Boojoyful

  Im on Day 38 of You're Going to Make It . Highly recommend this devotional book by Lysa TerKeurst.  It takes discipline to do it morning and night, but it's a great habit to form. The verse for this particular verse was Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. The Lord continues to forgive me again and again.  As we say in the south with sincerity, "Bless His heart" for I am a lot! Check out this nuggets.  I've got to type this up and post somewhere in the house. " Bitterness  masquerades as a high court judge making me believe I must protect the evidence agains all those who hurt me...In reality, it's a punishing sentence of isolation, out to starve my soul of life-giving relationships. Resentment  cloaks itself in a banner marked with the word vindication,  making me believe that the only way to get free of my pain  is to make sure those who caused it h

  Intentional- "done on purpose; deliberate." Do we live with an intentional faith?  Do we choose to be watchful of what God is going in our lives, trusting His ways are the best ways? One of my favorite teens at our church has been excited to go on a mission trip to Panama this week.  This young lady's passport has not arrived.  Last night she shared that her clothes for the trip are laid out, but not in a bag. She texted "I really thought this is what God wanted me to do, but He always has detours in life and I have to trust his plans and his guidance."  I keep thinking the passport will get here, but if not we will all see the reason she was to stay behind. Be intentionally expectant of the good God is going to do. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.  James 1:17 Be intentionally expectant of the darts the enemy will throw at us. Put on the whole a

God equipped David with a bag of stones, but all it took was one and God's favor to slay that giant!   On Day 44 in Lysa TerKeurst book You're Going to Make It , she suggests some fabulous verbal combat weapons for when words of criticism are slung at you! "Get curious, not furious. Sometimes asking questions instead of immediately trying to defend myself helps me stay more calm. Questions like, 'Would you help me understand why this is bothering you so much?' or 'Thank you for caring about me enough to bring this to my attention.  What are you hoping, I do with this information?" A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  Proverbs 15:1 Lysa also states,"Our words are a direct reflection of our hearts.  And your heart is much too beautiful of a place to be filled with harsh, critical, demanding, or unhealed perspectives."   I've had to battle this tendency as I deal with chronic pain. It makes me grumpy and definitely

Nasty Nibbles- Larvets and Crick-ettes This cute one was excited to bring home some food challenges from the    Creation Museum!         Laughter is good for the soul. Proverbs 31:25 tells us...    Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. Ted Cunningham is a pastor who preaches the value of laughter.  He has a book called  A Love that Laughs. For most of us in the Mid-Atlantic this weekend the weather is damp and cool, so if you are looking for something to cheer you up, try Ted's video below. The Video   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bPivm-NG18

This plant with new growth forcing its way up amongst the dead gives me hope on the days where the dead and achey seem to be winning out. You've got to be kidding me! Sometimes God puts it right there in front of us!  For over four months I've been dealing with physical pain in my hips and left leg that has left me with the nickname of "Limpy." (Should probably be "Grouchy")  I open day thirty-six of the"devotional book Your Going to Make It and read... "Sometimes  in the rush of busy days with a lot to distract us from feeling the pain, we are tempted to believe that because we are keeping up, we must be okay. But just coping, pushing through, and numbing the pain isn't the same thing as healing the pain...We must feel the pain to deal with the pain and eventually heal the pain. Look at the way physically healing takes place in our body.  Physical pain drives us to get the necessary help we need...WE MAY NEED TO WALK WITH A LIMP FOR A WHILE,

Lettuce  (let us) be encouragers. A few years ago I let go of a bundle of journals from over the years and I have remorse over letting those records of answered prayers go.  Also, all the Bible study guides and names of the women whom I studied with all those years would have nice to have recorded.  Right now I thank God for the encouragers he has sent in the past and the ones He will continue to send into my life. Both of the scriptures below have been handed over to me via sticky notes one time or another in the form of notes in the mail, emails or texts.  They are going to become a couple new scriptures on our trails here at Shiloh. The   Lord   your God is in your midst,   a mighty one who will save;  he will rejoice over you with gladness;   he will quiet you by his love;  he will exult over you with loud singing.     Zephainiah 3:17 The  Lord  will fight for you, and you have only  to be silent. E xodus 14:14      Who is God calling you to encourage right now? Who needs a godly f

  UGH, the Holy Spirit was a flutter and so was my heart as it began to race. I knew God wanted me to encourage the "Click List" worker loading my car.  It began with speaking kind words..."I appreciate how you always call me by name and having a small on your face. I look forward to seeing you here."  She then explained she was leaving in a week. "No, way," I stated.  "I'm going to be a CNA," she said with a smile.  "Well, I can totally see that and you are going to bless a lot of people." I replied. God wasn't finished with my "small thing" for the day.  I asked her to come around to the driver's window and gave her a $20.  I got choked up as I asked, "Do you know Jesus?" (Not certain if that was from apprehension of being that bold or because I knew God was messing with me. Calling me to something I hadn't had planned for the day.)  She said she did know Jesus. I went on with a challenge on how to

  These grands were prepared for a high ropes course.  Are we prepared for Christ's return? These words came out of our pastor's mouth from the pulpit one Sunday as he was addressing changes in the world.  Reciting a statistic of what might happen in the future he said, "But I really hope the Lord comes back before then." "Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen."  Revelation 1:7 The Song Lord's Prayer Matt Maher https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2uPU-NY-sc

Lake days are the best for rest!  "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 Snow days or slow days, they both serve  great purpose. This is the first time I can ever remember a winter where snow days didn't slow us down. I missed that seasonal occurrence.  I've had to be intentional to carve out slow days.  Now that spring is on the warmer side and some of the outside chores are behind us; we are able to sit waterside and it is possible to enjoy the calm that the sun and water bring.  But taking it slow requires intentionality. "I just need to sit for a few minutes and  Quiet the t0- do list Still the hurry Shush the worry Unrush Slow days are a choice. And slow days are good for the soul.  When you need to heal and move forward don't over estimate the number of slow days your tender heart may need." Lysa Terkeurst Whew for a pastor's family Sunday mornings are far from slow, but we try to intentionally carve out an afternoon of rest. The Song &

The Wasatch Mountain Range in Utah where one son lives.   The Palm trees of Florida where another son resides. Wherever you are this Saturday click on the link to this song and feel the power of God. The Song "Your Spirit" Tasha Cobbs Leonard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZT8jqsc8lQ

  I feel like my man is standing on the dock, saying "What?" We need to ask that of God more often.  "What Lord? Tell me." "Your ears listen for what your heart craves."  Paul Tripp The above quote was a reread for me. You know a "take in the truth" time.  We put things in our mouths that delight us and we also position ourselves to listen to what our hearts want to hear. Ha!  I get in the car and I can tell you who the last driver was by the radio station. Jesus' brother, James,  said, "... let every person be quick  to  hear,  slow   to   speak ,  slow   to  anger..."  James 1:19 Let's pray: Change my heart O Lord, so that the sound of your voice and the wisdom from Your Word are what I long to hear.  For in those times my heart thrills like no other. In Jesus' name, amen. The Song "God Who Listens" Chris Tomlin and Thomas Rhett https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sqLqR41Ulg

  This son looks like a knight sitting on the dock in his silver sun protective hoody! Sometimes I need a back crack.  My husband gives me a hug and a gently squeeze. Occasionally, I get a good crack. While our Utah son, who is a personal trainer and BIG dude, was here I asked him for a hug one morning in hopes of a crack.  He put his arms around me and said, "Exhale."  I said, "What?" He said, "Exhale and I will squeeze as you do that."  I obeyed and got the best crack I've ever had! I was telling my husband about it and the word exhale  made me think of how we are to live a life with Jesus.  When life gets stirred up, take a deep breath and exhale  in prayer ,  and then breathe Jesus in deeply .  “The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life." Job 33:4 The Song “Breathe” Johnny Diza https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnjeMwxFuBA

  It was a blessing to have these two sons in the house for Mother's Day weekend. Hide and Seek is so much fun with a 2-4 year old. They cannot stay still or quiet in their hiding place. They will be found! It's the same with God. He is never hiding, he's waiting to be seen and ready to share his love with us.  He will be found when we seek him with all our heart. "Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God!"  Matthew 5:8 We don't have to be perfect, we just have to be sincere seekers! God I want to see you!  I want to find You! "Open the Eyes of My Heart" is the perfect song to testify to the power of this desire. While searching for a recording of this song I came across a powerful testimony of a young man names Christopher Duffley.  I hope you are blessed by the song and the story in the links below. The Song and Video " Open the Eyes of my Heart” by Christopher Duffley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjYeUN2zWqI "Real to Reel C

The road to Shiloh and our daughter's home.   How far?  How much farther?  The moans and groans probably came out of our very mouths as children on road trips.  We go so far away from God, but he is quick to show grace to a truly repentant heart because..."He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 God knows how far we will go before we turn back and he knows those who have  no intention of ever turning back to Him. We think of the criminal on the cross in Luke 23 who longed to be with Jesus in paradise and Jesus welcomed him in.  But scripture also warns that our hearts can grow harder and so resistant toward God that we no longer hear His voice calling us. "A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed-without remedy."  Proverbs 29:1 If you have wandered, head back right now no matter how far you have gone!  Jesus is waiting.  The Song "How Far" by Tasha Layton

Our little surfer girl showing up to catch the waves.  Have you ever been in a home building process or awaiting a painter or repairman?  Today's work climate has these processes slowed down quite a bit. In some cases it's even difficult to find workers at all. A girlfriend who was coming to a prayer time recently called to regret with elation in her voice "The painters and tile man are both supposed to show up today!" God is in both the building and repairing business and He always keeps his appointed time with us. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 The Song "For the Love of God" Andrew Ripp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbkYijXb5HQ

My mama (on right) and her mama. My mother in law. Visiting with some girlfriends recently one of them shared that she was hinting at what might be a nice Mother's Day gift and her husband said, "Why should I give you a Mother's Day gift?  You are not my mother." Hmm.  Well, maybe until her children have jobs and transportation he could hand over some cash and give her children a ride to a store where a desirable gift might be purchased. The older I get and experience the variety of challenges motherhood brings at the different ages of our children, the more I appreciate the wisdom and commitment of my own mother. Author, Rachael Elmore took 1 Corinthians 13 and turned it into a vow for mothers. Mothers should be  patient. Mothers should be  kind. Mothers should  not harbor envy. Mothers should  not   boast. Mothers should  not   be proud. Mothers should  not dishonor others. Mothers should  not be self-seeking. Mothers should  not be easily angered. Mothers should  k

  This friend always speaks loveliness to others. She's a joy to hang out with. " Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."  Ephesians 4:29 "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."           1 Thessalonians 5:11 You will encounter someone today who needs to hear a kind word, to experience the relief and joy that comes from a soothing verbal balm.  It won't cost you a penny!  As 0ur grandson says sometimes, "Let's do it!" Kind words are like honey— they cheer you up and make you feel strong.                 Proverbs 16:24 The Song "Let us Oft Speak Kind Words" Prophets Hymn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHs3Gn4spXY

  Here is my newest "print and hang up at home!"  It's a "To Do List" reminder of what God calls me to. Today’s To Do List Rejoice in hope! Be patient in tribulation! Be constant in prayer! Romans 12:12 Be joyful always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all things. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Never give up praying. Keep alert. Be thankful. Colossians 4:2 The Song "Gonna Be Alright" Ryan Ellis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMX-gTuKh8s

The dogwoods are already dancing, the roses are starting to bloom and the peonies are primed for picking.  When you snip a peony you have to be careful where you choose to display these gorgeous jewels because from within their thick blooms are hidden a plethora of ants! Rain was on the horizon so I headed out to salvage the first blooms and begin my intentional de-anting process for the best ant free display benefits. Life is like this.  We have to pick out what is best for our lives. There are things we must discard in order to be displayed as people loved by God and called according to his purpose.(Romans 8:28)  These three verses help me with that process. Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life. — Proverbs 4:23  Anxiety weighs down the human heart.  — Proverbs 12:25 Capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ. — 2 Corinthians 10:5 The Song (Get your dancing shoes on and dance like a peony in the wind.) "Gospel Song" Rhett Walker https

  A day and a half long storm was headed our way. I had just planted or set out a lot of my spring plants...it happens every year, but I haven't learned.  Among the blooms were three large potted hydrangea plants I was trying to nurture along and use for upcoming church events.  My husband was right off the deck inside the kitchen and I said, "I know with my back issues I shouldn't lift these, but they need to come inside away from the storm." Then I eyed one on a table and thought, "I can handle that one," so I did. Then another was on a chair and I strained to lift that one as he came outside and said, "Put it down!  You just said you knew you shouldn't lift these." Aren't we the same way with God and our burdens.  We carry things in our hearts and minds He never ended us to be burdened with. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in hear

 A couple oldie but goodies. Have fun with your grandchildren. 21 of the 26 of us. Hopefully, before I head to heaven we will get one of all of us. A down trodden spirit can pull another down quickly with it!  The grumpies are contagious and there is a lot of grumpiness in the world.  Our grands and other summer guests start arriving this week!  Let the joys of lake life begin.  I told my Bible study buddies yesterday that I wish I had a screen in my kitchen that would continually play upbeat, make you want to dance, praise song videos to set the tone in the house! The other option would be to have an hourly alarm set where you have to whistle. My husband claims it's impossible to be in a bad mood when you are whistling. Ruth Graham's granddaughter wrote a reflection of what her grandmother would start singing to the grandchildren when they would get in a whiny mood or were just feeling sorry for themselves.   Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen. Nobody knows but Jesus. "It

 This is scary.  I thought this photo opt occurred two years ago, while searching for my "football men"  I realized this was taken five years.  The days go by so quickly. Make each one count. An excellent "guys" devotional came across my email containing a football theme. My husband, our fifth child, one of the "extra's" in our life and his son all played college football, so I forward the devotional called "Throw Deep For Christ" to these men. The key verse was Philippians 3:13-14 Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Attached was this note from me...Love you boys and just prayed asking God to send you five things today…an answer to a prayer, an unexpected blessing, an awakening from God’s Word, a song that makes you want to get up and dance and a woman who will love you forever!  May all of you rea