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! My day started out right in a glorious sight of the sunrise! Pink clouds scattered over the eastern sky. God's paintbrush at work again! There are a lot more clouds this morning and a prediction of maybe some rain in a couple days. Hoping...
After a good report from my doctor yesterday and the results of my lab work, with some complimentary remarks about my appearance considering my great age, I took a ride down Coffee Pot Blvd. to look at the gorgeous pink trumpet tree that many friends have told me about. They did not exaggerate! It is the only one I have ever seen and it is really beautiful!. Then I made my way back to the Park and saw the gator tucked against the brush next to the flat space that he usually suns in. A cluster of turtles were sunning against the bank of the weir again, and as I drove on to the circle, I saw many people out enjoying the beautiful day. Just perfect!
Next I went to the library where I turned in five books and checked out five more, including two Nickolas Sparks books. I have only a few pages to go in The Notebook, but can't keep my eyes dry reading it! What a way he has with words! That is why I am late this morning. I was reading while eating breakfast.
On my way to the library, I drove around Lynch Lake and saw on one side, a flock of tired looking ibis, resting and on the other side a large flock of seagulls resting. So, birds do get tired of looking for food all the time and they do have to take five! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Thessalonians 5:14-19
Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who
are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender
care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try
to do good to each other and to everyone else.
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens,
always be thankful for this is God's will for you who belong to Jesus.
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophesies, but
test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good Keep
away from every kind of evil.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Greetings from Paul
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 have been looking at the sky lately when I have been outside and really enjoy the different cloud formations. The high, wispy, feather like, flatness some days and one day I saw a very high contrail so high it was breath taking! Apparently, the winds have been very strong way up. Could that be the jet stream?
BTW, today is National Weathermen's Day. They probably know all the answers to questions about cloud formations.
I am currently reading the book, Safe Harbor, due out as a movie this month, and it is a very good read. This is the first book of Nicolas Spark's that I have read, but I will look for more in the library. Trouble is, when I get started on a book, it is hard for me to put it down, so not much else gets done. Oh, well, tomorrow is another day....
I went to the Park yesterday and did not see many people, but there were plenty of squirrels out, and as many leaves as I have in my yard, are falling and have fallen. I did not see the gator, but the turtles were plastered against the bank of the weir. Also, the usual ibis were missing , but lots of people at picnic tables and runners were about. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 1:9-14
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard
about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he
wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with
spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please
the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while
you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that
you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled
with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enables you to share the
inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he
has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness and
he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased
our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
BTW, today is National Weathermen's Day. They probably know all the answers to questions about cloud formations.
I am currently reading the book, Safe Harbor, due out as a movie this month, and it is a very good read. This is the first book of Nicolas Spark's that I have read, but I will look for more in the library. Trouble is, when I get started on a book, it is hard for me to put it down, so not much else gets done. Oh, well, tomorrow is another day....
I went to the Park yesterday and did not see many people, but there were plenty of squirrels out, and as many leaves as I have in my yard, are falling and have fallen. I did not see the gator, but the turtles were plastered against the bank of the weir. Also, the usual ibis were missing , but lots of people at picnic tables and runners were about. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 1:9-14
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard
about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he
wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with
spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please
the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while
you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that
you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled
with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enables you to share the
inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he
has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness and
he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased
our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, February 4, 2013
Psoaring thru Psalm 46
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 sunshiny day and a few clouds, but it is still chilly in the mornings. Last night I was cold after I finally got to bed after the festivities from the Super Bowl.
I had the covers pulled up to my nose, and finally got toasty, but could not sleep very well all night. Too much excitement, I guess! The Ravens won and Joe Flacco was MVP and I have two cans of guava shells thanks to a tip from my friend, Karin. Life is good! Maybe I am the only person who was watching,with this opinion, but I could have done without the half time show. It might be my age, but flaunting yourself in scanty clothes is not my cup of tea. And before someone says, why not turn it off? I did not sit and watch, I got up and went into the bedroom and then out to the kitchen and got a snack. Too bad the lights didn't go off when Beyonce was on!
But it was a good weekend and I encountered some good people and some uncaring people while out shopping. While at the Publix, which was crowded, I was behind a large man who had earbuds and was shopping from the flyer, parking his cart so it was blocking the aisle. I asked him politely to move it, but he did not hear, so I leaned closer and asked again. Again I was ignored, so not wanting to touch him, because he was a person of color, and some people do not like to be touched, I just waited until he slowly moved on, still studying the flyer and blocked another person. But the stock guy who bagged my groceries, was very nice; He has worked there for many years and always takes my groceries to the car, without even asking. So, shopping was a pleasure!
I saw the gator stretched out in the sun on the banks of the lake when I visited the very crowded park. Since the weather was so nice, lots of people were out with their dogs and children. I did not see the gopher, but did see turtles and a couple egrets. God is good! ( I also saw an osprey perched on top of a light pole in the Publix shopping lot. Maybe a nest in the future?)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam, let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had the covers pulled up to my nose, and finally got toasty, but could not sleep very well all night. Too much excitement, I guess! The Ravens won and Joe Flacco was MVP and I have two cans of guava shells thanks to a tip from my friend, Karin. Life is good! Maybe I am the only person who was watching,with this opinion, but I could have done without the half time show. It might be my age, but flaunting yourself in scanty clothes is not my cup of tea. And before someone says, why not turn it off? I did not sit and watch, I got up and went into the bedroom and then out to the kitchen and got a snack. Too bad the lights didn't go off when Beyonce was on!
But it was a good weekend and I encountered some good people and some uncaring people while out shopping. While at the Publix, which was crowded, I was behind a large man who had earbuds and was shopping from the flyer, parking his cart so it was blocking the aisle. I asked him politely to move it, but he did not hear, so I leaned closer and asked again. Again I was ignored, so not wanting to touch him, because he was a person of color, and some people do not like to be touched, I just waited until he slowly moved on, still studying the flyer and blocked another person. But the stock guy who bagged my groceries, was very nice; He has worked there for many years and always takes my groceries to the car, without even asking. So, shopping was a pleasure!
I saw the gator stretched out in the sun on the banks of the lake when I visited the very crowded park. Since the weather was so nice, lots of people were out with their dogs and children. I did not see the gopher, but did see turtles and a couple egrets. God is good! ( I also saw an osprey perched on top of a light pole in the Publix shopping lot. Maybe a nest in the future?)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 46:1-3
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam, let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, February 1, 2013
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! I was snuggled and warm in my bed last night, but restless in sleep, because I knew I had to get up earlier to go to the lab. So, I kept having weird dreams just like some voice would say something loud and wake me up! It was very strange. Maybe I will have time for a nap this afternoon...
It is chilly but sunshiny today and the breeze is pretty strong, so a warm sweater felt good when I went out. I had to wait about ten minutes before I was called in for the needlework, so I just sat with a couple other early risers, not looking too happy to be there. I think we were all hungry! After the blood letting, I decided to treat myself and go to Chick-fil-a for breakfast. Since I hardly ever go out for breakfast, because I am usually hungry when I wake up and can't wait, I drove over to Park Place and was happy to find not many people in the drive- thru and mistakenly got a bacon, cheese and egg biscuit and also, a chicken biscuit! I had mistakenly said chicken when I just wanted the b,c,e biscuit. Didn't know I had two sandwiches until I got home. I also ordered the fruit cup, so it was a healthy breakfast. No, I did not eat both biscuits. Guess I will have the chicken for lunch.
I went over to the Park in the late afternoon, after running an errand, and was just in time to see the gator on the lake bank, get up and walk a few feet to flop down in the water. Guess he was dry enough. He needed a little moisturizer !
But God was good to allow me to see that!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 3:21-28
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 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.
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them.
If you can't help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back tomorrow and then I will help you."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
It is chilly but sunshiny today and the breeze is pretty strong, so a warm sweater felt good when I went out. I had to wait about ten minutes before I was called in for the needlework, so I just sat with a couple other early risers, not looking too happy to be there. I think we were all hungry! After the blood letting, I decided to treat myself and go to Chick-fil-a for breakfast. Since I hardly ever go out for breakfast, because I am usually hungry when I wake up and can't wait, I drove over to Park Place and was happy to find not many people in the drive- thru and mistakenly got a bacon, cheese and egg biscuit and also, a chicken biscuit! I had mistakenly said chicken when I just wanted the b,c,e biscuit. Didn't know I had two sandwiches until I got home. I also ordered the fruit cup, so it was a healthy breakfast. No, I did not eat both biscuits. Guess I will have the chicken for lunch.
I went over to the Park in the late afternoon, after running an errand, and was just in time to see the gator on the lake bank, get up and walk a few feet to flop down in the water. Guess he was dry enough. He needed a little moisturizer !
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 3:21-28
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 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.
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them.
If you can't help your neighbor now, don't say, "Come back tomorrow and then I will help you."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Experience the 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! As predicted, the air is cooler today, and the temp will continue to drop, but right now, the sun is shining, and we are in the low sixties, so it is a beautiful day!
Tomorrow is supposed to be much colder, and I have to get up early and go for a lab test, so I am not too happy about that. I don't mind the lab testing, I mind having to get up earlier. Just lazy, I guess. :o)
My cleaning ladies came yesterday and we shared some good laughs. One is always getting on my case for eating what she calls terrible foods. Since I only indulge once in a while, for instance, I had chili, cheese fries with a grilled chicken sandwich from Wendy's a couple days ago; something I hardly ever eat, Then she thought having a baked potato with broccoli and cheese was bad, I had to counter with the fact that she smokes! That almost stopped her. I also said I am 86 and I can eat anything I want! (So there!) The whole exchange was fun and not serious. Her friend is her total opposite and yet they get along closer than sisters.
The only time I went out yesterday was to the Park, which was almost deserted because of the high winds. I saw a large flock of ibis, including some immature ones, pecking and walking all over the circle, and an anhinga on the weir. We got a little rain last night, but not much, because I did not even hear it come down. But God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice!
Philippians 4:4 NLT
You can't really get to know God until you genuinely experience God's joy for yourself. It's not enough to hear somebody else talk about being a joyful Christian--you must experience Christ's joy in order to understand it. Does that mean that you'll be a joy filled believer 24 hours a day , seven days a week, from this moment on? No, it doesn't mean that. But it does mean that you can experience God's joy personally, frequently, and intensely.
So here's a prescription for better spiritual health: Open the door of your soul to Christ. When you do he will give you peace and joy...heaping helpings of peace and joy.
When I think of God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes leap and dance as they leave my pen ; and since God has given me a cheerful heart, I serve him with a cheerful spirit.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tomorrow is supposed to be much colder, and I have to get up early and go for a lab test, so I am not too happy about that. I don't mind the lab testing, I mind having to get up earlier. Just lazy, I guess. :o)
My cleaning ladies came yesterday and we shared some good laughs. One is always getting on my case for eating what she calls terrible foods. Since I only indulge once in a while, for instance, I had chili, cheese fries with a grilled chicken sandwich from Wendy's a couple days ago; something I hardly ever eat, Then she thought having a baked potato with broccoli and cheese was bad, I had to counter with the fact that she smokes! That almost stopped her. I also said I am 86 and I can eat anything I want! (So there!) The whole exchange was fun and not serious. Her friend is her total opposite and yet they get along closer than sisters.
The only time I went out yesterday was to the Park, which was almost deserted because of the high winds. I saw a large flock of ibis, including some immature ones, pecking and walking all over the circle, and an anhinga on the weir. We got a little rain last night, but not much, because I did not even hear it come down. But God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice!
Philippians 4:4 NLT
You can't really get to know God until you genuinely experience God's joy for yourself. It's not enough to hear somebody else talk about being a joyful Christian--you must experience Christ's joy in order to understand it. Does that mean that you'll be a joy filled believer 24 hours a day , seven days a week, from this moment on? No, it doesn't mean that. But it does mean that you can experience God's joy personally, frequently, and intensely.
So here's a prescription for better spiritual health: Open the door of your soul to Christ. When you do he will give you peace and joy...heaping helpings of peace and joy.
When I think of God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes leap and dance as they leave my pen ; and since God has given me a cheerful heart, I serve him with a cheerful spirit.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
The Future
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 wind has already increased and the leaves are falling like raindrops, so the weather forecast was accurate today. This is a result of the long line of severe weather north of us, and which will be turning our summer like weather into a short taste of winter again. I should have swept off the porch before the wind picked up, but it would be an exercise in frustration to try it now. I had thought my yard man would come a couple days ago, like he said, but I guess something came up, so he did not show. It is easier for him to blow the leaves, than for me to sweep.
There was a city car parked outside my house for quite a while this morning, for some reason. I watched for a few minutes, but saw no signs of life, and pretty soon it was gone. Hmm. Wonder what is going on...Speaking of neighborhood goings on,; there is a man who lives a block and a half from me, who drives a long haul truck for a living, He was gone for Thanksgiving, but home for Christmas, and now is gone again. I think he is on the road for a month, and then gets a month off. The cab says he drives out of Chicago, so he must see lots of snow and bad weather., For some reason, I am really interested. I used to see him running full steam all over the area when he was home, but he does not do that any more. Wish I lived closer so I could get acquainted with him and his wife.
When I drove into the park yesterday, I saw two large, flat, black, wet turtles on the bank of the weir...not together. One was on the grassy bank some distance away from the one on the weir, I mean flat on the concrete! Not so many people were there, but the ibis were doing their usual job of pecking all over. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can hope for the future help me live today?
Romans 8:18-25
What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, everything on earth was subjected to God's curse. All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all Creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And even we Christians although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children. including the new bodies he has promised us. Now that we are saved we eagerly look forward to this freedom. For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently.
We have strength and courage to face the trials and suffering of this life because we can look beyond them to the glory God has in store for us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
There was a city car parked outside my house for quite a while this morning, for some reason. I watched for a few minutes, but saw no signs of life, and pretty soon it was gone. Hmm. Wonder what is going on...Speaking of neighborhood goings on,; there is a man who lives a block and a half from me, who drives a long haul truck for a living, He was gone for Thanksgiving, but home for Christmas, and now is gone again. I think he is on the road for a month, and then gets a month off. The cab says he drives out of Chicago, so he must see lots of snow and bad weather., For some reason, I am really interested. I used to see him running full steam all over the area when he was home, but he does not do that any more. Wish I lived closer so I could get acquainted with him and his wife.
When I drove into the park yesterday, I saw two large, flat, black, wet turtles on the bank of the weir...not together. One was on the grassy bank some distance away from the one on the weir, I mean flat on the concrete! Not so many people were there, but the ibis were doing their usual job of pecking all over. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can hope for the future help me live today?
Romans 8:18-25
What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, everything on earth was subjected to God's curse. All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all Creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And even we Christians although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children. including the new bodies he has promised us. Now that we are saved we eagerly look forward to this freedom. For if you already have something, you don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently.
We have strength and courage to face the trials and suffering of this life because we can look beyond them to the glory God has in store for us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
The Future
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! Since the fog has burned off, the sun is shining and we are having another beautiful, warm day! This will be the last one for a couple days, however, because tomorrow we are to maybe get rain in the late afternoon, (which we need) and then another chilly night for a change. Last night I left my window open and took the heavy blanket off the bed, because it was so warm. Back on the bed tomorrow with the blanket!
I did a little cleaning out of old papers and magazines yesterday, Things really do tend to accumulate if I don't keep up with them. I took a trip over to the library to return some books and check some more out. and was surprised to find the shelves full and all the weekend returns filed and put away. I thought Monday would be a bad day, but I was wrong. I am always interested to see all the computers being used in all the different rooms they have. I guess people are still looking for work and using them for research and such. I am very happy to have a branch so close to my house.
I also visited the park and saw the turtles on the bank of the weir and the gopher tortoise sitting at his doorway looking over the situation from a ground level.
Well, I see where Karl Wallenda is walking across U.S. 41 at eleven without a safety device, down in Sarasota, so I will try to remember to watch. Later on this summer, he will walk across the Grand Canyon. What a way to make a living! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be sure God will direct my future in this life?
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your love. I will advise you and watch over you."
The Lord directs our steps. Though the pathway may lead through dark valleys or seem to take unnecessary detours. we will one day look back and discover the Lord's way was best.
Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Too often we doubt God's care. We are tempted to think he is neglecting us or giving us the bare minimum. We have hope in the knowledge that God, our loving Creator, will always give us his best.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I did a little cleaning out of old papers and magazines yesterday, Things really do tend to accumulate if I don't keep up with them. I took a trip over to the library to return some books and check some more out. and was surprised to find the shelves full and all the weekend returns filed and put away. I thought Monday would be a bad day, but I was wrong. I am always interested to see all the computers being used in all the different rooms they have. I guess people are still looking for work and using them for research and such. I am very happy to have a branch so close to my house.
I also visited the park and saw the turtles on the bank of the weir and the gopher tortoise sitting at his doorway looking over the situation from a ground level.
Well, I see where Karl Wallenda is walking across U.S. 41 at eleven without a safety device, down in Sarasota, so I will try to remember to watch. Later on this summer, he will walk across the Grand Canyon. What a way to make a living! But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be sure God will direct my future in this life?
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your love. I will advise you and watch over you."
The Lord directs our steps. Though the pathway may lead through dark valleys or seem to take unnecessary detours. we will one day look back and discover the Lord's way was best.
Jeremiah 29:11 "I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Too often we doubt God's care. We are tempted to think he is neglecting us or giving us the bare minimum. We have hope in the knowledge that God, our loving Creator, will always give us his best.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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