Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Ephesians 2

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 in a month of beautiful days again. Cool morning temps and warm days. The spring breakers could not ask for anything better!

Today has started out a lot better for Brian than yesterday..and for me. As I look at the events, though, God could not have worked it out any better. I had not had breakfast when Brian called, but was dressed and ready to go...when we got to the car rental, we had to wait, but as we waited, the phone call came saying his car had been towed by mistake, not stolen, so before we could rent one for him. we were on the way back. We had to go out to the towing company in the boondocks of Pinellas Park to get the car, so while he took off for work, I came on back home and then was able to do the errands I had planned on. But I am always flexible, so it all worked out.

His car was towed because the management had told the towing company to tow any car that was in spot that was supposed to be vacant. He has parked in the same assigned space for 7 years, but the office had it marked vacant. Go figure!

After I got my errands run, i stopped in at the park to check it out. Not many people were there, but it was quiet and peaceful. . The only critters I saw were squirrels..not even an ibis in sight, but God is good!

( note to self..do not try any Dancing with the Stars moves unless I have an appointment booked for a massage the next day)

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians 2
Once you were dead, doomed forever because of your many sins. You used to live just like the rest of the world, full of sin, obeying Satan, the mighty prince of the power of the air. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passions and desires of our evil nature. We were born with an evil nature, and we were under God's anger just like everyone else.

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special favor that you have been saved!). For he has raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with him in the heavenly realms--all because we are one with Christ Jesus. And so  God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus.

God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit, for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none  of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

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


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, March 26, 2012

Psoaring thru Psalm 1

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 have no excuses for being late this morning...just enjoying being lazy, although I did go out and drag the dumpster up from the street!

It's another beautiful day in a string of just right temps and sun, but we did get some much needed rain Saturday night. I noticed an inch or two in a plant bowl outside, not that it rained an inch, but a good amount must have come down, because there were even little puddles in the gutters as I drove to church.

I had a good time catching up with friends at a surprise birthday party for a dear friend, Saturday night! Good food and lots of laughs and catching up! I think my social activities are at an end, pretty much, as far as I know. Daryl has a birthday coming up the first week in April, but since he is in TN and I am here, I won't be able to throw him a party!  

I dropped by the park at one point in time yesterday, and found it very crowded. Lots of people were there, instead of downtown where the Grand Prix was going on. It was a beautiful day for the races, so when I came home I watched them and also got to see part of the Rays game on TV, which was also shown on the computer!, So, lots going on! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 1
Oh, the joys of those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers.
But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants,
day and night they think about his law.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season without fail.
Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.

But this is not true of the wicked.
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly,
For the  Lord watches over the path of the godly
but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

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


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, March 23, 2012

Psoaring thru Psalm 8

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 in the string of beautiful days that March has been full of, with cool breezes and light winds. The promise of rain sometime this weekend  was forecast, but maybe not here.

My yard looks so much better since David came yesterday to mow and trim! He had some trouble getting his mower to start and wore a blister on his hand from pulling the cord. After working on it for awhile, and letting it sit, I started, PTL, and he was able to get the grass mowed. 


He was here when I got home from Cartek, where I went to get the van serviced. I found Ray there by himself since Danny  had gone to the dentist. What a busy place! Ray said he had several cars there from people who were or are  members of our church, and a few people stopped in to ask questions about their cars, but he was able to get my van done in not too long a time. I always take a book with me or read the paper while waiting. Danny came back while I waited and he picked up some slack.

After I left Cartek, I went to the Subway on Park Blvd that has a drive-thru and ordered some sandwiches for David and me, then stopped off in the park, where everything was quiet and peaceful, with a large class of kids in single file walking behind the teacher, headed out on the boardwalk. BTW, David was not expecting to be fed, but made short work of the sub. :o)
I also took time at 1 to pray for a dear friend for healing...God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:


Psalm 8

O Lord, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.

You have taught children and nursing infants to give you praise.
They silence your enemies who were seeking revenge.

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers---
the moon and the stars you have set in place--
what are mortals that you should think of us,
mere humans that you should care for us?
For you made us only a little lower than God,
and you crowned us with glory and honor.
You put us in charge of everything you made giving us authority over all things-
the sheep and the cattle and all the wild animals,
the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
and everything that swims the ocean currents.

O Lord, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth!


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


Amaryllis

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Encouragement

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 rain last night! Yay! It wasn't a lot, but it was so good to hear the rain fall and distant thunder! When I stepped outside this morning every thing seemed so fresh and drops were still falling off the oak trees. All the pollen was settled for a little while. God knows our needs and always provides for us. It is also a little cooler...nice!

My cleaning ladies came yesterday and they are always fun to talk with. One works really hard, and the other would rather talk, but she also works. They have invited me to go with them to the next Neighborhood Association meeting, which I am considering. I think the speaker is to be the mayor, but am not sure.


After they left, I took off for CVS to pick up a scrip, and then, on impulse, headed over to Steak and Shake, for another half price shake, which I took to the park. I sat and enjoyed it for awhile and then headed home. It was quiet and peaceful  in the park, with ibis pecking around, as usual, and squirrels scampering and stopping to munch on acorns. The white egrets are so pretty as they stand out against the dark mud and trees along the canal. I always think of paintings of old Florida when I see them. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:


Colossians 1:11-14 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 out sins.
 


Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.

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


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Isaiah

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! More of the same weather today, cool in the mornings and very warm in the afternoon. Even the weatherman said we need rain to settle the pollen, which is still very high. But no tornadoes and no bad things happening, so we can be thankful for blessings!

I made a run to the Family Bookstore yesterday and bought some items, then, since it was lunch time, I got in the drive-thru line at Chick-fil-a to buy some food to take home. Even though the line was clear to the back of the building, it moved fast and the order takers are unfailingly nice and polite. But I have to admit, if Panera Bread had a drive thru, I would buy there, because I really like their food!

I went in to the park on my way, and saw just a few people there at mid-day. A flock of ibis, a turtle on the bank and the anhinga drying out wings were at the weir. Their roads are still covered with leaves and stuff from the oaks, as my yard is, but my yard man comes tomorrow to do some mowing and trimming. So, God is good!

From The Promise Bible NLT:


Isaiah 41:27-31
O Israel, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

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


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

The Right Kind of Fellowship

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! And Happy first day of spring! Actually, it doesn't seem any different than the rest of the days this month, although I noticed a little cooler air when I stepped outside a while ago. Maybe high sixties, instead of low seventies...

After a trip to the park yesterday, where I saw people hanging over the bridge rail looking at turtles, fish and the gator that hangs out there, I headed for Steak and Shake for a half price strawberry shake.
 

After consuming that at home, I got out the vacuum and justified the the indulgence by vacuuming to burn off calories! I was inspired by something I saw on TV relating how to turn house work into a workout, by exercising as you clean. I don't do the heavy stuff any more since I have two cleaning ladies who have far more energy than I have!

I have been listening to the talk about Tim Tebow and his future, since the Broncos signed Payton Manning, and while I think it was a rotten deal for the Broncos to do that after Elway said Tim was their quarterback, still I have to say that God has a plan for Tim's future and it will turn out for good. Have to stay tuned for further developments! But God is still in control and He is good!

From the little devotional Knowing God:


So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory.
Jesus did it; now you do it!
Romans 15:7 MSG
 

If you genuinely want to build a closer relationship with God, you need to build closer relationships with godly people. That's why fellowship with like-minded believers should be an integral part of your life. Your association with fellow Christians should be uplifting, enlightening, encouraging, and (above all) consistent.

Are your friends the kind of people who encourage you to seek God's will and to obey God's Word? If so, you've chosen your friends wisely. And that's a good thing because when you choose friends who honor God. you'll find it easier to honor Him, too.

{Brotherly love is still the distinguishing badge of every true Christian. Matthew Henry}

                                                                                            -Great Thoughts-
Real fellowship happens when people get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives.
                                                                                             Rick Warren

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


Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, March 19, 2012

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! Not too much to report about the weather...we continue to have another in the string of pretty days that we have had all month! March has pretty much come in like a lamb. Hopefully, it will not go out like a lion! And spring starts tomorrow, although we have been having spring weather for a good long while!

I stopped by the park after church yesterday, and found it pretty busy, with lots of people out enjoying the good weather. It was too hot for me to try to walk, simply because my meds and skin do not like the sun. I have to cover up to protect myself. I bought one of the protective shirts some time ago, but have only worn it once. It is lightweight, but warm. I saw the ibis and busy little moorhens splashing about the lake. I think I have mentioned before how happy they always seem, cooing to their mate and busily carrying stuff for the nests. Cute little critters!

I enjoyed attending a big luau type celebration for some dear friends 50th Anniversary, with perfect weather for outside eating and enjoying chatting with old friends. The food was good, the company was even better and , all in all, it was a great evening! Thanks for the invitation, David and Cheryl! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

2 Corinthians 13:5-13

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you. It means you have failed the test. I hope you recognize that we have passed the test and are approved by God.

We pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. We pray this, not to show that our ministry to you has been successful, but  because we want you to do right even if we ourselves seem to have failed. Our responsibility if never to oppose the truth, but to stand for the truth at all times. We are glad to be weak, if you are really strong. What we pray for you is your restoration to maturity.

I am writing this to you, before I come, hoping that I won't need to deal harshly with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to build you up, not tear you down.

Paul's Final Greeting

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other.  Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

Greet each other in Christian love. All the Christians her send you their greetings.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!


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


Love and hugs, Amaryllis