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 watched the weather report on the rest of the country this morning, and saw lots of snow in Minn. Flooding in Tenn. and other states and generally miserable situations all over except Florida. Once again we have lots of sun, and gentle, cool breezes, which suits me just fine!
My yard men came late yesterday morning, as did the garbage man, who did not come until 4 in the afternoon. So, I had to drag the dumpster back up instead of the yard man doing it. But I managed to do it, using my cane as a prop. While I was doing that, I saw across the street, the neighbors putting up Christmas lights and decorating.
I called my handy man, Rick, once again to remind him of the work I have for him, including putting up the lights. He will power wash the house and get it spiffy looking for Christmas and do a little trimming, plus cleaning out the gutter. There is always something that needs to be done!
Earlier in the afternoon, I drove to the car wash and got the deluxe wax, wash and blow dry for the van, so it looks a lot better, after being sprinkled on from the rain in Dunnellon. Then I stopped at the park and saw some people admiring the large tortoise. The canal was serene and full and the trees are shedding their leaves, so the road was pretty much covered. It looks a lot like fall! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no
grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails and the fields lie empty and
barren; even though the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet
I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
Philippians 4:4,12
Always be full of joy in the Lord.I say it again---rejoice! I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Joy is a choice, We may not realize it, but we choose our moods and our attitudes. God's promises in Christ are the basis for choosing joy no matter what we face.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Monday, November 30, 2015
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! We have another in our string of cool nights and very warm days! Just gorgeous weather! No rain is in sight and the humidity is lower, so we enjoy while we can!
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving...Brian and I had a nice trip to Dunnellon with a calm drive up the Suncoast Parkway to where it ends at Crystal River, where the traffic is usually heavy, but this time it was not, so we made it to our destination in two hours. My niece,, Kim, had prepared a wonderful meal, so my sister and other niece and great nephew stuffed ourselves with all the goodies! Suddenly, Spencer noticed it was raining! That was unexpected, but it soon stopped, the sun came out and it was very warm again.
We had a good trip back, going down 41 this time. It is just a two lane highway, but a beautiful drive going past cow pastures and horse farms; a part of rural Florida not visible very much any more with all the growth. We drove through historic Brooksville, with all the old Victorian homes...a nice little town. And then we came closer to home, traffic picked up and once more we were in the city! It was a good Thanksgiving and we were thankful for safe travel and family.
It was a good church service yesterday, even though Pastor Kevin did not preach. Instead, Pastor Dave, our interim brought the message. I think I had heard that one before, but maybe not. Anyway, I was met at the door with Billy holding one door open and Dan the other one.. Dan said he would walk me in, and so I took his arm, which helped me navigate the crowds in the hallway. We discussed the sorry state of the Gators and hopes for improvement and I expressed my feelings about not being independent so much any more and how to rely on other people. Dan gave me something to think about, by saying what a good feeling it gives people when they are able to help someone, so I don't feel like I am imposing any more. Dan is so thoughtful and a great friend. I am blessed!
I drove through Sawgrass later and saw a few wet turtles sunning on the banks of the weir. and further down, a large brown tortoise sitting by his home and preparing to crawl in, which he did. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where does Joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah continued, " Go and celebrate
with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share
gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared.
This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected
and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
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 exalt over you by singing a happy song.
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on
circumstance nor on our 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving...Brian and I had a nice trip to Dunnellon with a calm drive up the Suncoast Parkway to where it ends at Crystal River, where the traffic is usually heavy, but this time it was not, so we made it to our destination in two hours. My niece,, Kim, had prepared a wonderful meal, so my sister and other niece and great nephew stuffed ourselves with all the goodies! Suddenly, Spencer noticed it was raining! That was unexpected, but it soon stopped, the sun came out and it was very warm again.
We had a good trip back, going down 41 this time. It is just a two lane highway, but a beautiful drive going past cow pastures and horse farms; a part of rural Florida not visible very much any more with all the growth. We drove through historic Brooksville, with all the old Victorian homes...a nice little town. And then we came closer to home, traffic picked up and once more we were in the city! It was a good Thanksgiving and we were thankful for safe travel and family.
It was a good church service yesterday, even though Pastor Kevin did not preach. Instead, Pastor Dave, our interim brought the message. I think I had heard that one before, but maybe not. Anyway, I was met at the door with Billy holding one door open and Dan the other one.. Dan said he would walk me in, and so I took his arm, which helped me navigate the crowds in the hallway. We discussed the sorry state of the Gators and hopes for improvement and I expressed my feelings about not being independent so much any more and how to rely on other people. Dan gave me something to think about, by saying what a good feeling it gives people when they are able to help someone, so I don't feel like I am imposing any more. Dan is so thoughtful and a great friend. I am blessed!
I drove through Sawgrass later and saw a few wet turtles sunning on the banks of the weir. and further down, a large brown tortoise sitting by his home and preparing to crawl in, which he did. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where does Joy come from?
Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah continued, " Go and celebrate
with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share
gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared.
This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected
and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
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 exalt over you by singing a happy song.
Our joy springs from God's love, which is not dependent on
circumstance nor on our 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.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
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 another chilly morning , but the temps will gradually warm up to the seventies and be close to eighty by Thursday. My hands and feet get cold when the house is cool, so today I had the furnace on for a few minutes; the first time since last winter.
This will be the last time this week I will be sending a devotional/blog, since I have a lot to do and need to catch up with things I have been putting off. So, here is a prayer from the little Guideposts Prayer Companion, Filled With Joy;
I approach your throne of grace, this day, God,
not to ask--You know I do plenty of that--but to
praise. I praise You for the shoes on my feet. I
praise You for the pillow beneath my head last night.
I praise You for the breath in my lungs, the shirt
on my back, and whatever wits remain in my brain.
Thank You for the many bounties I've taken for granted.
Thank You for those who have been kind to me. Thank You
for those who have taught me, prayed for me, put up
with me, and, yes, corrected me when I've strayed. I
even thank You for the hard times, the losses, and the pains.
I don't understand them, but I'm grateful for Your
hand in every dark valley.
Thank You for the Bible and Your precious wisdom there. Thank You
for Jesus , the Lamb of God, my Redeemer and my Friend.
Thank You for that glorious land beyond life's veil, where
I shall one day open my eyes and breathe celestial air,
and see my Savior face to face.
I'm not asking today, Lord. I'm praising , and I'm thanking.
And I'm declaring that You've been better to me than I've
ever deserved.
Amen.
-Bill Giovannetti
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
This will be the last time this week I will be sending a devotional/blog, since I have a lot to do and need to catch up with things I have been putting off. So, here is a prayer from the little Guideposts Prayer Companion, Filled With Joy;
I approach your throne of grace, this day, God,
not to ask--You know I do plenty of that--but to
praise. I praise You for the shoes on my feet. I
praise You for the pillow beneath my head last night.
I praise You for the breath in my lungs, the shirt
on my back, and whatever wits remain in my brain.
Thank You for the many bounties I've taken for granted.
Thank You for those who have been kind to me. Thank You
for those who have taught me, prayed for me, put up
with me, and, yes, corrected me when I've strayed. I
even thank You for the hard times, the losses, and the pains.
I don't understand them, but I'm grateful for Your
hand in every dark valley.
Thank You for the Bible and Your precious wisdom there. Thank You
for Jesus , the Lamb of God, my Redeemer and my Friend.
Thank You for that glorious land beyond life's veil, where
I shall one day open my eyes and breathe celestial air,
and see my Savior face to face.
I'm not asking today, Lord. I'm praising , and I'm thanking.
And I'm declaring that You've been better to me than I've
ever deserved.
Amen.
-Bill Giovannetti
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, November 23, 2015
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! Brrr! I know some people are very happy to have this chilly weather, but I am not one of them. I guess I don't move fast enough any more to keep the blood circulating so it helps keep me warm. I know the fifties aren't very cold to most people, but it's cold to me! But the sun is shining and it will warm up to almost 70 today, so it is a beautiful day!
We had a powerful wrap up sermon in the Love Illuminated series that Pastor Kevin has been preaching for the past fifteen weeks. I have learned a lot from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd letters of John that I had never thought about before. Good stuff!
I did not go back for the chili dinner and decorating the church afterwards last night. I don't cook chili any more and am not comfortable driving at night, so instead I stayed home and watched the Packers win! Yay!
On my way home from Boston Market after church, I stopped in at the Library to drop off a book at the book drop. There are two metal containers, one short and one taller which accommodates vans and trucks very well, but someone hit the short one some time ago and put a large dent in it, and I noticed another crinkle in it yesterday. Seems like a lot of poor drivers use the book drop. I also noticed a car parked in the lot with the windows covered. It looked like someone had slept there overnight. I hate to think of homeless people forced to use a parking lot just to sleep in, especially at Thanksgiving time.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, I just love the Publix commercial with all the vignettes pictured of families making the big meal and all the human mishaps and joys that happen. Makes my eyes moist. They are up there with the Super Bowl Clydesdale commercials! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 34: 8-10
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him reverence
for those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will never go hungry.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had a powerful wrap up sermon in the Love Illuminated series that Pastor Kevin has been preaching for the past fifteen weeks. I have learned a lot from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd letters of John that I had never thought about before. Good stuff!
I did not go back for the chili dinner and decorating the church afterwards last night. I don't cook chili any more and am not comfortable driving at night, so instead I stayed home and watched the Packers win! Yay!
On my way home from Boston Market after church, I stopped in at the Library to drop off a book at the book drop. There are two metal containers, one short and one taller which accommodates vans and trucks very well, but someone hit the short one some time ago and put a large dent in it, and I noticed another crinkle in it yesterday. Seems like a lot of poor drivers use the book drop. I also noticed a car parked in the lot with the windows covered. It looked like someone had slept there overnight. I hate to think of homeless people forced to use a parking lot just to sleep in, especially at Thanksgiving time.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, I just love the Publix commercial with all the vignettes pictured of families making the big meal and all the human mishaps and joys that happen. Makes my eyes moist. They are up there with the Super Bowl Clydesdale commercials! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 34: 8-10
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!
Let the Lord's people show him reverence
for those who honor him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will never go hungry.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, November 20, 2015
Phippin' thru Philippians
Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We finally had a little rain which lasted throughout the night..not much, but just enough to dampen down the pollen, which is good. It is overcast again this morning, because a cold front is coming this weekend, and we will have our first really fall weather. By Monday, we will have lows in the fifties! I will probably have to turn the furnace on for the first time since early in this year.
I went with a group from church yesterday to an early Thanksgiving lunch at Miller's in Bradenton. The church had hired a Martz bus for all 36 of us, which was very comfortable. It was tough for us with canes and walkers navigating the steps we had to climb to get in, but there were sturdy men to help us getting on and off . Sitting up high in the bus, gives a good view of the water as we drove over the Skyway. I did not see any boats, but since it was a weekday, that may have cut down on the boating. However, there were numerous people fishing from both ends of the old bridge.
The restaurant was not very crowded, and the servers had us set up with a long table , booths, and another table in the back. We had a surprise waiting for us, as Pastor Dave and Kay came up from Venice to be with us. We all enjoyed a turkey dinner and our choice of desserts. I chose to bring mine home along with leftovers. That was a lot more than I usually eat at lunch! I felt very well cared for, with Kathy as she constantly looked after me, and Hazel sat beside me as we chatted. I was so glad I went! My thanks to Kathy for organizing the lunch!
After we got back, I took my books back to the library, and dropped them in the book deposit, without going in to check out more. I have to do that today. Then I drove on to the park and saw lots of ibis on the way. Also, yesterday, as I drove around Lynch Lake, I noticed that the wood storks are back. There were a couple of them almost hidden in the flock of ibis! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 2:14-
In everything you do, stay away from complaining
and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of
complaint against you. You are to live clean, innocent
lives as children of God, in a dark world full of perverse
people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I went with a group from church yesterday to an early Thanksgiving lunch at Miller's in Bradenton. The church had hired a Martz bus for all 36 of us, which was very comfortable. It was tough for us with canes and walkers navigating the steps we had to climb to get in, but there were sturdy men to help us getting on and off . Sitting up high in the bus, gives a good view of the water as we drove over the Skyway. I did not see any boats, but since it was a weekday, that may have cut down on the boating. However, there were numerous people fishing from both ends of the old bridge.
The restaurant was not very crowded, and the servers had us set up with a long table , booths, and another table in the back. We had a surprise waiting for us, as Pastor Dave and Kay came up from Venice to be with us. We all enjoyed a turkey dinner and our choice of desserts. I chose to bring mine home along with leftovers. That was a lot more than I usually eat at lunch! I felt very well cared for, with Kathy as she constantly looked after me, and Hazel sat beside me as we chatted. I was so glad I went! My thanks to Kathy for organizing the lunch!
After we got back, I took my books back to the library, and dropped them in the book deposit, without going in to check out more. I have to do that today. Then I drove on to the park and saw lots of ibis on the way. Also, yesterday, as I drove around Lynch Lake, I noticed that the wood storks are back. There were a couple of them almost hidden in the flock of ibis! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Philippians 2:14-
In everything you do, stay away from complaining
and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of
complaint against you. You are to live clean, innocent
lives as children of God, in a dark world full of perverse
people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Protection
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 forecast is for rain later on today, but right now the sun is bright and puffy, white clouds are floating around. It is very warm and expected to go to 87 as we look forward to another record setting day.
Well, I had another adventure yesterday. One I could do without. I decided to go to KMart for some reason. Just had not been there for a couple years and will not go back. I had to park a little distance from the entrance, but walked in and secured a cart, then shopped all over, but did not see anything I really liked, so just bought a bottle of lotion, paid for it, and went out.Instead of going straight out down the slope, I pushed the cart along the walkway in front of the store. There is a yellow painted stripe all along the edge and I thought it was level with the street. Wrong!
As I pushed the cart to the edge it tilted sideways, and started to tip over, so I grabbed at it and then I tipped over and down I went, landing on my right elbow and knee.Right away, two kind people came and helped me up, then the man went on his way, but the woman held tightly to my arm and was giving instructions to just let me stand a few minutes. I don't even know what she looked like, because I could not even look at her face., but she was surely an angel the way she took charge. One of the Kmart workers came out and had to take info for their report. He asked if I wanted an ambulance, and I said no, because I was not hurt that much. So, He took me inside and I sat on a bench while he got a Band-Aid for my elbow, which was bleeding a little and then took down the info he needed. I told him I did not want the insurance people to call, because there was no need.So, by that time, I was ready to go home. I was not shaken up, just stinging a bit on my knee from two small scraped spots, but today my elbow looks terrible. That's the same arm the books fell on at the library and that bruise is still large and ugly. I am still a little tender on the right side, but was so blessed that it was not any worse!
So I got home safely and took a pain pill for the aches and today I am feeling none the worse for wear. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where can I find protection and safety?
Psalm 121:2-8
My help comes from the Lord who made the heavens and the earth!
He will not let you stumble and fall. The one who watches over you
will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and
never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands
beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by
day nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and
preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come
and go both now and forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, I had another adventure yesterday. One I could do without. I decided to go to KMart for some reason. Just had not been there for a couple years and will not go back. I had to park a little distance from the entrance, but walked in and secured a cart, then shopped all over, but did not see anything I really liked, so just bought a bottle of lotion, paid for it, and went out.Instead of going straight out down the slope, I pushed the cart along the walkway in front of the store. There is a yellow painted stripe all along the edge and I thought it was level with the street. Wrong!
As I pushed the cart to the edge it tilted sideways, and started to tip over, so I grabbed at it and then I tipped over and down I went, landing on my right elbow and knee.Right away, two kind people came and helped me up, then the man went on his way, but the woman held tightly to my arm and was giving instructions to just let me stand a few minutes. I don't even know what she looked like, because I could not even look at her face., but she was surely an angel the way she took charge. One of the Kmart workers came out and had to take info for their report. He asked if I wanted an ambulance, and I said no, because I was not hurt that much. So, He took me inside and I sat on a bench while he got a Band-Aid for my elbow, which was bleeding a little and then took down the info he needed. I told him I did not want the insurance people to call, because there was no need.So, by that time, I was ready to go home. I was not shaken up, just stinging a bit on my knee from two small scraped spots, but today my elbow looks terrible. That's the same arm the books fell on at the library and that bruise is still large and ugly. I am still a little tender on the right side, but was so blessed that it was not any worse!
So I got home safely and took a pain pill for the aches and today I am feeling none the worse for wear. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where can I find protection and safety?
Psalm 121:2-8
My help comes from the Lord who made the heavens and the earth!
He will not let you stumble and fall. The one who watches over you
will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and
never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands
beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by
day nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and
preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come
and go both now and forever.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
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! I heard the meteorologist say yesterday that this is the 21st day for temps. that are above normal for this time of the year. Once again we have sun, breezes and humidity, so it's not time for winter clothes yet.
I took a walk around the outside of the house yesterday..got a lot of sun, but was glad for the shade from the oaks.I don't usually walk in the yard, because of uneven ground, which is difficult with the cane, but I used Louis' three wheeled walker and that gave me the balance I needed. I noticed the beauty berry bush was in full bloom with lots of purple berries on it for the birds to enjoy!
I also went to the park later on, and saw a few cars, but not any wildlife. Only the two and four legged kind...people walking their dogs. But it was very peaceful and I enjoyed the quiet. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 139:1-6
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.
too great for me to know!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I took a walk around the outside of the house yesterday..got a lot of sun, but was glad for the shade from the oaks.I don't usually walk in the yard, because of uneven ground, which is difficult with the cane, but I used Louis' three wheeled walker and that gave me the balance I needed. I noticed the beauty berry bush was in full bloom with lots of purple berries on it for the birds to enjoy!
I also went to the park later on, and saw a few cars, but not any wildlife. Only the two and four legged kind...people walking their dogs. But it was very peaceful and I enjoyed the quiet. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 139:1-6
O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my every thought when far away.
You chart the path ahead of me
and tell me where to stop and rest.
Every moment you know where I am.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You both precede and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.
too great for me to know!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving,
joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)