Loving One Another

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 and the air is very cool, so we are back to normal! Yay! It was 53 when I crawled out of bed, but warmer than that in the house, I am happy to say. Anyway, I turned on the heat until the house warmed up. In a couple days we are supposed to warm up in the high seventies...crazy weather!

Well, the computer man is coming at noon. so I have to get things ready for him. Maybe he can clear up all the issues I have with all the pop ups and stuff that keeps showing up as I use the PC.

I knocked my favorite little juice glass off the counter this morning, and had a lot of pieces to sweep up. It was really an old jelly glass, but had bright red apples and other fruit painted on it and I liked it. I had had it for many years, and now it's gone. Sniff. I have another glass same size, but it is not cheerful. (Also a jelly glass.)

I have already seen a bluejay hopping through the hedge next door, so the birds are out and about, probably happy that the rain has gone, as we all are. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 John 4:16-21
We know how much God loves us, and we have put
our trust is him.
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and
God lives in them. Ans as we live in God, our love grows
 more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of
judgement, but we can face him with confidence because
we are like Christ here in this world.

Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all
fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear in judgment, and this
shows that his love has not been perfected in us. We love
each other as a result of his loving us first.

If someone says, "I love God," but hates a Christian brother
or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people
we can see, how can we love God whom we have not seen?
And God himself has commanded that we must love not
only him but our Christian brothers and sisters, too.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

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! Rain is dripping off the roof and it is overcast and gloomy, just like yesterday. But, the good news is, the weather will be great for this weekend for the Gasparilla parade and festivities. I have never been to that parade and have no desire to go. Too much noise from the pirate's guns and cannons from the ship! Let Tampa have it!

Yesterday my PC was not working. I could not connect to the internet, so that's why the blog did not get sent. I kept fooling around and finally found the problem and got connected again, However, I have left a message for my computer man and I will have him go over it to fix any issues.

I had gone to the Publix to stock up on groceries because of the expected rain, and got everything on my list except paper goods that I needed. I make a list and then don't read it. Sigh.

After the groceries were put away, I went over to the Library, and returned some books and checked out some more. The walker I am using is great for storing stuff in the bag that is attached, so I had no problem with carrying the books to the car, and loading and unloading the walker  which folds and fits right behind the front seats. Then I drove to the park on a warm, lazy afternoon. The sun was hot and a few people were out enjoying the exercise and beauties of nature. I saw a very large great blue heron on the banks near the weir. God is 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 the happiness of those who curse 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

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!  Well, it looks like we will have more rain starting late tonight and into tomorrow, so I need to get to the supermarket and buy some supplies I am nearly out of. But today is overcast and sunny..that is, the clouds break once in awhile and the sun shines through. It is warmer than yesterday and must be up to about 70 already.

My trash was picked up and the dumpster brought back by the driver, so the system is working! I mentioned the yard crew yesterday. but not the extra they did. Jim, the leader, took time to pick up some large twigs and broken branches that had blown off in the strong wind, but I took a walk around the house and there are a lot more on the ground that need to be cleared up. Guess I will have to call Rick for that!

I stayed home yesterday and took care of laundry and other stuff. I was fascinated by a blue jay hopping inside the hedge outside my window. They seem to have no trouble with the dense growth and just look for the berries, of which there are few this time of year. I noticed on my walk that the large azalea bush in the back is blooming. It is much too early, but the warm winter has thrown everything off! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 147:7-
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 beautiful 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

Salt and Light

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!  Well, you know it's cold when the yard guys wear long pants instead of shorts!  The sun is shining, but when they came it was 47 degrees and not warm yet. I was looking at the piled up snow in the cities in the northeast and thankful that we don't have to shovel all that stuff! Government offices are closed in DC and, of course, schools are closed, and the kids are happy about that!  So, we have much to be thankful for here in the Sunshine state!

Pastor Kevin had another powerful sermon yesterday and he also gave us time to pray and ask for forgiveness for any sin in our lives. Good worship, and good fellowship. I took Louis' three wheeled walker since I am still not trusting my knee which I twisted getting out of the van last week, so several people wanted to know what happened.

Actually, the walker is quite convenient because it has a carrier bag between the wheels, so a lot can be put in it. It is light weight, so it's easy to lift in and out of the van. I just have to figure out how to go to the grocery store with it, and use a cart...I may have to go back to the cane.

It was so chilly when I went to the Park Saturday, I only saw one anhinga airing out his wings and a small snapping turtle trying to cross the road, but he was stuck in the middle, waiting for traffic to pass. I hope he made it okay. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Matthew 5:13-16
You are the salt of the earth. But what good
is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make
it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled
underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world--
like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all
to see. Don't hide your light under a basket. Instead,
put it on a stand and let it shine for all to see, so that
everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Roamin' thru Romans

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We have severe thunderstorm warnings sounding and the wind is blowing quite strongly already, ahead of the storm. The watch will be in effect until 5 this evening and then it will turn cold.  As Daryl says, the people in TN stock up on toilet paper and beer ahead of a storm...guess those are the essentials! :o)

I had an appointment with my audiologist yesterday afternoon and had to wait half an hour for him. I was impatient, because his A/C was on and the waiting room is cold! As usual, he tried to sell me on an up grade hearing aid, but those are so expensive, I told him I would stick with what I have. I don't like asking people to repeat, but that goes along with growing old, I guess. Sigh.

On the way to the Audibel building, I passed Lynch Lake which once again, was full of flocks of ibis, and ducks. There may have been a wood stork in the crowd, but I did not see one. But God is good!  (Well.I just received another weather warning on the iphone and internet.)

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 8:38-39
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate
us from his love. Death can't. and life can't. The angels
can't and the demons can't. Our fears for today , our worries
about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep
God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or
in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be
able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed
in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis (Stay safe, everybody!)

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 another chilly day, but still beautiful with the sun warming things up a bit and the white puffy clouds floating about. But the cold wave is predicted to be coming this weekend, so we are in for it for awhile. I heard talk about the blizzard expected in NY and surrounding states this weekend, also!

Daryl sent a picture of snow in Cleveland, TN where he is, and school is closed today there because of the snow and icy roads. Brrr! At least we don't have to worry with that!

I had such a nice birthday! Dozens and dozens of well wishes on Facebook, and a lovely flower cake from Brian, Daryl, and Matthew. When the delivery man brought it in the door, I was ready to slice it, but he said it was not edible! It is the most unusual flower arrangement I have ever seen...looks just like a cake! Very beautiful!

Brian took me to the Hangar for dinner and we were there in time to see a group of people come in downstairs ready for a flight. Then while we were seated, we watched a smaller corporate jet taxi out to the runway, and take off, presumably with those people inside. Nice. As the sun went down, we watched the sky turn pink and the water in the Bay turn white when the pinkness faded. Beautiful!

We were served a chocolate treat with whipped cream, a strawberry for each and blueberries which we shared, after our meal, which was delicious. After we had eaten we drove around the airport, discovered Whitted Park, and were admiring the lights reflected on the waterfront and all the boats tied up at the marina. It was a lovely evening in the "Burg".

When we got home, Brian started downloading all sorts of stuff on the Ipad he and Daryl gave me. Electronics and I don't have a good relationship, so I am hoping I will be able to learn enough to make good use of the tablet. He has already accessed the Library ereader which is ready to go. I think I will like that part of it, since it is easier than carrying books. It was a lovely few days of surprises and I am blessed! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 32:8-11

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

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

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Love

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice in it! Well, all I have been writing about is the cold weather and yep! it is another cold day! The temp this morning was 48! Now, to me that is colder than I like, but I remember when Louis was working and had to leave before 7, I would go over to the Park on 40 degree days, and walk and scrape frost off the handrails. Of course, I would be bundled up in sweatsuits and ear muffs,and gloves and would soon work up a good warm feeling just from fast walking! But those days are gone forever!

My cleaning ladies are due early today, and the recycle trucks are coming around today, so I will see if they come and get the bin or miss it like they did the trash yesterday. I had to call to get the truck back to pick up the trash, because he just whizzed on by without noticing the mark in the street. Sigh. Takes a while for them to  get used to it, I guess.

Well, today is my birthday, and I am still in pretty good health and living independently, although it is more difficult for me to do some things that used to be no problem. I have loving sons, loving friends, a warm house, and food. I am blessed! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Corinthians 13:4-13
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous
or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not
demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and
 it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.
It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices when
the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses
faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every
circumstance. ...
There are three things that will endure-faith hope and
love--and the greatest of these is love.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Energy

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! BRR! Again! It was even colder this morning than yesterday! Makes that hot cup of tea feel really good in my hands at breakfast! But the sun will be warming things up before long, although the wind will still be very chilly.

I am rationing my birthday chocolate, not that I need to, but David gave me a box of Frango chocolates for Christmas and I have most of those left, and Mari gave me a large box of assorted Godiva chocolates for my birthday. Then Brian brought home a Godiva bar from SteinMart for me, so unless I want to go into a chocolate coma, I have to ration it! What a nice dilemma!

I was reading a list of free meals or appetizers that local eating establishments give for birthdays, and there is a long listing. JJ sent me an email with all the listings a year ago. Brian is taking me to the Hangar tomorrow night and they are not listed!  Oh, well.

So, yesterday, since my twisted knee is just about back to normal, I drove to the Library and dropped off some books in the book drop and then went on to the park which was very crowded! Since school was out and it was a nice, sunshiny day, I guess lots of people decided to enjoy themselves. I saw a squirrel sitting beside a gopher tortoise hole. Maybe he was hoping one would come out and play. :o)

Then on the way home, I passed by a wood stork, sitting by a deep canal. Ibis, and seagulls, and ducks were once more surrounding Lynch Lake and the white duck was still there. So Unusual. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Why do I sometimes find myself weary and tired?

2 Corinthians 4:7
This precious treasure---this light and power that now
shine within us---is held in perishable containers, that is,
in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power
is from God and is not our own.

As human beings, we have limitations. We get hungry, tired and
hurt. We are not self sufficient. Instead of relying on ourselves, we
need to rely on the Lord. Like the eagle that soars on the currents
of wind, we can trust the Lord to carry us onward.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Strength

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! The temp is up to 53, but the sun is shining, so I am thinking that we will warm up to the sixties as the sun climbs. But the prediction is that this will be a winter week. We have not had consistent cold weather yet this winter.

I did not make it to church yesterday, because I had twisted my knee getting out of the van Friday night, so I was using Louis' old three wheeled walker and did not feel confident enough to get myself into church. Brian had said he wanted to take me to dinner and would pick me up at 1, so I was looking forward to that.

To my surprise, when we got to Cheddar's Mari and Kris, Gil and Lee, and Jan and Billy were there waiting to give me a surprise dinner, balloons and all! Mari has managed to surprise me for at least three birthdays and I never suspect a thing! They even had gifts for me,including a layered box of Godiva chocolates, which I shared! It was a fun time of sharing and laughing.

By the way, my knee is much better and almost back to normal for an old knee with many miles on it! God is good! Now, if my arm would heal up from some unknown strain which caused a strange red spot and pain in my middle finger....

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I experience God's strength in my life?

Isaiah 40:29,31
He gives power to those who are tired and worn out;
he offers strength to the weak...Those who wait on the Lord
will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
 Life wears us out, but waiting on the Lord renews our strength.
Our limitations remind us to rely more fully on the Lord.

Psalm 138:3
When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me
the strength I need.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Walking Humbly

Good Morning Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the rainy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The meteorologist was correct in the prediction of heavy rains, but so far no strong winds have happened around here. Rain is still dripping off the roof, but the sky is lightening up and it looks like the sun will come out for a few minutes.

My iphone was not ringing loud enough for me to hear last night, so Brian was worried , since I did not hear his call. So he called Daryl to see if I had made my usual 7:30 call to him, and since I did, he knew I was all right. He came over anyway, and checked out the ring on my phone and corrected it so it rings loud and clear now. I think I was putting my fingers too high up on the side and turning down the sound. I don't get along with electronics too well! I don't know as much about the PC as I would like, so I muddle along and call for help when I need it. Sigh.

I was talking to the nurse/aid/doctor assistant a couple days ago, and she likes her e-reader, but her husband likes hardcover books, so they have discussions all the time about which is best. As it gets more difficult for me to get in and out of the library, I may go to Kindle. I do love books, though.

As I drove around Lynch Lake yesterday, a flock of ibis took off and made a white could at they flew through the air for a short distance. There weren't as many ducks as the day before, but there are always a few. Then I went to the park and saw lots of cars, most of them belonging to people at some kind of class being held at the picnic shelter. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Micah 6:8
"No, O people, the Lord has already told you
what is good, and this is what he requires;
to do what is right, to love mercy, and to
walk humbly with your God."

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Jogging thru 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 the sun is shining which is a welcome change from yesterday, which was cloudy all day. We have been warned that unsettled weather is coming tomorrow, with perhaps severe weather for a day.Hopefully, it will not be as bad as is being predicted.

It is so good not to have to rush around this morning to get ready to go to the doctor. I have had an issue with my right arm for the past few days. It actually started with my middle finger which made something pop and now I have a large red spot on my arm which is coming from inside the arm. I have been for an x-ray, which, of course, is normal, because it only shows bones, so the doctor is puzzled. But the good news is; it is finally getting better and there is not so much pain when I use the middle finger, such as typing. The arm is still swollen and I think I popped a tendon or something. We are fearfully and wonderfully made! (The doctor in his wisdom, said "Don't do that again!.")

When I came by Lynch Lake yesterday, it was populated with lots of seagulls, ducks, one egret and a white duck swimming alongside the black ones. When I drove to Boston Market for my lunch after church, their resident "Victoria Egret" was in the usual spot right outside the door, hopefully waiting for lunch. It is always there!  God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

James 1:2-6
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 unsure as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed
by the wind...

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

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! Well, it is chilly to me today, just like the weatherman predicted. Yesterday was warm and I did not need a sweater, but the wind kept blowing cooler during the day and overnight the chilly air blew in. It is creeping up from the low fifties to maybe 60 something later on, but I have the heat on in the house!

Our Next Generation Pastor Candidate and his wife were introduced in church yesterday and I think will be a good addition to our pastoral staff. Then we had another powerful sermon from Pastor Kevin. For a young man, he has a deep understanding of scripture and brings it out in ways that really minister to me and younger people. I see new faces every week and it looks like the attendance is increasing. Old members who drifted away are coming back. As for me, I look to God, not to man. FCC will always be my church.

After church, I enjoyed watching football games to see who won the play offs! I was especially happy that the Packers won! Go Packs!  They are my favorites! Now, they just have to beat the Cardinals next week, but tonight we have the college game for the National Championship. I am favoring Clemson, since the Gators did not make it.

Well, my yard men were here for about 5 minutes a while ago. They just blew leaves off and left, since they mowed last week, And the garbage man came and got the bin and took it down, then brought it back up. He's the same driver who drove the recycle truck, so I guess some of them do double duty. I am blessed to have these things taken care of. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 86:5-10
O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask your aid.
Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord,
hear my urgent cry.
I will call to you whenever trouble strikes,
and you will answer me.

Nowhere among the pagan gods is there
a god like you, O Lord.
There are no other miracles like yours.
All the nations---and you made each one--
will come and bow before you, Lord:
they will praise your great and holy name.
For you are great and perform great miracles.
You alone are God.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

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 the sun so far, and it seems cooler to me, so I am trying to warm my hands up enough to type!

My handy man came yesterday and took down the Christmas lights and neatly put them away and then raked leaves and put them in the dumpster. He left the dumpster down at the curb, so the garbage man thought he did not need to bring it back up after it was emptied this morning. I called the Sanitation Dept. and they will send someone to pull it back, but maybe not today. Sigh. Sometimes being helpful is not the right thing to do.

I had a 4 inch Subway for lunch yesterday. My favorite is honey chicken Teriyaki, with all the veggies except hot peppers and green peppers. It was good! Then I drove in to the Park and saw a few more people than the day before, even though it was not a sunshiny day. Still it was warmish and a good day for a walk. The ibis were on the same branch of the tree that they were perched on the day before. I don't know if they were the same birds, since they all look alike, but God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 150
Praise God in his heavenly dwelling;
praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works,
praise his unequaled greatness!
Praise him with a blast of the trumpet;
praise him with the lyre and harp!
Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
praise him with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise him  with a clash of cymbals.
Let everything that lives sing praises to the Lord!
Praise the Lord!

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

An example of faith and trust

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 little warmer today and we have lots of sunshine, so before the cold comes again this weekend, we will get up to the high seventies again...my kind of weather!

Well, there was a pick up fail yesterday. I called this morning to report that my recycle bin did not get emptied, and, of course, with all the Christmas stuff still in it, it is full--so full that the lid won't shut all the way. I was assured that someone would come today and see that it gets emptied. Seems odd that the garbage man came and pulled the dumpster down and took care of it, but the recycle guy did not. Oh, well, I am sure it will be taken care of.

My outside lights will be taken down later today, and some of the leaves will be raked up, but they are still falling, so this is not a one time job! My handy man called and said he would come.  I am blessed to have him.

I saw some photos of otters in a lake in CA. this morning. on Facebook, taken by my cousin. It has been a long time since I saw any at Sawgrass Park, but one year when Matthew was here, we watched and followed one swimming all the way to the second bridge! They are such fun to watch! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

(King Nebuchadnezzar had built a giant gold statue, and issued a decree that everyone should bow down and worship it. The following is Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's response.)

Daniel 3:16-17
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied, " O Nebuchadnezzar, we
do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the
blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will
rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But  even if he doesn't ,
Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship
the gold statue you have set up."

(They realized that God might have answered their faith by allowing the flames to consume them, but they still had great faith;. a reminder that God sometimes answers prayers in His way and not ours.)

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

A Message from 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! I am comfortable in my long sleeves, jeans  and a vest around the house, because I get chilly in these cool temps. It was in the low fifties this morning, but will be in the seventies if the sun gets busy doing what it is supposed to do about warming things up. I know most people like a little coolness, but I like the warm weather!

I had my first appointment of the year with my Primary Care doctor, who is still surprised at how independent I am as far as living without assistance in the home. I do have a lot of help as far as the yard, household cleaning, and now, the city picks up and brings back the trash and recycle bins, so I do have help. Now, on to the lab work, since I did the memory test and lung capacity test yesterday. Last year I developed pneumonia at this time, so I am hoping and praying that I stay healthy.

I stopped at Audibel and purchased new batteries for my hearing aids, went to the park, which was unusually full in the middle of the day. Unusual, because school was in session and I just did not think many people would be out enjoying themselves. I saw five or six ibis sitting on a limb hanging over the water...a stark contrast of white birds and gray bare branches! One of the gopher turtles was showing off by munching for a couple tourists. They don't pay any mind to people wanting to take photos and just stare at them. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ezekiel 36:22-27
"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 you how holy
my great name is--the one 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
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

Psoaring thru Psalms

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will be glad and rejoice in it! It is good to see the sun after a couple days of overcast skies and rain most of yesterday afternoon. But we finally have winter, because the temps are down in the sixties and will climb to the seventies as the sun warms everything up.

I put my warm fleecy blanket on the bed for the first time this winter, and it felt so good and toasty!  It will probably be on for a few more nights at least.

Well, the yard guys are here and wearing shorts, but one has long sleeves on his shirt, so that is a concession that it is cooler. They skipped last week, so they have a lot of catching up to do.

The weather has been so nice, that the Park has been extra busy with lots of visitors. I drove through there a couple times while it was so hot, and had to stop to let a young woman with her cell clamped to her ear so tightly, that she walked right in front of me. She was oblivious to anything around her. Sigh.

However, the squirrels don't let anything bother them...they race across in front of traffic and most times manage to escape harm. I saw an anhinga with wings spread wide perched on a large bush over the water. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 139:17,18,23,24
How precious are your thoughts about me,
O God!
They are innumerable!
I can't even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up in the morning,
you are still with me!

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of
everlasting life.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis