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 surely we would get some rain yesterday, but even though there were very dark clouds in the northwest, nothing happened. Sigh. Maybe today.
I had to run some errands yesterday, so after I got through, I remembered that the grand opening of the newly rebuilt Wendy's was scheduled, so I decided to check it out, and get a chocolate Frosty.I did not go inside, but was impressed by the outside drive thru that is now totally covered. It looked like they were doing a booming business, even though it was the middle of the afternoon! It only took about two months or more to get the old one torn down and the new one built. Fast work!
Traffic was really heavy, so apparently not all the tourists have gone home, yet. Or maybe these were local people out on jobs. I know the Rays are back in town, but it was too early for people to be headed to the Trop.
I noticed that two Sunoco stations and a convenience store have closed recently. It will be interesting to see what is done with those properties. One is in a prime 4th st. location, and the other on M. L. King St.
I was enjoying the beauty of two massive jacaranda trees on the way home. There are other smaller trees, but these are old and fully in bloom with the beautiful lavender blossoms not yet falling on the ground. Takes my breath away! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 12:27-32
Look at the lilies and how they grow.
They don't work and make their clothing,
yet Solomon in all his glory was not
dressed as beautifully as they are. And if
God cares so wonderfully for flowers that
are here today and gone tomorrow , won't he
more surely care for you? You have so
little faith! And don't worry about food--what
to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God
will provide it for you. These things dominate
the thoughts of most people, but your Father
already knows your needs. He will give you all you need
from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God
your primary concern.
So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives the Father
great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in
my prayers with thanksgiving, love and joy!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Monday, April 25, 2016
Money and Possessions
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 day is like yesterday and all the rest of the week; Just very warm sunshine and a few puffy clouds. We really need rain, but maybe May will bring showers!
Well, I attended my church's family, congregational meeting last night and heard how the remodeling is progressing, including moving the kitchen, and installing new chairs and carpeting.The new lighting is already installed, which is an improvement. The best news is that we have an average of 400 in attendance every Sunday, and the parking lot is always full. As we keep growing, three services are in our future and possibly a building program in another year or so! The Holy Spirit is working mightily! Thirty new and returning former members were accepted into membership last night. Glory!
After a powerful church service yesterday morning, I headed for the park and found lots of people enjoying the very warm day. I drove around Lynch Lake and saw ibis, anhingas, egrets and ducks munching and swimming...a very active lake. Saturday I exchanged books at the Library, which was quiet, but lots of people were using the computers. The bookshelves are constantly being rearranged, because of adding new books and eliminating some of the older ones by selling them. It is a very, busy place. I see what looks like homeless people stopping by to get a drink and use the facilities and just rest. It is an oasis in a busy world. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 12:27-32
Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So
I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether
you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For
life consists of far more than food or clothing. Look
at the ravens, they don't need to plant or harvest or
put food in barns, because God feeds them. And you
are far more valuable to him than any birds.Can all your
worries add a single minute to your life? Of course not!
And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use
of worrying over bigger things?...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs.
Amaryllis
Well, I attended my church's family, congregational meeting last night and heard how the remodeling is progressing, including moving the kitchen, and installing new chairs and carpeting.The new lighting is already installed, which is an improvement. The best news is that we have an average of 400 in attendance every Sunday, and the parking lot is always full. As we keep growing, three services are in our future and possibly a building program in another year or so! The Holy Spirit is working mightily! Thirty new and returning former members were accepted into membership last night. Glory!
After a powerful church service yesterday morning, I headed for the park and found lots of people enjoying the very warm day. I drove around Lynch Lake and saw ibis, anhingas, egrets and ducks munching and swimming...a very active lake. Saturday I exchanged books at the Library, which was quiet, but lots of people were using the computers. The bookshelves are constantly being rearranged, because of adding new books and eliminating some of the older ones by selling them. It is a very, busy place. I see what looks like homeless people stopping by to get a drink and use the facilities and just rest. It is an oasis in a busy world. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Luke 12:27-32
Then turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "So
I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether
you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For
life consists of far more than food or clothing. Look
at the ravens, they don't need to plant or harvest or
put food in barns, because God feeds them. And you
are far more valuable to him than any birds.Can all your
worries add a single minute to your life? Of course not!
And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use
of worrying over bigger things?...
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs.
Amaryllis
Thursday, April 21, 2016
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! We have another breezy, sunshiny, cool in the morning, very warm in the afternoon, day, just like the ones we have had all week!
My cleaning ladies came late yesterday, so we caught up on news as they worked. They had to use my vacuum as theirs broke, which I don't mind at all, since mine does not get any use much any more. I don't usually track much dirt in with my comings and goings.
I have not been watching the Rays as much this year as last year, for some reason. I like to watch Kevin Kiermaier play and a couple of the others, but they got rid of so many of my favorites, it doesn't seem like the same team any more. And Chris Archer definitely has problems with his pitching so I hope he works it out soon.A baseball game doesn't really matter in the whole scheme of things, but it is a nice diversion from everyday cares.
So, just before I called her this morning, Cheryl called to tell me my porch light was still on. I thought I had turned it off when I picked up the paper from the chair at the front door. Anyway, I was going to call her to tell her that Kim had left a roll of paper towels and Endust behind when she was cleaning, so I put them on the chair so Cheryl could pick them up before they took off for the day. Once in a while they leave other things behind, but it's no problem as long as it's my house, because I am right across the street! God is good!!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Romans 7:7-13
Don't just pretend that you love others.
Really love them. Hate what is wrong.
Stand on the side of the good. Love each
other with genuine affection, and take
delight in honoring each other. Never
be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord
enthusiastically.
Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be
patient in trouble , and always be prayerful.
When God's children are in need, be the one
to help them out. And get into the habit of
inviting guests home for dinner, or, if they
need lodging, for the night.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My cleaning ladies came late yesterday, so we caught up on news as they worked. They had to use my vacuum as theirs broke, which I don't mind at all, since mine does not get any use much any more. I don't usually track much dirt in with my comings and goings.
I have not been watching the Rays as much this year as last year, for some reason. I like to watch Kevin Kiermaier play and a couple of the others, but they got rid of so many of my favorites, it doesn't seem like the same team any more. And Chris Archer definitely has problems with his pitching so I hope he works it out soon.A baseball game doesn't really matter in the whole scheme of things, but it is a nice diversion from everyday cares.
So, just before I called her this morning, Cheryl called to tell me my porch light was still on. I thought I had turned it off when I picked up the paper from the chair at the front door. Anyway, I was going to call her to tell her that Kim had left a roll of paper towels and Endust behind when she was cleaning, so I put them on the chair so Cheryl could pick them up before they took off for the day. Once in a while they leave other things behind, but it's no problem as long as it's my house, because I am right across the street! God is good!!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Romans 7:7-13
Don't just pretend that you love others.
Really love them. Hate what is wrong.
Stand on the side of the good. Love each
other with genuine affection, and take
delight in honoring each other. Never
be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord
enthusiastically.
Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be
patient in trouble , and always be prayerful.
When God's children are in need, be the one
to help them out. And get into the habit of
inviting guests home for dinner, or, if they
need lodging, for the night.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
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! There is nothing new to report on the weather..another beautiful day with lower humidity and lots of sun! It is cool enough in the morning that the A/C does not cycle on until later in the afternoon, so that is good.
It looks like my yard crew has changed their days to Tuesdays instead of Mondays, since they came Tues. last week, and yesterday they came just as I was leaving to go shopping. I actually never gave them a thought on Monday. It doesn't matter to me when they come, because they always do a good job.
I went to Disston Shopping Center where the air is always filled with the aroma of Little Italy pizza. I had already had lunch, so while it smelled good, I was not tempted. I had a not very pleasant encounter with a sales clerk in the medical supply store, who lectured me on how not to walk with my walker. I did not come in for a lecture and had not been in for five minutes when she started in. I have no idea what ruffled her feathers, but from then on, our conversation went down hill.
After I completed my business there, I went to a dress shop where the atmosphere was totally different! A very helpful sales associate, who was eager to please, and a gentleman who had held the door for me as he saw I was having difficulty opening it, helped to wipe away the unpleasantness of the previous store encounter. The man who opened the door for me was not a customer, just a passer by. A random act of kindness!
After I finished there, I headed for home, but stopped off at the park to see quite a few visitors enjoying the beautiful weather and the colors of St. Petersburg in the spring; jacaranda trees, Fla. orchid trees, bougainvillea, and golden rain trees, are part of the color. I was ready for some gelato when I finally came home! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 139:17,18,-23,24
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God!
They are innumerable!
I can't even count them:'
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up in the morning,
you are still with me!
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of
everlasting life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
It looks like my yard crew has changed their days to Tuesdays instead of Mondays, since they came Tues. last week, and yesterday they came just as I was leaving to go shopping. I actually never gave them a thought on Monday. It doesn't matter to me when they come, because they always do a good job.
I went to Disston Shopping Center where the air is always filled with the aroma of Little Italy pizza. I had already had lunch, so while it smelled good, I was not tempted. I had a not very pleasant encounter with a sales clerk in the medical supply store, who lectured me on how not to walk with my walker. I did not come in for a lecture and had not been in for five minutes when she started in. I have no idea what ruffled her feathers, but from then on, our conversation went down hill.
After I completed my business there, I went to a dress shop where the atmosphere was totally different! A very helpful sales associate, who was eager to please, and a gentleman who had held the door for me as he saw I was having difficulty opening it, helped to wipe away the unpleasantness of the previous store encounter. The man who opened the door for me was not a customer, just a passer by. A random act of kindness!
After I finished there, I headed for home, but stopped off at the park to see quite a few visitors enjoying the beautiful weather and the colors of St. Petersburg in the spring; jacaranda trees, Fla. orchid trees, bougainvillea, and golden rain trees, are part of the color. I was ready for some gelato when I finally came home! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 139:17,18,-23,24
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God!
They are innumerable!
I can't even count them:'
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up in the morning,
you are still with me!
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of
everlasting life.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Joshua's charge
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 a duplicate of yesterday's weather and the same will continue throughout the week. Lower humidity, breezes and lots of sun! Paradise!
I heard mockingbirds singing so loudly while I was in the kitchen, I thought they were inside. For some reason, the birds seem to be happier this spring, which is good. When Brian stopped by Saturday, we were out by his car, when he saw a squirrel fall out of the oak tree right over our heads. I didn't see the fall, but I saw the little critter zoom across the yard afterwards. Apparently it takes a lot to hurt a squirrel!
Well, I have finished five of the six books I checked out from the library last week, and I am working on the sixth one. Sorry to say, when I get interested in a story, I let most everything go and just read. I am blessed to still have good eyesight!
That makes me think of the totally deaf model who is taking part on Dancing With the Stars. I watched him last night and though he cannot hear the music, he waltzed perfectly! It is amazing how he can interpret the moves through hand gestures from his partner and follow her lead. He gets my vote! We can do anything if we try hard enough!
I need to get busy and empty the dryer and start moving, but God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Joshua 1:5-9
Be strong and courageous, for you will
lead my people to possess all the land
I swore to give their ancestors. Be strong
and very courageous. Obey all the laws
Moses gave you. Do not turn away from
them, and you will be successful in every-
thing you do.Study this book of the law
continually. Meditate on it day and night
so you may be sure to obey all that is written
in it. Only then will you succeed. I command
you---be strong and courageous! Do not be
afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God
is with you wherever you go.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I heard mockingbirds singing so loudly while I was in the kitchen, I thought they were inside. For some reason, the birds seem to be happier this spring, which is good. When Brian stopped by Saturday, we were out by his car, when he saw a squirrel fall out of the oak tree right over our heads. I didn't see the fall, but I saw the little critter zoom across the yard afterwards. Apparently it takes a lot to hurt a squirrel!
Well, I have finished five of the six books I checked out from the library last week, and I am working on the sixth one. Sorry to say, when I get interested in a story, I let most everything go and just read. I am blessed to still have good eyesight!
That makes me think of the totally deaf model who is taking part on Dancing With the Stars. I watched him last night and though he cannot hear the music, he waltzed perfectly! It is amazing how he can interpret the moves through hand gestures from his partner and follow her lead. He gets my vote! We can do anything if we try hard enough!
I need to get busy and empty the dryer and start moving, but God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Joshua 1:5-9
Be strong and courageous, for you will
lead my people to possess all the land
I swore to give their ancestors. Be strong
and very courageous. Obey all the laws
Moses gave you. Do not turn away from
them, and you will be successful in every-
thing you do.Study this book of the law
continually. Meditate on it day and night
so you may be sure to obey all that is written
in it. Only then will you succeed. I command
you---be strong and courageous! Do not be
afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God
is with you wherever you go.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, April 18, 2016
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! Cool nights and warm days continue with no rain expected for at least this week. This is not really good news, because this is the dry time of year and a little rain would help maybe just once a week. Not complaining, just wishing..
We had another good crowd at church yesterday. I thought maybe last week that the winter visitors had all left, but it seems like new people keep coming. Someone told me there were thirty people in the inquirer's class who are joining the church;. this is great! and I see more and more younger people coming, which is also great! I had to wait in the parking lot for about fifteen minutes before I could get in a parking space, but Pastor Kevin was fired up and preached a little over time...always worth listening to!
I did a little shopping over the weekend and visited the Park. Depending on the time of day, it is usually busy with visitors enjoying the lovely weather. Everything has greened up and looks so springlike..just like around the neighborhood. I passed one jacaranda tree in full bloom and it was so gorgeous! I love the lavender blooms! I checked and I I have three amaryllis which have bloomed out and about three left with one bud coming up! I am so happy that they bloomed this year! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 84:9-12
O God, look with favor upon the king,
our protector!
Have mercy on the one you have anointed.
A single day in your courts is better than
a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house
of my God than live the good life in the house
of the wicked.
For the Lord God is our light and protector.
He gives us grace and glory.
No good thing will the Lord withhold from
those who do what is right.
O Lord Almighty,
happy are those who trust in you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had another good crowd at church yesterday. I thought maybe last week that the winter visitors had all left, but it seems like new people keep coming. Someone told me there were thirty people in the inquirer's class who are joining the church;. this is great! and I see more and more younger people coming, which is also great! I had to wait in the parking lot for about fifteen minutes before I could get in a parking space, but Pastor Kevin was fired up and preached a little over time...always worth listening to!
I did a little shopping over the weekend and visited the Park. Depending on the time of day, it is usually busy with visitors enjoying the lovely weather. Everything has greened up and looks so springlike..just like around the neighborhood. I passed one jacaranda tree in full bloom and it was so gorgeous! I love the lavender blooms! I checked and I I have three amaryllis which have bloomed out and about three left with one bud coming up! I am so happy that they bloomed this year! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 84:9-12
O God, look with favor upon the king,
our protector!
Have mercy on the one you have anointed.
A single day in your courts is better than
a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house
of my God than live the good life in the house
of the wicked.
For the Lord God is our light and protector.
He gives us grace and glory.
No good thing will the Lord withhold from
those who do what is right.
O Lord Almighty,
happy are those who trust in you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, April 15, 2016
Jesus, The True Vine
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 overcast skies today with rain predicted for later and again tomorrow probably, but Sunday should be beautiful!
After I left my hair stylist yesterday, I stopped at CFA, got into line barely off the street, and prepared for a long wait to get to the window. But, the line moved quickly because the girl with the ipad menu was on the job in the heat, taking orders from the cars and trucks lined up, so it was only about ten minutes before I got to the window and got my chicken salad sandwich and frosty lemonade. Tasty!
After I had my lunch, I went on to Publix and did my grocery shopping. It was a good time to go, because there were not so many people at that time of day. The bag man did not offer to take me out, so I put all the groceries in the van, and by the time I unloaded at home, I was ready for a tiny rest. I had seen Breyer's gelato in the ice cream section, so I bought the raspberry cheesecake and had some with a non-sugar cinnamon loaf cake. Kinda defeats the whole diet idea, right?
I saw the white duck floating on Lynch Lake as I drove by, along with some smaller ducks. I could not see them well enough to tell what they were, but they looked very content riding the slightly choppy waves. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
John 15:9-15
I have loved you, even as the Father has loved me.
Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain
in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in
his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled
with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command
you to love each other in the same way that I love you.
And here is how to measure it--the greatest love is shown
when people lay down their lives for their friends. You
are my friends if you obey me. I no longer call you servants
because a master doesn't confide in his servants. Now you
are my friends ,since I have told you everything the Father
told me. You didn't choose me, I chose you. I appointed
you to go and produce fruit that will last , so that the Father
will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. I command
you to love each other.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
After I left my hair stylist yesterday, I stopped at CFA, got into line barely off the street, and prepared for a long wait to get to the window. But, the line moved quickly because the girl with the ipad menu was on the job in the heat, taking orders from the cars and trucks lined up, so it was only about ten minutes before I got to the window and got my chicken salad sandwich and frosty lemonade. Tasty!
After I had my lunch, I went on to Publix and did my grocery shopping. It was a good time to go, because there were not so many people at that time of day. The bag man did not offer to take me out, so I put all the groceries in the van, and by the time I unloaded at home, I was ready for a tiny rest. I had seen Breyer's gelato in the ice cream section, so I bought the raspberry cheesecake and had some with a non-sugar cinnamon loaf cake. Kinda defeats the whole diet idea, right?
I saw the white duck floating on Lynch Lake as I drove by, along with some smaller ducks. I could not see them well enough to tell what they were, but they looked very content riding the slightly choppy waves. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
John 15:9-15
I have loved you, even as the Father has loved me.
Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain
in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in
his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled
with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command
you to love each other in the same way that I love you.
And here is how to measure it--the greatest love is shown
when people lay down their lives for their friends. You
are my friends if you obey me. I no longer call you servants
because a master doesn't confide in his servants. Now you
are my friends ,since I have told you everything the Father
told me. You didn't choose me, I chose you. I appointed
you to go and produce fruit that will last , so that the Father
will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. I command
you to love each other.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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