Live on Purpose

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! Even though it was cloudy nearly all day yesterday, we had no rain around here, and today looks the same. However, there is a large area of clouds in the gulf and it is slowly moving north, which means we will be getting wet maybe tomorrow. But that's okay because we can always use the rain!

I was thinking yesterday as I drove into a shopping place that we have taken over so much of the ospreys space, that they are building nests anywhere. I reflected on that when I saw straw, sticks and other stuff sticking haphazardly out of a couple of tall light covers on a pole. They seem to come back to the same nests year after year, so I guess it doesn't bother them.

Well, I was brave and went through the ingrown toenail operation with no pain even from the needle stick. The Doc said I must have a high pain threshold, because he has some patients who just about climb off the chair when he sticks them. But other than pressure, I really felt no discomfort. But I was awakened early by the toe throbbing, so I climbed out of bed  and started my day by soaking the toe as directed in vinegar water. So, I am doing okay and hopefully, it will heal with no problems. God is good!

From the little devotional book Knowing God:

God chose you to be his people, so I urge you now to live the life to which God called you. 
Ephesians 4:1 NCV

Life is best lived on purpose. And purpose, like everything
else in the universe, begins with God. Whether you
realize it or not, God has a plan for your life, a divine
calling, a direction in which He is leading you. When you
 welcome God into your heart  and establish a genuine
relationship with Him, He will begin, in time to make His
purposes known.

Sometimes, God's intentions will be clear to you; other times,
God's plans will seem uncertain at best. But even on those
difficult days when you are unsure which way to turn, you must
never lose sight of these overriding fact: God created you
for a reason; he has important work for you to do and he's
waiting patiently for you to do it.

And the next step is up to you.

"I beg you not to squander life. And don't live for this world only."
Billy Graham

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thorn in the Flesh

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! Even though it is cloudy, even though we are predicted to have a rainy week, we will still rejoice and be glad in it!

I am not rejoicing over my podiatrist appointment this afternoon, though. He is going to carve on my big toe, to try to rid me of an ingrown toenail. Ouch! I do not like to have tender feet! But, if it means an end to that problem, I will try to grin and bear it.

I had a good weekend, over all. A fairly quiet Saturday, once I got through the heavy traffic at Walmart where I went to gas up the van for 2.94 a gallon! Once Wawa went down, a lot of other stations followed suit, then the next day prices went back up to what they had been. It looked like Christmas eve at Walmart, the traffic was so heavy. But everyone was polite and no horn blowing and for the most part, people were patient.

My friend, Cheryl, one half of my cleaning duo, came in the rain to bring me a container with some delicious Oreo truffles, which she had made. So yummy! She is such a sweet person!

I stopped in at the peaceful park yesterday, and saw a big, brown, gopher tortoise speeding along a grassy path. Lots of people were hanging over the bridge watching critters in the water, as the current ripped along , well, three mile per hour current is not exactly ripping, but it seems pretty fast. The canal is up considerably from all the rain as are the lakes, so God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

2 Corinthians 12:7-10
...But to keep me from getting puffed up, I was
given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan
to torment me and keep me from getting proud.

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it
away. Each time he said, "My gracious favor is all
you need. My power works best in your weakness."
So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so
that the power of Christ may work through me. Since
I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content
with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships,
persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak,
then I am strong.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Jude

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 no rain yesterday and even though a thunderstorm is predicted for this afternoon, maybe it won't happen. But it sure is hot!

Yesterday, my route to the dentist took me by the new Wawa, which had it's grand opening Wednesday. There was still a crowd around; lots of cars, but maybe that was because of the gas price which was 2.99 for reg.! There will be another Wawa open soon right across from The Bay Pines hospital. People really seem to like their sandwiches and smoothies, etc.

I survived the dental cleaning and x-rays, which almost make me gag, because of the framework that goes in the mouth. It usually hurts, when I have to bite down to hold it, but Danielle, the hygienist is gentle and tries to hurry , so it's bearable for a few minutes.

After I left there, I came back by the park, and toured through. It was quiet and not many people there in the late afternoon. I saw a pretty white egret standing in the water of the canal, and a couple squirrels were sitting up in the middle of the street with their little white bellies showing.

Then I went onto Publix which was good timing, because at that time of day, there weren't as many people in the store. It was round 4:30, too early for going home people and too late for the shoppers who like morning.  God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Jude 1:20

But you, dear friend, must continue to build your lives
on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to
pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. Live in such
a way that God's love can bless you as you wait for the
eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ  in his mercy is
going to give you. Show mercy to those who faith is
wavering. Rescue others from the flames of judgement.
There are still others to whom you need to show mercy,
but be careful that you are not contaminated by their sins.

A Prayer of Praise
And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from
stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious
presence innocent of sin and with great joy. All glory
to him, who alone is God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong
to him , in the beginning, now and forevermore. Amen.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

1 Corinthians

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. we had thunder yesterday and dark clouds, but no rain, and today is starting out with sun and very warm temps. It is supposed to reach close to 90 again, but with a strong wind blowing, it will feel good in the shade!

I told you about the mango tree in the neighbor's yard. So, now there are more tiny fruits on the high branches and one large one that looks just about ripe, right next to my yard. Of course, the high hedge will keep it from falling toward my property, but I wish I could direct it! They have several mango trees, so I don't think they would miss one mango! :o)

My cleaning ladies came yesterday and I had a passionate discussion with one of them about the demolition of the pier. She is all for it and for the Lens...me, not so much. She is very opinionated, but the other friend is calm, compassionate and always looks out for me. They are interesting ladies. They and the husband of one of them, spent the weekend painting the outside of Kim's house. Cheryl says her is next!

I have a dental appointment this afternoon, clear across town, and I am not looking forward to that, although my hygienist is very nice. But, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:
 
1 Corinthians 10:
Because of God's special favor to me, I have laid the foundation like an
expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building
on that foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any other
foundation than the one we already have-Jesus Christ. Now anyone
who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, wood, hay or straw.
For there is going to come a time of testing at the judgement day  to
see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be
put through the fire to see if it keeps its value. If the work survives the
fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the
builder will suffer great loss. The builders will themselves be saved,
but like someone escaping through a wall of flames.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

1 Corinthians

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 again this morning, and yesterday, but what a rainstorm we had yesterday! Actually, we had two downpours; one, about 1:30 which I was out in, and the other around supper time. Since the car needed a bath, I was kind of glad to have the rain pouring down on me.

My yard man was here yesterday, so the rain came at a good time. Seems like the ibis like to peck around after a good rain and I saw a flock of them moving and pecking through into the neighbor's grass, late yesterday evening.

After leaving the library, I drove to the park, where few people were out, and then on to Steak and Shake for a strawberry shake, driving in the downpour. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Corinthians 3:5-9

Who is Apollos, and who is Paul, that we should be the
cause of such quarrels? Why, we're only servants. Through
us God caused you to believe. Each of us did the work the
Lord gave us. My job was to plant the seed in your hearts, and
Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow.
The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important,
but God is important , because he is the one who makes the
seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work
as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded
individually, according to their own hard work. We work
together as partners who belong to God. You are God's field,
God's building--not ours....

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalm 15

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! This is another in the long string of perfect, but dry, days we have had. Yesterday was great for beach and outside activities, since many people were off.

Brian made a safe return from TN after spending a few days with Daryl and Matthew. They had perfect weather, too , for their short trips to the Smokies and all around the scenic areas. . They enjoyed their time together and got to relax a bit.

Meanwhile, I saw some of the remembrance ceremonies at National Cemeteries and heard that the celebration at Bay Pines is one of the largest in the country. With about 3000 there, I was glad I went on Friday, when it was not so crowded!

When I visited the park yesterday, I had to stop to veer around a very large gopher trying to cross the road. One incoming car, stopped and the driver hopped out to rescue the critter and deposit him on the grass, out of harm's way.

I have noticed the Royal Poinciana's now in bloom and also, the beautiful magnolia are very colorful along with the jacarandas. This is a wonderful time of the year! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 15

Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?

Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
Those who refuse to slander others or
harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.
Those who despise persistent sinners
and honor the faithful followers of the Lord
and keep their promises even when it hurts.
Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend,
and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Who Rules?

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, nice breezes, high humidity and heat. That's the forecast for today and the rest of the weekend, so it sounds great for the beach goers and picnics outdoors!

Brian left this morning, for the drive to Sanford to catch a plane to Chatt. to visit with Daryl this
weekend. They should have cool weather at night and nice and warm in the daytime. I am sure Matthew will be happy to have something to do, because he has been a little bored, with school almost out.

Brian was over for a visit yesterday , to catch up with my bank statement, and then we went for a spin in my van to let him hear the sliding back and forth sound of something that sounds like it is in the door or someplace on the driver's side of the car. I only hear it when I turn a corner. Of course, it only sounded once, briefly, while he was driving. Go figure!

Spent a quiet day, and only rode through the park, noticing that few people were there. Lots of squirrels running about,and, of course, the usual ibis. God is good!

From the little devotional book; Knowing God:

Can you understand the secrets of God?
His limits are higher than the heavens; you cannot reach them!
They are deeper than the grave; you cannot understand them!
His limits are longer than the earth and wider than the sea.
Job 11:7-9 NCV

God reigns over the entire universe and He reigns over your
little corner of that universe. He is sovereign. Your challenge
is to recognize God's sovereignty and live in accordance with
His commandments. Sometimes, of course, this is easier said
than done.

Your Heavenly Father may not always reveal Himself as quickly
(or as clearly) as you would like. But rest assured, God is in
control, God is here, and God intends to use you in wonderful,
unexpected ways. He desires to lead you along a path of his
choosing. Your challenge is to watch , to listen, to learn...and
to follow.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis