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! Rain is still dripping off the roof after last night's downpour, which lasted until after I went to sleep.
But the sun is shining, and so the roof will dry soon. I am thankful for a good roof and all the provisions that God has given me!
I made another trip to the library yesterday during the rush and traffic of school letting out!
Big mistake! However, after waiting in the longest line I have ever seen in my neighborhood, I was finally able to make my way on to my destination. After I left the library, I decided to treat myself to a half-price milkshake at Steak and Shake. I had not indulged for a long time
Then I drove on to the Park, and saw a great blue heron framed against the tall bushes in the lake, and drove on to the circle, where a smaller gopher tortoise was sitting near the tall shrubs.
Made me wonder just how roomy their tunnels are, to have babies in there. As I was driving out, I saw a raccoon heading for the weir. It was so unusual in the middle of the afternoon, I stopped to look at him, and so he stopped and looked at me and rose up in a sitting position, as if begging and then quickly scampered off in the direction he came from! Another one of God's critters! God is good!
BTW, yesterday I took the day off, because of a very restless night because of the full moon and the very late Rays game.)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can we have confidence in the face of life's greatest hardships?
Proverbs 3:5,6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will direct your paths.
When we rely on God, he will not let us down. Our limited understanding
is no match for his limitless love and grace.
Romans 8:38-39
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love.
Death can't and life can't. The angels can't and the demons can't.
Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the
powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high
above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will
ever separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Our happiness rises and falls , but our steady confidence comes
from the constancy of Christ. We depend on Christ-not our circumstances.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with
thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, September 20, 2013
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Living by the Spirit's Power
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 had a series of days with lots of sun and the beautiful, white and towering clouds, which build up in the afternoon. I will have to go to Weedon Island park or the Gandy beach one of these days, just to see the clouds without any wires in the way.
After a shopping trip to Northeast Shopping Center, I drove on to the park to see an ibis all by himself pecking along the freshly mowed grass, people strolling along and lots of cars for a weekday afternoon. Later on, I looked outside after I got home and discovered it had been raining...just a gentle rain that I couldn't even hear. It promises to be another day like yesterday, but God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 6:15-22
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 yourselves, 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with
thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
After a shopping trip to Northeast Shopping Center, I drove on to the park to see an ibis all by himself pecking along the freshly mowed grass, people strolling along and lots of cars for a weekday afternoon. Later on, I looked outside after I got home and discovered it had been raining...just a gentle rain that I couldn't even hear. It promises to be another day like yesterday, but God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ephesians 6:15-22
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 yourselves, 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with
thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
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! I am running late this morning, first, because I took my time with my shower and breakfast, and second, because my pest control man came, so I had to wait for him.
But, it is a beautiful morning and surprisingly, a little cooler! I expect leaves to start falling off the trees any day now, even though we are still expecting nineties later on.
I got out to do a little grocery shopping yesterday and found guava preserves at Sweetbay, but they still do not have canned guava shells. Just as well, I suppose, since they are packed in heavy syrup, but they are so good! With cream cheese and saltine crackers! Yum! One of my all time favorite desserts!
After shopping, I drove to the park and discovered the mowers were busy, one with a large trash can attached to his large mower. One of the workers has cleaned out the canal, so it looks much better. Since the mowers were out, I did not see the gophers, but the ibis were busy in the circle, pecking and moving, as usual. They sometimes land in a large flock right in my front yard and then move slowly down the block, pecking as they go. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 145:13-21
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,
and 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 is 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
But, it is a beautiful morning and surprisingly, a little cooler! I expect leaves to start falling off the trees any day now, even though we are still expecting nineties later on.
I got out to do a little grocery shopping yesterday and found guava preserves at Sweetbay, but they still do not have canned guava shells. Just as well, I suppose, since they are packed in heavy syrup, but they are so good! With cream cheese and saltine crackers! Yum! One of my all time favorite desserts!
After shopping, I drove to the park and discovered the mowers were busy, one with a large trash can attached to his large mower. One of the workers has cleaned out the canal, so it looks much better. Since the mowers were out, I did not see the gophers, but the ibis were busy in the circle, pecking and moving, as usual. They sometimes land in a large flock right in my front yard and then move slowly down the block, pecking as they go. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 145:13-21
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,
and 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 is 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
Monday, September 16, 2013
Why should I be Faithful?
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! Drops are still falling off the roof once in a while, from the windy storm we had yesterday late afternoon.
I had planned to attend the meeting at church at 6 PM, but lightning, wind and heavy rain gave me a sign that I should stay home. The football game in Tampa was delayed by lightning, and a plant on my front porch blew over, plus I did not get the trash dumpster pulled down to the curb because of the storm. I should have taken it down early afternoon. Oh, well, it will get picked up Thursday!
But, we have sunshine this morning, and yesterday was a good day for church in the morning.Brian took me to lunch at the newly remodeled Bob Evans on US 19. It has really been renovated! I could not resist buying a couple cinnamon blossoms to take home, from their bakery.
I took a ride through the park after church and saw an egret almost hidden in the bulrushes, posing on the alert for a fish in the canal. It was such a typical Florida scene. It reminded me of a painting! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 3:3-4
Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace, write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people and you will gain a good reputation. One of our greatest securities in life is that of a good name. Faithfulness brings a good reputation and trust from others. When we have problems, sometimes our reputation can be the key to a positive outcome.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had planned to attend the meeting at church at 6 PM, but lightning, wind and heavy rain gave me a sign that I should stay home. The football game in Tampa was delayed by lightning, and a plant on my front porch blew over, plus I did not get the trash dumpster pulled down to the curb because of the storm. I should have taken it down early afternoon. Oh, well, it will get picked up Thursday!
But, we have sunshine this morning, and yesterday was a good day for church in the morning.Brian took me to lunch at the newly remodeled Bob Evans on US 19. It has really been renovated! I could not resist buying a couple cinnamon blossoms to take home, from their bakery.
I took a ride through the park after church and saw an egret almost hidden in the bulrushes, posing on the alert for a fish in the canal. It was such a typical Florida scene. It reminded me of a painting! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 3:3-4
Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace, write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people and you will gain a good reputation. One of our greatest securities in life is that of a good name. Faithfulness brings a good reputation and trust from others. When we have problems, sometimes our reputation can be the key to a positive outcome.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, September 13, 2013
Psoaring thru Psalm100
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 sunshine and puffy clouds today, but yesterday afternoon we had another thunderstorm. That was unusual, because we had been dry for a few days.
I had intended to call my handyman to re-coat the flat roof while it was dry, but guess I will have to wait again until we have another dry spell.
I had a visit from my yard man, and he is leaving the lawn business for "greener pastures" in the business world. Can't say I blame him for leaving the heat, sweat and backbreaking outside work, especially if it means more income. But he has arranged for a friend to take over for him with all his customers, so I appreciate that and will see how he works out. God always provides!
I watched a small yellow and black butterfly flit by in a straight line, headed for the back yard, and was impressed by the steadiness of his flight. Most of these beauties, just flit up and down and seem to dance in the air, instead of going in a straight line. But 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 and ;
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
I had intended to call my handyman to re-coat the flat roof while it was dry, but guess I will have to wait again until we have another dry spell.
I had a visit from my yard man, and he is leaving the lawn business for "greener pastures" in the business world. Can't say I blame him for leaving the heat, sweat and backbreaking outside work, especially if it means more income. But he has arranged for a friend to take over for him with all his customers, so I appreciate that and will see how he works out. God always provides!
I watched a small yellow and black butterfly flit by in a straight line, headed for the back yard, and was impressed by the steadiness of his flight. Most of these beauties, just flit up and down and seem to dance in the air, instead of going in a straight line. But 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 and ;
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
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Joy
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! Still no rain and hot, but I have more azalea blooms, even though the bushes have been trimmed and this is close to fall. What is going on? These are spring flowers! But they are pretty and I am not complaining.
Well, I found out my smoke detector works, This morning I was frying bacon, and something was on the burner that gave off a lot of smoke, so the detector started screeching. Loud! I cannot imagine what was on the burner, because it was just cleaned yesterday and I did not use it, anyway. But the bacon was good and so were the Egg Beaters!
My ladies were here yesterday, and Kim felt sorry for my houseplants, which are slowly dying, so she took it upon herself to spend time cleaning them out and adding soil and tossing the dead ones. She is an organized person, and I know she dislikes seeing disorder, but it doesn't bother me, now. (smile) I would rather read.
I went by the new Krispy Kreme shop to see how far along it is, and looks like it will be opening next week! Yum! Because I like them so much, I only eat one once in a while. I must say, Publix donuts are good and they are baked, not fried. Does this make them healthier? Maybe a bit, but they are still full of sugar and fat. Sigh.
There was a large class of adults at the park yesterday and they were all gathered around the gopher tortoise, taking pictures and just learning all about his habits. He was the star attraction! The canal was quiet and peaceful and the shade was welcome. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where does Joy come from?
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty
savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love,
he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a
happy song.
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on our circumstances
nor performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4
He will remove all of their sorrows and there will be no more death
or sorrow, or crying or pain . For the old world and its evils are gone forever.
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully
and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with
thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, I found out my smoke detector works, This morning I was frying bacon, and something was on the burner that gave off a lot of smoke, so the detector started screeching. Loud! I cannot imagine what was on the burner, because it was just cleaned yesterday and I did not use it, anyway. But the bacon was good and so were the Egg Beaters!
My ladies were here yesterday, and Kim felt sorry for my houseplants, which are slowly dying, so she took it upon herself to spend time cleaning them out and adding soil and tossing the dead ones. She is an organized person, and I know she dislikes seeing disorder, but it doesn't bother me, now. (smile) I would rather read.
I went by the new Krispy Kreme shop to see how far along it is, and looks like it will be opening next week! Yum! Because I like them so much, I only eat one once in a while. I must say, Publix donuts are good and they are baked, not fried. Does this make them healthier? Maybe a bit, but they are still full of sugar and fat. Sigh.
There was a large class of adults at the park yesterday and they were all gathered around the gopher tortoise, taking pictures and just learning all about his habits. He was the star attraction! The canal was quiet and peaceful and the shade was welcome. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where does Joy come from?
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty
savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love,
he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a
happy song.
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on our circumstances
nor performance. When we trust in his love for us, we are far less vulnerable to the depression and despair that could come from our problems and disappointments.
Revelation 21:4
He will remove all of their sorrows and there will be no more death
or sorrow, or crying or pain . For the old world and its evils are gone forever.
Our joy is rooted in the certainty of heaven, where we will be fully
and finally liberated from the trials and troubles of this life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with
thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Courage
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 more sunshine and cool but humid breezes with a suggestion of rain later on. However, that doesn't mean it will fall here.The temps are already in the eighties!
I am still fascinated by the butterflies flitting by the window, headed out into the back yard. Some are very large yellow winged with black stripes and some smaller with all yellow, but all very pretty!
My cleaning ladies are coming today around noon, after taking last week off for vacation. And my friend Mari, and her husband are taking off today for a vacation in Co. Sigh. Wish I were going some place far away for a short while!
Since today is a remembrance day , when all the names of the ones lost in the attack on the Twin Towers, are being read , I thought I would commemorate their courage with the following passage from the Promise Bible. But, as always, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Are there models of courage that can inspire me?
Hebrews 12:1-3
Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses
to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down,
especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us
run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this
by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from
start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross
because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is
seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven.
Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible
things to him, so that we don't become weary and give up.
Courage comes from following Christ. While God's presence is our
greatest encouragement, we also have the courageous examples of those
who have gone before us . Above all, we can gain great strength when we
meditate on Jesus' courage. He showed that looking to our eternal reward
gets us through the worst temporal trials.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I am still fascinated by the butterflies flitting by the window, headed out into the back yard. Some are very large yellow winged with black stripes and some smaller with all yellow, but all very pretty!
My cleaning ladies are coming today around noon, after taking last week off for vacation. And my friend Mari, and her husband are taking off today for a vacation in Co. Sigh. Wish I were going some place far away for a short while!
Since today is a remembrance day , when all the names of the ones lost in the attack on the Twin Towers, are being read , I thought I would commemorate their courage with the following passage from the Promise Bible. But, as always, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Are there models of courage that can inspire me?
Hebrews 12:1-3
Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses
to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down,
especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us
run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this
by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from
start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross
because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is
seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven.
Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible
things to him, so that we don't become weary and give up.
Courage comes from following Christ. While God's presence is our
greatest encouragement, we also have the courageous examples of those
who have gone before us . Above all, we can gain great strength when we
meditate on Jesus' courage. He showed that looking to our eternal reward
gets us through the worst temporal trials.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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