Boojoyful

July 30 My walking partner is out of town for two weeks. Walking alone can get really boring so I contemplated using my husband's elliptical machine a few days a week and take a break from walking. This morning was delight though and the great outdoors lured me into her as I chose my IPOD to be my companion. Casting Crowns and Andrew Peterson really got me going. Sometimes we just need a jump start to get into a rhythm. Three fourths of the way along the battery in the IPOD died and I was left in silence. I had a choice to make as I neared my car...get in and go home or continue the walk realizing the Lord might want to utilize the silence to speak to me. I persevered! Who is it you know that might just need a jump start back into their faith walk? A simple invitation to church or maybe to join you in a Bible study this fall could make the difference to someone who has gotten out of rhythm in their walk with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build e...

July 29 Again and again the phone rang and the voices on the other end called themselves heartbreak, rejection, and frustration. Wanting answers from the Lord, I grabbed my Bible and headed to the dock. Before my feet even reached the walkway a rental pontoon boat pulled up near our dock filled with a loud boisterous family looking for a place to swim. Resentment began to creep into my heart..."Couldn't you go somewhere else where there isn't a person trying to enjoy the privacy of their own dock" I thought. No sooner had I spread my towel in my lounge chair than a boat whizzed by with a wake boarder well within the 50' dock limit...music blared from the boat's speakers and our floating dock rocked violently from the waves formed by the boat's wake. "You've got to be kidding me, I thought. This is a Wednesday, where have all these people come from." Repulsed by my reactions I asked the Lord, "What has happened to the woman who would h...

July 28 The past two days my husband and I both have come upon serious car accidents as rescue workers were arriving. One involved a firetruck and took the lives of two veteran firefighters in our community. Both were reminders of how quickly life on this earth can be over. When the word impact was on my mind in the early hours of the morning I wasn't certain if it was to be comprehended in the noun or verb form. The verb form brought to mind the accidents and I prayed for all involved. The noun form which Webster's defines as: the force of impression of one thing on another caused me to ponder the paths we are on each day and the possibility that God puts us in the presence of others for a purpose...to share His love and help position them in a place where they are open to the working of the Holy Spirit. Let's pray we have a positive impact on people today pulling them towards a propensity to pursue a relationship with Jesus. I press on toward the goal to win the prize ...

July 27 Heading out to walk this morning I was dry as could be. Returning home I was drenched. By the time I was in the house and dried off one of the biggest downpours of the summer occurred and I grabbed my Bible study supplies to hunker down and be with God. The first book I opened had this verse... Test me in this...and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Malachi 3:10 This is the kind of God I serve...one who places that verse before me in a downpour and makes me smile! The remainder of the message, which I will share, came at a perfect time. I had just listened to a YouTube message a friend sent me and was convicted to how limited my prayers have been for this nation and the serious issues we face. I've kinda taken a defeatist attitude when it comes to where we have gone as a nation and just prayed Jesus would throw up his hands and come back! http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=qtjfMj...

July 26 God puts the pieces of the puzzle together when we take time to sit with him and listen. The phrase "Hope is Happening" is what I kept hearing this morning. In Streams in the Desert and on my calendar were these verses today: You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand. John 13: 7 By faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. Galatians 5:5 We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair. 2 Corinthians 4:8 Then an out of town spiritual encourager called and we were discussing similarities which we are seeing at this stage of life and she said, "C'est la Vie." Immediately correcting herself she exclaimed, "I should be saying, such is eternal life." Typing away she researched her French and emailed me: C'est la Vie Eternelle Yes, that is the hope that is happening...the hope of eternal life to come! Praise the Lord...I am ready to face to...

July 24-25 Once again we are in "at home wedding mode" as well as helping another child move, so I find myself scouring the shelves of TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Target. I've had some friends helping me look for specific products. I even had a stranger approach me in the Greensboro TJ Maxx after looking in my cart and ask, "What are you planning?" A few minutes later she came up to me again and had some candles she thought would go well with my color scheme. Handing me her card she exclaimed, "I love to look for things in TJ Maxx. Call me and I will keep my eye out for you." Telling her I lived out of state didn't seem to phase her excitement to be part of the search! Elation set in today when a girlfriend called from Atlanta and had found the paper napkins for my son's rehearsal dinner. There is a thrill of satisfaction which comes with finding what you are searching for...be it the perfect house, car or a pack of napkins. Oh, I remember well...

July 23 This morning I was praying away before I even opened my eyes. Many of you know I have a dear friend and kindred spirit who has battled cancer for six years. Praying a way for her this morning, I was laying out for God a list of specifics for her. Then I heard him say, "While you are at it Boo. Just how is it you would like me to be bring her home to the streets of gold later in life when it is her time?" Ugh, I realized my prayers sounded like a customer at a restaurant placing an order. "I would like to order healing for my friend, with a side of no need for meds, chemo or radiation. Instead of a salad I would like her to have a day full of laughter and for dessert a promise that she will be pain free from here on out." Oh my. God loves my friend more than I do and he aches that she is having to endure this dreadful disease. He has her in the palm of his hand and has amazing angels surrounding her and people in place as encouragers. God has a plan, but my p...

July 21-22 Yesterday's entry slipped away as I was out of town for the day and obviously had my priorities messed up. I started to simply email today..."I am here" because I am in a rush to get things together for the truck our daughter is packing to take to Minnesota. The "I am here" comment made me think how we don't always feel the Lord "right there" but we know He is there. So to those of you who were wondering or worrying..."Where is she?" All is well, just chaotic. If you walked in my kitchen right now you would find my pantry doors open. Realizing the ants I've been battling don't like the light, leaving the doors open seems to keep them from those shelves. The other day I questioned...if they aren't in these cabinets where have they gone. Found them! Opening my front hall closet I saw them scurrying across the floor. Grabbing my vacuum I began to suck them up. Then I moved a box of dog treats on a shelf and unearthed a...

July 20 One of my marvelous mentors was here attending church Sunday and she shared during the women's prayer time the power of praying scripture. She and I share in vigilant prayer for the total ceasing of cancer as a source of suffering upon this earth. Psalm 91 is the passage she took us to that morning. I have it below in The Message translation and encourage you to turn it into a prayer. As she was reading to us, she interjected we are to be prayer worriers . The intent was to say prayer warriors. Oh, but how often am I a prayer worrier. Praying without fully believing there is a way out. So let us lift our swords high and head into our prayer times expecting to be victorious warriors! Psalm 91 You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow, Say this: "God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!" That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms prot...

July 19 Getting ready for church yesterday I realized I really needed to shampoo my hair and time was of the essence. Kneeling over the bathtub, squirting a glob of shampoo into my hand, I started to rub it in and realized my hair needed to be wetter to get an effective lather going. If I just squirted the shampoo on my head, it would be ineffective. The substance needed to be worked into my scalp for the best results. The Word of God is similar. Our Bibles can sit by our bedsides or on shelves in our homes, but until we prepare our hearts and consciously lather the scripture into our lives it isn't going to change us. And heaven forbid we go after a product like Pssssst. How many of you remember this? It was a powdery substance you sprayed on your hair when you didn't have time to do the real thing and wash it. Gross and double gross. There are some Psssst religions out there. They want to just spray a "life is lovely" religion on you, without any substance. Life is ...

July 17-18 Walking up Moonriver Lane this morning I decided to do "ABC" prayer or praise. This is when you take a letter of the alphabet and ask the Lord to place on your heart a praise or prayer request beginning with that letter. When I got to "N" the word "napkin" came to mind. I was stumped at first and asked the Lord if there was a message in that word. A napkin is a protective covering, which is what the Holy Spirit is for us spiritually. When we confess our sins and accept Christ, we are sealed...covered by the Holy Spirit. A napkin cleans up our messes. You know when that little bit of soup dribbles out your mouth or that glob of mayonnaise gets caught in the crevice of you mouth. Jesus came for the same reason...to clean up our messes! :) A napkin sometimes gets stained. A little bit of my blueberry salsa stuck on one the other night. Sin had left a crimson stain, but Jesus washed it white as snow. This is stretching it but.... When believers take...

July 16 The misuse of words can be a hoot! I may have mentioned earlier that one of our sons just realized he had been calling rip rap , riffraff his whole life. There is a contemporary dictionary, which I think is called the "Urban Dictionary". My children have told me not to go there because I would be offended. Hmmmm?> Merriman Webster has a section on their site called the Open Dictionary and it gives great insight into unoffensive contemporary language. Did you know w/e means whatever . w00t is one of my favorite contemporary words meaning to triumph over. B.K . means Before Kids Baba is someone who does not worry about anything. Ah, to be a baba! Words carry power, potential and passion. The power to lift up, the power to tear down. The potential to bring laughter, the potential to bring tears. The passion to instill love or the passion to spread hatred. James 1:19 evokes wisdom related to our words. My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to...

July 15 The calls and emails kept coming with heavy hearted concerns of others. There wasn't a darn thing I could do to change any of these situations. Then I opened the email from the caterer my son and future daughter in law had selected for their wedding and it stated they had accepted another contract for that date. The bride and groom to be had flown all the way down here from Minneapolis and were thrilled with the chef they had selected. Panic tried to set in and my mind wanted to race. Grabbing my Bible I needed to escape to the dock and just be still before the Lord, but I realized a neighbor had asked to use the dock so her grandchildren could swim. I wanted to cry, but I decided to cook instead. We had guests coming for dinner and I wanted to bake a cake. Opening the pantry door I saw them marching by....1 ant, 2 ant, 3 ant, 4...You've got to be kidding me, what else could go wrong! Unloading six shelves of staples I smooshed every ant in sight. My pantry would impres...

July 14 Reading in two different devotional books yesterday I was floored by the words facing me which I have never uttered. If someone asked me what those words meant there would be little confidence in my reply. A choice stood before me. Take the time to look them up and learn, or say, "This is not of eternal value, who cares and go on my way." Taking the challenge I decide to grow. recalcitrant -obstinately defiant of authority or restraint 2:difficult to manage or operate; not responsive to treatment dissimulate -to hide under a false appearance duality -a doctrine that the universe is under the dominion of two opposing principles one of which is good and the other evil capricious - from caprice- a sudden, impulsive, and seemingly unmotivated notion or action; a sudden usually unpredictable condition, change, or series of changes timorous -of a timid disposition, fearful, cautious How do we handle the Word of God, which is filled with so many foreign and incomprehensible ...

July 13 Chatting away about life in the kitchen with friends this past weekend a phrase popped out of my mouth that had me scrounging in a drawer for a pen and paper. Sometimes don't you wonder what God is up to, to the point it causes you to waiver in your faith? Then you realize in the wait for the tides to turn He has grown your faith in amazing ways which might not have been accomplished any other way. Joseph's brothers certainly brought despair into his life and he had a lot of waiting periods, but God was always at work. In the end he was able to look at those men and say, You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good. Genesis 50:20 Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:18 Father, You are always at work and amazing are the works of Your hands. Ah, Lord to have your stamina. When our hearts begin to wain, wondering if the wait or often weight of life will pass, please bring to mind the wonders of Your ways. Thank You for stories ...

July 12 Often we feel like life just isn't fair because it isn't turning out the way we wanted. Jesus was only here for thirty-three years. At the end He said, I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do . John 17:4 How profound. There is so much for us to learn in that statement. Jesus didn't finish everything his disciples wanted him to do and certainly not all the multitudes hoped he would do, but His obedience and priorities were to do what God had called him to do. Galatians 9:9-10 says: Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Look at our "to do" list. What is the driving force behind those tasks? Are they our desires; the demands/requests of others; or have we fallen on our faces before our Father and sought His purposes for the day. When we are not seeking His will, most often we ar...

July 10-11 Stirring up a dessert for house guests for the weekend my mind floated back to the home of a neighborhood friend. While I normally do not tell names and tales too, I will simply call this woman Mrs. Smith. Mrs. Smith had five children and was always at home, usually in the kitchen, unlike many of the mothers in the neighborhood who had maids and were off to their Jr. League meetings, bridge clubs, tennis groups, and weekly hair appointments. Most of the jobs which my friends' fathers held were a well known fact: attorneys, bankers, a VP at the railroad and owners of their own successful companies. Where Mr. Smith worked was never discussed much. I remember thinking it had something to do with electricity. The Smiths also were the only people I knew who attended a Baptist church. Most of my friends attended the large Presbyterian or Episcopal churches downtown. (We weren't part of the in crowd, but I loved our neighborhood Methodist church.) Mrs. Smith always had a s...

July 9 Looking out the window I longed to be down on the dock with a girlfriend who had come by so her grandchildren could swim. Two loads of laundry lingered on the table waiting to be folded and more stared at me from their baskets needing to be suds upped, my grocery store run had not been attempted, plus after several phone calls (I did iron through these) and feeding the neighbor's cat I hadn't done my Bible study. I grabbed a piece of Chili chocolate (yum) and contemplated my situation. "Priorities, prayer and purpose," came to mind. Yup, that sounds like a God thing. My purpose in life is doing the will of my Father and this can only be revealed when He is my first priority and I am seeking Him through prayer. Sticking a load of wash in, I picked up my Bible study and exhilaration arrived as God washed me up with his Word. I highly recommend Sharon Jaynes' study... The Power of a Woman's Words . Get the companion workbook and study guide. God's corr...

July 8 In elementary school we had the SRA reading program. It was an independent, self paced, program and is still marketed today by McGraw Hill publishers. The 12 x 12 x 12 box set on a table in the back of the classroom and contained stories which you read and then answered a series of questions. A checking key was provided and after passing a certain number of stories in one level you could move onto the next. I loved the challenge! Our spiritual walk is a similar program. There is always another, more challenging, level before us. The purpose...to keep us reliant on the Holy Spirit and not on ourselves. I've been blessed to fellowship with a sister in Christ this past week and we were amazed in the similarities of the trials we have both experienced this year. God was so gracious to bring us together so we could see we are not alone in in this lesson learning process. We both know for certain God is about to reveal "a new thing" in our lives. Reveal : to make known t...

July 7 While Jude only had 25 verses which made the Bible cut, they were obviously important words. Think about that. At times we may only be afforded a few moments to speak to someone, but the words we have to share may be of eternal value. Let's listen to Jude's words as if he has stopped by during one of his journeys and is sitting in our family room sharing from his heart. But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Verses 20-21 Lord, open the eyes of our hearts to what You have on our agenda today. Who is the person who needs to hear our voice, feel our touch, or read a word of encouragement from us? Ready us for action to make a difference to a hurting world. In Jesus' name, Amen

July 6 I am rejoicing because I just realized it is Tuesday and not Wednesday! Elation sets in when I gain a day! Let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God. Psalm 68:3 I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. Psalm 13:5 We have some friends who have just received devastating news about their father's health. The whole family was vacationing on the lake and the father/grandfather had to leave to go home for a doctor to go over scan results. Even after receiving news which has their hearts heavy, the children and grandchildren headed out on the lake and enjoyed their final day. Watching them tube, jet ski and swim staying close to one another my heart was so encouraged to see their strength is in the Lord. While their faces had been filled with tears on Sunday as they shared their fears, it was obvious they were trusting in the Lord as they chose joy! Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You. Psalm 5:11 Each day holds it troubles, b...

July 5 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use pages and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 2 John 1:12 A dear friend, whom I have not seen for two years and her husband are here visiting. We used to live in the same neighborhood and now we live several states apart. While emails, phone calls, card and gift exchanges keep our relationship alive I feel like John in the above verse...my joy has been complete with this face to face exchange the past few days. Looking into someone's eyes, holding their hands in prayer and hugging them in sincere embrace allow for love to flow in a way only God could create. Taking to time to get off alone and seek God face to face affords us the opportunity for the same sort of exchange with our Creator. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105: 4 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. 1 Corinthians 13:12 A...

July 3-4 My husband loves to watch old Seinfield shows. The TV in our kitchen was on the other night with the show where George's father has come up with a stress release plan. When a stressful situation occurs he shouts, "Serenity Now." Serenity is the state of being serene , which is defined as: clear and free of storms or unpleasant change; marked by or suggestive of utter calm and unruffled repose or quietude. Hmm, no where in the Bible does is state that life on earth will be serene. 1 Peter 4:12 says: Dear friends, when the fiery ordeal arises among you to test you, don't be surprised by it, as if something unusual were happening to you. Beth Moore says: "I don't know a single person who truly seems to bear the mark of God's presence and power in his or her life who hasn't been asked by God to be obedient in a way that was dramatically painful." My guess is it will all make sense when we see Him face to face!

July 2 Avalon has a beautiful song called Testify . All the colors of the rainbow All the voices of the wind Every dream that reaches out That reaches out to find where love begins Every word of every story Every star in every sky Every corner of creation Lives to testify For as long as I shall live I will testify to love I'll be a witness in the silences When words are not enough With every breath I take I will give thanks to God above For as long as I shall live I will testify to love From the mountains to the valleys From the rivers to the sea Every hand that reaches out Every hand that reaches out to offer peace Every simple act of mercy Every step to kingdom come All the hope in every heart will Speak what love has done For as long as I shall live I will testify to love I'll be a witness in the silences When words are not enough With every breath I take I will give thanks to God above For as long as I shall live I will testify to love Th e Message translation of 1 John 1:...

July 1 Brace yourself! My walking buddy is a Yankee and I love her! My children know one of my most frequently used exclamatory phases is "Lawsie, lawsie"! My girl friend on the other hand, with her elaborate NY intonation will react to astonishing news with an "Ay, Yie, Yie" (not really sure how to spell that). We were both stuck to the pavement in our running shoes this morning by the shock of what "went down". (I think that may be a NY phrase as well.) In earlier posts, I have written of God revealing his presence to me through a yellow butterfly. This monarch follows me everywhere. Nudging me and pointing, my friend acknowledged the butterfly's appearance before us on the road. I exclaimed how amazing the longevity of the butterfly had been this season and noted the coloring seemed to be fading on the butterfly. "Last night the butterfly came to the hammock where my husband and I were lying and I actually thought it was going to land on my kne...