Paul's advice

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's another beautiful, very warm day just like all the others, because this is almost summer time in Florida!

Well, after my visit to the Dr., I have a small scab on my nose and one on my right cheek. I did'n't even know he froze that spot! Also, an ugly bruise and scab on my left arm where he did a biopsy. I come out looking worse that when I go in. Sigh.

Both my yard crew and the recycling truck were here at the same time yesterday. Of course, the recycling truck was only here for as long as it took for the driver to come get the bin and empty it and then bring it back. But the yard looks good since it is mowed, (what grass I have left) and the twigs and stuff cleaned up.

I see lots of butterflies floating past my window..large yellow ones. They must be headed for the butterfly bush growing in the back yard. I think they are so pretty! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Remember that in a race, everyone runs, but
only one person gets the prize. You also must
run in such a way that you will win. All athletes
practice strict self -control. They do it to win a
prize that will fade away, but we do it for an
eternal prize. So I run straight to the goal with
purpose in every step. I am not like a boxer who
misses his punches. I discipline my body like an
athlete , training it to do what it should. Otherwise,
I fear that after preaching to others, I, myself, might
be disqualified.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Prowling thru Proverbs

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 ditto day today; that is, the same today as yesterday and probably tomorrow and the rest of the week. Sunny, and very warm!

My last amaryllis is blooming, which is unusual for this late in May, but I am so happy that they bloomed this year!

I did not send my blog yesterday, because of an early appointment with my dermatologist downtown. I go down 9th St to his office on 6th St. So. and zipped all the way down without stopping until I got to Central Ave. All green lights all the way! That does not happen often. As a result I arrived a bit early, but that did not mean I did not have to wait. Dr. Chris always runs late, so it was about 40 minutes before I actually saw him. Sitting with just a paper gown on is not comfy, as I always get cold. He always apologizes for being late, but not does not mollify me.I try not to be irritated with him, because he is thorough.  He did a couple biopsies and zapped a few more spots, as usual. Guess it doesn't matter how old I get, sun damage always pops up.

After I left his office, I took a cruise through beautiful downtown St. Petersburg. The waterfront was so beautiful, and people were walking around shopping and starting to find restaurants. Lots of outdoor seating on such a beautiful day!

Then I drove up busy 4th St. and thought I would pull into CFA to get a salad for lunch. Well, the line was out in the street, but moving quickly and the outside order taker was working her way around all the cars, so it was very efficient. It took about twenty minutes to get all the way around and by the time I got my order the line was so long out into 4th st, that I could not see to pull out into traffic. Finally, a nice alert driver in the mini-van waved me on, because she could see and I could not. Whew! Glad to get home! My frosty lemonade hit the spot with the salad!

God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Proverbs 2:11,3:21-26
Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will
keep you safe.

My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight.
Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring
you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way
and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down
without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams . You need not
be afraid of  disaster or the destruction that comes upon
the wicked for the Lord is your security. He will keep your
foot from being caught in a trap.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

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! We are having a very warm, humid, sunshiny day again, and it looks like this will be with us for another few days, so summer is here!

I was so sad to hear the news of Terry Tomalin's death yesterday. I so enjoyed his stories of outdoor adventures in the Tampa Bay Times over the years. He was the outdoors editor and went on many adventures, which he related well. I called him one day to ask for information about the best captain for taking children on a deep sea outing. He was very helpful and I appreciated his input. He leaves his wife and two children, and hundreds of friends...

I went to my podiatrist yesterday for my nine week visit and discovered two wheelchair patients in the small waiting room. It gets a little crowded when they are in there, but the waiting time was brief and I soon got in. I discovered he also knows my friend Phyllis and visits her at Bon Secours. Small world!

I avoided the construction part of 62nd Ave, en route to visit the Park and saw an ibis strolling across the road with something in its beak. It looked like a fat grub. Ah, lunch! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 139:23,24
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

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!  Well, it is 81 already at 10:30, so that means a warm, humid day is what is in store for us. But the breeze is blowing and the sun is shining, so that is a good thing.

I heard the doorbell while I was getting dressed and listening to Trent Harmon singing on my PC, so I checked through the peephole in the front door and sure enough, there was a man from TECO standing there wanting to inform me that they would be working in my backyard and the yards of the people in back of me, which I gave him permission to do.. I did not know the pipeline ran through the back yard.

I had a surprise late yesterday afternoon. Brian called unexpectedly and said he was just out of the eye doctor's office and invited me to dinner. His eyes were still dilated, so with the aid of a couple pair of sun glasses, he was able to drive. We went to Gigi's in time for the early bird special, which happened to be Eggplant Parmigiana for me, but Brian ordered a fish dish. Of course, I had a plate full of spaghetti along with the large helping of eggplant, so most of mine came home.

One of the things my cousins from England noticed was how large the helpings are over here.. They also said the price of "petrol" was much higher..But it was very thoughtful of Brian to take me out and I appreciate it very much! I am blessed!

I checked out the condition of 62nd Ave. yesterday and it was one long traffic jam, since traffic was down to one lane heading west, while the resurfacing was going on.  I turned off as soon as I could. I had come from the park, where a few people were enjoying the beauty and calmness of the green grass and trees. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 30:3-5,10-12
Sing to the Lord, all you godly ones!
Praise his holy name!
His anger lasts but a moment
but his favor lasts a lifetime!
Weeping may go on all night,
 but joy comes with the morning.

You have turned my mourning into joyful
dancing/
You have taken away my clothes of mourning
and clothed me with joy,
that I might sing praises to you and not be
silent.
O Lord my God, I will give you thanks
forever!

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Paul and Apollos

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 did not have nearly as much rain yesterday as I expected, and after the morning overcast cleared up, we now have a sunshiny, almost no wind day. It  looks like a great day for spending time at the beach for those who can stand the sun.

My cleaning ladies came yesterday, instead of today, and wanted to see the pics of Adam and Michelle that we took at our meeting. Speaking of them, they arrived back in UK a good eight hours after they left the USA. They were unable to sleep on the plane, but Michelle was happily reading all the way. They tried not to sleep after they got home, but gave in and napped for a couple hours, then had to go to work a short couple hours later. Jet lag is not fun!

I can relate to Michelle, since I am a reader, also. In fact, that is why I am so late this morning. I am almost finished with a book and really did not want to put it down! I had checked out five big novels at the library last week and have read 3, so far, but that means other stuff gets neglected. Oh, well, no one is checking up on me, so I am free to do as I wish! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Corinthians 3:5-9
Who is Apollos, and who is Paul, that we
should be the cause of such quarrels?
Why, we're only servants. Through us, God
caused you to believe. Each of us did the work
the Lord gave us. My job was to plant the seed
in your hearts and Apollos watered it, but it was
God, not we, who made it grow. The ones who
do the planting or watering aren't important
because he is the one who makes the seed grow.
The one who plants and the one who waters, work
as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be
rewarded individually, according to their own hard
work. We work as partners who belong to God. You
are God's field, God's building ---not ours..

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

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 today and a large area of rain is hovering a ways offshore, so we will have some rain this afternoon hopefully,. When I got the paper in this morning, I noticed we had already had a shower, which is good!

The last bloom on my amaryllis is bravely standing tall, while the others are long past their prime. I am really surprised that one is blooming this late in May, but it is still pretty. I noticed the crape myrtle trees are blooming now, at Steak and Shake, so mine may be doing the same. I have not been out back to check on it. I noticed a Royal Poinciana tree in full bloom last weekend, so this is a pretty time to be in St. Petersburg.

As I was driving down 4th St. to the cleaners, I could not help comparing the traffic to where we were on Saturday. I am thankful I do not live in Kissimmee! I am sure there may be quiet residential neighborhoods some place there, but where we were was so crowded with every fast food place you could imagine and even some rides at one place. Also, helicopter tours! Too much!

As I rounded Lynch Lake in the hot afternoon, I saw one ibis, and an anhinga airing out his wings. Then I drove on to the park with my strawberry milkshake and saw very few people, but a large, fat gopher tortoise munching on the grass near his tunnel home. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows,
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk
through the dark valley of death,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me,
 Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me,
in the presence of my enemies.
You welcome me as a guest,
anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing
love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

1 Timothy

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! Even the weather report said the day will be beautiful, although the humidity is back. But that's okay because the wind is gentle and the sun is shining off and on through the white clouds!

Well, we had quite an adventure Saturday. Brian and I left here shortly after 10 Am to head for Kissimmee to meet up with my cousin from England. Adam had done long and tedious research into our family tree on my father's side, and since there were twelve children, a lot of relatives turned up, which I had no knowledge of. We are scattered all over; CA, Bali, England, and other states. We had planned to meet at a Bob Evans, but found out the it was closed permanently, so Brian was able to call the number we had for Adam and Michelle and left a message for him to meet at the parking lot and change plans. (SIri was a big help)

It all worked out, because there was another Bob Evans about four miles away, so we drove there and had a patient waitress who didn't mind that we talked and talked before ordering. Then we just sat and talked some more. The waitress who was an older Asian lady, joined in and wanted to know where we were from. Afterwards, we adjourned to the entrance and did some more talking on the bench. By that time, the restaurant was mostly empty, so Adam asked the lady at bakery if she could take our pictures, which she was glad to do. She used all our iphones, so we got some great pics!Adam and Michelle are taking off back to Peterborough, UK today, but they have had a marvelous time visiting NYC, and Wash.DC. The time was short, but I am so happy that I got to meet them in person, after almost a year of emailing back and forth with memories and photos from the past of family on the farm in Middlebury, IN.

On the way up, on I-4, we were zipping along with fast heavy, three lane traffic, when all at once a hub cap, or wheel cover came flying by, narrowly missing us. PTL! Then, coming back we were missed by a soft drink can somebody tossed out! Other than those two narrow escapes, our trip was uneventful. But traffic was heavy coming and going, so I was glad to get home!

God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Tell those who are rich in this world, not to be
proud and not to trust in their money, which
will soon be gone. But their trust should be in
the Living God, who gives us all we need for
our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to
do good. They should be rich in good works and
should give generously to those in need, always
being ready to share with others whatever God has
given them. By doing this, they will be storing up
their treasure as a good foundation for the future
so that they may take hold of real life.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis