Faith and Endurance

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 very warm spring day that feels like summer...blue skies with puffy white clouds, and occasional rain in other parts of the state, but none predicted for here. The only thing that really keeps it from feeling like summer for sure, is the cool breeze. If I stand in the shade on the front porch, I can feel the coolness of the gentle wind, and it is good!

I think there is a new squirrel family zipping up and down the oaks and racing across the street. I saw four in the yard at one time and two sticking close together yesterday. I still like to watch them, but I wish they would stop coming to a dead stop in the street when I am driving toward them. I haven't hit one yet, but one day they won't get out of the way, I'm afraid.

After I finished some business yesterday, I decided to go down to CFA for a salad, since it was late in the afternoon, and of course, there was already a line around the building, but it was moving quickly, so it only took about ten minutes to get around. It was the first time they made a mistake in my order..apparently the girl thought I said "fruit punch" instead of sweet Iced tea? They don't sound anything alike, but the switch was made at the window. It was a pleasure.

I decided to go home by way of 62nd Ave. Oh, boy! The repaving has started and eastbound traffic was down to one lane. Talk about traffic! It was almost going home time and the line of traffic was
long, so I decided to get out of that mess and turned off to head home!

On my way, I drove by Lynch Lake and saw the stately egret waiting for a fish to swim by and lots of ducks, and a couple ibis. God is good!

(BTW, my computer lost its internet connection yesterday morning and by the time my friend told me how to reboot, it was too late to send this blog.)

From the Promise Bible NLT:

James 1:2-8
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble
comes 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 an  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.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

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's not much to report about the weather because it is the same every day. We could really use some rain, so whenever God chooses, I am ready!

My cleaning ladies came yesterday instead of their usual day today, because Cheryl has a cousin coming to visit, so they are taking the rest of the week off. That is the good part about having their own business. They can work or not as they please, just by rearranging their schedule. They have been working together over 14 years and are closer than sisters.

I did not get out in the heat yesterday afternoon. I put some stuff in the recycle bin earlier and it was so hot, I almost burned my hand lifting up the lid! I saw a man sunning himself in his front yard in the neighborhood. If I did that, I would be a french fry in no time!

I have mentioned this before, but I think the birds are so plentiful this spring. I hear the mockers chirping even though the house is closed up and the A/C is on. Such a happy sound! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 3:1-3, 11-12
O Lord, hear me as I pray.
pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King
and my God,
for I will never pray to anyone but you.
Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
Each morning I bring my requests to
you and wait expectantly.

Let all who take refuge in you, rejoice;
let then sing joyful praises forever.
Protect them;
so all who love your name may be filled
with joy.
For you bless the godly, O Lord,
surrounding them with your shield of love.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Money and Possessions con't.

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I thought surely we would get some rain yesterday, but even though there were very dark clouds in the northwest, nothing happened. Sigh. Maybe today.

I had to run some errands yesterday, so after I got through, I remembered that the grand opening of the newly rebuilt Wendy's was scheduled, so I decided to check it out, and get a chocolate Frosty.I did not go inside, but was impressed by the outside drive thru that is now totally covered. It looked like they were doing a booming business, even though it was the middle of the afternoon! It only took about two months or more to get the old one torn down and the new one built. Fast work!

Traffic was really heavy, so apparently not all the tourists have gone home, yet. Or maybe these were local people out on jobs. I know the Rays are back in town, but it was too early for people to be headed to the Trop.

I noticed that two Sunoco stations and a convenience store have closed recently. It will be interesting to see what is done with those properties. One is in a prime 4th st. location, and the other on M. L. King St.

I was enjoying the beauty of two massive jacaranda trees on the way home. There are other smaller trees, but these are old and fully in bloom with the beautiful lavender  blossoms not yet falling on the ground. Takes my breath away! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Luke 12:27-32
Look at the lilies and how they grow.
They don't work and make their clothing,
yet Solomon in all his glory was not
dressed as beautifully as they are. And if
God cares so wonderfully for flowers that
are here today and gone tomorrow , won't he
more surely care for you? You have so
little faith! And don't worry about food--what
to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God
will provide it for you. These things dominate
the thoughts of most people, but your Father
already knows your needs. He will give you all you need
from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God
your primary concern.
So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives the Father
great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Money and Possessions

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 day is like yesterday and all the rest of the week; Just very warm sunshine and a few puffy clouds. We really need rain, but maybe May will bring showers!

Well, I attended my church's family, congregational meeting last night and heard how the remodeling is progressing, including moving the kitchen, and installing new chairs and carpeting.The new lighting is already installed, which is an improvement. The best news is that we have an average of 400 in attendance every Sunday, and the parking lot is always full. As we keep growing, three services are in our future and possibly a building program in another year or so! The Holy Spirit is working mightily! Thirty new and returning former members were accepted into membership last night. Glory!

After a powerful church service yesterday morning, I headed for the park and found lots of people enjoying the very warm day. I drove around Lynch Lake and saw ibis, anhingas, egrets and ducks munching and swimming...a very active lake. Saturday I exchanged books at the Library, which was quiet, but lots of people were using the computers. The bookshelves are constantly being rearranged, because of adding new books and eliminating some of the older ones by selling them. It is a very, busy place. I see what looks like homeless people stopping by to get a drink and use the facilities and just rest. It is an oasis in a busy world. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Luke 12:27-32
Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So
I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether
you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For
life consists of far more than food or clothing. Look
at the ravens, they don't need to plant or harvest or
put food in barns, because God feeds them. And you
are far more valuable to him than any birds.Can all your
worries add a single minute to your life? Of course not!
And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use
of worrying over bigger things?...

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 another breezy, sunshiny, cool in the morning, very warm in the afternoon, day, just like the ones we have had all week!

My cleaning ladies came late yesterday, so we caught up on news as they worked. They had to use my vacuum as theirs broke, which I don't mind at all, since mine does not get any use much any more. I don't usually track much dirt in with my comings and goings.

I have not been watching the Rays as much this year as last year, for some reason. I like to watch Kevin Kiermaier play and a couple of the others, but they got rid of so many of my favorites, it doesn't seem like the same team any more. And Chris Archer definitely has problems with his pitching so I hope he works it out soon.A baseball game doesn't really matter in the whole scheme of things, but it is a nice diversion from everyday cares.

So, just before I called her this morning, Cheryl called to tell  me my porch light was still on. I thought I had turned it off when I picked up the paper from the chair at the front door. Anyway, I was going to call her to tell her that Kim had left a roll of paper towels and Endust behind when she was cleaning, so I put them on the chair so Cheryl could pick them up before they took off for the day. Once in a while they leave other things behind, but it's no problem as long as it's my house, because I am right across the street! God is good!!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 7:7-13
Don't just pretend that you love others.
Really love them. Hate what is wrong.
Stand on the side of the good. Love each
other with genuine affection, and take
delight in honoring each other. Never
be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord
enthusiastically.
Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be
patient in trouble , and always be prayerful.
When God's children are in need, be the one
to help them out. And get into the habit of
inviting guests home for dinner, or, if they
need lodging, for the night.

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! There is nothing new to report on the weather..another beautiful day with lower humidity and lots of sun! It is cool enough in the morning that the A/C does not cycle on until later in the afternoon, so that is good.

It looks like my yard crew has changed their days to Tuesdays instead of Mondays, since they came Tues. last week, and yesterday they came just as I was leaving to go shopping. I actually never gave them a thought on Monday. It doesn't matter to me when they come, because they always do a good job.

I went to Disston Shopping Center where the air is always filled with the aroma of Little Italy pizza. I had already had lunch, so while it smelled good, I was not tempted. I had a not very pleasant encounter with a sales clerk in the medical supply store, who lectured me on how not to walk with my walker. I did not come in for a lecture and had not been in for five minutes when she started in. I have no idea what ruffled her feathers, but from then on, our conversation went down hill.

After I completed my business there, I went to a dress shop where the atmosphere was totally different! A very helpful sales associate, who was eager to please, and a gentleman who had held the door for me as he saw I was having difficulty opening it, helped to wipe away the unpleasantness of the previous store encounter. The man who opened the door for me was not a customer, just a passer by. A random act of kindness!

After I finished there, I headed for home, but stopped off at the park to see quite a few visitors enjoying the beautiful weather and  the colors of St. Petersburg in the spring; jacaranda trees, Fla. orchid trees, bougainvillea, and golden rain trees, are part of the color. I was ready for some gelato when I finally came home! 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

Joshua's charge

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 yesterday's weather and the same will continue throughout the week. Lower humidity, breezes and lots of sun! Paradise!

I heard mockingbirds singing so loudly while I was in the kitchen, I thought they were inside. For some reason, the birds seem to be happier this spring, which is good. When Brian stopped by Saturday, we were out by his car, when he saw a squirrel fall out of the oak tree right over our heads. I didn't see the fall, but I saw the little critter zoom across the yard afterwards. Apparently it takes a lot to hurt a squirrel!

Well, I have finished five of the six books I checked out from the library last week, and I am working on the sixth one. Sorry to say, when I get interested in a story, I let most everything go and just read. I am blessed to still have good eyesight!

That makes me think of the totally deaf model who is taking part on Dancing With the Stars. I watched him last night and though he cannot hear the music, he waltzed perfectly! It is amazing how he can interpret the moves through hand gestures from his partner and follow her lead. He gets my vote!  We can do anything if we try hard enough!

I need to get busy and empty the dryer and start moving, but God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Joshua 1:5-9
Be strong and courageous, for you will
lead  my people to possess all the land
I swore to give their ancestors. Be strong
and very courageous. Obey all the laws
Moses gave you. Do not turn away from
them, and you will be successful in every-
thing you do.Study this book of the law
continually. Meditate on it day and night
so you may be sure to obey all that is written
in it. Only then will you succeed. I command
you---be strong and courageous! Do not be
afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God
is with you wherever you go.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

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! Cool nights and warm days continue with no rain expected for at least this week. This is not really good news, because this is the dry time of year and a little rain would help maybe just once a week. Not complaining, just wishing..

We had another good crowd at church yesterday. I thought maybe last week that the winter visitors had all left, but it seems like new people keep coming. Someone told me there were thirty people in the inquirer's class who are joining the church;. this is great! and I see more and more younger people coming, which is also great!  I had to wait in the parking lot for about fifteen minutes before I could get in a parking space, but Pastor Kevin was fired up and preached a little over time...always worth listening to!

I did a little shopping over the weekend and visited the Park. Depending on the time of day, it is usually busy with visitors enjoying the lovely weather. Everything has greened up and looks so springlike..just like around the neighborhood. I passed one jacaranda tree in full bloom and it was so gorgeous! I love the lavender blooms! I checked and I I have three amaryllis which have bloomed out and about three left with one bud coming up! I am so happy that they bloomed this year! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 84:9-12
O God, look with favor upon the king,
our protector!
Have mercy on the one you have anointed.

A single day in your courts is better than
a thousand anywhere else!

I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house
of my God than live the good life in the house
of the wicked.
For the Lord God is our light and protector.
He gives us grace and glory.
No good thing will the Lord withhold from
those who do what is right.
O Lord Almighty,
happy are those who trust in you.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Jesus, The True Vine

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We have overcast skies today with rain predicted for later and again tomorrow probably, but Sunday should be beautiful!

After I left my hair stylist yesterday, I stopped at CFA, got into line barely off the street, and prepared for a long wait to get to the window. But, the line moved quickly because the girl with the ipad menu was on the job in the heat, taking orders from the cars and trucks lined up, so it was only about ten minutes before I got to the window and got my chicken salad sandwich and frosty lemonade. Tasty!

After I had my lunch, I went on to Publix and did my grocery shopping. It was a good time to go, because there were not so many people at that time of day. The bag man did not offer to take me out, so I put all the groceries in the van, and by the time I unloaded at home, I was ready for a tiny rest. I had seen Breyer's gelato in the ice cream section, so I bought the raspberry cheesecake and had some with a non-sugar cinnamon loaf cake. Kinda defeats the whole diet idea, right?

I saw the white duck floating on Lynch Lake as I drove by, along with some smaller ducks. I could not see them well enough to tell what they were, but they looked very content riding the slightly choppy waves. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

John 15:9-15
I have loved you, even as the Father has loved me.
Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain
in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in
his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled
with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command
you to love each other in the same way that I love you.
And here is how to measure it--the greatest love is shown
when people lay down their lives for their friends. You
are my friends if you obey me. I no longer call you servants
because a master doesn't confide in his servants. Now you
are my friends ,since I have told you everything the Father
told me. You didn't choose me, I chose you. I appointed
you to go and produce fruit that will last , so that the Father
will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. I command
you to love each other.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

The True Vine

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! This is sort of a transition day; more humidity, and showers predicted for the rest of the week, but then comes Sunday, and it is supposed to be beautiful!. I have had my A/C on for over a week, now, and while I get a little cool in the evenings reading and watching TV, it really feels good during the heat of the day!

After the cleaning ladies left yesterday, I drove out to Walmart to gas up the van, and was pleased to see that the price of gas has gone down a few cents. This was good news. Traffic was heavy, as usual, on US 19, but moving right along. I still wonder why there aren't more accidents, the way some people drive. A car zoomed by me, almost cutting me off, and I drove up right behind the impatient driver at the next red light, where she had to wait for three minutes like the rest of us. So much for her hurry! I took gleeful satisfaction in that!

I stopped by the Park where few people were enjoying the day and walking dogs, and then went by Lynch Lake and saw egrets, ibis, ducks and seagulls! It was a busy place! And I also admired the jacaranda trees again, which are now in full bloom!

God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

John 15:5-8
Yes, I am the vine, you are the branches.
Those who remain in me, and I in them, will
produce much fruit. For apart from me, you
can do nothing. Anyone who parts from me
is thrown away like a useless branch and withers.
Such branches are gathered into a pile to be
burned. But if you stay joined to me and my
words remain in you, you may ask any request
you like and it will be granted! My true disciples
produce much fruit. This brings much glory to
my Father...

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Still More Love

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 beautiful day just like the ones earlier this week. But this morning very early, around 3:20 or so, I thought I heard thunder and thought how nice to sleep through the rain. It must have been a car, though, or something, because everything was dry when I got up. Rain is predicted, however, for sometime tomorrow.

I was going to call my handy man for yard work, but I noticed that my yard crew came yesterday, instead of Monday, and did some trimming that needed to be done. They surprise me and do that once in a while, so I still need Rick to come and do some weeding and other things that need doing. My friend, Cheryl, across the street has been hauling mulch and spreading it over places in her back yard, after she gets through cleaning. She spread another twenty bags yesterday! Whoa! She has a lot of energy! Her friend and cleaning partner, Kim, also brought mulch and sod to spread in their back yard. Such ambition!

I noticed that Wendy's is almost ready to open, after a total tear down and reconstruction. It is the one where I get the delicious Frosty's once in a while. It looks so much bigger and better! Looks like only another week or so...

I have been binge watching Trent Harmon, the winner of American Idol sing. He is so appealing to me. A farmer whose family has a restaurant in a small town in Mississippi, but he attended college in Ark. and just got back from a mission trip and decided to walk in and apply for Idol for the audition and wound up winning! He seems so natural and unaffected and has a remarkable voice!

Anyway, I am glad he won! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Corinthians 13:11-13
It's like this: When I was a child, I spoke and
thought and reasoned as a child does. But
when I grew up, I put away childish things.
Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor
mirror, but then we will see everything  with
perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial
and incomplete, but then I will know everything
completely, just as God knows me now.

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

More Love

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord had made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! This is another ditto day..just one day as beautiful as the next. Cool breezes and very warm in the afternoon.  April is said to be the no rain or, at least, not much rain month, but thundershowers are always predicted for some part of the county at different times.

I did a little shopping yesterday, and noticed a large osprey nest messily piled on top of a credit union sign, but no one was home, while the one that is small and scarce has an occupant on top of a pole that was put up for ospreys at Sawgrass School. I saw the osprey sitting on it Sunday. And it seems like the chorus of birds has never been louder than it is now. I hear mockingbirds through my walls and it is such a happy sound!

Changing the subject; I just have to mention my good friend, Kathy, who walked with me Sunday night at the salmon dinner and carried my plate until it was full, then carried it the table and went back to get her own food. She is such a thoughtful and caring person. What a blessing she is! Such tasks are difficult for me with the walker, which takes both hands,

We live in a colorful world right now, with jacarandas, amaryllis, Florida orchid trees, bougainvilla bushes and soon, poinciana trees in bloom! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
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
whenever the truth wins out. Love never
gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful
and endures through every circumstance. ..

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 and be glad in it! We have another beautiful sunshiny, day with breezes blowing and fairly low humidity, much like yesterday!

I wore a spring like pant suit to church yesterday and could have used a sweater  because the A/C was cold. But we heard a good sermon on 1 Corinthians 13. Pastor Kevin had another winner! I was a winner, also, since church let out on time, and I found a parking space right away!

We had a free salmon dinner last night at church, with Dennis Weidler from KICY, Nome Ak, speaking afterwards about the work of the radio station which reaches into Russia with the gospel and Christian music. FCC has been a supporter of this radio station for many years. The salmon was shipped from Alaska and was probably the best tasting I have ever eaten! There were lots of good side dishes, also! I had been wanting my church to have one of the salmon dinners for a long time, so I am happy the Mission committee planned this!

On the way home, I came around Lynch Lake and the ducks and ibis were just settling down for the night. I also saw a woodstork among the feathery friends! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I could speak in any language in heaven
or on earth, but didn't love others, I would
only be making meaningless noise like a
loud gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the
gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries
of the future and knew everything about everything,
but didn't love others, what good would I be?
And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak
to a mountain and make it move, without love I
would be no good to anybody. If I gave everything
I have to the poor, and even sacrificed my body ,
I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I
would be of no value whatsoever...

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Song of Moses

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! Beautiful! That's the word for the weather right now. Later this afternoon we are predicted to get cooler for a couple days, so I guess I will have to put another blanket on the bed. Hopefully, that will be the last time!

So, I made the trip to the dentist yesterday and with a few red lights, I still got there on time.Sure enough, I had to have the tooth drilled out and  a filling put in. I haven't had a cavity in years, so this was a surprise to me, but Dr. Bob blames it on a loose flipper that let food in even though I floss after every meal. So, he did not charge me!! What a blessing! They also added a layer to the flipper, so that it fits tighter.( FYI, a flipper is a one tooth partial, ) It replaces a tooth that broke in two several years ago. And, yes, he did sing...part of Winter Wonderland. The assistant joined in with the words and then he went into America the Beautiful. I'm thankful he didn't start the Star Spangled Banner, because I was in no position to stand up!

After an hour and a half, I was free to go, so I zipped across the street to the Bed, Bath and Beyond store, but did not find a close parking space, so decided to head for home, since I wanted to avoid the going home traffic.

I was interested to see the interview with the pilot of the F-35, the latest version of the stealth fighter which flew in to the Fun and Sun Festival. This is a 100 million dollar plane, and he seems like such a modest young man, very well spoken and patient to answer all the questions he was asked by reporters, about what it is like to fly such a plane. Our country is in good hands with service men like him!

Well, I watched the last show of the American Idol last night. and my favorite won! I somehow knew before his name was announced that Trent Harmon was going to win. I thought the runner up had a terrific voice, but is so different in background and personality than Trent. It remains to be seen how popular he will be in his career.

I saw several little squirrels in the yard as I drove up yesterday. They were busy digging up the acorns they had buried earlier. There is a family of four, very cute! I am thankful they do not eat amaryllis bulbs as they are still blooming and very pretty! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Deuteronomy 32:1-4
Listen, O Heavens, and I will speak!
Hear, O earth, the words that I say!
My teaching will fall on you like rain;
my speech will settle like dew.
My words will fall like rain on tender grass.
I will proclaim the name of the Lord:
how glorious is our God!
He is the Rock; his work is perfect.
Everything he does is just and fair.
He is a faithful God who does no wrong;
how just and upright he is!

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

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! Well! We had a tornado alert and lots of rain as the storm passed through about 7 AM. But it moved fast and now we have sunshine and cooler temps. However,there was lots of damage in some areas from trees falling and roofs ripped off. From the news reports, insurance adjusters are already on the job for some people. This is good.

I was hoping for a rainy day so I could cancel my dentist appointment. I have a suspicious spot on one tooth that the hygienist wants Dr. Bob to look at. I really don't dread going to the dentist, but it is not one of my favorite things to do. It is a long drive clear across town and then my jaw gets so tired from my mouth being open. Dr. Bob makes it as painless as possible, singing sometimes, and making jokes that it is impossible to laugh at since my mouth is wide open with stuff hanging out! Sigh...just a job I have to do.

Well, the house is clean and pretty much back to normal, after the short weekend visit from Daryl and Matthew. Cheryl and Kim cleaned and polished and did a good job, as usual. Today Kim and her husband were taking off for Miami to visit and help pack up their daughter and son in law to get them ready for a move to Louisiana. He is in the military, so has to go where they are sent. Meantime, Cheryl will be busy in her backyard spreading mulch. That is more work than cleaning houses!

I went shopping at Walgreen's yesterday, to buy some things CVS no longer carries. I was surprised to find a lot of sale items, so not only did I find what I needed but a few other things at a good sale price! After I left there, I drove on to the Park where not many people were enjoying nature and picnicking and walking their dogs.It was a beautiful day. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians 3:14-23
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 deep his love really is. May you
experience the love of Christ, though it is so great
you may never fully understand it. Then you will be
 filled with the fullness of life and power that comes
from God.

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

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Faith in the Son of God

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!  A cool breeze, lots of sunshine, and a cloud or two, makes for a great start to the perfect day!

Today is my second son's birthday! Happy Birthday, Daryl! He was a chubby, little 8 pounder when he was born; now, a good many years later, he is a bit over that weight! But always a blessing!
I love you, son!

Yesterday, after doing laundry and a few chores around the house, I went to the P.O. and then to CVS, where I discovered a large truck with a cherry picker, engaged in working on a sign high up on the front of the building. It seems like that is a good profession these days with banks constantly changing names, and other businesses needing signage, etc. Also, the printers with all the paperwork with logos and names changed.

After I left CVS, I drove across to Steak and Shake and ordered a strawberry shake, then drove on to the Park to see what was going on. What a contrast between Sunday and yesterday! I wrote about the large crowd Sunday, but yesterday, only a few people were there. I saw a lone anhinga airing out his wings, but that was it! Then I went home and enjoyed my shake!  God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 John 4:18-21

We know that those who have become
 part of God's family do not make a
practice of sinning, for God's Son holds
them securely, and the evil one cannot
get his hands on them. We know that we
are children of God and that the world
around us is under the power and control
of the evil one. And we know that the Son
of God has come, and he has given us
understanding so that we can know the true
God. And now we are in God, because we
are in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only
true God, and he is eternal life.

Dear children, keep away from anything that
might take God's place in your heart.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

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! It is still a little cool in the mornings, and last night, or I should say, early this morning I pulled a warm cover up because the light blanket and sheet I had were not warm enough for me. But the sun is shining and it is almost up to seventy outdoors. Inside, it is a little cooler. The weather is actually just perfect!

Well, I heard from a young cousin I never knew I had until last year when he started looking up his ancestry, and uncovered a lot of cousins, seconds and once or twice removed, etc; from my father's side of the family. He, Adam, and his wife are coming across the pond, as he calls it, to visit the states the last of this month and I am hoping to meet with them when they come from England. I wish he had Skype, so we could be talking, but he doesn't, so I will have to wait. He uncovered cousins in CA. and all over, so he did a good thing, which took a lot of time on his part.

Except for being cleaned, my house is back to normal, after the boys left this weekend. But my ladies come tomorrow and will get everything back to normal in short order. Unfortunately, there is an anole roaming around, and Cheryl does not like them! Matthew and Daryl tried to catch him in the living room, but he got away and made his way into my bedroom where I almost trapped him on the window last night. I gave him a good talking to, telling him not to put his sticky feet on my face while I slept!!

My amaryllis are still blooming and I have one more bulb coming up. I think all the rain caused them to really be outstanding this year, since they did not bloom last year. They are striped red and white...not the prettiest kind, but very nice, anyway.. The yard men did not come until about noon yesterday, and they did not bother the lilies, so that is good.

I visited the Park Sunday after church, and it was packed! There were only two or three parking spaces left out of the whole parking area, with more cars coming in as I left. There are baby gators to be seen, along with the gopher tortoises. 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 in him.
God is love and all who live in love live
in God and God lives in them. And as we live in
God our love grows more perfect. Se we will not
be afraid on the day of judgment , but we can
face him with confidence because we are like
Christ here in this world.

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

Psoaring thru Psalms

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! After a very rainy Saturday, we had a nice mostly sunny Sunday, which was good for church, and the opening of baseball season! Even though the Rays lost their game, which was a disappointment!

It was a busy weekend around here! Daryl and Matthew came down, arriving early Friday morning, after driving most of the night. They had a good weather Friday, which they used to go to the beach to look around and eat fish and other yummy food. I was happy to stay home while they roamed. The purpose of their coming was to take Brian's former car back to Tenn. since he gave it to Matthew when he got himself a newer car. We decided to celebrate Daryl's birthday, also, since it is coming up Wednesday.

Brian came over and they had a good time together on Saturday. We tried to get into Italia Mia for dinner, but they were so crowded, with no comfortable waiting area, we had to go to Plan B. So we tried out the new Tasty Eats, or whatever it is called. Anyway, the food is served cafeteria style and is mostly organic . The seating is limited, so we got ours to go and brought it all home.. While the food was mostly good, I would not go back.

My computer was one of the many to be affected by the Frontier outage Friday. I did not know that it would affect me, since I was unaware that Verizon had anything to do with my system. However, I found out it did. Brian said all their computers went down at the bank and they had to call their tech support to help them get back online. Bad news for a bank!

Daryl and Matthew left for TN early yesterday morning, and after a very long trip , arrived back home about eleven hours later. The trip took so long because of construction in Georgia. But we prayed with them before they left and all through their trip and they made it safely! 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 the 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