Boojoyful

December 30-31 I may have mentioned coming up with a new quote before Christmas... Life is a lot! Today it has been difficult to get in gear. We went from the Christmas celebration, to hopping on a plane and helping our youngest pull off a surprise engagement in Florida. Returning home last night I learned of the death of a friend's husband (we will be missing one fine Tarheel fan), the break up of a precious young marriage, an emergency C-section having to be performed on one of the sweetest young women I know(She and her 2 pound baby have been fighting for their lives.) and the reality that our oldest son joins the Army in five days. The combination of physical and emotional exhaustion along with a house to undecorate, bags to unpack and a new semester of lesson plans to attack had me numb, so I dug into the Word hoping God would pull me up. There staring at me on Biblegateway was: This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, ...

December 27-28 Taking notes during the sermon yesterday I wrote "away" instead of "a way". The contrast jumped out at me as I immediately realized Jesus is "the way" (more than a way) to eternal peace. Because of our acceptance of Him we will not be turn "away" from the heavenly home which awaits us. Searching "away" on Bible Gateway most of usages have a negative connotation. "Swept away, sent away, flee away,wasted away, etc." The Song of Solomon does give a more exciting twist to the word in verses 1:4 and 8:14 Take me away with you—let us hurry! Come away, my lover, and be like a gazelle or like a young stag on the spice-laden mountains. Looking at the dictionary definitions for away there are some strong Biblical applications. 1) on the way (Away to heaven we go.) 2) from this or that place (Hmm, choose to go away to heaven or hell) 3) in a secure place (Locked away with Jesus.) 4) in another direction (Sent away from G...

December 26 Ah, the day after Christmas. The crumbs, the old ribbons, tags and wrappings found under the couch and a tree that just seems sad the festivity is over...hmm, maybe for a live tree it knows it's demise. The excitement, joy, love and laughter, which surround a Christmas tree on Christmas morning, are quite unique. With a birthday celebration there is usually only one recipient. On Christmas morning there is just as much excitement watching each person receive the gift you have brought to honor your relationship with them as there is in opening gifts yourself. Think how elated God must be each time someone receives the precious gift of Christ! Jesus really is the gift which keeps on giving. There are few gifts which you can give away and still have an abundance for yourself. Enjoy the lyrics to the Gift Goes On : The Father gave the Son The Son gave the Spirit The Spirit gives us life So we can give the Gift of love And the Gift goes on And the Gift goes on And the Gift g...

December 24-25 There is fruit to be cut, French toast to be stuffed and a mushroom fritata waiting to take form, but I just looked at my husband and said, "I really need my Jesus time." The word the Lord gave me this morning was rather unique. Subtle . Immediately, I thought of the announcement of Christ's birth. No, "Hear Ye, Hear Ye" ringing out from a town crier to tell of the birth of a new born king. No network blaring the news into our family rooms. A single brilliant star, which spoke only to those stirred by the Lord, told of Christ's birth. That is pretty subtle . Opening the dictionary the definition of subtle unleashed more characteristics of our king. Subtle : 1.elusive, difficult to understand or perceive. 2 perceptive, refined; having or marked by keen insight and ability to penetrate deeply and thoroughly. 3. highly skillful : expert (a subtle craftsman) My prayer this Christmas morning is that Christ will penetrate subtly the hearts of many w...

December 23 Said the night wind to the little lamb Do you see what I see Way up in the sky little lamb Do you see what I see A star, a star Dancing in the night With a tail as big as a kite With a tail as big as a kite Said the little lamb to the shepard boy Do you hear what I hear Ringing through the sky shepard boy Do you hear what I hear A song, a song High above the tree With a voice as big as the sea With a voice as big as the sea Said the shepard boy to the mighty king Do you know what I know In your palace wall mighty king Do you know what I know A child, a child Shivers in the cold Let us bring him silver and gold Let us bring him silver and gold Said the king to the people everywhere Listen to what I say Pray for peace people everywhere Listen to what I say The child, the child Sleeping in the night He will bring us goodness and light He will bring us goodness and light The child, the child Sleeping in the night He will bring us goodness and light What beautiful lyrics! I am b...

December 21-22 Driving along Interstate 81 after the blizzard this weekend it was shocking to see cars which had been abandoned on the side of the Interstate and then plowed over with snow by snow plows. In one fifty mile stretch, news reporters sighted between 600-1000 people who had to be rescued after abandoning their vehicles. The national guard was called in to help rescue people and get them into shelters. All the hotels were full and gas became quite the shortage at stations along the exit ramps. There was at least one death. My first thought upon seeing these cars, many plunged nose down into ditches, was what would make someone get out of their car in a storm like this and start walking? I am guessing you would be thinking you would freeze to death in the car, but walking blindly in a storm like that is asking for problems to pile upon problems. Hopefully cell phones worked and many were taken to safety by the National Guard. The image of these stuck cars with the snow piled u...

December 20 Life would be more simple if there was only one way to do things. Take high chairs for instance...none of the trays are removed the same way. You enter a restaurant holding one of more toddlers on your hip, you have a diaper bag and your purse swung over your shoulder and you are trying to slide the tray off to set a child down and the search for the latch or latches begins! How about the credit card machines at various check outs. Why can't there just be one way to slide the card. Target's check out makes me a little nervous...the machine actually inhales your card! And cell phones...well just forget it. The Bible makes it so simple to believe in Christ... Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me . John 14:6 "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved . Acts 16:31 Mary and Joseph believed, the shepherds believed and the wisemen certainly believed to take such a long journey. The d...

December 18-19 Needing to be out of town for a couple days has made me miss an enormous snow storm at Shiloh. :( My husband has been telling me not to fret. There will be plenty of snow for for quite some time. The last time we spoke this morning the property had over 18 inches on the ground and it was still coming down! The phrase the Lord gave me yesterday was "Give it Up!" Immediately, I thought of the entertainment industry and how they say, "Give it up for..." so and so before they take the stage. Whoa....maybe that is what our ministers need to say when we come to worship! "Give it up for Jesus!" We could break out in applause and heartfelt "Amens" or we could "give up" all the baggage we brought into worship with us. Yup, lay our burdens down; quit thinking we have to solve all of our problems on our own. There are at least four ways to "give it up" concerning Jesus. "Give it up" in worship... follow ...

December 17 Rushing home from school I entered the house singing, "It's time to be with Jesus, time to be with Jesus, it's time to be with Jesus now!" I felt a little bit like Mr. Rogers and "It's a lovely day in this neighborhood...would you be mine?" Then those words, "Would you be mine?" pounded down on me. How many people a day does Jesus ask that question? He is the "bread of life" according to John 6:35. He supplies all our needs: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 Last night we set aside what the world was screaming is urgent and took three hours to gather a few students interested in going to church to take communion. A harpist played, our heart rates slowed, we knelt at the altar before Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus and gave thanks for all He has done. Then approaching the altar again for communion the tears dripped down my eyes as I thought about what Christ has done f...

December 16 WhaCha Gonna Do When They Come for You? Let's be perfectly clear, most of the time I am totally clueless what the Spirit is up to when he gives me these devotionals! This morning I responded to Him with a "You've got to be kidding me? I've never even seen Ghost Busters." What I have seen are people dying with the Lord and those dying without Him and what they did as the time neared for death was very different. What they are doing now after death is quite different as well. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened... Luke 11:10 Let's Pray: Father, you have a plan! We thank You that Jesus came for everyone, Jew and Gentile alike. May there be rejoicing in heaven today, because hearts were stirred to seek and the door was open to many who had been lost. We offer ourselves to Your service today and may we live and react in a way that helps to lead people to You. In the name of the One we love, Ame...

December 15 For some reason I decided to feed Moses (our bulldog) by Christmas light this morning around 6AM. Filling up his water bowl, I remembered the dishwasher needed emptying. Dropping a glass bowl on the hard tile floor, the conditions were ripe for disaster. Shattered clear glass, bare feet and very dim lighting. Had my husband been home, he would have shouted..."Don't move, don't move!" Fortunately, the dog was outside, but I was alone and needed a plan. Now I am realizing I could have reached for a couple casserole dishes and put my feet in them and slide across the tile floor to safety! What I did do was stop and realize..."I am not alone." Asking the Lord for wisdom I squatted down and brushed aside some clear spots to gently step upon to approach my bedroom and a pair of shoes before beginning the clean up.(I did get glass in the end of one finger..should have grabbed a dish towel). We step into unknown and often dangerous situations every day,...

December 14 Being the Head Master of two schools, part of my husband's responsibility is making the call as to whether school is open or not in inclement weather. Nobody likes making up snow days on Saturdays or extending the school year, but living in a rural area, safety is of the utmost consideration. Today he had to "make the call" at 6AM. We are two hours late, due to icing. Carrying the cause of Christ in our hearts, we often have to make the call when to share the Gospel. Our Sunday school class just finished a training course called "Share Jesus without Fear" by Bill Fay (www.sharejesuswithoutfear.com). Another excellent training program is the Evangelism Explosion course designed by the late James Kennedy. There are two key questions with that program which can help immensely to get a conversation started. 1) God forbid, but should you die tonight in your sleep do you know with absolute certain you are going to heaven? If they say no, then you can share...

December 12-13 Ponder: to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19 Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Psalm 111:2 Matt Redman has a song entitled: "Let My Words Be Few" which I have posted to the left. That's the way I feel about the blog today...let the words be few so we can ponder all that God wants to do with each of us. Take time to ponder today! Great new holiday recipe as well!

December 11 Preparation: the action or process of making something ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty . Oh, yes, this is the preparation season, full of Christmas action. Thinking of the word preparation in relationship to God's purpose for us is a real heart stirrer. As we place our lives on His altar today in surrenderance to Him, we prepare ourselves for the use, the service, the specific occasion,or the possible test which awaits us. Awake with confirmation, praying to be prepared for the privileged duty we are called to as Children of the Living God! Here we are Lord, send us! Shell Shocked...I googled the word "surrenderance" and the first articles which came up were related to "yoga', "guru", "Hafiz", "the Meher Baba's Oneness in the World", "Tara Meditation", and a You Tube of Obama related to a great Hindu American. Clicking back to my concordance there was no verse ca...

December 10 Stop...does the season have us the least bit anxious? Is there something we are trying to fine tune...a Christmas card or shopping list, a performance, a recipe, maybe decorating? This morning I asked the Lord to take me in scripture where we needed to be...here is where I landed. For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, an to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19 Oh, Paul had such a way with words. It gets even better! Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask o...

December 9 During my quiet time this morning a man's leather shoe with it's tongue and shoe strings kept creeping into my vision. Now what could that be about....ah "tongue tied". Very clever Lord! There is even the perfect verse to come alongside the shoe! Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. Proverbs 17:28 Father, may we all take heed to these words of wisdom today and tie up our tongues from flapping loose if necessary! In Jesus Name, Amen

December 8 Being an extremely early riser and not wanting to disturb my sleep, my husband is always so thoughtful to tuck a pillow up against me when he gets out of be to make me think he is still with me. When I awaken I usually pat that side of the bed to see if it is human or fluff snuggling with me. I can't find the reference this morning, but I seem to recall a scripture verse which says, "Lo, I am with you to the end of the earth." It's hard to shake Jesus! While some people enjoy being served breakfast in bed, I much prefer the artistic gifts God gives me each morning. The bright and morning star shown through my window at 5AM and now at 6:45 He has painted a gorgeous pink and gray sunrise. The process of a sunrise is like watching a souffle rise in the oven...every couple minutes there is an exciting subtle change! If our eyes are open we are going to see God in action...yes, He is every present...ever with us! Close your eyes, lift your arms in praise and sin...

December 7 Father, I want to make today count. When I place my head on my pillow tonight I want to be able to reflect back and know that I have been where You planned to send me and that I have responded to life in a way that gives You joy and glory. I want today to be a pomegranate day. Yesterday, after church we stopped by the grocery store and I picked up a couple pomegranates. What a beautiful fruit! Instructions on how to cut it open were included. The internal structure was amazing! (I am not going to give details, so if you have never had this experience it will be exciting for you.) This had to have been one of God's most creative days...kind of like the giraffe day for him. The exuberance of this fruit climaxes as you eat the seeds! God's Word is like the pomegranate! It is attractive, but when you dig into it the world around you illuminates and there is so much more than you expected on the inside! Lord, go before us today, showing us Your way. Help us to put our age...

December 5-6 Frustratingly, I looked at the word " associating " as my computer waited and waited for access to get online. The " retry " button kept staring me in the face, but pushing that was to no avail. Next, the not so endearing phrase "We are currently experiencing technical difficulties" popped up and brought me to a point of surrender. Forget this,I'm heading off to use my Bible and a dictionary! The word "associate" in the dictionary means "to ally, to unite, to combine". Lord, I want to associate with You. I stray so easily. Please allow me a "retry." Create in me a pure heart, O God, renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 When will I grasp I cannot do all things on my own and live in a manner recognizing You have never called me to such a task? You are to be my strength. Ah, yes...renew.... Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then yo...

December 4 In honor of Christ's birthday month, I decided to have a date a day with him to deepen our relationship. Already, I can see his purpose is to help me with a life course of his I have not been passing with flying colors. The course..."Loving Unlovable People." I do feel this is a graduate level course! I'm late for school but wanted to share how this morning's date went. Date 4 Under this satin comforter the sun has not yet come up, but you are here Jesus! My whole body relaxes as I close my eyes and imagine Your face…your eyes are so blue…unusual for a Jewish man! I’ve never been a fan of long hair on men, but yours is gorgeous. Reaching over to hold your hand, I flinch back at first seeing the scars on your wrists! What a strong remembrance of what you did for me. Will you take this time to teach me more?…..ugh, you ask me….Will I accept unconditionally what you have to say because you say it in love? OK…I trust you and your motives. Proverbs 25:21-22 ...

December 3 Scanning through a computer instruction course we are introducing in January I came to the games part of each assignment! Hey, that sounds like fun....NOT! Nudging my almost asleep husband I said in frustration, "I just don't get it. How am I supposed to make all these little smiley faces move to the right color boxes. Half of them are sticking out their tongues at me!" The scenario didn't improve when I moved to a snowboarding math skill. Oh, the math problems were a breeze, but moving the cursor around the pine trees and rocks had "YOU LOSE" continually popping up. For many people, a faith in Christ is difficult to understand. They need someone who knows Him to offer up an explanation and take them to the directions. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 10:9 If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord...

December 2 Somehow the morning stole away from me and I didn't get on the blog. Yesterday, I decided to venture out on a new course of "30 Dates with Jesus". Each day after school I will rush home and experience the Lord in a unique way. Life really is all about relationship and there is none more valuable than the one we share with Christ. Scurrying in out of a deluge of rainfall today, I dropped my school bags and headed to the piano, ready to praise! Deciding to take pot luck I opened the hymnal and was elated to see the hymn: Think About His Love . Great date song! Think about His love, think about His goodness Think about His grace that's brought us through For as high as the heavens above So great is the measure of our father's love Great is the measure of our Father's love So great is the measure of our Father's love My heart wandered back to yesterday when a student shared he had been hurt by someone in the locker room at the "Y". Th...

December 1 My son shared over the holidays how when his first child was born he was afraid that if he had to go to the hospital nursery and pick out his baby he might not be able to recognize him. I can remember loving on our first born and hearing my husband say, "I don't even know that person yet, how can you love her so." I am sure those are both very common first time dad comments. What did Mary and Joseph think when they peered in that manger after their ordeal? How about the wise men who traveled so far to bring gifts to an unknown child? As Jesus grew he amazed people over and over again. My husband and son are both amazed with and attachment to their children! Drawing near to the manger this Christmas season may we daily be amazed by what Christ has done for us and is continually doing for all mankind. May attachment to Christ and the desire to be more like him be a daily goal as well. A great holiday verse to keep our focus in perspective is: The things which ...

November 30 In my early morning dreams I was working a puzzle. Fortunately it was one of those wooden children's puzzles and not very taxing! Opening my eyes my first thought was, "God is never puzzled!" He never slumbers, He never sleeps, nor does He wonder "Waz Up?" The purposeful part of our puzzlement is that it has a grand probability of leading us to God for solutions! Dig deep today into the Word and into His ways! Being Joyful all the way!

November 28-29 When will I learn to just trust Him? The definite message to share this morning was coming from the Audio Adrenaline song "Big, Big, House" which is about heaven. I actually threw up the suggestion to God that people reading this blog may not want to think about heaven right now, but I gave into his lead and spent an hour and a half researching what we know from God's Word about heaven. What a grand treasure hunt to go on....searching the scriptures for all the facets of what is to come! God used this search to take me to a site related to "Preaching the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand" and how we should live. For years my husband has said the answer to any Bible question can be..."Read your Bible and Pray", but this site reminded me there is so much more for us to experience. It is my belief that the majority of God's created people are missing the magnificent depth of relationship He created us for. I've been wanting to come up wi...

November 27 How easy it is for holidays to take us out of the routine, but that should not include our quiet times. How fast the past two days flew...tukey, stuffing, pies and cakes...family and friends...exhaustion. Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving! Psalm 95:2 Hmm, I left that out of my Thanksgiving Day. Hunkering down with Him right now! I love You Lord, for who You are to me!

November 24 My husband, the forever coach minded individual, is always encouraging "team work" in life's endeavors! Well, I take that back...he has his leaf blowing system and I think a touch of pride which has him as a one man show out on our five acres. God is the originator of team work! The "first" team would be the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Next, all of those He calls disciples are commanded to band together for His purpose and be like Jesus, a friend who sticks closer than a brother. When the body of Christ is operating like a well oiled machine it is powerful and a joy to watch in action! Several of my team members have the gift of encouragement and it is always a joy to open their emails. Here is part of a devotional which was sent to me yesterday. I hope it will spur you on as it did me to seek the Lord and join Him in the work He is doing. "The Lord alone will be exalted in that day." - Isaiah 2:11 By Francis Frangipane The Answer: More of...

November 23 Lord, the enemy's attack are continual and such low blows! I just want to scream stop! Oh, how tempting to pick up the phone or writing pen and try to right wrongs! My heart has ached as I have just listened to severe heart ache with four different people this morning. The older I get the more quickly I recognize the battle and it is not against flesh and blood and it can't be battled in human terms. Promising to pray for one family who has an immediate decision to make, all I keep hearing is: If you love me, you will obey what I command. John 14:15 I suggested to this young woman that she go to The Bible and ask God to speak to her. I opened Ogilvie's devotional to November 23 and read: I will hear what God the Lord will speak. Psalm 85:8 Just keep blowing me away with how real You are Mighty God! Check these promises out! Fear not, I am with you. I will never leave you or forsake You. Seek to please only Me, and you'll have nothing and no one to fear. Lo...

November 22 The testosterone levels in our home are increasing, as our sons head home for the holiday week. The football games were blaring as grunts, groans and cheers erupted from our family room. The importance of the evening games seemed to dissipate as the remote clicked over to battle scene after battle scene. Brad Pitt swung his sword, blood spewed and balls of fire rolled in Troy and Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom were at each other in Pirates of the Caribbean. There must have been at least four other macho man movies available as the channels clicked by. Being the only female in the house, I asked..."What are the women folk supposed to be doing?" The reply..."Oh, they are shopping." TV is not my favorite past time. I'd rather be cooking, crafting or reading. Violence is very, very low on my list, but I must admit I peered out occasionally from behind a rug frame on which I was weaving and glanced at the scenes from Troy. The reverence and honor these ...

November 21 The Lord and I have been rocking and rolling this AM. My day began a bit antsy contemplating all that is on my "to do" list. Why do we allow the holidays to overwhelm us? Reaching for my Bible the words "mud puddle" came to mind. "Where are you going with that one Lord? At present whatever You are trying to reveal is as clear as mud ." My next comments were...I just don't feel plugged in. Opening to Day 4 of a devotional I am studying was the title: Power Surge...Connection with the Ultimate Source. He does it over and over and over again...show up that is! God honors our desire for him. The first purpose of prayer is to know God. Charles Allen Adoration, praise and thanksgiving are pouring out of me for where the Lord has just led me...yup, right past the mud puddle...we stepped over it today and headed for some spa treatments... S prucing, p olishing and a ccentuating the advantages of life with the Spirit. Remembering I am to function i...

November 20 Dealing with some pain, I asked my husband to rub the compromised area. At one point I had to say, "Stop, the pain is too great." Emotional pain came can be very similar...sometimes there are places we just can't go and we need to set boundaries. Praise the Lord Jesus is never out of bounds! He is the ultimate comfort zone. In Charles Wesley's hymn "Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing" there is a lyric which says: He breaks the power of cancelled sin and sets the prisoner free... Christ's forgiveness and restorative power let freedom ring! The holidays can be a tentative time when we walk gingerly into what can often turn into volatile situations. LOL...do you think that is the way God feels about everyday with all His children! As we prepare the shopping lists, clean the house or pack the bags for the pending Thanksgiving holiday, let's be certain we are preparing our hearts to love as Christ loved and be able to offer the same forgivenes...

November 19 "Earl Grey, Earl Grey, where are you? It's been a long day and I need you and some chocolate chip cookies to bring me comfort!" my heart sang out as I entered my home on a dreary afternoon, which had been filled with emotional dreariness on top of the weather. Downing my fourth cup of tea, with lots of sugar I might add, I realized I had run to Earl Grey before the Lord! My morning therapy sessions are provided by One, Jesus Christ, and Spirit FM radio station. The past few months He has been using musical lyrics to minister to me in a "knock your socks off" way. Meeting several teachers at the door, who were well aware of the attacks which have been surrounding our school, I shared these Casting Crown lyrics which had just played. But if we are the Body Why aren't His arms reaching Why aren't His hands healing Why aren't His words teaching And if we are the Body Why aren't His feet going Why is His love not showing them there is a w...

November 18 Hear Ye, Hear Ye...I just love how words/phrases take on different meanings. This may have come to mind through a combination of our school bell choir practicing and Law and Order being on TV and a judge smacking down his gavel. During my quiet time I often say, "Lord, I want to hear you." Yesterday, I found myself writing..."Hear Ye, Hear Ye." Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Father, may we get away to a quiet place today and listen for You to advise, instruct, and love us onto the path You would have us take. In Jesus Name. Amen

November 17 Opening the match box, only two wooden matches were remaining. Lighting the first deep candle the match burned quickly and I realized it would not sustain the trip to the second candle...but no fear from one wick to another the flame can be passed along (ok, you may spill a bit of wax in the process, but it works). Going candle to candle I lit ten candles. Standing back and admiring the glow I thought about how we are to be the light of Christ to a lost and hurting world and just as one wick goes up against another to spread light, we are called to do the same. Let's touch someone with a bit of Jesus today and pass the flame, bringing light into the lives of others!

November 16 We are reading The Hiding Place at school and it has taken me all day to have the opportunity to sneak off and hide with the Lord. It was fun to discuss with the children where they would hide if someone came into their home after seeking to bring harm. Praise God we are covered by the shelter of His wing! The clutter of a full work day and at home chores which scream..."Get me done!" ...can make hearing the Lord difficult. The word He gave me was "tribute" and I opted to search The Message. The last passage on the search list was: Psalm 98:8-9 (The Message) Let ocean breakers call out, "Encore!" And mountains harmonize the finale— A tribute to God when he comes, When he comes to set the earth right. He'll straighten out the whole world, He'll put the world right, and everyone in it. Enjoying a warm fall afternoon I looked at many of the trees already naked with their leaves gone and I thought ahead to spring when their leaves will com...

November 14-15 The petite kindergartner was walking into school with her little umbrella spinning behind her and Head Master Andrews began to sing..."I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain." She just gave him a blank stare. The rains have dissipated here at Shiloh and I awakened singing, "Good mornin, good mornin, it's a beautiful mornin!" It would be interesting to take a poll of how many of my readers even had a clue those were movie songs. What a blessing that the Word of God never goes out of style, nor loses it potency. The verses our great grandparents read over us are still the ones we will read to our grandchildren! For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that w...

November 13 Docks are under water, boats are floating loose and Stanley Steamer trucks are hustling up and down the roadways profiting from other's losses. My eyes tear up as I think back to visiting a faculty member yesterday who lost many things in this flood. Entering her home all that was found on her kitchen table was her wedding album. Only one corner had been damaged before she made the rescue. This song came to mind: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus There's just something about that name Master, Savior, Jesus Like the fragrance after the rain Jesus, Jesus, Jesus Let all Heaven and Earth proclaim Kings and kingdoms Will all pass away But there's something about that Name. The rains are still coming this morning, joined by wind. There is no fragrance like what you would find after a refreshing rain. No, just the opposite with threats of mold, must, and mildew. There is a sweet fragrance though. The fragrance of friendship, camaraderie and caring. A hand extended to lift a heavy lo...

November 12 The fire was blazing, as I sat inside procrastinating getting some work done, while the rain poured down. Two pairs of sliding double doors exhibited a welcome lake view, then whish...a bushy tailed squirrel ran across the wooden rail with an enormous nut protruding from his mouth. The next thing I knew he or one of his comrades was back raiding my gourd arrangement on the deck! The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 While I was typing the phone rang, a caller explained that area schools had closed due to flooding. My husband is head master over two small Christian schools, so I tried to reach him on the road. One is in a very rural area and definitely needed to close. The other probably could have opened, but we decided to try to contact two of our teachers who live further out. I could tell when the young woman answered the phone she was devastated, her voice sounded dead. Today was to h...

November 11 If I asked you if you are a veteran, how would you respond? Veteran 1 a : an old soldier of long service b : a former member of the armed forces 2 : a person of long experience usually in some occupation or skill. You could be a veteran parent or veteran prayer warrior! A dear friend who reads this blog is a veteran veterinarian! Honor has ten definitions in the dictionary, but the one I chose for today is one whose worth brings respect . Let's list in our hearts the many who have gone before us, laid their lives down for us and our country and the ones doing so this very day. Andrew Jackson proclaimed: Every good citizen makes his country's honor his own and cherishes is not only as precious but as sacred. He is willing to risk his life in its defense and is conscious that he gains protection while he gives it . Call a veteran today and thank that person for risking their life for your freedom. Give honor, glory and praise to our Lord Jesus who gave His life for u...

November 10 Reflecting back, no one would believe what the day held. It was all about needing and being a friend, but that is typical in my work place. (For some of you that place may be a home full of pre-schoolers or a college dorm room.) The plots of the enemy were obvious to all of us gather in a room for prayer. Then a bizarre hit came leaving us all stunned and speechless. Hunkering down, we prayed out a plan and survived the day. As one colleague expressed..."This craziness has become our normal." Finally arriving home, chaos continued to unfold. Reaching for relief and a way to stay afloat I turned on my IPOD and the lyrics of a song by Casting Crowns, which I had never heard, penetrated my heart and called me to prayer. See the side bar to the left for "A Song and a Psalm" and check out Prayer for a Friend. May the Lord bring to mind the one for whom your intercession is most needed. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God . Job 16:20 I...

November 9 The cell phone beeped and the text read of an urgency to find the phone number of another friend. I responded. A few moments later the phone rang and my friend said, "I've just received a call from a woman who has a piano on a truck headed for Goodwill, but she is offering me the opportunity to find it a good home first. I can't get anyone on their phone and don't know what to do!" My "end all" solution was...let's pray. Hanging up the phone it was only minutes before a new text read that God had given her the perfect answer and the piano was on its way to the home of one of our teacher's at the school! How sweet it is to watch God work! Ponder, ponder, think...we have a valuable "gift" to offer to friends. A free mansion awaits them! They just have to answer the call and be willing to receive the ticket. His name is Jesus. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God trust also in me. In my Father's house are many ro...

November 8 Wake up call! Walking around a large city up north, I found myself enamoured with the sites and fearful of the unknowns...directions, metro system, etc. Having just a short time to be there, I wanted to pack in as much as possible. Taking time to be still and know that God was God, the next morning I began to weep. I had missed the boat! My focus has been on myself and the things of this world, not the Lord's business. My heart was so heavy as I realized I hadn't noticed or prayed for the people around me. I was in the dark. Praising God that each day is new and is full of his forgiveness I redirected my focus and wanted to have a Noah sort of faith..being willing to follow God's lead. Ah, a much more meaningful day surfaced. The highlight of my day was asking a waiter if he had any prayer requests. His comment back to me made me smile..."Are you from Georgia? SC?" This young man was precious and I look forward to getting to know him better through emai...

November 6-7 Praying about what to write the word "triangle" came to me. Immediately in my own flesh I surmised I was to write about the Trinity! I felt a nudge to go to the dictionary and look up triangle . The message took a different turn. Read these definitions and imagine the large variance of possibilities if you told someone you were in need of a triangle! 1 : a polygon having three sides — compare spherical triangle 2 a : a percussion instrument consisting of a rod of steel bent into the form of a triangle open at one angle and sounded by striking with a small metal rod b : a drafting instrument consisting of a thin flat right-angled triangle of wood or plastic with acute angles of 45 degrees or of 30 degrees and 60 degrees 3 : a situation in which one member of a couple is involved in a love affair with a third person. Whew, this English language exhibits a difficult level of understanding. Many people have come to the same conclusion about God's word. This ro...

November 5 Too funny! I've gone from researching, undulation , the highs and lows in life as referenced in C.S. Lewis' book, The Screwtape Letters , to looking up the lyric of an old song called Busting Loose. Wait until you see the name of the group who sang "Busting Loose"....Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers! Hmmm, maybe Charles and I have a different take on "soul searchers". Ha! Here is the path on which the Spirit led me...I am guessing it was the Spirit????? So I'm thinking about undulation in life and the various ways we "bust" through the door! Reflect back on your own life or the lives of your children possibly and what jubilant news did you bust through the door with? The most exciting flashback for me was a 2AM burst through my parents bedroom door to tell them I was engaged! Other times were rushing in with exhilaration when I had made a team or grabbed a part in a play. Walking rather gingerly was more the approach as I told th...

November 3-4 Hydrangea! Say what? Yes, in the middle of the night God had me thinking about hydrangeas. When inquiring why, the response was because they are bursting forth with joy and we should be too! Checking out some concordances on bursting with joy I came to Luke 24 where Jesus has appeared to the disciples after his crucifixion. It says He startled them. Ya, think? The story reaches a crescendo with Jesus' accession. Check this out and rejoice for He is risen! 51He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, took his leave, being carried up to heaven. 52-53And they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes! I am going to get on my knees right now and worship him! My guess is there are going to be the most magnificent hydrangeas I've ever seen in heaven! Hope to see you there!

November 1-2 Do everything without complaining. Philippians 2:14 My mood was grumpy from the moment I awakened. Possibly a bad dream was still lingering in my mind. Asking the Lord to speak, all I received was the song "Climb Every Mountain" and that wasn't what I wanted. Deciding to get up, go to the bathroom and do a few chores before writing the song title kept coming to me. Still desiring something else I opened a devotional to see what verse might be there for today... Yup, there it was... Do everything without complaining. I believe The Message actually says, "without grumbling". Where God was taking me (and He knew this long before I even woke up) was to an obedience test and had I not taken a bathroom break, I might have missed it and gone forth on my own accord. Complaining is contagious...one bad apple can ruin the whole bunch baby! Obedience is for our best when it comes to our Heavenly Father. As a teacher, a coach, or a parent there are times we j...

October 31 It's true! Just as the disciples knew what they knew about Jesus, we too have real life experiences with Him today! While these "Godincidences" thrill our hearts personally, we need to speak up and tell of His goodness to others. Yesterday morning the day was looking rough by 5:30AM.God had laid a new project on my heart and I was scrambling to find a scrap of paper on which to jot the message. A few phone calls and emails later I called out to the Lord.. "Something has to give here!" Posting the daily devotional, I decided to skip my shower. Putting half a chunk of bread, from dinner the night before, and a bunch of grapes in my lunch bag I ran out the door without ever sitting quietly before the Lord. By the time I returned home at 4PM I found myself longing to be with Jesus. Opening Quiet Moments with God I laughed out loud. There was my personal message from the Lord! O God, my heart is steadfast. Psalm 57:7 May God speak to you today. Enjoy Ogi...

October 30 I just did a complete turn around on the devo erasing what I had written. Typing away on a topic of my own accord I heard what I thought was my husband clearing his throat. Then I realized my husband has been gone for an hour. It made me stop and think about the sensations which surrond the loss of a loved one. We still sense their presence...maybe we think we hear them in the kitchen or we still anticipate them walking in the door. Ugh...I've just sensed the need to pray for my husband's safety as he is on the road. Actually, I just stopped and called him and prayed. He said an 18 wheeler, which was perpendicular to him, had just taken a sharp turn and he thought the truck was going to turn over on top of him. He was thankful for the prayers. Double ugh...I just went on Biblegateway to find a verse and the verse of the day is one of my husband's favorites...the verse that drew him to salvation: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not ...

October 29 Indian summer abounded yesterday with temperatures in the mid 70's and I couldn't wait to finish mopping the bathroom floors and cleaning the toilets at school, so I could get home and be outdoors. My classroom has no windows and that makes for a sacrificial day this time of year as the creation in this Blue Ridge Mt country is bursting forth with an array of pleasing colors. There were papers to be graded, novels to read and lesson plans to make, but I found myself wanting nothing but Jesus. Struggling with what my priorities really were...Jesus won out and I gave him the first fruits of my free time. Interestingly, He took me to Galatians 6:7..." A man reaps what he sows ." Want a blessing? Be a blessing. Want a friend? Be a friend. While I was hanging out with Jesus, I devoured an apple. Setting the core aside a brown apple seed was staring back at me. WOW...one little seed produces a tree which gives and gives a bountiful harvest. Likewise, God can take...

October 28 The momentum was mounting, the Lord was turning an ordinary day into an extraordinary day spiritually. The example of how real He is unfolded yesterday through a poem He gave me and escalated with an amazing confirmation through the lyrics of a song on the way to school. I believe the song was called "Pretend Not to See Her." The students were a contemplative captive audience and I prayed that someone would "get it" and God would speak to them and show them where He was at work that very day and how they could join him. Then BAM, WHAM, POW...the enemy approached, pushed the right buttons, taking me off guard, and the moment was shattered. Fortunately, I had to leave and go to a funeral. God allowed me to retreat from the battlefield and attend a retreat in the form of a funeral. One of my favorite songs, "I Know My Redeemer Lives" was sung and I recognized the battle which had just been waged. Returning to the classroom, where the bomb had been ...

October 27 What will it be today Lord, that will touch a tender heart? What will it take today Lord, to convince someone there is a new start? Last night standing by the coffin of a friend's loved one, I wrapped my arms around her and praised God he was now with the Son. When you molded me and made me, You had a purpose for this day. Now I bow my head and seek Your plan as I listen while I pray. Our lives are so much richer when we take the time to care. Come Holy Spirit, guide us and make us so much more aware.

October 26 We have a young (very talented musically) friend who has been on The Amazing Race. If you have tuned into this show his name is Canaan. He and his new girlfriend, Micah, both live in Nashville. Last night was the first night we had tuned in to watch. We just caught the last 15 minutes where they approached an enormous water slide...I am not even certain of the country in which this was taking place. Micah was wearing pink water wings...a clue that she is afraid of water. Long story short...her fear overcame her and she refused to go down the slide. Her holding back put them in last place and they have been eliminated from the show. Opening a devotional reading this morning was the story of Ruth and her mother in law, Naomi. A story of undying faithfulness when a young widow chooses to follow her widowed mother in law and the faith she cherishes instead of turning back to her own homeland. Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you...

October 24-25 Rarely do I miss my commitment to the Lord when it comes to the devotional, but this weekend family called and I chose to allow them to take every minute. Funny, now I feel like I've been on a junk food junket and I am craving spiritual food.

October 23 Grace was extended to me the other day as I asked my hairdresser about the color of my hair, which seems to be changing. He hasn't highlighted it in over a year. Responding to my inquiry he said, "Oh, this is all you! It is Arctic Blonde!" Tack, grace or little white lies are appreciate at times, but when it comes to sin in our lives we need to name it and praise God he sent Christ to die for those sins, not just leave us to our own devices of "dying" over them or trying on our own to bleach them out. Acts 13:38 Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Let's Pray: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty early in the morning our praises rise to You. Forgive us our trespasses and every unclean thought which infiltrates our minds. May we leap a little higher and love a little deeper for the load we have laid down on Your altar and with rejoicing proclaim, "You are the way, the truth ...

Philippians 2:22 says: You know his proven character . February 22nd would have been the perfect date for this verse, but it caught my mind today. God is in the transformation business. Paul, who is probably the most dramatic Biblical transformtaion, writes of other lives which also were tranformed. Timid Timothy over came his fears and became a faithful follower of Christ. Peter certainly did a denial turn around, but it was't an immediate fix. Our proven character occures during a refining process. Like the song says...He's still workin on me, to make me what I ought to be.!

October 21 It is 1:15 AM and the hiccups will not stop, so I've decided I might as well hiccup with the Lord. I went to Biblegateway to see what the verse was for the day. “I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”- Psalm 40:8 The plan is to meditate on this verse in conjunction with the hiccups... I desire ....hiccup.. to do ...hiccup.. your will ...hiccup... I kid you not...one cycle of chewing...ok hiccuping... on God's Word and after twenty five minutes of struggling with the hiccups they stopped as soon as they were put to the scripture memory process! The Word of God is a powerful weapon!

October 20 A cold spell shot through our nation last week. Heading off to school yesterday I looked at the temperature, which was 33 degrees. I thought to myself... "I'm not ready for cold weather." There hasn't been a Christmas yet, where I was ready with all the little "special" unnecessary touches I had planned. The only "Are you ready?" which is of eternal value in my book is "Are you ready for Jesus' return?" So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matthew 24:44 Sing it...Are you ready? Yes, I'm ready!" Let's Pray: OH Great I AM, You make the tides to turn and across the midst of this morning I see a hint of pink which tells me the sun is coming today. When we least expect Him, You Son will rise up on the clouds and announce His return! What a time of rejoicing that will be for some, but for most it will be a real shocker! Our prayer today would be tha...

October 19 Lord, in a bit of a Monday morning frenzy, I felt as if I was rushing through my quiet time with You. The song "Catch a Wave" came to me and really caught me off guard. The word wave took me to "the wave" which occurs in football stadiums! How Kool would it be if those people were actually all lifting their hands in praise to You! W00t! W00t! Father, we do pray for a wave of revival to fly across this land! In Jesus Name! God blessed us with a chance to be still last night and share in sweet fellowship with a wonderful couple who God has sent into our lives as mentors and accountability partners. The question arose wondering if we knew what the word Bible stood for? Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth May our Bibles be open so God can instruct and teach each of us this very day. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

October 17-18 One of my students is an avid fisherman. When he gets going, his tales twirl off his tongue at a pace which is hard to follow. The lingo of lures, rods, and species leaves me long in the dust and my head is spinning like the line running off his reel. Often I am left thinking....I have no clue what he was just talking about. (He probably feels the same about my lecture this week on inverted and natural order and independent and subordinate clauses.) It the topic doesn't hold our interest the information often doesn't penetrate our thick shells! Funny..it must be the teacher in me which sympathizes with the flight attendant giving his/her safety spiel, so I watch intently with an appreciative smile while the other passengers do their own thing. Studying the Word of God can be dry and dull if You aren't hungry for it. Praise God He knew we would need the Holy Spirit to make it come alive. If you are assisting a beginning Bible student, first ask them if they hav...

October 16 Putting on my jacket for work, I had to inside out a sleeve. The idea to teach our school children to turn their prayer focus inside out came to me. So often we pray "Give me...help me... I want..." Driving to school I have started a praise course...listening to praise music on the radio and receiving a message from the lyrics. The inside out theme continued as I heard a song by Chris Sligh for the first time: Empty Me Empty me of the selfishness inside Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride And any foolish thing my heart holds to Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you So filler up Lord!!! Filler up! In Jesus' Name, Amen

October 15 I am a bit ahead of schedule, but this Godincidence was too much not to share immediately. Pulling in my driveway after a long, cold, wet day at school my memory drifted back to my childhood and stopping by my grandmother's on the way home from school each day. My grandmother's home was a safe haven for me....full of peace, warmth, and love. She always has a treat waiting! Now as a grandmother myself, I find that same familiar sort of anticipation as I return home to my dog each day. With these thoughts on my mind and my dog by my side, I opened my email to find this precious site. www.andiesisle.com/GoD_and_DoG.html This morning in Language Arts I asked the 6th grade students to pull out a piece of paper and imagine they were in the throne room of God waiting for him to speak. I told them to jot down any thoughts the Holy Spirit gave them during a time of silence. We talked about how God longs for us to come to Him and listen! Whew...heading there now! Let's pra...

October 14 Drifting off to sleep, while reading a devotional book in our hammock yesterday, I was awakened by a gentle nudge. Opening my eyes I expected to see my husband, but instead there was Moses! As soon as I acknowledged him, all seventy-five pounds of bulldog lumbered into the hammock with me. His unconditional love and warm body were quite comforting. James 4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. 2 Corinthians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, When God comes alongside you today...welcome Him in and be blessed. Let's Pray: God of all comfort, come into our lives today and find Your place of honor. While we watch the season changing right before our eyes, may we be reminded You never change. Your love is consistent and deeper than the deepest sea. Forgive us when we put our love of others and things before You. We come with attitudes of repentance and hearts shouting... You Lord, You ...

October 13 Have you ever been the recipient of a freezer party? This occurs when there is a power outage and someone has to cook up everything in their freezer because it has thawed. Last winter my car was overflowing with magnolia branches. A snow storm dumped 9" of snow and broke off major limbs from our magnolia tree, so I drove around sharing the damage. The message I am to write this morning is very clear. We are to pray for the Holy Spirit to fill us up to overflowing, so we spill the love of Christ out onto others. Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Let's Pray: God, You are so complete...three in One, Father, Spirit, Son! Today, help us get out of the way and may more of You be evident in us. May others find us to be strange creatures who are full of joy, hope and patience. Give us the courage to introduce someone to th...

October 12 Do you ever struggle with anxiety, a bit of being on edge, or restlessness, and have no clue what the underlying issue is? Ugh, that is where I am this morning. Antonyms are words which have opposite meanings, such as... restlessness/stillness God's word speaks to both... Be anxious for nothing. Philippians 4:6 Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 The verse for the day on Biblegateway speaks to what are often opposite ideas: “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." - Proverbs 19:20-21 Hmm, possibly our anxiety comes from trusting in ourselves or man for outcomes when we need to be seeking the Lord and his purposes, which is where we will find peace. Over and over in my head is a verse from Chris Tomlin's song, God of this City ..."There is none like our God!" Let's Pray: God, there is none like You. When uneasiness c...

Oct 10-11 "The Lord your God is with you. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zeph. 3:17 Today is one of those fall Saturdays where cheers will radiate from the college stadiums of America...ok some boo's too, but let's concentrate on the cheers. Without giving details I am sending up "ray, rahs" to God for how He showed up and showed off in my life yesterday. The enemy has been raging a battle against me for a couple months now which hits the top three painful journeys I have encountered. I received a blow yesterday, which I thought would render me useless and I wanted to retreat...ok RUN from the experience. About to crumble something made me press forward and had I not I would have missed five specific blessings. One was a point blank face to face confirmation of a dream God had given me three weeks ago. Several people were with me when this happened and we all stood in amazement know...

October 9 The Lord thrills my heart and truly is the best friend we can have. He knows us inside and out and always has just the right words to say. Even when the words are those of discipline, He disciplines with love and the reprimand makes such sense! This morning He gave me the word "IF". How would you fill in these "ifs". If I had nothing required of me to do today I would.... If I knew today was my last day on earth I would... If money were no object I would... If I could see one person come to love Jesus today it would be... If I could change one situation in my life right now it would be.... Now let's switch gears and see what God's Word has in the "if" category. If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; Psalm 37:23 If God is for us, who can be against us. Romans 8:31 And a message from Jesus today... If you love me, you will obey what I command. John 14:15 Let's Pray: Jesus, You are our advocate going bef...

October 8 Looking out my bathroom window last night, I was blown away by the reflection of a full moon on the water. What I saw shining brilliantly on the water was a sword, and it was pointing right towards our property as if offering an awesome offensive. This morning the sky is bursting of pinks and purples as if an artist had been up early painting a magnificent mural. I just headed out to try to catch it for you, but it was already fading. Googling "Sword of the Spirit" I came across a powerful piece by Charles Spurgeon. Be blessed, cause God is the best. Love, Boo The Sword of the Spirit April 19th, 1891 by C. H. SPURGEON (1834-1892) "Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."—Ephesians 6:17. "To be a Christian is to be a warrior. The good soldier of Jesus Christ must not expect to find ease in this world: it is a battle-field. Neither must he reckon upon the friendship of the world; for that would be enmity against God. His occupation is w...