Monday, November 30, 2015

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! We have another in our string of cool nights and very warm days! Just gorgeous weather! No rain is in sight and the humidity is lower, so we enjoy while we can!

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving...Brian and I had a nice trip to Dunnellon with a calm drive up the Suncoast Parkway to where it ends at Crystal River, where the traffic is usually heavy, but this time it was not, so we made it to our destination in two hours. My niece,, Kim, had prepared a wonderful meal, so my sister and other niece and great nephew stuffed ourselves with all the goodies! Suddenly, Spencer noticed it was raining! That was unexpected, but it soon stopped, the sun came out and it was very warm again.

We had a good trip back, going down 41 this time. It is just a two lane highway, but a beautiful drive going past cow pastures and horse farms; a part of rural Florida not visible very much any more with all the growth. We drove through historic Brooksville, with all the old Victorian homes...a nice little town. And then we came closer to home, traffic picked up and once more we were in the city! It was a good Thanksgiving and we were thankful for safe travel and family.

It was a good church service yesterday, even though Pastor Kevin did not preach. Instead, Pastor Dave, our interim brought the message. I think I had heard that one before, but maybe not. Anyway, I was met at the door with Billy holding one door open and Dan the other one.. Dan said he would walk me in, and so I took his arm, which helped me navigate the crowds in the hallway. We discussed the sorry state of the Gators and hopes for improvement and I expressed my feelings about not being independent so much any more and how to rely on other people. Dan gave me something to think about, by saying what a good feeling it gives people when they are able to help someone, so I don't feel like I am imposing any more. Dan is so thoughtful and a great friend. I am blessed!

I drove through Sawgrass later and saw a few wet turtles sunning on the banks of the weir. and further down, a large brown tortoise sitting by his home and preparing to crawl in, which he did.  God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Where does Joy come from?

Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah continued, " Go and celebrate
with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share
gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared.
This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected
and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."


Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God has arrived to live
among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will rejoice over
you with great gladness. With his love, he will calm all
your fears. He will exalt over you by singing a happy song.


Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on
circumstance nor on our performance. When we trust in his
love for us , we are far less vulnerable to the depression and
despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Good Morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This  is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!  We have another chilly morning , but the temps will gradually warm up to the seventies and be close to eighty by Thursday. My hands and feet get cold when the house is cool, so today I had the furnace on for a few minutes; the first time since last winter.

This will be the last time this week I will be sending a devotional/blog, since I have a lot to do and need to catch up with things I have been putting off. So, here is a prayer from the little Guideposts Prayer Companion, Filled With Joy;

I approach your throne of grace, this day, God,
not to ask--You know I do plenty of that--but to
praise. I praise You for the shoes on my feet. I
praise You for the pillow beneath my head last night.
I praise You for the breath in my lungs, the shirt
on my back, and whatever wits remain in my brain.

Thank You for the many bounties I've taken for granted.
Thank You for those who have been kind to me. Thank You
for those who have taught me, prayed for me, put up
with me, and, yes, corrected me when I've strayed. I
even thank You for the hard times, the losses, and the pains.
I don't understand them, but I'm grateful for Your
hand in every dark valley.

Thank You for the Bible and Your precious wisdom there. Thank You
for Jesus , the Lamb of God, my Redeemer and my Friend.
Thank You for that glorious land beyond life's veil, where
I shall one day open my eyes and breathe celestial air,
and see my Savior face to face.

I'm not asking today, Lord. I'm praising , and I'm thanking.
And I'm declaring that You've been better to me than I've
ever deserved.
Amen.
-Bill Giovannetti

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, November 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! Brrr! I know some people are very happy to have this chilly weather, but I am not one of them. I guess I don't move fast enough any more to keep the blood circulating so it helps keep me warm. I know the fifties aren't very cold to most people, but it's cold to me! But the sun is shining and it will warm up to almost 70 today, so it is a beautiful day!

We had a powerful wrap up sermon in the Love Illuminated series that Pastor Kevin has been preaching for the past fifteen weeks. I have learned a lot from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd letters of John that I had never thought about before. Good stuff!

