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! Well, I wrote about the peculiar looking skies yesterday, and sure, enough, it did rain the middle of the day. Then a very hot sun, and more clouds and then a thunderstorm last night. So, today looks like more of the same, but that's okay, we can store it up for the dry months.

I saw a black spot on the carpet this morning, and, as I was about to pick it up, it moved! Then I realized it was a teeny, tiny, froggie. He seemed to be single minded and was hopping into the kitchen too fast for me to try to capture, so I took the fly swatter and put it in front of him, which brought him to a halt, then I picked him up with a tissue, and deposited him outdoors where he belonged. He must have come in when I opened the front door to get the paper. And yes, after my last call to the Times, the paper is now being tossed onto the porch!

As I was in the library yesterday, a lady walked up to me and asked if I attended FCC. I said yes and she asked if she looked familiar to me. I told her I had seen her face, but did not know her name, so she told me her name and asked mine, twice, and said she had never met anyone with that name before. I told her I had not, either, but thanked her for stopping to speak to me. I was a little embarrassed because I was just wiping my nose, since my allergies were disturbed by a couple who came near me, reeking of cigarette smoke! The same thing happened to me in the doctors waiting room a couple days ago. An elderly lady smoked before she came in and once again, my air was polluted by the awful smell. I think smokers noses are so deadened, they don't realize how annoying their habit its to other people. Well, enough ranting for today.

I got over to the park and there the air was fresh, warm and humid. Good stuff! I saw an anhinga on the weir, and a great white heron in the canal, and noticed another tree down across the canal just beyond the weir. But God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I know God hears my prayers?
Psalm 134:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.

The Lord invites us to make prayer our first response rather than our last resort. He always listens to those who are honest with him.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name and will humble themselves and pray ande seek my  face and turn from their wicked way, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.

1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those wo do evil.

Since prayer is a conversation with God, we must approach God with the same love and courtesy we bring to any relationship we value. We must be humble, not arrogant. We must admit our sin and seek God's forgiveness.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

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's a peculiar sky this morning..it's very cloudy, but there was brilliant sunshine an hour ago. I know that most of Florida is covered with clouds and we are predicted to get a lot of rain on Sunday. I think it is due mostly to Isaac, which circled around, had a sex change as my son says, and is now tropical storm Nadine. Very strange weather...

Well, I got ambitious yesterday and vacuumed the house, because my cleaning ladies are in Va. baby sitting with Kim's grandchildren, while mom and dad go to Hawaii for training. The husband is in the service and the wives were invited to go along for the short session in Hawaii. Nice. But that leaves me without my cleaners for another week. Oh, well, it won't kill me to get back in the groove of housekeeping for a little while!

I drove to Boston Market to try one of their new "bowls". I think I would choose different sides next time. Mine were too salty for my taste, as I do not use much salt on my food. It's just all your food put in a bowl and gravy poured over it all.  Earlier in the afternoon, I had paid a visit to Steak and Shake for a half price shake, and the cashier recognized me and gave me two booklets of coupons, good for half off any time instead of just 2-4 PM. Kind of her. I really don't buy that many shakes, maybe one a month, but the cashier is usually there and very friendly.

I went on over to the park where all was quiet and peaceful, and parked to have a couple slurps of my shake, while sitting in the shade. It was very hot, so the coldness was welcome. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith,
we have peace with God  because of what Jesus Christ our Lord
 has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has
brought us into this place of highest privilege where we 
now stand, and we confidently and joyfully
look forward to sharing God's glory.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know 
that they are good for us--they help us to learn
to endure. And endurance develops strength
of character in us, and character strengthens
our confident expectation of salvation. And this 
expectation will not disappoint us. For we know
how dearly God loves us because he has given
us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

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

Love and hugs,
 Amaryllis

Psoaring thru Psalm 139

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 morning like yesterday, but we could have showers at any time.

I drove to my doctor's yesterday for a check up and to my surprise, it started to rain almost as soon as I left the house. a dark cloud was hovering right overhead, so I went through some harder showers and then by the time I got to the office, just a mile and a half away, it had almost stopped. ! I saw the funniest sight that I have seen photos of on facebook and the internet, but this was real. Two lines of cars were totally stopped on busy ninth street while a long parade of black ducks all in a row crossed the street, taking their own sweet time. Not a horn blew...just people patiently waiting for the ducks to cross. I was wishing for a camera!

I got the all clear on my health report, so I guess I am doing all right for my age and the shape I am in!  While I was waiting in the examining room, I picked up a Reader's Digest and was interested in an article in it , but the doc came in before I finished, and I did not think to take it with me to check out. Now, I subscribe to the RD and have for years, so I looked for it at home, but did not find it. I looked online and discovered which issue it was, so I am not giving up yet! It was the Dec 2011/Jan2012 issue in case anyone has it. My next move would be to go back to the doctor's office and ask if I could borrow the copy.

I went to the park to check it out, after shopping at CVS, and found a few people there, and the big, tree trimming trucks were busy sawing off the limbs from some trees.A flock of ibis was grubbing on the hills and a great white heron was in the canal pecking for food, so God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 139:13-19 23,24
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother's womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous---and how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God!
They are innumerable!
I can't even count them; they out number 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

Psoaring thru Psalm 119

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 beautiful, cloud free morning with a slight breeze blowing. Just perfect! I hope all of you working people are not finding it too hard to get back to work today. I don't do paying work any more, but I find it difficult to get back in the groove. I did not eat any bar-be-que yesterday, but I think I will get some some time this week!

So, the DNC starts today in Charlotte, and already the weather is the topic of concern, since rain is forecast for the last day and it is being held outdoors that day. I was interested to chat with two of our people in church who were active in the RNC last week; one, as a photographer for a local TV station, and one, who works for Pinellas in bringing new business to the county. I can't imagine carrying a heavy camera around on a shoulder for hours, along with a lot of other equipment! But their stories and impressions were very interesting, and I was pleased to hear them.

I took a little walk in the park Saturday, and saw the ugly mud banks of the canal. Muddy, since all the hydrilla and greenery has been removed and there is no place for the young gator to hide. I did see a moor hen further down the canal, trying to make a nest in the overgrowth next to the banks. In fact, it was squawking so loud, I couldn't help noticing it! But, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Psalm 119:1-8

Happy are people of integrity,
who follow the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who obey his decrees
and search for him with all their hearts.
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.
Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your principles.
Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands.
When I learn your righteous laws,
I will thank you by living as I should.
I will obey your principles .
Please don't give up on me.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

1 Timothy 4

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 am a little later than  usual this morning, because I have been waiting for my lawn guys to come, but maybe they won't. 

But here it is the last day of August, with fall coming right around the corner. Can't tell much by the weather, however. It remains the same since Isaac's wind died down. Hot, humid and lots of sunshine and pretty clouds. I did some running around finishing up errands yesterday, and heard an interesting political discussion in the small waiting room at the podiatrist's. I did not take part...just listened. Interesting to hear differing view points between strangers...no ugliness, just reasonable talk and exchange of ideas.  I stayed up too late listening with half an ear to the speeches while reading at the same time. I did this after the Rays lost again! Boo!

I meandered through the park and saw the twisted boughs of the trees and saw the trimmers at work. A lone egret was down in the canal pecking at something and all was peaceful and quiet. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

1 Timothy 4:7-13
Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives tales. Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. This is true and everyone should accept it. We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and particularly of those who believe.

Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures in the church, encouraging the believers and teaching them...

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Colossians 3

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 sun is shining, the wind is blowing and the water is still standing in the street gutters.But, at least we are not flooded like the people in the southern gulf states. Thank God!

I watched the Rays win last night in Texas and enjoyed the home runs! About time! Instead of watching the speeches which were too late for me, I prepared for bed. 

I saw the little busy cardinal yesterday in the podacarpus hedge. He flew in and came out with a seed in his mouth. Right after that, a mockingbird flew in and did the same thing. That is how so many new plants start up everywhere in the yard. Birds drop them on the ground and apparently, the squirrels don't like the seeds. I swept the porch off yesterday, and now I just have to get the plants moved out of the corner. I am not sure if the poinsettias will bloom if I don't trim them, so I need to get that done.

Well, I did laundry and finished reading a book, then just more or less rested. A good day for being lazy. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Colossians 3:12-17

Since God chose you to be the holy people, whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each others' faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the words of Christ , in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.  And whatever you say or do , let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.

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

Temptation

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 today was going to be calmer in the wind dept. but now it has picked up and is blowing hard again. Since Isaac is so slow moving, perhaps this will be our weather until it moves away. I feel much concern for New Orleans and the people there who did not evacuate when told, since the water has already come over one levee. Just keep praying for them...

Well, lots going on in Tampa, with the RNC events taking place, and the Ron Paul protesters making a fuss. As the old saying goes, "Politics makes strange bedfellows", or words to that effect.  Anyway, I am glad I am no closer to the crowd.

Yesterday, I finally went to the Publix. where the shopping was a pleasure, but the carry out man was not such a pleasure. He apparently did not understand much English, and when I told him where to put the groceries, he did not understand and put them in, stacking them up in  a strange way. I usually do not have carry out, but he insisted, so I let him. Oh, well, it just meant extra stretching for me , which was probably a good thing. I went to the park later on after school was out. and noticed the high tide in Turner's Creek between 77th and 78th streets. The hurricane must have been pushing the water in, because it was above the culvert tops. When I got to the park, I saw that the water in the canal was up a little, but not much, so I think it must have been draining off rapidly. There were quite a few people there, enjoying the heat and humidity. The grounds crew was there and had mowed a lot that usually is not mowed. It looked good and clean, so they did a good job. I just saw squirrels and ibis, but have not seen the gopher tortoises for a while. But 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 realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body 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 word, 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