his tunnel.  A very wet anhinga was drying out on the weir and a large flock of ibis was walking around on the canal bottom, since the water is almost gone. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

James 1:2-8,13

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. So let it grow, for when
your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character
and ready for anything.
 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....

God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward,
they will receive the Crown of life that God has promised to those
who love him.

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 still have lots of sunshine, but the wind is picking up as the cold front approaches for tomorrow. It is supposed to get down to 49 for Sunday morning, but will warm up rapidly for the middle of next week.

I shopped at Big Lots for the first time in about two years and was pleasantly surprised to find that the store is completely remodeled inside. What I hated about the store was the disorganization, hard to get around with a shopping cart and general messiness. But, the place was organized, with lots of aisles neatly stacked with merchandise and a large grocery area which I did not get into. However, they had a large Christmas section, which I browsed through and was impressed by. I found what I was looking for, plus a couple other things. I did not go into the furniture part, but probably will in the future just to look around. All in all, it was kinda interesting.

I went to Audibel and since they now have two audiologists there was no waiting, so Keith took me right away and commended me on taking care of my aids. He said some people only come in when they have a serious problem. He likened it to a car which needs to be serviced regularly, so problems do not develop. He has a wonderful manner with people and I like him very much.

After that, I cruised through the Park and saw picnickers, dog walkers and a flock of ibis moving as one over the hills. It was nice and peaceful. God is good!

Romans 8:25-30
 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. For God knew his people in advance
and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son
would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters.
And having chosen them, he called them to come to him.
And he gave them right standing with himself, and he promised
them his glory.

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

Love and hugs.
 Amaryllis

Wisdom from Matthew

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, we are in transition today. There is a front coming through and so the sky is partly overcast and we may get a shower or two today. Then it will turn colder over the weekend. It will be a nice change, but it won't last long.

Well, I got some disturbing news yesterday. My dermatologist called to say the biopsy on my nose showed that I have basal cell carcinoma on my nose which will have to be excised by a plastic surgeon. I don't have the name of a surgeon yet, and don't know any details as to how much will have to be removed, but I do know that I am not looking forward to it, since the doctor said I will have to have stitches. That sounds major to me! I would appreciate prayers starting now for all the details to be finalized according to God's will..that is, surgeon, healing and not too much off the nose, etc.!

My cleaning ladies came yesterday and  they are always cheerful to be around, so I appreciated them and their work. After they left I went to the park , which was very quiet, with only ibis and dogs moving around. The dogs, of course, were with their humans. Then I drove on to Audibel to get one of my hearing aids fixed, So, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Matthew 6:5-13

Teaching about Prayer and Fasting

And now about prayer. When you pray, don't be like
the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street
corners and in the synagogues where everyone can
see them. I assure you. that is all the reward they will
ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut
the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly.
Then your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you.

When you pray, don't babble on and on as people  of other
religions do. They think their prayers are answered only
by repeating their words again and again. Don't be like them
because your Father knows exactly what you need even
before you ask him. Pray like this:

 Our Father is heaven,
may your name be honored.
May your Kingdom come soon.'May your will be done here on earth,
just as in heaven.
Give us our food for today,
and forgive us our sins
just as we forgive those who have sinned against us.
And don't let us yield to temptation
but deliver us from the evil one.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalms

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 keep hearing that more clouds and humidity are on the way, but today is another bright, sunshiny, cool one, so maybe tomorrow the change will come. I have mixed emotions about that. I really like the weather we have now, but know that is not possible to have it all year long. Sigh.

Last night I stepped outside and saw the ISS fly over for six whole minutes. It was so bright and looked bigger than the last time I watched it, Also, it seemed to flutter a bit when I first saw it, but maybe that was due to my eyes! And the crescent moon was making a beautiful display with Mars beneath it! "The heavens declare the glory of God!"