I did not go back for the chili dinner and decorating the church afterwards last night. I don't cook chili any more and am not comfortable driving at night, so instead I stayed home and watched the Packers win!  Yay!

On my way home from Boston Market after church, I stopped in at the Library to drop off a book at the book drop. There are two metal containers, one short and one taller which accommodates vans and trucks very well, but someone hit the short one some time ago and put a large dent in it, and I noticed another crinkle in it yesterday. Seems like a lot of poor drivers use the book drop. I also noticed a car parked in the lot with the windows covered. It looked like someone had slept there overnight. I hate to think of homeless people forced to use a parking lot just to sleep in, especially at Thanksgiving time.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, I just love the Publix commercial with all the vignettes pictured of families making the big meal and all the human mishaps and joys that happen. Makes my eyes moist. They are up there with the Super Bowl Clydesdale commercials! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 34: 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 go hungry.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, November 20, 2015

Phippin' thru Philippians

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 finally had a little rain which lasted throughout the night..not much, but just enough to dampen down the pollen, which is good. It is overcast again this morning, because a cold front is coming this weekend, and we will have our first really fall weather. By Monday, we will have lows in the fifties! I will probably have to turn the furnace on for the first time since early in this year.

I went with a group from church yesterday to an early Thanksgiving lunch at Miller's in Bradenton. The church had hired a Martz bus for all 36 of us, which was very comfortable. It was tough for us with canes and walkers navigating the steps we had to climb to get in, but there were sturdy men to help us getting on and off . Sitting up high in the bus, gives a good view of the water as we drove over the Skyway. I did not see any boats, but since it was a weekday, that may have cut down on the boating. However, there were numerous people fishing from both ends of the old bridge.

The restaurant was not very crowded, and the servers had us set up with a long table , booths, and another table in the back. We had a surprise waiting for us, as Pastor Dave and Kay came up from Venice to be with us. We all enjoyed a turkey dinner and our choice of desserts. I chose to bring mine home along with leftovers. That was a lot more than I usually eat at lunch! I felt very well cared for, with Kathy as she constantly looked after me, and Hazel sat beside me as we chatted. I was so glad I went! My thanks to Kathy for organizing the lunch!

After we got back, I took my books back to the library, and dropped them in the book deposit, without going in to check out more. I have to do that today. Then I drove on to the park and saw lots of ibis on the way. Also, yesterday, as I drove around Lynch Lake, I noticed that the wood storks are back. There were a couple of them almost hidden in the flock of ibis! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Philippians 2:14-
In everything you do, stay away from complaining
and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of
complaint against you. You are to live clean, innocent
lives as children of God, in a dark world full of perverse
people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Protection

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 forecast is for rain later on today, but right now the sun is bright and puffy, white clouds are floating around. It is very warm and expected to go to 87 as we look forward to another record setting day.

Well, I had another adventure yesterday. One I could do without. I decided to go to KMart for some reason. Just had not been there for a couple years and will not go back. I had to park a little distance from the entrance, but walked in and secured a cart, then shopped all over, but did not see anything I really liked, so just bought a bottle of lotion, paid for it, and went out.Instead of going straight out down the slope, I pushed the cart along the walkway in front of the store. There is a yellow painted stripe all along the edge and I thought it was level with the street. Wrong!

As I pushed the cart to the edge it tilted sideways, and started to tip over, so I grabbed at it and then I tipped over and down I went, landing on my right elbow and knee.Right away, two kind people came and helped me up, then the man went on his way, but the woman held tightly to my arm and was giving instructions to just let me stand a few minutes. I don't even know what she looked like, because I could not even look at her face., but she was surely an angel the way she took charge. One of the Kmart workers came out and had to take info for their report. He asked if I wanted an ambulance, and I said no, because I was not hurt that much. So, He took me inside and I sat on a bench while he got a Band-Aid for my elbow, which was bleeding a little and then took down the info he needed. I told him I did not want the insurance people to call, because there was no need.So, by that time, I was ready to go home. I was not shaken up, just stinging a bit on my knee from two small scraped spots, but today my elbow looks terrible. That's the same arm the books fell on at the library and that bruise is still large and ugly. I am still a little tender on the right side, but was so blessed that it was not any worse!

So I got home safely and took a pain pill for the aches and today I am feeling none the worse for wear. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Where can I find protection and safety?

Psalm 121:2-8
My help comes from the Lord who made the heavens and the earth!
He will not let you stumble and fall. The one who watches over you
will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and
never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands
beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by
day nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and
preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come
and go both now and forever.


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

 Amaryllis

Tuesday, November 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! I heard the meteorologist say yesterday that this is the 21st day for temps. that are above normal for this time of the year. Once again we have sun, breezes and humidity, so it's not time for winter clothes yet.

I took a walk around the outside of the house yesterday..got a lot of sun, but was glad for the shade from the oaks.I don't usually walk in the yard, because of uneven ground, which is difficult with the cane, but I used Louis' three wheeled walker and that gave me the balance I needed. I noticed the beauty berry bush was in full bloom with lots of purple berries on it for the birds to enjoy!

I also went to the park later on, and saw a few cars, but not any wildlife. Only the two and four legged kind...people walking their dogs. But it was very peaceful and I enjoyed the quiet. 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, November 16, 2015

Worry

Good Morning, dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is warming back up today and will reach the high eighties again, but the air is still a little cooler, so it feels nice.The sun is shining and the yard guys have come and gone, so I know they are glad for the good weather.

We had another good sermon and singing at church yesterday, with Pastor Kevin still teaching on Love Illuminated. I was impressed by some of the answers to his question about what is Faith Covenant noted for? (not exactly the way he put it). It is always interesting to hear what people respond to questions like that. I see new people nearly every Sunday and it looks like some of the people who left for one reason or another have now started to come back.

I have mentioned before the young man who comes during or right after the singing, slips in unnoticed, and leaves right away without speaking to anyone. I asked him his name the first time he came and he said "Michael", so I always try to greet him as he is leaving. He seems to be very shy. Anyway, I am glad to see him when he comes. By sitting on the back row, I get to see people come and go.

As I drove by Lynch Lake Park on my way to church, I saw an anhinga with wings outspread, and the usual ibis, and an egret, along with the ever present ducks. When I stopped by the park Saturday, it was packed! The weather was beautiful and everyone was out and about enjoying the beautiful outdoors! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

What can I do with the problems that worry me?

Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will
take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.


Philippians 4:6 Don't worry about anything. Instead, pray about
everything. Tell God what you want and thank him for all he has done.


1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares
about what happens to you.


Prayer and a godly perspective drive worry from our minds and hearts.
Peace comes when we pray. release all our cares to the Lord, and
focus our minds on the promises of God.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, November 13, 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! Lots of sunshine and cooler temps mean the "cold" front has passed and we will enjoy fall weather the rest of the weekend.

After Ray returned my van yesterday, along with the bad news of the costly repairs, which I decided not to have done, I drove to Trader Joe's and did some shopping. It is definitely not like Publix. I had to backtrack a lot just to see where everything was. I had my list, but because  TJ's has mostly organic, they do not carry the things I usually buy. However, I did get some good pumpkin stuff, along with creme filled carrot cookies. Not on my list! But I took the last half gallon of pineapple juice from the cooler and also some fresh pineapple strips. I really like pineapple. But I still have to shop at Publix to get  my usual things.

I drove through the Park on my way home and all was quiet and peaceful. Saw the anhinga airing his wings, and noticed that the water was high and mostly clear. 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, November 12, 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! Cooler weather is coming this weekend, but already I can feel the difference in the humidity, so the breeze feels nice. We are supposed to get down in the sixties at night. That, to me, is cool!

Well, I had an adventure yesterday. I had to leave my cleaning ladies, who always make sure to lock up when they leave, and go to my podiatrist. When I got through there, I was to go down to my mechanic, Ray, so they could take a look at the van and see what part they needed to order to stop an oil leak. So, I knew the address which was downtown, but I had never been there before. I turned on the correct street,but missed it somehow, and due to a lot of one way streets, circled around for about twenty minutes, still missing the shop, and wound up on the interstate, which I never drive. After shooting a short prayer, I drove with the flow and got off at 22nd, circled back around to downtown, and still could not find the shop. By this time, it was 3:30, so I came back home to call the shop to explain my situation. And, yes, I did pull over a couple times to call Ray's cell, but found out he leaves it in his tool box while he is working. All turned out well, because he came this morning to take the van in until noon, so they can look it over and try to discover the oil leak..

Who said growing old was not without its adventures? Some I could do without, but anyway, I look forward to each new day! To top it off, Brian called and invited me out or he could bring take home, so since I was a little tired, he brought over some Sonny's Barbeque, which I enjoyed. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 59:18
But as for me, I will sing about your power,
I will shout for joy each morning
because of your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
a place of safety in the day of distress.


I always thank God for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

God Bless America

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is a beautiful day for all the Veteran's Day parades and ceremonies, especially the one at Bay Pines.

The sunshine is bright and the humidity low. As I was hanging out the flag, I saw a young man walking his dogs across the street, with a coffee cup in one hand and two leashes in the other. I gave him a wave, which he acknowledged with a lift of the cup. Just being neighborly!

Yesterday I started out to gas up the van, and then headed to the library. It was the first time I have ever been attacked by the books! I was reaching up on the top shelf, which is too high for me, when the bookend slipped away and 3 or 4 books came tumbling down on my arm and left side of my face. I said, Whoa!" and one of the librarians who was shelving books came to my rescue, picked up the books and went to get an antiseptic wipe and band aid for my arm which was cut by one of the books. She said I should ask for help next time I want something from the top shelf, but I hate to pull them away from what they are doing just because I want to browse. Anyway, I now have an ugly bruise on my right arm. But I did get five books I selected...

After that I did some more shopping at CVS and then headed home. I had also visited the Park, and saw the gopher tortoise and an anhinga at rest. It was very quiet with not many people around. God is good!

God Bless America
God bless America, land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her,
with the night with the light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,
to the ocean, white with foam.
God Bless America, my home sweet home.

And My grateful thanks to all men and women serving our country!

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, November 10, 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 sun just went behind a cloud but because we had rain last night some time, I was looking at the drops shining like rhinestones on the hedge right outside my window. We have blue skies and sunshine for most of the day, with a little taste of cooler weather coming this weekend.

After all the activity yesterday morning, I finally got my laundry done and a few other chores, but did not take the car out because it was still overcast and rainy until dark. Brian came by and put the recyclable bin down for me. He is good to take care of me, even though he works long hours.

I am seeing more and more ads for Christmas sales, and was remembering Pastor Kevin's words Sunday about giving gifts to his children. This is not an exact quote, but he said since Baby Jesus got only three gifts for his birthday, why should his kids get more. They will make it up on their birthdays. Makes sense to me! Of course, when there is a Christmas Eve birthday, like Brian's, that's a different story!

I saw two huge flocks of ibis wandering through a couple yards, with their beaks dirty from grubbing. They follow each other without even looking up! Amazing! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT;

James 1:2-5,13
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever troubles come
your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when
your faith is tested,  your endurance has a chance to
grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully
developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants
you to do---ask him and he will gladly tell you. He will
not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure
that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful
mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven
and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect
to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up
their minds. they waver back and forth in everything they do...

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


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis,

Monday, November 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! There are big rain clouds hovering right off the coast which are moving on shore, so, since it is already overcast, I think we will be getting it soon. We had rain yesterday late afternoon and actually, it was welcome. The top layer of the soil had dried out, even after all the rain we had last month. We are supposed to get cooler temps later on this week, so fall is coming!

There has been a lot of activity around here this morning, Last evening while Brian was here, we were sitting in the living room and he heard a dripping sound. We immediately went to the garage and checked the A/C and sure enough, water was pooling on the floor. The drain pipe was clogged, so I turned the thermostat up, and called Acme. They have been our service people to go to for 43 years. They installed our original A/C unit and furnace. So, they came about 9 and got busy cleaning the drain, cleaning the filter and then discovered I needed two new parts which they installed. The big helper asked if I wanted the dumpster brought back up and I accepted his offer, with thanks. I will probably get a big bill, but that is one of the joys of being a home owner!

Just before they left, my yard crew arrived, and started their edging, mowing and blowing, so the Acme guys left and I brought the car back in the garage. So all is well at the moment. I am grateful for the helpers I have!

We had another powerful sermon yesterday from Pastor Kevin and good singing. People are so kind to me  (due to my age and the fact that I walk with a cane). It is difficult for those of us who use canes to get through the crowds without getting over balanced. I know I worry about someone bumping into me and causing a fall .It's just that they enjoy talking and visiting and don't pay much attention to people trying to get around them. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 12 12:17-21
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things
in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible .
Dear Friends, never avenge yourselves.
Leave that to God. For it is written,
"I will take vengeance,
I will repay those who deserve it"' says the Lord.

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

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


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, November 6, 2015

Paul's Wisdom

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 warm, sunny day in paradise! Maybe, and that's a big MAYBE, we will be getting cooler weather sometime next week, so we wear our boring summer clothes a little longer, and run the A/C longer!

I had an appointment with my dermatologist yesterday afternoon, which I did not look forward to, and sure enough, I came away with spots all over my face where he zapped me with the freezing stuff. I think he makes some of this up! He wiped off what little makeup I wear to protect my skin from the sun, and I told him he was leaving me without protection from the bright rays, but that did not stop him.  He checked from the top of my head to my toes. Glad that's over with for another six months!

Since his office is on Sixth St. So. I decided to take a ride through downtown ST. Petersburg to see how my city is doing. Lots of construction on First Ave. So. and another condo going up near Beach Drive.  But the waterfront is still beautiful and had lots of sail boats out on the bay and the sky was blue, and reflecting off the water. Not many people were at the outdoor tables of the numerous restaurants, but it was 3 in the afternoon and the lunch crowd was finished. However, all the parking spaces were full, so there were lots of shoppers along Central and also Beach Drive. The town is bustling!

I thought since it was almost 3;30, I would pick up a salad at CFA and avoid the drive-thru crowd. Ha! The line was almost to the street and I waited about 15 minutes to get my order. Meanwhile, the manager was unwinding the electric extension cord to the canopy covered computer getting ready for the evening rush, which to look at the long line of cars, had already started! That 4th St. restaurant really does the business! But my frosty lemonade really hit the spot after my ordeal at the doc's!

I drove by Lynch Lake on the way home and saw a flock of ibis and lots of ducks in the shade of the lone bushes on the banks. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Finally, dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to
pray for us. Pray first that the Lord's  message will
spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes
just as when it came to you. Pray too, that we will
be saved from wicked and evil people, for not everyone
believes in the Lord. But the Lord is faithful; he will
make you strong and will guard you from the evil one.
And we are confident in the Lord, that you are practicing
the things we recommended to you, and that you always will.
May the Lord bring you into an ever deeper understanding
of the love of God and the endurance that comes from Christ.


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

Love and hugs
 Amaryllis

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Living by the Spirit'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! We have a duplicate of Wednesday's weather, with another record set for heat at this time of year. Humid and hot! I will probably be complaining about being cold when we finally do get cooler weather!

Before my cleaning ladies came, I drove to Subway and ordered a chicken teriyaki sandwich for lunch. It comes with a honey sauce and that is my favorite sandwich! I ordered all the veggies except hot peppers and green peppers! The veggies were crunchy and fresh and the bread was fresh. I enjoyed!

When the girls came, they were stuffed from eating at Mia Italia where they often go to have sandwiches. They have lunch at a lot of different places, so they have a nice break in their work day. Cheryl also works part time at Office Depot, which is being bought by Staples, so she is a little concerned about the future.  That won't take place for awhile, though.

I drove through the park and all was quiet and shady...a welcome coolness from the heat.Just a few cars were parked, including a mailman who was having his lunch. When I used to walk early in the morning, I would see lots of wild animals and birds just waking up, but all was still yesterday. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians 5:15-20
So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those
who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity
for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly,
but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life.
Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. then you
 will sing songs and hymns and spiritual songs among your
selves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will
always give thanks for everything to God the Father in
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

What Can I do with the problems that worry me?

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 a carbon copy of yesterdays and will be the same for the rest of the week. In fact, yesterday set a record for the warmest night and daytime temps! No cool down in sight, yet!

I had my two months check up with my doctor and other than a few complaints, I am doing well. I see articles about people my age or older who are still very active, and think I should be more active, but I used to walk a mile early in the morning, and then was energetic all day, back a few years ago, so circumstances take their toll. I am thankful I still live alone, and not in a nursing home, and am able to drive and shop on my own. I am blessed!

After I stopped at CVS and did some shopping, I went on to the park after a brief stop at the library to return a couple books. All was pretty quiet, the canal was full, a family was picnicking under a shady tree, and I saw a very wet, large snapping turtle sunning on top of the weir. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 55:22
Give your burdens to the Lord and he will take
care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.


Philippians 4:6
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.


1 Peter 5:7
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about
what happens to you.


Prayer and a godly perspective drive worry from our minds and hearts
Peace comes when we pray, release all our cares to the Lord, and
focus our minds on the promises of God.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, November 3, 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! As I said yesterday, we are having very warm days and high humidity and there is even a thunderstorm predicted for today. However, there is bright sunshine right now with a breeze gently blowing acorns everywhere.

Since the yard crew came early and just blew off all the acorns, so far, not as many have fallen on the porch and driveway. But I am sure it won't take long for them to be everywhere. In fact, as I sit and read in the evening, even with the TV on, I can hear them falling .

I have a doctor's appointment right after lunch, so I guess I will get my flu shot when I go. I am late this year, because I got it in Sept. last year. I don't think it will protect me too much, because the pneumonia shots did not mean much. I had one, plus the booster and still wound up in the hospital in January with pneumonia. I was in there on my birthday. I remember several years ago, I was sitting in the ER with Louis while he was examined, and it was also my birthday! Not my idea of fun!

But then, I also remember all the surprise parties pulled off successfully by my friend Mari, for my birthday and what fun they were!  I really appreciate her!

Well, I was driving by one of our drainage ditches a couple days ago, and saw a couple ibis pecking away along with a couple roseate spoonbills! My favorite water fowl! Yesterday I drove through the park and saw the large brown gopher tortoise ambling along the grass. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 63:1-5
O God, you are my God;
I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land
where there is no water.

I have seen you in your sanctuary
and gazed upon your power and glory.
Your unfailing love is better to me than life itself;
how I praise you!
I will honor you as long as I live,
lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
You satisfy me more than the richest of foods.
I will praise you with songs of joy.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, November 2, 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! According to the weatherman, the Temp at 7 AM was 81.The record for this date, is 89 and we may come close this afternoon. Isn't this November? And no rain in sight!

Well, it was quite a weekend, what with the big concert in Tampa and all the trick or treaters roaming the streets Sat. evening. I always leave my light off, since I live alone, as does the single lady across the street, so I was not approached by anyone. However, Brian came over to fix my iphone which had messed up, and he said the streets were crowded with kids. There are probably a lot of half price candy sales right now!

I was disappointed by the Packers loss yesterday, but very happy that the Gators won Saturday, and the Royals won the World Series! Since the Rays traded Ben Zobrist and he was later traded to the Royals, I was happy that he was on the winning team. It would have been nice if they could have won in KC, though.

I went to the Library Saturday, and turned in six books and checked out more. I usually step outside and put them on top of the trash container which has a small table top. I did that and when I got home could not find my glasses. After searching all over, I thought I must have left them at the library, so I called and sure enough, someone had found them on top of the trash container where I had switched to sunglasses. Whew, what a relief! I have a new pair, but they don't fit right and I don't like them, so I was glad to get my old ones back. Note to self; change glasses inside from now on.

Yesterday, I spilled my orange juice at breakfast, and after cleaning up that sticky mess, had no more mishaps, so went to church and heard a good, powerful message from Pastor Kevin, along with good worshipful singing, and communion. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 14:8-9

Love Fulfills God's Requirements

Pay all your debts, except the debt of love for
others. You can never finish paying that! If you
love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the requirements
of God's law. For the commandments against adultery
and murder and stealing and coveting---and any other
commandment__are all summoned up in this one
commandment:
"Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong
to anyone, so love satisfies all of God's requirements.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis