What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Friday, July 2, 2021

Friday Foto Friends~Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day! Happy 4th of July! Whatever you may call it, let's celebrate our freedom and independence from tyranny! 

 And let us pray that our country never slips back into allowing another foreign power to reign and rule over us. But we must be vigilant and strong, because our enemies are watching and licking their chops as they see the weakness in our leaders and the breaks in our walls of defense allowing evil forces to sneak in and infiltrate our ranks. We must stand united and strong against the trickery of sleek politicians who disguise themselves as sheep when they are in reality wolves, just waiting and watching for their opportunity to take off their masks and reveal their real purpose of destruction and control over all that we hold dear.
Sorry to sound so negative and bleak on this beautiful Friday morning before the holiday weekend, but I feel very strongly that we need to heed this warning and we cannot let our guard down.

I Peter 5:8
 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, 
seeking whom he may devour."

Matthew 24:43
"But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into."

Now on to more pleasant thoughts this lovely Friday morning and to lighten things up a bit!

Look at this gorgeous "Crinum Stars and Stripes" lily that is finally blooming in my yard, just in time for the 4th of July!


Sadly, the rains have knocked the bloom stem down and I had to hold it up so you could see how pretty it is.  My sister Doris had given me a couple of these bulbs not long after we moved to this house, and I let them sit for a long time before planting them in the ground.  So I wasn't sure if it would even live, let alone ever blossom.  I was amazed to see it finally send up that long stem and develop these lovely red and white striped lilies right now at this perfect time!


Here is the 2nd bulb/plant, that looked totally dead when I planted it, and for a long time I didn't think anything would develop at all. But now even it has some green leaves and it looks like it is starting to develop a possible stem in the middle. So we shall see what happens! This would definitely be an example of the resurrection from the dead!  God is so good! He knows what we need to brighten our days!



Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to express kind words and prayers for my neck situation.  I am so thankful for all of you, and you have encouraged my heart!  Here's the good news:  I do have an appointment scheduled next Thursday, July 8th, at the University of Florida Shands Neurosurgery Department! That was a huge answer to prayer! So I have cancelled the other appointment that wasn't going to be until September 1st!   This appointment is scheduled with a doctor of anesthesiology in the neurosurgery department of pain management. Here's my prayer and concern: I don't want to just be put on drugs to control this issue in my neck, but on the other hand, I don't necessarily want surgery, which can be very risky as well as no guarantees that it will fix the problem of pain. I know I can't stay on this medicine I am currently on, which is helping with the spasms and pain, but it is a muscle and nerve relaxer and I can feel weakness developing in my limbs and body muscles.  And I just feel so blah.  So, my prayer request is that they can help me without the cure being worse than the problem. Does that make sense?  I know God knows what I mean, and I am trusting Him to handle me with love and care.  Thank you for your continued prayers.

Okay, when am I going to get to the "more pleasant thoughts" you ask?  LOL.  

Yesterday my hubby had some lab work early in the morning, and then, as is our custom after such tests, we went to the CP Deli for breakfast. While we dined I enjoyed taking a few pictures of the pictures on the wall next to us:

I don't know who the artist is, but these are drawings, and very good!



Sorry, this menu picture is kind of blurry. It was actually an accidental snap of the camera!


My cup of tea and hubby's coffee. I don't know why I forgot to take a picture of my french toast, scrambled eggs and bacon! That would have been a wonderful picture on this fine Friday morning when we haven't eaten anything yet!



And to finish up this post on a funny note, here's some bathroom humor from the ladies' room. I just couldn't resist taking these pictures:


And meaning no disrespect to Jesus...yes He IS everywhere...but He's much greater than all those germs! But still, wash your hands and say your prayers!!!


Have a blessed and wonderful weekend!!


28 comments:

  1. Oh Pam, I agree 1,000% (no, that's not a typo) with your opening paragraph! I worry (that) too many people have simply become complacent.
    Yes, your concerns about Shands' recommendations make perfect sense. I seem to recall, Tom's sis had issues with her neck a few years ago; I'm going to ask Tom what came of that.
    Loving all these images. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and that sort of place would suck me right in!

    Happy Friday ... let Freedom ring!

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    1. Thank you, Myra. I am glad you understood my opening statements. Yes, I fear we are becoming too complacent. I hate to even listen to the news anymore because it is all so negative. But we can pray, and that is what we really need to be doing more than anything, and then be ready to stand strong. And yes, you would enjoy CP Deli for breakfast. It's always good! Have a blessed weekend.

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    2. Dear Lord: Thank you that Pam can see a doctor next week. Guide the doctor to do what is best for Pam. I know she is apprehensive. Wrap your arms of love around her, draw her closer to you and whisper words of love, patience, and healing into her ear. In the Name of Jesus, I pray AMEN.

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    3. Amen, Cecelia, and thank you for that sweet prayer. That means a lot to me, and I pray in agreement. God Bless you for your thoughtfulness.

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  2. My sister has a sign with that saying on it in her bathroom at home. Love it and it's true too and I think it would make Jesus laugh too.

    Hope they get things figured out with your neck and can help you to live pain free. Take care my friend and have a great weekend.

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    1. thank you Cathy. I believe Jesus laughed and laughs still at many things. I believe He is much more understanding of us and our ways than we give Him credit for. After all, He IS one of us! And yet, without sin. Such amazing grace. Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers. I hope you have a blessed weekend as well.

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  3. The devil is on the prowl, tyranny is already here and it's definitely wearing masks. [wink] The only thing holding the devil back from full blown communism is the 2nd Amendment and those of us willing to hold the line with our lives, if necessary.
    I pray you find relief for the neck pain. It's awful to feel so trapped in one's own body. May Jesus heal you soon.
    Lovely photos.
    Blessings. xx

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    1. Yes, I agree with all of the above of what you are saying. Sadly the tyranny we need to be concerned about nowadays is coming from within our borders more so than from without. That is the real sadness in this story. And yes, I also thank you for your prayers. Thankfully Jesus is our Great Physician, and He knows how to fix my body even when doctors don't. So I will trust Him to give them the wisdom to do what is best for me. Thank you again. Have a blessed 4th of July weekend.

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  4. I'm right on board with you on your opening sentiment, Pamela. We can't afford to lose this country we love so dearly. With God's help, we will prevail!
    Wonderful photos, too, and great bathroom humor. We can all use a good laugh. Yes, I will be praying for you!

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    1. Thank you, Martha. You are so right. With God's help we WILL prevail. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos and signs. I am praying for you and your mother. I know this is a difficult time for you. (((hugs)))

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  5. The stars and strips lily is just amazing! I've never seen anything like it, it's gorgeous and it looks huge too. I hope all goes well with the new doc on Thursday. I sure can understand not wanting to stay on meds but surgery for anything with neck and back is definitely scary too. Hopefully they will offer you some other options. I love the drawings and the signs. Have a great 4th of July weekend!

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    1. Thank you, Martha. I am loving this lily, just wish the rain hadn't knocked it down right when it was blooming so perfectly! I hope the other one will come up and bloom too, but hopefully not in the middle of the hurricane! Praying that lady goes back out to see or just dies in place. Praying for you as you may be really close to it, more so than we are. Thank you for your kind words regarding my situation. I am praying for reasonable options too. I've already had major back surgery and don't want to go through that again. Have a wonderful weekend!!

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  6. Yes, I am right there with you on the state of our nation right now and the less-than-competent people in charge. Prayers for sure! I will be praying for your intentions, Pam, and believe that God led you to Shands since you got the appointment so quickly. Keep us posted, please! That diner reminds me of our Reececliff Diner here in Lakeland. Lots of fun art and signage. Love & hugs and Happy 4th Weekend! xo

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    1. thank you, Terri. I know you agree about our country. We just need to pray pray pray! And yes, I will keep you posted about my situation. Praying they will have a reasonable way of helping me with this. God is in control. It's fun to go to different little cafe's /diners, isn't it? They each have their own personality and charm and food. That's the main thing...the food. LOL. Happy 4th to you too.

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  7. Happy Independence Day. I pray that you will be given relief from this pain.

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    1. Thank you, Ruth. I am praying for some better answers to deal with this...as well as praying for healing. God is able. Praying your weekend is wonderful in every way.

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  8. The stars and strips lily is gorgeous!
    I've never seen anything quite like it! Wow!

    Have a great 4th of July weekend!

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    1. Thank you, Veronica! And welcome to my blog. I always enjoy meeting new people here. I see you are from Malaysia? I am wondering how you discovered me here? I look forward to getting better acquainted. Have a blessed and beautiful day.

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  9. Oh boy on your first thought; my thought is the enemy is within, not another country...I better leave it at that.

    Keeping you in prayer...and wishing you a beautiful July 4th.

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    1. I almost wrote something to that effect, but decided not to. don't want to get too many hackles up. LOL. But I totally agree with you...although they are coming after us from all sides...outside and inside. Yes, we need much prayer for our country. And I thank you for the prayers for myself. I am feeling better today and am very thankful. Happy 4th to you too!!

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  10. Happy 4th of July! I do pray for our country. I'm glad you got the appointment and will be praying for you. I am so tired of all the drugs I take. That flower is beautiful.

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    1. Thank you Debby. Thank you for your prayers for our country as well as for me. I am feeling some better today and pray that I won't have to be put on a lot of drugs. I will opt for other options if there are any that are reasonable. I am sorry you have to take so much. Praying for you as well. Have a blessed 4th.

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  11. In agreement here with that first bit about being vigilant and the wolf in sheep's clothing. We talk about that all the time at Bible study. It isn't a downer, it's the truth! While it makes me sad we are seeing things played out, it is exciting to think of Jesus coming back one of these days! It also gives me hope to see an awful lot of people finally seem to be waking up to what's been going on and are saying enough is enough. I shared a new song by Toby Keith on FB yesterday that kind of captures the country's mood. There is a line in the chorus of the song that says, "Happy birthday, America or whatever's left of you." Indeed. We are a shadow of what we once enjoyed under God's favor, but thank goodness we who know the Lord have hope!

    Have a safe and happy 4th, Pam!

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    1. Yes, we DO have hope, through Jesus Christ our Lord! We know this world is not our home, we're just passing through. But we want to take as many as possible with us to heaven. Hate to see anyone left behind because of their own ignorance. May God open the eyes of the blind before it is too late. Have a blessed and wonderful 4th of July with your loved ones near.

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  12. What a beautiful lily. Just incredible, really. I hope the other lily grows well and blooms, too! St. Joseph in my faith is depicted with a staff with lilies at the top end and of course the business end is ready for action against demons. I also like to repeat the prayer of St. Michael the Archangel, where we implore him, through the power of God, to smite Satan and his ilk. They are always ready to try to defeat good so you are right, we must be ready and have eyes open to spoil their plans!

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    1. Yes, we must keep our armor on (Ephesians 6) and be ready to stand against the forces of evil who are out there to try and keep us down. We are not alone in this battle. We have Jesus and all His angels surrounding us and ready to fight for our safety. Praise God!!!

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  13. Your "Crinum Stars and Stripes" lily is so striking and beautiful. It looks like candy! (peppermint)

    I've got the Jesus and germs sign in my home. Seems more appropriate now than ever!

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    1. I thought I had seen that sign somewhere before! I should have known it was at your house. You have a lot of cute and fun signs. Will you be taking them with you to your new house? Do you have a timeline for when your new house will be built yet? Been praying. And yes, I agree...the Crinum Stars and Stripes does look like a peppermint candy! I love it!! I hope your Pensacola family is safe for this, another storm. I hope you are safe as well. Praying for you always.

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