Wednesday, August 31, 2016

The Tree and It's Fruit

"It was a dark and stormy night..." is the way Snoopy's novels always start out and this is the story of our day so far. But it is still the Day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

I rejoice that as far as I know I have no leaks in the roof, plenty of food to eat and the electricity is on. I have no place to go, so I am happy to stay at home,

We are in the midst of a Tropical Storm with a Hurricane watch in effect. Lots of rain and flooded streets in some areas. I was awakened at 3:30 by thunder and lightning and a fierce storm which lasted for about an hour. I finally got back to sleep sometime later and then slept later than usual, which did not matter, since I had no appointments.

My yard crew came yesterday and got their mowing in, trying to get ahead of the rain since they cannot work in weather like today. One of them also brought up the new Phone book, which was lying on the driveway. I was thankful for that.

Oh, something strange happened. I was talking to Brian on my iphone,,he calls me when he gets off work..and I heard a beep on the fone. I looked at it and there was Daryl's face! Apparently I had hit one of the buttons while chatting with Brian and dialed Daryl and was able to have a little Facetime chat with him! First time I had a Facetime chat with anyone! Very cool!

Yesterday was sunshiny nearly all day, so I got some running around done, including a trip to the park where I saw a great blue heron standing majestically in the canal, framed by the green branches of the trees behind him.. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Luke 6:43,45
A good tree can't produce bad fruit and a
bad tree can't produce good fruit. A tree is
identified by the kind of fruit it produces.
Figs never grow on thornbushes or grapes
on bramble bushes. A good person produces
good deeds from a good heart, and an evil
person produces evil deeds from an evil heart.
Whatever is in your heart determines what you
say.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

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! I am later than I wanted to be because of a stubborn PC. Anyway, here I am, staying tuned to the weather while they all try to figure out when and where this tropical disturbance will be hitting us. We have puffy clouds and blue skies at this moment, but heavy rains are predicted to start later on.

Brian brought my groceries Sat. evening, so, as long as the power stays on, I will be okay. Unlike my niece and nephew in Louisiana, who not only have a gutted home, but Doug's Mother, Ms. Pearl, passed away from a heart attack at 1:30 this morning.  They still have positive attitudes in the face of all they are going through. God is watching over them and all the others still trying to dig out of flooded belongings!

I was able to get to the book drop at the library before the raindrops got too heavy yesterday. I returned 3 and then was headed to the bank when it started raining harder, so I thought I had better get home. If I had started sooner, I would not have run into the rain..

I drove by a flock of ibis around Lynch Lake Park. They always seem to stay together in large flocks! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Luke 7:27-32
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

Monday, August 29, 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! All is still and quiet and sunshiny right now, but we have been watching the latest weather reports on TD 9 and its erratic course. No one seems to know how much we will be affected later on this week, but most agree that we will have heavy rain and possible flooding around Thurs. or Friday.

Meanwhile, my niece and all the others in La. who were flooded are so tired from cleaning up and ripping out wet stuff, trying to get ahead of the mold and mildew, and now are thinking about the storm maybe bringing more rain to their area. But, people that need help themselves, are still helping others while trying to get to their jobs so they can pay their bills which keep coming. They need much prayer and financial help.

Well, I had an unusual happening Sat. morning. Shortly after I got up the power suddenly went off. It was daylight, but not too light in the house, so I took my shower, (I have a gas water heater) so no worries about water cooling off, and then got a light so I could find Duke Energy's customer service number. Everything is computerized now, so I did not have to wait long  and the voice told me that 97 outages were reported due to damaged equipment. I never found out what the damage was, but was told that I should have power by 9:30, and they were right! The power came back on just before 9:30. I had planned everything for my breakfast that I would have to get from the fridge, so as not to open it too much, so I got my milk for the cold cereal, O.J.,  and water, and just as I finished, the power came back on and I was able to make my cup of tea!

I could not have gone out for breakfast, because I was not sure how to open the electric door. I think there must be a rope I can pull to disconnect it, but I should find out.

We had a powerful, passionate sermon about giving, based on Ecclesiastes 5 yesterday, and there was applause at the end. I think it was one of the best I have ever heard. Pastor Kevin was just about in tears when he finished. We have a lot of new people and I wonder if any of them have ever heard about tithing. I have heard of the  old saying, "I don't go to church because all they talk about is money."..Not true in our case. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 13:8-10
Pay all your debts, except the debt of love
for others. You can never finish paying for that!
If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the
requirements of God's law. For the commandments
against adultery and murder and stealing and
coveting---and any other commandment---are all
summed up in this one commandment: "Love your
neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to
anyone, so love satisfies all of God's requirements.


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, August 26, 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! Yesterday was beautiful , hot and dry and today is starting out the same. the weather people are still doing their best to keep track of the disturbances in the tropics, but one called it "Pathetic" and no threat. However, it does look like we will be getting rain Monday and Tuesday. We will just have to wait and see.

I took a day off from writing this blog so I could do some shopping in the morning when it is slightly cooler. Well, it didn't happen. I did get as far as CVS, because i had two calls saying ai had a scrip ready, so I needed to go pick that up. After that, I zipped over to S&S to get a half price milk shake. Then I drove to the park, which was almost deserted, and had a slurp or two.  Um, um, good!

Then, back home to unload the van. I was able to get home before school let out, which always means a traffic jam when St. Pete Christian lets out. The Rays played in the afternoon, which I forgot, so I did not get to watch them, but they won! 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

Wednesday, August 24, 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 have sun and clouds today and very warm temps! Our rain chances are picking up, because of the tropical disturbances in the Atlantic, which is heading our way according to some of the "spaghetti" models from various sources. Possible rain is up to 60% for Sunday! I sure hope that is wrong, because Pastor Kevin is preaching such a good series on Ecclesiastes that I hate to miss. I will just have to wait and see.

Yesterday was so hot! I parked in the shade at the Library, but walked a short distance through the sun to get in the door and I could feel my arms cooking! I heard the temp was up over a hundred in several cities inland. But I got a severe weather warning on my iphone about 5:30 or 6, and sure enough, we had thunder, lightning, and pouring rain for about thirty minutes!

My yard crew had come in the morning and the past two weeks, just the helpers have been doing the yards. I think maybe Jim, the owner, is on vacation. But I must say, the guys have set the mower blades lower and the yard looks really good when they get through! the two or three other yards they do down the street look good, too!

I drove on to the park while I was out, and while there were more cars Parked, I did not see many people. They really have to endure to walk the boardwalk in all the heat, because most of it is not shaded. The water in the canal is really high and I noticed one of the poles mounted on the side of the weir is leaning and almost broken from all the debris piled up against it. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 138:1-3,8
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart.
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple  as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness.
Because your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
When I pray, you answer me.
You encourage me by giving me the
strength I need.

The Lord will work out his plans for my
life---
for your faithful love, O Lord, endures
forever.
Don't abandon me, for you made me.


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, August 23, 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! I can hardly keep my eyes open on this sunny day. I had a sleepless night for some reason. This happens once in a while, so I see a nap in my future.

So, I just got up to see who was at the door and it takes me so long to get there, that the JW's had already started down the driveway. That's okay, because I would not have opened the door, anyway! This was two older men, which is kind of unusual.

Well, I finished my last book yesterday, so I have to make a trip to the library today and load up again. I am currently reading a fiction series, where the ending leaves you hanging, so I have to get the next in sequence, just to see what happens. Bummer, because sometimes the next is not available for a while! But there is always something else to read! I saw on TV or FB where a woman had vowed to read fifty books this year. I read about six books every two weeks, so I haven't figured it out yet, but I think I won't have any trouble reaching that goal!

The mockingbirds and bluejays are zooming in and out of the hedge next door and butterflies are floating by the window. After visiting Audibel  yesterday, I went on to the Park and did not see very many people there. School was not out and I guess everyone was busy, but the butterflies and ibises were there, very busy grubbing! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Proverbs  10:9-11
People with integrity have firm footing,
but those who follow crooked paths will
slip and fall.
People who wink at wrong cause trouble,
but a bold reproof  promotes peace.

The words of the godly lead to life; evil
people cover up their harmful intentions.


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

Love and hugs.
Amaryllis

Monday, August 22, 2016

Eccleaistes

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 sunshine and clouds and heat and humidity, but the days are about thirty minutes shorter, so fall will soon be upon us. Thunderstorms pop up most any time; for instance, I was in the salon getting my hair done Sat. and all at once it started pouring, which did not bother me since I wasn't going out for awhile. Meantime, my van got washed!

I went to PDQ afterwards and some kids had a real car wash going, but I did not pull in for them. I like the zucchini fries when they are not too greasy.At PDQ and I also got the chicken tenders.

Brian came over later in the afternoon and we were discussing my niece, Donna, Louis' late sister's daughter, in Walker La, and the disaster they are coping with . Donna and Doug's house was flooded and photos were shown on FB of the damage just in their home...everything thrown out, drywall ripped out up to the high water mark, furniture, beds, everything! They are salvaging what they can, and the friends they are staying with are being very kind. Chris, Donna's son, has installed the washer and dryer on the patio and they wash, dry, and fold and then repeat as all the wet clothes are saved. But there is not one word of complaint from Donna; instead, she has praise and thanks for all the people who have pitched in to help. Even those who have damages themselves are helping in any way they can. She has a mighty God to rely on and strong faith.. I continue to pray for all those who have lost their homes.

Church is getting crowded again. Seems like the people who attend first service do not want to leave right away, so the parking lot is full when I get there and that includes all the handicapped spaces. Yesterday, I parked further away under the trees and had a longer walk into the building, but I made it, and then discovered I left my glasses in the car! My sweet friend, Rita, volunteered to get them for me and I am so happy she did! What a blessing!

We had a baby dedication for little Caleb, just a couple weeks old. I think that was the first one Pastor Kevin has had since he came, but three babies have been born in the last month! I see more old members returning  to Faith after having been gone for a long while.

Well, I have never left. It is God's church and no matter who the preacher is, He is still in control, and all things will work for good to those who love the Lord! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ecclesiastes 12:11-13
A wise teacher's words spur students to
action and emphasize important  truths.
The collected sayings of the wise are like
guidance from a shepherd.

But, my child, be warned: "There is no end
of opinions ready to be expressed. Studying
them can go on forever and become very exhausting!

Here is my final conclusion: fear God and obey
his commands for this is the duty of every person.
God will judge us for everything we do, including
every secret thing, whether good or bad.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, August 19, 2016

Wisdom from Proverbs

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Yes, it is still morning for another hour. I am doing things backward today, so I got a late start.

I had to go out to retrieve the paper, so I called Pam at the Times who told me to call her if I had any more problems. I thought I was all finished with that stuff, because the Times has been in the chair for several days. Oh, well, We will see what happens.

So, yesterday I went to CVS to get some things I needed, and when I got to check out I discovered I did not have my debit card and the case I carry it in. So I asked the cashier if I could leave my purchases there while I went home to search for it. After I did that, and did not find it in the house, I started remembering where I had last used it, and a light bulb came on! It must be in the car! Sure enough, there it was. Instead of putting it in the pocket in the purse I carry, it had slipped into a basket i have on the floor.

So..back I went to the store and got a couple more things and then checked out. Sure enough, everything was on the counter just where I had left it!

Well, after that little adventure, I went on to the Park to calm down and enjoy the heat and humidity and then went home to relax. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Proverbs 16:3,9
Commit your work to the Lord,
and then your plans will succeed.

We can make our plans, but the Lord
determines our steps.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Psalm 100

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 day with lots of sun and a prediction of more thunder storms later on. I heard lots of thunder last night about 8:30 or 9, but did not get off the couch to check, so I don't know if we actually got rain or not. Everything looked pretty dry this morning.

My ladies came to clean yesterday and caught me eating lunch. Cheryl had called and said they were running early, so they started at the other end of the house, while I finished up my tomato and cheese sandwich. They had brought me three large tomatoes that the owner of Mia Italia had given them last week, so Kim passed them on. That owner is always giving them extra tomatoes. I guess he orders too many from the Farmer's Market, but I was happy to take them..

It looks like the mangoes have fallen off the tree right next door. I know they looked ripe, and with the wind that blew up from the storm last night, they were probably ready to drop. There are probably two or more trees on their property..mango, that is.

I had a call from a lady at the Times yesterday and she wanted to know if I was getting satisfactory delivery from my carrier. I told her that I had put a sign in the chair, and she told me they had a new person on the route and she was hoping I would have no more trouble. So Far, I haven't! Persistence pays off! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 100
Shout with joy to the Lord, O earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God.
He made us and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name,
for the Lord is good .
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each
generation.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

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 had a brief, blowing storm yesterday about 4 or 4:30, and then the sky stayed dark for the rest of the evening, so maybe today will be the same. Lots of sun and heat in the day and rain later on.

I am so glad the rains seemed to have stopped in Louisiana, but the floods are not abating very fast. My niece and her family will not be back in their home for months, but they are being helped by friends and she has a very positive attitude and says, "God has got this thing." the Amite river is very near them in Denham Springs and Walker, where they live. Many pictures and broadcasts have come from there on the weather channel and other media outlets, so we have a pretty good idea of the widespread damage. I keep praying for them.

Yesterday, I had a checkup at Pierce Clinic and had Dr. Chris since I guess Dr. Pierce is on vacation. We had a nice chat about his new baby son, born last week at over 10 pounds! Whew! I'm sure his wife is relieved! He says he is a family man and can hardly wait to get home to be with his little ones. He always has one or two in his arms in church! It is good to see a man who loves the Lord and is raising his children to know Jesus.

I wanted to order a pizza for my supper last night, but discovered Westshore does not deliver to this address, and I did not know where the closest Papa Johns is to me. Any suggestions?

So, I wound up going to good old reliable Boston Market  and while is isn't pizza, it was good. And I got treated to  the sight of the egret who hangs out there. He was looking in the window at the people seated at a table just inside. He looked so pitiful, I don't think I could have eaten with that sad face looking at me! I'm sure he wasn't starving, but he was doing his best to look like it! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

John 15:12-
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 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

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

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! Sunshine, breezes and lots of humidity is another day of the same weather we have been having. We had no rain yesterday, although the sky was overcast and I could smell rain in the air.

It looks like my yard guys are catching up. They just finished up a few minutes ago and moved on down the street. They did not come until Thursday last week when they were delayed by rain, so I am sure they are happy to be back on schedule.

I had a quick check-up visit with my doctor yesterday. Quick, because there were no other patients waiting. It must be a slow time of year for them. All my vitals were normal, and I had no new complaints, so in ten minutes or so, I was good to go. Which I did , by going over to Wendy's and getting a chocolate Frosty.! A small reward...

I drove to the Park and sat for a few minutes enjoying the cold ice cream, and then went home. My bird of paradise bush has at least two beautiful blooms open now.The foliage is so thick, there may be more hidden amongst the leaves. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

John 15:9-12
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
the same way that I have loved you...


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, August 15, 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! We had a beautiful, very warm day yesterday and today promises to be the same. Of course, the usual thunderstorms are predicted for later, but that does not mean that they will occur in this neighborhood.

I was able to get to church because of no rain and heard an excellent sermon from Ecclesiastes, the sermon series that Pastor Kevin is preaching. I was greeted and hugged by several friends and got to sit in the new chairs for the first time. They are very comfy, but something is different about them. I seem to sit lower and don't have the field of vision. that I had with the old ones. They seem to be larger than the old ones, also.

The past two days, I have posted on Facebook, the news about my niece in La. Due to the unceasing rain, they have had massive flooding and Donna and her family had to evacuate their house which now has about 6 feet of water in it. I had asked for prayers for them and all the others in their town near Denham Springs. Donna had posted photos of the water rising and then coming into the house, but through it all, she has shown a remarkably positive attitude, due to her strong faith. She knows God is in control.

So...about my ongoing battle of wills with the Times carrier...I finally took a legal sized pad and made a sign saying, "Please place Times in chair. Thanks." Well it worked! The past couple mornings, the paper has been in the chair! Yay! This may seem picky, but because of my balance problems, I am cautious about bending over, or stepping outside to retrieve it, even though I wear an ADT companion wristband around the house. Speaking of that, it would not have done any good yesterday, because my network was down all afternoon, until I finally called Bright House and the very efficient and kind customer rep soon got it back working. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

John 15:1-4
I am the true vine, and my Father is the
gardener. He cuts off every branch that
doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the
branches that do bear fruit so they will pro-
duce even more. You have already been
pruned for greater fruitfulness by the message
I have given you. Remain in me, and I will
remain in you. For a branch cannot produce
fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you
cannot be fruitful apart from me."


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, August 12, 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! It is so late I almost skipped sending this today, because I still have to put sheets on the bed and get that made up. However, it is a beautiful, very warm morning with lots of sun, so I need to get busy.

Last night it must have rained, because the porch was very wet when I opened the door. Speaking of that, the Times was in the chair yesterday! Yay! But, this morning it was on the floor. I was afraid the good news would not last.I will see where it is tomorrow and then call again if I need to.

I stayed up later last night to watch Michael Phelps win his 4th gold medal! The greatest athlete in the world! I could not help wondering how he earns a living.with all the training he does. I know he gets money from endorsements, but now he has a son...just curious. I also like to watch the gymnastics. They train from the time they are little. What dedication! They are fantastic!

Before the Olympics I watched Jeopardy, Tournament of Champions and my contestant won! Now, if he can only hold on tonight! Go, Alex Jacob!

Well, the van worked well enough for me to get over to the library yesterday and then take a ride to the park. There were a few more people than the day before and I saw an egret posed by a fallen tree looking down into the water. It looked like a painting with the green in the background showing up the whiteness of the bird. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Philippians : 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 him 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

Thursday, August 11, 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! It is good to see sunshine again, but, of course, that means our heat is back. Yesterday the temp reached 90 and today will be the same.

So, after my cleaning ladies finished with the house, I scooted over to the Pierce Clinic for an overdue neck adjustment, and since it was later in the afternoon, I drove on to Wendy's and got a cheeseburger and fries for my supper. That was not the healthiest meal I could have eaten, but since I seldom indulge like that, I just went for it.

My van is acting up again, and Ray came over unexpectedly and tested it with his computer. I have a gas leak somewhere and also the A/C has major problems. I see a lot of money going out in the near future. Probably more than the van is worth.I was hoping it would hold up until I have to give up driving, whenever that will be.

Well, I watched a guy climb the Trump Tower using suction cups, yesterday, until New York's finest grabbed him from a window and hauled him in. I have to hand it to him for ingenuity. Where he got the idea of using suction cups is beyond me! He even had ropes fixed to them so he could put his foot in them to climb. I believe he would have made it to the top if left alone, but he caused a lot of people to disrupt their lives to rescue him, plus the expense!

I drove through the park and saw very few people there. School was just out, so no little ones were present. There were only about 10 visitors cars in the whole area! But the butterflies and birds are back and showing off their beauty and chirps for my enjoyment! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Proverbs 19:19-
Short- tempered people must pay their own
penalty. If you rescue them once, you will
have to do it again.

Get all the instruction and advice you can and be
wise the rest of your life.

You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose
will prevail.

Loyalty makes a person attractive. And it is better
to be poor than dishonest.

Fear of the Lord gives life, security, and protection
from harm.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

A Psalm of David

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 sunshine today! It is a good morning for back to school people, crossing guards and all the bus drivers! Unfortunately, even with dry streets there are accidents already...even a road rage killing. So sad!

Since it rained lightly but steadily all day until late in the afternoon, I stayed in and got my ironing done! Yay for me! I could have done some more drawer cleaning, but instead I finished a book. Who wants to waste a perfectly good rainy day by working indoors?

I am still having an ongoing battle of wills with my Times carrier. As I said, I did not call for two days but this morning the paper was thrown out in the yard under a tree, so I had to take the walker and go out through the garage, then get off on the grass to retrieve it. Bending over is a problem, because i don't want to go over on my head.  So, I called again and the rep I talked to said she was sorry and would have the District Mgr. call me. I hope something good comes out of this, because I hate to keep complaining. Sigh.

Well, the birds are certainly enjoying the sunshine. I see several of them flitting about and very busy gathering berries and seeds and whatever else they eat. There should be lots of worms due to the rain, and also, I have seen the tiny frogs hopping around. They only come out when the earth is very wet. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 139: 1-6
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far
away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord,
you both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my
head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
too great for me to know!


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, August 9, 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! Once again, water is dripping down from the roof and a large bank of rain clouds is hanging off the coast, slowly moving toward us. But maybe tomorrow we will have less chance of rain and more chance of sun.

Yesterday at noon, the sun came out, so I took advantage of the lull in the rain and got out to do some shopping. After I finished getting orange juice and bread, I drove over to the Park to see how high the water was. It had flowed over the weir, but had come down some, and some people were taking advantage of the brief period of dry weather to get out and get some exercise.

My ongoing battle of wills with the Times carrier has not shown much victory on either side. He is determined not to put the paper in the chair, but instead, puts it right beside said chair on the floor, so I either have to use the "grab it" or step out and pick it up. I did not call yesterday, ( I tried but had such a long wait I gave up), and won't call today, because it doesn't seem to do any good.

I watched portions of the Olympics last night and especially the swimming and diving. What hard work goes into all the competition! I was amazed at the high divers, who fearlessly dive from 31 feet above the water! I could never do that! Then I switched channels and watched some guys trying to hit a ball with a stick of wood and lose, after being paid a pretty good salary. Hmm, not a good comparison.

I saw a anhinga with wings fully extended trying to dry out when I went into the park. I don't know where all the birds go when it is raining so hard, but the squirrels don't seem to mind. They are still zipping across the street and up the trees! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 18:21-25
For who is God except the Lord?
Who but our God is a solid Rock?
God arms me with strength;
he has made my way safe.
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
leading me safely along the mountain
heights.
He prepares me for battle ;
he strengthens me to draw a bow of bronze;
You have given me the shield of your
salvation.
Your right hand supports me .
your gentleness has made me great.
You have made a wide path for my feet
to keep them from slipping.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, August 8, 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! Wow! So much rain! I wish I could have told the trash man to skip me today because he used an umbrella to walk to get the dumpster and carry it back. I felt sorry for him, but he is so faithful. I only have once a week pickup because that is all I need.

I wish the Times carrier was that thoughtful. I could not see the paper anywhere when I first looked on the porch, so I put off calling until I had breakfast, and then looked again in the dripping rain, and there it was, right BESIDE the chair I have asked and asked for it to be placed in. Sigh. I will call once again and complain, but yesterday it was on the floor in front of the door. I don't know what the problem is...maybe he is just stubborn and does not like to be told what to do...

Brian took me to the Metro Diner for dinner Sat. evening. We got there early, so there wasn't a crowd, yet. In fact, there was not a big crowd even when we left, so it was not very noisy at all. What I had was good, but it was like Bob Evan's food. Just like home cooking and a lot of it! I took a box home with a full meal left over. We did have ruffeled fries with a creamy dip for an appetizer and I tool most of that home, too.

I am a people watcher, and I was fascinated with a dad with three children; one just an adorable baby about 5 or 6 mos. old sitting all by him (her) self across from dad, and a boy and a girl about 5 and 6. They were so good with the baby and very well behaved. When they were through eating, the Dad had two boxes left over and he took all three kids into a restroom. Since the workers were cleaning off the table and looked about for the man who had left the bag with the leftovers on the table, Brian got up and walked over to tell them where he had gone. Sure enough, he came out and collected the bag, then loaded with diaper bag, and kids, they all left and I saw him kiss the baby's head as they went out the door. It was so sweet! I don't know where the Mom was, but the little ones were in good hands!

I had to miss church yesterday because of the rain, and I really wanted to see the new chairs. Oh. well, I may go up during this week to take a peek, although my van is showing the check engine light! Hopefully, it is nothing serious. God is still good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 18:25-30
To the faithful, you show yourself faithful.
to those with integrity  you show
integrity.
To the pure, you show yourself pure. but
to the wicked, you show yourself hostile.
You rescue those who are humble, but
you humiliate the proud.
Lord, you have brought light to my life;
my God, you light up my darkness.
In your strength I can crush an army;
with my God I can scale any wall.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, August 5, 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! Well, unlike yesterday, we have lots of sunshine this morning, although a large area of clouds is hanging off the coast in the western gulf. So, it looks like we will be getting more rain later today and then on through the weekend. Oh, well, God is in control, not the meteorologists...

I have an ongoing feud with my Times carrier. For over a year, I have been getting the paper delivered to a chair right by the front door. Since my balance is not too good, it is very convenient for me just to reach out and get the Times from the chair. Well, there is a new carrier on the route and I have called every day all week to report that the paper is slung everywhere but the chair. The customer service reps are all very nice and sympathetic, but so far, no results. I will call once again today and see what happens tomorrow. I was awake about 5 and heard it hit the front door, then it bounced back on the floor. Sigh.

Yesterday, after the rain, I shopped at CVS for some needed items and when I checked out with my debit card, I noticed they have the chip slot where you insert your card. This is a fraud deterrent which is new to me, but a good idea.

After I left there I drove on to the park. Quite a few people were walking, or hanging over the bridge looking down into the canal. It looks like they are just going to let nature take it course with the trees hanging in the water. They were blown over in the last big wind.

I did not see any wildlife but lots of ibis in the neighborhood. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Thessalonians 5:12-19
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are
your leaders in the Lord's work. they work hard
among you and warn you against all that is wrong.
Think highly of them and give them your whole-
hearted love because of their work. And remember
to live peaceably with each other.

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.

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, 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

Thursday, August 4, 2016

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! I woke up to the sound of thunder and flashes of lightning around 4 AM, and since then the rain has been coming down periodically. Looks like we are in for a rainy day, according to the radar. I was kinda glad for the rain, because it meant I could stay in bed a little longer, but I didn't. I got up a little earlier than usual, showered and cooked bacon and eggs for my breakfast.

My yard crew has switched to Wed. instead of Mondays, so they came and got the yard looking nice and neat in about five minutes, then off they went to the next couple houses down the street. I got some chores done around the house and then decided to go to the park to see what was going on.

It was quiet, with a few more people out and about. I noticed going by the Christian school that the teachers were back and busy, so I guess school starts next week. Seems like a short summer!
I saw two anhingas when I drove into the park; one perched on the top of a pipe and the other on the end of a shrub. Neither had wings spread, so they must have enjoyed drying out and absorbing the sun. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

James 1:12-15
God blesses the people who patiently  endure
testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of
life that God has promised to those who love him.
And remember, no one who wants to do wrong
should ever say. "God is tempting me." God is
never tempted to do wrong and he never tempts
anyone else, either. Temptation comes from the
lure of our own evil desires. These evil desires
lead to evil actions, and evil actions lead to death.
So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.

Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God
above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them
he never changes or casts shifting shadows In his
goodness he chose to make us his own children by
giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation,
became his choice possession.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Listening and Doing

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! Seems like there is not a whole lot of change in the weather reports. We continue to have hot, steamy days and not too much cooler at night. I saw a large area of rain hanging off shore in the Gulf, but I am not sure if it will move east to us or not. We will just have to wait and see!

I had my A/C checked just for maintenance yesterday, and the cleaning ladies came at the same time. My filter does not get dusty and can go for 2 or 3 months without needing changed or cleaned.The wiry, little man who worked on it, said everything was fine with the unit, so that is good news.

My yard crew has already been here and gone this morning. It only takes them about five minutes to mow, edge and blow, and then on to the next job. I don't know how many customers he has but it must be a lot to be able to pay his two helpers!

Well, the two ripest mangoes must have fallen from the tree next door, because I can't see them any more. There are still a couple within my view, but further from my property. I can't see through the hedge to see if the fallen fruit is close to me or not, so, hopefully, the neighbor picks them up before the fruit rats get them!. I still have a couple in the fridge that my friendly cleaning ladies gave me last week and they are sweet and juicy! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

James 1:19-
My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen,
slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger
can never make things right in God's sight.

So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and
humbly accept the message God has planted in your
hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls.

And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to
listen to. If you don't obey, you are just fooling yourself.
For if you just listen and don't obey , it is like looking
at your face in a mirror, but doing nothing to improve
your appearance. You see yourself, walk away, and
forget what you look like. But if you keep looking
steadily into God's perfect law---the law that sets you
free---and if you do what it says and don't forget what
you heard , then God will bless you for doing it.

If you claim to be religious, but don't control your tongue,
you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is
worthless. Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God
our Father means that we must care for the orphans
and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world
corrupt us.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, August 2, 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! Hot is the prediction and yesterday was dry, so it will be extra hot.
I had to go outside on the porch to retrieve the paper this morning, and it was already steamy at 8 AM. Well, this is August already, so I will probably be noticing the chilly air in a couple months.

I was able to do some things around the house yesterday, before I returned a couple books to the book drop at the Library. They were new 14 day books  and I had a week left, but thought since I was through with them, I might as well return them.. One was by JoAnn Fluke who writes simple mysteries and includes cookie recipes, which look to be very tasty.

After I left the library, I rode on to the park and enjoyed the greenery and the water. There were few people in the middle of the day, but it was nice to see children and others enjoying themselves. On the way back, I saw the white duck at Lynch Lake Park along with several ibis and it looked like a wood stork. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 34: 8-10
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him
reverence,
for those who honor him will have all
they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go
hungry, but those who trust in the Lord
will never go hungry.


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

Love and hugs,
 amaryllis

Monday, August 1, 2016

The Futility of Wealth

Good August First Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Soon the kids will be back in school and perhaps the weather will show promise of cooling just a bit.We have another sunshiny, hot day with perhaps a shower or two, as usual.

There was no rain yesterday as I drove to church and it looked like a pretty good crowd, although I know a few families are still on vacation. Pastor Kevin preached another in his series on Ecclesiastes with a little humor and he really gets the point across.

I have been using my walker for several months now, but people still come up to me very surprised to see me with it! Guess because it is a 3 wheeler, it is not so noticeable. Sometimes it is awkward having to use it, because it limits my ability to serve myself when food is involved; for instance at the wedding I attended yesterday afternoon, I skipped the refreshments, because I couldn't let go of the handgrips to hold a plate. But that did not take away the enjoyment I had at seeing two people so obviously in love get married and start a new life together.

They had a volcano cake that the groom had made (he is a cake decorator at Publix). It kept erupting and was very colorful! So cool!

Well I drove through Sawgrass Park after church and saw a few cars there, with people walking around and ibis and an egret fishing alertly for their dinner in the canal. Then I went home to lunch and to watch the Rays sweep the Yankees! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ecclesiastes 5:18
Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good
It is good for people to eat well, drink a good glass
of wine, and enjoy their work---whatever they do under
the sun---for however long God lets them live And it is
a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good
health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your
lot in life---that is indeed a gift from God. People who do
that  rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has
given them reasons for joy.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis