Friday, February 27, 2015

The Lord's Charge to Joshua

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!  It's kind of a changeable day ...overcast and cool, with a wind blowing and sun sometimes. But later on into next week, we will be in the eighties! From heat to A/C!

The leaves are still falling, but my handy man is coming next week to rake and bag them. The yard man does that once in a while, but mostly blows them up against the house, and into the azaleas, where I don't want any more. Mow, edge, blow and go..that's what the yard man does! I realize he has to get in as many lawns in a day as possible, so he does what is required and off he goes.

I have a doctor's appointment for a checkup this afternoon, so if we are to have rain, I hope it won't be then.  The strawberry festival is on its second day, so they probably don't want rain, either. Just thinking of strawberry shortcake makes me hungry. Yum! Guess that's what I will get on my next trip to Publix.

I saw some amaryllis blooming in a neighbors yard near here, but mine are buried too deep to bloom although they have healthy looking leaves. Sigh. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Joshua 1:6
Be strong and courageous, for you will lead
my people to possess all the land I swore to give
their ancestors. Be strong and very courageous. Obey
all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from
them, and you will be successful in everything you do,
Study the book of the law continually. Meditate on it
day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is
written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you---
be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged.
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, February 26, 2015

The Hope of the Resurrection

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 been shining already, with no fog, but right now, it is cloudy and from the looks of the weather map,the cold front is heading this way, but it won't last long. I already received pictures from Daryl of the snow covering all of Cleveland, TN. He made it in to work, but could not get his car all the way into the parking lot. Schools and most businesses are closed. For those of you not familiar with that area, they are two hours north of Atlanta, near Chattanooga. Brrr!

My cleaning lady and friend came and we had a good time chatting while she worked. She was asking me about the Harry Connick, Jr. concert, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and then the conversation covered restaurants, and how we will probably never visit the new ones at Sundial, since  we can't afford $105 for a meal!

I saw on the news this morning, an alert about the partial collapse of a building at Central and 6th downtown, due to water erosion. Crews are working carefully to try to fill the hole and stop the water from continuing to form the hole. Many stores are  without water now. Stay tuned for further developments...

I drove over to the Park yesterday late afternoon, when the shadows were long. Not many people were in the park, but several were on the bridge overlooking the canal which is still high with water. They were probably watching the tilapia and gar. The azaleas were in full bloom and very pretty. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-

And now, brothers and sisters, I want you to know what
will happen to the Christians who have died  so you
will not be full of sorrow like the people who have no
hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised
to life again, we also believe that when Jesus comes,
God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died....


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

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 sun is not shining yet, but I think the fog is lifting a bit. It looks like another day of fog, like yesterday, but maybe a bit warmer this afternoon.

I mostly stayed in and just did laundry and stuff around the house. Looked through a few closets and found some more clothes ready for the Salvation Army. Incredible how many things collect over the years!

I have my friend and cleaning lady coming today. She is such a hard worker and even has a part time job with Office Depot in the evening. I had a lot more energy when I was her age (in the fifties).

Well, the squirrels do not mind the fog..they still play and race up the oak trees, out the limbs, onto the roof and into the neighbors yard; pretty much racing across the street and going anywhere they please! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Philippians 4:1-4-9

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I love you and long to see you,
for you are my joy and the reward for my work. So please
stay true to the Lord, my dear friends.

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

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

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

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

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 have more fog today and so far, the sun has not made an appearance. When the fog leaves, we will have temps close to the eighties!

It got up to 80 yesterday, just like a spring day!

My yard man came about 1 PM yesterday, just as I was dragging the dumpster back up the driveway. I had given up on him, and needed to go shopping, so I wanted to move the garbage can back up where it belonged. The helper said he would put it up, so I let him. It is heavy and I have a difficult time dragging it, while using my cane for balance, so I am glad for help!

I did some shopping at the Dollar General, and then took a trip to the Park, The water is still high in the canal, so the ibis and herons do not have the mud to peck in any more. But the azaleas are still blooming, although mine are fading away, after being so pretty for a week. I have seen some tourist cars lately from far away places; for instance, one from Alaska and a day or two later, one from Hawaii. Now, how did that one get here? Shipping must be expensive! The usual Ohio, Ontario, and Michigan cars are usually at the Park, along with many local cars. But God is so 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 those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on
one 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

Monday, February 23, 2015

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! The fog has mostly burned off and now the sun is shining once in a while. But it is still warm and for the first time in weeks, I have a short sleeved shirt on. Last night I started out without my heavy blanket, but soon pulled it up. It warmed up so much yesterday, I considered turning on the A/C! According to the weather man, it is too soon to be over winter, so we will still have sweater weather before spring.

On my way to church yesterday, I drove by Lynch Lake Park and saw a flock of ibis, several wood storks, Muscovy ducks and lots of seagulls! They were all segregated by sticking with their own kind... kind of reminded me of humans. Why don't we mix together more? Outside our comfort zone, maybe. There is a lesson in that, I am sure.

It was a powerful sermon given by Pastor Kevin, and I was happy I got to speak to him afterwards to tell him a couple of incidents I remembered from  something he mentioned in his sermon. He said he appreciated the encouragement.

I guess my yard men are not coming today, since they are usually here by now, but this is the end of Feb. already, so they will be here for sure next week! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 65:1-5
What mighty praise, O God,
belongs to you in Zion.
We will fulfill our vows to you,
for you answer our prayers,
and to you all people will come.
Though our hearts are filled with sins,
you forgive them all.
What joy for those you choose to bring near,
those who live in your holy courts.
What joys await us inside your holy Temple.

You faithfully answer oiur prayers with
awesome deeds,
O God our Savior.


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, February 20, 2015

Paul's Final Greetings

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! It has warmed up to 45 outdoors, but the wind is blowing and that makes the wind chill a lot colder.  I stayed home yesterday and just took it easy and read, but today I have to go out and run errands. Oh, well, I will be in a warm car and only have to be in the chill for a few minutes. I am a wimp when it comes to cold weather!

I am having trouble with my kitchen faucets. The water is coming out in just a trickle, so I have called my handyman and he will come and see what the problem is..probably a stopped up filter. Sigh. Something always needs fixing... even me! But my nose is improving and that is a good thing1 God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Thessalonians 5:23-
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...
And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be
with all of you.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Paul's Final Advice

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the chilly day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Try to stay warm everybody! The sun is shining but that cold, north wind is blowing, making the air very cold.

However, just received texting from Daryl in TN, that the temp is so cold that if hot water is tossed into the air, it vaporizes before it hits the ground. The temp up there is 9.

Well, I drove out to the doctor's by myself yesterday, and found a parking space just across from the entrance! Amazingly, I was called back just about 5 minutes after I signed in! Of course that doesn't mean that you get in to see the doc right away, but it is the first step. The male nurse who takes all the prelim. info, kept his hand on me all the way to his office, and was very kind as always. Then he led me back to the exam rooms where I thought I would have to sit and wait for a room to open up, but instead, he put me right into a room, where I waited only about ten minutes before Dr. Proper, himself, came in. He actually spent about five minutes with me! He took a picture of my nose, as usual, as did the nurse. He thinks it is healing well, but is taking longer than he thought and wants to see me in two weeks. I was glad to get out of there so soon!

Traffic was heavy and it was time for schools to let out, so I had to drive slowly through several school zones. However, I still got to the appointment on time. I stopped at Winn Dixie before going home, to pick up a few things I was out of, and when I was back in the car, Cheryl, my friend and cleaning lady, came up to me to chat. A man missing a leg came up to us in a wheelchair, and gave a story about needing $18 for a room for the night. He couldn't get into "tent city" because of not being a user,etc. Anyway, Cheryl, being kind- hearted, gave him some money, which he thanked her for, She said it was "Pay it forward" day, and then we saw him giving the same spiel to someone else. Oh, well, she did a good deed. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Thessalonians 4:14-22

Dear Brothers and Sisters, honor those who are your leaders
in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and warn you
against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them
your wholehearted love because of their work. And remember
to live peaceably with each other.

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.

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


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

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! The temp. has crept up to 58 and the sun is shining, but the cold north wind is picking up and so warm jackets are good for today! I just received a photo from Daryl in Cleveland, TN, showing snow blowing all over, and looking very cold! I am happy I live in Florida!

Well, I didn't go out yesterday, because of the rain that started about noon, but I have a doc's appointment this afternoon. Once again, about my nose, which is still not healed. Yesterday morning, I was busy with laundry. I stripped the bed and then put the fresh sheets on, while doing another small load of clothes. There is always something to do, if I can just put down a book long enough!

The wind has blown leaves all over once again. Will the trees ever stop shedding? The front porch which was clean Monday, has a river of leaves once again. Sigh. But I had some sweet cards delivered in the mail and a couple of caring Phone calls, so God is good!\

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 119:33-40

Teach me, O Lord
to follow every one of your principles.
Give me understanding and I will obey your law.
I will put it into practice with all my heart.
Make me walk along the path of your commands,
for that is where my happiness is found.
Give me an eagerness for your decrees,
do not inflict me with love for money!
Turn my eyes from worthless things,
and give me life through your word.
Reassure me of your promise,
which is for those who honor you.
Help me abandon my shameful ways;
your laws are all I want in life.
I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

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! The wind is blowing and the leaves are flying all over the place in front of the cold rain and weather that is due late this afternoon. The morning started out nice and warm with lots of sun, but is changing quickly.

Since today was garbage pickup day, because of the holiday yesterday, I noticed the lid was up on my dumpster after it was emptied, and I was going to take a chance and go get it to bring it back myself, when I got  a call from my friend across the street, Cheryl. She said the wind had blown it over and so she picked it up and brought it back up beside the house. I am blessed!

When I was checking out of the library last weekend, I heard someone call my name and there was a friend I worked with thirty years ago at Berean Christian Store. It had been that long since I had seen her, so we stood and chatted for a few minutes, catching up. We never know who we will see or where!

I drove through the Park yesterday, and saw a few ibis, but most of the water fowl were absent. I think they were hanging out at Lynch Lake Park, which is always full of them!  Leaves were all over the ground, and the water in the canal is still high. The azalea hedges are in full bloom, and very pretty, and lots of people were walking around and enjoying the beautiful weather! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 119:9-16

How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word and following the rules.
I have tried my best to find you--
don't let me wander from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I may not sin against you.
Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your principles.
I have recited aloud
all the laws you have given us.
I have rejoiced in your decrees
as much as in riches.
I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
I will delight in your principles
and not forget your word.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, February 16, 2015

Psoaring thru Psalms

Good President's Day 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 breezes to enjoy today, before the cold front comes through Tuesday or Wednesday. Seems like Feb. is up and down as far as the weather goes, or maybe I should say "hot or cold"!

Well, I thoroughly enjoyed the Harry Connick, Jr. concert Friday night! From the dinner before hand at Ruth Eckerd to the concert itself! It was a wonderful time of listening to jazz with the oldies, sung and played by the seven people involved, which included the band and Harry on the piano.

I expected an intermission, but was pleased when it was music for an hour and a half with Harry talking about his personal history, and featuring several solos by the various band members. Harry also said he loved having his daughters on tour with him, and introduced his oldest daughter, Charlotte, who came onstage briefly. He also played the trumpet and did a very short stint on the drums. A very talented artist with a great sense of humor!

I was a little concerned about what to wear, but should not have given it a second thought. There were guys in jeans and some ladies in six inch heels and others in casual clothes. I was also a little concerned about the bandage on my nose, but came in at almost the same time as a young woman, maybe in her early twenties, wearing a scarf on her head. She was with her husband and was obviously going through Chemo. Some things we worry about are not important when we see what others are going through. They sat at a table very close to ours and she seemed to have a good appetite, which I was happy for.

My yard men already came this morning, and the garbage men did not, because of the holiday, so the dumpster will sit at the end of the driveway until tomorrow. But I am not the only one who forgot! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 119:1-8
Happy are 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

Friday, February 13, 2015

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 wind is blowing, the sun is shining, and the temperature instead of climbing all day will be going the other way, because it is predicted to be down to 39 tonight. That may not seem too cold for the people up north, who have below freezing temps, but to me that is chillier than I like!

I walked around the backyard yesterday, because of the plumbing problem that was fixed, and was so pleased to see the old, neglected azalea bush in full bloom with fuscia colored blossoms on it. It is in a corner, so no one can see it, and was planted around forty years ago.The blooms in front of the house are pink and one on the north side is very light pink. They last such a short time, bu the flowers are worth waiting for.

The squirrels are having a wonderful time chasing each other up and down the oak trees, which are still shedding seeds and leaves. They are piled up all around the house. I need to get them all bagged up.

Well, Trader Joe's grand opening was yesterday, and I saw pictures of the crowds, waiting to get in. I was not among them! Guess it will be  awhile before I go, but God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 15:5,6, 13

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you
to live in complete harmony with each other---each with the attitude
of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together
with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ.

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, and Happy Valentine's birthday to my grandson, Matthew!
Amaryllis

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Trusting in the Lord

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! I know I am late this morning. No excuses...I am just lazy and relaxing. The sun is shining, but the temp is supposed to be falling all day, so we will have some really cold weather for a few days. If we stay out of the wind and let the sun warm us up, it really feels good!

Well, yesterday, I had my appointment with the plastic surgeon, for a follow up. and my friend Judy, took me out and stayed with me for a long wait. My app't. was for 1 and I was called back about thirty minutes later, the waited in the back for an hour. Anyway, my nose is not healing properly, so I have to soak it twice a day with vinegar and salt water. Only fifty percent of the graft took. So I don't know what that means, except that I will have to wear a bandage on my nose for a lot longer.

Brian is taking me to the Harry Connick, Jr. concert tomorrow night and I told him, it does not matter what I wear, people will be looking at my nose! Anyway, I am looking forward to it. Other than going to the doc's, I did not go anywhere, but God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Proverbs 3:21-26
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.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

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! The sun is shining brightly but the temp is still in the fifties. Since the wind has died down a bit from yesterday, the leaves have quit blowing through the air, but the porch is covered again, so I will have to get the broom out this afternoon.

I drove around Lynch Lake on my way to the supermarket yesterday, and, once again, the flocks of birds were gathered all around it. There must be something about the calm waters of the lake that attracts them. There were ibis, herons, ducks and seagulls. It is good to see.

I drove to Sawgrass after shopping and noticed the canal is full...more than I have seen it since they started the work on the Lake. That must have really been a deluge that came down a couple nights ago! Not as many people were there, but school was just out, so people were otherwise occupied. This was after my plumbers had left. The second time for plumbers in a week, but this time I called Inmans because I have used them for years and father and son are reliable and honest. I will have to have the Orangeburg pipe replaced sometime in the near future as roots keep clogging it. Sigh. If it isn't one thing, it's another. But, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 20

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

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Faith brings Joy

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 rain moved on and now we have lots of sunshine and lots of wind. That cold front is on its way with supposedly the coldest weather of the season. Brrr! But, maybe I'll have a chance to wear my faux leather jacket!

I am expecting a call from the plumber saying he is on his way. Once again, I think I have roots in the line, because the back up when the washing machine is going, spills over on the guest bathroom floor and in the bathtub. I did not call the plumber I had last week, who charged an exorbitant fee for what he did outside.  Live and learn. I should have called my regular family owned firm again. Sigh.

I had a call from my primary care doctor's office this morning, checking up on me to see if there was anything I need. This is a new service they have since joining the JSA group. I think it's great to have a nurse you are familiar with, check to see how you are doing! I appreciate it!

After the yard men left yesterday, for five minutes the porch and driveway looked good , but then the leaves kept falling and now that we have lots of wind,, leaves are flying through the air! Oh, well, that's what happens when you have oak trees. You pay for the shade twice a year. But God is good!

From the  Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been made right in God's
sight by faith, we have peace with God because of
what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place
of highest privilege where we now stand, and we
confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's
glory.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and
trials, for we know that they are good for us--they
help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength
of character in us, and character strengthens our confident
expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us.
For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has
given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, February 9, 2015

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! After sunshine for a while, now it is raining and my dumpster is still at the end of the driveway, with the lid wide open! My yard man did not come this morning, so now with the rain, I guess he won't come at all. Sigh. The leaves really needed to be blown off the porch and picked up from the driveway. All down the street, the leaves are scattered everywhere, so I am not the only one with lots of them all over.

Hooray for me! I made it to church yesterday to see our new pastor installed and a good sermon by our SE conf. Supt., Robert Owens.It was so good to be back at church and see most of my old friends. Good singing, great worship!

I drove by Lynch Lake Park on my way to church, and it looked like a meeting place for water fowl of all kinds. Large flocks of seagull, ibis, ducks and one lone great blue heron were scattered around the lake. When I drove through the Park Sat. I saw the large gator sunning on the bank of the lake across from the weir. And the Park was crowded! The weather was beautiful, so it was a good day to be out.

Brian brought me some fresh strawberries bought from a roadside stand, and they are huge and beautiful! He also brought some of the Publix Hula Hula ice cream. Yummy! It will take me a long time to eat it , but I will do my best! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 16:20-25
God is able to make you strong just as the Good News
says. It is the message about Jesus Christ and his plan
 for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of
time.But now, as the prophets foretold and as the eternal
God has commanded, this message is made known to all
Gentiles everywhere, so that they might believe and obey
Christ. To God, who alone is wise, be the glory forever
 through Jesus Christ. Amen


(Yardman is here, Yay!)

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, February 6, 2015

More blessings

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 little chilly this morning, down in the fifties, but now the sun is shining and we will have a beautiful day! We must have gotten all our rain during the night on Wednesday, because I did not hear a thing, but as I was driving across town, I saw lots of water in retention ponds and rows of leaves that had been washed from the gutters. I slept through it! This is great weather for the State Fair going on now, but my days of fair going are over. The one thing I miss are the corn dogs!

My PC was hit by a virus, so I did not have it on all day yesterday, until Dave, the computer guy came and cleaned it up. He is really good at what he does!

This is a day of remembrance for me and my sons. Louis would have been 88 today! He is waiting for me to join him and our daughter, which I will sooner or later!

I was bold enough to drive across town and get my hair done, which really needed it, and, having gone to the Library, have some books to read. I am still getting stronger, so I should be at church Sunday. It is supposed to be a beautiful day.

I was thinking of all the ways I have been blessed lately and there are too many to count. From the nurses and all the help at the hospital, to the caregivers service at home...different personalities, accents and countries of origin, and stories of what brought them here. It opened up my world a little more. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How does the promise of blessing affect us when we are weary or discouraged?

1 Corinthians 15:57-58
How we thank God. who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord! So, my brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

Galatians 6:9
Don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up. for we reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. When we are tempted to give up, new resolve comes from remembering  that God promises to bring a harvest in his perfect time.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

More Blessings

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 is predicted for later on, but right now, the sun is shining and it is warmer than yesterday by several degrees. So far, a beautiful day!

I had my handyman come yesterday and he worked about thirty minutes, putting a new light bulb in, duh, my error, I felt dumb because I thought it was a faulty wall switch..and trimming my crape myrtle.  He is a good man to know!

One of the people whom I met in the hospital was from the kitchen. He had thick dreads, and I admired them one day and asked how long it took to get his hair done. He told me, and then said "Wait until you see me Saturday!" I told him I would not be there Sat., so I am disappointed that I did not see the change.Another blessing was the BP tech. He brought me a warmed pack of body wipes and told me to use them however I saw fit. I was grateful to him, but the problem was, I could not get out of bed by myself. However, I did the best I could and was thankful.

The housekeeper came in my first day, and told me his name and said he would be keeping my room clean. He is the one who sang hymns while he worked and lifted spirits by the sound up and down the hall.

However, the night housekeeper was kind of creepy, and I did not feel comfortable around him. He was just a little old man, and it was probably me, but I did not speak to him much. He was the only one I came in contact with, that I did not like.

Today I go back to Dr. Proper, who will spend about 2and a half minutes looking at my nose and taking a pic, and then will not go back for a couple months.  Since that office is in Largo, I will be glad not to go that far. I have a caregiver going with me to drop me off and drive me back in my van.

Well, I have been to the Park, which is crowded this time of year, and saw people surrounding the gopher turtle. lots of black turtles enjoying the sun on the banks of the weir, anhingas and ibis. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Jeremiah 17:7
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God, the Creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Blessings

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! My indoor-outdoor thermometer read 48 this morning, and now the wind is blowing, so it is really chilly! But, the sun is shining and the temp. will surely warm up soon. Personally, I could use some heat myself!

I have been on a journey since Jan. 7 when I had MOHS surgery on my nose to remove basal cells .. After I came home, I started constant sneezing and then coughing which I thought was just allergies, but after checking in with my doctor, he thought I had bronchitis. Since I was already on an antibiotic for the nose, he told me about some over the counter remedies to help me sleep without the violent coughing, but by Saturday, I was having difficulty breathing, so the doc on call recommended Doctor's Express walk in clinic on 4th St. Brian took me there, and that doctor took chest x-rays and told me to check in Bayfront ER for lab work. I had pneumonia in the lower right lobe, so, after a long Sat. night wait, I was admitted to the hospital.

The care was great in most instances, but no one bathes the patient any more, and so I warned everyone not to get too close. I was unwashed and unshampooed for 4 and a half days. I could hear people coughing all along the hall, so I was not the only one sick!

After finally getting well enough to be discharged, Brian arranged for home health care for me, and so for a week I have had caregivers coming in for a few hours each day. I am now free of home care and only have one going with me to my last checkup for the nose on Wed. Afternoon. I do not wear a bandage during the day, but cover it up when I go out. It is not pretty! But seems to be healing. I had a graft from in front of my right ear, so that is also healing well.

My azaleas are blooming and very pretty, the balloon from my birthday flowers is still flying and leaves are falling, but I am blessed! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Numbers 6:24-26
May the Lord bless you and protect you.May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

God's blessing encompasses all of life. We live in his protection, his presence, and his peace. Nothing this world offers can compare in scope or duration with the blessing of God.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis