Thursday, July 31, 2014

A Prayer of Praise

Good late 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 saw a beautiful sunrise this morning, and then got right into chores, delayed by finishing a book I was reading last night. But, I needed to strip the bed and get laundry done, so I did that,and then had breakfast.

It looks like a beautiful day in store for us, but I have indoor chores to do on this last day of July!

My cleaning crew came yesterday around 12:30. I was watching the Rays, and they were also interested, so, as they worked, they kept informed as the Rays lost. Bummer. Cheryl and Kim are so interesting...they have been together in business over 17 years, and are closer than sisters. Cheryl is single and has brothers she is close with, and Kim has a married daughter and grands and sisters she is close to, but they always do things as a family, so the two friends and business partners are always mixing together and acting as one big family! Cheryl is a caring person and always looking out for me, since she lives right across the street, as does Kim. I am blessed to have them in my life!

I drove to the park later on in the afternoon and saw a surprising number of people there, plus dog walkers. I had to hurry some ibis across the road, but they were very calm and took their time. I saw a couple of egrets in the canal, and roosting in the trees. Quite a contrast with the greenery as a background. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Jude 24

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


I always remember you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

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 prediction is that the weather will reach 90 today, but the humidity is lower, so it won't be so smothering. Right now, the sun is shining, and it is already up in the eighties!

I made a trip to the library yesterday, and was interested to see a young man sitting on a bench outside under a tree, eating his lunch. He was attracting a mama duck with over a dozen fuzzy babies, all crowding around his feet and a couple squirrels were joining the crowd. Meanwhile, the luncher just kept on eating and reading, not paying any attention to the begging audience. I didn't think to snap his picture....

It was sprinkling while I drove into the library, and when I came out. But I drove on to the Park, and saw a lady with her walker, just starting her trip all the way down to the building, (I have seen her before). Then when I came out, she had turned around and was heading back, because she did not anticipate the sprinkles. She has great fortitude and persistance!

The ibis flock and the few people who were out did not seem to mind the refreshing rain, though. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

James 3:13-18

If you are wise and understand God's ways,
live a life of steady goodness so that only
good deeds will pour forth. and if you don't brag
 about the good you do, then you will be truly wise!
But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish
ambition in your hearts, don't brag about being
wise. That is the worst kind of lie. For jealousy and
selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are
earthly, unspiritual, and motivated by the Devil.
For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there
you will find disorder and every kind of evil.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first
of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and \
willing to yield to others.. It is full of mercy and good
deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere. And
those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace
and reap a harvest of goodness.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

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 had some rain last night. I could tell because the porch was wet this morning. Right now it is overcast, but I didn't think there would be any rain according to the forecast, but maybe this is our "cold front" that was predicted yesterday, Smile.

Yesterday, after I washed a load of towels, I purposed to go to Publix and get some much needed groceries. I only shop about every two weeks, so I am usually out of stuff by then. My list was not so long, but I still had a lot of bags by the time I was through. I usually take my cloth bags and insulated bag in because it saves having all those plastic ones. Anyway, it was a good time to go, because there were not many people shopping, but my goodness, when I got out of the van, it was HOT! The sun was beating down, and by the time I got home and got the groceries unloaded, I was perspiring a little!

Before I went for groceries, I had driven to Walmart for gas and was happy and surprised to see the price was 3.19 per gal. With my card, it was 3.14. Daryl says it is 3.09 in Cleveland, TN, but we never get down that low.

I have seen some unusual butterflies flitting by my window this week. Yesterday, a small black and white striped one fluttered by , but I don't know the name. And there is a gorgeous purple blossoming tree a couple houses north of me, but I don't know the name of it, either. But, God is good to put all that beauty out and my eyes for me to see!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 15:7-9 15:13

So accept each other just as Christ has accepted
you; then God will be glorified. Remember that
Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that
God is true to the promises he made to their
ancestors. And he came so the Gentiles might also give
glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what
the psalmist meant when he wrote.

"I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing praises to your name."

So I pray that God, who gives you hope,
will keep you happy and full of peace
as you believe in him. May you overflow
with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, July 28, 2014

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!  Heat, humidity, but no rain was the story yesterday, and might be the same today. It's hard to believe this is almost the end of July, which means only three months until cool weather! Yay!

I stayed home from church yesterday, because I had not slept for more than an hour for two nights, and was very tired. The reason I was awake so much, was my right foot. Occasionally, I get painful twinges every few seconds in one foot or the other, and it is impossible to sleep with that going on. So I got up and read until 4 AM one morning, and fiddled around on the computer the next night, after massaging my foot for several minutes, which did not seem to do any good. I have talked to a couple doctors about it, but they don't seem to have an explanation. Sigh. But at last, I got a good night's sleep last night and the foot is okay!

The only time I went out was to the Park for a few minutes, but saw a roseate spoonbill, and flock of ibis, pecking around the first entrance bridge. So God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 8:35-39

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 are 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

Friday, July 25, 2014

Glory

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! Rain has finally started dripping off the roof, and thunder is still rumbling in the distance, so no sunshine right now, but there was earlier and will be again, I'm sure. Then it will be so humid it will be like a sauna!

Yesterday was a big day for my sister, Marilyn. We celebrated her 90th birthday by having lunch at Cracker Barrel with nieces and our sister-in-law. It was a fun, catching up time, with family news passed around. We all live in Pinellas County, but, unfortunately, seldom get together like we should. Phones, emails and Facebook have taken us all over, but personal contact is, and always will be, the best!

The rain started really coming down just about fifteen minutes before I left for the lunch, but by the time I arrived, it was just sprinkling a little bit, so I did not even need an umbrella. The restaurant was not crowded, so we were able to hear each other talk; and there was a lot of it!

After I left, I stopped at Audibel and bought some more batteries, then visited the park, to find all was quiet, with no animals and not many people present. But I always appreciate that this place of peace is so close to home. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

2 Corinthians 3:16-18

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord
then the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is
the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord
is, he gives freedom. And all of us have had
that veil removed so that we can be mirrors
that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord.
And as the Spirit of the Lord works within
us, we become more and more like him and
reflect his glory  even more.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, July 24, 2014

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! Another in the string of ditto days. Sunshine, puffy white clouds and maybe a chance of rain later on. Hot and humid, but nice.

When I stuck my head out the front door this morning, I saw mama duck and all seven, (I think) of her babies busy around the front yard. She was next door, snuggling in the tall grass that the neighbor doesn't cut very often, when I came home yesterday afternoon. Those little fuzz balls have an amazing amount of energy to follow her for what seems like miles all day long. I know they settle down for a few minutes at different times, but for the most part, they are on the move!

Today is my sister's 90th birthday, and her daughter is picking me up, so we can celebrate at Cracker Barrel, which is where she wants to go. That is quite a milestone these days when it seems we are all living longer. We are blessed with fairly good health for our ages! Praise God! I filled out a questionaire at the doctor's office the other day, to see if I suffered from depression. I had a zero all the way down, because I am never depressed. As long as I let God take control, I am joyful! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 32:8-11

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

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


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

A Prayer of Praise

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! More sunshine and white clouds this morning which looks just like yesterday,

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and drove in the very hot sun, thankful for my A/C in the van. I only had a short wait, but when the doc came in, he was in a talkative mood and spent the next thirty minutes talking about his wife's parents and what they went through before they passed away and how bad he felt about the situation. He likes to talk with me, and always thanks me for the chat when he finishes. He also covered all my results from lab work and a couple minor issues I had been having. He seems to be amazed at the state of my health considering my age, but I am thankful for still being able to get around! I told him only God knew when it would be time to go!

It was starting to sprinkle when I left the office, and so I got into some heavier rain before I got home. But I made a trip to the park and felt the quietness that comes with a shower. A few ibis were snacking in the canal, which is really overgrown, and the tortoise was being photographed by a professional. I had to chuckle, because the gopher tortoise had his head raised and was posing! God is good

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Jude 24, 25

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


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

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 had quite a shower yesterday after lunch, which lasted for about thirty minutes, and I guess the same thing will happen today. But right now the sun is shining and the humidity is rising!

After the rain, I went shopping for a bit, and then took a trip to the park. More people were there, but with puddles all around, it was a bit too humid for my taste. The rain cools while it is coming down, but when the sun comes out, it steams!

I am fascinated by the yellow and black butterflies that keep flying by my window. They must be visiting the beauty berry bush in the back yard. I don't know any but the swallowtail, but they are so beautiful! And yesterday, I saw the black snake that hangs around, slithering toward the neighbor's yard. Even though the yard men had already been working, it didn't bother him! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 46:1-3

God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waves
surge....

The Lord Almighty is here among us,
the God of Israel is our fortress.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, July 21, 2014

The Final Judgment

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will be glad and rejoice in it! We had a nice, hot dry weekend and today looks like the same. Even though showers are predicted for each day, they are usually scattered, which means parts of the area are never wet.

There was a large number of people at church yesterday, and among them, was Pastor Jeff Burton! I was so glad to see him and honored that he chose to sit beside me. We had the opportunity to chat a little bit and catch up, marveling at the number of young people who have grown up and become parents, while the parents have become grandparents! I remarked about this and he said, he used to be the Youth Pastor for some! That made us both feel old!

Saturday, Brian came over and cleared up my checkbook and visited for awhile and then we had lunch at Earl of Sandwich. First time for me, and the food is pretty good. It was really crowded, but we managed to find a table and enjoyed our time people watching!

After church I stopped for my dinner at Boston Market and then visited the Park, which was fairly crowded. I saw a very large wood stork in the middle of the water in the canal. I think it is the first time I have seen one there. Also, a large flock of ibis, and an anhinga. People strolling and dog walkers with their pooches; all enjoying the beauty and peacefulness of God's beauty. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Matthew 25:31-40

But when the Son of Man comes in his glory,
and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon
his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered
in his presence, and he will separate them as a shepherd
separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the
sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.. Then
the King will say to those on the right, "Come, you who
are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared
for you from the foundation of the world. For I was
hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me
a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your
home. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and
you visited me."


Then these righteous ones will reply, "Lord, when did we ever
see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something
to drink? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we
ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?" And the King
will tell them, "I assure you, when you did it to one of the
least of these my brothers and sisters," you were doing it to me!"


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, July 18, 2014

A Prayer of Praise

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We are starting the day with sunshine and probably no rain. Last evening I saw on TV that so far this July we have had over 12 inches of rain, which has set a record. If we have no more for the rest of the month, we will still be at the norm for July!

I think the bunny likes the wet grass, because I saw him once again in the side yard munching on the wet grass or weeds. and the mockingbirds are loving the berries on the podacarpus hedge. Either the same ones are flying in and grabbing a berry or several different ones are plucking them off. They must have a nest nearby and open beaks to stuff full.

Well, my neighbors took off for a vacation in north Ga. this morning. They are my cleaning ladies, so they bumped me up, with my permission, to clean on Tues. instead of Wed. this week. They will be gone a week, and I am sure they need the rest...One husband, two sisters, and Cheryl and lots of luggage were waiting for the Super Shuttle around 7 AM. I hope they have a good time!  Cheryl had called last night to ask me to keep an eye on things for them, which I will try to do.

I enjoyed a quiet day yesterday thinking about a great-niece undergoing basic training at Lackland AFB and a great- nephew facing rehab in the northeast. They are about the same age, and the choices they make affect the rest of their lives. I pray for both that they will become very wise and for their salvation, because God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Jude 24-25
And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you
from stumbling, and who will bring you into his
glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy.
All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and
authority belong to him, in the beginning, now and
forevermore. Amen.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Teaching about 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! Water is still dripping off the roof, but the sun is shining, and big, puffy white clouds are slowly moving across the sky. We had nearly an all day rain yesterday, with breaks here and there.

During one of the breaks, I went shopping again, for milk, etc. some things I was low on.
I had washed sheets early and got them taken care of, and just enjoyed the lazy reading day. While I was in the garage, I glanced out the window, and saw the brown bunny hopping across the yard, heading for the next door backyard. Cute! I had several phone calls and a visit from a man wanting to schedule an energy audit, which I do not need. He was so warm, he had sweat pouring down his face, and stood right under the porch gutter, so he got dripped on. Well, at least, he got cooled down.

I drove over to the wet, park after I finished shopping, even though it was late. But I saw a beautiful great blue heron in the canal. I haven't seen one of those in a long time! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Matthew 6:7-13

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 in heaven,
may your name be honored.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done here on earth,
just as it is in heaven.
Give us our food for today,
And forgive us our sins,
just as we have forgiven 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

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

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 went to sleep last night with the sound of thunder in my ears and this morning already, I hear more thunder. But the sun is shining, also, so this is typical Florida summer weather!

I went shopping yesterday afternoon, after putting it off as long as I could, but I have been gradually cleaning out a closet and needed to replace some T-shirts. I took a 10 dollar off coupon from the paper, got senior 15% off, so I found what I wanted, and saved a bundle! Oh, and everything was on sale, so I actually did not pay full price for anything! My kind of shopping!

After I finished shopping, I drove to Chick-f.a. and bought a salad to have for supper, since it was almost 4:30. I also visited the park on the way, and saw an anhinga with tail drooping on the weir. An egret was flying down the canal, and I saw the splash of another one catching a fish from the sparse water in the canal. 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 where to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I know 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

Monday, July 14, 2014

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 bright sun coming up in the east was reflecting on a towering white cloud in the west earlier and it was almost sunglasses brilliant even in the house! We had no rain yesterday, although I heard rumbles very close by.  I heard just a few sprinkles falling , but not much.

My yard crew has already come and gone. they don't waste any time with mowing, edging and blowing. It only takes them about fifteen minutes and then they are gone on down the street where they have at least three more yards to do.It is hot, sweaty, work this time of year, but must be what they want to do.

I had a nice quiet day yesterday, with a visit from Brian in the evening, and my usual phone call to Daryl, plus some texts about the ball game. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 14:17-19
For the Kingdom of God  is not a matter of what
we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness
and peace and by joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve
Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and
other people will approve of you, too. So, then,
let us aim for harmony in the church and try to
build each other up.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, July 11, 2014

Wisdom from Hebrews

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 have sunshine this morning, instead of dark clouds and rain! The porch is still wet from last night's downpour, but if the wind keeps blowing and the sun lasts for a while that will soon dry up. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

I mostly stayed home yesterday, doing a few chores around the house and working now and then on cleaning out one closet. I have a big bag ready to go to the Salvation Army. If I keep this up a little at a time, it might get done this year. :o)

If the sky is clear tomorrow evening, I might be able to see the Super Moon come up, but if it is cloudy, I am sure I will see photos on Facebook from someone or several someones posting. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is full of living power.
It is sharper than the sharpest knife,
cutting deep into our innermost thoughts
and desires. It exposes us for what we
really are. Nothing in all creation can hide
from him. Everything is naked and exposed
before his eyes. This is the God to whom we
must explain all that we have done.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Psoaring thru Psalm 20

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 watching the rain drip off the roof and another window shows the sun shining brightly on a pure, white cloud. But that's the way the weather is this time of year. It can be raining on one side of the street and be dry on the other side! My staghorn really like the extra water, though. It is huge and perky!

My cleaning ladies came yesterday while a big, black cloud was threatening, and before they got through, it was pouring! I offered them umbrellas, but they just dashed out into the rain to get into their SUV.  Looks like we will have this weather pattern for the next few days.

Well, I watched the Rays lose what looked like a sure win last night, even after a grand slam by Kevin Keirmaier!  Wonder what happens when Wil Myers comes back...

I drove over to the park yesterday after the girls left and saw three ducks sitting on the weir, and ibis pecking around later on. It was a humid, lazy afternoon and not many people were out and about. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 20:1-9
In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.
May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from his sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May he remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings.

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 of the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse,
but we will rise up and stand firm.

Give victory to our king, O Lord!
Respond to our cry for help.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Psoaring thru Psalm 100

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! Thunder is rumbling all around and a few sprinkles are falling, but mostly the sky is blue, I think once the dark clouds blow away, it will be another hot and humid day!

Did you ever go to a meeting and no one else showed up? That happened to me this morning.  I arrived at church at the appointed time, and waited a few minutes, but the leader did not show and I left after trying to call her and not getting an answer. So, I came back home through the sprinkles. That's why this is so late. I checked with one of the other members and he did not even know there was supposed to be a meeting! Hmmm, "I believe we have a failure to communicate".

I am in the market for new glasses. My eyesight has not changed for five years, but I am tired of the frames I have, so I think a change is in order. I stopped in at the new Optical Outlet on 4th St. yesterday, but once again, big black clouds were threatening, so I did not take time to look over all the frames. Sigh. This is always a difficult decision for me.

Well, my crape myrtle is blooming up a storm and looks really healthy! And the yellow blossoming trees are really beautiful all over. Birds are still diving into the hedge to get the berries and squirrels are digging up acorns long buried. They sit on my porch wall and leave the hulls there. Tsk. Messy. But they are still cute. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 100
Shout with joy to the Lord, O earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his
pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Paul's Prayer

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners!  This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The sun was shining brightly when I rolled out of bed, but now we have clouds rolling in, Yesterday it sprinkled just about all morning, and maybe we will get more rain today.

I was so surprised to get in to see Dr. Pierce five minutes after I signed in, and was out thirty minutes later. The waiting room was almost full and lots of cars in the lot, even in the rain, but maybe most of the patients were with other doctors. I always get a hug and "God bless you", from the doc when I leave and that makes me feel special! :o)

Maybe some of you have noticed the trees with yellow flowers that are blooming all over the city. I don't know if they are called Golden Rain or not, but they are gorgeous! There are several in this neighborhood and one very large one on the way to the Park. Of course, they make a mess falling on everything just like the lovely jacarandas, but for a little beauty, that is a minor inconvenience.

I spied a brown bunny in the backyard a couple days ago and talked to him a little bit. I have seen three in the front yard, but this time he was alone. And last night, when I closed the window in the garage door, there was a tiny, anole. (I think) on the screen. They live out there and roam around at night.

Yesterday when I drove to the park, I saw a roseate spoonbill in the canal near the entrance, and lots of ibis pecking around near the entrance bridge, but not many people out. Maybe due to the wetness. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians 1:15-23

Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord
Jesus and your love for Christians everywhere, I have
never stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you
constantly, asking God , the glorious Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and under
standing , so that you might grow in your knowledge
of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light
so that you can understand the wonderful future he has
promised to those he called. I want you to realize what
a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.

I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness
 of his power for us who believe him. This is the same
mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him
in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.
Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader
or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And
God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he
gave him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the
church is his body ; it is filled  by Christ, who fills everything
everywhere with his presence.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, July 7, 2014

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 overcast and from the looks of radar a large rainstorm is lurking right off shore. But the last I heard, it seems to disappear as it reaches land.

But that does not stop the yard crew who are working right now. I had asked them to trim the azaleas, but will not be disappointed if they don't do it today, since I know they want to finish up their yards before the rain.

I hope everybody enjoyed the 4th of July holiday! I had a quiet one at home until evening when all the fireworks in the neighborhood started going off. The booms did not end until after midnight. And the next day, I saw the debris left for someone else to clean up , in some areas.  Tsk.

I did get over to the park, and saw the lighter brown gopher tortoise, several ibis and egrets poking around in the canal. Not too many people out, though, but probably the beaches were crowded! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Galatians 5:22-26
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce
this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Here there is no conflict with the law.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions
and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified
them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us
follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or
be jealous of one another.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Work

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 is starting out overcast, but that is good because that means the heat is not so intense. Looks like the Tropical Storm, Arthur, will not affect us much , since it is moving on up to the Outer Banks.

I have to do my grocery shopping today, so I need to get going, I wait until I am almost out of everything before I go, which means I always have a big load to unload and put away when I get home! Maybe I should just shop more frequently and buy smaller amounts. Sigh.

After my girls got through cleaning yesterday, I kept watching the Rays sweep the Yankees and then went out to buy my supper and take a trip through the Park. I saw the roseate spoonbill in the canal near the entrance and a couple of ibis. The park is open until 9 PM,, now, which means the workers get home late.

I have noticed lots of mockingbirds diving in and out of the hedge next door, which is full of berries right now. Totally inedible to us, but apparently the mockers think they are a delicacy, because that is what they are after! But, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Colossians 3:23-25

Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do as though
you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance
as your reward and the Master you are serving is Christ.
But if you do what is wrong you will be paid back for the
wrong you have done. For God has no favorites who can
get away with evil.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Call to Remain Faithful

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!  Looks like the storm lurking off the coast of Daytona Beach will not have any effect on them or us, as it seems to be moving up to the Outer Banks and on toward New England. I heard a lot of rumbles late yesterday afternoon, but we did not get any rain. Just a hot, humid day!

I ran a couple of errands later in the day, and got into a mini duel with a city bus, between 77th St. and 62nd Ave. The driver must have been in an agressive mood, because he obviously did not want me getting ahead of him. I was glad when I turned off and let him take out his frustrations on someone else!

When I drove into the park, I saw the brown gopher tortoise, but because of the heat and time of day, not much was going on. I saw no egrets or ibis, which is unusual, but lots of squirrels, as usual. I almost forgot to mention that my crape myrtle which was pruned so severely, is now blooming and looks very healthy! God is good!

Sometimes it takes pruning for good growth to result ...in plants and in life.

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Jude 1:20
But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives
on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray
as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. Live in such a way
that God's Love can bless you as you wait for the eternal
life that our Lord Jesus Christ is going to give you. Show
mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by
snatching  them from the flames of judgment. There are still
others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that
you are not contaminated by their sins.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Living the New 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! We had a good thunderstorm last night, with some much needed rain, but that makes the morning sun and heat very humid! Would you believe the official temp in Tampa yesterday was 96?? But my kitchen thermometer said the outdoor temp was 91 here. Of course, our cooling breezes from the Bay and the Gulf keep us cooler than the landlocked areas!

BTW, Happy July First to all! I guess bankers will have a long weekend!

I have already done laundry this morning, and need to make the bed, but I'll get 'er done, eventually. Yesterday, I replenished my reading material at the library, and were they busy! I should have known better than to go in on Monday. I see patrons having to pay for overdue books, which I have difficulty understanding, but then most people lead busier lives than I do, so it is probably easy to over look turning in books or tapes on time. I usually take mine to the book drop on Sunday, so I don't have to carry books back inside.

I drove in to the park on a hot afternoon and not much activity was going on. One runner was out in the heat and a couple was sitting in the shade. About the only activity I could see were the little squirrels racing around, chasing each other or digging for acorns! But God is good!

Colossians 3:12-17

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 other's 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.

Let the words of Christ in all their richness, live in your
hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel
each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say,
let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while
giving thanks through him to God the Father.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis