Boojoyful

August 31 Waking up with praise music on my mind is such proof that what we put into ourselves is what is going to come out of us! (Now that should encourage me as I go to teach grammar in a rural community!) The song Mighty to Save was swelling in my heart this morning: Everyone needs compassion Love that's never failing Let mercy fall on me Everyone needs forgiveness The kindness of a Savior The hope of nations Chorus: Savior, He can move the mountains My God is mighty to save He is mighty to save Forever, Author of Salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave Verse 2: So take as You find me All my fears and failures Fill my life again I give my life to follow Everything I believe in Now I surrender Bridge: Shine your light And let the whole world see We're singing For the glory of the risen King, Jesus. Singing that song in my heart, my memory went back to junior high school and dance lessons. The first step we were taught was the basic box step. The ...

August 29-30 Riding along the countryside I asked the Lord for a word for today. I groaned as I thought the word was flab . Lifting my eyes from the keyboard, right in sight was an American flag! I flashed back to my walk this AM and God Bless America playing on my IPOD. The prayers began to flow for revival in this nation and for safety for our troops. Turning to my clever husband I asked what an acronym for "FLAG" might be. Quickly he replied: First Love Always God. When we are focused on Christ, all our trials fade into the background. A soul mate writes: I needed a talking to this AM. It’s not from a spiritual source, but God used it for me. Alfred Lord Tennyson said: “A person who is more sensitive to suffering is clearly more alive to life.” It comes to mind in a drug induced society such as ours, that we’re supposed to hurt if we’re alive to life. It drives us to fight injustice, it presses us forward to ask the next question, it keeps things real. Memory Fundam...

August 28 In our middle school we have "Students of the Week". One of the older students didn't know if he wanted to participate this year. His name is George, so I told him we would make him King. He liked that idea. The love these students have shown towards one another the very first week of school has blown me away. Thinking about that this morning brought a Chris Tomlin song to mind. "You Are My King" I'm forgiven because you were forsaken I'm accepted, You were condemned I'm alive and well Your spirit is within me Because you died and rose again Amazing love, how can it be? That you, my king. would die for me Amazing love, I know it's true Its my joy to honor you Its my joy to honor you In all I do I honor you. Joshua told the people , "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you." Joshua 3:5 May we expect to see the amazing works of the Lord today! Let's Pray: Father, you are our King and we...

August 27 Whew, I am a slow learner when it comes to technology. I think I shared how my IPOD mysteriously was wiped out of all my praise music and replaced with filthy music. My children had given me the IPOD and one of my sons graciously loaded the music onto it. Being on my own, last night I decided to attempt to put some songs back on from some of my CD's. The first one I loaded was a CD by Chris Tomlin. It appeared each song had downloaded. I was looking for something to tell me the process was complete, but all I saw in one column was the word "Arriving" so I assumed I needed to wait, and wait and wait. Somewhere along the waiting process I looked at the CD case and noticed the name of the album was "Arriving"! Ugh!!!!! Enduring another sleepless night, I decided to check out verses on "arriving". Most are related to happy thoughts! Thinking back on my life I sensed the same relationship to that word. Watching for loved ones to arrive for a visit...

August 26th Ever since we've had a bulldog, we've been told over and over again that because of the design of these creatures and their big rolled shoulders, they cannot swim. For six years Moses has stood on the dock and watched his buddies and their amazing water feats. He has never attempted to do more than wade along the shoreline. This spring my husband was baptizing several people and the process made Moses anxious. (My husband is capable of swimming, but doesn't like to. I doubt Moses has ever seen him swim.) At one point Moses waded out too far and sure enough, that dog paddle stroke did not work for him and he had to be rescued. Well, Sunday the word SUBMERGE came into this bulldog's life. Etymology: Latin submergere, from sub- + mergere to plunge — to put under water; to make obscure or subordinate : suppress personal lives submerged by professional responsibilities. We have church in our yard on Sunday mornings in the summer and the majority of people come by...

August 25 The Lord makes me smile with the things He brings to heart so early in the morning. The song "Lean on Me" had to be way back in the catacombs of my mind, but it is very appropriate for what I was sharing with a couple parents yesterday who are facing trials. As you sing the chorus, change "me" to "Jesus". And of course searching the scriptures The Message had a great verse for us on "Lean on Me". As we step into today, may we take notice of Jesus who is right there beside us. There is a little girl at our school who just seems to know when to come up and give me a hug. She has been in our summer program. When I see her coming with her precious smile and engulfing hug I just say to myself... "Here comes Jesus!" May He be all over each of you today. Isaiah 50:10 Who out there fears God, actually listens to the voice of his servant? For anyone out there who doesn't know where you're going, anyone groping in the dark,...

August 24 Waking this morning the "To Do" list on my mind was overwhelming. Where to begin? Lord, what should be my priority? His answer was simple...praise, pray and come into my presence. Now the next choice was do I do that while I walk and get some exercise, or do I dig into the Word and then type on the Blog? Running to the Word (which doesn't burn off a lot of calories) I read a Psalm, I've never seen before. Oh, that I had wings like a dove! For then I would fly away and be at rest. Psalm 55:6 Lloyd Ogilvie writes: "Along with most people, there are moments, even days, when I'd like to get away from problems and challenges, difficult people, the troubles of the city, and the seemingly impossible situations life dishes out. Remind me that You (God) don't train escape artists. You develop courageous people who are faithful and content. You do not provide easy escapes from reality. So here I am: the same old person in the same old circumstances. Give...

August 21-23 System- a regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a unified whole. We don't quite have our system down at school, but it will come! One of the summer reading requirements was a book by Kate DiCamillo called "Because of Winn Dixie". Winn Dixie is a dog, so we celebrated this reading by having a Winn Dixie day yesterday and students could bring their dogs for show and tell. We had a detailed schedule and system for the day, but when you are working with 23 students, their parents schedules and their dogs it doesn't always go as planned. We knew we just had to go with the flow and pray without ceasing! God knew from the begging we couldn't keep his system (laws), so why did he even establish such a system. Read in Galatians below and praise the Lord for coming up with a system called "Jesus"! Galatians 3:20-22 (The Message) "What is the point, then, of the law, the attached addendum? It was a thoughtful addition to ...

August 20 Our opening ceremony for school was yesterday. Headmaster Andrews had all the students, beginning with 8th grade, come up to the podium and sign a covenant stating they were the team for SMLCA for such a time as this. When it came time for the K-1's, he stopped thinking it was taking too long and they were too small. While he was stating they would do it later, the smallest Kindergartner walked up to the podium which was a head and a half taller than her and stood, looking up to my husband and the paper on the podium. The whole crowd melted. Graciously her mother walked forward and lifted her up, so she could sign her name. The other children came forward and Mr. Andrews placed the signature page on his notebook and he knelt in front of them, so they could more easily sign. Isn't that a perfect picture of us with Jesus! We look WAY up at Him and He stoops down and meets us where we are. I just love Jesus!

August 19 God makes me smile. Waiting on a word "calliope" is what came to mind out of no where! Well, even The Message didn't come through on a verse for that one! The definition is:"a keyboard musical instrument resembling an organ and consisting of a series of whistles sounded by steam or compressed air." Hmmm, I searched blowing off steam in The Message as well...not to be found, but there were tons of verses referring to 'hot air". Psalm 98:4 says: Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Start off trying this in the shower, then maybe move to a mountain top. For those of us who do not have fabulous voices, we may be a bit timid during corporate worship to belt out our praises. Oh, let's let off a little steam and let our praises flow...praise sounds wonderful to the Lord no matter who is making it. Let's Praise: Today Father, we simply come to praise You. Creator, Redeemer, Sustain...

August 18 The English language is so tricky. Take the word "excuse". We pronounce it differently if we are using it as a noun, than when we use it in the transitive verb form, which means to make apology for. I often shorten this word to simply "cuse". Walking through a crowd..."Cuse me, cuse me." We can't shorten or minimize the reality of what God has done for us. The mere gift of our own being is beyond any thing imaginable. Just think God took time to create each one of us. Add to that the beauty of creation and all the provisions and pleasures this earth has to offer and we have to be overwhelmed. Then that He would sacrifice his own son for our screw ups, so we could have the privilege of heaven...who is like that? Only God. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20 Let's Pra...

August 17 Before the lids even opened my mind was reeling trying to figure out how my classroom will possibly be ready for the first day of school. The faculty is at school today from 9-3, but it is difficult to get much done with people around. We have glass windows on our doors, so I thought I could cover those with paper, so no one could see me and put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door! Instead, since I sleep with the Head Master, I asked if I could have the first hour at home, when there are no group meetings, to work on lesson plans. Praise God he never puts up a "Do not disturb" sign. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 Let's Pray Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God, Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth, How mind blowing it is that You, the God of the universe is always available to us. Search us Lord and show us places of our lives which we do not want disturbed. Forgive us for the t...

August 15-16 God has us covered. Yesterday we were blessed beyond measure. Two Sundays ago my husband and I had gone down to our dock and were discussing survival measures for where we are in life right now. I shared that I did not see any way possible for us to keep Shiloh, our home with my husband working two jobs and me working full time. The yard work required on five acres is quite a task. He said, he did not feel like the Lord was finished with the ministries which go on here. In less than 30 minutes a boat drove up and a man said he had read an article in the Smith Mt Laker called "Heavenly Hosts" about our ministries. He explained he had a youth group coming in from PA who wanted to do missions work around our area and wondered if they could come help us. God had us covered for sure. These wonderful young people trimmed hedges, weeded, mulched, washed a fence, gather limbs on our scripture trails and spruced up this property in a way which would not have happe...

July 14 Totally exhausted from all that needs to be done for school to open I just called to my husband...."What is the date of today?" Why doesn't my AOL post the date and the time? I guess most people know the date! :) One of our daughters woke the other morning and said she was reaching for the light by her bed, but couldn't find it. She finally realized she was in a different place than where she had been all summer. My sleep patterns have not been great lately, but last night I slept like a log and woke up having no clue what day it was. Do you ever consider what it will be like when we wake up in heaven? On, TV shows or in movies a familiar line is: "Is this heaven?" When we see Jesus face to face, I do not think we will wonder, we will know Him and God's glory will be so bright we will not need a light! The first time I heard Sandy Patti sing We Shall Behold Him I thought for certain Jesus was coming back that moment! If you have never heard this ...

August 13 In 1966(way long ago) Burt Bacharach wrote the title song for the British movie 'Alfie'. I never saw the movie, I wasn't even ten years old when it came out, but I do remember my older sister having the piano music to the song and can remember Dionne Warwick singing the song. You begin thinking maybe it is going to point people to Christ, but instead it elevates "love". For those of us who qualify, as the ones the lyrics refer to as "believers", we know who is love! Enjoy a trip back to the sixties: What's it all about, Alfie? Is it just for the moment we live? What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie? Are we meant to take more than we give Or are we meant to be kind? And if only fools are kind, Alfie, Then I guess it's wise to be cruel. And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie, What will you lend on an old golden rule? As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie, I know there's something much more, Someth...

August 12 Safe Haven- is a refuge; a place of safety; a place offering favorable opportunities or conditions. Home was always a safe haven for me...a place I knew I had to run to and would be loved and welcome. My granparents home was my favorite safe haven because my grandmother's love was so unconditional. My heart aches for people who have never had that luxury. Many times in my life I ran to places I thought were safe, people I thought I could trust, but learned otherwise. Praise the Name of Jesus...he is the safest of safe havens. He knows our hurts and our hearts and loves us so well. Michael W. Smith's song lyrics speak well to who Christ is: THERE IS NONE LIKE YOU NO ONE ELSE CAN TOUCH MY HEART LIKE YOU DO I COULD SEARCH FOR ALL ETERNITY LONG, AND FIND THERE IS NONE LIKE YOU Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. The depth of David's closeness to God is heard in this Psalm. Psalm 86 (The Message) A David Psalm...

August 11 Wandering out onto my screen porch at 4:30 AM this morning I was thrilled to find some quiet time outdoors when it was below 90 degrees. The past couple days it has been difficult to be refreshed outside. This definition of "refresh" thrilled me: to restore strength and animation . When we encounter spiritual attacks we feel as if we have rendered the loss of animation in our lives. Laughing with the Lord this morning at such an early hour I wasn't certain He was in the correct time zone wanting me to get up and be refreshed. I tried to go back to sleep, but it was as if He kept hitting the little button on my computer with the "refresh" arrow, poking me until I got up and off with Him! Proverbs 11:25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed . Jeremiah 31:25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may com...

August 10 Our Sunday Celebration service at our home yesterday had the yard filled with brothers and sisters in Christ from South Africa, Japan, India and the cutest 3 year old from Massachusetts. During the sermon, I took five of the younger children for Popsicles, walnut tossing and a lesson on Jesus being our Rock. Beginning with a swing in our hammocks I took time to make introductions between these children. (Presently I am writing a manners curriculum for our school, so I am up on my protocol and was sure to say the name of the older child first!) Upon introducing second grade Anna, to 3 year old Gracie, Gracie came over to the hammock where Anna was and wrapped her arms around Anna in one of the dearest embraces I have ever seen. Gracie's parents have named her well! God extends his grace to us over and over again. His word reminds us that His grace is sufficient for all our needs. As teacher training begins at Smith MT Lake Christian School today, foremost in my goals as a ...

August 7th "My Keeping Power is never at fault, but only your realization of it. Not whether I can provide a shelter from the storm, but your failure to be sure of the security of that shelter. Every fear, every doubt, is a crime again My Love. Oh! children, trust. Practice daily, many times a day, saying, "All is well." Say it until you believe it, know it." From God Calling

July 6th Unable to sleep I tried counting sheep...not really. What I did was go to Philippians 4:8 and do what it says. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Somewhere in there the Lord gave me the word toast . Once again He has baffled me, but I am listening. The definition which seems most fitting to the Lord is: One that is highly admired. Example: She is the toast of the town. The other interesting option is the slang: One that is finished or done for . Example: Satan is going to be toast! Here are two fun verses from The Message. I pray they warm your heart... He has certainly made me smile at 2AM. Maybe I am to make some toast before I head back to bed! Psalm 58:10 The righteous will call up their friends when they see the wicked get their reward, Serve up their blood in goblets as they toast one another, Everyone c...

August 5 I just typed July 5th instead of August 5th. Oh, my summer has certainly flown. Lately I have felt like I have been in military training with the Lord. He keeps hitting me with some tough stuff...like graduate level courses. Yesterday, I asked Him if I had done well enough to graduate and come on home...obviously not...He has left me right here. His question for me this AM was...Do you honor Me in all you do? Ugh! I really wanted to respond with "crapola" because I know I don't. But "crapola" wouldn't show much honor. Honor in this case would be defined: a showing of usually merited respect . With God we could eliminate the word "usually". There were moments yesterday I should have reached for the zipper on my mouth, for I know the words I muttered were not honoring to God or exemplifying who He intends for me to be. I know there are great song lyrics related to "I honor You in all I do", but I am late for work, so those will ha...

August 4 Tonight I am being robbed of my sleep. Although physically and emotionally exhausted when my head hit my pillow my eyes were able to close, but my mind would not shut off. Grasping for scripture to lull me to sleep Jeremiah 29:11 came to me. For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Drifting off after that a few good hours of rest were provided until the infamous 3AM hot flash descended/ascended or came from within and sent the covers flying. Rolling onto my back I looked up at the ceiling where the rays of a nightlight reflected a square of light onto the surface and two blades of a ceiling fan shown there forming a perfect "peace sign". Once again God had me smiling! (Not sleeping mind you, but smiling and ready to get up and be with Him.) Gently He reminded me who sends distractions and robs us of our joy and peace. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destr...

August 3 God is cracking me up. Pausing to pray the word winsome rang out. Excuse me Lord, would that be "winsome" as in generally pleasing and engaging often because of a childlike charm and innocence or possibly it is time to "win some" for the Lord? Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Winsome personalities.)Matthew 19:14 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30 In order to win some souls it would benefit us to have winsome personalities! The rain poured down yesterday morning for our Sunday Celebration in the yard, so we had to move to the indoor venue...our family room. The share time with the people present was amazing. Person after person expressed a request related to winning souls...from one person who had just returned from a month in China and was exploding with enthusiasm for the way the Word is going out;...

August 1-2 How does the Lord take a dream which starts with a "bolt headed" creature and conform my mind to remember how steadfast and secure He is? (I must have seen a commercial for transformers...no wait, it was helping my husband put a tractor tire back on yesterday!!!!) Searching the concordance, I doubted I would find "bolt", but there it was in various forms...bolts of lightening, doors and bolts. The verse which lifted me up came from a chapter where Moses was blessing the tribes of Israel. The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days. Deuteronomy 33:25 Here's another use of bolt...when trials surround you and heartache presses you to the ground...get up and bolt to the Word of God! Coming home from an emotional day yesterday, I made it down to the dock around 5:00 and just wanted to sleep. Wearily I said to the Lord, "Why can't I hear from You?" His reply was precious to me...."You are in a ...