This morning

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners,

Due to a computer glitch only half of the daily gator bytes message was sent this morning, Since I don't save these and type as I go, I will try to remember what i wrote about the saga of the gecko and send it again tomorrow.

Love and hugs,
amaryllis

Habits

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 good rainstorm last night, so everything is still wet outside this morning. Overcast already this morning, so maybe more rain is in store for us, which is good.

Well, I had a surprise when I opened the front door this morning. There was a large possum sniffing all around the front porch, not paying any attention to me. I told him to buzz off and he headed straight across the street to my neighbor's house, I have a feeling there is a colony of them around here, because they have been seen walking on the wires between houses, and up in our oak tree several months ago. UGh! They look like big rats, which I guess they are.

And speaking of wildlife, the gecko or lizard is still on my living room chair. In fact, he is getting pretty feisty. Last night he was perched on top of the chair looking at me, until I walked over to try to catch him and he zoomed back down and hid. Then when I sat on the couch to read the paper, there he was peeking out at me on the side of the chair, just like he was daring me to catch him. I just walked by the chair on my way to the computer and there he was, peeking out from the side again. If he stays much longer, he will expire from lack of food and water, but it's his own fault for being too frisky.

My big adventure yesterday was a trip to Walmart. It is always interesting to see the different people there, including screaming babies. I feel their pain from shopping. Not that is is not a bad experience, just not my favorite thing to do. they have rearranged their produce section so it looks much larger. I bought some really sweet peaches and their bananas were just 49 cents a pound, I drove through the park on my way home and my, it is really overgrown from all the rain and the canal is full of hydrilla, Guess there is no one there to get in a boat and spray with all the lay-offs. Oh, well, God is on His Throne and He is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can God help me deal with bad habits?

Romans 8:5,6 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace.

God has given us the Holy Spirit to help make us holy. While victory does not come immediately, we will progress as we fill our minds and hearts with spiritual truth and the promises of God.

Romans 6:12-14 Do not let sin control the way you live, do not give in to its lustful desires. Do not let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness, to be used for sinning. Instead, give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin. Instead, you are free by God's grace.

One of Satan's great lies is that we are victims who have no power to resist sin. the world teaches us that heredity, environment, and circumstance excuse us from responsibility. But God is more powerful than anything that seeks to control us. When we call upon his power through prayer and the support of fellow believers, God breaks our chains and set us free.

How can God help me cultivate good habits?

1 Timothy 4:7-8 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next.

1 Corinthians 9:25 All athletes practice strict self-control. The do it ot win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.

Godly habits--such as reading the Bible, praying and giving our time and money in service--give us spiritual stamina, purpose and direction for our lives. they also help us keep our eyes on the eternal prize.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalm 121

Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The sun is shining brightly, the wind is blowing the trees and it looks like a beautiful but hot, as usual, day is here.

My weekend was a bit unusual for me. I had lunch with some dear friends on Friday, with lots of laughter and fun at the Olive Garden. "(when you're here you're family") and brought home some soup which I had enjoyed for lunch.

Then Saturday, Brian and I drove to Orlando to attend the funeral service for my sister-in-law. It was definitely different than the church memorials I have been privileged to attend. While Ruth was a believer, her two sons are not, and were civil to each other, but not agreeing on much of anything. The service was held in the very large funeral home that had a snack bar nook with Starbucks coffees, (Aren't they everywhere) all free for those with services there. We took the free water bottles.

The preacher did the best he could under the circumstances, not knowing Ruth or her family personally. He did read some scripture, though and read some quotations and then asked for people to speak who wanted to remember Ruth. All in all, I think it satisfied the sons and their family. Gary(the son) lost his wife a few years ago, leaving him twin girls and a son to raise, which he has done very well. They are really into soccer. Gary's brother has a wife but no kids and lost his job a couple years ago. I was chosen by God to listen to his problems...this in the midst of the gathering at Ruth's old house. Difficult to hear over the noise of all the conversation, but , anyway, tried to offer the best advice I could, which was for them both to get together sometime with a counselor and iron out their differences before a third party. Life's too short for feuds between brothers. I will keep praying for them, but they live some distance apart, so I can only hope.

Well, this is probably more information than anyone really wanted to hear, but it was an unusual weekend, as I said.

I did enjoy the church service yesterday, which was a DVD of Pastor Rick's daughter's wedding and his sermon to them. It was funny and poignant and I was teary eyed at some points. God is good!

From the Message.

Psalm 121
I look up to the mountains,
does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

He won't let you stumble,
your Guardian God won't fall asleep.
Not on your life! Israel's
Guardian will never doze or sleep.

God's your Guardian
right at your side to protect you--
shielding you from sunstroke,
sheltering you from moonstroke.

God guards you from every evil,
He guards your very life.
He guards you when you leave and when you return.
He guards you now, he guards you always.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalm 112

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 had to run some errands yesterday, which involved getting out of the car into the very hot sun. Wow! What heat! I slather on #49 sun block each day because I just had another pre-cancerous spot removed, so I try to be careful. I also take a bottle of water with me whenever I leave home.

I drove through the park to see everything simmering in the bright sun, but the trees shade the drive into the park, and the shade is thick and cool all around. I didn't see many people around and no anhingas again, but passed a beautiful crape myrtle bush, just covered with white blossoms. We saw beautiful ones in Ala. and GA last week, but ours are just as pretty here.
Today I am going out to lunch with some dear friends before they leave for MIchigan for about five weeks. It will be good to catch up with them. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 112

Happy are those who fear the Lord.
Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what he commands.
Their children will be successful everywhere.
An entire generation of godly people
will be blessed.
they themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will never be forgotten.
When darkness overtakes the godly. light
will come bursting in.
They are generous , compassionate,
and righteous.
All goes well for those who are generous,
who lend freely and conduct their business fairly.
Such people will not be overcome by evil
circumstances.
Those who are righteous will be
long remembered.
They do not fear bad news;
they confidently trust the Lord to care
for them.
They are confident and fearless
and can face their foes triumphantly.
They give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will never be forgotten.
They will have influence and honor.
The wicked will be infuriated when they
see this.
They will grind their teeth in anger,
They will slink away, their hopes Thwarted.

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

Love and hugs and have a great weekend,
Amaryllis

A fight to the finish

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! Already the sun is shining, and the clouds white against the blue sky, the breeze is blowing and God is in control! It isn't that I got up late, because I rolled out of bed at 6; I just showered, ate breakfast and read my emails.

Btw, in case anyone is interested, I had French toast with fresh peaches and banana for breakfast. First time in a long time. It's usually oatmeal with cranberries, cinnamon and banana. A little change is good once in a while. :o)

I was overjoyed to get my van out of the repair shop yesterday! Not so overjoyed at the price, but it's only money, right? It's hard to get along without a car. I have a friend who gave up driving, and she pays someone to take her shopping, and usually takes a cab to the doctor appointments, so one way or another you have to pay. Well, God always provides for my needs, abundantly!

I saw a small egret at the side of the canal at the Park yesterday, but other than squirrels, no other critters. It had just rained and everything was damp and still and very green. I noticed the grass is growing back in clumps in front of the house on the property.There is a Sheriff's deputy living there now. The grass had been sprayed and was dead for months, but now they are mowing it again. I guess the original purpose was to avoid mowing. Didn't work. But God is good!

From The Message:

Ephesians 6

And that about wraps it up. God is strong and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own., Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued. so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

And don't forget to pray for us. Pray that I'll know what to say and have the courage to say it at the right time, telling the mystery to one and all, the Message that I, jailbird preacher that I am, am responsible for getting out....

Good-bye, friends. Love mixed with faith be yours from God the Father and from the Master, Jesus Christ. Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus Christ.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

1 Corinthians 13

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partner! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I see high puffy white clouds scudding across the blue sky and the sun drying up the wet grass. I just had a call from David, my yard man, just back from Ala. and he is coming over to mow, which the grass sorely needs.

Last night we had another thunderstorm with more rain, which we need, but not all the wind and blowing, which was good.

I have been watching a mango develop on the neighbor's tree which is right outside my window, but now it has disappeared. So I don't know whether it dropped off, or they picked it green. Unfortunately, none of them drop in my yard. :o) I walked into the produce of the supermarket yesterday and at once, the scent of peaches and nectarines hit my nose with their fragrance! Ummm. beats any man-made perfume , for sure!

I almost picked up a bag of raw peanuts for the critters in my trees, but decided not too, yet, because there are still plenty of acorns on the ground and in the ground for them to eat. I know at the park they are always busy eating acorns and running back and forth across the street to see if there are more pickings on the other side. I had to stop for one yesterday who sat for a minute right in front of the car, before scampering off. The water in the canal was full of trash and debris from the runoff of the houses that border the canal. That will probably be cleaned up soon by a volunteer. It was strange...I didn't see any anhingas drying wings. That's a first. Well, God is good!

Thought I would send a little different version of the "Love" chapter from The Message. See how you like it;

1 Corinthians 13
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "jump," and it jumps, but I don't have love, I'm nothing.
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believer, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut.
Doesn't have a swelled head.
Doesn't force itself on others.
Isn't always "me first".
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others.
Doesn't revel when others grovel.
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything.
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best.
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day, praying tongues will end, understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete but when the Complete arrives. our incompletes will be canceled.
When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But ti won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward the comsummation. Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Will 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! The sun is shining and the breeze is blowing and except for the puddles and wet grass, you would never know we had a fierce storm last night. I don't have a rain gauge, but we probably got about two inches, in the short time it came down. I watched the storm come both from my windows and on Bay News 9. , from the Radar. God always provides what we need.

Well, yesterday I was complaining about lack of sleep from the toe pain, but last night I slept soundly without any pain at all. God is good to answer prayers in His time.

Not so good news on the auto front; the transmission had not come in for the van as of yesterday, maybe today, so I don't know if I will have it by the end of the week or not. Brian and I are planning to go to Orlando for my sister-in-law's funeral services, so guess we will have to use his car. His is fine to ride in, just not as easy for me as my van. Guess it's hard to change as we get older.:o)

I went to the Park yesterday and enjoyed the peace and quiet waters. No turtles were basking in the sun, but I was sad to see a squirrel who didn't make it across the street before it got hit by a car. Cars still go too fast driving in there, but the squirrels are quick and sometimes dart across right in front of a car. I haven't seen a gopher tortoise for awhile, but watched the great blue heron unwinding his neck as he fished. God is good!

From the Promise Bible:

Does God really have a plan for my life?

Psalm 139:3 You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am.

Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathways for your life. I will advise and watch over you."

Ephesians 1:11 Because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as he decided long ago.

Psalm 138:8 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.

God has a plan for our lives. It is not an unthinking, automated script that we must follow. It is a journey with various destinations and appointments and a great deal of freedom as to the pace and scope of the travel. God's plan for us will always have a sense of mystery, but we can be certain that he will guide us as long as we rely on his leading.

Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you,"says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Sometimes we are tempted to question God's will for our lives, thinking he has made a mistake. God promises to give us the best as we follow his ways. Ultimately, even what looks like a mistake can become the means to something wonderful.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis