Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Teaching About 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! Except for a thunderstorm now and then, it was a good long weekend. The sun was really hot when Brian and I went to Bay Pines cemetery on Sat.but I am glad we drove out at that time, because Sunday was rainy.

We had lunch at Panera and then stopped and bought flowers and took them out to Louis' grave. It was such a moving sight to see the hundreds or more flags waving in the wind; some with flowers but many of the older ones, with no one left to remember them. Sen. Bill Young's grave always has a special remembrance marking it. That cemetery is a special place and is always taken care of.

Sunday, as Pastor Kevin was preaching, the rain started coming down on the roof, which gets very loud; so much so, that it stopped his preaching momentarily, as that is the first time since he came that we have had rain during a sermon. It was funny how he was distracted, but it did not take from his message and he carried right on!  It had not completely stopped when it was time for me to go to the car, It is difficult to wheel the walker and hold an umbrella, so I never carry one. I was parked under the oaks, and of course, they were dripping, but I did not get too wet! At least the car got washed!

I watched the salute to Memorial Day program on PBS Sunday evening, and even though it was raining in Wash. D.C. it was a tremendous presentation!

After doing a few chores around the house yesterday, I decided to be bold and go to Sonny's for a barbeque dinner. They have a drive thru, so I ordered chicken and pulled pork with sides, and have so much left over that I will have a couple more meals. Beans, cole slaw and pot. salad!
Yum! And garlic bread, of course!

As I was on my way to church, Sunday, I drove around Lynch Lake and saw a roseate spoonbill in the middle of a couple ibis. So Pretty and pink! My favorite! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Matthew 6:24-33
When you pray, don't babble on and on as
people of other religions do. They think their
prayers are answered only by repeating their
words again and again. Don't be like them.
because your Father knows exactly what you
need even before you ask him!
Pray like this:

Our Father in heaven.
may your name be honored.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done here on earth,
just as it is in heaven.
Give us our food for today,
and forgive our sins,
just as we have forgiven those who
have sinned against us.
And don't let us yield to temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, May 27, 2016

David's Song of Praise

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 and the weekend will be the same according to the predictions. That will be a good thing, since it is a holiday weekend. A day for remembering all the fallen service people who have protected us in the past and present.

The National Cemeteries are always decorated with flags; each grave with a small flag placed precisely in the center of the stone. I have one in Bay Pines National Cemetery and one at the National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas....

Well, I guess a lot of people are sad that the Bolts lost last night. I was disappointed, but only got interested in hockey this year. I don't understand a lot of it, but it really is fast moving compared to football and baseball! While I am still interested in the Rays, since Kevin Kiermaier is hurt, it's kind of a let down without him. He is such a sparkplug!

Since I have a busy day ahead of me, I had better get at it, so I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! BTW, My two biopsies came back benign! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Chronicles 16:31-36
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice!
Tell all the nations that the Lord is king.
Let the sea and all that is in it shout his praise!
Let the fields and their crops burst forth with joy!
Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise
before the Lord!
For he is coming to judge the earth.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever:
Cry out, "Save us, O God of our salvation!
Gather and rescue us from among the nations
so we can thank your holy name
and rejoice and praise you."

Blessed be the Lord,the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting!

And all the people shouted "Amen!" and
praised the Lord.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Paul's Final Thoughts

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Just as I said at the beginning of the week, it is another ditto day. Lots of sun, warm breezes and a bit lower humidity. Another day in Paradise! While I am not complaining, it would be nice to have a mountain nearby...just wishful thinking.

Well, yesterday, I enjoyed an ice cream social at church. Even though the construction and destruction is still going on, there was plenty of room for tables and people. Although there were more women than men, there were still quite a few men in attendance. All retired, of course.

Afterwards, a young man who grew up attending FCC and used to play in the worship team, spoke about his ministry at CFU. It is good to see the fruit from the vine continuing on with the ministry from our church.  Then Phyllis led us in singing some patriotic songs in honor of Memorial day. It was a good, time and I am blessed to have such a church family!

Afterwards, I went to my newly renamed bank and then took a ride to the park. I am happy that 62nd Ave. Is finished with the repaving, at least as far as the street goes, all the way to 4th St. There is still work to be done on the side streets, but nice, new blacktop on the main thoroughfare.

I believe Tuesday was Turtle day and I saw a big fat one moseying along at the park, with a black one on the side of the weir. An ibis was busy getting his dinner in the water, and an osprey flew by overhead. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Philippians 4:4-7
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say
it again---rejoice! Let everyone see that you
are considerate in all you do. Remember,
the Lord is coming soon.

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


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Paul's advice

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It's another beautiful, very warm day just like all the others, because this is almost summer time in Florida!

Well, after my visit to the Dr., I have a small scab on my nose and one on my right cheek. I did'n't even know he froze that spot! Also, an ugly bruise and scab on my left arm where he did a biopsy. I come out looking worse that when I go in. Sigh.

Both my yard crew and the recycling truck were here at the same time yesterday. Of course, the recycling truck was only here for as long as it took for the driver to come get the bin and empty it and then bring it back. But the yard looks good since it is mowed, (what grass I have left) and the twigs and stuff cleaned up.

I see lots of butterflies floating past my window..large yellow ones. They must be headed for the butterfly bush growing in the back yard. I think they are so pretty! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Remember that in a race, everyone runs, but
only one person gets the prize. You also must
run in such a way that you will win. All athletes
practice strict self -control. They do it to win a
prize that will fade away, but we do it for an
eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with
purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who
misses his punches. I discipline my body like an
athlete , training it to do what it should. Otherwise,
I fear that after preaching to others, I, myself, might
be disqualified.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Prowling thru Proverbs

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 ditto day today; that is, the same today as yesterday and probably tomorrow and the rest of the week. Sunny, and very warm!

My last amaryllis is blooming, which is unusual for this late in May, but I am so happy that they bloomed this year!

I did not send my blog yesterday, because of an early appointment with my dermatologist downtown. I go down 9th St to his office on 6th St. So. and zipped all the way down without stopping until I got to Central Ave. All green lights all the way! That does not happen often. As a result I arrived a bit early, but that did not mean I did not have to wait. Dr. Chris always runs late, so it was about 40 minutes before I actually saw him. Sitting with just a paper gown on is not comfy, as I always get cold. He always apologizes for being late, but not does not mollify me.I try not to be irritated with him, because he is thorough.  He did a couple biopsies and zapped a few more spots, as usual. Guess it doesn't matter how old I get, sun damage always pops up.

After I left his office, I took a cruise through beautiful downtown St. Petersburg. The waterfront was so beautiful, and people were walking around shopping and starting to find restaurants. Lots of outdoor seating on such a beautiful day!

Then I drove up busy 4th St. and thought I would pull into CFA to get a salad for lunch. Well, the line was out in the street, but moving quickly and the outside order taker was working her way around all the cars, so it was very efficient. It took about twenty minutes to get all the way around and by the time I got my order the line was so long out into 4th st, that I could not see to pull out into traffic. Finally, a nice alert driver in the mini-van waved me on, because she could see and I could not. Whew! Glad to get home! My frosty lemonade hit the spot with the salad!

God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Proverbs 2:11,3:21-26
Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will
keep you safe.

My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight.
Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring
you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way
and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down
without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams . You need not
be afraid of  disaster or the destruction that comes upon
the wicked for the Lord is your security. He will keep your
foot from being caught in a trap.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, May 20, 2016

Psoaring thru Psalms

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We are having a very warm, humid, sunshiny day again, and it looks like this will be with us for another few days, so summer is here!

I was so sad to hear the news of Terry Tomalin's death yesterday. I so enjoyed his stories of outdoor adventures in the Tampa Bay Times over the years. He was the outdoors editor and went on many adventures, which he related well. I called him one day to ask for information about the best captain for taking children on a deep sea outing. He was very helpful and I appreciated his input. He leaves his wife and two children, and hundreds of friends...

I went to my podiatrist yesterday for my nine week visit and discovered two wheelchair patients in the small waiting room. It gets a little crowded when they are in there, but the waiting time was brief and I soon got in. I discovered he also knows my friend Phyllis and visits her at Bon Secours. Small world!

I avoided the construction part of 62nd Ave, en route to visit the Park and saw an ibis strolling across the road with something in its beak. It looked like a fat grub. Ah, lunch! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 139:23,24
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

Thursday, May 19, 2016

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 81 already at 10:30, so that means a warm, humid day is what is in store for us. But the breeze is blowing and the sun is shining, so that is a good thing.

I heard the doorbell while I was getting dressed and listening to Trent Harmon singing on my PC, so I checked through the peephole in the front door and sure enough, there was a man from TECO standing there wanting to inform me that they would be working in my backyard and the yards of the people in back of me, which I gave him permission to do.. I did not know the pipeline ran through the back yard.

I had a surprise late yesterday afternoon. Brian called unexpectedly and said he was just out of the eye doctor's office and invited me to dinner. His eyes were still dilated, so with the aid of a couple pair of sun glasses, he was able to drive. We went to Gigi's in time for the early bird special, which happened to be Eggplant Parmigiana for me, but Brian ordered a fish dish. Of course, I had a plate full of spaghetti along with the large helping of eggplant, so most of mine came home.

One of the things my cousins from England noticed was how large the helpings are over here.. They also said the price of "petrol" was much higher..But it was very thoughtful of Brian to take me out and I appreciate it very much! I am blessed!

I checked out the condition of 62nd Ave. yesterday and it was one long traffic jam, since traffic was down to one lane heading west, while the resurfacing was going on.  I turned off as soon as I could. I had come from the park, where a few people were enjoying the beauty and calmness of the green grass and trees. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 30:3-5,10-12
Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones!
Praise his holy name!
His anger lasts but a moment
but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Weeping may go on all night,
 but joy comes with the morning.

You have turned my mourning into joyful
dancing/
You have taken away my clothes of mourning
and clothed me with joy,
that I might sing praises to you and not be
silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks
forever!


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Paul and Apollos

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 did not have nearly as much rain yesterday as I expected, and after the morning overcast cleared up, we now have a sunshiny, almost no wind day. It  looks like a great day for spending time at the beach for those who can stand the sun.

My cleaning ladies came yesterday, instead of today, and wanted to see the pics of Adam and Michelle that we took at our meeting. Speaking of them, they arrived back in UK a good eight hours after they left the USA. They were unable to sleep on the plane, but Michelle was happily reading all the way. They tried not to sleep after they got home, but gave in and napped for a couple hours, then had to go to work a short couple hours later. Jet lag is not fun!

I can relate to Michelle, since I am a reader, also. In fact, that is why I am so late this morning. I am almost finished with a book and really did not want to put it down! I had checked out five big novels at the library last week and have read 3, so far, but that means other stuff gets neglected. Oh, well, no one is checking up on me, so I am free to do as I wish! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Corinthians 3:5-9
Who is Apollos, and who is Paul, that we
should be the cause of such quarrels?
Why, we're only servants. Through us, God
caused you to believe. Each of us did the work
the Lord gave us. My job was to plant the seed
in your hearts and Apollos watered it, but it was
God, not we, who made it grow. The ones who
do the planting or watering aren't important
because he is the one who makes the seed grow.
The one who plants and the one who waters, work
as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be
rewarded individually, according to their own hard
work. We work as partners who belong to God. You
are God's field, God's building ---not ours..


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Psoaring thru Psalms

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is overcast today and a large area of rain is hovering a ways offshore, so we will have some rain this afternoon hopefully,. When I got the paper in this morning, I noticed we had already had a shower, which is good!

The last bloom on my amaryllis is bravely standing tall, while the others are long past their prime. I am really surprised that one is blooming this late in May, but it is still pretty. I noticed the crape myrtle trees are blooming now, at Steak and Shake, so mine may be doing the same. I have not been out back to check on it. I noticed a Royal Poinciana tree in full bloom last weekend, so this is a pretty time to be in St. Petersburg.

As I was driving down 4th St. to the cleaners, I could not help comparing the traffic to where we were on Saturday. I am thankful I do not live in Kissimmee! I am sure there may be quiet residential neighborhoods some place there, but where we were was so crowded with every fast food place you could imagine and even some rides at one place. Also, helicopter tours! Too much!

As I rounded Lynch Lake in the hot afternoon, I saw one ibis, and an anhinga airing out his wings. Then I drove on to the park with my strawberry milkshake and saw very few people, but a large, fat gopher tortoise munching on the grass near his tunnel home. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows,
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk
through the dark valley of death,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me,
 Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me,
in the presence of my enemies.
You welcome me as a guest,
anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing
love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, May 16, 2016

1 Timothy

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! Even the weather report said the day will be beautiful, although the humidity is back. But that's okay because the wind is gentle and the sun is shining off and on through the white clouds!

Well, we had quite an adventure Saturday. Brian and I left here shortly after 10 Am to head for Kissimmee to meet up with my cousin from England. Adam had done long and tedious research into our family tree on my father's side, and since there were twelve children, a lot of relatives turned up, which I had no knowledge of. We are scattered all over; CA, Bali, England, and other states. We had planned to meet at a Bob Evans, but found out the it was closed permanently, so Brian was able to call the number we had for Adam and Michelle and left a message for him to meet at the parking lot and change plans. (SIri was a big help)

It all worked out, because there was another Bob Evans about four miles away, so we drove there and had a patient waitress who didn't mind that we talked and talked before ordering. Then we just sat and talked some more. The waitress who was an older Asian lady, joined in and wanted to know where we were from. Afterwards, we adjourned to the entrance and did some more talking on the bench. By that time, the restaurant was mostly empty, so Adam asked the lady at bakery if she could take our pictures, which she was glad to do. She used all our iphones, so we got some great pics!Adam and Michelle are taking off back to Peterborough, UK today, but they have had a marvelous time visiting NYC, and Wash.DC. The time was short, but I am so happy that I got to meet them in person, after almost a year of emailing back and forth with memories and photos from the past of family on the farm in Middlebury, IN.

On the way up, on I-4, we were zipping along with fast heavy, three lane traffic, when all at once a hub cap, or wheel cover came flying by, narrowly missing us. PTL! Then, coming back we were missed by a soft drink can somebody tossed out! Other than those two narrow escapes, our trip was uneventful. But traffic was heavy coming and going, so I was glad to get home!

God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Tell those who are rich in this world, not to be
proud and not to trust in their money, which
will soon be gone. But their trust should be in
the Living God, who gives us all we need for
our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to
do good. They should be rich in good works and
should give generously to those in need, always
being ready to share with others whatever God has
given them. By doing this, they will be storing up
their treasure as a good foundation for the future
so that they may take hold of real life.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Paul's Final Advice

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, but the sun is promised for most of the day, and it continues to be warm and humid. That's summer in Florida!

Yesterday, I decided to take a trip to Publix and stock up, because I only shop about every two weeks. Well, it was a good day for me to go. When I went in to the deli, it was totally empty of customers, so I did not have to take a number. I bought a Publix turkey sub and since their lunch foods looked good and fresh, I ordered stuffed peppers and a couple pieces of baked chicken.

I shopped for some fruit and since they always put the chopped pineapple on the top shelf, double stacked, I usually ask for help. Sure enough, God placed a guy in my path who was getting some fruit for his lunch and I asked him to reach one down for me. He said he could barely reach it, so it was high! I was glad to get home and unload everything! I just had time to finish my sub before my cleaning ladies showed up at two. Good timing.

They wanted to know what was new and what happened Mother's Day, so I told them about Mama's Restaurant where we ate, and about our upcoming trip to Kissimmee to meet up with my second cousin and his wife. We are really looking forward to meeting them while they are here celebrating their first year of marriage! Adam is the one who did all the research on my side of the family and discovered I have scads of relatives I did not know existed!

After Kim and Cheryl left I drove over to the Library and exchanged books. On my way there, I went by Lynch Lake and saw that it was so peaceful; just like a mirror, with hardly any ripples. There were a couple of ducks, and as always, the ibis were pecking all around the lake. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Thessalonians 5:14-21
Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn
those who are lazy. Encourage those who
are timid. Take tender care of those who are
weak. Be patient with everyone.
See that no one pays back evil for evil, but ,
always try to do good to each other and to
everyone else..

Always be joyful. Keep on praying . No matter
what happens, always be thankful, for this is
God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

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


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Psoaring thru Psalms

Good Morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!The weather is much warmer now, and is creeping up daily. I can tell because the A/C is cycling on during the day, when for the past few days it has only come on in the late afternoon. But it is still gorgeous with lots of puffy clouds and sun.

The recycle truck is making its rounds today. I heard a crash and looked out the window and sure enough, there he was! All the cans and bottles and jars are put in the recycle bin and when they are emptied, it is noticed! The garbage man is a lot quieter.

I am expecting my yard man today since he did not show up yesterday. It will be good to have all the twigs and stuff picked up from the rainstorm. Brian carried a large branch over to the trash can and broke it up, so now it is gone. I appreciate his helpfulness.

Well, it looks like it is time to take my winter blanket to the cleaners and get it washed and put away for the summer. It seems like every winter I have to remember where I put the flannel sheets and blankets...memory is not working as fast as it used to! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 119:1-8
Happy are people of integrity,
who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
they do not compromise with evil
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your priorities!
then I will not be disgraced
when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you by living as I should.
I will obey your principles.
Please don't give up on me!


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, May 9, 2016

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 cool in the morning and very warm in the afternoon day...just about perfect!

On my way to church yesterday, I drove by Lynch Lake and saw a great blue heron enjoying breakfast. It looked like a small fish, so he was out early on Mothers' Day. Speaking of which, I had a wonderful day and the day before. I have two lovely flower arrangements; one from each son, and a prayer from the pastor for all moms of all kinds. many hugs and best wishes. Then Brian took me to lunch at Mama's, a restaurant in Seminole named after a person in Greek history. Prime rib was on the menu so I ordered that, since I hardly ever eat prime rib. It came with beans and carrots, baked sweet potato, salad and hot homemade rolls! Well the slice of prime was so huge three people could have eaten it, so a large portion of mine came home. Brian had the roast turkey with the sides, and he could not eat it all!

After that, we took a ride out to Gulf Blvd. looking at all the condos and lots of people crossing the road to get to the beach access. It was a very warm afternoon, so lots of people were in bathing suits. We drove up past Indian Shores and took the bridge home for a rest. I really enjoyed the day!

I took a drive to the Park and saw where the water had left a lot of debris on the weir from the storm and some trees were down. I know I had a rather large limb broken off from one of my oaks, but Brian broke it up and it went into the trash truck a little while ago. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 15:5-7
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement
help you live in complete harmony with each
other---each with the attitude of Christ Jesus
toward the other. Then all of you can join together
with one voice, giving praise and glory to God,
the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you,
then God will be glorified...


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, May 6, 2016

The 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! Well! We Are having very unspring like weather today! The air is actually chilly since the "cold" front came through, and I got out one of my cool weather tops when I dressed. The humidity is low and the breeze is almost still, but the sun is bright, so the warm up is on the way.

My van is back and the air is all fixed! Ray said he spent about two hours online with an app that mechanics use when they have problems to get others opinions and find solutions. That is how he found out the problem with my A/C and was able to order the part to fix it. He said he had never come across this situation in all his years as a mechanic. It was a learning experience for him. I am blessed that he was persistent! Also blessed that it was not the compressor!

I had a nice surprise when a beautiful arrangement of roses, carnations and other flowers was delivered as a gift from Brian! It even had a balloon floating high above it! Love my sons!

As I had the garage door open yesterday, a feisty blue jay came hopping by and stopped and looked at me. So I told him I knew he wanted a peanut. So I took a hand full and threw some out under the oak tree. I am sure the squirrels did not get even one! Bluejays are greedy. But 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 and 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 disciple 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

And a very Happy Mothers' Day to all the Moms!

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Psoaring thru Psalms

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Happy Cinco de Mayo Day! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! After the rainy, dark day yesterday, today we have cooler, dryer, temps and lots of sunshine. Beautiful dry weather! I had to walk out to the end of the driveway to retrieve my paper this morning and saw a large branch that had broken off the oak tree and lots of smaller leaves, twigs and stuff all over the yard and porch. I am very blessed though, because some people had trees topple on cars and the wind took off some roofs!

Well, it looks like I will be without a car for awhile. Another problem with the electric system has turned up, so Ray has to find a solution to that. I feel like my wings are clipped.

But my cleaning ladies came yesterday in the rain and so the house is all spiffy. They said they did not get too wet going in and out of houses with all their equipment. It was just a steady, light rain when they arrived here..

Well, yay! I just got a call from the auto shop and the repairs to the A/C won't be nearly as much as I thought! Thank you, Jesus! He a;ways provides! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 145:13-21
The Lord is faithful in all he says,
he is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those
bent beneath their loads.
All eyes look to you for help:
you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand,
you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living
thing.

The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him sincerely.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him.
He hears their cries for help and rescues them.
The Lord protects all those who love him, but
he destroys the wicked.

I will praise the Lord,
and everyone on earth will bless his holy name
forever and forever.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Roamin' thru Romans

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Wow! What a wild and wet day I woke up to! Actually, the lightning flashing on the curtains woke me first, and then I heard some thunder. I was expecting it because the weather reports yesterday kept showing on radar, the massive clouds of rain heading our way and the reports said it would start at about 5. They were right on the money! It is still raining lightly and water is dripping off the roof, but that's OK because my van is in the shop, so I can't go anywhere. Plus, we will take all the rain we can get!

I enjoyed bacon and eggs for breakfast and will probably have a BLT for lunch minus the lettuce. I already listened to some Trent Harmon songs which started my day off right, but one of the worship songs we sang Sunday keeps going through my mind. I even tried singing it out loud to see if that would help. Not that it's a bad thing to have praise songs in your mind; it's just one of those things...

My cleaning ladies are coming this afternoon. I saw them getting a wet start from Cheryl's house across the street. They had a nice, long weekend, since Cheryl's cousin came for a visit.

 When Ray came for the van last night, he had cleaned up the oil off the garage floor and swept all the leaves off the side I cannot get at when the car is parked. Sweeping is a challenge for me, anyway, since I have trouble with my balance. So I really appreciated Ray's thoughtfulness.

Well, I guess the squirrels are wet today and I don't hear any birds singing, so maybe later, when the sun comes out, all the little critters will get busy about their days. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 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 the glorious, unlimited
resources, he will give you mighty, inner strength
through his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will
be more and more at home in your hearts as you
trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the
soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have
the power to understand  as all God's people should;
how wide, how long, how high and how deep his
love really is. May you experience the love of Christ,
though it is so great you will never 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
and ever through endless ages . Amen


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Paul gives up his rights

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! Very warm humid and with a breeze blowing sums up another beautiful day, with the beaches calling to those with time to play!

I was so busy on the phone trying to straighten out a billing on my credit card, and then emailing back and forth, that I did not miss leaving the house. Ray came over to check out the A/C in the van and it looks like although the compressor seems to be all right, the part that he thinks needs replacing, comes with a compressor, so that means big bucks. Sigh. Cars mean a lot of up keep, but I would have a hard time giving mine up. I enjoy my time at home, and don't mind being alone , but there is freedom is knowing I can hop in the car and go whenever I want or need to.

Our second cousin from England is now in Orlando, after visiting Wash. D.C. and NYC. We are hoping to meet with him Saturday to chat for a couple hours. He is the one who started tracing our ancestry and has done a remarkable job in discovering a lot of cousins I never knew I had. They are all over the country and even parts of the world. Adam and his wife are celebrating their first anniversary with this trip to the states. A lovely, young couple.

Since I will be without a car for a couple days, I will have to get some groceries, even if I have to drive an unairconditioned car. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Remember that in a race, everyone wins, but
only one person gets the prize. You also must
run in such a way that you will win. All athletes
must practice strict self control. They do it to
win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for
and eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal
with purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer
who misses his punches. I discipline my body
like an athlete, training it to do what it should.
Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others,
I, myself, might be disqualified.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, May 2, 2016

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! We have a cool breeze this morning, but the temp is once again supposed to get up in the high eighties, so being without the A/C in the van will be a test of thinking cool thoughts.

Ray, my mechanic friend from church, just left after checking out the problem. Looks like it will cost an arm and a leg. It is not the compressor, but what he thinks is wrong, comes with a compressor, and that costs big bucks! Sigh.

I actually started out earlier this morning and was sitting down to type this at 10, but then Ray called, so that is my excuse for being late today. My yard guys are due today, but they have been coming on Tuesday lately, so I don't know when they will come. I noticed a limb hanging down from the oak tree over the driveway, so if and when they come, I hope they can get it down and dispose of it.!

The construction on 62nd Ave runs all the way to 4th st. The weekend wasn't bad because the cones were removed, so I drove on the unpaved part to church.  I thought attendance was down at second service, until about 5 or 10 after, then more people kept coming in and it was soon a pretty good crowd. Pastor Kevin gave another dynamic sermon about the DNA of the church, He brings out things I never thought about! Go, Kevin!

My amaryllis are looking a bit worse for wear, since some are already through blooming and still standing with droopy flowers and strong stalks. But the jacaranda trees are still beautiful! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

James 3:13-18
If you are wise and understand God's ways,
live a life of steady goodness so that only
good deeds will pour forth. And if you don't
brag about the good you do, then you will be
truly wise! But if you are bitterly jealous and
there is selfish ambition in your hearts, don't
brag about being wise. That is the worst kind
of lie. For jealousy and selfishness are not
God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly,
unspiritual and motivated by the devil. For
wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition,
there you will find disorder and every kind of evil.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven, is first
of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all
times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of
mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and
is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers
will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of
goodness.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis