Flower Power

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 beautiful, dry day with lots of sunshine.The prediction is for rain this weekend and I really hope this is accurate!

I had a nice quiet day yesterday, folding some of the clothes I sorted out of one closet, reading and doing chores around the house. I went to the park and enjoyed the peace and quiet there for a while. Saw the gopher tortoise in position to head down into his tunnel. It must be quiet and cool deep into his home..the water is very low in the canal with lots of hydrilla, so a good rain would help to bring the water level up. 
 
There must be a beauty berry bush blooming somewhere, because there are purple splashes all over my sidewalk. I am glad I park my car in the garage! 
 
I think the Times carrier likes to sling the newspaper on the porch, because one of my poinsettias got clipped quite badly from the heavy Sunday paper. They rescued the paper and put it in front of the door, but the damage was done. I think the plant will survive, though. I appreciate that they are trying to put it on the porch after numerous calls asking them to. It was on the roof one morning, so they had to give me another one. But, they try, God is good!

From the devotional book ; Quiet Moments with God;  (BTW, Louis and I visited Bouchart Gardens about twenty years ago, and it is beautiful)

We dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves. But they measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise.
2 Corinthians 10:13 KJV

Butchart Gardens is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Victoria, British Columbia. The elaborate display dates back to 1904, when Jenny Bouchart decided to transform pat of her husband's limestone quarry into a sunken garden. Today it is open all year and includes a botanical array of breathtaking beauty.

When one walks through these delightful grounds, it is impossible to choose the most outstanding exhibition. The plants are obviously healthy and well attended. Each provides colorful blossoms that are distinct, yet make a significant contribution in the overall scheme and design.

Likewise, part of our spiritual growth is to realize our importance in God's garden, especially when we exercise the talents and abilities  He has given. Many feel inferior about their own gifts, and they compare themselves unfavorably with others. And yet God designs different people just as He created various kinds of flowers. The lily and the rose each have their own features. In fact, every blossom has its own unique characteristics. Tulips, lilacs, and hyacinths are not alike, yet each kind of flower adds a particular fragrance and beauty to any arrangement.

The same is true in life. Take a few moments  to make an inventory of your gifts. Then ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Through His power, you can make a difference in the lives of others as well as your own.

Give what you have to someone. 
It may be better than you dare to think.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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

Love and hugs, 
Amaryllis

Joggin' thru Joshua

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 day without much needed rain, but we still depend on God's timing to bring what we need. Because I did not water them, my amaryllis have all died, and I don't know if the bulbs have dried up or not. Shame on me for not watering!

We heard a powerful sermon yesterday from the president of the Alaska Christian College, and afterwards, I drove to the Park before going home. As I was marveling at the light and shadows, and the crowd of people milling around, all out to enjoy nature's beauty, Louis Armstrong's voice came over the radio singing, "What a wonderful world." Perfect!!

It was a nice, quiet weekend with a lot of reading accomplished and some tasks around the house..more closet cleaning and not much else, but God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:  (the theme of our sermon yesterday).

Joshua 1:3-9
I promise you what I promised Moses: Everywhere you go, you will be on land I have given you--from the Negev desert in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River on the east  to the Mediterranean Sea on the west and all the land of the Hittites. No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.

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 everything 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

Living in the Light

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 don't have any smoke like yesterday, but the sky is hazy and I hope that means a little rain later on. 

Dave, my yard man came yesterday, so since he comes about lunch time, I went to Subway to get a sandwich. I like to go to the one in Pinellas Park that has a drive-thru, so I had to wait through 3 lights at 70th Ave. and 34th St! I know traffic control likes to keep the heavy traffic moving on 34th, but the light only lets three cars through on the green, and the cars behind me were a block long. Really!! So, by the time I came home, the yard was mowed and Dave was blowing off the trimmings.

He was telling me the latest developments in his family. His Mom is in a nursing home, suffering from Alzheimer's and since we have known him such a long time, he watched Louis go through all the stages of Alz. and asks me questions about this horrible disease.Even though we don't share the same beliefs   my faith and his lack of... we have interesting conversations, and I enjoy our talks.

I took a ride to Sawgrass later on and saw the gopher tortoise venturing out onto the newly mowed path next to the parking lot and a tri-colored heron in the canal. I still like to see the white herons outlined against the green backgrounds. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 John 5:10
This is the message he has given us to announce to you: God is light and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living inspiritual darkness. We are not living in the truth. But if we are living in the light of God's  presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son cleanses us from every sin.

1 John 2:9-11
If anyone says," I am living in the light," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is still living in darkness. Anyone who loves other Christians is living in the light and does not cause anyone to stumble. Anyone who hates a Christian brother or sister is living and walking in darkness. Such a person is lost, having been blinded by the darkness. 

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

Love and hugs, 
Amaryllis

Philippians

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the smoky day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yes, it's very smoky out from the wildfires burning way up on the Fl/Ga line. It has cleared up just a little now, but the air is full of it and people are advised to say in if we have allergies or respiratory problems. The wind is blowing, so maybe some of it will turn and blow out of here.

I am expecting my yard man to come and hate for him to have to work outside. He was taking his racing pigeons fifty miles up, to get them ready for a race, but I don't know how pigeons react to smoky air. I went to the park yesterday and noticed that it had been freshly mowed and looked pretty good. On the way there, I saw a woodstork by Lynch lake and then lots of people once I got there. Leaning over the bridge, where there are always interesting things to see in the water, and walking dogs, running and just enjoying the weather.
 
Hard to believe it was expected to be freezing in TN this morning, when it has been so perfect here, but God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:
 
Philippians 4:3-9
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember the Lord is coming soon.

Don't worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
 
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs, 
Amaryllis

Easin' thru Ephesians

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 beautiful day of sunshine and clear skies with no promise of rain. But even though it has not been watered, the grass is growing and will have  to be mowed this week. I have seen many blooming trees and shrubs, though, so some things thrive with very little water.

I did some ironing yesterday...I always put that off as long as I can, but it really doesn't take much time. Then I went to Steak and Shake for a hot dog and had to wait so long in the drive thru line that I kept turning off the car, so I would not waste gas. But I enjoyed the dog when I finally got home. I really like a hot dog once in a while, even though they are not so healthy.

I went to the park later on, and saw quite a few tourists, with kids looking over the bridge and walking  around. It must be spring break some place, because this was during school hours. I saw the brown gopher tortoise at the entrance to his tunnel and a family walking around him to take a picture. A white ibis was posing in the canal and a tri-colored heron was a little further down. Squirrels were hanging around the cars parked in the circle, looking for handouts, so all was peaceful, though active! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Where do I find protection from the threat of evil?

Ephesians 6:10-18
Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world. against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realm. Use every piece of God's armor of God's righteousness. For shoes , put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

This is perhaps the Bible's most comprehensive teaching about the resources believers have to overcome evil. Spiritual forces lurk behind many of our conflicts. Therefore, we should not attack the people manipulated by evil  but focus directly on the evil itself. We rely on truth, faith, the power of our testimony, the wisdom of God's work, and the power of prayer. When these are mobilized, evil succumbs, God wins, and we win.

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

Love and hugs, 
Amaryllis

The Advantages of Companionship

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 in our string of dry, sunny beautiful days, but even the weathermen are saying how badly we need rain. All in God's timing...

When I stepped outside this morning, everything was alive with birds chirping, three squirrels racing along the oak tree limbs, chasing each other from one tree to another. Seems like all the critters get active as soon as they wake up. When I used to walk in the park at seven, all the animals and birds became active with ibis taking off from their sleeping roosts across the lake and even raccoons had not quite gone to sleep yet. I don't get over there that early any more, but it is the best time for a walk. My neighbor called when I was in the shower with a dripping head. She was concerned because my porch light was still on. I forgot to turn it off, when I opened up the drapes. (I had left it on all day Monday and did not get a call) but I appreciate that she looks out for me. I am blessed.

Well, I saw the large gecko in the afternoon yesterday...he had left my bedroom and scooted across the hall to another bedroom, but no telling where he is now. He will probably make his way to the door soon, I hope, so I can escort him out. He is much too lively for me to catch! 
I notice that one of the baby mangos that I have been watching on the neighbor's tree, has fallen off. Whether due to the dryness or wind, I don't know, but the others are hanging on. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back- to- back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

The Futility of Political Power

It is better to be a poor but wise youth than to be and old and foolish king who refuses all advice. Such a youth could come from prison and succeed. He might even become king, though he was born in poverty. Everyone is eager to help such a youth, even to help him take the throne. He might become the leader of millions and be very popular. But then the next generation grows up and rejects him! So, again, it is all meaningless. like chasing the wind.

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 are having cooler temps for the next few days, but still in the eighties in the daytime, so no heavy blankets again!

We had an inspiring sermon yesterday as we celebrated the Resurrection, and I was surprised by a visit from Brian. He had already attended service at his church, but I didn't expect him at mine. He had planned to take me to dinner at the Hangar, so we got there a little earlier and were seated immediately. We had a good dinner and watched the planes take off and land on a perfect day. After touring downtown, which was teeming with people, walking or sitting outdoors at cafes, we headed out to Bay Pines, noticing all the pretty flowers on the graves. There were lots of people visiting, but we squeezed into a parking place under a shady tree, and walked out to visit Louis.

On the way back, we drove by Memorial Park, and stopped in to see my mother and my step-father's grave. Except for being dry, the grounds are well cared for, which is always a comfort.We also visited Sawgrass Park and saw lots of people enjoying picnics and exercise. All in all, it was a very good day! 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 together 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