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 cool breeze this morning, but the temp is once again supposed to get up in the high eighties, so being without the A/C in the van will be a test of thinking cool thoughts.
Ray, my mechanic friend from church, just left after checking out the problem. Looks like it will cost an arm and a leg. It is not the compressor, but what he thinks is wrong, comes with a compressor, and that costs big bucks! Sigh.
I actually started out earlier this morning and was sitting down to type this at 10, but then Ray called, so that is my excuse for being late today. My yard guys are due today, but they have been coming on Tuesday lately, so I don't know when they will come. I noticed a limb hanging down from the oak tree over the driveway, so if and when they come, I hope they can get it down and dispose of it.!
The construction on 62nd Ave runs all the way to 4th st. The weekend wasn't bad because the cones were removed, so I drove on the unpaved part to church. I thought attendance was down at second service, until about 5 or 10 after, then more people kept coming in and it was soon a pretty good crowd. Pastor Kevin gave another dynamic sermon about the DNA of the church, He brings out things I never thought about! Go, Kevin!
My amaryllis are looking a bit worse for wear, since some are already through blooming and still standing with droopy flowers and strong stalks. But the jacaranda trees are still beautiful! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
James 3:13-18
If you are wise and understand God's ways,
live a life of steady goodness so that only
good deeds will pour forth. And if you don't
brag about the good you do, then you will be
truly wise! But if you are bitterly jealous and
there is selfish ambition in your hearts, don't
brag about being wise. That is the worst kind
of lie. For jealousy and selfishness are not
God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly,
unspiritual and motivated by the devil. For
wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition,
there you will find disorder and every kind of evil.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven, is first
of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all
times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of
mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and
is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers
will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of
goodness.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, May 2, 2016
Friday, April 29, 2016
Faith and Endurance
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! Just another very warm spring day that feels like summer...blue skies with puffy white clouds, and occasional rain in other parts of the state, but none predicted for here. The only thing that really keeps it from feeling like summer for sure, is the cool breeze. If I stand in the shade on the front porch, I can feel the coolness of the gentle wind, and it is good!
I think there is a new squirrel family zipping up and down the oaks and racing across the street. I saw four in the yard at one time and two sticking close together yesterday. I still like to watch them, but I wish they would stop coming to a dead stop in the street when I am driving toward them. I haven't hit one yet, but one day they won't get out of the way, I'm afraid.
After I finished some business yesterday, I decided to go down to CFA for a salad, since it was late in the afternoon, and of course, there was already a line around the building, but it was moving quickly, so it only took about ten minutes to get around. It was the first time they made a mistake in my order..apparently the girl thought I said "fruit punch" instead of sweet Iced tea? They don't sound anything alike, but the switch was made at the window. It was a pleasure.
I decided to go home by way of 62nd Ave. Oh, boy! The repaving has started and eastbound traffic was down to one lane. Talk about traffic! It was almost going home time and the line of traffic was
long, so I decided to get out of that mess and turned off to head home!
On my way, I drove by Lynch Lake and saw the stately egret waiting for a fish to swim by and lots of ducks, and a couple ibis. God is good!
(BTW, my computer lost its internet connection yesterday morning and by the time my friend told me how to reboot, it was too late to send this blog.)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
James 1:2-8
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble
comes your way, let it be an opportunity for
joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance
has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when
your endurance is fully developed, you will be
strong in character and ready for anything.
If you need wisdom--if you want to know what
God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly
tell you, He will not resent your asking. But when
you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to
answer, for a doubtful mind is an unsettled as a wave
of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
People like that should not expect to receive anything
from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They
waver back and forth in everything they do.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I think there is a new squirrel family zipping up and down the oaks and racing across the street. I saw four in the yard at one time and two sticking close together yesterday. I still like to watch them, but I wish they would stop coming to a dead stop in the street when I am driving toward them. I haven't hit one yet, but one day they won't get out of the way, I'm afraid.
After I finished some business yesterday, I decided to go down to CFA for a salad, since it was late in the afternoon, and of course, there was already a line around the building, but it was moving quickly, so it only took about ten minutes to get around. It was the first time they made a mistake in my order..apparently the girl thought I said "fruit punch" instead of sweet Iced tea? They don't sound anything alike, but the switch was made at the window. It was a pleasure.
I decided to go home by way of 62nd Ave. Oh, boy! The repaving has started and eastbound traffic was down to one lane. Talk about traffic! It was almost going home time and the line of traffic was
long, so I decided to get out of that mess and turned off to head home!
On my way, I drove by Lynch Lake and saw the stately egret waiting for a fish to swim by and lots of ducks, and a couple ibis. God is good!
(BTW, my computer lost its internet connection yesterday morning and by the time my friend told me how to reboot, it was too late to send this blog.)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
James 1:2-8
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble
comes your way, let it be an opportunity for
joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance
has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when
your endurance is fully developed, you will be
strong in character and ready for anything.
If you need wisdom--if you want to know what
God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly
tell you, He will not resent your asking. But when
you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to
answer, for a doubtful mind is an unsettled as a wave
of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
People like that should not expect to receive anything
from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They
waver back and forth in everything they do.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
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 not much to report about the weather because it is the same every day. We could really use some rain, so whenever God chooses, I am ready!
My cleaning ladies came yesterday instead of their usual day today, because Cheryl has a cousin coming to visit, so they are taking the rest of the week off. That is the good part about having their own business. They can work or not as they please, just by rearranging their schedule. They have been working together over 14 years and are closer than sisters.
I did not get out in the heat yesterday afternoon. I put some stuff in the recycle bin earlier and it was so hot, I almost burned my hand lifting up the lid! I saw a man sunning himself in his front yard in the neighborhood. If I did that, I would be a french fry in no time!
I have mentioned this before, but I think the birds are so plentiful this spring. I hear the mockers chirping even though the house is closed up and the A/C is on. Such a happy sound! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 3:1-3, 11-12
O Lord, hear me as I pray.
pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King
and my God,
for I will never pray to anyone but you.
Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
Each morning I bring my requests to
you and wait expectantly.
Let all who take refuge in you, rejoice;
let then sing joyful praises forever.
Protect them;
so all who love your name may be filled
with joy.
For you bless the godly, O Lord,
surrounding them with your shield of love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
My cleaning ladies came yesterday instead of their usual day today, because Cheryl has a cousin coming to visit, so they are taking the rest of the week off. That is the good part about having their own business. They can work or not as they please, just by rearranging their schedule. They have been working together over 14 years and are closer than sisters.
I did not get out in the heat yesterday afternoon. I put some stuff in the recycle bin earlier and it was so hot, I almost burned my hand lifting up the lid! I saw a man sunning himself in his front yard in the neighborhood. If I did that, I would be a french fry in no time!
I have mentioned this before, but I think the birds are so plentiful this spring. I hear the mockers chirping even though the house is closed up and the A/C is on. Such a happy sound! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 3:1-3, 11-12
O Lord, hear me as I pray.
pay attention to my groaning.
Listen to my cry for help, my King
and my God,
for I will never pray to anyone but you.
Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
Each morning I bring my requests to
you and wait expectantly.
Let all who take refuge in you, rejoice;
let then sing joyful praises forever.
Protect them;
so all who love your name may be filled
with joy.
For you bless the godly, O Lord,
surrounding them with your shield of love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Money and Possessions con't.
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
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
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
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