New Year's EVE

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners,

I would not recommend spending four hours in the ER on NYE, but God is good! As I was leaving to go to Bayfront while the ambulance was still in front of the house, God sent David Massey running up the street and he ran over just in time to pray for Louis and for me! God's timing is perfect!

Louis is staying in the hospital at least overnight, until he can walk with the help of the walker. He has a severe bladder infection and has already had an antibiotic drip and IV. Brian was with me even with his cough and cold, wearing a mask. I got home after nine and ate some waffles because I was hungry!

Please pray for healing and strengthening for Louis and rest and strength for me.

Love and hugs and Happy New Year!!!
Amaryllis

Merry Christmas!!

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the rainy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! It is a dark, wet day and supposed to be this way all day and then turn cold. A good day for staying in and off the streets, but shoppers have to shop and workers have to work, and students have to attend school, so lots of people will still be traveling.

Speaking of traveling, please pray for Daryl and Matthew as they start out this evening for their long drive down here for Christmas. I am really looking forward to having them come!

Yesterday we had a ride in the CARERiDE van to the doctors to have Louis' toenails clipped. It is always interesting to see which driver we will have and how well they know the city. I have good conversations with some of them. God is good.

This will be the last Gator Bytes until after Christmas, as I will be taking a break while the family is here, so I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!!

Luke 2

...and while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.

That night the shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep., Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's Glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger , wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!"

Suddenly , the angel was joined by a vast host of others--the armies of heaven--praising God :

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to all whom God favors."

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psalm 145

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, sure enough, our weather is turning cooler, and will be for a few days. Guess it will seem more like Christmas with the cool instead of the heat, but I still like the warmer.

I have seen the tiny wrens again in the yard. When they are on the ground they look just like a brown leaf, except they flit about like the wind is blowing them. Lots of ducks, including babies were at Lynch Lake yesterday, along with the usual woodstorks. When I went to the Park, I saw five sleek, wet turtles sunning on the bank of the canal and the anhinga drying on the drive across the weir. Quite a few people were out, including a party from the skating rink. Looked like everyone was having a good time! God is good!

We have had problems with our Times delivery, and so I have called the circulation manager a couple times. He called me back one day and said he had instructed the deliverer to put it on the porch. Sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn't. Yesterday, I discovered a paper on the roof, which had been there two days. I took the long handled grabber and fished it down. Then I had a Christmas card delivered with yesterday's paper. Should I leave a tip or not, that is the question. Sigh.

Psalm 145 NLT

...The Lord is gracious in all he says,
he is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen
and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
All eyes look to you for help,
you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand
you satisfy the hunger and thirst
of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him,
yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and
rescues them.
The Lord protects all those who love him,
but he destroys the wicked.

I will praise the Lord;
and everyone on earth will bless his
holy name
forever and forever.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Busyness

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, this is a changing weather day. The front is coming through and while the sun is nice and warm, the north wind is blowing very cool, so I turned off the air, and will probably have the heat on by Saturday! But God is good!

I already swept off the porch this morning...the acorns have just about finished dropping, and now it is the leaves. Hundreds of leaves! It was kind of futile to sweep the porch because the wind was blowing them right back behind me. Oh, well, I tried.

Yesterday we stayed in and I tried to get some Christmasy things done. I am still digging out decorations and cannot find my candle rings anyplace. Well, maybe next year...ha.

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Does God expect me to be busy all the time?

Psalm 23:2 He lets me rest in green meadows, he leads me beside peaceful streams.

Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus said, "Eome to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls."

Activity itself is not a virtue; it can actually be a detriment to our spiritual lives. The Lord invites us to rest and be refreshed in his care.

Psalm 90:12 Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.
The key to overcoming empty busyness is to live wisely for God God empowers us to make the most of the time he's given us.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Better Late than never, I think!

Good afternoon, Dear Friends and prayer Partners! This is a beautiful afternoon that the Lord has gifted us with! Sunshine, puffy clouds scudding across the sky and A/C on. Due to being busy this morning, I never had time to sit down and email before now, but did get the praying done!

I was reminded of these verses, when I heard the bell-ringer for the Salvation Army at Publix yesterday! He was calling out in a very loud voice, his goal for the day and as money was dropped into his bucket, he would lower the goal by how much was dropped in. When I put in my dollar, he was down to 272 dollars after starting much higher than that when I went in.. He had a good personality!

So, anyway, I will send along the scriptures chosen for today:

From Luke 7:27...

But if you are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Pray for the happiness of those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other cheek. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt, also. Give what you have to anyone who asks you for it; and when things are taken away from you, don't try to get them back. Do for others as you would like them to do for you.

Do you think you deserve credit merely for love those who love you? Even the sinners do that! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, is that so wonderful? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, what good is that? Even sinners will lend to their own kind for a full return.

Love your enemies...

Do good to them! Lend to them! And don't be concerned that they might not repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the most High, for he is kind to the unthankful, and to those who are wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.

If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving-large or small -it will be used to measure what is given back to you.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psalm 46

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the foggy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The fog crept in on little cat feet again, but should soon lift. Christmas lights glow dimly in the fog and everything seems to be quiet. Even the traffic noise is dimmed.

Over the weekend as I visited the park, I saw an airboat on the canal spraying the weeds and growth that chokes the waterways and also saw three peacocks in front of a house that was getting a new roof put on. Woodstorks seagulls, and ducks were all gathered around Lynch Lake, while the ospreys were over at the mall watching all the shoppers from their perch on top of the light pole. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come,
and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam,
Let the mountains tremble as the
waters surge!...

"Be silent and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world."

The Lord Almighty is here among us,
The God of Israel is our fortress.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Romans 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! After a rainy day yesterday, the sun is out and the wind has died down, but it is a bit chilly down in the fifties. Compared to the rest of the country, we are blessed to have such "warm" weather!

David came and mowed and cleaned up the yard yesterday before the rain, and then hung the icicle lights during the rain. His work is a blessing to us as are all the other friends who come to help out with different chores that I am unable to do. Later in the day, we were able to get out to pick up some milk, and went to see how the park looked in the rain. Not many cars, but a few hardy souls were actually walking out on the bridge in the drizzle. No picnickers, though, and only some ibis pecking around. Nothing stops them! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 15 verses:

We should please others. If we do what helps them , we will build them up in the Lord.....

May God, who gives you this patience and encouragement , help you live in complete harmony with each other--each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you will join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. And He came so that gentiles might also give glory to God for his mercies to them.

Romans 15:13 So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Ephesians excerpts

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 still very windy and humid, we are not shoveling snow and I am thankful for that! I saw pictures of the frozen north with piled high snow drifts and stalled cars and freezing temps. and thank God that I live in a warm climate. As a matter of fact, I still have the air on to clear out the humidity. God is good!

Yesterday, I was able to run errands while Diane was here looking after Louis, and got a lot accomplished in a short time. I even had time to go to the park and saw some Christmas parties in full swing with tables and the shelter full! It was a nice day for parties. The squirrels always enjoy people having picnics, because they get to beg for forbidden goodies. I saw two anhingas drying out wings on the bank going in, but the usual turtles were missing. Maybe because the sun was not shining. I also stopped by the church and was offered a piece of Debbie's birthday rum cake. Yum, good!

Well, I am almost through with the decorating inside the house and have a few presents purchased, but not wrapped, but am way behind in most things. However, having family here is the most important, anyway!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians 6

Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.

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 in darkness who rule this world and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

May God give you peace, dear brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace be upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Fearfully and wonderfully

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 overcast day today, but it is supposed to warm up to eighty today! Quite a change from the past few days, but we will take it!

Yesterday, I went to see The Blind Side, movie, something I haven't done for a long, long time. I was glad I did, though, because it is a wonderful film for all ages! Good story, and true. I also went through the park and saw a flock of ibis pecking alongside the street and turtles sunning on the banks of the canal. In the place where the big gator usually suns, was an anhinga with wings outspread. Very brave. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 139

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me and tell me when to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord,
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to know!...

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother's womb.
Thank you for making me wonderfully complex!

...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

Freedom of the Will

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 kind of gloomy out, I think every morning I can get up and out of bed and breathe and move is a good morning! I thought we were through with the rain for awhile, but guess God had other plans!

While I was driving yesterday, I saw a large osprey perched on the wire spanning Turner's Creek at Gateway Mall. Probably the same one that has the nest near CVS and Publix. I have seen it there before, so it is living in the neighborhood. I went to the park the rainy day Friday,, on my way to get the car serviced, and only five cars were there , so someone was out in the rain! It was wet, drippy and peaceful. No animals in sight. Speaking of animals, we have two feral kittens hanging around the backyard again. I just saw them last night in the hedge between our yard and the neighbors. Same two cats are interbreeding white and black kittens. My neighbor across the street said they were over at her house, so if these are the same ones, they must have crossed the street! Oh, well. I have enough to do without chasing the kittens!

We had a good Annual Meeting at church last night with sweet unity on most items and short discussions. God is good!

From HYMNS FOR THE FAMILY OF GOD...

We remember how Jesus said, "...I have finished the work which Thou gavest me do do" (John 17:4) That statement reveals that God had a definite plan for Jesus' life, that He could and did know what that plan was, and that it was possible for Him to accomplish it. That was true for Christ, it is also true for each one of us. No one of us is here by accident, nor by chance. God has a plan for your life--of that you can be sure.

However, God gave to each person power of choice and freedom of will. We remember how our Lord prayed, "...nevertheless not my will but Thine be done"( Luke 22:43) That prayer teaches two important truths: first, one might have a will for his own life that is contrary to God's will for him, Second, it is possible to follow your own will and turn your back on God's will for you. Were those two facts not true, then Christ's prayer would have been mockery.

-Charles L. Allen

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

1 Corinthians 13

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 really had a rainstorm roar through last night, with loud thunder and pouring rain, but no damage was done around here, and we thank God for that! Rain is still dripping off the roof and trees, but the wind is still and quiet. I picked up lots of twigs and big branches that broke off the oak trees..the yard is always a mess after a strong wind.

Yesterday, I shopped at Walmart and just about got blown away going in and out! Surprisingly, there were few people there, and when I checked out, I walked right to a cashier with no customers in line! God is good!

As I drove through the park in the wind, leaves and sand were blowing everywhere, but the squirrels were not bothered and the turtle sunning on the bank paid no attention to the wind. Across the borrow pit lake, almost to the interstate, I saw a great white heron standing on the bank and reflected in the lake. What a beautiful, typical Florida sight! It was an awesome glimpse of God's beauty!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will all disappear.

It's like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is impartial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.

There are three things that will endure--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 15:58
So, my dear brothers and sister, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

1 Peter 4:7-13

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Happy December first! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Not many shopping days until Christmas...just a reminder. :o)

Yesterday, I went to the Park and saw a beautiful peacock in one of the yards outside the park, and then on the bank of the canal lots of turtles enjoying the warm sun. On the bridge was a strange sight. An anhinga was swallowing a fish which was not the strange sight. What was strange was that the bird was out of the water crouching on his ungainly legs, I have seen them many times swallowing fish while in the water. It was kind of comical, because a great blue heron was standing right beside him. I wonder if the heron dropped the fish and the anhinga picked it up? Hmm, guess I will never know, but one thing I do know...God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Peter 4:7

The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.

God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ. All glory and power belong to him forever and ever.
Amen.

Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad--because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displaced to all the world.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psalm 121

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, it is another cool morning and we have had the heat on, but the days warm up rapidly and no heat or A/C is needed...the best part of this time of the year!

As part of my thankfulness for this past year, I am thankful for dear friends who always unexpectedly give of themselves and their material things and always joyfully! I am thankful for the help that comes from dear ones and the encouragement.

We were able to go to church yesterday and it was good to be there as I saw quite a few faces I was not familiar with. Hopefully, Louis will get up early enough for us to go several times in the coming month. God is good!

Yesterday, on the way home, an osprey was flying very low in front of the car as it headed for its nest high on a pole at Sawgrass Elem. School. They are huge in their wingspan! I also went by two sad looking woodstorks by the lake , on my way to church and a mama duck with a row of her ducklings paddling across the same lake. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

I look up to the mountains---
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made the heavens and the earth!
He will not let you stumble and fall,
the one who watches over you will not sleep.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never tires and never sleeps.

The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your
protective shade.
The sun will not hurt you by day,
nor the moon at night.
The Lord keeps you from all evil
and preserves your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you
come and go
both now and forever.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all and have a blessed day!!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Whose Strength?

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the rainy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, I was thankful for the rain yesterday, which we needed, but the Lord has brought it again today, and I have to go out to the store for a little more shopping for thanksgiving dinner, I hope I can be thankful for rain then! I took the trash can down to the curb this morning for pickup today rather than tomorrow. Thankfully, the rain had paused long enough for me to do that!

We did not go out all day yesterday...just stayed off the roads, reading and doing chores around the house. But I saw a tiny wren hopping about on the grass-the first one I have seen this winter! They have brown wings and a lighter tan body, and are very hard to see on the ground, but really cute! God is good!

From Quiet Moments with God:

When I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10 NKJV

In the springtime it's fun to watch tiny baby birds with downy crowns begin to find their way around. They make their way to the edge of their nest and take a peek over to view the very large, unexplored world around them.

At first they may look into the abyss and then shrink back to the familiar security of their nest. Perhaps they imagine the strength of their own untried wings is all that will save them from a fatal fall--and they know how weak and unproven those little wings are! Yet, when they are either pushed out of the nest or gather courage to launch oiut on their own to try that first flight, they find the air supports them when they spread their wings.

How often do we allow unfamiliar situations and circumstances to loom large and threatening in our imaginations? Sometimes when we look at circumstances that lie outside our familiar "nest" we may feel just like a baby bird. We take a look at our own weakness, and we may want to turn around and head back to safety.

In times of crisis--either real or imagined--what is it that God has called us to do? He may be trying to push us out of our nest and "stretch our wings," so we can grow in our faith.

When Peter saw the Lord Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee, he cried out, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus replied, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. It was when he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the wind, that he became frightened and began to sink. He cried out, "Lord, save me!" And, of course Jesus did! (Matthew 14:27-31.)

When you look to your resources, you may get a "sinking" feeling. This morning, look to Jesus and His resources. Then you will have courage to venture into unknown territory!

Let us not pray for lighter burdens,
but for stronger backs.
-Amish saying

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

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Giving Thanks

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! Looks like we may be getting rain today and then turning colder, but we really need the rain! A good day for soup and baking!

I took a trip to Walmart yesterday and realized children had no school, mostly because they were all in the store with their Moms! Lots of people buying Thanksgiving stuff, blocking aisles, and concentrating on their lists. I managed to get all that was on my list and was glad to leave!

It was good to stop at the quietness and peace of the Park, and see the wildlife carrying on as usual, instead of the wildlife in Walmart.

The turtles were sunning and a flock of ibis peacefully pecking on the ground. A friend pointed out to me that ospreys are nesting on top of a pole in the parking lot between CVS and Publix. They pick any tall spot they can find to build their nests! God is good!

This is one of my favorite songs to sing in church or anywhere...from the Covenant Hymnal Especially good at this time of year.

Give Thanks

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the holy One,
give thanks because he's given
Jesus Christ, his son.

And now, let the weak say "I am strong."
let the poor say, "I am rich,"
because of what the Lord has done for us.

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the holy One,
give thanks because he's given
Jesus Christ, his son....give thanks!

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Not by Bread Alone

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, after a gloomy day yesterday with a little much needed rain, today looks like it will be sunny, although not right away. We had a quiet day because of the overcast and wind yesterday, but Saturday we went to the park and there was Mr. Gator sunning on the bank again. Across the way were the usual turtles drying off and being lazy.

This morning I noticed a bloom on the very old hibiscus bush in the back yard. It is a spot of beauty just before good daylight. God is good!

Not by Bread alone

Man does not live by bread alone,
but by beauty and harmony,
truth and goodness,
work and recreation.
attention and friendship,
aspiration and worship.

Man does not live by bread alone,
but by the splendor of the starry firmament at midnight.
The glory of the heavens at dawn,
the gorgeous blending of colors at sunset,
the luxuriant loveliness of magnolia trees,
the sheer magnificence of mountains.

Man does not live by bread alone,
but by the lyrics and sonnets of poets,
the mature wisdom of sages,
the holiness of saints,
the biographies of great souls,
the life-giving words of Holy Scripture.

Man does not live by bread alone,
but by being faithful in prayer,
responding to the guidance of the Holy Spirit,
taking up the cross and following the living Christ,
finding and doing the loving will of God now and eternally.
-Kirby Page
(From the Hymns for the Family of God)

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Blessings

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the foggy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

I read a poem a long time ago about fog..."The fog creeps in on little cat feet and sits..." don't remember the rest of it, Maybe it was by c.c. cummings, but anyway, that's what I was reminded of when I stepped outside this morning.

David came yesterday to mow and clean up the yard. After he was finished the property looked wonderful with all the acorns gone. However, as I stood and talked with him, we were pelted with acorns again, so it doesn't last long. The squirrels should have enough stocked for two years! David also took care of several wasp nests that were under the porch chairs. I keep spraying and they keep coming back. All God's creatures, but I sometimes wonder what good they do! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How does the promise of blessing affect us when we are weary or discouraged?

1 Corinthians 15:57,58 How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord! So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

Galatians 6:9 Don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.

When we are tempted to give up, new resolve comes from remembering that God promises to bring a harvest in his perfect time.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

A 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! Another chilly morning with the sun already rising and the temps supposed to go up to eighty today! Wonderful weather! I saw our neighbor out taking his morning walk around the neighborhood a little while ago and he was wearing shorts. I think I would be a little chilly in shorts, but not this afternoon!

Yesterday, we saw the firemen at Lynch school showing their ladder truck. It had the ladder fully extended into the sky and was very impressive. The little students were all sitting in front of the fireman and very attentive. They also had a paramedic truck there for educating the kids. I am not a little kid, but I am fascinated with the equipment, also. :o)

There was lots of wildlife around the lake, including the ever-present woodstorks. As I went to the Park later, the turtles were back on the bank sunning, but no sign of the gator. Many of the trees are bare now, having lost their leaves during the chilly spell. Winter is almost here! God is good!

This is a Franciscan Blessing:

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers.
half truths and superficial relationships
so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice,
oppression, and exploitation of people,
so that you may wish for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with enough foolishness
to believe that you can make a difference in this world,
so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.
Amen!

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Jeremiah 29:11

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the beautiful day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I stepped outside earlier just in time to see the feral cat that hangs around, chasing a squirrel up the tree. The cat went a little ways up, but the squirrel was much faster and scampered up to the very top very quickly! I don't want the cat to get the squirrel!

We had a quiet day yesterday with a visit to the doc for a check-up for Louis and a trip to the park. Very quiet at the park, with no animals in sight for a change. Not even a heron or turtle. Unusual! The only activity was a man with his car door open, with the squirrels gathered around, because he was feeding them, which is a no no, but no one is around to enforce the rule. Oh, well, that is why the squirrel was so insistent that I feed it the other day when I was eating in the car!

God's plan for my life:

"I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Sometimes we are tempted to question God's will for our lives, thinking he has made a mistake. God promises to give us the best as we follow his ways. Ultimately, even what looks like a mistake can become the means to something wonderful.

From the Promise Bible NLT:

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Ministry and the Spiritual Life

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! Acorns are falling all around and when I stepped outside this morning, I had to avoid stepping on them, even though the porch was swept yesterday! But the weather is perfect and the sun will shine, and God is good!

I saw a woodstork yesterday at Lynch Lake, looking very disgruntled as it stood near a flock of ibis, which were not paying any attention to the woodstork. Usually, the woodstorks just look depressed, but this one was animated. And up above on a wire, was a hawk. Seems like the lake was teeming with wildlife. Must have been good dining around there! I went to the Park and the big, shiny gator was on the bank again, and across the street on the weir bank were three turtles. A little ways down on the grassy bank, were another three turtles, only one of them was a very large, soft shell, snapping turtle. All were enjoying the sunshine!

From Bread for the Journey
by Henri Nouwen

All Jesus' words and actions emerge from his intimate relationship with his Father. "Do you not believe," Jesus says, "that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? What I say to you I do not speak of my own accord. It is the Father living in me, who is doing his works, You must believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe it on the evidence of these works." (John 14:10-11)

Just as all Jesus' words and actions emerge from his communion with his Father, so all our words and actions must emerge from our communion with Jesus. "In all truth I tell you," he says, "whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself, and will perform even greater works...Whatever you ask for in my name I will do" (John 14:12-13). It is this profound truth that reveals the relationship between the spiritual life and the life of ministry.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalm 100

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! It is still a little chilly in the mornings but the afternoons are beautiful. We have waited a long time for cooler weather and now we have it! Yesterday evening at sunset I stepped outside and saw a lovely pink contrail crossing the sky, and then looked to the west and saw the gorgeous sunset. What a display God had for us to enjoy!

We went to the Park in the late afternoon, and the shiny, black gator was in his spot on the lake bank, and on the other side on the weir, a turtle and an anhinga were sunning. As we drove in, a young peacock crossed the road in front of us, splendid in his colors!

We took a walk, with me pushing the wheelchair and looked at lots of people, dogs and children. When you don't want to spend money to have a fun afternoon, head for a park and picnic or just walk and enjoy God's great outdoors! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 100

Shout with joy to the Lord, O Earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before Him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us and we are His.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each
generation.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

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! Brr! It is cool enough that I turned on the furnace for the first time this winter, just to take the chill off the house! The extra blanket felt good, too last night, But it is a wonderful change from the heat and good for soup and hot chocolate! God is good!

Yesterday I went to CVS and saw a very unusual looking man waiting at the pharmacy. He obviously had a wig on and was wearing what looked like a woman's shirt. God loves us all , doesn't he? The young man who helped me used to have a wild fro, but has had his hair cut and is very nice looking, so I told him I liked his hair, and he gave me a beautiful smile and thanked me. I hoped I brightened his day.

Later on we took Careride out to the dentist's office for Louis' appointment and had a nice talk with the driver. On the way back, the different driver turned out to have lived here 55 years, so we had a long talk about all the changes in St. Petersburg since I grew up here and he just about did. I saw where the big two story Publix is , out in the Tyrone area...very unusual. It has a parking garage underneath the store! While we were gone, the two cleaning gals from across the street cleaned the house, so it was sparkling when we returned. All in all, a good day! God is Awesome!

Philippians 4:4-9
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are consideerate 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. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you 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

Sunrise

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, the cold front came through just as predicted and today is overcast and chilly,in the sixties, anyway. The wind is still blowing and a sweater would feel good outside. It has been a loong summer!

Yesterday, I visited beautiful downtown St. Petersburg, and saw lots of people enjoying lunch at the sidewalk tables outside the cafes and restaurants. Looked like a lot of people were out and about, shopping and sightseeing. Then I went to the Park, and saw the shiny black gator lying on the bank of the borrow pit again and across the road, a turtle resting on the bank of the weir, close to an anhinga, also drying out. God is good!

From the book, Quiet Moments With God devotional:

Luke 1:78-79 The sunrise from on high will visit us...to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Sunrise, shining its beams through the window on a cold winter's morning, is a welcome sight. Even if the air outside is icy cold, sunrise gives the illusion of warmth With the rising sun .the city opens its shutters and makes preparations for the day; in the country, the farm animals are let out to pasture. Kids are off to school, adults are on their way to work, and each has a different perspective of the sunrise.

Sunrise happens whether we see it or not. Clouds may cover the sky so totally that we can't experience the beauty of the sunbeams making their way to the earth. No matter what the climate, the sun still rises in the eastern horizon and sets over the west. Sunrise is set by God's clock, and it is ours to enjoy in the early mornings when we can see it clearly. It is just as much there for us to enjoy when the clouds cover it. We can trust it to be there-even though it may be hidden for a while.

We can also trust God to be there every morning because He is the one, irrefutable reality in this life, and He remains constant and true!

Life is a mixture of sunshine and rain;
laughter and teardrops,
pleasure and pain- Low tides
and high tides, mountains and
plains, triumphs, defeats and
losses and gains, but there
never was a cloud that the
Son didn't shine through and
there's nothing that's impossible
for Jesus Christ to do!
Helen Steiner Rice

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Daniel's gloves

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 read this email and recognized the story as one I had read long ago, but thought it would be a good morning devotional for us all, as a reminder to continue to pray. Also, we may meet a stranger who is an angel unaware. God is good!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Wed, Nov 11, 2009 at 6:53 AM
Subject: Daniel's gloves]
To:

I think this is a Wonderful story!
(Author Unknown or is it? Please. Read on.)

Daniel's Gloves:
I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant just off the corner of the
town-square. The food and the company were both especially good that day.
As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street. There, walking into town,
was a man who appeared to be carrying all his worldly goods on his back. He was
carrying, a well-worn sign that read, 'I will work for food.' My heart sank.
I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others around us had stopped
eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a mixture of sadness and disbelief.
We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We finished our meal and
went our separate ways. I had errands to do and quickly set out to accomplish them.
I glanced toward the town square, looking somewhat half heartedly for the strange visitor.
I was fearful, knowing that seeing him again would call some response.
I drove through town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store
and got back in my car. Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me:
'Don't go back to the office until you've at least driven once more around the square.'
Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town.. As I turned the square's third corner,
I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store front church, going through his sack.
I stopped and looked; feeling both compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on.
The empty parking space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park.
I pulled in, got out and approached the town's newest visitor. 'Looking for the pastor?'
I asked. 'Not really,' he replied, 'just resting.' 'Have you eaten today?' 'Oh, I ate something
early this morning.' 'Would you like to have lunch with me?'
'Do you have some work I could do for you?'
'No work,' I replied 'I commute here to work from the city,but I would like to take you to lunch.'
'Sure,' he replied with a smile. As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions.
Where you headed?' St. Louis ' 'Where you from?' 'Oh, all over; mostly Florida..'
'How long you been walking?' 'Fourteen years,' came the reply.
I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in the same restaurant
I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet
clear, and he spoke with an eloquence and articulation that was startling He removed his jacket
to reveal a bright red T-shirt that said, 'Jesus is The Never Ending Story.'
Then Daniel's story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early in life.
He'd made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences..
Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had stopped on the
beach in Daytona.. He tried to hire on with some men who were putting up a large tent
and some equipment. A concert, he thought. He was hired, but the tent would not house
a concert but revival services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave
his life over to God 'Nothing's been the same since,' he said, 'I felt the Lord telling me to
keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now..' 'Ever think of stopping?' I asked.
'Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me But God has given me this calling.
I give out Bibles That's what's in my sack. I work to buy food and Bibles, and I
give them out when His Spirit leads.' I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless.
He was on a mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a
moment and then I asked: 'What's it like?' 'What?' ;'To walk into a town carrying all your
things on your back and to show your sign?' 'Oh, it was humiliating at first.
People would stare and make comments. Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten
bread and made a gesture that certainly didn't make me feel welcome. But then it became
humbling to realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people's concepts of
other folks like me.' My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and
gathered his things. Just outside the door, he paused He turned to me and said,
'Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I've prepared for you.
For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave me drink, a stranger
and you took me in.' I felt as if we were on holy ground. 'Could you use another Bible?'
I asked. He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was not too heavy.
It was also his personal favorite.. 'I've read through it 14 times,' he said.
'I'm not sure we've got one of those, but let's stop by our church and see'
I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and he seemed very grateful.
'Where are you headed from here?' I asked. 'Well, I found this little map on the back of this
amusement park coupon.' 'Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?' 'No, I just figure I
should go there. I figure someone under that star right there needs a Bible, so that's where
I'm going next..' He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his mission.
I drove him back to the town-square where we'd met two hours earlier, and as we drove,
it started raining. We parked and unloaded his things.
'Would you sign my autograph book?' he asked.. 'I like to keep messages from folks I meet.'
I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had touched my life. I encouraged
him to stay strong. And I left him with a verse of scripture from Jeremiah, 'I know the plans
I have for you, declared the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you;
Plans to give you a future and a hope.' 'Thanks, man,' he said. 'I know we just met and we're
really just strangers, but I love you.' 'I know,' I said, 'I love you, too.' 'The Lord is good!'
'Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?' I asked. A long time,' he
replied' and so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new friend and I embraced,
and I felt deep inside that I had been changed.. He put his things on his back, smiled his
winning smile and said, 'See you in the New Jerusalem.' 'I'll be there!' was my reply.
He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling from his bedroll and pack
of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, 'When you see something that makes you think of me,
will you pray for me?' 'You bet,' I shouted back, 'God bless.' 'God bless.' And that was the
last I saw of him.
Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The cold front had settled hard upon
the town. I bundled up and hurried to my car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency
brake, I saw them... a pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the
handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his hands would stay warm
that night without them.
Then I remembered his words: 'If you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray
for me?' Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office... They help me to see the world and its
people in a new way, and they help me remember those two hours with my unique friend and
to pray for his ministry. 'See you in the New Jerusalem,' he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will...
'I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do or any kindness that I can show,
let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.'
This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached. Please do not break this pattern. Prayer is
one of the best gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. Let's continue to pray for
one another. God bless and have a nice day!

'Father, I ask you to bless my friends, relatives and e-mail buddies reading this right now.
Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask you to minister
to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy.
Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through your grace,
In Jesus' precious Name Amen.'
GOD BLESS YOU, MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!

Psoaring thru Psalm 19:7-14

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, the weather forecast calls for rain today, but already blue is showing in the sky and the wind is not blowing, as much as yesterday, so perhaps we won't be getting the much needed rain.

On my way to Walmart yesterday, I stopped at the Park, and saw the black, shiny gator sunning himself once again, although there was no sun at the time. A flock of ibis took off as I came home and they perched on the overhead wires. That was funny, because they are always on the ground and looked very uncomfortable trying to balance on the wires. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
The commandments of the Lord are clear,
giving insight to life.
Reverence for the Lord is pure,
lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true;
each one is fair.
They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.
They are a warning to those who hear them;
There is great reward for those who obey them.

How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from all these hidden faults.
Keep me from deliberate sins!
Don't let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.

May the words of my mouth and the
thoughts of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

2 Corinthians

Good Monday 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 an overcast day today because of hurricane Ida, I think, with a windy day in store. Already the driveway and porch do not look like I blew all the acorns off Saturday! Sigh. Oh, well I knew it wouldn't last!

I actually saw a sleek, black gator sunning at the Park on the bank of the borrow pit lake, Friday. First time in a while that one has been at that spot near where the lady was attacked. On the other side, in the canal, a turtle was sunning himself and further on the great blue heron was looking for dinner, as usual. Lots of people were at the Park Saturday, picnicking and enjoying the beautiful weather. God is good!

2 Corinthians 4:8-10, 15-18

We are hardpressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed--always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.

For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment , is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

God keeps a man secure when...

Good morning Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, we wished for cooler weather and we have it! A nice 64 degrees this morning, no A/C and , in fact, just right for long pants and sleeves. Great! When I stepped outside earlier I saw wispy, pink clouds as the sun started to rise. With the time change, I have to get out really early to see stars any more.

Lots of people were at the Park yesterday because of the cooler weather, I think. Although the tourists are beginning to come down, according to the license tags. There was a large party under the picnic shelter and more people sitting at the tables under the trees. I saw a turtle sunning on the bank of the weir, and butterflies flitting about enjoying the butterfly gardens. God is good!

He makes a major job change. (From God's Promises)

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink;
nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?"
or" What shall we wear?" For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:25-34

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalm 138

Good morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I saw the slightly less than full moon beaming brightly in the dawning sky, (I still do not like the time change) and acorns all over the porch and driveway as I stepped outside this morning. Guess I will have to get the blower out again and clear off the crunchies.

Yesterday I walked along the canal for a ways at the Park, and watched the still waters with hardly a ripple. A great white heron came walking majestically toward me, totally unafraid, but i slowly backed away, not wanting to disturb it. I also saw a hawk high in a dead tree. Funny thing;, they used to be everywhere over there, but I haven't seen any lately. Maybe I am not there when they put in an appearance. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 138
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your Holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by the honor of your name.
Before I pray you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me the
strength that I need.

Every king in all the earth will give you thanks,
O Lord,
for all of them will hear your words.
Yes, they will sing about the Lord's ways,
for the glory of the Lord is very great.

Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
but he keeps his distance from the proud.

Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will preserve me against the anger
of my enemies.
You will clench your fist against my angry enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life---
for your faithful love, O Lord endures forever.
Don't abandon me, for you made me.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Unspoken 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! When I stepped outside this morning, (in the daylight), I was able to see the moon..."like a ghostly galleon, riding on cloudy seas.." from the poem, The Highwayman" but most of the clouds were gone, so I guess no rain. Sigh. In God's timing.

We had a quiet day yesterday and did not go out. I swept off the porch and admired the beauty berry bush which has the purple berries on it that the birds love so much, and noticed that the hibiscus in a pot, shed its one flower. Our staghorn needed a drink, so I lugged an ancient watering can to it and tried to water it without getting too much on myself! God is good!
I was outside when the mailman came, and he was really enjoying the cool air. Our mail was not wet for a change. We are the last on his route in our block and we always get sweaty mail. Ewww!

From Quiet Moments with God devotional book:

Do not be like them, for your father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:8

The kitchen phone jarred Jody's thoughts. "I'll be there as soon as I can," she said, turning off the bubbling stew. Hurriedly, she hung up. "Come on, Tim," she called, "Let's go pick up your sister." Her daughter would be waiting outside in thirty-degree weather following the school' choir rehearsal.

Both mother and son shivered as they pulled the car out of the driveway. the heater had finally begun to blow warm air as they rounded a corner and headed up a back street toward the school. Just ahead, under a streetlight, they spotted a small brown-and-white dog, lying motionless. The headlights lit up the dog as Jody slowly drove around the animal. Starting up the hill, she glanced in the rearview mirror..

"It moved," she said. "Son, that dog's alive!" She pulled the car over and jumped out, running back. Tears filled her eyes as she allowed the injured animal to smell her hand. "Go get help!" she shouted. "There-at that house!"

Tim raced up to the nearest home and banged on the door. The man who answered, fearful of being bitten by the dog, refused to help and closed the door. When her son explained to her what had happened, she prayed about what to do next. Although her daughter was waiting in front of the school and was probably cold, she was torn by the idea of leaving the dog alone. It was so helpless.

Of the few cars that traveled that back street, none would stop. then as if God had heard her unspoken prayer, a black sport utility vehicle drove up, and out climbed a man wearing a green medical smock. After checking the injured dog, he said he'd be glad to take it in for treatment. It turned out that he worked for a local veterinarian in town!

On reflection, Jody knew she had felt the real presence of God on that back street late on a cold winter night when the exact person she and the dog needed appeared. How comforting to know the Lord hears our prayers and answers them even before we speak the words! God cares deeply for all His creatures-even injured dogs.

Beware in your prayer, above
everything, of limiting God,
not only by unbelief, but by
fancying that you know what
He can do.
Andrew Murray

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

Amaryllis

Change

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! It is overcast and I could not see the moon or stars when I stepped outside, so I hope that means rain, which we really need. The air is still cool and nice, but I don't think summer is over, yet.

Every day I sweep acorns off the porch and every day more fall. A strange happening Saturday..I noticed a little boy and girl outside on our sidewalk and they came up to the porch and sat down and started playing with

The pile of acorns that had accumulated from the sweeping. I opened the door and asked them what they were doing and when they said collecting acorns, I told them to take all they wanted. The little boy was surprised that I did not want them! I had never seen them before and did not have the heart to tell them they should not be trespassing on stranger's property. Seems like their Mom should have known where they were.

I went to the Park and parked long enough to set the van clock and to watch the heron and anhingas. It was pretty crowded for a work day, with people enjoying the cool air and greenery. I admired the memorial benches...one of them says, "He leadeth me beside the still waters.." and the names of the couple memorialized. A very cool way to be remembered! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Where can I find security and hope in the midst of tumult and change?

Lamentations 5:19 Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation.

Malachi 3:6 I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already completely destroyed.

James 1:17 Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Both our security and our hope are rooted in God's unchanging character. People will make promises one day but disappoint us the next. Sin or circumstances beyond their control prevent them from keeping their promises. God's faithfulness and love, however, are not subject to the fluctuations of time, space, or human mortality. We will never suffer because of God's fickle whims, irrational mood swings, or inability to handle the circumstances.

Are there any unchanging principles that can help me stay anchored?

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever

Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will remain forever.

God's word gives us the truth that never changes. We find strength and courage when we listen-not to the voices of public opinion-but to God.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

My Morning Prayer

Happy November and Good Morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the coolish day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Well, many people have been wishing for cool weather and here it is! The air is dryer and the breeze very cool, so it is a nice day

While driving to church yesterday, a sad looking woodstork crossed the street in front of me headed toward Lynch Lake. I don't know why they always look so depressed, maybe it is the way their heads are always hanging down, but I hope something cheers them up. Lots of people were in the park yesterday, enjoying picnics, walking their dogs and just walking and sitting enjoying the beauty God has made. God is good!

As I read this prayer this morning, (as i do every morning) it took on new meaning after a difficult evening with Louis as he sinks deeper into this evil Alzheimers disease.

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 wilt 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

Excerpts from Ephesians

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! When I stepped outside this morning, the air was just a mite cooler, not much, but whatever coolness happens, we will take it! The acorns are falling faster than they can be cleaned up, and faster than the squirrels can eat them. The little furry critters should be very fat by now!

Yesterday was so hot and the humidity so high, that after I finished sweeping the porch, I was drippy, so I decided it would be a nice day to rest and spend it quietly in the air conditioned house, which is what we did! God is good!

Ephesians 6:15 NLT

So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the holy Spirit fill and control you. then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among your selves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 3:20
Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.
Amen!

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalm 37

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 Stars were all in place early this morning...hard to believe they are still there even when the sun is shining, but they are always constant. I was out early, digging in the garbage for something I should not have thrown away, and spoke to two walkers who were getting their morning exercise. People are determined to stay fit! Good for them!

The park was peaceful and the shadows were getting long when we visited late afternoon. The great blue heron was in place keeping vigilant watch over the water, as usual. Surprisingly, the edge of the bank had been mowed. First time in months! Maybe the gator will start sunning himself on the bank again. I was curious about seeing all the moss that seems to be more noticeable now..maybe it's because the staff used to keep it pulled off the trees. Anyway, it was hanging off just about each tree and looked very southern. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Trust in the Lord and do good,
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord
and he will give you your heart's desires.

Commit everything you do to the Lord,
Trust him and he will help you.
He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine
like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don't worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.

...It is better to be godly and have little
than to be evil and possess much.
For the strength of the wicked will be shattered
but the Lord takes care of the godly...

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Ministry

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 clouds this morning and a nice little rain fell last evening and I am thankful for that. I could not see any stars or the moon this morning, but know they were there above the clouds. God is Awesome!

I have not seen the gecko in our bathroom for the past two days, so I am hoping he has fled the premises with his sticky little feet. I would rather they stay outside. For awhile they were laying eggs in our mailbox, but not lately. Strange little critters! I watched a great blue heron cleaning his feathers again yesterday at the park. Two days in a row, now. That is kind of unusual because I have never seen that before. There was a boat with a large trash can in it tied up at the weir, so someone was cleaning out the canal, which was good. It gets a lot of trash washed down from in back of the houses across from the canal, when the rain comes down. First thing you see when driving into the park, so it is good to keep it clean!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ministry
What is God calling me to do?

Matthew 9:37 He said to his disciples, "The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few."

People are ready to hear and receive the Good News of God's love. But with this promise comes the responsibility to work and to pray. The Lord expects us to enter fully into his work of reaching the world with the love of God.

Matthew 16:18-19 Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you lack on earth will be locked in heaven, and whatever you open on earth will be opened in heaven.

As followers of Christ, we are part of the church, or the people of God. God has promised that we will overcome the kingdom of darkness and secure his victory . We must not be on the defensive, thinking we will one day lose. We should take the offensive and overcome evil with good.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Planning Part Two

Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, windy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The sun is up somewhere, I think, but here is is still dark and kind of gloomy, but I really hope it rains, because we need it!

Yesterday, I ran some errands, but had nothing in particular that needed doing, after the home care helper came, so I went to Five Guys and bought a tasty, but not particularly healthy hot dog, and then went to the park, where I stood under the shelter and just looked at the water, and enjoyed the breeze for awhile. I saw a large turtle sunning himself on a fallen log, and several turtles on the weir, also catching some rays. God is good!

What if my plans fall short of God's plans for me?

Ephesians 19:21 You can make many plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail.

Our plans cannot mess up God's plans!

What gives me confidence in any plans?

Ephesians 1:9-10 God's secret plan has now been revealed to us; it is a plan centered on Christ, designed long ago according his good pleasure. And this is his plan. At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ--everything in heaven and on earth.

God is in control of all things and always has been. Jesus Christ, who is now resurrected and ruling, will govern and guide us in the best possible ways.

Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you hope and a future.

Do not doubt God's good intentions for us. The wonder of creation, the evidence of his constant care, and the priceless gift of Jesus Christ for our salvation gives us confidence that he will establish all who trust in him.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Planning

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 stars were very bright this morning early and I tried to see the quarter moon, but guess it had already set. It is a little cooler today and the blanket felt good last night.

We have an almost transparent gecko residing in our bathroom right now, and I wish he would leave. A few days ago, i escorted a very tiny baby gecko out the back door into the garage, where they usually live. I don't know if it was related or not to the adult, They can stay in the garage forever, but not in the house. The eyes are the only resemblance to the Geico gecko.

I watched a great blue heron preening and grooming his feathers at the weir at the park. For once he was not looking for something to eat, although he may have been getting ready for dinner! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How am I supposed to plan my life?

Proverbs 2:1-11 My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.

A plan is only as good as the information upon which it's based. Our human intellect is limited and inadequate. Apart from the Lord, our plans are liable to fail. the Lord promises wisdom to those who rely on his word and depend on his Spirit.

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! It is still coolish and a bit more humid this morning, but whatever God sends is good!

I heard helicopters when I arose this morning, so turned on the news and heard about a fire over in the Town Apts. near here.

I stepped outside and saw a chopper hovering over 62nd ave and then another came and was hovering almost overhead, while slowing moving backward. I pray no one was hurt. A lot of older people live in those apartments, and there was a fire there many years ago which took out a whole unit.

Yesterday, David came and mowed and had the yard looking very nice and the tree man came at the same time to estimate the cost of trimming the huge oaks. I think I will have that done early next month, much to the dismay of the squirrels!

Speaking of squirrels, while driving through the park yesterday, one dashed across in front of me, narrowly escaping danger! They are fearless as I watch them leap from our trees to the roof...a leap of about six feet! They are amazing!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 138
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name
for your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by the honor of your name.
When I pray, you answer me,
you encourage me by giving me the
strength I need....

Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will preserve me against the anger
of my enemies.
You will clench your fist against my angry
enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life--
for your faithful love, O Lord, endures
forever.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Empowering

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!

When I stepped outside this morning, I could not see the stars, because the clouds were drifting over them, but now. the sky has cleared and it is beautiful and clear! God is good!

While I was running errands yesterday, I stopped at the park and admired all the greenery and the squirrels running everywhere. I also saw the great blue heron keeping vigil at the edge of the bank, as he searched for food. There is plenty for everyone there, even the armadillos!

This morning I saw the feral black cat that lives around here, taking a drink out of the container that I keep on the porch wall for the birds and squirrels. The cat has done that before, and I don't have the heart to run her off. If I feed her, the law considers her mine and I have to take her for shots and to the vet and I can't do that and take care of hubby. Sigh. But she looks healthy. I have a friend who spent about seven hundred on a stray cat that she took care of. She has a huge heart! God loves all the creatures of the world!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ephesians 6 excerpts

Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.

A final word: 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 be standing firm.

May God give you peace, dear brothers and sister, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's grace be upon all who love oiur Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalm 145

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 a beautiful sight in the heavens when I stepped outside this morning! Lots of stars, because the moon has not made and appearance yet. Cool Temps and warming up later back to our normal quite warm weather! I took the warm blanket off the bed last night since we have warmer weather now at night.

Yesterday, after a visit to the skin doctor for Louis, we drove downtown in beautiful St. Petersburg, by the pretty waterfront and on to pick up some hot dogs and milkshakes and took them to the park for a picnic. It was a gorgeous day to enjoy the breeze and people watch! I needed to rest after almost dropping Louis and myself negotiating the fairly steep ramp to wheel him into the doctor's office! One of the assistants came and rescued us and I was relieved! God is Good!

BTW, I saw a car full of people stopped and looking at a gator as we left the park. The gator was in the borrow pit lake with the head visible. Seems like the cool weather has the critters on the move!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 145
...The Lord is faithful in all he says,
he is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen, and lifts up those bent beneath their loads.
All eyes look to you for help;
you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand ,
you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him,
yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
The Lord protects all those who love him
and he destroys the wicked.

I will praise the Lord,
and everyone on earth will bless his holy name
forever and forever.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

God's Promises

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Once again, blankets on the bed felt good because it is still chilly outside. We haven't had the heat on, yet, and it is supposed to warm up again toward the end of the week and be in the high eighties, so winter is not here permanently! God is good!

I thought the squirrels did all their family planning in the spring, but they have been building nests in our oak trees, as evidenced by all the twigs on the ground today. I stepped outside earlier and saw a very large mess of them under the tree. The squirrels were scampering around and around the large oak yesterday, playing, I thought, Maybe not. :o) Anyway, more work to clean up the yard.

Yesterday, as I drove into the Park, I saw a gator sunning on the bank of the lake where the gator attacked the woman walking her dog. First time I have seen one there in months! And on the other side on the bank of the weir, three turtles were catching some rays. The mowers were at work, tidying up the places where most of the people hang out, especially on the berms by the canal, where children like to roll down the hill. It was a lovely day and people were enjoying it!

From the little book God's Promises:

We Rely on God to guide our lives:

Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 4o:28-31

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you.
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Psalm 23

Good chilly morning, dear Friends and Prayer Partners! I stepped outside this morning to a very chilly wind and 56 degree temps. I know it will warm up to the seventies today and later in the week will be much warmer, but I really was snuggled under the blankets this morning! But this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

We went for a walk in the Park Saturday, because it was a glorious, cool overcast day, so I pushed the wheelchair as far as I could without my shoulders beginning to feel the strain and we both enjoyed the water and the green colors. The butterfly bushes that were planted a year ago to stop erosion by the bank of the canal are now towering overhead and bright with red blossoms. We actually saw a gator floating just a few feet from the bridge and lots of people hanging over looking at it. It has been a long time since I saw a gator in that water. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Some of you may prefer the KJV of this Psalm, which is the way I memorized it as a child, but this is also a good version.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk
through the dark valley of death
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies,
You welcome me as a guest,
anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love
will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live 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

Psoaring thru Psalm 33

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I saw no moon or stars this morning when I stepped outside; in fact, about 3 AM I was awakened by flashes of light through the drapes, which meant lightning and rain. The cold front is on its way! Guess I will have to go without the A/C tomorrow. Yay!

We had a quiet day yesterday. No outside experience, except the sewing machine man who is quite a character. He looks like a throw back to the hippie days and if I had not known him previously, I would not have let him in the house. He takes the bus every where, and collapsed into a chair as soon as he walked in the door, because of the heat and long walk he had. I gave him a bottle of water while he rested. He wears John Lennon like dark glasses and cowboy boots and a leather vest which he shed because it was so warm. But, he knows sewing machines from the inside out, and oiled and cleaned mine and got it in tip top shape even though it is very old and I hardly ever use it anymore.

God brings strange people into our lives sometimes. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Let the godly sing with joy to the Lord,
for it is fitting to praise him.
Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre;
make music for him on the ten-stringed harp.
Sing new songs of praise to him;
play skillfully on the harp and sing with joy.

For the word of the Lord holds true,
and everything he does is worthy of our trust.
He loves whatever is just and good.
and his unfailing love fills the earth.

The Lord merely spoke,
and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word,
and all the stars were born.
He gave the sea its boundaries
and locked the oceans in vast
reservoirs. ...

Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him...
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry
but those who trust in the Lord will never
go hungry.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

P.S. We are having a downpour right now!