Boojoyful

  Thank you to the women in our church who cooked and set up for a wonderful Thanksgiving feast to feed our SENTry group as they gathered to sign up to bring "Christmas Joy" to children in our county. This is coordinated by our Sheriff's Department. Our phones can suck the life out of us. While they are a great convenience, they also are an enormous distraction and temptation. I don't even want to go down that rabbit hole with that discussion. Most days, I start by saying "Good morning Lord, what's in store for today?" But before I listen to Him, I grab my phone and check my messages before posting "Boojoyful."  The intent after that is to turn on praise music and start my Jesus time, but dang that phone can grab my attention and the next thing I know an hour has passed. On this particular day there was only one urgent message to attend to and I quickly went to praise music and there was my much needed reminder in the song title "First Thi...

Our red tips are showing off a brilliant pop of fall color.  The deer have devoured the bottom half of these tasty shrubs. Up doing the middle of the night thing, which seems to be a normal occurrence when you get older, I opened Jesus Calling.  The entry title was "As You Look at the Day." It was 3AM on a Sunday morning and the first line read, "As you look at the day before you, you see a twisted, complicated path, with branches going off in all directions.  You wonder how you can possibly find your way through the maze."   I chuckled because that describes Sunday mornings for us as a pastor and his wife. It's unbelievable what all goes down on a Sunday morning.  Stop right now and pray for the pastors and their families at your church. For that matter, we have a BIG God. Let's pray for God's stamina, guidance and protection over all those in ministry. Yes, I am always with you, you hold me by my right hand.  You guide me with your counsel, and after...

  Our youngest grandson had a solo part in his school's Veteran's Day program. I am so thankful these children are being taught that our freedom isn't free and to respect those who have served, given their lives and those now serving in our military. Billy Graham told this story about visiting a veterans' hospital. "I once talked to a man who had lost a leg in World War II.  When I remarked about the price he had paid, he said, 'It was worth it, wasn't it?'"  Ugh, y'all, that tugs at my heart making me realize I don't pray enough for our servicemen and women, nor be intentional to find ways to show appreciation. I challenge you to read...  A Veteran's Day Message from Billy Graham https://billygraham.org/articles/a-veterans-day-message-from-billy-graham    Here are a couple snippets from the article related to the "It was worth it" quote and what it means to be a servant and join the Lord's army. "Out of this comes a...

  What delights you?  Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 27: 4 Our across the cove neighbors sent these fall photos of Shiloh. God's creation delights me as it reminds me God is here. What inspires you? All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable  for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 God's Word inspires us to live a life pleasing to Him. Our God who has always been and will always be.   The magnificent water's reflection in the photos  causes me to pause for a heart check.  Do I reflect someone who has been taught by God's Word? Someone who loves the Lord with all their heart, forgives quickly, loves others deeply, serves the Lord with joy and thinks more highly of others than myself.  It's not possible in my own flesh, but I thank God for Jesus' example, for the equipping of the Holy Spirit and for daily "Do overs." The Son...

The Roanoke Valley God meets us in the valleys of life, in our suffering, our brokenness, our rebellion and He calls is back to Himself.   What a glorious Lord!  He who daily bears our burdens also gives us our salvation.  Psalm 68:19 Because of Jesus we can choose joy even in the suffering. Whew! I came across a whole page of takeaways jotted in a notebook related  to walking through tough times.  Now I'm clueless as to where I read/heard these references  Most likely they are from CBS lectures or church sermons.  They are worth implanting in our hearts.  God remembrances. “Suffering increases my capacity for God” “I trust Your purposes for my life.” “Our souls are made for eternity with God.” Some favorites- “Focus on God and see a shift.” “Your life is shared by who you cry out to." Ask yourself- "Is God enough for me?” The Song "Meet Me in the Valley" Tasha Layton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLas2emT-SY&list=RDuLas2emT-SY&star...

Gathering with a group of friends,  we made time to sit and write answers to these 15 gratitude prompts.  It was a blessing to carve out the time to be still and turn our hearts to thankfulness.  The next day we selected a few prompts for discussion around the dinner table with family.   It was a sweet time and we wanted to share these with you and encourage you to print these off and use during the upcoming holidays. 15 Prompts For When You are Stuck on What to be Thankful For Simple Blessings:  Write down three simple things you often take for granted (warm cup of coffee, a cozy blanket, the sound of birds in the morning). How do these small blessings brighten your day? God’s Provision:   Reflect on a time when God provided for you in an unexpected way. How did that experience shape your faith and gratitude? Meaningful Connections:   List three people who have positively impacted your life.    What specific qualities about them do...