Wednesday, December 9, 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! It is overcast but the sun is trying to peek through and the temp is predicted to be in the high seventies, so it will be another beautiful day in St. Petersburg.

I stayed busy most of the day yesterday,..got my laundry done and as I was taking towels out of the dryer, I heard the rumble of the recycle bin coming up from the curb. this time I caught Cheryl, my across the street friend, bringing my bin back. She is so thoughtful to do that! Some days are good walking/balance days for me and some not so good, but I was going to try to drag it up myself, so she saved me the trouble.

I got out later on and visited the park which had quite a lot of activity going on, with lots of people on the bridge, and others walking and pushing strollers, etc.. A man in a pick up was feeding the squirrels, who were sitting in a circle in the street, waiting for him to throw out food. This is a no-no, but people do it anyway. I even saw a woman feeding the alligators many years ago, but she denied it saying she was feeding the fish and could not help it if the gators ate it!

On the way back home, I saw a flock of seagulls and ibis at Lynch Lake with ducks resting under the clump of trees . God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 145:15-18
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:
you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand,
you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing...


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, December 8, 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! This is another perfect day as was yesterday, A little chilly for me because I am sitting and not getting my blood warmed up, but outside the sun is shining and the temp has warmed up to the low seventies. Very invigorating!

I have a lot to do today, including shopping, but first I have laundry to do. Brian came over to help me get more decorations out, and he also put the recycle bin at the curb. It was full this time.

Last night I was in the living room reading the paper, when I heard a loud "beep, beep.." it sounded like it was coming from the bedroom, so I got up and checked and all was quiet. I had had a happening with the computer a couple nights ago when it had the same loud beep and a full screen warning came on telling me to call an 888 number for tech help. I thought it was the same problem, but then I heard the same thing while having breakfast this morning. It turns out that it was the car across the street and the noise came from the alarm!  Maybe a child is playing with the keys...

I was on the road a lot for me yesterday, with stops at the library, the cleaners...dropping off my summer Amish quilt for its annual cleaning, and then back to the library to choose a few more books. As I was coming out a woman with two elementary children with her complimented me on my pink and black top. Unexpected things like that are day brighteners!

After leaving the library, I drove to the Park and saw lots of activity with the middle sized gopher  escaping into the underbrush and an anhinga on his favorite perch drying out the wings. On the way home, I passed Lynch Lake where a large flock of ibis was resting and ducks were taking a siesta. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 138:6-8
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
but he keeps his distance from the proud.
Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will preserve me against the anger of my
enemies.
You will clench your fist against my angry enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life---
for your faithful love , O Lord, endures forever.
Don't abandon me, for you made me.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Monday, December 7, 2015

Roamin' thru Romans

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 was surprised to feel the cool air this morning when I arose...did not expect it. The weather is in the high sixties and the sky is blue with a few white clouds. Still dry, though,  and, once again, we will be in the fifties tomorrow morning, but warming up to the high seventies. Just perfect weather!

I heard a buzzing noise which I thought was coming from the fridge, while I was eating a bowl of oatmeal, but got up to check and found out my yard crew was here early. They just edged, blew off the leaves and left, but I was glad they blew all the leaves off the front porch. I'm sure they love this weather!

We had another good worship service yesterday. Seems the closer it gets to Christmas, the more people come, which is good!   I like the singing and am happy they are including the Christmas carols, now. Pastor Kevin had a very funny story about sliding down a snowy, icy hill in Minn. one winter with all the family, which led to his sermon about JOY!  I love the fact that his voice is loud and clear and I have no trouble understanding him.

I visited the Park Saturday and yesterday. Sat. there were very few people there, but yesterday it was a good crowd, because the weather was so good. A few visitors are showing up now, but still a lot of natives use the park. I saw the large gopher tortoise again and a large flock of ibis. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 15:13 
(one of my favorite verses)
And I pray that the God who gives you hope
will keep you happy and full of peace as you
trust in him. May you overflow  with hope
through the power of the Holy Spirit.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Friday, December 4, 2015

The Lord's 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! When I got up I thought it was raining, everything was so dark, but it was just cloudy and soon the sun came out. Now, it is cool with temps only in the low seventies, and a cooler breeze blowing, so, to me, that means long sleeves.

Well, the Hallmark Christmas stories have been keeping me up beyond my usual bedtime, but last night, it was the Packers! What a nail biting ending to the game! Go Packers!

I did a little shopping yesterday and still forgot a couple things on my list, so will have to go out again today. ( I just took a break to watch a bluejay peeking in and out of the thick hedge outside my window. He is looking for berries, which are all gone.)

My dumpster was full of branches and trimmings that Rick had put in it, so after it was emptied I did not think I was up to dragging it back to its usual place, so it was sitting there when I left to shop, but when I got back it was put in its spot outside the garage. I called the "good fairy" who lives across the street, and thanked her for putting it back. She is so thoughtful to do that! Brian had told me to text him if I needed him to put it back. I am blessed with helpers.

I drove to the Park and noticed very few people there. I think they were all shopping because the parking lots I drove by, were pretty busy!  The canal was full and cool looking with the leaning oak trees shedding their leaves on their reflections, and the squirrels were running about, zipping up the trees. I saw an anhinga perched on a bush by the entrance lake just airing out his wings. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father in heaven,
May your name be honored.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done here on earth,
just as it is in heaven.
Give us our food for today,
and forgive us our sins,
just as we have forgiven those who
have sinned against us.
And don't let us yield to temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Amen


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Weary

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 clouds covering the sun once in awhile, but no rain as was predicted and, so far, no cool air. The temp is already up to 79, but should keep dropping during the day.

I had company inside and out yesterday. My cleaning ladies came at 1 and told me about a person going door to door asking for money. Kim thinks she is using the money for drugs, but that's just a guess. She has not come to my door, and, hopefully, will not. But it pays to be cautious.

About an hour after they left, Rick came and power washed the house, cleaned out the rain gutter, trimmed an oak tree out of the hedge, and then strung up the mismatching Christmas lights. He worked until almost dark, and was worth every penny!

I am so thankful and blessed to have people I can count on to do what needs to be done since I am unable to take care of these things any more ! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Who can help me when I grow weary?

Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to those who are tired and worn out;
He offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become
exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who
wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high
on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.


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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Choose 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 sun and breezes today, but a cold front is moving down from Tallahassee and the prediction is for some rain and cooler weather the rest of the week.

Well, since the house will be power washed today, seems fitting that it will rain tomorrow. Actually, we could use some rain, because we haven't had any for a week or two. My amaryllis plants are looking very healthy this year from all the rain we have had previously, so I hope that means some blooms later on.

I did a lot around the house yesterday, so did not get out. I washed sheets and towels, then finished one book and started another, which I will finish today. I also have to finish up the indoor decorating. Sigh. I just have to motivate myself to get moving!

I see the squirrels zipping up and down the oak trees out front and wish I had some of their energy. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

James 1:2
Dear Brothers and Sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be
and opportunity for joy.


Troubles remind us of two things; first, they remind us that this is a fallen world, full of futility and frustration. Second, they remind us to turn to a God who will never disappoint us. God promises lasting joy for all those who believe in him. This kind of joy stays with us despite our problems.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

How Can I be joyful in hard times?

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