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 rain last night! Yay! It wasn't a lot, but it was so good to hear the rain fall and distant thunder! When I stepped outside this morning every thing seemed so fresh and drops were still falling off the oak trees. All the pollen was settled for a little while. God knows our needs and always provides for us. It is also a little cooler...nice!
My cleaning ladies came yesterday and they are always fun to talk with. One works really hard, and the other would rather talk, but she also works. They have invited me to go with them to the next Neighborhood Association meeting, which I am considering. I think the speaker is to be the mayor, but am not sure.
After they left, I took off for CVS to pick up a scrip, and then, on impulse, headed over to Steak and Shake, for another half price shake, which I took to the park. I sat and enjoyed it for awhile and then headed home. It was quiet and peaceful in the park, with ibis pecking around, as usual, and squirrels scampering and stopping to munch on acorns. The white egrets are so pretty as they stand out against the dark mud and trees along the canal. I always think of paintings of old Florida when I see them. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 1:11-14 We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people. who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all out sins.
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Isaiah
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! More of the same weather today, cool in the mornings and very warm in the afternoon. Even the weatherman said we need rain to settle the pollen, which is still very high. But no tornadoes and no bad things happening, so we can be thankful for blessings!
I made a run to the Family Bookstore yesterday and bought some items, then, since it was lunch time, I got in the drive-thru line at Chick-fil-a to buy some food to take home. Even though the line was clear to the back of the building, it moved fast and the order takers are unfailingly nice and polite. But I have to admit, if Panera Bread had a drive thru, I would buy there, because I really like their food!
I went in to the park on my way, and saw just a few people there at mid-day. A flock of ibis, a turtle on the bank and the anhinga drying out wings were at the weir. Their roads are still covered with leaves and stuff from the oaks, as my yard is, but my yard man comes tomorrow to do some mowing and trimming. So, God is good!
From The Promise Bible NLT:
Isaiah 41:27-31
O Israel, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I made a run to the Family Bookstore yesterday and bought some items, then, since it was lunch time, I got in the drive-thru line at Chick-fil-a to buy some food to take home. Even though the line was clear to the back of the building, it moved fast and the order takers are unfailingly nice and polite. But I have to admit, if Panera Bread had a drive thru, I would buy there, because I really like their food!
I went in to the park on my way, and saw just a few people there at mid-day. A flock of ibis, a turtle on the bank and the anhinga drying out wings were at the weir. Their roads are still covered with leaves and stuff from the oaks, as my yard is, but my yard man comes tomorrow to do some mowing and trimming. So, God is good!
From The Promise Bible NLT:
Isaiah 41:27-31
O Israel, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? How can you say God refuses to hear your case? Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The Right Kind of Fellowship
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! And Happy first day of spring! Actually, it doesn't seem any different than the rest of the days this month, although I noticed a little cooler air when I stepped outside a while ago. Maybe high sixties, instead of low seventies...
After a trip to the park yesterday, where I saw people hanging over the bridge rail looking at turtles, fish and the gator that hangs out there, I headed for Steak and Shake for a half price strawberry shake.
After consuming that at home, I got out the vacuum and justified the the indulgence by vacuuming to burn off calories! I was inspired by something I saw on TV relating how to turn house work into a workout, by exercising as you clean. I don't do the heavy stuff any more since I have two cleaning ladies who have far more energy than I have!
I have been listening to the talk about Tim Tebow and his future, since the Broncos signed Payton Manning, and while I think it was a rotten deal for the Broncos to do that after Elway said Tim was their quarterback, still I have to say that God has a plan for Tim's future and it will turn out for good. Have to stay tuned for further developments! But God is still in control and He is good!
From the little devotional Knowing God:
So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory.
Jesus did it; now you do it!
Romans 15:7 MSG
If you genuinely want to build a closer relationship with God, you need to build closer relationships with godly people. That's why fellowship with like-minded believers should be an integral part of your life. Your association with fellow Christians should be uplifting, enlightening, encouraging, and (above all) consistent.
Are your friends the kind of people who encourage you to seek God's will and to obey God's Word? If so, you've chosen your friends wisely. And that's a good thing because when you choose friends who honor God. you'll find it easier to honor Him, too.
{Brotherly love is still the distinguishing badge of every true Christian. Matthew Henry}
Real fellowship happens when people get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
After a trip to the park yesterday, where I saw people hanging over the bridge rail looking at turtles, fish and the gator that hangs out there, I headed for Steak and Shake for a half price strawberry shake.
After consuming that at home, I got out the vacuum and justified the the indulgence by vacuuming to burn off calories! I was inspired by something I saw on TV relating how to turn house work into a workout, by exercising as you clean. I don't do the heavy stuff any more since I have two cleaning ladies who have far more energy than I have!
I have been listening to the talk about Tim Tebow and his future, since the Broncos signed Payton Manning, and while I think it was a rotten deal for the Broncos to do that after Elway said Tim was their quarterback, still I have to say that God has a plan for Tim's future and it will turn out for good. Have to stay tuned for further developments! But God is still in control and He is good!
From the little devotional Knowing God:
So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory.
Jesus did it; now you do it!
Romans 15:7 MSG
If you genuinely want to build a closer relationship with God, you need to build closer relationships with godly people. That's why fellowship with like-minded believers should be an integral part of your life. Your association with fellow Christians should be uplifting, enlightening, encouraging, and (above all) consistent.
Are your friends the kind of people who encourage you to seek God's will and to obey God's Word? If so, you've chosen your friends wisely. And that's a good thing because when you choose friends who honor God. you'll find it easier to honor Him, too.
{Brotherly love is still the distinguishing badge of every true Christian. Matthew Henry}
Real fellowship happens when people get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, March 19, 2012
Paul's Final Advice
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! Not too much to report about the weather...we continue to have another in the string of pretty days that we have had all month! March has pretty much come in like a lamb. Hopefully, it will not go out like a lion! And spring starts tomorrow, although we have been having spring weather for a good long while!
I stopped by the park after church yesterday, and found it pretty busy, with lots of people out enjoying the good weather. It was too hot for me to try to walk, simply because my meds and skin do not like the sun. I have to cover up to protect myself. I bought one of the protective shirts some time ago, but have only worn it once. It is lightweight, but warm. I saw the ibis and busy little moorhens splashing about the lake. I think I have mentioned before how happy they always seem, cooing to their mate and busily carrying stuff for the nests. Cute little critters!
I enjoyed attending a big luau type celebration for some dear friends 50th Anniversary, with perfect weather for outside eating and enjoying chatting with old friends. The food was good, the company was even better and , all in all, it was a great evening! Thanks for the invitation, David and Cheryl! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
2 Corinthians 13:5-13
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you. It means you have failed the test. I hope you recognize that we have passed the test and are approved by God.
We pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. We pray this, not to show that our ministry to you has been successful, but because we want you to do right even if we ourselves seem to have failed. Our responsibility if never to oppose the truth, but to stand for the truth at all times. We are glad to be weak, if you are really strong. What we pray for you is your restoration to maturity.
I am writing this to you, before I come, hoping that I won't need to deal harshly with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to build you up, not tear you down.
Paul's Final Greeting
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet each other in Christian love. All the Christians her send you their greetings.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I stopped by the park after church yesterday, and found it pretty busy, with lots of people out enjoying the good weather. It was too hot for me to try to walk, simply because my meds and skin do not like the sun. I have to cover up to protect myself. I bought one of the protective shirts some time ago, but have only worn it once. It is lightweight, but warm. I saw the ibis and busy little moorhens splashing about the lake. I think I have mentioned before how happy they always seem, cooing to their mate and busily carrying stuff for the nests. Cute little critters!
I enjoyed attending a big luau type celebration for some dear friends 50th Anniversary, with perfect weather for outside eating and enjoying chatting with old friends. The food was good, the company was even better and , all in all, it was a great evening! Thanks for the invitation, David and Cheryl! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
2 Corinthians 13:5-13
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you. It means you have failed the test. I hope you recognize that we have passed the test and are approved by God.
We pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. We pray this, not to show that our ministry to you has been successful, but because we want you to do right even if we ourselves seem to have failed. Our responsibility if never to oppose the truth, but to stand for the truth at all times. We are glad to be weak, if you are really strong. What we pray for you is your restoration to maturity.
I am writing this to you, before I come, hoping that I won't need to deal harshly with you when I do come. For I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to build you up, not tear you down.
Paul's Final Greeting
Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet each other in Christian love. All the Christians her send you their greetings.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Friday, March 16, 2012
Quotes
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 can I say about the weather? The same warm, beautiful, sunshiny days we have had all month. Looks like no end in sight!
Once again, I stepped outside this morning to look around and heard the happy sound of many birds singing...a nice way to start the day!
I had a quiet day yesterday, just doing things around the house..still have to clean out closets and get all the spring clothes in order. Yep, spring is a couple days away, but we have not had much of a winter, yet. I did get to wear my leather jacket once, and that was for a motorcycle ride, but I haven't worn my other coats, just sweaters. Not complaining, just wishing we had had a little cooler weather. for a change. Didn't have a fire in the fireplace, either!
Well, I put some more peanuts out yesterday, and they all disappeared quickly, but the squirrels are not the only critters that like them. Bluejays and the huge blackbirds like them. too! Who would have thought? But God is good!
I thought with St. Patrick's Day tomorrow and the fact that I am part Irish, I would just use some inspirational quotes today;
"Don't every let yourself get so busy
that you miss those little but important
extras in life--the beauty of a day--
the smile of a friend--the serenity--the
importance of a quiet moment alone.
For it is often life's smallest pleasures
and gentlest joys that make the biggest
and most lasting difference.
Anonymous
Encourage each other to build each other up, just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 TLB
"May love and laughter light your days and warm your heart and home,
May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam..."
(Celtic Blessing)
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Once again, I stepped outside this morning to look around and heard the happy sound of many birds singing...a nice way to start the day!
I had a quiet day yesterday, just doing things around the house..still have to clean out closets and get all the spring clothes in order. Yep, spring is a couple days away, but we have not had much of a winter, yet. I did get to wear my leather jacket once, and that was for a motorcycle ride, but I haven't worn my other coats, just sweaters. Not complaining, just wishing we had had a little cooler weather. for a change. Didn't have a fire in the fireplace, either!
Well, I put some more peanuts out yesterday, and they all disappeared quickly, but the squirrels are not the only critters that like them. Bluejays and the huge blackbirds like them. too! Who would have thought? But God is good!
I thought with St. Patrick's Day tomorrow and the fact that I am part Irish, I would just use some inspirational quotes today;
"Don't every let yourself get so busy
that you miss those little but important
extras in life--the beauty of a day--
the smile of a friend--the serenity--the
importance of a quiet moment alone.
For it is often life's smallest pleasures
and gentlest joys that make the biggest
and most lasting difference.
Anonymous
Encourage each other to build each other up, just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 TLB
"May love and laughter light your days and warm your heart and home,
May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam..."
(Celtic Blessing)
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, March 15, 2012
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! Once again when I stepped outside, I heard the sounds of the busy birds chirping all over the neighborhood. What a happy sound! This is another in our string of beautiful days!
I got out to do some shopping yesterday and happened to drive by the big MacDonald's at Northeast Shopping Center. I think that is the biggest one in St. Petersburg, and as usual, it was very busy. No, I do not eat at Mickey D's. I used to get their salads, but other places have better salads.
But on my way back, after shopping, I drove to the park and saw some cars and trucks. Quite a few business people in their trucks stop in to have lunch and a nature break. It is a good change of scene for them. I watched a graceful egret take off from the lake and fly quite a distance looking for a place to touch down...poetry in motion. Their slow stalking on the ground is in contrast to the busy squirrels, who hardly ever walk, but scurry every place, except when they stop to munch on something, usually in the middle of the road! But, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 37:3-9
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.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others--
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed,
But those who trust in the Lord
will possess the land.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I got out to do some shopping yesterday and happened to drive by the big MacDonald's at Northeast Shopping Center. I think that is the biggest one in St. Petersburg, and as usual, it was very busy. No, I do not eat at Mickey D's. I used to get their salads, but other places have better salads.
But on my way back, after shopping, I drove to the park and saw some cars and trucks. Quite a few business people in their trucks stop in to have lunch and a nature break. It is a good change of scene for them. I watched a graceful egret take off from the lake and fly quite a distance looking for a place to touch down...poetry in motion. Their slow stalking on the ground is in contrast to the busy squirrels, who hardly ever walk, but scurry every place, except when they stop to munch on something, usually in the middle of the road! But, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 37:3-9
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.
Stop your anger!
Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others--
it only leads to harm.
For the wicked will be destroyed,
But those who trust in the Lord
will possess the land.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Love
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! The weather people must be bored giving the same forecast every day! Once more, sunshine, cool and low eighties for a high. Perfect!
Last night I opened the blinds on my west windows and saw, once again, Jupiter and Venus almost side by side in the western sky...just beautiful! We will be treated to this display for awhile, now.
I finally got a good night's sleep after adjusting to the time change. It always takes me about three days before I am tuned to DST. In fact, I did not want to get out of bed this morning, but finally did.
Yesterday, while in the living room, I heard a loud thump against the window, and investigated, and saw a squirrel on the window sill. I had been throwing out peanuts for the squirrels, and apparently, they were trying to get in to get some more. I didn't realize that they were smart enough to know where the peanuts were coming from! I still have a plastic container that has teeth marks on it where they came in the garage to try to get at the peanuts. This was when Louis would sit outside and hand feed them. they would crawl up his pant leg and sit to eat them, but this is a whole different family of the little critters.
I also enjoyed seeing two big blackbirds perched on the rim of the water bowl I have on the porch. They get thirsty, too, and then the squirrels came to get a drink. It is a busy bowl! I went over to the park later on, but not much going on. I saw David's park ranger truck parked and wondered if he was walking the boardwalk. He called me later to say he had walked it , and had driven the back road to the trailer park across from the lake and saw two regular peacocks and one white one. I would love to see the white one, as I have only seen pictures of them! They have not been in the neighborhood of the park for months, so I thought someone had relocated them. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of loving others?
Matthew 10:42 If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.
Hebrews 6:10 God is not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love for him by caring for other Christians, as you still do.The Lord remembers us when we remember others. He rewards us for giving others kindness and practical help.
How will God help me love others more?
Galatians 6:8-10 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the
Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So 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. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially our Christian brothers and sisters.
The Holy Spirit awakens our love for other. We can ask God to make us willing to love others-even those who are difficult-and God will hear our prayer.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Last night I opened the blinds on my west windows and saw, once again, Jupiter and Venus almost side by side in the western sky...just beautiful! We will be treated to this display for awhile, now.
I finally got a good night's sleep after adjusting to the time change. It always takes me about three days before I am tuned to DST. In fact, I did not want to get out of bed this morning, but finally did.
Yesterday, while in the living room, I heard a loud thump against the window, and investigated, and saw a squirrel on the window sill. I had been throwing out peanuts for the squirrels, and apparently, they were trying to get in to get some more. I didn't realize that they were smart enough to know where the peanuts were coming from! I still have a plastic container that has teeth marks on it where they came in the garage to try to get at the peanuts. This was when Louis would sit outside and hand feed them. they would crawl up his pant leg and sit to eat them, but this is a whole different family of the little critters.
I also enjoyed seeing two big blackbirds perched on the rim of the water bowl I have on the porch. They get thirsty, too, and then the squirrels came to get a drink. It is a busy bowl! I went over to the park later on, but not much going on. I saw David's park ranger truck parked and wondered if he was walking the boardwalk. He called me later to say he had walked it , and had driven the back road to the trailer park across from the lake and saw two regular peacocks and one white one. I would love to see the white one, as I have only seen pictures of them! They have not been in the neighborhood of the park for months, so I thought someone had relocated them. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of loving others?
Matthew 10:42 If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.
Hebrews 6:10 God is not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love for him by caring for other Christians, as you still do.The Lord remembers us when we remember others. He rewards us for giving others kindness and practical help.
How will God help me love others more?
Galatians 6:8-10 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the
Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So 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. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially our Christian brothers and sisters.
The Holy Spirit awakens our love for other. We can ask God to make us willing to love others-even those who are difficult-and God will hear our prayer.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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