Boojoyful

 I have a friend who loves flamingos, so I just had to send her this photo to cheer her as she is walking through a tough season. It brought out a chuckle and a little joy. Life is a lot, but God is with us through it all. We are friends with Mark Maye, father of NFL Patriots QB, Drake Maye. Our hearts ached for this 23 year old as he tasted defeat before the world, but choking back tears in an interview he reminded himself he's more than just a football player and very blessed to have so many people who love him beyond his performance on a field. This young man has a strong, outspoken faith and knows in whom his joy can be found. One of our grandsons (and his mother) are excelling in 3D printing. Look what they created for my birthday! On Instagram, a mother posted a video of her son singing these lyrics in his bedroom. "The enemy can try to kill, rob and destroy, but one thing he cannot take is my joy, Uhuh! I woke up with a good thing laying by my side. I woke up to some bi...

  The Praying Harpist and her husband. Season 2 Episode 6 Philippians 2:19-30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPL-6c_dMvk Season 2 Episode 5 Philippians 2:12-18 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlWU_-VTgAg Season 2 Episode 4 Philippians 2:1-11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrJOEZDcozE Season 2 Episode 3 Philippians 1:18B- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fy6HUs63mw          Season 2 Episode 2 Philippians 1:12-18 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-WR3TzW8Q4&t=14s Season 2 Episode 1 Philippians 1:11-18 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5-RL9u_ZBo&t=44s

The Valentine decorations are out, but no one has been able to get here to enjoy them. Our private road and driveway are still a challenge, but I continue to learn to be content with the stillness and thankful there is no yard work for my husband.  Spring will be here before we know it, so for now we will embrace where God has us. I awakened this particular morning and thought…”What day is it?  What is on my calendar?  It took a moment for my  spiritual  brain to catch up and over take the  worldly  part and ask…”What is it YOU have for me this weekend Lord?” Last week in Community Bible Study we were meditating on the Psalms of ascent.  Some of the questions about the 12 tribes’ ascent up Mt Zion stuck with me and I went to Got Questions.org  Consider these three points: 1) “The journey UP Mt. Zion reminds worshippers that meeting God involves  leaving ordinary routines  and moving toward His Presence. (Isaiah 2:3)" Being inte...

A grandson's hands coming together to make a heart. It's okay to say, "Lord, I need You."  We were created to cry out to God. In my distress, I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help.  From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. Psalm 18:6 Recently, I've been going through years of journals and there is a common theme...being ready to go whenever a child calls. Whether it was a simple task like being picked up from school when they got sick or at a sporting event/practice; taking them to the ER or an orthopedic because of an injury; or putting adult vacations on hold to take the children somewhere that was exciting for them, there was no hesitation.  As the years passed the needs changed to visiting colleges, planning weddings, and helping to care for their children. When they call we try our best to go, because we love them. God has an even greater love than a mother's love. Like loving parents, He wants us to call upon hi...

  A friend sent these backyard, winter, birds' eye views from Damascus, MD! Quite different from the Osprey hanging out in their nest in Fort Myers, FL at another friend's home. God is taking care of them all!   Visiting with a young widowed friend, I thanked her for the encouraging way she  shares her faith though good days and trials.  Love how she replied, "Anything that  makes us seek the Lord is good. And the deepest learning doesn't usually come like  bubble baths and bon bons. " Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the test of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 The Song "Testify" Need to Breathe "Give me your heart, give me your soul. Sing with all your might. Come to the Fountain and you can be satisfied....There is a peace, there is a love, you can get lost inside." https:/...

Some family members loved me enough to brave the journey and bring me a delicious birthday cake. Our driveway. Moonriver Drive has had a majestic full moon shining on it, lighting up the snow! The Journal I referenced yesterday actually had no entries until May 27th of that year.    Jeremiah 29:11 was at the top of the first page. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.   My entry: “It’s the Friday before Memorial Day. I’m exhausted from all the work trying to get Shiloh ready for the summer season.    I still see effects from the stroke, but am so thankful for how far I’ve come and that we have this beautiful place for our family to enjoy this summer. It’s a scorcher today, I’ve been working on the beach and now the boathouse and I’m too tired to hike the hill, so I’ve come away to a shady spot to rest in your magnificent love Father and listen to you.    M...