Thursday, October 31, 2013

Ecclesiastes 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! So, it looks like all the treat or treaters will be very warm tonight because the humidity is up and we still have temps in the eighties! But, I always leave my light out since I do not like to open my door after dark. Last year no one came, and that was good.

Brian drove me out to Upham beach yesterday evening for a wedding. I knew it would be dark when we left, so I was very happy that he took off work early to take me. I probably would have gotten lost, anyway, since Upham Beach is not that easy to find!

I was able to walk the boardwalk okay, but I was thankful for Brian's arm and my cane when it came to the sand! It was slow going. My longtime park friend, David, got married with a blending of families. It was the first beach wedding I had attended...the weather was warm, the breeze was nice, and the sunset was beautiful! I met David's family for the first time and while it was a different wedding than most I have attended, still, it was very nice. I pray their joining together will be blessed! Afterwards, Brian and I went to Gigi's for supper, so it was dark when I got home.

My ladies came to clean yesterday and it is always good to catch up with them. I was not finished eating lunch when they came, so they started at the other end of the house, while I munched away. God is good!

This is for the newly weds and any one else it applies to...

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two people can accomplish more than twice
 as much as one; they get
a better return for their labor. If one person
falls, the other can reach out and help.
But people who are alone when they fall
are in real trouble. And on a cold night,
two under the same blanket can gain warmth
from each other. But how can one be warm
alone?  A person standing alone can be
attacked and defeated, but two can stand
back to back and conquer. Three are even
better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Psoaring thru Psalm 32

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 nice days continue and will until this weekend, when we will get another cool spell, but that is to be expected at this time of year!  I hope some of you saw the gorgeous sunrise this morning! All pinks and orange...just lovely!

My yard men came Monday and blew all the leaves off the porch, but, of course, they are back again, because the trees are really starting to shed. There is a tree at the end of my block that is so beautiful, I wish I had one. It has purple blossoms all year and never seems to go out of season. I think it is a frangipani (sp) but am not sure. There is one just like it on the way to the park, but much smaller, and planted right up against a house. I think they will be surprised in a couple years, to see that it needs more space!

Speaking of the park, I visited late yesterday afternoon, and saw lots of people there. The large brown gopher tortoise was making his way toward the parking lot from his tunnel and the squirrels were busy, as usual! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 32:7-11

For you are my hiding place,
you protect me from trouble.
You surround me with songs of victory.

The Lord says, "I will guide you along the
best pathways for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control".

Many sorrows come to the wicked ,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.
So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy all you whose hearts are pure!


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Look for Miracles

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 weather is warming up again and the humidity is higher, but still pleasant and nice as long as I don't stay in the sun very long!

I will be going to a wedding tomorrow evening at the beach, and it will probably be cool, since there is always a breeze blowing off the water, but it should be a beautiful sunset! I thought about the change in time coming up and thought it should be soon, but looked at the calendar and it is not until the weekend, which will be November. I thought it always changed in October!

Well, we will get the extra hour's sleep back that we lost last spring...

I went shopping at CVS yesterday, and had a list with me, but wouldn't you know, I had stamps at the top of my list and walked out without buying any! I got everything else on the list, plus a couple extras not on the list! Typical of me...

After leaving there, I drove to the Park, and saw some big, heavy equipment parked on the weir, plus mowers, etc., so it looks like things are looking up as far as expenses go. The park is looking better  and better since the weeds are cut down.
I saw the teacher leading a group of children on a learning tour, pointing out something in a tree. I think they are very fortunate to be able to have field trips like that! I know I would have enjoyed it! God is good!

From the little devotional book, Knowing God:

God verified the message by signs and wonders and various miracles and by giving gifts of the Holy Spirit, whenever he chose to do do.
Hebrews 2:4 NLT

One way to know more about God is to look carefully at the miraculous things that He does. But sometimes, we're simply too preoccupied to notice. Instead of playing careful attention To God's handiwork, we become distracted. Instead of  expecting God to work miracles, we become cynical. Instead of depending on God's awesome power , we seek to muddle along using our own power-- with decidedly mixed results.

Miracles, both great and small, are an integral part of everyday
life-and they are a part of your life, too. But here's the million
dollar question; have you noticed?

If you lack the faith that God can work miracles in your own life, it's
time to reconsider. Instead of doubting God, trust His power, and
expect His miracles. Then, wait patiently ...because something
miraculous is about to happen.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, October 28, 2013

1 Timothy

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! These cool nights and warm days are just about perfect! The sun is warm during the day and yet there is a definite coolness to the breeze that reminds us that we are in an autumn zone...My oak trees are certainly testifying to that! Acorns and leaves are falling ,although not as much as they will later on!

On my way to church yesterday morning, I saw a large flock of ibis around Lynch Lake and a mama duck with over a dozen babies were waddling through yards surrounding the lake. It is so amazing how the tiny fuzzy ducklings can hop up curbs and waddle endlessly around with Mama wherever she goes, without getting tired. I have seen them just flop down, though, so they must take rests whenever it is time.

Speaking of church, we listened to the last of the Revelation series Pastor Rick has been preaching.  Very powerful! One of the illustrations he used was quite interesting to me...he used the Johnstown, PA flood and the fact that the people were warned three times about the weakness of the dam, which flooded the whole town. Johnstown was founded by my great , great great and maybe two more, grandfather! I told Pastor Rick this afterwards and he was excited to hear of the connection! God is good!

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Tell those who are rich in this world
not to be proud and not to trust in their
money which all too soon will be gone.
But their trust should be in the living God
who richly gives us all we need for our
enjoyment. Tell them to use their money
to do good. They should be rich in good
works and should give generously to those
in need, always being ready to share with
others whatever God has given them. By doing
this they will be storing up their treasure as
a good foundation for the future  so that they
may take hold of real life...


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, October 25, 2013

1 Thessalonians

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!  A beautiful start to the day1 The sun is shining brightly, and a gentle breeze is blowing and the temp is in the high sixties! Just about perfect!

However, my hands are so cold, I can hardly type! That's the way cold weather affects me...my hands and feet stay cold. Some people stay warm all the time. Louis radiated heat and it felt good at night to warm up my cold feet on him. One Sunday, in church, I was sitting alone, when a friend sat down next to me and I could feel his warmth with no contact at all. Just like a big heater!

Yesterday, I watched the entire funeral service for Congressman Bill Young, and it was very impressive to hear all the tributes and appreciation expressed by friends and colleagues . I even choked up at times. He was a good man and will be missed. But, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No
matter what happens, always be thankful,
for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff
at prophecies, but test everything that is
said. Hold on to what is good. Keep away
form every kind of evil.

Now may the God of peace make you holy
in every way, and may your whole spirit and
soul and body be kept blameless until that
day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.
God, who calls you, is faithful. He will do this.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Roamin' thru Romans

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! Well! Fall has finally fallen! It is very cool outside and the house is cooling off inside. So, those who have been waiting for cool weather are happy, and those who like the warm weather, will have that back before long! When the sun comes out to stay, it will be very warm for awhile!

Yesterday, my cleaning friend came without her partner, who is taking it easy with a sore back. Since Cheryl came early, I did not have time to compose and send my blog, but I am back now!

I drove to The Fresh Market for the first time in the afternoon, and was amazed by all the different varieties of veggies, meats and the Bakery!  I bought a pre-cooked salmon steak and a roasted chicken breast to bring home. Prices are much higher than regular super markets, but "Alice, you are not in Walmart anymore!" The more I walked around and looked, the more I found to buy, so my visit was worthwhile. I especially liked the fresh salad bar and bought some delicious shrimp salad, with very large shrimp! They also have a fresh salsa bar, which really looked tempting...maybe next time.  All in all, it was a good experience.

Afterwards, I drove to the Park, and saw many people enjoying the fresh air, egrets, ibis, and other wild life, grass and sun! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Justice

What can I do when I suffer injustice?

Romans 12:17-19

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a
way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part
to live in peace with everyone as much as possible. Dear
friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For
it is written, "I will take vengeance, I will repay those who
deserve it ," says the Lord.


-God teaches us to respond differently to injustice than the
world does. Vengeance and retribution are the way of the world.
God teaches us to trust in him and allow him to settle the score.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

My Morning 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! Seems like it is always overcast when I turn off the porch light, but then the sun comes fully up and we have lots of sun and clouds! Our humidity will be lower in the next few days as the temps drop, so that will be nice.

I am getting acquainted with my new shower hose, which was installed by Rick, my handy man, Saturday. If I have it on full blast, the water does not go down the drain fast enough, but if I set it so the flow is lighter, no problem with the drain. I am hoping not to have to call a plumber, because the clogged drain stuff I have used usually works well.  I am so happy I have the new shower because the old hose was leaking water up and over the shower door and landing on the floor, before I taped it. What did we do before duct and adhesive tape?

Rick also repaired the socket in a lamp in the living room. Once again, I am blessed to have people to call on who do so much for me!

Yesterday, after shopping at CVS, I gave in to temptation and ordered a half price milkshake from Steak and Shake, right next door. I took it to the Park and sat with the windows rolled down, slurping on the shake. I could hear a mockingbird singing its little heart out, while the squirrels were on their busy way, scampering up and down and across the road. On the way out, I saw a small brown tortoise, munching on the grass near the parking lot, while a great, blue heron was standing sentinel in the canal. God is good!

My Morning Prayer;

"Oh, God, for another day, for another morning,
for another hour, for another minute, for another
chance to live and serve Thee, I am truly grateful."
Do thou this day  free me
from all fear of the future
from all bitterness toward anyone.
From all cowardice in face of danger
from all laziness in face of work,
from all failure before opportunity
from all weakness when Thy power is
at hand.

But fill me
with Love that knows no barrier
with Sympathy that reaches all
with Courage that cannot be shaken
with Faith strong enough for darkness.
With Strength sufficient for my tasks
with Loyalty to Thy Kingdom Goal,
with Power to lift me to Thee.

Be thou with me for another day and use
me as Thou will for Christ's sake, I pray.
               Amen

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis