Boojoyful

June 30 If copying and pasting this web address doesn't work for you, try Googling YouTube-Days of Elijah-Paul Wilbur. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra4HWj1jrJA Awakening from a nightmare early this morning, I called to my husband (who was already up) to come and just hold me. Needing some affirming as well, after having just read online that the proposed energy bill would not allow you to sell you house without replacing windows and appliances to meet environmental standards, he was happy to comply. Promptly, I prayed someone would come knock on our door and want to buy our house and we could just go rent! Then they could sit out on this screened porch, cuddled under a blanket as I am in this good ole country morning air, and watch the sun rise over the Lake and remember God is in control. Yup, He holds the keys to every beat of our hearts and He sees the future. In my dream it was a time of crisis. An investment manager was knocking on the door saying, "The market is about

June 29 Driving home from a morning walk two flashbacks occurred. The first was the large round hand washing station at my elementary school. I've never seen another sink system like that in my life. Walking up and stepping on a metal bar near the floor, caused a sprinkler type head to come on and spray into this large circular tub. Ten children could easily circle around and wash their hands at the same time. This piece of equipment seemed enormous. Then when I was grown and my own children attended that same school I realized how small everything was actually. The other situation that entered my mind was the stage at my church growing up. It was on that stage I watched a singer perform, who later that same evening led me to Christ. Thinking back that little fellowship hall seemed like a civic center! Perspective is defined as the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance (urge you to maintain your perspective and to view your own task in a larger fram

June 27-28 While out for a stroll in the yard with Moses, out dashed either an enormous wild hare or the tiniest spotted fawn with the fluffiest white tail I have ever seen. It sprung out from under our hammocks and headed around the house. Walking that way, we encountered the creature again. Being startled by us she did the fifty yard dash into our woods. Dumbfounded I said to Moses..."Was that bugs or bambi?" Things are not always as they seem. The person we take for being snobby and arrogant, may be painfully shy or in survival mode just trying to deal with what life has dealt them. The big house, the fancy car, and designer clothing may all be on a card that didn't say Happy Birthday! One thing is for certain...God's love! For I am the Lord, I do not change. Malachi 3:6

June 26 Stringing together the words which have come to me the past couple weeks I'm reflecting on where the Lord is moving. United....Loyalty....Deliver....and now Provide . Some of Merriam-Webster's definitions for provide are as follows: To take precautionary measures. To make preparation to meet a need. To supply something for sustenance or support To prepare in advance To make available So hi-ho, hi-ho it's off to the scriptures we go! Instead of "show me the money" ..."show me the meaning". Precautionary Measure No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Preparing to meet a need and supply sustenance . (A sacrifice for our sin.) The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by

June 25 Interestingly, I typed the whole devotional on "deliver" yesterday and thought it had published. Opening up the blog today to find it no where the first feelings were those of frustration. Then I realized God knew I needed to type these verses again, placing them deeper within my heart. Deliver- definiton..."to set free". Ha Ha, from a woman who gave birth six times...it was nice to be set free from that baby inside my tummy! Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for our sins allows freedom to ring in our lives over and over again as we fall into sins dreadful traps. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 1 Corinthians 1:10 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 The righteous cry ou

June 24 The word for today is reality. Here are some simple realities for believers: In all things God works for the good for those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose . Romans 8:28 Nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37 For it is God who is working in you (enabling you) both to will and to act for His good purpose. Philippians 2:13 We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 Henry Blackaby writes: "God never send you into a situation alone. He always goes before His children, as He did with the children of Israel when He led then with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. God is never caught by surprise by your experience; He has already been there. He is prepared to meet every need because He has gone before you and knows exactly what you need for your pilgrimage." How real is our relationship with God? May our testimony be that we have a REALa

June 23 Today's post is late because my 89 year old father took a fall yesterday and I needed to go stay with him. Monday evenings there is a women's Bible Study at our home and I look so forward to the amazing fellowship each week. When I received the call about what had happened the connection of parent and child pulled tightly around my heart and I left my husband to oversee all the women while I went to my father. Several years ago I was called by a family to come to a hospital and pray for their father who was actively dying. One of the distraught daughters leaned on my shoulder and cried, "I've known him all my life." Hmm, I thought...I guess you have. Well, I've loved my Daddy all my life and am thankful for the bond we have. The tears stream down my cheeks right now thinking about the day when I will no longer be able to rub his back, hold his hand or give him a kiss. Last night we talked about being connected to Christ and therefore ready for heaven.

June 22 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 Consistently the Lord has been placing a couple words on my mind... united/unity and loyalty/faithfulness . They pop their little heads up again and again. This morning a confirmation of God's loyalty(faithfulness) to us stared me right in the face on Biblegateway: Imagine God's eyes running to and fro keeping watch over the earth! The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8 Peacefully, courageously, steadfastly, we can step into today knowing that God is still on his throne and his eye is not only on the sparrow, but it is also watching each of us. Let's make God smile by fulfilling Psalm 133:1 - How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! Loving you! Boo

June 19 Honestly, lallygagging (or lolly gagging, both are correct) is not where I've been. Devoted to commit by a solemn act or to give over. Genuine sincerely and honestly felt or experienced. It's late Lord, where are You going with these words? My first instinct was on how we should be devoted to the Lord, but He was headed a whole different direction and has spoken so clearly through His Word. How incredible it is that we have the Word as a measuring stick to test things out? Check out these verses. Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Philippians 2:19-21 Paul says: I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own intere

June 16-18 Carpe Diem: Seize the Day! Closing the gate at the top of our driveway we are locking ourselves in here for a few days, not answering the phone, but putting on the praise music while we shake out the house for a much needed cleaning. From closets to the garages I hope to get organized! Don't panic if you can't reach us or we don't respond to email. The original idea for three days off was to sit on the dock and read, but the Lord has nudged me a different directon by sending rainy weather. I am asking the Lord to do a shaking out of the closets of my heart during this process, printing out the following two verses and carrying them along! Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 51:2 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

June 15 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation come from Him. Psalm 62:1 When this Psalm came to mind I recalled it to say... "My soul finds rest in God alone, my SATISFACTION comes from Him." Not a bad version. If God is who we are relying on for our satisfaction, then the second part of the process will be rest and peace in our lives. Often times the second part of Romans 8:28 is omitted. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. The follow through on a tennis stroke is key to the strategic success of that stroke. Steadfastly, focusing on Christ in our lives allows for transformation to take place in them here on earth and eventually in heaven! The satisfaction we all long for comes when we get over ourselves and on with what God purposed for us. Now those are God thoughts, which are good thoughts! Let's Pray : Lord, just a spoonful of sugar is supposed to make the medicine go down

June 13-14 It's not of eternal value" is a frequent saying of mine. This morning, the boxer belonging to our house guest came bounding into my bedroom to play with Moses. She was so excited, she threw up all over my carpet! Laughing, I called to her owner and said, "Grab the carpet cleaner Lucy threw up!" Embarrassed her owner came in and I said...."It's not of eternal value." Likewise I had boiled some eggs to make deviled eggs and their sons came in and ate some of the boiled eggs before I deviled them...the mom was apologetic....the response..."It's not of eternal value." The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:7 Recognizing with Christ did on the cross for us is of eternal value! Who will cross our path today that needs to know Him! Happy Weekend! Come join us Sunday morning for a time of celebration at 9:15.

June 12 Peaches must be on my mind from the pie I made last night. Father, are you sure you don't mean Prince of Peace? Nope as beleivers we are called to be "A peach of a person" for... But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 We shouldn't live as if life is the pits with Jesus, but our lives should be fruitful...and ok at times a little bit juicy! Live today for the Lord!

June 11 “ Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”- Colossians 3:13 One of my favorite bear tales happened right here in Franklin County at our local hospital. A bear stepped onto the automatic door opener at the ER and walked right in! Now I bet that made the ER wait for people pass by more quickly! Quickly, we need to pass on forgiveness to others and bear with one another! The only time we should be saying..."I can't bear it," is when we are carrying unforgiveness and bitterness and we should just lay it down. Let's Pray : Father, Keeper of our Days, praise Your Name and a mighty thank You for Jesus being the passage way to forgiveness of our messy sins. When unforgiveness and bitterness attempt to make themselves at home in our lives have an automatic door in our hearts open and swish them out quickly. May rapid restoration of relationships be the alliteration which rings out in our l

June 10 Advance -definition-to accelerate the growth or progress of. Looking at my toothpaste tube the words "Advanced Whitening" jumped out at me. Reading the definition above made me think of how we are to "advance" the gospel...accelerate the growth of Christianity. Paul's response to being chained up was... Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel . Philippians 1:12 What evidences are there in our lives that we are advancing the Gospel. How often do we pray for those on the frontlines such as pastors, missionaries, Christian educators, Bible Study and Sunday school teachers? Yesterday we met with our pastor to see how we could serve a local church we have joined. He seemed to be taken back by the concept of coming in and asking where we were needed, saying "I don't get many people coming in asking where they can serve." Leaving his office a man, woman and child waited for their app

June 9 Honestly, I wanted to change the word the Lord gave me this AM. What am I to do with that one Father, there's not a lot to go on? A Beth Moore quote came to mind which set my mind a whirling. "Faith is putting God in every fill in the blank." See where God takes you today by filling in the sentence: Making..... Shoot me an email at boojoyful@aol.com and let me see what He does. Making the best of a difficult situation reflects Romans 8:28. Making others feel loved brings me joy. Making meals for my family should be counted a privilege, not a chore. (Making their beds.....now that is one they can do! Smile) Making Christ my first love, makes life flow in the manner God intended. Making my tongue an instrument of healing beats the alternative. Making time to sit and know that He is God takes me on a journey which thrills my heart and strengthens my existence. Making time to write this devotional each day keeps me closer to the Lord! Hmm, that wasn't such a bad id

June 8 Eventually is defined as at an unspecified later time : in the end. Having no clue where God wanted to go with this one, I dug into his Word and found these "eventually" verses...eventually, in The Message translation. Genesis 6:3 Then God said, "I'm not going to breathe life into men and women endlessly. Eventually they're going to die; from now on they can expect a life span of 120 years." Ecclesiastes 12:14 Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it's good or evil. Proverbs 14:19 Eventually, evil will pay tribute to good; the wicked will respect God-loyal people. We do not know what the future holds, but we know from the faithfulness of our Father, he holds the future and one way or another His will, will be done and He is the final judge. He rules! What are the "eventuallys" you are holding onto today: Eventually, I will be healed. Eventually, I will get a

June 6-7 Our daughter is here at the Lake and was heading into town to visit her grandparents and her brakes went out going over the mountain and a warning light came on. She is safe, but it was scary. The warning light (of my heart) came on as well. Going by the funeral home for a visitation last night, the doctor who allowed major post operative problems to go unchecked following back surgery on me, which led to a serious infection and a year and a half of excurciating pain, was also there. It had been 11 years since our paths had crossed and I was quick to exit the room and avoid having to speak to him. My husband was just as stunned. Fortunately, we had to hurry to pick up my father to take him to the birthday party of a friend who was turning 85. Quietly in the car ride I asked my husband... should I have spoken to that man? Entering a lovely dinner party with assigned seats, my husband reaches our table before I do and notices his place card is next to a man he had a very unpleas

June 5 Looking at Moses, our English bulldog, it appeared he had a big black beauty mark on his cheek. I didn't remember ever seeing it before. At first, I picked at it a bit, thinking it might be a clump of dirt, but it didn't come off or apart. Obviously, it was not the consistency of a mole, so I was back to a compact dirt particle. Taking some scissors I snipped at it a bit and blood shot out, but Moses didn't wince. Then this old brain clicked into gear...it was a tick which was sucking the blood out of him and needed to be removed. From time to time we need tick checks in our lives to see if the life is being sucked out of us from a source which needs to be removed. The source could be in human form or mental anguish robbing our joy, such as fear, anxiousness, bitterness, doubt,etc. Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you. Psalm 55:22 Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever thi

June 4 I just asked my husband how to spell "abracadabra" and his response was... "any way you like." Sitting here with my chin on my hand, I am wondering just where the Lord wants me to go with that word....it is not in my concordance! The Red Sea parting would have been an abracadabra moment. Moses' staff turning into a snake and back into a staff would qualify. Overwhelmingly, Jesus appearing in the Upper Room makes the cut. My husband says...maybe the Lord meant "Abba, my Daddy", not abracadabra! Here it is (obviously I am a little slow yielding to the Spirit this AM)... Yesterday, was our last day at school. Packing up the school (we rent a church space during the school year) and parting ways with all the teachers was bitter sweet. The realization of where God has taken us, both students and adults this year is a huge praise. The reality of how much money we need to raise this summer or the number of paying students we need to attract is overwhel

June 3 Looking across the lake to my neighbor's yard yesterday were two adult geese and over twenty babies. My first thought was... someone drop a bomb there right NOW and get rid of these pesky critters that poop all over our yard. (Sorry bird lovers, just being honest here.) Then conviction struck. There are obviously other ways to get rid of the creatures, but we seldom make the effort to work on these tactics because they are time consuming and probably costly. One person told me if you put red pepper flakes in your yard, they eat a few of those and never come back. Ok, but no, wait, we have five acres! Isn't that what has happened to us as a nation? We haven't wanted to take the time or make the effort to vote to keep prayer in our schools, outlaw abortion, and maintain that homosexual lifestyle is not normal. It seems like such a lost cause now. The fight is not in me, rather the cry "Come back soon Jesus," but I have lived a full life and experienced much!

June 2 Hearing a tough accusation yesterday made about someone because they own a business which sells equipment for board sports troubled me. The accuser appeared to be making a statement all snowboarders, wake boarders and skate boarders are bad kids. Well, my daughter, who is the dearest of dear people and a harpist, also loves to snowboard and wake board. I was ready to take acception. This morning the Lord took me back 25 years to a place where I made an innocent offense. We were having a young couple's gathering for our Sunday School class. I was young in my faith, but loved coming up with party ideas which brought about laughter. I had read in a party idea book about musical chairs where the men sit in the chairs and the women go around and sit on one of them when the music stopped. I was reprimanded by one of the men on how inappropriate this was. Now, 25 years later, I see that he was exactly right. While I was not suggesting a lap dance and we were all married couples, at