After some shopping yesterday, I went on to the park and saw several birds, including an ibis, anhinga, and egret, all moseying about the water and doing their thing. A few people were walking about enjoying the beautiful day. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 147:7-11

Sing out your thanks to the Lord;
sing praises to our God, accompanied by harps.
He covers the heavens with clouds,
provides rain for the earth,
and makes the green grass grow in mountain pastures.
He feeds the wild animals,
and the young ravens cry to him for food.

The strength of a horse does not impress him.
How puny in his sight is the strength of a man.
Rather,m the Lord's delight is in those who honor him,
those who put their hope in his unfailing love.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Cruisin' thru Chronicles

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 in the string of cooler, clear sky days that are so beautiful! Here it is almost the end of October and the only rain predicted is on Halloween. Maybe. Which does not bother me, since the ground is still very wet and water is still in the gutters.

Hooray for me! I purposed to go through my purses piled up in the closet yesterday, (something I had been putting off) and filled a garbage bag with them. I carefully went through each one, and found my long lost valet key in one of them. I could not imagine what had happened to it, but it had been missing for over a year or more. So, yay!

I returned some books to the library yesterday, and checked out more. But I noticed that two favorite authors of mine, only had a couple books on the shelf, which I had already read. I think it must have been due to the Festival of Reading presented by the Times on Saturday. Those particular authors were present for the book signing. But I can always wait until the books get back on the shelves.

After I left the library, I drove to the park and saw quite a few people for early afternoon. I also noticed a very large egret near the weir and one down in the canal near the first bridge. He was very near an ibis which was walking on the muddy bank. Also, the large brown gopher and the baby gopher were munching their ways around the areas where the tunnel is. Also in the area of people watching, I saw a young woman (girl) get out of a car with her boyfriend (?) and she had spike heels with sparkles with straps wrapped around her ankles and was wearing shorts. For walking in the park? To each his own! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Chronicles 16:31-36

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice!
Tell all the nations that the Lord is king.
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
Let the fields and their crops burst forth with joy!
Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the Lord!
For he is coming to judge the earth.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
 Cry out, "Save us. O God of our salvation!
Gather and rescue us from among the nations.
so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you."

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel.
from everlasting to everlasting!

And all the people shouted "Amen!" and
praised the Lord.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

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! I almost missed the yard men because once again, they just blew and went. The grass has definitely slowed down its growing, because of our cooler air and no rain. It is another beautiful morning with clear skies and lots of sunshine!

Well, Friday, I finally did it! I shopped at the new 4th St. Station Publix, where shopping is a pleasure.That store is huge! I remember the first time I walked into the new Albertson's that was there and I got so tired just walking the whole store. Well, this time I did not get tired, but I sure got a nice, long walk in! I discovered they had one item that the Gateway store no longer carries, but did not have an item that I always buy at the Gateway store. So, I still will go to my usual Gateway store. It is small but convenient. Another plus for the new store..a cashier opened up her aisle just for me and asked a stock man to bag for me. He also took my groceries out to the van and unloaded them. Wish I could have brought him home to unload at home!

After church yesterday, I drove on to the Park, and saw two large great blue herons in separate places; one at the weir, and one standing in the canal..both looking for a tasty fish for lunch. Then, I spotted a shiny, slick black turtle out of his element, at the base of a tree. I don't know how mixed up he got when he should have been in the water, but he had a ways to go before he got wet again! I saw another smaller turtle sunning on the bank of the weirl. God is good!

I have sent this prayer before, but thought it would be good to send again:

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
wilt 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

Zipping thru Zephaniah

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 sunny, coolish morning, but heating up before long. I really like this time of year, when it is not too hot and there is less humidity.

Yesterday, after I had been shopping at Disston Plaza, I drove on out to the Touchfree Car Wash and got the van washed nice and clean. The air was dry enough that by the time I got home, there were only a few drops on the car. Now, if only the carpet inside was vacuumed...All the pay cleaners are out in the sun, and since I avoid the sun because of my nose, it is not practical for me to do it. I usually just sweep it out, but it is not something I obsess about! I noticed on the way that a couple gas stations were down to 2.87! Yay!!

I noticed at the park that the water has gone down quite a lot in just a couple days, but the ibis still like to peck around on the muddy banks. A few more people were enjoying the park, which was good on a perfect weather day! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God has arrived
to live among you. He is a mighty Savior:
He will rejoice over you with great gladness.

With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will exult over you by singing a happy song.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Paul's Thanksgiving and 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! Sunshine, cool breezes and the day is off to a good start. I overslept because of a restless night due to a backache. I could not get comfortable, so I was awake a lot, but the discomfort has eased now that I am up, so I will be all right the rest of the day!

I had to make an emergency run to CVS yesterday afternoon to get some batteries for my little caller ID box. The red light was going berserk, it was blinking so fast. So I got the batteries, inserted them and it works! Now, I have to put a 9 volt battery in my bedside phone/radio. It has a back-up battery that has not been changed for years and finally died. Seems like all this happens at once!

While I was out, I rode over to the park and saw a man walking his dog. He has been doing this for years, and finally, we started to wave. I have no idea who he is, but he lives near the entrance and always had his pipe in his mouth. So, once again, I got a wave from him. I saw a couple of ibis making their way down into the canal, but not many people were around. Then on my way back, I saw a flock of ibis at Lynch Lake, an osprey on the wire, and a couple of wood storks. Seems like there is more activity at the lake than at the park. But  God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Philippians 1:3-13

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.
I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a
heart full of joy because you have been my partners
in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time
you first heard it until now. And I am sure that God who
began the good work within you, will continue his work
until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus
comes back again.

It is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you
have a very special place in my heart. We have shared to-
gether the blessings of God, both when I was in prison and
when I was out, defending the truth and telling others the
Good News. God knows how much I love you and long for
you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. I pray that
your love for each other will overflow more and more, and
that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and under-
standing. For I want you to understand what really matters,
that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns.
May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation--those
good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ--for
this will bring much glory and praise to God.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Psoarig thru Psalms

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 sunshine is back with just a few puffy clouds and cool air. I can tell it is cooler, because the van is not as hot when I park in the sun when I am out shopping.

Yesterday, I parked facing what would have been the sun, if the sky had not been overcast. I put up the sunshield, in case the sun decided to peek out, but when I came out of the podiatist's office The car was not unbearably hot. Speaking of the doc's office, I was people watching while in there. I was greeted by a former church member who I had not seen for a long time. I remembered his first name, but it took me awhile to think of his last name. which I did later on. Then, a lady was driven in by a medical transport car, and she was using a walker, so sat down immediately upon entering. Another patient then got up and gave her the sign in sheet and waited for her to sign in, and then returned it to the desk. Kindness in action! People are good.

I saw a lot of feathered friends around Lynch Lake yesterday. A flock of ibis, with two wood storks in their midst, and some muscovey ducks also in the crowd. That was a lot more than what was not visible at the park. All I saw there were a couple of moor hens walking on the bank of the weir. I also saw a beautiful, bright, cardinal on the fence next door! It brightened my day! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 20:4-7

May he grant your heart's desire
and fulfill all your plans.
May we shout for joy when we hear of
your victory, flying banners  to honor our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.

Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed king.
He will answer him from his holy heaven
and rescue him by his great power.
Some nations boast of their armies and weapons
but we boast in the Lord our God.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Marching thru Matthew

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! Gone is our blue sky and sunshine, and instead, the sky is overcast and although it is still coolish, it will be warming up again this afternoon. But it was very nice having the low humidity for a few days!

There must not have been any school yesterday, because when I started out on some errands, I did not go through any school zones and at the time of day when I was on the road, there should have been several for me to go through. I am not complaining! So, after I finished, I drove through the Park, and saw more people than usual out and about. the canal is still very high from all the rain. I saw an immature egret on the weir, and had to caution a squirrel that darted across in front of me and then hesitated. But he escaped, by the hair on his tail!

After that visit, I waited in the drive-thru line for a delicious half price milkshake at Steak and Shake. Instead of my usual strawberry, I ordered caramel apple. There was caramel in it, but I could detect no sign of apple. Guess I'll stick with strawberry! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

 Matthew 6:24-34
No one can serve two masters. For you will
hate one and love the other, or be devoted to
one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether
your have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life
consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds.
They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns
because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far
more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries
 add a single moment to your life? Of course not!

And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how
they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in
all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if
God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today or
gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!

So don't worry about having enough food or drink or
clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply
concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father
already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you
need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom
of God your primary concern.

So don't worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will bring its own
worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalms

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 had such beautiful weather the past few days...seems like October is the month where windows are open some days, because the humidity drops, but then in the late afternoon, the  A/C kicks in because of the heat. But I'll take it!

I can tell it is fall, because the leaves are starting to fall, along with the acorns, and the squirrels are building nests. One of the nests is right over the end of the driveway, and I think that there are more twigs on the ground, than in the nest! I suppose the little critters will be hoarding acorns, too.

Well, good news at church yesterday! We have a candidate coming for the senior pastor position. It has been nine months since Pastor Rick left, but the search committee has been diligent. We will have to decide if this is the person that God has in mind for us. We need great wisdom!

I drove through the park, Saturday and Sunday, and saw a very large gator sunning on the bank near the weir, and yesterday saw an anhinga airing out his wings on the weir.
Down further, by the parking lot, the large tortoise was just climbing into his tunnel. An ibis was pecking around on the berm and picnic areas, and everything was very peaceful. 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 dawn.

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 evil 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

Jesus, the True Vine

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 temp. dropped a little last night and got down to the high sixties, so I was happy that I put the blanket back on the bed. I know that is not cool to most people, but my old bones appreciate warmth. There is lots of sunshine now, and it is already turning into a gorgeous day!

I drove over to the Park Place shopping mall yesterday and shopped at the Family Christian bookstore. They have rearranged the merchandise and now have lots of Christmas things out already. I found a 2 year date book which I was looking for, and then spent some time looking at books and gifts. It is a good store and all of their profits go to missions.

I stopped in at the park and saw the brown gopher tortoise, eating some grass near the parking spaces and the small tortoise some distance away. The water is still very high from the rain Wednesday. I saw an immature limpkin standing on the weir, where the waters have overflowed and left a lot of trash on the posts alongside. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

John 15:5-13
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.
Those who remain in me, and I in them, will
produce much fruit. For apart from me you can
do nothing. Anyone who parts from me is thrown
away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches
are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you stay joined
to me  and my words remain in you, you may ask any
request you like, and it will be granted! My true disciples
produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father.

I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.
When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey
my Father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that
you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I
command you to love each other in the same way that
I love you. And here is how to measure it ---the greatest
love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Call to persevere

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord had made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! After the clouds yesterday, we are back to breezy, sunshiny, weather and a gorgeous morning! It will still get up to about 80 this afternoon, but with the lower humidity, is quite pleasant.

I puttered around yesterday morning, and did laundry, then Cheryl came and cleaned the house by herself and got very warm with all her work. She was also called to work a few hours at Office Depot, where she has a part time job. She was very busy yesterday!

I got to the park and saw the canal was very high from all the rain, but I did not see any animals except the ever present squirrels. However, when I went around Lynch Lake, I saw a flock of woodstorks or immature ibis. I really could not tell what they were, except that they were unusual. I saw that small gator again, also, the other day.

I drove on down to CFA and bought a salad for my supper and collected my free coffee to go with it! I am not a coffee drinker, but the iced drink with milk was good! And God is good with or without milk!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Hebrews 10:21-25, 35-36
And since we have a great High Priest who rules over
God's people, let us go right into the presence of God,
with true hearts fully trusting him. For our evil consciences
have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean,
and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say
we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Think
of ways to encourage one another with outbursts of love
and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together
as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially
now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.

Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter
what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient
endurance is what you need now, so you will receive all that
he has promised.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis