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 actually turned the A/C on yesterday because the house got so stuffy. With temps in the eighties, it takes a while for it to warm up enough to be uncomfortable, but it finally did! The weather will be the same today, so the windows will stay closed.
I got a lot of exercise back and forthing in the newly remodeled Sweetbay super market yesterday. I do a lot of reading of the overhead directories, plus the one on the cart, but still miss some things. But that's Okay, because I need the walking in a place with no pollen!
Speaking of pollen, I went to the park later on, and saw the very large, brown, gopher tortoise crawling at warp speed along the roadside. A guy driving a truck pulled over to look at him and maybe take a pic, but I could not see if he did or not.
There is another sign up saying that they are going to start an exotic plant eradication soon; Brazilian pepper trees, potato vines, etc. that have been a plague for years. And speaking of the park, I cleaned out one plastic container of old church stuff and have started going thru thousands of photos taken at various times. I found some of the construction of the new boardwalk with Terry taking Matthew and friend, Dylan on a careful walk, "walking the plank". They enjoyed it! He also took me on a walk on the part under construction. No side rails were up, yet so it was a follow the leader type walk. Ah, memories! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 150
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his heavenly dwelling;
praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works;
praise his unequaled greatness!
Praise him with a blast of the trumpet
praise him with the lyre and harp!
Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
praise him with stringed instruments and flutes!
Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
Let everything that lives sing praises to The Lord!
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 31:9
I am overcome with joy
because of your unfailing love,
for you have seen my troubles, and
you care about the anguish of my soul.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, March 9, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
God's Discipline
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! Another warm, windy, sunny day in a whole string of them! Also, I saw the pollen report and it is just about off the charts, still, so guess we will have to put up with the sniffles and sneezes for awhile, yet.
Last night I went out after the sun went down to see Jupiter and Venus in the west and the full moon and Mars in the east. What a beautiful display! I wish I could see the northern lights that come with the solar flares, but we are way short of being north enough to see them.
After my cleaning gems left yesterday, I took off to run a few errands, and went to the park to see what was going on. Not much on a fairly quiet afternoon, but a group was gathered to watch a large gopher, and the egrets were making a pretty picture against the dark mud of the canal. Not wanting to get worms or seeds in my hair, I chose not to get out because of all the oak trees around, but God is good!
Hebrews 12:1-6 NLT
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in the struggle against sin.
And have you entirely forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, his children? He said;
"My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you,
and don't be discouraged when he corrects you.
For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes those he accepts as his children."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Last night I went out after the sun went down to see Jupiter and Venus in the west and the full moon and Mars in the east. What a beautiful display! I wish I could see the northern lights that come with the solar flares, but we are way short of being north enough to see them.
After my cleaning gems left yesterday, I took off to run a few errands, and went to the park to see what was going on. Not much on a fairly quiet afternoon, but a group was gathered to watch a large gopher, and the egrets were making a pretty picture against the dark mud of the canal. Not wanting to get worms or seeds in my hair, I chose not to get out because of all the oak trees around, but God is good!
Hebrews 12:1-6 NLT
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in the struggle against sin.
And have you entirely forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you, his children? He said;
"My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you,
and don't be discouraged when he corrects you.
For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes those he accepts as his children."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Stress
Good Morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will be glad and rejoice in it! It's still a little cool this morning, but warming up fast...should be in the eighties this afternoon. The leaves have mostly quit falling and a lot of green ones got blown off during the high winds a couple days ago, but now we have worms!! Once every few years, the tiny worms that swing down from the oaks on webs appear and this must be the year for them. Ugh! Every time I go out under the trees, I come back with something in my hair...not fun.
It has been an interesting start to the week. While doing laundry Monday, I heard a burble, and thought, "uh,oh". and sure enough, the water backed up in the toilets, tub and shower. One toilet actually overflowed onto the floor. So, after checking with Daryl, who sells all kinds of plumbing parts, I called the plumber, who has been out before, and he came out the next day and rooted out the pipe leading to the city pipe. There was not much in it, but just enough to stop the water from flowing through like it should have. I am thankful for people who do the dirty jobs that are necessary!
I took a little walk in the park, thinking the trees would not cause sneezing, and saw the young gator hanging around among the lilies, and an egret fishing, turtles sunning on the dead branches, and watched an ibis fly high up and perch on a bare branch high in a tree. Sometimes I see them perched on a light pole, but they are mostly on the ground pecking their way down the street or canal. The high wind pretty much took care of the pretty azaleas at the park, so they are about gone, but I think mine are safe, because I see lots of buds on them, still to bloom. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Should I be surprised by the stress of life?
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
Jesus warned us to expect stress. This world is filled with trials and sorrows that generate stress in our lives. Christ gives us lasting peace because his power and grace are able to overcome all sources of stress in our lives.
What can I do to find relief from stress and anxiety?
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
We can turn from fear and anxiety to faith and peace. God promises to supply the power to get us through the hard times.
Matthew 11:28-29
Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens. and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls."
Resting in Christ breaks the hold of stress. When we are yoked together in service to him, we are free from the unrealistic and destructive expectations that can overwhelm us. Jesus' humility and gentleness overcome every conflict and stress in this life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
It has been an interesting start to the week. While doing laundry Monday, I heard a burble, and thought, "uh,oh". and sure enough, the water backed up in the toilets, tub and shower. One toilet actually overflowed onto the floor. So, after checking with Daryl, who sells all kinds of plumbing parts, I called the plumber, who has been out before, and he came out the next day and rooted out the pipe leading to the city pipe. There was not much in it, but just enough to stop the water from flowing through like it should have. I am thankful for people who do the dirty jobs that are necessary!
I took a little walk in the park, thinking the trees would not cause sneezing, and saw the young gator hanging around among the lilies, and an egret fishing, turtles sunning on the dead branches, and watched an ibis fly high up and perch on a bare branch high in a tree. Sometimes I see them perched on a light pole, but they are mostly on the ground pecking their way down the street or canal. The high wind pretty much took care of the pretty azaleas at the park, so they are about gone, but I think mine are safe, because I see lots of buds on them, still to bloom. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Should I be surprised by the stress of life?
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
Jesus warned us to expect stress. This world is filled with trials and sorrows that generate stress in our lives. Christ gives us lasting peace because his power and grace are able to overcome all sources of stress in our lives.
What can I do to find relief from stress and anxiety?
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
We can turn from fear and anxiety to faith and peace. God promises to supply the power to get us through the hard times.
Matthew 11:28-29
Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens. and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls."
Resting in Christ breaks the hold of stress. When we are yoked together in service to him, we are free from the unrealistic and destructive expectations that can overwhelm us. Jesus' humility and gentleness overcome every conflict and stress in this life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, March 5, 2012
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! Wow! What a wild weekend! Wind, rain and tornadoes ...not here but over the south. Thanks for prayers for Daryl and family in TN. There was lots of damage with trees down and roofs blown off, but his house was safe and so was he. God is good! My heart and prayers go out to those in other hard hit states who are now homeless, in some cases, and to those who lost family members.
Today it is quiet and chilly but sunshiny, after a very windy and blustery Sunday. In a little while I will go out and clean off the front porch which is covered with tree stuff. It is still damp from the rain, so it won't be hard to push it off. I watched a squirrel trying to get a drink out of the plastic bowl I keep on the wall for birds and squirrels, but it is probably full of leaves. They get their water wherever they can.
When I went to the park yesterday, I saw people gathered under the first shelter, because for the first time since most of the staff got laid off, the boardwalk was closed due to the high winds. That is very unusual! A large flock of ibis was pecking busily under the oaks. The high winds don't seem to bother them! There was no sign of the gophers or the turtles on the weir, and I was glad to be home after nearly getting blown away in the church parking lot! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why is prayer important?
Matthew 7:7-11 Keep on asking and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. You parents--if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
There's more to prayer than just getting an answer. God also does a work of grace in our own hearts through the act of prayer. As we persist in asking, seeking, and knocking, we gain greater understanding of ourselves and of God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Today it is quiet and chilly but sunshiny, after a very windy and blustery Sunday. In a little while I will go out and clean off the front porch which is covered with tree stuff. It is still damp from the rain, so it won't be hard to push it off. I watched a squirrel trying to get a drink out of the plastic bowl I keep on the wall for birds and squirrels, but it is probably full of leaves. They get their water wherever they can.
When I went to the park yesterday, I saw people gathered under the first shelter, because for the first time since most of the staff got laid off, the boardwalk was closed due to the high winds. That is very unusual! A large flock of ibis was pecking busily under the oaks. The high winds don't seem to bother them! There was no sign of the gophers or the turtles on the weir, and I was glad to be home after nearly getting blown away in the church parking lot! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why is prayer important?
Matthew 7:7-11 Keep on asking and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. You parents--if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.
There's more to prayer than just getting an answer. God also does a work of grace in our own hearts through the act of prayer. As we persist in asking, seeking, and knocking, we gain greater understanding of ourselves and of God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, March 2, 2012
Greetings from Paul
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! Our weather continues to be the same day after day, so it must be boring for the meteorologists. But I am thankful that we are not having the terrible tornadoes that have ripped through Missouri and the other states! More bad weather is threatening them today, so time for prayer for safety for all of them.
I purposed to do errands that I had been putting off, so yesterday I got them all done, even the small bit of ironing I had. So good for me! This morning I heard a couple of mockingbirds chirping loudly, trying to wake everybody up, just because they were up! I found an egg shell in the lawn by the driveway, the other day, but I still have not located the nest. Very strange. Just like the dead birds that fall in the same spot in the driveway . I can't locate that nest, either.
A few people were at the park when I went, some looking at the gator that has grown up near the bridge, and others strolling and pushing wheelchairs or strollers. I pushed Louis in his wheelchair once or twice, but he was so heavy, I could not go very far. He really enjoyed the park, as I do. I almost hit a couple squirrels who were sitting in the middle of the street nibbling on something. but they always manage to scoot out of the way! The ibis are always pecking around the picnic area, too, but I don't think they are interested in people food. A photographer was taking pics of the moss hanging down. While it is common to us, it's very unusual to Yankees! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 1:9-14
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I purposed to do errands that I had been putting off, so yesterday I got them all done, even the small bit of ironing I had. So good for me! This morning I heard a couple of mockingbirds chirping loudly, trying to wake everybody up, just because they were up! I found an egg shell in the lawn by the driveway, the other day, but I still have not located the nest. Very strange. Just like the dead birds that fall in the same spot in the driveway . I can't locate that nest, either.
A few people were at the park when I went, some looking at the gator that has grown up near the bridge, and others strolling and pushing wheelchairs or strollers. I pushed Louis in his wheelchair once or twice, but he was so heavy, I could not go very far. He really enjoyed the park, as I do. I almost hit a couple squirrels who were sitting in the middle of the street nibbling on something. but they always manage to scoot out of the way! The ibis are always pecking around the picnic area, too, but I don't think they are interested in people food. A photographer was taking pics of the moss hanging down. While it is common to us, it's very unusual to Yankees! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 1:9-14
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Psoaring thru Psalm 133
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! Brilliant sunshine already and the temps are supposed to reach 83 today. I am still keeping my windows closed, though, and the A/C on, because of the high pollen count. I swept off the porch again yesterday, but it was almost a losing battle because the wind was strong, so for every broom full I pushed forward, the wind blew half back! I won't attempt it today, because the wind is blowing again.
Last night I stepped outside to see where the heavenly display of the moon, Jupiter and Venus were and the quarter moon was directly overhead. I almost got a crick in my neck looking up, but Jupiter was some distance away and Venus was still in the western sky. They are all getting further and further apart, but still beautiful!
I did not go out yesterday until the schools were out. Wednesday is early release day for the elementary schools, and there are two of those in the neighborhood, and then high school is out about 1, and middle schools last, so I plan my outings for either morning or after the school zones are open. So I went over to the park and saw some tourists excitedly pointing to a large gopher tortoise right by the parking area, and another gopher tortoise was at his tunnel again. What I have been used to all my life is totally new to some northeners. I forget that sometimes. They probably have things in MI. or Ohio, that I am not used to seeing, especially in the bird category. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 133
How wonderful it is, how pleasant when brothers live together in Harmony! For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountain of Zion. And the Lord has pronounced his blessing , even life evermore.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Last night I stepped outside to see where the heavenly display of the moon, Jupiter and Venus were and the quarter moon was directly overhead. I almost got a crick in my neck looking up, but Jupiter was some distance away and Venus was still in the western sky. They are all getting further and further apart, but still beautiful!
I did not go out yesterday until the schools were out. Wednesday is early release day for the elementary schools, and there are two of those in the neighborhood, and then high school is out about 1, and middle schools last, so I plan my outings for either morning or after the school zones are open. So I went over to the park and saw some tourists excitedly pointing to a large gopher tortoise right by the parking area, and another gopher tortoise was at his tunnel again. What I have been used to all my life is totally new to some northeners. I forget that sometimes. They probably have things in MI. or Ohio, that I am not used to seeing, especially in the bird category. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 133
How wonderful it is, how pleasant when brothers live together in Harmony! For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountain of Zion. And the Lord has pronounced his blessing , even life evermore.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Loping thru Luke 12
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 may have fog clouds, but there is a high, hazy cloud cover this morning, And it is so warm that I turned on the A/C yesterday and won't be turning it off any time soon!
I was able to get the porch swept off yesterday without too much sneezing, but will have to do it all over again today. Hopefully, spring will come soon and the new green leaves will eliminate the pesky seeds, which are making the pollen fly! As the wind blows, I can see them dive-bombing the ground past my window. The yard is just covered with them.
I watched the imploding of the old Progress Energy chimneys, on TV. They have been a landmark since 1958. If I had known sooner, I could have driven to Gandy beach and joined the hundreds there who were watching it live. Everything keeps changing. Sigh. Since I was born in St. Petersburg, there have been many changes, not all of them good, but it is good to see downtown hopping again! That was the place to go for movies and shopping when I was growing up...
As I went to the park yesterday, I saw several civilian cars parked just over the weir doing something. There was a county truck parked with them, but I was really curious about what was going on. Guess I will be nosy and ask Dave, my yard man, who is a park ranger. Not many people were out, but those who were, were all hanging over the bridge watching what must have been a gator swimming under. I saw the gopher and lots of squirrels chasing each other up and down the trees, just like they do in my trees. They are so fast! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Teaching about money and possessions; Luke 12:22-32
Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life---whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. and you are far more valuable to him than any birds!Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? OF course not! And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?` Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food---what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was able to get the porch swept off yesterday without too much sneezing, but will have to do it all over again today. Hopefully, spring will come soon and the new green leaves will eliminate the pesky seeds, which are making the pollen fly! As the wind blows, I can see them dive-bombing the ground past my window. The yard is just covered with them.
I watched the imploding of the old Progress Energy chimneys, on TV. They have been a landmark since 1958. If I had known sooner, I could have driven to Gandy beach and joined the hundreds there who were watching it live. Everything keeps changing. Sigh. Since I was born in St. Petersburg, there have been many changes, not all of them good, but it is good to see downtown hopping again! That was the place to go for movies and shopping when I was growing up...
As I went to the park yesterday, I saw several civilian cars parked just over the weir doing something. There was a county truck parked with them, but I was really curious about what was going on. Guess I will be nosy and ask Dave, my yard man, who is a park ranger. Not many people were out, but those who were, were all hanging over the bridge watching what must have been a gator swimming under. I saw the gopher and lots of squirrels chasing each other up and down the trees, just like they do in my trees. They are so fast! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Teaching about money and possessions; Luke 12:22-32
Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life---whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. and you are far more valuable to him than any birds!Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? OF course not! And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?` Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food---what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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