Boojoyful

June 30 The summer pace has been hectic and I have really missed the discipline of a regular Bible Study. The aftermath of Monday's storm had me outside for 5 hours today engaging in the tedious work of picking up twigs, limbs and branches and complaining to God about the work most of that time. At one point with my back aching and my knees begging me to not squat down one more time, I pleaded with God to send someone to help. I kid you not, a robin hopped out in front of me and flew off with a twig. LOL Well, I guess that was answered prayer and one twig gone! Shortly after this encounter I heard myself say to God, "I can't do this anymore." He was quick to answer, "Oh, yes you can and you need this alone time with the Spirit to learn some lessons." Evaluating the five acre situation I recognized how obvious the improvement appears when the huge fallen trees are removed, but the scattered limbs, branches and leaves still result in a less than perfect look a...

June 29 Adrian Rogers' radio message had my attention as I headed out for a day on the road. His question was..."What is your joy found in?" "If it is your house; what happens when you come home and you have been robbed or worse yet, your house has burned down to a pile of ashes? Your joy must be in the Lord." Having just dropped my friend off at her house, after a precious day with her at Duke for a radiation treatment, I scurried to my car sensing an impending storm. Moments earlier we had passed fires along the highway, obviously a result from the extreme heat our area had been experiencing. The car thermometer had read 97 degrees most of the day, but as I pulled back onto the highway and the raindrops began to bang against my windshield I did a double take...it now read 73 degrees. The fire fighters had to feel their prayers had been answered by the deluge, but now my prayers and those of other drivers had to be going up as our vision was blinded by the torr...

June 28 This past weekend was full of joy as we celebrated our daughter's 30th birthday. As parents it was so much fun to sit back and watch our adult children, who now live miles apart, enjoy one an other's fellowship. The word longings came to me Sunday morning. Each of us is longing for something....an educational experience, financial security, a spot on a team, a spouse, a baby, a career advancement, or maybe a physical or emotional healing. God wants to give us the desires of our heart, but He also wants us to realize those longings will not be satisfied by anything but relationship with Him. I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 Lord, please listen to our longings as we look to You. Help us to hold onto You as we step back and watch You work your many wonders in the toughest of times. Strengthen us when we are weak, making us bill boards for the faith. In Jesus' name,...

June 24 Continue our New Testament walk, we are in 1 Peter today and I find myself laughing out loud over 1 Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality without grumbling. We have between 26-30 coming in to celebrate our daughter's 30th birthday starting today. The weather forecast is for temperatures around 95 degrees! Our water system is a well for a family of six. Weekends like this are only possible with lake baths and porta potties or the boys using the woods! :) Last week my husband's administrative assistant told me he had shared that all our children were coming in. She quietly said, "Be sure to take a family picture." "OK," I replied. Then she continued, "The last time our family was together my daughter asked me to get a family picture and I didn't. I wish I had that picture." Her teen aged son died tragically. June 21st would have been my brother's 66th birthday. He drown on July 5th, 23 years ago. The most recent picture I have of him, sits in m...

June 23 Aren't dreams a hoot? It is always fun to try to figure out what influenced them. Cleaning my husband's bathroom the other day, I had to wipe under all of his allergy combatants. Nasal sprays and Visine eye drops. Several nights ago I had considered taking a Tylenol PM to alleviate my tossing and turning. Those meds combined for a dream about Visine PM! Ah, eye drops to keep your eyes closed! While we are supposed to be in 1 Peter today, I want to stray a bit to verses about our eyes.1 Peter 3:12 does have one: The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that...

June 22 Enter into James. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 Two friends have been sharing with me about studies they have recently attended concerning spiritual warfare. One had been learning how to recognize the voice of the enemy. I spent the night on our pontoon boat Friday night and the sounds of the night can awaken you to the realization of the battle around us. It was a beautiful starry night and the fish were jumping. An entirely different collection of Audubon choral exchanges takes place in the middle of the night, than in the morning. At dawn I heard a bird caw which truly had an evil hiss. Startled by this sound, I thought for certain there was a person on the dock. Then a battle broke out in our woods between two creatures and I know not who the victor was. A h...

June 19-21 Only a mother or grandmother would vacuum to the extent I did today. Our grandson is coming this week and I was on a spider hunt, getting into all those corners and crevices which are sometimes overlook in a regular vacuuming. Probaby 25 spiders experienced a real rush today when the center vac sucked them up and pulled them through the piping in the house to the grand canister. I wonder if that is what it will feel like when the trumpet sounds and we are sucked up to heaven! If those spiders survived the journey they are probably pretty excited to be in the giant caniter, dining on dead stink bugs and kitchen crumbs. The disappointment will come when they realized there is no way out of the canister. There will be no disappointment for us when we reach heaven! 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised...

June 18 We were laughing the other day about how foreign some phrases we older folks use are to the younger generation. My husband came in from work and said I was A sight for sore eyes and yesterday I heard him ask someone what the distance was from their home to another place as the crow flies. This morning I chuckled as I thought to myself...."I am having a sinking spell ". When sinking spells in life arise we could use the encouragement of a crowd to spur us on. History may not reveal the author or authors of the book of Hebrews but there is a lot of meat in the message on which to meditate. There are many Old Testament references in this book. It actually reads like a sequel to the book of Leviticus, which may be helpful to know as some passages about priestly systems, covenants, sacrifices, feasts, etc. can be unfamiliar. Let's camp out in chapter 12 and first decipher to whom "a great cloud of witnesses" would be referring. One reference describes them a...

June 17 Only 25 verses in the whole New Testament Book of Philemon and it gets mighty sticky. It is one thing to forgive and forget (forget that person every existed and don't deal with them anymore)! Paul's letter from prison, to his wealthy friend Philemon, steps it up ten notches! In prison Paul has met Onesimus, a runaway slave of Philemon. Paul is writing to his friend asking him to take his slave back and treat him even better than before; treat him like family or as he would if Paul was coming to visit. Paul even offers to pay if Onesimus has stolen anything from Philemon. Paul packs a powerful punch in verse 21. Confident of your obedience, I write to your, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. Paul uses such a great psychological technique, like the college co-ed who calls home and says she is pregnant, making her parents gasp. Then she says she is just kidding, she only needs $5,000. The parent gladly gives the money due to sheer relief she is not pregnant. P...

June 16 Walking with a friend this morning I expressed how interesting the various seasons of life are. She replied, reflecting on life in her late 50's, "I don't want this season to end!" Our faith has seasons as well. Some of us are just beginning to explore what it means to trust in the Lord. Others have been consciously "working on a walk" with the Lord for decades and we still slip on the path! Paul' purposeful passion for pastors is palpable.. Ah, we should be as faithful as Paul was to write and encourage young pastors! Old ones too! He is writing to Titus who is serving the church on the island of Crete. Paul shares a realistic reminder with Titus in 3:3-5, one which we too should take into account when we look at others. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appear...

June 15 The heat has been stifling the past few days. Truly oppressive. Sunday I was fearful it would be too hot to hold church outside, but the most pleasant breeze swirled all around us the entire service. Definitely a God thing! I laughed this AM as I awakened with the thought of a God sending a refreshing wind. Wishful thinking! Then my mind drifted to some mighty winds in the Bible. One whipped up quite a storm for the disciples in a boat and Jesus revealed his power and their lack of faith in the process of calming the storm. Another windy tale is told in Acts chapter 2:1-2 when the Holy Spirit appears! When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. Now that is the wind we should be praying for to show up in our lives today for when under His control we will see some abundant living in our lives! So... Please come Holy Spirit come, blow...

June 14 As we jump into 2 Timothy, Paul, who is still imprisoned, is longing to see his young pastor friend Timothy. If you have ever moved away or experienced a close friend moving away, you can relate to this kind of longing. Paul's is intensified due to sensing his impending death. For many of us we have family or friends who are battling life threatening diseases, living in their 80's or 90's, or serving in our military and there is often a pondering each time we are with them if this will be the last earthly encounter. What incentive to make the most of the moments we have together. Paul, once again is wanting to pour into Timothy knowledge and encouragement. The year is around A.D. 66 and being a Christian under the rule of Emperor Nero is not a popular platform! Paul's love for Timothy is evident as he refers to him as "my son". He knows the road ahead for Timothy will be tough to travel so he whispers through his pen and paper in verse 2:3, probably pr...

June 12-13 The richness of buttermilk makes baking better! Fresh buttermilk, from The Homestead Creamery near us in Burnt Chimney, VA, makes baked products flat out amazing! Their ice cream leaves you rolling your eyes back in your head with pure, ecstatic, satisfaction. If you live in the surrounding areas, even Roanoke, a milkman will deliver your products right to your door. Whole Foods Markets send trucks to the creamery to transport these amazing products to their stores. Check out this video on the Whole Foods Site. www.blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/2008/11/homestead-creamery Last night as we were devouring some delicious desserts with this buttermilk base the word for today's devotional came to me... richness . Life lead by the Holy Spirit has a unique richness. Recognizing the voice of God and the depth of his love is a rich experience. Heading out for my quiet time this morning I was once again blown away by how God is at work revealing Himself to me over and over again in the...

June 11 All morning the same word has stuck in my mind... mouth . One of my favorite uses of the mouth is its ability to kiss. Whether a wet smooch from Moses, a passionate kiss from my man, or the precious pucker from a wee one, kisses are an awesome expression of an emotional connection. Go God! Great creation with that one! Hmm, am I to construe the message being sent to me through this word concerns its verb or noun form. We have dinner guests coming and I do hope to have fabulous things to put in their mouths. A tooth problem in my mouth needs attention. Nah, it is probably more the verb form and God urging me to allow the Holy Spirit to control my mouthing off ! Moving on in the New Testament to First Timothy, Paul is found using his mouth to form words of encouragement and specific instruction to a much younger disciple (Timothy). Oh, how we each need a Paul in our lives. God sent one right up to my car yesterday to get me back on track in an area where I thought God could use m...

June 10 Numerous decisions are sitting before my family. Obstacles have popped up in very diverse aspects of our lives and I think I dreamed about each one of them last night and awakened overwhelmed. The first words I heard the Lord say this morning were: "One step at a time". I need to start by simply getting my husband's breakfast made and start a load of wash! As I made my way out to walk yesterday,the cyst in the bottom of my foot competed with the one in my leg and my aching knees for "top pain of the day in an older body". I got my gait going and rounded the bend to see an older gentleman, who obviously was a stroke victim, dragging his right side along as he pushed himself in his rehab efforts. With cheerfulness in his voice, he called out, "Get those miles in!" What an attitude! I am heading off in a few minutes to meet my friend, who has been in a ferocious six year battle with numerous types of cancer, as she makes her way to Duke to be info...

June 9 Are we grasping that whether in prison or on foot, Paul is sold out for his faith? If he was wandering around today we would probably give him a t-shirt which read: Encourager . In chapter 5 he reminds me of a caring mother, who is dropping her freshman off at college and wondering if she has given that child all of life's important sustaining lessons! Change your sheets once a week, do not get caught alone with strangers, go to class and sit up front, eat fruits and vegetables... Paul has walked both ways...with Christ and against him. He is willing to be imprisoned for the opportunity to share the truth with others. Some of Paul's suggestions: 1) Avoid sexual immorality 2) Love each other 3) Be self-controlled 4) Encourage one another and build each other up. 5) Live in peace with each other 6) Warn those who are idle 7) Encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone 8) Make sure nobody pays back wrong for wrong 9) Do not put out the Spirit's fire, te...

June 8 Vulnerable:From the Latin vulnerare to wound . Webster defines vulnerable as being capable of being physically or emotionally wounded; open to attack or damage. Five weeks ago a repairman had come to look at our ice maker. He said it was working fine, but no sooner had he left than we had to call and say it stopped working. We've waited patiently, but had to call again to inquire when he could get by. My husband called me to say he has spoken with him and he would be coming right over. Hearing his van approach I opened the door and cheerfully told Moses to show him his bone. This is a routine we go through and normally people respond with a kind word and Moses is happy. Instead this man's reply was, "I don't care about any dog's old bone." I laughingly said, "Oh, I thought it might be nice so he doesn't bike your ankles." He gruffly replied, as he pushed his way past me in the doorway, "He comes near me and I will kick him in the head...

June 7 Are gold stars even given out anymore? As a child at my church, you were given one to put on the Sunday school attendance chart when you arrived. My favorite gold star was a big one given to me by my gynecologist at my final surgery follow up appointment. About fifteen years ago I had been very sick and suffering from acute anemia due to a problem in my uterus which required a hysterectomy.(Just what you wanted to read about today). This precious surgeon, who was battling health issues himself, was and still is the most encouraging, compassionate physician I have ever met. That star remained in my wallet for at least ten years and brought me joy each time I saw it. It must have attached itself to a dollar bill and been given away accidentally. Flipping ahead in our Bibles to the New Testament book of Colossians (which is only 4 chapters and worth putting down our summer novels and reading the whole thing today) we could easily read chapter 1:10-12 and get the feeling God has a c...

June 4-6 There are many of us who have been in a waiting pattern lately. This morning while reflecting upon the acronym W.A.I.T. Willingly Accepting Interrupted Timetables came to mind. Plugging ahead in our New Testament journey we join Paul in prison, from where he is addressing the Philippians in a letter. He had no choice but to wait! Check out his attitude. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. Philippians 4:12 Waiting plays a huge part in contentment! Lord, help us learn the lessons You have for us today. In Jesus Name, Amen

June 3 A couple weeks ago we were in a hotel and I was in the bathroom without my glasses on. On the sink was an array of those "free" little toiletry bottles. Picking up the blue one I assumed it was mouth wash and instead found myself rapidly spitting out body wash! God has taken me away from the house for a few fabulous days...I've not been raptured, don't fret, but I am enjoying a bit of a reprieve and am soaking in some good time with the Lord. The past twelve hours God has heard my prayer asking Him to work in my life in a way which finds only words which are uplifting and encouraging flying out! Check out the three powerful scriptures God had pop up in miscellaneous places to spur me on and remind me He hears my prayers. On Biblegateway today: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 From my girl friend's mouth: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my ...

June 2 Visiting a fabulous restaurant in a new city can present a challenge when deciding which dish to order. For me, choosing just one passage in Ephesians to highlight is equally as challenging, so take time to sample all six chapters on your own! Realize there is armor to be worn, God's workmanship (us) to check out, a call to obey our parents,and challenges to live as children of light and be imitators of God. This may be selfish,but I am at a point in my life where I only give away gifts I would want to receive. For example, looking over a bridal registry, I pick a gift which is attractive to me. I've used that philosophy with the passage from Ephesians which I have selected to pray over each of you readers and ask that you "boo"merang that prayer right back at me. Paul showed great depth of wisdom in this heartfelt prayer. For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks fo...

June 1 Today would have been my mother's 87th birthday, but she went to party in heaven 10 years ago. I can only imagine the celebration going on up there. Life doesn't always turn out the way we would like. Sometimes it stinks. I was just emailing a friend who is battling ferocious cancer. When I was at her house last week, her dog passed some knock you off your feet gas. We sat on the couch with a can of Glade air freshener ready for the battle. The stink arises in life, but eventually the air clears and God is still on his throne and when we look back we are richer for the battle. (I know have a memory I will treasure forever of battling with a can of Glade...actually, I misfired one time and got my friend's aunt!) Getting back to our New Testament walk we join Paul in Galatians. While I am naturally pulled to chapter 5 and the Fruit of the Spirit (as I sit here with a bowl of strawberries and blueberries, God is pulling me up the page to 5:7-8. You were running a good ...