Tuesday, March 31, 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 weather is perfect right now, with cool air in the morning and very warm sunshine. I had some windows open yesterday to let the fresh air in.

The tree trimmers for Duke Energy were here all day and took their lunch break in Cheryl's yard across the street and rest in the afternoon in my yard, in the shade both times. The big truck was parked in front all day, but the mulch grinder truck moved  with the men. They whacked so much off my two trees in the back, that the first mulching took the truck away to be emptied, and then they dragged so many branches down that they were lined up all across the front of the property. The sun shone brightly in my bedroom windows until about 6:30 last evening.

I was able to get the van out and run some errands, even though it was a tight fit with the big truck in front of the driveway. I went to the library, which was busy, now that school is out. Then I went on to the park, which was also busy, with lots of visitors on such a beautiful day. Turtles were sunning on the bank of the weir, an ibis took off across the road, the water was high in the canal and lots of people were hanging over the bridge, looking at the water. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 84:1-4

How lovely is your dwelling place, 
O Lord Almighty.
I long, yes, I faint with longing
to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being , body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home there,
and the swallow builds her nest
and raises her young-
at a place near your altar,
O Lord Almighty, my King and my God!
How happy are those who can live in your
house,
always singing your praises.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, March 30, 2015

Jesus Predicts His Death

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 just had men swarming all over the backyard on this cool, sunshiny day. The Duke Energy tree trimmers really took big hunks out of my oaks in the back that were overhanging the power line. I foresee a warm summer for my bedroom since the shade from the trees is gone and it is on the west side of the house. I knew the guys were coming, though, because I have seen them all over the neighborhood. I had a conversation with the Mexican who was up in the tree. He offered to trim the limbs away from the roof for a price, but I declined. I prefer to get bids myself.

Last Friday I had an appointment with the dental hygienist for the six months cleaning. She also took x-rays, which I hate, because it hurts to bite down on the gizmo she puts in my mouth. One bright thing, though...I stopped for a red light at 62nd and 66th St. and then did not stop again until Tyrone Blvd, which is about 4 miles away. Amazing! All green lights! Did not happen on the way home, though.

I have discovered through the internet and Facebook that I have relatives living in England. Second cousins and maybe more. Adam is a young man whose grandfather was my father's brother, and my Uncle. The world is getting smaller!

Well, I visited Trader Joes for the first time Thursday. Probably for the last time, also. I don't know what I expected, actually, but I will stick to Publix from now on. I was interested in their frozen foods, because they had some different items that looked very interesting. I thought the breads were expensive, so I did not buy any. Oh, well, at least I went!

I visited the Park after church, yesterday, and saw some black, wet turtles on the bank of the weir, and lots of people walking and picnicking. It was a beautiful warm, sunshiny, day! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Mark 8:31-

Then Jesus began to tell them that he, the Son of Man,
would suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the leaders,
the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He
would be killed and three days later, he would rise again. As he
talked about this openly with his disciples , Peter took him
aside and told him he shouldn't  say things like that.
Jesus turned and looked at his disciples and then said to
Peter very sternly, "Get away from me, Satan! You are seeing
things merely from a human point of view, not from God's."

Then he called his disciples and the crowds to come over and
listen. "If any of you wants to be my follower," he told them, "you
must put aside your selfish ambition,shoulder your cross, and
follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose
it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the
Good News, you will find true life. And how do you benefit if
you gain the whole world, but lose your own soul  in the process?
Is anything worth more than your soul? If a person is ashamed of me
and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, I, the Son of Man
will be ashamed of that person when I return in the glory of my Father
with the holy angels."


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, March 26, 2015

God's Power

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 morning. started out overcast, but now the sun is out and the cooler air is moving in. Looks like we will have the last cool weather for the season Sat. and Sunday, and then the warm weather will be here to stay.

The birds love this spring. I can hear their chirps and songs all around me, even indoors. If I throw out peanuts for the squirrels, who I think have eyesight problems, the blue jays will snatch them up right away, while the squirrels are still sniffing around trying to find the nuts. They are really thieves, The bluejays I mean.

Well, Cheryl, my cleaning lady friend, found the anole yesterday. She shudders at the thought, and was really disturbed because he was in the guest bedroom. He is traveling all over the house. Last night I spied him on the living room wall, and that is where he started from. If I were quicker, I could probably catch him, but he zooms away in a flash! Hopefully, I can escort him out, soon.

I checked out the raking job by walking around the house, and Rick did a great job of getting all the leaves from the base of the house, where they were piled up. Unfortunately, all the mildew showed from the trees keeping the sun from shining on the damp ground. All things like painting will be taken care of eventually. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

 How can God break the power of addiction in my life?

Galatians 5:22-23
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.


Romans 8:5-9
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful
things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about
things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there
is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.
 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's
laws and it never will. That's why those who are still under the control of
their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by
your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit
of God living in you. ( And remember that those who do not have the
Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all.)


God can break the power of addiction in your life when you give him control.
He will come into your life and change your heart and your desires. Surrender
to the Holy Spirit, and God will replace addictive drives with life-affirming drives.

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

Amaryllis

Wednesday, March 25, 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! I  have not seen much of the sun yet, because of fog, but we will surely have sunshine soon. The air is a little cooler than it has been, so this promises to be another beautiful day!

As I was driving the other day, I noticed an unusual cloud formation right in front of me..a row of breaking wave type clouds. I don't know what they are called, but I have seen them before on Paul Dellegatto"s FB page. Since I was driving, obviously, I could not take a pic. But the clouds lasted a long time. It pays to look up!

Well, my malfunctioning toilet was fixed in five minutes yesterday! Rick, my handyman, took a look and found that a hose was loose and spraying water up and out of the tank, so he cut the ends off, reinserted them and now it works! Yay! He also worked in the yard raking leaves and filled 16 bags. It's sort of frustrating to me to pay two different people to work on the yard, but the yard crew does not take time to rake and bag. They just mow, edge, blow and go. Sigh.

Yesterday was taco Tuesday, so I bought a couple tacos and cruised through the park on my way home from shopping. I saw a couple herons and a black turtle, and a few people hanging over the rail, maybe looking at baby gators. The tacos were still warm when I got home and I enjoyed them. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

 Psalm 34:15-22

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right;
his ears are open to their cries for help.
For the Lord turns his face against those who do evil;
he will erase their memory from the earth;

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help,
he rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.

The righteous face many troubles,
but the Lord rescues them from each and every one.
For the Lord protects them from harm---
not one of their bones will be broken!

Calamity will surely overtake the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
But the Lord will redeem those who serve him.
Everyone who trusts in him will be freely pardoned.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis



Tuesday, March 24, 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! We still have overcast skies from yesterday, but also some sunshine, so our rain is probably over. I had almost canceled my appointment with the dental hygienist yesterday because thirty minutes before I was to leave here, it started to pour, but by the time I decided to go, the rain had stopped.

Something amazing happened on my way to the office, which is across from Tyrone Mall. I had stopped for a red light at 62nd and 66th St. and from there on to Tyrone, it was all green lights! It took me only 15 minutes to get there! That has never happened before!

My yard crew has been here and gone and I am expecting my handyman to come and fix my toilet, so the leak will stop, and then he will rake up and bag more leaves. He is so busy it takes a week or so to get on his schedule, but he is good at everything.

I took a drive into the Park on my way home from the dentist, and saw a six foot gator stretched out on the bank near the weir. Across the street from the gator was a anhinga with outstretched wings, sunning and drying. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm34:8-10

Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him reverence.
for those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
But those who trust in the Lord will
never lack any good thing.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, March 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! We had rain already! We are below normal in our rainfall for the month of March, so it was very welcome since the pollen in the air will be cleared for awhile. The clouds are still over head, so we may get more, hopefully.

I have a dental appointment this afternoon, clear across town, so maybe the rain will stop by then. I had a nice, quiet weekend, just doing some shopping and reading. I stopped at the Library and was surprised to find it so empty. Very few people were there, but then lots is going on and this was Saturday. I was a bit puzzled to find a small poster on the counter that said they would be closed on Easter Sunday. They are always closed on Sunday!??

I have another large anole in the house. I saw him by the front door Sat. and told him not to go any further, but he did not listen to me and the next time I saw him, he was looking at himself in the mirrored shower door in the bathroom. He was perched on the bar, across the mirrored panel, then he tried to hide from me, by ducking inside it, but he was reflected clearly. Ha! As I moved toward him, he dashed across to the wall, and was hiding behind a towel. No telling where he is now!

We heard a good sermon from our founding pastor, Don Logue, yesterday at church. He told some funny stories, and then made some good points about prayer. It is always good to hear him, and the people who come from St. James in the good old days, to hear him. Those were the days!

But I will be glad to hear Pastor Kevin when he comes back from his trip. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 34:1-7

I will praise the Lord at all times,
I will constantly speak his praises.
I will boast only in the Lord;
let all who are discouraged take heart.
Come let us tell of the Lord's greatness;
let us exalt his name together.

I prayed to the Lord and he answered me,
freeing me from all my fears.
Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
I cried out to the Lord in my suffering and he heard me.
He set me free from all my fears.
For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear him.
And he rescues them.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, March 20, 2015

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! Just another in the string of dry, sunshiny, warm days on this first day of spring! Perfect for all who love the outdoors, working in gardens, running, beachgoers,etc. Not so perfect for roofers, and construction people who have to contend with heat and sun. Sigh

I had a quiet day yesterday, just doing things around the house, but I drove over to the park in the late afternoon and saw a anhinga with wings outspread on one of the shrubs in the lake and an ibis perched in a tree overlooking the canal. There have been lots of artists lately, with easels set up along the sidewalk, painting all that they see. The scenery is beautiful and so typically Florida, that it worthwhile putting it all on canvas.

I read the Gopher tortoice sign more closely and it is warning people not to touch or try to feed them, plus a lot of other information about the endangered animal. It is really informative and hopefully, will be heeded. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians 3:14-21
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 really 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

Thursday, March 19, 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 latest weather report says we will not have rain until Monday, so that means more of these beautiful, sunshiny days! I don't keep track, but I think this is the earliest I have had the A/C on continually in March. It is mostly to filter the air because of the high pollen count. I have to put the sun screen up in the van, unless I want to have a very hot steering wheel when I get through shopping!

Yesterday I got hungry for a Reuben sandwich for lunch, so, instead, I drove to Arby's and got a Rachel, which is their version of a less sodium filled Reuben. It was lots of turkey with thousand island dressing and cole slaw on top. I also ordered a side salad to go with it. It was a good sandwich and I enjoyed it!

While Cheryl was cleaning I saw a flock of ibis in the yard, pecking busily as they wandered through. They just seem to flow from one yard to the next, all down the block..a good way to get rid of all grubs. 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

Wednesday, March 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! We have had such a string of pretty days and good weather; it seems like there is no end. The air is still cool enough that being outside is not so exhausting as it is in the hotter months. I am still not staying out in the sun, though, because of the nose and I am not supposed to be in the sun, anyway.

I took the car to the touch-free car wash Saturday, and so far, it has stayed fairly clean. Since the oak trees have quit shedding so much, the yellow pollen is not flying around ,so the windows are still nice and clear.  Yesterday I drove to the Park, and noticed more signs. Whoever does the signage for the County must be busy. There is a sign now where the gopher tortoises usually appear and have their tunnels. It explains all about them. I think this was necessary, because they are foreign to so many of our visitors and it is difficult to find a Ranger to explain. There are also new signs by the shop area. Now all people have to do is read them!

After I left the park, I did some shopping, and got some more leaf bags for my handyman, to use Tuesday when he comes. He will also check out the leak I have in the master bath. I am blessed to have people I can count on to help! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 147:12-20

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O Zion!
For he has fortified the bars of your gates
and blessed your children within you.
He sends peace across your nation
and satisfies you with plenty of the finest wheat.
He sends his orders to the world--
how swiftly his word flies!
He sends the snow like white wool;
he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes.
He hurls the hail like stones.
Who can stand against his freezing cold?
Then, at his command, it all melts.
He sends his wind, and the ice thaws.

He has revealed his words to Jacob;
his principles and laws to Israel.
He has not done this with any other nation;
they do not know his laws.
Praise the Lord!


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Psoaring thru Psalms

Top of the Mornin' to ya! Happy St. Patrick's Day! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will be glad and rejoice in it! We have another day of sun and beautiful weather to enjoy. My yard guys were here yesterday, and blew the porch and everything clean of the oak seeds, and so far, no more seeds have fallen, so maybe the trees have quit shedding!

This morning I heard a sound I could not identify, so looked out the front windows and saw a wrecker across the street with Cheryl's suv on it. As soon as it left, I called to ask her what was going on and she said she had had the oil changed in her car and after she came home she noticed a large oil spill in her garage. Thinking the mechanic may have left the plug out, she called AAA and had it towed back to the garage this morning. Then I noticed when she left for work, she was driving her car, so I will have to wait until she comes home this afternoon to see what was wrong. Just a little neighborhood vignette.

I watched DWTS last night to see Noah Galloway dance. He's the veteran who lost his left arm above the elbow and left leg above the knee, when a bomb exploded the Humvee he was in. Since then, he has become a motivational speaker and personal trainer, plus other activities. I don't expect him to win , but he is certainly determined and an inspiration to all. It was amazing to see what he can do because he does not want special treatment.

Well, people, I did my ironing yesterday. If you have been reading this blog for very long, you know how much I dislike ironing...well, not really dislike, just would rather do something else, like read, instead of ironing. I did not have much, and it only took me about fifteen minutes, so I "got 'er done!" Yay, me!

I spent a few minutes on the porch yesterday, watching the squirrels, because the day was so beautiful, with a nice, cool breeze blowing. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 147:7-11

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

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


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

 Amaryllis (it isn't easy being green!, Ask Kermit )

Monday, March 16, 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!  "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood", as Mr. Rogers used to sing. Another day of Sunshine and humidity with oak seeds still falling, squirrels racing up and down the trees and across the streets; birds flying about...all things bright and beautiful!

I am grateful for the gifts of sight, hearing, feeling and breathing!

I had ordered a small pizza for delivery Saturday evening after having my haircut, and so, after church I had some more for lunch, and still had leftovers for my supper. I don't eat pizza very often, but felt hungry for it, so I indulged. It was good for a change, but probably not very healthy for me! I do try to eat salads several times a week, and other veggies.

Well, my nose is looking better , so I left it uncovered and went on to church without a bandage over it. I don't think anybody noticed it as much as when I had the band-aid on it. It seemed like there were a lot of newcomers to church yesterday; at least, I saw several people who were new to me. I did not get a chance to greet them, because of them coming in later, and me not being able to move out of my middle seat to get to them. It is good to see our attendance picking up. Pastor Kevin is a powerful speaker!

After church, I drove on to the Park, and saw lots of people enjoying a beautiful day. So many people that there were few birds or animals about. Even the squirrels were not in sight! But there were plenty around Lynch Lake Park, which is much quieter! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 147:1-6

How good it is to sing praises to our God!
 How delightful and how right!
The Lord is rebuilding Jerusalem
and bringing the exiles back to Israel.

He heals the brokenhearted
binding up their wounds.
He counts the stars
and calls them all by name.
How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension!
The Lord supports the humble,
but he brings the wicked down into the dust.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, March 13, 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! Ever since the sun came up, it has been shining with some puffy, white clouds floating along on the breezes. We almost set a record yesterday with a high of 88 in Tampa and 86 here.I have had the A/C on for a week. It helps keep the humidity and pollen filtered out.

After running a few errands yesterday, I drove to the park, and saw an anhinga drying his wings on the bridge over the weir and what I thought was a heron, although it didn't quite look like one. I noticed the osprey nests are occupied with babies. I saw one poking its head out at the Publix parking lot, and another at Sawgrass Elem. They seem to build their nests everywhere. I saw one crammed between a double-sided neon sign that I drove by. But, as always, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 1
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow
the advice of the wicked,
 or stand around with sinners,
or join in with scoffers.
But they delight in doing everything the
Lord wants; day and night  they think about his law.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank.
bearing fruit each season without fail.
Their leaves never wither,
and in all they do, they prosper.

But this is not true of the wicked.
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,
but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Companionship

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I have not seen the sun shine since I arose this morning, but it's more like fog clouds than rain . I can see patches of blue here and there, so there will probably be sun sometime, although rain is predicted. We could really use some rain to settle all the pollen in the air. This is the time of year when cars are covered with yellow dust. When I was in CVS, I noticed all the allergy remedies were featured all down the aisles. "Tis" the season!

While I was doing laundry yesterday, my friend and cleaning lady was busy working to clean the house. It was her third of the day and while she has boundless energy, she said she was ready to call it a day. She lives just across the street, as I have mentioned before and she has a really caring heart. She often does little things for me that mean a lot! I am blessed!

I went to Taco Bell for a salad for my supper, and discovered that they are remodeling. But they were open and so I used the drive thru. I was not alone, because several cars were behind me and ahead of me. I would have gone to CFA, but did not feel like the longer drive.

Traffic was not  bad, so it only took me about twenty minutes to and from. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

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


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

A Time for Everything

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Once again we had a foggy morning, but not so much here. Rain is still predicted for maybe this afternoon, but there was a dark cloud hanging right over the house when I came home yesterday and nothing happened, so...

I was praying for the families of the Marines who went down in the helicopter crash at Eglin Field in the fog. The fog is hampering the search for the copter and or bodies, so far. I immediately thought of my great niece who is stationed at Eglin in the Air Force.Such a tragedy.

I did a little shopping yesterday, and noticed the 9th St, construction has crept further down, so it is almost to the entrance of CVS and Publix that I use. Oh, well, it will be much better when they finish, hopefully. There is always construction going on someplace in the city!

I drove through the Park, and saw a beautiful white heron sticking his head up from the canal, and several ibis were pecking along the berm. Lots of people were out and about, some from out of town, but many locals. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15

What do people really get for all their hard work? I have
thought about this in connection with the various kinds of
work God has given people to do. God has made everything
beautiful in its own time. He has planted eternity in the human
heart, but even so , people cannot see the whole scope of God's
work from the beginning to end. So I concluded that there is
nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves
as long as they can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy
the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

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


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Time for everything

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It seems like this dry weather and blowing winds have made the pollen count high, so people are sneezing and blowing. Even the weather man on TV was indoors instead of his usual place outside. Fortunately, it has not bothered me, yet. My yard crew came just as I finished sending this blog yesterday and they blew the blanket of seeds up against the house and under the azaleas, which had just been cleaned out by my handy man. Guess I will have to speak to them about that. What we need is a good rain to settle things down. And, since I mentioned I had no worms in the trees, yet, I think I spoke too soon. As I walked out in the front yard, one was dangling from a sticky string right in front of my face! Oh, No!

I went shopping at Disston Plaza yesterday, and if it had been later in the afternoon, I would have stopped into Little Italy for a slice of pizza, but it was too early..Sigh. After I finished shopping, I headed for home and stopped in at the Park. Everything was quiet and peaceful, with a couple dozen cars . School was not out yet, so it was not very busy. I saw turtles sunning themselves on the bank of the weir, and a couple ibis pecking around. The azaleas are still blooming and pretty. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

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


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, March 9, 2015

1 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! The sun was beaming for awhile, but now the clouds have covered the sky and we are to be expecting a little rain this afternoon. However, it is still warm and I have a couple windows open. Due to the wind over the weekend, my yard, porch and driveway are covered with oak seeds! What a mess! Of course, it is not only my yard,,,everyone who has oak trees is suffering from the same problem. Well, it is better than the worms that some have in their trees. At least, I don't have those yet.

I have to admit I am having a hard time adjusting to DST. Each year it is the same--it takes me a couple days to catch up on the missed hour of sleep. I almost dozed off during my prayer time this morning!

I still have not heard from my yard man, so he must not have gotten his truck fixed yet. He is so far behind, I hope he does not lose customers. It's tough when you depend on transportation to do your job and it fails!

Well, I caused a little excitement in the neighborhood yesterday. Apparently, I pressed my Home Companion ADT button that I wear on my wrist when I am here alone, and then I did not answer the phone when they called, because I did not recognize the caller I.D. So..the paramedics came walking in the house calling out to see if I needed help. (The location of the key hidden outside is known to them). I was so surprised! They even called Brian to tell him I did not answer and he should come. Anyway, I apologized and they said they were just glad I was Okay! I had no idea I had pressed the button, but it is good to know I get good response!   God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Corinthians 15:54-58
When this happens--when our perishable earthly bodies have been
transformed into heavenly bodies that will never die--then at last the
scriptures will come true:

Death is swallowed up in victory.
Oh death where is your victory?
Oh, death, where is your sting?"

For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.
How we thank God who gives us victory over sin and death through
Jesus Christ our Lord!

So, my dear 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.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, March 6, 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! This is supposed to be the transition day, when we will get cooler as the day progresses and have a couple days of low seventies and then bounce back up into the low eighties again. The sky is overcast right now, but I think it will allow some sun now and then, since I see blue sky peeking through the clouds.

My handy man came by already to check out the size of the florescent tubes in the kitchen. Then he will pick some up and come back to rake and bag leaves. The light tubes go out periodically and it takes three in the fixture, but only one is burning right now. It is good to have someone I can depend on!

My PC lost its sound somehow and since I was unable to fix the problem, I called my trusty computer repair man, who came and found what was wrong in about five minutes. I knew he would. So I was able to listen to Raul Esparza sing. What a marvelous voice!

I got all my work done yesterday, even though it took me all day, but who needs to work fast any more? I was pleasantly tired when the day was over, though. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 65:1-4
 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.


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Wisdom from James

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, but I don't see so many leaves flying by the window, so maybe most of them are off the trees now. The sun has already burned off the fog and warmed up the temps. Yesterday got up to 80 and I think we are on the way to that high today. Meanwhile, a snowstorm is already hitting the midwest and northeast. I love St.Petersburg!

After my cleaning friend finished yesterday, I   prepared for my trip to Dr. Proper, for his look at my nose. I was hoping for a fairly quick visit. Ha. I arrived ten minutes before my 3:30 appointment and he finally took a two minute look while taking a photo of it, at about 5 PM. He was pleased with the progress and left off the bandaid. Meanwhile, Brian and Daryl had been texting and Brian even came to escort me home, but somehow, we missed seeing each other at the office. The sun was shining still, and I got home past my supper time, very hungry, but safe and tired. So I am not due back for a month! Yay!
God is good!

This scripture passage speaks to me today; I have towels waiting in the dryer, and a load in the washer waiting to be put in the dryer...

From the Promise Bible NLT:

James 4:13-17
Look here, you people who say, "Today or tomorrow we are  going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit." How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog---it's here a little while, then it's gone. What you ought to say is, " If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that." Otherwise, you will be boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Jesus Promises

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Lots of sun and the wind is blowing this morning, which means the seeds and leaves will be piling up on the porch again.  I called the yard man yesterday and he said he was running behind because his truck had broken down. That must be very frustrating, since so many people rely on him. I know I am waiting for the blower to make things look clean for a little while! I saw a tractor on 9th St yesterday with a load of sod that looked nice and green, to be placed in one of the spots they tore up due to the destruction and repairs they are making to the street. I couldn't help being envious, because I need sod so badly in my front yard. The grass won't grow because of the shade from the oak trees. Sigh.

