Boojoyful

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...