The Beatitudes

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! Today is the calm after the storm, sunny and breezy. But what a thunderstorm we had last night!Lots of lightning, thunder cracking all around, and pouring rain. It even hailed in some places! I was glad I had my trees trimmed last month, because very few branches broke off this time. I wonder where the squirrels and birds hide out when we have storms like that,,,

Well, I am hoping to get a nap sometime today. Due to a sharp pain in a big toe, every few seconds, I dozed only about thirty minutes last night. I was up at 3, reading and crawled back in bed at 4. Yawn. I don't have to go any place today, which is good, because my van in in the shop getting some expensive work done.

I ran some errands yesterday, knowing I would not have a car today, and wound up at the Park, which was practically deserted. Only a hand full of cars, and no dog walkers that I could see. But I did see the large, brown gopher tortoise, munching away on some sparse grass. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Matthew 5:2-

"God blesses those who realize their need for him."
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are gentle and lowly,
for the whole earth will belong to them.
God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty
for justice, for they will receive it in full.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will receive mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who are persecuted
because they live for God, for the Kingdom of
Heaven is theirs.

God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted
and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about
it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And
remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Phlippin' Thru Philippians

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! Today is a duplicate of yesterday...more sun, few clouds, but we have wind blowing today, and it was mostly calm yesterday. So, since it is definitely summer, I guess I will take the red velvet coat off my antique doll. She can be comfortable in her long sleeved summer dress.

I am still digging through old photos, and I mean old, mothers and fathers, back to WW1. Mostly people I don't know and, of course, the pics are not marked as to who and where, so I have a feeling most will be tossed.

I took time to go to the Park, which was nearly deserted, as school was not out yet, and saw that the water in the canal was still high, but otherwise, not much was going on. My yard crew came this morning instead of yesterday, and I spoke to Jim about trimming the azaleas. He said he had the flu and not to come too close, so we agreed on next week. I also told him not to trim the amaryllis lilies which I noticed had been done ...first the grasshoppers ate them and then they get trimmed. Sigh. But I noticed a large bud is struggling to come up, even though it is way out of season! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Philippians 4:4-9

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice!
Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.
Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything,
Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.
If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is
far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.
His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in
Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing
as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and
honorable and right. Thank about things that are pure and lovely
and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Keep putting into practice all you have learned from me, and
heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will
be with you.

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

 Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Pondering Proverbs

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 beautiful, hot weather for Mother's Day and today looks like the same, except today we get more breezes. I saw on the weather map a line of bad weather moving slowly across the states toward the east, so I hope no more tornados like what Oklahoma had.

I had a wonderful Mother's Day! Lots of greetings at church, plus, Mom's photos being taken as we walked in to the resource room, lots of hugs and good chats. Plus good worship music and sermon. Daryl had called me first thing in the morning to wish me a Happy Mother's day, and the flowers the boys had sent are still beautiful!

Then, after church, Brian came to take me to lunch. I had suggested Cheddars, but, even though we found a parking space right near the door, when we went in a large crowd was waiting for tables and we could see the wait time was going to be long and there were no more seats left. So, we decided to go to plan B, which was a family restaurant in Seminole called...are you ready for this?..Mamas! However, in this case, the Mamas is named for a Greek saint. We were seated right away, had excellent service, even had bread plates and extra napkins provided, a good meal, and I topped mine off with lemon meringue pie. Also, all ladies were given long stemmed carnations as soon as they got in the door! The outdoor scenery was not so good, since it is right across from the old Orange Blossom Groves which is no more..just a sandy field getting prepared for the building of condos. Sigh. Another landmark gone...

After we left the restaurant, we headed for a remote cemetery owned and kept up by the Seminole U. M. Church, where my Uncle Paul is buried. However, it is gated and padlocked, so we could not get in. Brian had never been there before and it had been years since I had been there, so we were just curious.

After we got back to my house, we spent time going over very old pictures and looking up online information on the old cemetery.. It was a good day!   God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Proverbs 3:5,6 21-23-25

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.

My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for
they will fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you
safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without
fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your feet from being caught in a trap.

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

Love and hugs, Amaryllis

1 Chronicles

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! Cool air, warm sunshine and no breeze means it will be a beautiful day for beach goers, and for most any other outside activity.

I put my flag  out today, in honor of remembering the service men and women. Louis was in the Army for two years, during which time our daughter was born, and I currently have a great-niece serving in the Air Force.

I spent a busy day at home yesterday, catching up with laundry, and various chores.I had finished my ironing a couple days ago. Yay, me! You know that is not my favorite thing to do. I had a call from my doctor's office checking up on me, on Wednesday. This is something that started the first of the year. They have someone on call 24/7 trying to keep you from going to the ER, which I think is a great idea!

Mother's Day is Sunday, so yesterday I received a beautiful arrangement of roses and carnations  in a butterfly bowl, from the men in my life...Brian, Daryl, and Matthew, though I doubt Matthew knows anything about it! But,  God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Chronicles 17:31-36

Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice!
Tell all the nations that the Lord is king.
Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
Let the fields and their crops burst forth with joy!
Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the Lord!
For he is coming to judge the earth.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
 Cry out, "Save us, O God of our salvation!
Gather and rescue us from among the nation,
so we can thank your holy name, and rejoice and praise you."

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!

And all the people shouted "Amen!" and praised the Lord.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalms

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! Today is a duplicate of yesterday...sunshine, puffy clouds and a slight breeze. It will be almost 90 by this afternoon with more humidity, so time for sunscreen and lots of fluids!

My friend who cleans my house and is always looking out for me, came yesterday to work and we had a nice chat while she cleaned. She also has a part time job at an office supply, so she is very active..and a really nice person. Her partner was busy with family so Cheryl was working alone.

After she left, I ran a couple errands, which included a stop at CVS to pick up dental floss and ice cream. I wanted to bake an apple for my dessert after supper and top it off with ice cream. I did, and it was so good! Yum!

Then I drove to the park, and as I was driving out, I was just in time to see a large gator walk out of the canal onto the weir, plop down and warm his tummy for a couple minutes, and then walk down the other side and into the water. I tried to get a picture but a gate was in the way. It is unusual to see a gator walking, and I am always excited when I see it! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 86:5-10

O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask your aid.
Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord, hear my
urgent cry. I will call on you whenever trouble
strikes, and you will answer me.

Nowhere among the pagan gods is there a god like
you, O Lord. There are no other miracles like yours.
All the nations---and you made each one---will come
and bow before you, Lord: they will praise your great
and holy name.

For you are great and perform  great miracles.
You alone are God.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

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! We have another beautiful sunshiny day, with some white puffy clouds and a cool breeze blowing. One more in our spring days!

I was watching a squirrel in the oak tree, while I was having my morning quiet time. He was very still, which is unusual, but I caught a glimpse of something moving in the neighbor's yard, and realized it was one of the stray cats that roam the neighborhood. I think the squirrel was aware of the cat's presence and decided to stay very still. Unusual for a squirrel! Just one of life's little dramas...

I had an appointment with my podiatrist yesterday and there were only a couple other patients besides me which is pretty unusual. Maybe some of the winter visitors have gone home. After I finished there, I had a hankerin' for a frosted lemonade, so I headed for Chick-fil-a and soon had one. I drove on to the park, which was not very crowded; saw one lone ibis enjoying a grub, and then saw the smaller brown gopher tortoise. After that I took off the straw and enjoyed some of my frosted lemonade! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 9-13

Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them.
Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love
each other with genuine affection, and take delight in
honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve
the Lord enthusiastically.

Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble,
and always be prayerful. When God's children are in need,
be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of having
guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

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! Today's weather is just like yesterdays and the day before, etc., But we are likely to have a thundershower later on, and just maybe, in the future we will be having some weather from the disturbance in the Atlantic off the east coast. Well, my trees are trimmed, so that should keep the breaking of twigs and stuff down to a minimum. I remember years ago, maybe it was the no name storm or the last hurricane, when the front yard was a mess from the wind, and Louis and I were out trying to clean it up. A couple neighbors came over to help, but what a job! Trees are nice for shade, but sometimes a lot of work.

The yard crew came yesterday, but it still looked pretty clean after the tree men cleaned up, so all Jim had to do was mow, edge and blow. I have to get the azaleas trimmed, though, as they are through blooming and have taken a growth spurt.

I made a trip to the library to return books and check out more before school let out for the day. It is always less crowded then. So after that, I went over to my friends house and chatted with her a bit, then took a trip to the park, where there was a good crowd for midday. I saw an osprey, and anhinga drying its wings and a couple of ibis. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 12:6-8
God has given each of us, the ability to do certain
things well. So if God has given you the ability tp
prophecy, speak out when you have faith that
God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of
serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher,
do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage
others, do it! If you have money, share it generously.
If God has given you leadership ability , take the
responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for
showing kindness to others do it gladly.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis