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! Lots of sun and warmer today, so the A/C is ready to go! I actually turned it on yesterday because the air was so humid, but it did not cycle during the night. Ah, summer is here!
I am a little later today because my handy man called a lot earlier than I had expected; while I was eating breakfast, in fact. Said he was in the neighborhood and wanted to know if he could come and install my new shower head and clean the A/C filter. I said sure, so now everything is done and he is gone. He is so busy, I give him notice ahead of time when I want something done. He said he is working 7 days a week, 8 and 12 hours a day! His rates are so reasonable, and his work isso good , he has a long list of people who need his services. I know I am really glad to have him! While I was in the garage watching him work, I saw a nice, long black racer snake wiggle across the driveway and disappear in the shrubs. Very sleek and pretty!
Yesterday, I drove out to Walmart to get gas in the van, and my goodness, the prices have really gone up! I only fill up about once a month, so it doesn't bother me so much, but for people who have to commute long distances or be on the roads, it hurts!
I took a side trip to the park and saw a lady walking all the way down the sidewalk pushing her walker. Good for her!! I have seen her before, so she is determined. Her walker has a seat on it so she can rest when she wants to. That's probably what I will need next! But God is good!
BTW, I received an invitation in the mail yesterday to attend the "Last Hurrah" reunion for our SPHS class of "44. Guess there are so few of us left, that this will be the last one. Sigh.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 147:10,11
Praise the Lord!
The strength of a horse does not impress him,
how puny in his sight is the strength of a man.
Rather, the Lord's delight is in those who honor him,
those who put their hope in his unfailing love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, April 25, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Know Your Objective
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 sunshiny day which started out with fog, but is now clear and bright! We are headed up to the eighties today, but yesterday was just perfect with the low seventies and lots of sun. Great time of the year!
I am seeing lots of beautiful jacaranda trees in full bloom, everywhere I go. I expect the people who have the blooms dropping all over their yards and cars are not too happy with them, but what a gorgeous display they put on every spring! After they get through, the Royal Poinciana trees will be blooming, but there are not nearly as many of them as the jacarandas. Speaking of trees, my small crape myrtle, which I thought was dead after the cold spell we had, Is now growing by leaps and bounds! The rain really brought it back and I have a feeling it will have very pretty flowers later on.
My cleaning ladies were here yesterday, after being delayed by a terrible wreck on their way here. The street they were traveling on, was totally blocked by the police and first responders, so they had to take a long detour. You can't be too careful these days!
I had gone to the super market before they came, and got almost everything on my short list. I get a little annoyed when the cashier and stock person bagging carry on a conversation instead of paying attention to me, the customer, while ringing up my groceries. Sigh. Just me being cranky.
I got over to the park later in the afternoon and enjoyed the peace and seeing the usual ibis and egrets in the middle of the canal. It is so low that they hardly get their feet wet as they walk and dig for grubs. But, as always, God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
The man who plants and the man who harvests
have one purpose, and each will be rewarded
according to his own labor.
1 Corinthians 3:8
A quote from one of the devotionals....
Christians are frequently admonished to value one another's work
and to work in a spirit of cooperation. This is easier when every
member of the team clearly understands the objective. When the
objective if finally attained, each is able to share in the satisfaction
of seeing his or her contribution to the overall success.
Focus on the objectives you are working toward, and make certain
the whole team has a clear understanding of the goals that have
been set.
More men fail through lack of purpose
than through lack of talent.
Billy Sunday
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I am seeing lots of beautiful jacaranda trees in full bloom, everywhere I go. I expect the people who have the blooms dropping all over their yards and cars are not too happy with them, but what a gorgeous display they put on every spring! After they get through, the Royal Poinciana trees will be blooming, but there are not nearly as many of them as the jacarandas. Speaking of trees, my small crape myrtle, which I thought was dead after the cold spell we had, Is now growing by leaps and bounds! The rain really brought it back and I have a feeling it will have very pretty flowers later on.
My cleaning ladies were here yesterday, after being delayed by a terrible wreck on their way here. The street they were traveling on, was totally blocked by the police and first responders, so they had to take a long detour. You can't be too careful these days!
I had gone to the super market before they came, and got almost everything on my short list. I get a little annoyed when the cashier and stock person bagging carry on a conversation instead of paying attention to me, the customer, while ringing up my groceries. Sigh. Just me being cranky.
I got over to the park later in the afternoon and enjoyed the peace and seeing the usual ibis and egrets in the middle of the canal. It is so low that they hardly get their feet wet as they walk and dig for grubs. But, as always, God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
The man who plants and the man who harvests
have one purpose, and each will be rewarded
according to his own labor.
1 Corinthians 3:8
A quote from one of the devotionals....
Christians are frequently admonished to value one another's work
and to work in a spirit of cooperation. This is easier when every
member of the team clearly understands the objective. When the
objective if finally attained, each is able to share in the satisfaction
of seeing his or her contribution to the overall success.
Focus on the objectives you are working toward, and make certain
the whole team has a clear understanding of the goals that have
been set.
More men fail through lack of purpose
than through lack of talent.
Billy Sunday
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Time
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 sunshine this morning! Yay! There was a pretty sunrise and now a few clouds are in the sky, but it is a beautiful day so far!
Yesterday I had an appointment with my doctor to check up on how I am doing recovering from the side effects of the new med he put me on. In order to get to his office, I have to go through the huge mess at 83rd and 9th St. where the construction takes up more and more of the street. I Got through OK, but had to wait about 5 or so minutes, maybe longer, for the light to change and the long line of traffic to get through. Doesn't look like they will be done any time soon!
But when I got to the office and signed in, I only had to wait a few minutes, got called in to the exam room and just another few minutes and the doc was there! We had a nice long chat of about 20 minutes. He did not seem to be in any hurry, so we chatted about living wills, plans for the future when an older person falls ill, his personal experience with a family member who is on life support, church, and why he thinks they are social clubs . He does not like that they ask for money. (I did not point out that giving is to the Lord and churches do not ask; it is voluntary), His viewpoint is colored by his experience of being raised Catholic and going to a Cath. school until fifth grade. Apparently, it was a bad experience. I told him he should come to my church to get a different take on why church is not a social club. All in all, it was a good chat and I was happy that he took so much time with me.
After I left there, I decided to go on to the park, where I saw a lonely wood stork perched on the bank of the canal by the weir. Wood storks always look sad to me...just something about their hunched up stance, I guess. Then I saw the baby gopher tortoise again, and also a young woman throwing out peanuts to the squirrels, strictly a no-no, as she walked rapidly toward the office. Not much use saying anything to someone about it, since no one is around to enforce the rule. A lot of people were hanging over the bridge looking down at the small stream of water in the canal which is really down. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.'
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy
and love!
Love and hugs
Amaryllis
Yesterday I had an appointment with my doctor to check up on how I am doing recovering from the side effects of the new med he put me on. In order to get to his office, I have to go through the huge mess at 83rd and 9th St. where the construction takes up more and more of the street. I Got through OK, but had to wait about 5 or so minutes, maybe longer, for the light to change and the long line of traffic to get through. Doesn't look like they will be done any time soon!
But when I got to the office and signed in, I only had to wait a few minutes, got called in to the exam room and just another few minutes and the doc was there! We had a nice long chat of about 20 minutes. He did not seem to be in any hurry, so we chatted about living wills, plans for the future when an older person falls ill, his personal experience with a family member who is on life support, church, and why he thinks they are social clubs . He does not like that they ask for money. (I did not point out that giving is to the Lord and churches do not ask; it is voluntary), His viewpoint is colored by his experience of being raised Catholic and going to a Cath. school until fifth grade. Apparently, it was a bad experience. I told him he should come to my church to get a different take on why church is not a social club. All in all, it was a good chat and I was happy that he took so much time with me.
After I left there, I decided to go on to the park, where I saw a lonely wood stork perched on the bank of the canal by the weir. Wood storks always look sad to me...just something about their hunched up stance, I guess. Then I saw the baby gopher tortoise again, and also a young woman throwing out peanuts to the squirrels, strictly a no-no, as she walked rapidly toward the office. Not much use saying anything to someone about it, since no one is around to enforce the rule. A lot of people were hanging over the bridge looking down at the small stream of water in the canal which is really down. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything,
a season for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.'
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy
and love!
Love and hugs
Amaryllis
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
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! Once again, the day is starting out overcast, but maybe later on, we will have warm sun like yesterday. I got out to run some errands early in the afternoon, and the sun was very warm, after a cloudy morning. Once again, last night I had to get up and put another cover on the bed, because I was so chilly, I could not sleep! Tonight I will put the extra fleece on the bed, so I can pull it up if I need it! To quote Joe Maddon, "I coach better when I'm warm." Well, I sleep better when I'm warm. :o)
So, I made a trip to run some errands after lunch and then checked out the park to see what was going on. Quite a few people were there, considering that it was before school was out, but I nearly always see photographers and birders there. It's a good place to see all kinds of birds. I saw a couple of egrets and ibis pecking around in the very low water in the canal. and a Ranger truck stop for a squirrel sitting in the road blocking him. The thing is..even though you think they are still in front of you, they have usually already scampered across!
My yard men were here yesterday, and trimmed the azaleas and blew all the twigs and stuff off the porch and driveway, so it looked very nice. They only mow about every other week this time of year. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 145:13-18
The Lord is faithful is 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
So, I made a trip to run some errands after lunch and then checked out the park to see what was going on. Quite a few people were there, considering that it was before school was out, but I nearly always see photographers and birders there. It's a good place to see all kinds of birds. I saw a couple of egrets and ibis pecking around in the very low water in the canal. and a Ranger truck stop for a squirrel sitting in the road blocking him. The thing is..even though you think they are still in front of you, they have usually already scampered across!
My yard men were here yesterday, and trimmed the azaleas and blew all the twigs and stuff off the porch and driveway, so it looked very nice. They only mow about every other week this time of year. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 145:13-18
The Lord is faithful is 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, April 21, 2014
Wisdom from the Lord
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 thought today would be sunny, but, so far, it is still overcast, just the way it started out yesterday. But it is still hovering around the low seventies, so not at all unpleasant.
Yesterday, we had a wonderful church service, with extra chairs set up. Great music, including "Happy Day", my favorite! That's one song I want sung at my "Celebration of Life "service! Loud, noisy, and happy! We also had a really good message from our guest speaker.
Brian had come from his church to mine for the late service and afterwards, we went to The Hanger for lunch, where we had reservations. It was not crowded at all when we arrived, so we got seated right away, but later on, it filled up rapidly. We both selected lamb and asparagus from the three selections for the day and a delicious dessert.
We took a tour of Beach Drive, which was very crowded with pedestrians, and sidewalks were full of shoppers and people dining at outside tables. The Mainsail Art Festival was going full blast at the Vinoy Park and the area was teeming with people on the way or mingling. Downtown St. Petersburg is a happening place!! It was a lovely day! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Jeremiah 17:5-10
This is what the Lord says: "Cursed are those who
put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts
away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in
the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live
in the barren wilderness on the salty flats where no
one lives.
But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have
made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are
like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that
reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered
by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their
leaves stay green, and they go right on producing
delicious fruit.
The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked.'
Who really knows how bad it is? But I know! I, the Lord, search
all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their
due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers
with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Yesterday, we had a wonderful church service, with extra chairs set up. Great music, including "Happy Day", my favorite! That's one song I want sung at my "Celebration of Life "service! Loud, noisy, and happy! We also had a really good message from our guest speaker.
Brian had come from his church to mine for the late service and afterwards, we went to The Hanger for lunch, where we had reservations. It was not crowded at all when we arrived, so we got seated right away, but later on, it filled up rapidly. We both selected lamb and asparagus from the three selections for the day and a delicious dessert.
We took a tour of Beach Drive, which was very crowded with pedestrians, and sidewalks were full of shoppers and people dining at outside tables. The Mainsail Art Festival was going full blast at the Vinoy Park and the area was teeming with people on the way or mingling. Downtown St. Petersburg is a happening place!! It was a lovely day! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Jeremiah 17:5-10
This is what the Lord says: "Cursed are those who
put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts
away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in
the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live
in the barren wilderness on the salty flats where no
one lives.
But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have
made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are
like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that
reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered
by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their
leaves stay green, and they go right on producing
delicious fruit.
The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked.'
Who really knows how bad it is? But I know! I, the Lord, search
all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their
due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers
with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, April 18, 2014
Good Friday
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! Seems like the Lord made an overcast day with lots of rain coming in from the Gulf. I have to go out this morning, so, hopefully, the heavy rain will hold off until this afternoon as predicted!
As I was on my way to the Park yesterday, I watched a traffic-stopper. Mama duck fearlessly led her dozen or so babies straight across 62nd Ave. without caring that traffic was heavy. She must have thought in her little mama duck heart that everyone would stop for her, and they did. Such faith! No one blew horns at the delay and I think those who saw up close must have smiled no matter what tasks they were involved in...God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 24
But very early on Sunday Morning the women came
to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.
They found that the stone covering the entrance had
been rolled aside. So they went in, but they couldn't
find the body of the Lord Jesus. They were puzzled,
trying to think what could have happened to it.
Suddenly, two men appeared to them, clothed in
dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed
low before them. Then the men asked, "Why are you
looking in a tomb for someone who is alive?" He isn't
here! He has risen from the dead! Don't you remember
what he told you back in Galilee, 'that the Son of Man
must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and that
he would rise again the third day?"
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
As I was on my way to the Park yesterday, I watched a traffic-stopper. Mama duck fearlessly led her dozen or so babies straight across 62nd Ave. without caring that traffic was heavy. She must have thought in her little mama duck heart that everyone would stop for her, and they did. Such faith! No one blew horns at the delay and I think those who saw up close must have smiled no matter what tasks they were involved in...God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 24
But very early on Sunday Morning the women came
to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared.
They found that the stone covering the entrance had
been rolled aside. So they went in, but they couldn't
find the body of the Lord Jesus. They were puzzled,
trying to think what could have happened to it.
Suddenly, two men appeared to them, clothed in
dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed
low before them. Then the men asked, "Why are you
looking in a tomb for someone who is alive?" He isn't
here! He has risen from the dead! Don't you remember
what he told you back in Galilee, 'that the Son of Man
must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and that
he would rise again the third day?"
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Thursday, April 17, 2014
The Golden Rule
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! Overcast with clouds looks like the weather for today. Also. rain is coming again, but right now. there is a slight breeze and it is still a little cool, although warmer than yesterday, which turned out to be beautiful.
I took my city payment to the P.O. yesterday, because our mail delivery is so erratic these days. Sometimes it doesn't come until after 6 in the evening. I usually pay everything online, but ever since I learned the city charges $1.00 if you pay them online, I usually send a check. I called about that, and the clerk was sympathetic, but could not change the rules. Doesn't make sense to me!
Anyway, after I left the P.O. I drove on to the park and saw a few more people out than the day before. Something strange happened. When I drove in, a car was stopped in the other lane, for no apparent reason, and when I drove out several minutes later, it was still there. A Ranger truck and another car were coming in toward me, so I had to stop and wait. Well, the Ranger stopped to see what was the matter, and the car took off like a shot leaving lots of smoke behind!! Looked like something fishy was going on. Anyway, I saw an anhinga and several great white herons , looking beautiful as they dined on whatever they could catch! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 6:27-31
Love for Enemies
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 hurt you. If
someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other
cheek. I 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I took my city payment to the P.O. yesterday, because our mail delivery is so erratic these days. Sometimes it doesn't come until after 6 in the evening. I usually pay everything online, but ever since I learned the city charges $1.00 if you pay them online, I usually send a check. I called about that, and the clerk was sympathetic, but could not change the rules. Doesn't make sense to me!
Anyway, after I left the P.O. I drove on to the park and saw a few more people out than the day before. Something strange happened. When I drove in, a car was stopped in the other lane, for no apparent reason, and when I drove out several minutes later, it was still there. A Ranger truck and another car were coming in toward me, so I had to stop and wait. Well, the Ranger stopped to see what was the matter, and the car took off like a shot leaving lots of smoke behind!! Looked like something fishy was going on. Anyway, I saw an anhinga and several great white herons , looking beautiful as they dined on whatever they could catch! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 6:27-31
Love for Enemies
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 hurt you. If
someone slaps you on one cheek, turn the other
cheek. I 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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