Tuesday, September 30, 2014

God's plans

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! Yes, we had rain again yesterday, and, so far, no rain this morning, However, I saw a radar picture showing a large rain band off the coast in the Gulf again, so we will probably have more rain this evening. We are ten inches above normal, already in Sept.!

I had a phone call from my nephew, Russ, in Albany, Ga. that his brother, one of my other nephews, Paul, was in the hospital scheduled for surgery this morning for a collapsed lung and multiple other health issues. Paul is in his fifties and unsaved as far as I know. I later heard from Russ that Paul came through the surgery well. Please pray for him not only for recovery, but for salvation. I would appreciate it.

I was able to do a little shopping, and visit the park before the threatening dark clouds released their loads yesterday. Not many people were in the park but several were walking their pooches; some with two or more doggies on their leashes. I guess it was the time of day for a walk.The large, brown tortoise was looking around for a munch, and a majestic white egret was poised at the edge of the full canal, looking for lunch. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Jeremiah 29:11-13

For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They
are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future
and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.
If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me."...


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, September 29, 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! We have already had a shower and now the sun is shining and I see blue sky, but more showers are expected during the day and probably thunderstorms in the afternoon. We had a really strong storm last night with lots of thunder and lightning.

Well, the yard crew is here mowing and edging the wet grass. Jim, the head guy, said he thought he would get a chance to let things dry out, but no such luck, since the sun started to shine. Seems to me they are already behind in their work, but maybe he has been able to keep up.

Brian took me to Carrabbas (?) for dinner Saturday, and it was sprinkling and looked very threatening as we went in, and, sure enough, it was pouring as we got our dinner. We could not see it, though, because Brian requested seats near the open kitchen. One of my favorite TV programs is" Chopped" on the Food Network, so as I ate a delicious meal, I was able to watch all the chefs as they were really busy preparing different dishes. We also watched Flare-ups of high flames once in a while.

After we shared a yummy dessert, we had to walk through a lot of people waiting to be seated, among them a group of young people dressed up for a special night out. I saw later that it was dance night for middle schoolers. Even though it was wet and rainy, it looked like they were out to have fun!

After church yesterday, I went to Boston Market and bought my lunch, then went to the park after eating. The large brown gopher tortoise was ambling about, and I saw a large white egret standing in the water looking hopeful. The canal is very high from all the rain, so the fish must be enjoying that! God is good!

From the Amplified Bible:

Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come before his presence with singing!
Know-perceive, recognize and understand with
approval--that the Lord is God! It is He Who has
made us , not we ourselves {and we are His}! We
are His people and the sheep of His pasture. [Eph. 2:10]
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and with a
thank offering, and into His courts with praise! Be
thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name!
For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting:
His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, September 26, 2014

More wisdom from John

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 this morning and although rain is predicted for sometime this weekend, it may miss this area again. I heard rumbles of thunder for a time last night, but no rain around here. It would be good if all the high schools were able to get through their games tonight with dry weather.

Well, the Rays were really bad again last night, but Derek Jeter gave the Yankees a walk off win for his big celebration night! I am hopeful the Rays will have a better season next year. Now the Gators have to win tomorrow!

As I was walking in the back yard yesterday, I noticed several birds enjoying the fruit from the Beauty Berry bush, which is really loaded!  If people still hung clothes on lines, they would have purple stains all over from the berries. Fortunately, that doesn't happen any more, but clothes really smelled good when I used to use my lines! Can't be duplicated with softening sheets...

The duck family is still hanging around the neighborhood. Funny thing, when I left the house yesterday, I waited for them to cross the street from their resting place under a tree next door, and then, saw many ducks as I drove around the lake and all were huddled down resting. There must be a siesta time for the feathered, waddling population! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

con't. from yesterday, John 15:9-16

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.
You are my friends if you obey me. I no longer call you servants,
because a master doesn't confide in his servants. Now you are
my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and
produce fruit that will last, so the the Father will give you
whatever you ask for , using my name to command you to love each other.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, September 25, 2014

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 have overcast skies and a bit cooler this morning, but there is bound to be some sun later on. Right now, there are different colored mushrooms and toadstools in the yard, and I see signs of earthworms in the dirt in the front yard. This is a result of all the rain we have had.

Yesterday, I pulled the Welcome mat back in front of the door, and there was a small frog hiding there! He must be the one who leaves his calling card under the light where he must enjoy a feast of bugs hanging around the outdoor light. I don't know where he went, but he was uncovered.

My cleaning ladies came an hour late yesterday, which is unusual. I had tried calling Cheryl's cell but she had left it at home, so I just had to wait until they came. But, Cheryl was bold enough to pick up the tiny lizard that had been residing in my shower for the past few days, and deposited him outside. . She is not afraid of the tiny ones, because they cannot bite.

After they left, I took off to attend to a few errands and went to the library, where I was checked out by the young librarian who put my books in my tote bag as she scanned them. I thanked her for that and told her she was very thoughtful.

Then I went on to the park and saw one roseate further down in the canal that leads from the weir, and another one near the entrance bridge. There were also a couple egrets nearby. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

John 15:5-11

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 over flow! ....


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Easin' thru Ephesians

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We had no rain yesterday and today is sunshiny and a slight breeze is blowing. Also, the temp has gone down some, so fall is really here! It's 75 right now, and while that is not as cool as a lot of northern areas, still it is better than the eighties where the mornings have been!

Since it did not rain, I ran some errands I needed to do, including the Post office. My mail does not come to my house until about 6 in the evening, so sometimes I forget to get it in until around 8. Maybe because the P.O. is in the red. Email is much quicker, but it is always nice to received a written note or letter.

I stopped in at the park and saw the light brown gopher tortoise at the entrance to his tunnel and in the canal there were about three roseate spoonbills. So pretty! They are spots of beauty in the green of the foliage and the dark water. BTW, the canal is still up from all the rain. It has not drained out yet! And we still have mama duck and her grown kids waddling around in the yards and gutter water on this street. I don't know at what point in their growth, they go their separate ways, but she is still watchful and they are as big as she is. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians3:14-21

Paul's Prayer For Spiritual Empowering

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

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


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Psoaring thru Psalm 139

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!  Well, there is no rain yet, but looks like later on it will be a repeat of yesterday. Actually, this pattern is supposed to hang on most of the week, then a "cold" front will come in. We have the first day of fall today, so the day and night will be the same length.

Although the temps have been down in the fifties in Tenn., my son, Daryl, says that only the maples have begun changing colors in the leaves. I remember going to North Carolina on one of our many trips while the boys were growing up, and always made a point to go to the Great Smokies National park to see all the different colors. Such beauty! Brings back fond memories!

I remember climbing up to the top of Mt. Mitchell many times, each time saying it would be the last, until finally it was. It was fun, even though I had to stop and rest along the way!

Since I did not have to go out yesterday, I stayed home and just let it rain, but I did find what a rainy day is good for...I did my ironing! Yay, me! 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 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

Monday, September 22, 2014

Paul's Final Thoughts

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The days are really getting shorter, because while it is darker in the evening at 7:30, it is also darker later in the morning, Maybe it was the cloudiness, but at 6:30 it was still pretty dark outside. That means fall is coming at last!

The yard crew was here early this morning, trying to make up, I am sure, for the days missed from all the rain.They were gone before 9. There are three of them working now, so they are not here more than five minutes!

There is still water in the gutters from all the rain, and yesterday I looked out the front window and saw the mama duck and her now grown duckling huddled in a clump in the water across the street. She stands guard, still, while they rest. She is really vigilant!

Something unusual happened in church to me yesterday. A lady who was in charge of four small girls sat in my row, and turned to me and said, "you used to work at Berean, didn't you." She did not ask, she just stated it, which was surprising, since I retired 30 years ago! She obviously recognized me, which must mean I have not changed that much over the years. Once you have white hair, it stays pretty much the same, unless it's colored, which I never have. You never know, who is going to recognize you. Beware how you act!

I drove down into the park after church, and saw a gracious white egret standing majestically by the water in front of the weir, and further on.another egret by the canal, which still has higher water from all the rain. Everything is very green, unlike the dryness at the first part of the summer. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians 4:4-14
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it
again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are
considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord
is coming soon.

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about
everything. Tell God what you need, and thank
him for all he has done. If you do this, you will
experience God's peace, which is far more won-
derful than the human mind can understand. His
peace will guard your hearts and minds as you
live in Christ Jesus.

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


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, September 19, 2014

Psoaring thru Psalm 103

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 it looks like rain and, in fact, the long line of showers is hovering just off shore in the gulf. I am hoping it will stay that way until I get to my doctor's appointment at 1 this afternoon. I, personally, think we have had enough rain for awhile!

I mostly procrastinated yesterday, putting off doing my ironing. I was successful in that, but it still has to be done. It only takes about fifteen minutes, but I need a prod to get going! Sigh. I would rather look out the window at my blooming Bird of Paradise, which has about six flowers on it. My mother gave me the plant many years ago and it just keeps growing...

I was looking through the Vermont Country Store catalog and, if I really wanted to just for the fun of it, could order lots of items that were common when I was a kid, many years ago. Most of them are not available in stores any more. It is really fun to remember when Coke came in a six inch bottle pulled from a cooler filled with ice water. It only cost a nickle and really tasted good with peanuts poured into it. Don't laugh until you have tried it!

I did get to the park yesterday and saw a woodstork resting on the weir, which showed signs of water overflowing it from all the rain. Also the canal was full once more, which meant the egrets would get their legs wet if they tried to stand in the middle. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 103:1-8
Praise the Lord, I tell myself;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, I tell myself;
but never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins, and heals all  my diseases.
He ransoms me from death and surrounds me with love
and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things,
My life is renewed like the eagle's!

The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all
who are treated unfairly.
He revealed his character to Moses
and his deeds to the people of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious;
he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love.


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

Love and hugs,
 amaryllis

Thursday, September 18, 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! I must say it is good to see the sun after the rainy, gloomy day yesterday! Six inches of rain!  That's just in St. Petersburg! Lots of places were flooded around the area, but fortunately, it runs off fast.

I did not go anywhere yesterday, because the rain did not stop until late afternoon, so I did not have a reason to leave the house.

Brian came over on his way home from work and dragged the full dumpster down to the curb. It was stuffed with trimmings from all the work that Rick had done on Monday, so it was really heavy. Brian also attempted a couple other things for me, but he was in his business clothes, so I will try to get someone else to take care of the tasks. I am blessed that he lives so close and is always willing to help me any way he can.

I looked out the front window this morning and saw that my friend and cleaning lady is home from her mini-vacation, and I suspect that she is the one who brought my dumpster back up from the curb. She is a treasure!
God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Matthew 5:3-12

God blesses those who realize their need for him,"
for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.
God blesses those who mourn,
got 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 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

Wednesday, September 17, 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! Rain, rain and more rain. I never expected this for today, but I woke up about 4 and heard the solid sound of a downpour, then caught a flash of lightning, so I rolled over for another couple hours of rest!

My paper was not in the chair today, no surprise, since it must have been pouring when the carrier came. So I waited until after my shower to go fetch it from the driveway. By the way, while I was in the shower, the power went off, so since there was a little daylight coming in the window, I just went on showering until I was finished. The lights came on a few minutes later.

I stripped the bed and got the sheets in the washing machine, and discovered while I was in the garage that I have a water leak down by the overhead door. I cannot figure out where the water is coming from, since it is on the floor against the wall for a short ways. All in all, it has been an interesting morning...Can't wait for the rest of the day!

Yesterday, I drove to the bank and to the Library. One of the newer librarians is young and very thoughtful. She takes the returned books out of my bag, and when I check out, she puts them in the bag for me. In contrast, the rumpled looking guy that works there, puts them to the opposite side when he checks them, instead of putting them on the other side where I could bag them as he checks. Then he has to wait while I put them in my tote.Sigh.But, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 27:1-6

The Lord is my light and my salvation--
so why should I be afraid?
The Lord protects me from danger--
so why should I tremble?

When evil people come to destroy me,
when my enemies and foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
Though a mighty army surrounds me,'
my heart will know no fear,
even if they attack me.
I remain confident.

The one thing I ask of the Lord--
the thing I seek most--
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life .
Delighting in the Lord's perfections and
meditating in his Temple.
For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
Then I will hold my head high
above my enemies who surround me.
At his tabernacle I will offer sacrifices
with shouts of joy,
singing and praising the Lord with music.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Psoaring thru Psalm 23

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 bright sunshiny day yesterday, and, which is unusual, a fairly cool breeze.  Today is already filled with clouds and rain is north of us, but we might get some drops later this afternoon. Unbelievable, but the weatherman said we are below what we usually get this time of year! Maybe we will make it up before the dry season...

Brian took me to dinner at Trip's Diner Sat. evening, then we took a drive down Central Ave. downtown. What a happening place! For three or four blocks, the street was lined with parked cars, people were walking along the sidewalks, tables were full at the restaurants serving outdoors, shoppers were in and out of the many shops along Beach Drive, and the weather was beautiful! It does my heart good to see all the activity there, because that was the place to be until Tyrone Mall was built, but now the Sundial is coming along and there is lots of entertainment to be found within walking distance if a parking place can be found!

Yesterday my handyman, Rick, came at 9:15 and did a lot of trimming, cleaned the A/C filter and blew off the porch. While he was working, the yard crew came, but decided to skip me and go on down the street to their other jobs. Looks like I will be skipped this week!

After Rick was finished, I made another appointment with him because he wants to clean out my gutters, and I have a doorbell that needs fixing. He is so busy, he is running about 5 days behind, because of all the rain we have had.

Then I went on to the grocery store and picked up some needed items and drove on to the park, I had to drive around an ibis standing in the middle of the street. Usually they move, but this one did not. I saw a couple egrets in the canal and quite a few people enjoying the beautiful day! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk
through the dark valley of death,
I will not be afraid
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You welcome me as a guest,
anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me  all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, September 12, 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! After sun and heat all day, true to the prediction, we had a beg thunderstorm last night about 7. Well, I should say someone nearby had a big storm, because while I heard the noise, we got very little rain. I know some fell, because the porch was a little wet in spots and I saw a drip fall from the roof. The same prediction holds true for today, so we will see!

I drove down 34th St. on my way to get a haircut yesterday and noticed gas prices have gone down again. Even since I filled my tank just a few days ago! After I finished with my hair, I stopped at Wendy's for a salad to take home, where laundry was waiting for me to put the load in the dryer. So I did another load..I don't usually do two in one day, but that's just the way it worked out.

I took a trip to the park and everything was peaceful. A great blue heron was standing in the canal, bending his long neck to peer at a fish or something in the water.  A flock of ibis was working its way over the berm, but few people were out and about.
God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 27:4-6

The one thing I ask of the Lord---
the thing I seek most---
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord's perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
For he will conceal me there when troubles come,
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
Then I will hold my head high ,
above my enemies who surround me.
At his Tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
singing and praising the Lord with music.


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Jude

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! After a sunshiny day yesterday, the clouds rolled in later in the evening and the thunder started. I did not think it rained but when I looked outside, after opening the door, I saw that the porch was wet, so we did receive just a little quiet rain. The same prediction is for today.

Well, I remember where I was on that fateful 9/11 day, when it all happened. I will never forget, as none of us should. My prayers and sympathy are with all those who lost loved ones that day...

I found out what happened at Sawgrass park the day I saw all the Sheriff's vans and forensic guy. A man killed himself on the second level of the tower. Such a tragic thing to happen. He must have thought there was no other way to escape his pain. I know no other details, but I pray for the ones left behind.
All I can say in spite of all this is that God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Jude 21-35

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 in his mercy is going to
give you. Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.
Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of
judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show
mercy, but be careful that you aren't contaminated by
their sins.

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

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Prowling thru Proverbs

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 this morning and probably rain this afternoon. That seems to be the pattern these days. But, the heat has not been unbearable lately. In fact, the temp. yesterday was 81 in the afternoon, because of a huge gray cloud over the area.

I ran some errands in the early afternoon..over to the library, and then on to Northeast Shopping Center. I could smell rain and was hoping I could get done in time to beat the shower home. When I headed home, I ran into some sprinkles and could see a wall of rain just beyond home, so I only had to run the windshield wipers for a little while. But it was good to get home and relax.

On my way, I passed by Lynch Lake and it was busy with all kinds of wildlife. A young gator was floating serenely near the shore and across from him was a flock of ibis, Off to the side was a roseate spoonbill and an anhinga was drying wings on a culvert. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Proverbs 3:21-29

My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight.
Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you
honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and
keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without
fear and enjoy pleasant dreams.
You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that
comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He
will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when
it is in your power to help them.
If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back
tomorrow and then I'll help you."...


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

True Wisdom comes from 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! Even though there were dark clouds most of the day, we had no rain yesterday. But this morning, I saw a large drip roll off the roof, so sometime during the night there must have been a sprinkle.  When I was in the Clinic's office, I thought it would rain before I came out, but nothing...

Well, I have to work on my biography again for a meeting at the end of this month. I keep putting it off because when I start writing, memories come to mind after I have already passed a certain time. I think I need a ghost writer  to jot thing down as I remember them. I have a lot of years and a lot of memories stored up!

My yard crew came yesterday, but the older one does not do a good job of blowing the front porch. After they left. I took a broom and swept off in front of the door, because twigs, and lots of frog and lizard poop were left all along the front window sill and welcome mat. Guess I will have to tell Jim that I would like to have a better job done.

I went to Walmart to get gas in the van, and was pleased to see that prices are still low. After I left, I visited the Park, saw lots of cars and a skinny anhinga with wings folded by the weir. It was a good day for the park, because the temp was cooler and it was overcast. 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,
and 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

Monday, September 8, 2014

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! Overcast with the promise of rain later on looks like the forecast for today! According to the radar picture I saw this morning, there is a lot of rain just off the coast, coming in from the Gulf. So, Maybe later on...

My yard crew is busy right now, cleaning up and mowing. The grass has been growing rapidly with all the rain, but it keeps them busy catching up when they can't work. My young neighbor finally mowed his yard Saturday, but it was really badly overgrown before, and afterwards, he did not clean up the large clumps he left all over, so it almost looked worse after he mowed, than before.

We had a good church service yesterday...once again I think the sermon was aimed at preparing us for change in the form of a new senior pastor. Hopefully, that will come soon! Also, the worship team lead us in singing "Oh Happy Day", which is a rousing worship song from VBS a couple years ago! One of my favorites.

After church, I went for my lunch at Boston Market and then drove on to Sawgrass Park. I still have not found out what went on there with all the Sheriff's vans and a forensic unit that I saw there Friday. I am very curious about that!

But I saw a great blue heron standing in the water in the canal which is much higher from all the rain and a squirrel in the middle of the street, which reminded me of the little brown bunny I saw in the middle of my front yard Saturday morning, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Hebrews 6:7-
When the ground soaks up the rain that falls on it
and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has the blessing
of God. But if a field bears thistles and thorns, it is useless. The
farmer will condemn that field and burn it.
Dear friends, even though we are talking like this, we
really don't believe that it applies to you. We are
confident that you are meant for better things,
 things that come with salvation. For God is
not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have
worked for him and how your have shown your love
for him by caring for other Christians, as you still
 do. Our great desire is that you will keep right on
loving others as long as life lasts. In order to make
  certain that  what you hope for will come true. Then
you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent.
Instead, you will follow the example of those who are
going to inherit God's promises because of their
faith and patience.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, September 5, 2014

2 Corinthians

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 clouds already this morning, which look like rain, although there is plenty of blue sky and the white puffy clouds, But that's okay because the dark clouds cool the air down somewhat.

Yesterday, I decided to go to Walmart market to pick up out some items I needed. When I started out the weather seemed fine, but when I checked out, dark stormy clouds had rolled in, and it had started sprinkling, so I hurried to get all my groceries in the van, noticed my cane was still in the cart, but got in the car just as it started to really come down. I was halfway home in the pouring rain, when I remembered I had forgotten to get the cane! Since I had perishables, I drove on home in the downpour,was glad to pull into the garage, and unloaded after I had called the store. The gal who answered said they had it up front, so I got back in the car and drove back in the downpour. I sat in the van for over thirty minutes waiting for the rain to stop, and when it slowed a bit, I scrambled out with my umbrella, took hold of a wet, drippy cart for balance and splashed my way to the overhang outside the store. I went in, got the cane, and sloshed back to the van getting wet while trying to get the umbrella folded, my cane in and me behind the wheel.
Believe me, I was glad to get home! I stripped off my damp clothes, put on dry ones, and after all the praying for God to keep me safe in the heavy traffic and rain, was grateful to sit down and relax for a bit! God is very good! All the time!  (Note to self: Remember the cane!)

From the Promise Bible NLT:

2 Corinthians 3:1-6
Are we beginning again to tell you how good we are?
Some people need to bring letters of recommendation
with them or ask you to write letters of recommendation
for them. But the only letter of recommendation we need
is you yourselves! Your lives are a letter written in our
hearts, and everyone can read it and recognize our good
work among you. Clearly, you are a letter from Christ
prepared by us. It is written not with pen and ink, but with
the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on stone, but
on human hearts.

We are confident of this, because of our great trust in God
through Christ. It is not that we think we can do anything
of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success
comes from God. He is the one who has enabled us to
represent the new covenant, not of written laws, but of the
Spirit. The old way ends in death; in the new way, the Holy Spirit gives life.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, September 4, 2014

"Thanks Be 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! Wow! What a storm we had last night! Lots of lightning, and thunder! I was watching the Rays game and heard the boom that turned out one bank of lights which caused a thirty minute delay in the game at the Trop. They would not have been able to play at all had they been playing in an open field. Right now the sun is shining and once more, the puffy clouds are visible all over. They may turn dark later on if more rain moves in...

I decided I wanted a Philly cheesesteak sandwich for my supper, so I drove to Subway to the drive-thru and ordered one with lots of veggies. I think they are so good when toasted! Yum! Traffic coming back was pretty crowded with the coming home crowd on the road, but I stuck to most of the off streets and had no problem.

I had stopped through the Park on the way out and saw that everything was quiet and peaceful simmering in the late afternoon heat. And it was hot! Very few people were out, and I only saw one anhinga drying his wings.There is a man from that neighborhood who always walks his dog down into the park. I have seen him for several years, smoking his pipe and walking his dog, so now we wave as I pass. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

2 Corinthians 2:14-17, 3:4,5

But thanks be to God, who made us his captives
and leads us along in Christ's triumphal procession,
Now, wherever we go, he uses us to tell others about
the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet
perfume. Our lives are a fragrance presented by Christ
to God. But this fragrance is perceived
differently by those being saved  and by those perishing.
To those perishing, we are a fearful smell of death and
doom. But to those who are being saved we are life-giving
perfume. And who is adequate for a task such as this?
You see, we are not like those hucksters--and there are
many of them--who preach just to make money. We preach
God's message with sincerity and with Christ's authority.
And we know that the God who sent us is watching us.


3:4,5
We are confident of all this because of our great trust in
God through Christ. It is not that we think we can do
anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power
and success come from God.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Living to Please Others con't.

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Once again, the dark clouds were overhead and we had the sound effects of a storm, but no rain fell yesterday; at least in this neighborhood. Brian said they had a lot of rain in Seminole! Looks like today will be a carbon copy of yesterday...still very warm and humid!

I did a little shopping yesterday, and then drove to the Park. The water in the canal has mostly drained off from all the rain, and is now down to a trickle, but still the egrets and herons find fish to snack on, so their beaks stay muddy all the time.

I was enjoying the towering whipped cream clouds as I was coming home. Some beautiful shapes, and then the dark rain filled clouds presenting a contrast. I enjoy Paul Dellegatto's explanation of different cloud formations on Facebook. Wish I could remember them. But, as always, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 15:7-9
..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.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Living to Please Others

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I hope you all had a great weekend doing whatever you wanted to do. The weather was good for the most part, with thunderstorms threatening in the evening. Today is sunny, with a few clouds, but the storms seem to come over the bay. Last night while Brian was visiting, it started to thunder really loud. We watched the weather forecast and thought he had better leave to beat the rain home. However, it never rained here, so I think he made it OK.

We did get rain one night, though, and as a result, the water in the canal at the Park,, came up and really looked good. Instead of a trickle, it was a good stream. The egrets were enjoying it and probably the gators, too.

We had a good church service Sunday, I think preparing us for a new senior pastor. At least it seemed to me to be pointing in that direction. I think we are getting closer to having one. The search committee is doing a good job interviewing!

I washed sheets in the morning yesterday, then remade the bed and after lunch I watched the Rays win, (Yay) and went shopping. After I finished shopping, I went to Steak and Shake and bought a steak frank for supper. Once in a great while, I indulge in junk food. I really wanted barbeque, but settled for a dog. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 15:1-4

We may know that these things make no difference,
but we cannot just go ahead and do them to please
ourselves. We must be considerate of the doubts and
fears of those who think these things are wrong. We
should please others. If we do what helps them, we will
build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn't please
himself. As the Scriptures say, "Those who insult you,
are also insulting me." Such things were written in
 the scriptures long ago to teach us.
They give us hope and encouragement as we wait for God's promises.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis