John 3:16

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, which everyone is tired of, but the warming up is due to take place gradually today. so, Hooray! Actually, it has been warm in the sun during the day and the sky has been cloudless, so even though the wind is cold, the sun is great!

I have been busy with doctor visits, which happened again yesterday. I hurried to get to the office by 10:30 only to wait for over an hour, due to a couple emergencies, so once again, I did a lot of people watching...very interesting, especially the elderly woman with pink hair. Another one with a vase of flowers clutched in her hand, and lots of people busy texting. We are all different and God loves us all! I was apologized to several times by the nurses for the long wait, but finally got the minor surgery done and now have a sore belly. I am praying for fast healing , so I can get the stitches out in a week! I stopped at BK to get a turkey burger on the way home, and then waited for my cleaning ladies to come. They are good to chat with  and always have a lot to say while they work.

After they left, I drove out to Walmart to gas the van up. I was down to a quarter of a tank, which is lower than I let it get, but had not had time to go gas up all week, Of course, I had to stop in at the park on my way back, and saw the big gator posing for pictures on the bank of the canal near the weir. He has been there two days in a row, and Tuesday, he had his head raised and was smiling. What a ham!  There were lots of people stopping to look at him, so he knew he had a crowd! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible AMP:

John 3:16
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized
the world that he {even} gave up His only
begotten [unique} Son, so that whoever
believes in [trusts, clings to, relies on] Him
shall not perish--come to destruction, be lost-
but have eternal (everlasting) life.

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! Well, the wind blew in the chilly weather. I turned the heat on last night, after having the air on Friday and Sat. Changeable weather? I guess so! But next week promises to be a lot warmer. Yay!

I spent quite a few minutes in the doctors' very large waiting room yesterday, doing some people watching. I did not take a book with me, because I didn't want to carry it, but saw one woman reading her book. However, she left it with her husband when she was called in. I saw one tall young man come in, he must have been close to 7 ft. tall, because he barely cleared the door!. He was with his mom or guardian, because they were of different races. By the time I got in to see the Dr. the room was full, but when I came out some time later, there was only one person left. Of course, it was already 4:30 by the time I left. 

After I left, I drove to the park to refresh myself, and saw turtles, an anhinga, and squirrels and ibis. One little boy was walking around the gopher tortoise hole, and almost fell in. I don't think he knew they are protected. Even though it was late in the afternoon, many people were enjoying the sun. After I left there, I went on to CVS, to pick up a prescription that the doc's office had electronically sent in, and found a long wait there at the pick up  window. Someone was having a problem.  After about 15 minutes, someone opened up another pick up window and I was finally able to get what I wanted and leave. Yesterday, was an exercise in patience! 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

Paul's final thoughts

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 wind is really blowing today, but not so much that it will cause any damage like the winds did in Central Florida over the weekend. I saw photos of the damage around Orlando, but we never even got rain! So, anyway, it looks like March is going out like a lion, because now we are expecting one last blast of cold air before Easter. Can't put away the winter clothes, yet!

It was fun seeing the little kids sing their "JUMP" song yesterday at church with great enthusiasm...seemed like all the people were enjoying it, too! After church I drove to the park before going home to finish off my Sonny's Barbeque  that I had Sat. night. I noticed that the black turtles hug the bank while in the water. I saw a dozen or so, very hard to see, but they were lined up along the grass, while still wet.  An anhinga was on the weir drying off the wings. Saturday when I drove through, I was just in time to see a roseate spoonbill fly across in front of the car, so I could see the beautiful pinks underwings! Gorgeous! Also, a gator was floating in the water. I think that is the one who has been sunning on the bank. Lots of wildlife in a natural setting! God is good! 

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Philippians 4:4-9

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

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

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

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

Love and hugs, 
Amaryllis

The Beatitudes

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We have lots of clouds and some sunshine today for the start of the Grand Prix, so, hopefully, the rain will stay away this weekend at least. This will help the city to look good on TV wherever it is shown. I guess one of my favorite restaurants, The Hangar, has to close for the race. Hurts a lot of businesses that way.

Last night, I took a peek out of the front door before turning on the porch night light, and there was a little brown bunny sitting in the yard. He did not seem afraid, so I spoke to him for a couple minutes and left him sitting there. He was really cute. The birds have been out in full force, and though I can hear them singing close by, I usually cannot spot them in the trees. And, the squirrel nest is getting bigger because they are still dropping all the leaves and twigs down on the driveway. Yesterday, I swept another big pile of twigs off! They make very messy nests!

On another note; I think I related the story of the Times being thrown out in the yard, when I had requested it be put on the porch; Well, it has been placed in a chair right by the door for the past three or four mornings, so I wrote a note last night and taped it to the chair, thanking the carrier. He responded with a "no problem." and laid it on the paper. I know the carrier is a man, because my neighbor and friend has seen him.

Well, I am disposing of my balloons today. Just since yesterday, they have sagged more and are now floating just above the sofa, so it is time to say good bye...(sounds like the name of a song). Speaking of that, I know the DVD of Les Miserables is out today, and I really want to buy that!

I drove to the park yesterday, but while I saw lots of people, I did not see any birds, fowls or animals. Very strange! But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Luke 5:20
Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said;
"God blesses you who are hungry now,
for you will be satisfied.
God blesses you who weep now,
for the time will come when you will laugh with joy.
God blesses you who are hated and 
excluded and mocked and cursed
because you are identified with me,
the Son of Man."

When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for
joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.
And remember , the ancient prophets were
also treated that way by your ancestors.

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

Paul's request for 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! One day I have the windows open and the next they are closed and a bit of heat is needed! What changeable weather we have! I remember when I was just 12 or so, we would go to Sunrise services at the Spa Beach downtown, sponsored by a local church and it was nearly always a little cool, so I guess this weather is to be expected near Easter.

 After the yard man came yesterday, and we talked a while about the sprinkler system he wants to install for me, It was not long after that until my cleaning ladies came, so I did not have lunch until later in the afternoon That was okay, because I had a late breakfast. I always enjoy chatting with them while they work.

Well, looks like I can finally dispose of my birthday balloons! It has been two months since Mari treated me to lunch and that's when she loaded me down with balloons. They have drifted all across the room and are now sagging about three feet from the ceiling. But, my, they have lasted far longer than I thought they would! I have enjoyed looking at them, but all good things must come to an end.

I am still learning to use my iphone, and making slow progress just pushing buttons and exploring. Brian has helped me a lot , but I am not so adept with my thumbs and texting, so I still have to use the tip of a finger. At least I know how to call someone!

I have been in the park each day and see the ibis, (which are also walking down through our neighborhood yards, daily). I noticed the anhinga has decided to stretch his wings close to the road, now, instead of being on the weir. I also saw a small gopher tortoise on the grass near the old tunnel. Come to think of it, I believe turtles are hatched from eggs. That must be why the gophers are digging tunnels to lay the eggs in. Never thought about that before. Oh, well, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Finally, dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to pray
for us. Pray first that the Lord's message will spread
rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when
it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be saved from
wicked and evil people, for not everyone believes
in the Lord. But the Lord is faithful: he will make you
strong and will guard you from the evil one. And we 
are confident in the Lord that you are practicing the
things we commanded you, and that you always will.
May the Lord bring you into an ever deeper under
standing of the love of God and the endurance that
comes from Christ.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Story of three trees

This will have to do for a devotional today, since my yard man came and it is late! Love and hugs, Amaryllis

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:
Date: Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 9:28 AM
Subject: Story of three trees
To: 

Story of Three Trees Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, 'Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.' 

 

Then the second tree said, 'Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.' 

 

Finally the third tree said, 'I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest Tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.' 

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, 'This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, 'and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest. 

 

At the second tree the woodsman said, 'This looks like a strong tree. I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was happy Because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship. 

 

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, 'I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one,' and he cut it down. 

 

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. 

 

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. 

 

The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark. 

 

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. 

 

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time. 

 

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said 'Peace' and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat. 

 

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it. 

 

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts. 

 

Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. 

 

We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best. 

 

Please feel free to keep this moving... Pass it on, so God may inspire more people on The Way. 

May your day be blessed. And until we meet again, may God cradle you in the palm of His hand. 

Make the most of the Time you"ve been given

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! Clouds all day yesterday, and sunshine today. Who can predict accurately the weather?
 
I heard rain for the next five days, but it doesn't look like it today.It was sprinkling very lightly, more like a fog, when I drove to the doctor's yesterday, so the car did not get too messed up, except a bird bombed the windshield. Grrr!

I visited the park later in the day and saw an anhinga with wings spread wide, very close to the road by the weir. A car had pulled over and I think the driver was taking pics of the bird. Then, close to the weir, an ibis was almost hidden against the shrubbery on the bank. There were a lot more people in the parking area than I expected. Lots of folks enjoying the cloudy day!

Well, I had an unexpected phone call early this morning after I had my shower. My friend across the street saw that my outside light was still on, and was calling to see if I was okay. I just had not turned it off yet, but it is good to have a caregiver so close. She is always looking out for me, as well as cleaning my house with her business partner.  God is good!

From the little devotional book Knowing God:

Hard work means prosperity; only fools idle away their time.
Proverbs 12:11 NLT

Time is a non-renewable gift from God. But sometimes,
we treat our time here on earth as if it were not a gift at all.
We may be tempted to invest our lives in trivial pursuits 
and mindless diversions. But our Father in heaven wants us to do more...
much more.

Are you one of those people who puts things off until the 
last minute? Do you waste time doing things that don't matter
very much while putting off the important things until  it's
too late to do the job right? If so, now's the time to start
making better choices.

It may seem like you've got all the time in the world to do the
things you need to do, but time is shorter than you think. Time
here on earth is limited...use it or lose it!

                                                         - Great Thoughts-
Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously  into the fog
of the future, I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly 
what is required of me now.
                                           Elizabeth Elliot

Our time is short! The time we can invest for God, in creative
things, in receiving our fellowmen for Christ, is short!
                                           Billy Graham

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

Love and hugs.
 Amaryllis