I had an appointment with my podiatrist and when I arrived one man was already sitting in the small waiting room. I looked closely and recognized him as the pharmacist who had worked at Galen's when Brian was a baby...over fifty years ago! I spoke to him as he was on his way out, but did not give my name, so I am sure he did not recognize me. He is in his nineties now, so it is a small world!

After I left there, I collected a half price strawberry milkshake with my Steak and Shake gift card from Christmas...took it into the park and enjoyed the peace and quiet for awhile. Just a couple of anhingas drying their wings and an ibis pecking away for his constant lunch and quite a few people were enjoying the beautiful day! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

John 14:21-
Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them. And I will reveal myself to each one of them.

Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, "Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?

Jesus replied, "All those who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and live with them. Anyone who doesn't love me will not do what I say. And remember my words are not my own. This message is from the Father who  sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you.. But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative---and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit--he will teach you everything and remind  you of everything I myself have told you...


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

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! Lots of sun and warm breezes mean that today will be a day much like yesterday...very warm and more humid.

Because of the beautiful weather yesterday and a cancellation of my dental appointment due to the illness of the hygienist, I did grocery shopping. While I was checking out, the cashier held up my guava preserves with a smile on her face and said that was her favorite! I told her how fond I was of guavas, and that when I was growing up, we lived very close to a guava grovel (it was where Home Depot is now on 22nd Ave. No.) She did not know that guavas would grow here, because she is from Colombia. She wanted to plant a tree in her back yard so she could have guavas. I told her why not? She is a very pretty girl and it was a pleasure talking with her!

After I got my groceries home, I took books back to the library and checked out some more, then took a drive to the Park. I saw a cyclist peddling very fast ahead of me, and though the speed limit through the park is 15 mph, he was going much faster and circled around, then came back out. While I was looking at the high water, azaleas and all the oak leaves and seeds, he was on his way out. I only caught up with him as I approached the light at 62,nd Ave,. then he disappeared. Well, while I was waiting for the light to change, he zoomed down the sidewalk and when I turned in several blocks down, I was able to catch a glimpse of him already two streets ahead of me!  He was single minded and never quit peddling! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Teaching about Prayer and Fasting

Matthew 6:5-13
And now about prayer. When you pray, don't be like the
hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and
in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I assure you,
that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go
away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your
Father secretly. then your Father, who knows all secrets, will
reward you.


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


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, March 2, 2015

Easin' thru Ezekiel

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 another day of rain Saturday, Sunday turned out to be very warm and sunshiny. It was almost time for the A/C to be on! I did not even need a sweater in church, which is unusual for me!

On my way to church, I drove around Lynch Lake Park, and saw a dad and daughter on a bench tossing bread to a huge flock of seagulls, ibis, ducks and assorted feathered friends! It was an amazing sight! The birds were all moving to get into the best position for the goodies, so there was constant activity.

There is so much water everywhere, the gutters and yards are mushy. Now that the oaks are shedding the seeds, they are hard to remove when wet. I got out the broom and tried to sweep off the porch late in the afternoon, but a big clump was piled up in front of the step up to the porch from the sidewalk and it was hard to move them because of the wetness underneath. It is partly cloudy and partly sunshiny today, so maybe more drying out is in store.

I spoke to a squirrel hiding behind the large oak and sticking his head out at me, but he just sat and looked at me. I still have some peanuts and if he had seemed interested, I would have given him some. If I throw them out on the ground, the blue jays swoop in and get all before the squirrels can find them! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ezekiel 36:23-27
Therefore, give the people of Israel this message from the Sovereign Lord:
I am bringing you back again but not because you deserve it. I am doing
it to protect my holy name, which you dishonored while you were
scattered among the nations. I will show how holy my great name is---the
name you dishonored among the nations. And when I reveal my holiness
through you before their very eyes, says the Sovereign Lord, then the
nations will know that I am the Lord, for I will gather you up from all the
nations and bring you home again to your land.

Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth
will be washed away and you will no longer worship idols. And I will
give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit
in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new, obedient
heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so you will obey my laws and do
whatever I command.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis