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! There's a peculiar sky this morning..it's very cloudy, but there was brilliant sunshine an hour ago. I know that most of Florida is covered with clouds and we are predicted to get a lot of rain on Sunday. I think it is due mostly to Isaac, which circled around, had a sex change as my son says, and is now tropical storm Nadine. Very strange weather...
Well, I got ambitious yesterday and vacuumed the house, because my cleaning ladies are in Va. baby sitting with Kim's grandchildren, while mom and dad go to Hawaii for training. The husband is in the service and the wives were invited to go along for the short session in Hawaii. Nice. But that leaves me without my cleaners for another week. Oh, well, it won't kill me to get back in the groove of housekeeping for a little while!
I drove to Boston Market to try one of their new "bowls". I think I would choose different sides next time. Mine were too salty for my taste, as I do not use much salt on my food. It's just all your food put in a bowl and gravy poured over it all. Earlier in the afternoon, I had paid a visit to Steak and Shake for a half price shake, and the cashier recognized me and gave me two booklets of coupons, good for half off any time instead of just 2-4 PM. Kind of her. I really don't buy that many shakes, maybe one a month, but the cashier is usually there and very friendly.
I went on over to the park where all was quiet and peaceful, and parked to have a couple slurps of my shake, while sitting in the shade. It was very hot, so the coldness was welcome. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith,
we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord
has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has
brought us into this place of highest privilege where we
now stand, and we confidently and joyfully
look forward to sharing God's glory.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know
that they are good for us--they help us to learn
to endure. And endurance develops strength
of character in us, and character strengthens
our confident expectation of salvation. And this
expectation will not disappoint us. For we know
how dearly God loves us because he has given
us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Psoaring thru Psalm 139
Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! This is another beautiful morning like yesterday, but we could have showers at any time.
I drove to my doctor's yesterday for a check up and to my surprise, it started to rain almost as soon as I left the house. a dark cloud was hovering right overhead, so I went through some harder showers and then by the time I got to the office, just a mile and a half away, it had almost stopped. ! I saw the funniest sight that I have seen photos of on facebook and the internet, but this was real. Two lines of cars were totally stopped on busy ninth street while a long parade of black ducks all in a row crossed the street, taking their own sweet time. Not a horn blew...just people patiently waiting for the ducks to cross. I was wishing for a camera!
I got the all clear on my health report, so I guess I am doing all right for my age and the shape I am in! While I was waiting in the examining room, I picked up a Reader's Digest and was interested in an article in it , but the doc came in before I finished, and I did not think to take it with me to check out. Now, I subscribe to the RD and have for years, so I looked for it at home, but did not find it. I looked online and discovered which issue it was, so I am not giving up yet! It was the Dec 2011/Jan2012 issue in case anyone has it. My next move would be to go back to the doctor's office and ask if I could borrow the copy.
I went to the park to check it out, after shopping at CVS, and found a few people there, and the big, tree trimming trucks were busy sawing off the limbs from some trees.A flock of ibis was grubbing on the hills and a great white heron was in the canal pecking for food, so God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 139:13-19 23,24
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother's womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous---and how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God!
They are innumerable!
I can't even count them; they out number the grains of sand!
And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me!....
Search me, O God, and know my heart, test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
,Amaryllis
I drove to my doctor's yesterday for a check up and to my surprise, it started to rain almost as soon as I left the house. a dark cloud was hovering right overhead, so I went through some harder showers and then by the time I got to the office, just a mile and a half away, it had almost stopped. ! I saw the funniest sight that I have seen photos of on facebook and the internet, but this was real. Two lines of cars were totally stopped on busy ninth street while a long parade of black ducks all in a row crossed the street, taking their own sweet time. Not a horn blew...just people patiently waiting for the ducks to cross. I was wishing for a camera!
I got the all clear on my health report, so I guess I am doing all right for my age and the shape I am in! While I was waiting in the examining room, I picked up a Reader's Digest and was interested in an article in it , but the doc came in before I finished, and I did not think to take it with me to check out. Now, I subscribe to the RD and have for years, so I looked for it at home, but did not find it. I looked online and discovered which issue it was, so I am not giving up yet! It was the Dec 2011/Jan2012 issue in case anyone has it. My next move would be to go back to the doctor's office and ask if I could borrow the copy.
I went to the park to check it out, after shopping at CVS, and found a few people there, and the big, tree trimming trucks were busy sawing off the limbs from some trees.A flock of ibis was grubbing on the hills and a great white heron was in the canal pecking for food, so God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 139:13-19 23,24
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother's womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous---and how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God!
They are innumerable!
I can't even count them; they out number the grains of sand!
And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me!....
Search me, O God, and know my heart, test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
,Amaryllis
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Psoaring thru Psalm 119
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We have a beautiful, cloud free morning with a slight breeze blowing. Just perfect! I hope all of you working people are not finding it too hard to get back to work today. I don't do paying work any more, but I find it difficult to get back in the groove. I did not eat any bar-be-que yesterday, but I think I will get some some time this week!
So, the DNC starts today in Charlotte, and already the weather is the topic of concern, since rain is forecast for the last day and it is being held outdoors that day. I was interested to chat with two of our people in church who were active in the RNC last week; one, as a photographer for a local TV station, and one, who works for Pinellas in bringing new business to the county. I can't imagine carrying a heavy camera around on a shoulder for hours, along with a lot of other equipment! But their stories and impressions were very interesting, and I was pleased to hear them.
I took a little walk in the park Saturday, and saw the ugly mud banks of the canal. Muddy, since all the hydrilla and greenery has been removed and there is no place for the young gator to hide. I did see a moor hen further down the canal, trying to make a nest in the overgrowth next to the banks. In fact, it was squawking so loud, I couldn't help noticing it! But, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 119:1-8
Happy are people of integrity,
who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your principles.
Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you by living as I should.
I will obey your principles .
Please don't give up on me.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
So, the DNC starts today in Charlotte, and already the weather is the topic of concern, since rain is forecast for the last day and it is being held outdoors that day. I was interested to chat with two of our people in church who were active in the RNC last week; one, as a photographer for a local TV station, and one, who works for Pinellas in bringing new business to the county. I can't imagine carrying a heavy camera around on a shoulder for hours, along with a lot of other equipment! But their stories and impressions were very interesting, and I was pleased to hear them.
I took a little walk in the park Saturday, and saw the ugly mud banks of the canal. Muddy, since all the hydrilla and greenery has been removed and there is no place for the young gator to hide. I did see a moor hen further down the canal, trying to make a nest in the overgrowth next to the banks. In fact, it was squawking so loud, I couldn't help noticing it! But, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 119:1-8
Happy are people of integrity,
who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your principles.
Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you by living as I should.
I will obey your principles .
Please don't give up on me.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, August 31, 2012
1 Timothy 4
Good Morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I am a little later than usual this morning, because I have been waiting for my lawn guys to come, but maybe they won't.
But here it is the last day of August, with fall coming right around the corner. Can't tell much by the weather, however. It remains the same since Isaac's wind died down. Hot, humid and lots of sunshine and pretty clouds. I did some running around finishing up errands yesterday, and heard an interesting political discussion in the small waiting room at the podiatrist's. I did not take part...just listened. Interesting to hear differing view points between strangers...no ugliness, just reasonable talk and exchange of ideas. I stayed up too late listening with half an ear to the speeches while reading at the same time. I did this after the Rays lost again! Boo!
I meandered through the park and saw the twisted boughs of the trees and saw the trimmers at work. A lone egret was down in the canal pecking at something and all was peaceful and quiet. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Timothy 4:7-13
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. This is true and everyone should accept it. We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and particularly of those who believe.
Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures in the church, encouraging the believers and teaching them...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
But here it is the last day of August, with fall coming right around the corner. Can't tell much by the weather, however. It remains the same since Isaac's wind died down. Hot, humid and lots of sunshine and pretty clouds. I did some running around finishing up errands yesterday, and heard an interesting political discussion in the small waiting room at the podiatrist's. I did not take part...just listened. Interesting to hear differing view points between strangers...no ugliness, just reasonable talk and exchange of ideas. I stayed up too late listening with half an ear to the speeches while reading at the same time. I did this after the Rays lost again! Boo!
I meandered through the park and saw the twisted boughs of the trees and saw the trimmers at work. A lone egret was down in the canal pecking at something and all was peaceful and quiet. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Timothy 4:7-13
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. This is true and everyone should accept it. We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and particularly of those who believe.
Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures in the church, encouraging the believers and teaching them...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Colossians 3
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, the wind is blowing and the water is still standing in the street gutters.But, at least we are not flooded like the people in the southern gulf states. Thank God!
I watched the Rays win last night in Texas and enjoyed the home runs! About time! Instead of watching the speeches which were too late for me, I prepared for bed.
I saw the little busy cardinal yesterday in the podacarpus hedge. He flew in and came out with a seed in his mouth. Right after that, a mockingbird flew in and did the same thing. That is how so many new plants start up everywhere in the yard. Birds drop them on the ground and apparently, the squirrels don't like the seeds. I swept the porch off yesterday, and now I just have to get the plants moved out of the corner. I am not sure if the poinsettias will bloom if I don't trim them, so I need to get that done.
Well, I did laundry and finished reading a book, then just more or less rested. A good day for being lazy. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 3:12-17
Since God chose you to be the holy people, whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each others' faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the words of Christ , in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you say or do , let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I watched the Rays win last night in Texas and enjoyed the home runs! About time! Instead of watching the speeches which were too late for me, I prepared for bed.
I saw the little busy cardinal yesterday in the podacarpus hedge. He flew in and came out with a seed in his mouth. Right after that, a mockingbird flew in and did the same thing. That is how so many new plants start up everywhere in the yard. Birds drop them on the ground and apparently, the squirrels don't like the seeds. I swept the porch off yesterday, and now I just have to get the plants moved out of the corner. I am not sure if the poinsettias will bloom if I don't trim them, so I need to get that done.
Well, I did laundry and finished reading a book, then just more or less rested. A good day for being lazy. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 3:12-17
Since God chose you to be the holy people, whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each others' faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the words of Christ , in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you say or do , let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Temptation
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 thought today was going to be calmer in the wind dept. but now it has picked up and is blowing hard again. Since Isaac is so slow moving, perhaps this will be our weather until it moves away. I feel much concern for New Orleans and the people there who did not evacuate when told, since the water has already come over one levee. Just keep praying for them...
Well, lots going on in Tampa, with the RNC events taking place, and the Ron Paul protesters making a fuss. As the old saying goes, "Politics makes strange bedfellows", or words to that effect. Anyway, I am glad I am no closer to the crowd.
Yesterday, I finally went to the Publix. where the shopping was a pleasure, but the carry out man was not such a pleasure. He apparently did not understand much English, and when I told him where to put the groceries, he did not understand and put them in, stacking them up in a strange way. I usually do not have carry out, but he insisted, so I let him. Oh, well, it just meant extra stretching for me , which was probably a good thing. I went to the park later on after school was out. and noticed the high tide in Turner's Creek between 77th and 78th streets. The hurricane must have been pushing the water in, because it was above the culvert tops. When I got to the park, I saw that the water in the canal was up a little, but not much, so I think it must have been draining off rapidly. There were quite a few people there, enjoying the heat and humidity. The grounds crew was there and had mowed a lot that usually is not mowed. It looked good and clean, so they did a good job. I just saw squirrels and ibis, but have not seen the gopher tortoises for a while. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do I find protection from the threat of evil?
Ephesians 6:10-18 Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world' against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.
This is perhaps the Bible's most comprehensive teaching about the resources believers have to overcome evil. Spiritual forces lurk behind many of our conflicts. Therefore, we should not attack the people manipulated by evil , but focus directly on the evil itself. We rely on truth, faith, the power of our testimony, the wisdom of God's word, and the power of prayer. When these are mobilized, evil succumbs, God wins, and we win.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, lots going on in Tampa, with the RNC events taking place, and the Ron Paul protesters making a fuss. As the old saying goes, "Politics makes strange bedfellows", or words to that effect. Anyway, I am glad I am no closer to the crowd.
Yesterday, I finally went to the Publix. where the shopping was a pleasure, but the carry out man was not such a pleasure. He apparently did not understand much English, and when I told him where to put the groceries, he did not understand and put them in, stacking them up in a strange way. I usually do not have carry out, but he insisted, so I let him. Oh, well, it just meant extra stretching for me , which was probably a good thing. I went to the park later on after school was out. and noticed the high tide in Turner's Creek between 77th and 78th streets. The hurricane must have been pushing the water in, because it was above the culvert tops. When I got to the park, I saw that the water in the canal was up a little, but not much, so I think it must have been draining off rapidly. There were quite a few people there, enjoying the heat and humidity. The grounds crew was there and had mowed a lot that usually is not mowed. It looked good and clean, so they did a good job. I just saw squirrels and ibis, but have not seen the gopher tortoises for a while. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do I find protection from the threat of evil?
Ephesians 6:10-18 Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world' against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.
This is perhaps the Bible's most comprehensive teaching about the resources believers have to overcome evil. Spiritual forces lurk behind many of our conflicts. Therefore, we should not attack the people manipulated by evil , but focus directly on the evil itself. We rely on truth, faith, the power of our testimony, the wisdom of God's word, and the power of prayer. When these are mobilized, evil succumbs, God wins, and we win.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Character
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Sunshine, wind and clouds have replaced the overcast and rain from yesterday, although we may still have more rain today. I think I will be able to go forth and shop today! There is still a lot of concern for the people in La., and Miss. and all along the Gulf Coast, though, because Isaac has slowed down and that may mean it is gathering strength.
My front porch was very wet this morning, so there must have been more rain in the night. The paper didn't quite make it to the porch, but close. Some days it is right in front of the door, but not usually. I still have not turned my chairs over and the plants are still pushed into the corner. Guess I will wait until the wind dies down more. Right now, it is really gusting!
I saw one lone immature ibis pecking in the front yard this morning, very unusual, because they are always in a flock or at least more than two or three. Guess he was the long ranger... I did not go to the park yesterday, since I thought it might be closed as were the state parks. But I enjoyed the quiet day at home. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What does God promise as we mature in godly character?
Matthew 5:8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.We will experience an increasing sense of God's presence and his blessing.
James 1:4 When your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
Romans 5:3-5 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
As we mature in our faith, we will become stronger and stronger people. Character is like a muscle--it gets stronger with exercise. As our character develops, our confidence in our salvation increases, and the assurance of God's love fills our hearts.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My front porch was very wet this morning, so there must have been more rain in the night. The paper didn't quite make it to the porch, but close. Some days it is right in front of the door, but not usually. I still have not turned my chairs over and the plants are still pushed into the corner. Guess I will wait until the wind dies down more. Right now, it is really gusting!
I saw one lone immature ibis pecking in the front yard this morning, very unusual, because they are always in a flock or at least more than two or three. Guess he was the long ranger... I did not go to the park yesterday, since I thought it might be closed as were the state parks. But I enjoyed the quiet day at home. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What does God promise as we mature in godly character?
Matthew 5:8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.We will experience an increasing sense of God's presence and his blessing.
James 1:4 When your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.
Romans 5:3-5 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
As we mature in our faith, we will become stronger and stronger people. Character is like a muscle--it gets stronger with exercise. As our character develops, our confidence in our salvation increases, and the assurance of God's love fills our hearts.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)