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 wind is blowing and the sun is shining, and it will be another very warm day in Florida. I couldn't believe the nineties temps in the center of the state yesterday! We went right from no winter into summer! Amazing! I have already had my A/C on for about two months. It doesn't always click on during the day, but later in the evening, it cools down the house. During the high pollen season, it really helps to keep the house closed.
I went shopping again yesterday...something I don't really enjoy, but necessary when I run out of essentials...and I still forgot something, because I did not make a list. Before I left to go out, I noticed a squirrel taking some long sips of water from the bowl I have on the front wall. He was so thirsty, he didn't pay any attention to the bluejay who zoomed in for a drink. The jay just stood for a minute and screeched, but then flew away! It is so dry around here, they take whatever water they can get!
I noticed some jacarandas in the neighborhood are blooming now, but I think a lot of them were damaged by the couple frosty nights we had...one was a freezing night. Soon the royal poinciana trees will be brightly blooming and we know that spring has come to St. Petersburg! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What happens when I confess my sin?
Romans 8:1 Now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
The amazing truth of the gospel is that those who trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness are forever free from God's judgment. That makes us more grateful and more eager to honor the Lord by godly living.
Psalm 103:3, 10,12
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases...He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve. For his unfailing love thward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Isaiah 43:25
I--yes, I alone--am the one who blots out your sins for my own sake, and will never think of them again.
When we confess our sins and trust Jesus Christ, our sins are wiped away. They will not be held against us. We are freely and fully pardoned by the Lord and should forgive ourselves as well.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Can any sin be forgiven?
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! What can I say? the weather has been the same for such a long time. the weathercasters just can use ditto marks to predict around here! But, good news! the oak trees have stopped shedding and are all green and filled out now! that is a praise!
I have been watching a tiny mango grow on top of the tree next door, which is visible from my window. Last year I was hoping it would drop off over on my side, but it didn't happen. Sometimes their oranges come into my yard, but I think animals bring them over.
I had a busy morning to mid afternoon, buying gas for the car (yikes) and grocery shopping, and running other errands. By the time I was all finished, I was pretty much through for the day, but went over to the park to check things out. I saw a young woman running and she looked so graceful and tireless. Lots of people strolling about and hanging over the bridge. An anhinga was drying its wings, and the little moorhens were busy swimming about doing whatever it is they do. It was very peaceful there. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Can any sin be forgiven?
Joel 2:32 Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. There will be people on Mount Zion in Jerusalem who escape, just as the Lord has said. These will be among the survivors whom the Lord has called.
Mark 3:28-29 I assure you that any sin can be forgiven including blasphemy but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. It is an eternal sin.
Romans 8:38
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away.
Forgiveness is not based on the magnitude of the sin, but the magnitude of the forgiver's love. No sin is too great for God's complete and unconditional love. The Bible does. however, mention one unforgivable sin--harboring an attitude of defiant hostility toward God that prevents us from accepting his forgiveness. Those who don't want his forgiveness place themselves out of its reach.
Isiah 1:18
"Come now, let us argue this out," says the Lord . "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as fresly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool."
Forgiveness means that God looks at us as though we never sinned. We are blameless before him.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I have been watching a tiny mango grow on top of the tree next door, which is visible from my window. Last year I was hoping it would drop off over on my side, but it didn't happen. Sometimes their oranges come into my yard, but I think animals bring them over.
I had a busy morning to mid afternoon, buying gas for the car (yikes) and grocery shopping, and running other errands. By the time I was all finished, I was pretty much through for the day, but went over to the park to check things out. I saw a young woman running and she looked so graceful and tireless. Lots of people strolling about and hanging over the bridge. An anhinga was drying its wings, and the little moorhens were busy swimming about doing whatever it is they do. It was very peaceful there. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Can any sin be forgiven?
Joel 2:32 Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. There will be people on Mount Zion in Jerusalem who escape, just as the Lord has said. These will be among the survivors whom the Lord has called.
Mark 3:28-29 I assure you that any sin can be forgiven including blasphemy but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. It is an eternal sin.
Romans 8:38
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away.
Forgiveness is not based on the magnitude of the sin, but the magnitude of the forgiver's love. No sin is too great for God's complete and unconditional love. The Bible does. however, mention one unforgivable sin--harboring an attitude of defiant hostility toward God that prevents us from accepting his forgiveness. Those who don't want his forgiveness place themselves out of its reach.
Isiah 1:18
"Come now, let us argue this out," says the Lord . "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as fresly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool."
Forgiveness means that God looks at us as though we never sinned. We are blameless before him.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, April 2, 2012
The Wondrous Cross
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 bright and the wind is cool, so we have another warm day ahead. We had a little rain Saturday in the early afternoon, and I took a much needed nap, after several sleep interrupted nights. It was a good time for it, because the clouds kept it gloomy...great for sleeping!
I slept well last night and am grateful for that! Since it is such a pretty day, it will be good to get out and grocery shop and run some needed errands. ...As I was driving down 34th Street Saturday,, I saw young man who had ingeniously figured out how to get his kayak where he wanted to go. He was riding a bike on the sidewalk and had a small trailer hitched on the back with his kayak on it! It was a weird sight, but I had to admire his ability to figure it all out!
After church, later in the afternoon, I visited the park, and saw a few people there, and the squirrels, one of whom dashed across right in front of me! They take such chances! I saw an anhinga on the weir, but not much other wild life.
We had a good Palm Sunday service yesterday with the children taking part by coming down the aisles with palm branches waving, and a good sermon after that. I am so thankful for this season and for Christ dying for my sins! God is so good!
From the Covenant Hymnal (and many others, I'm sure)
When I survey the Wondrous Cross...Isaac Watts
When I survey the wondrous cross on which
the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain
I count but loss, and pour contempt on
all my pride.
Forbid it Lord, that I should boast save in
the death of Christ, my God, all the vain
things that charm me most, I sacrifice
them in his blood.
See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that
were an offering far too small, love so amazing
so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I slept well last night and am grateful for that! Since it is such a pretty day, it will be good to get out and grocery shop and run some needed errands. ...As I was driving down 34th Street Saturday,, I saw young man who had ingeniously figured out how to get his kayak where he wanted to go. He was riding a bike on the sidewalk and had a small trailer hitched on the back with his kayak on it! It was a weird sight, but I had to admire his ability to figure it all out!
After church, later in the afternoon, I visited the park, and saw a few people there, and the squirrels, one of whom dashed across right in front of me! They take such chances! I saw an anhinga on the weir, but not much other wild life.
We had a good Palm Sunday service yesterday with the children taking part by coming down the aisles with palm branches waving, and a good sermon after that. I am so thankful for this season and for Christ dying for my sins! God is so good!
From the Covenant Hymnal (and many others, I'm sure)
When I survey the Wondrous Cross...Isaac Watts
When I survey the wondrous cross on which
the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain
I count but loss, and pour contempt on
all my pride.
Forbid it Lord, that I should boast save in
the death of Christ, my God, all the vain
things that charm me most, I sacrifice
them in his blood.
See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine, that
were an offering far too small, love so amazing
so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, March 30, 2012
Haggai
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 long string of beautiful days, but the weather forecasters say that we are in a moderate to severe drought, so I pray that rain will come soon. I read of the wildfires burning in other states and the same thing could happen here. In fact, when I stepped outside earlier, I could smell what seemed like smoke in the air. Later, while eating breakfast, I heard a fire truck head out, so maybe maybe I really did sniff smoke.
I had a quiet day yesterday, resting up from my mostly sleepless night, but I did go out to the park to check up on activities there...I saw a couple anhingas on the weir, drying out wings, and lots of blossoms in the water by the bridge. In fact, the whole canal has a lot of hydrangea bunched up all the way to the second bridge. The young gator that likes to hang out at the bridge, is growing up right before our eyes. I think that is his happy home!
I saw a very large gecko sitting on a faucet outside the garage yesterday, just looking at me, like I was in his territory, but he was actually in mine! If Matthew had been here, he would have caught him! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Haggai 1:1-11
On August 29th of the second year of King Darius's reign, the Lord gave a message through the prophet Haggai by Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. This is what the Lord Almighty says; The people are saying, "The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord's house--the Temple."
So the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai. "Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord Almighty says; Consider how things are going for you! You have planted much but harvested little. You have food to eat, but not enough to fill you up. You have wine to drink, but not enough to satisfy your thirst. You have clothing to wear, but not enough to keep you warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!
This is what the Lord Almighty says:" Consider how things are going for you! Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord. You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. and when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord Almighty, while you are all busy building your own fine houses. That is why the heavens have withheld the dew and the earth has withheld the crops. I have called for a drought on your fields and hills--a drought to starve both you and your cattle and to ruin everything you have worked so hard to get."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had a quiet day yesterday, resting up from my mostly sleepless night, but I did go out to the park to check up on activities there...I saw a couple anhingas on the weir, drying out wings, and lots of blossoms in the water by the bridge. In fact, the whole canal has a lot of hydrangea bunched up all the way to the second bridge. The young gator that likes to hang out at the bridge, is growing up right before our eyes. I think that is his happy home!
I saw a very large gecko sitting on a faucet outside the garage yesterday, just looking at me, like I was in his territory, but he was actually in mine! If Matthew had been here, he would have caught him! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Haggai 1:1-11
On August 29th of the second year of King Darius's reign, the Lord gave a message through the prophet Haggai by Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. This is what the Lord Almighty says; The people are saying, "The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord's house--the Temple."
So the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai. "Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord Almighty says; Consider how things are going for you! You have planted much but harvested little. You have food to eat, but not enough to fill you up. You have wine to drink, but not enough to satisfy your thirst. You have clothing to wear, but not enough to keep you warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!
This is what the Lord Almighty says:" Consider how things are going for you! Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord. You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. and when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord Almighty, while you are all busy building your own fine houses. That is why the heavens have withheld the dew and the earth has withheld the crops. I have called for a drought on your fields and hills--a drought to starve both you and your cattle and to ruin everything you have worked so hard to get."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Psoaring thru Psalm 23
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! What can I say about the weather? It's another good day of sun and a few puffy clouds...just perfect!
I woke up about 4 this morning because of a sharp tingle in my left foot that came just often enough to keep me from going back to sleep, so I got out of bed at 4:30 and went into the living room to read awhile. Never did go back to bed, so as a result, I am groggy and almost fell asleep as I was praying. Ever had that happen? I see a nap in my future today!
Well, once again the sky was just beautiful last night! Venus has dropped way below the moon, now but is still a gorgeous display. I can look at it from my back window, now and don't have to go outside. I went over to the park yesterday, after loading and unloading the washer and dryer a couple times. I saw an egret some distance up the canal, framed by all the greenery, while he stood in the water, fishing. Not so many people there, but picnickers and dog walkers were plentiful. God is good!
Psalm 23 NASB
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul,
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil.
For you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord.
Forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I woke up about 4 this morning because of a sharp tingle in my left foot that came just often enough to keep me from going back to sleep, so I got out of bed at 4:30 and went into the living room to read awhile. Never did go back to bed, so as a result, I am groggy and almost fell asleep as I was praying. Ever had that happen? I see a nap in my future today!
Well, once again the sky was just beautiful last night! Venus has dropped way below the moon, now but is still a gorgeous display. I can look at it from my back window, now and don't have to go outside. I went over to the park yesterday, after loading and unloading the washer and dryer a couple times. I saw an egret some distance up the canal, framed by all the greenery, while he stood in the water, fishing. Not so many people there, but picnickers and dog walkers were plentiful. God is good!
Psalm 23 NASB
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul,
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil.
For you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord.
Forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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
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
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
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