Boojoyful

December 30-31 Genesis 2:15 God took the Man and set him down in the Garden of Eden to work the ground and keep it in order. I like order! My closets are color coded and the hangers match as much as possible. Our spices are arranged on the shelf in alphabetical order and after that I have to go with the flow of living with others who have a much more "free" style! :) While God is a God of order our lives are filled with the unexpected. Looking back on life we can see it spotted with "pop quizzes" and jacks coming out of the box! As I look back at the highs and lows of 2011 and I watch the winter winds begin to whip up a warning that the cold is coming, I am thankful for God's steadfast love that weathers all storms. Dear God, my Master, you created earth and sky by your great power—by merely stretching out your arm! There is nothing you can't do. You're loyal in your steadfastlove to thousands upon thousands... Jeremiah 32:16 May steadfastness of...

December 29 Yesterday, tired of feeling awful for 11 days I decided to get up, shower, wash my hair, put on cute jeans (as cute as they can be on a 50's something), a silk shirt, layers of pearls and some shiny earrings. Contacts and make up did not make the list, because by that point I was exhausted, my back and knees aching and I was lying down again. No matter what we put on the outside, that doesn't change what is on the inside. Attitude counts more than outward appearance in God's pageant! While I am staring at 15 extra pounds on the scales, which I know need to come off for the betterment of my health, I need to equally examine the characteristics in this Charles Spurgeon prayer a friend emailed to me. " Pray that this year you will be holy, humble, devoted, and diligent; that you will have a closer communion with Christ, often entering the banquet room of His Love. Pray that you will be an example and a blessing to others, and that you will live more and more...

December 28 It was a mirror stare down. Moses sat and looked at himself in the mirror...he was mesmerized by his own beauty or had entered a "don't blink" contest with the bulldog in the mirror. Shooting photo after photo did not phase him. Were the vet's words concerning a needed diet troubling him...he'd only gained 3 pounds!!!! We'd discussed the eyelid surgery years ago and thought he was content to fore go the procedure. Maybe he had New Year's resolutions and needed to confide in another canine. Or maybe he and God were getting real and he was struck by the reality that God was calling him to action. Nancy Leigh DeMoss had an excellent message today on God's tender mercies. The Greek word for tender she explained is called splanchnon. It means spleen or deep inner part of the body. The message went on to say that when we experience splanchnon towards another...we are to be filled with such compassion that we are motivated to do somethin...

December 27 There are some days where the load is so heavy, the suffering so severe, the demands so devastating that lifting our hands to the Lord is all we can offer up. Positioning ourselves at the place of praise for the simple fact that God is God begins a process where proclamation can flow forward. On those days... Praise God Proclaim Christ King of Kings Pray with expectancy Pause and listen Process the points and procedures placed before you. O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name! O my soul, bless God, don't forget a single blessing! Psalm 103:1-2

December 26 When such a word rings loudly in my mind hour after hour in the middle of the night...curiosity gets hold of me and the search begins. Recalling a time when I wanted each room in our home to reflect Christ in some way, I wondered if I went room to room now, what would resonate as having great "worth". Items which hold the greatest value to me are those connected to my heart. Daily, my aging father thumbs through photo albums he has compiled, for there among those pages are the memories which are his treasures. Clay hands of our children grace a silver tray. Should fire erupt here, those are probably what I would grab and being like my father... a suitcase full of photo albums. When we are wavering in our faith, lacking in the love luster we desire to have shining upon us, or just having a day where we really don't want to get out of bed...we must remember our worth to God! How deep is the love of a Father who would sacrifice His only son. Matthew 10:31 So don’...

December 24-25 The final two songs I've selected are not Christmas carols, but they have everything to do with Christ coming to earth as the Light of the World....shining hope through salvation on spiritless sinners. There is a filling available to us and it doesn't come from the bountiful Christmas dinners many of us will eat this weekend. The birth of Christ fulfilled "part 2" of the Trinity...Father, Son and Holy Ghost! A four year old sleeping in our house last week crept into my bed early one morning. She said, "When I wake up I see a bright light shining over me." I asked her if she thought it was an angel. She said she didn't know, but it was always there wherever she woke up and it was beautiful! How sad that we lose that childlike faith and the ability to see the angelic realm. One day we will see them and The Light of the World face to face. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the...

December 23 The music to the lyrics below is fabulous, but I have not been able to find Nicole C. Mullen singing it online. I bought it on iTunes, but can't figure out how to post it for you! The concept of what we have to OFFER God challenges us in these lyrics. Searching the NIV for "offering," 714 scriptures are referenced. Bringing an offering to God is not a new idea. At this holiday time, the tradition of gift giving can be burdensome for individuals who feel they can't give extravagant enough gifts, which would be of value to someone who has much more materialistically. Try figuring out what we could give God Almighty we can look to Mark 12 which contains "The Greatest Commandment." This points us toward a free gift God longs to receive from us...the giving of our love to God and others. 32 You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your st...

December 22 The question is posed: Why do we celebrate Christmas? The responses vary. Some will get it right with the simple statement... It's Jesus' Birthday! If the investigator was to delve deeper and ask: And what is the big deal about Jesus? The lyrics Harry Belafonte sings in the song Mary's Boy Child hint towards the eternal benefit God bestows upon those who believe in the miracle birth. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfdx2V5sAic

December 21 Faith Hill and The Grinch teamed up for this video called Where Are You Christmas? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSMjgNMdzEI&feature=related In the song she comes to the realization that Christmas is "LOVE"...so true although she holds back from explaining it is...God's love, which was given to us in the form of a baby. Christ love which walked on this earth as the perfect example of how to live, and the love of the Holy Spirit who is available to daily fill us. Being covered in all that love, it should naturally spill out upon others. The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you. 2 Corinthians 13:14 (The MSG) Who do you know who might feel as if the love of Christmas is missing from their life? Share the love today!

December 20 As we continue along a musical Christmas theme I hope you get a laugh from a church sign which said: "Dancing with the STARS in Bethlehem!" In their song, "This is Christmas" Kutlass poses the question : What is Christmas? If there never was a Savior wrapped in a manger. What is Christmas without Christ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20HoJZecNqM&feature=related We wouldn't be getting our school breaks and days off from work, baking cookies or singing carols, or sending CHRISTmas cards if the Savior hadn't been born. December might be rather dull. Yet, many homes go about decking the halls and making jolly without ever mentioning Christ. A friend sent an excellent email the other day about how we get up in arms over all the efforts to remove the mention of Christmas from our schools, places of business and government. It went on to challenge our own lives to reflect Christ. It suggested instead of fighting for the nativity scene to be put u...

December 19 We all want to be loved. We are all loved...the baby born to die for us is proof. Each time this week when your eyes cross a symbol of Jesus... on a Christmas card, in a decoration or through hearing a carol sung...whisper..."I am loved!" For the most extravagant love came down from heaven for us. Mark Schultz http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKSU9Dbxvrw&feature=related Starlight shines, the night is still Shepherds watch from a hill I close my eyes, see the night When love was born Perfect child gently waits A mother bends to kiss God's face I close my eyes, see the night When love was born Angels fill the midnight sky, they sing Hallelujah, He is Christ, our King Emmanuel, Prince of peace Loves come down for you and me Heaven's gift, the holy spark To let the way inside our hearts Bethlehem, through your small door Came the hope we've waited for The world was changed forevermore When love was born I close my eyes, see the night When love was born

December 17-18 Week of preparation is what we are entering. Enjoy these three siblings as they sing, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and prepare your hearts to receive all Christ has to offer. http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FEM0BFNU&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20Video&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/18/2011 We've found ourselves praising the Lord this week for seeing a precious one year old through surgery to remove a brain tumor and then on the other end of the spectrum we praise God for his Presence in the life of a dear friend, who has left this earth to spend his first Christmas in heaven. We can be joyful always, because we trust in God's plan. 1 Thessalonians 5:16

December 16 " The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrNcD34KFhM What gift do you have to give our King? This teenager in Canada, took his drums and made a video in honor of Christ and put it on You Tube! It doesn't have to be extravagant, outlandish or expensive..it just has to come from the heart. Two days ago, while driving home along the rural back roads of our county, my husband picked up a 60 year old hitch hiker. "You did WHAT?" I exclaimed when he told me. The man had undergone heart surgery 5 weeks earlier, yet he smelled of smoke. Inquiring about the obvious order and the hold this habit had on the man, my husband offered to pray for him. "You a preacher? the man asked. I need a preacher on Friday to marry me. We just gonna do it right here in this trailer." The important response from my spouse was...."Do you know Jesus?" A requirement before he would marry anyon...

December 15 Chris Tomlin's Hallowed Manger Ground has topped my list of favorites this year! Sing along! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTDA_awnl8g What hope we hold this starlit night A King is born in Bethlehem Our journey long, we seek the light That leads to the hallowed manger ground What fear we felt in the silent age Four-hundred years can He be found But broken by a baby's cry Rejoice in the hallowed manger ground Emmanuel, Emmanuel God incarnate, here to dwell Emmanuel, Emmanuel Praise His name Emmanuel The son of God, here born to bleed A crown of thorns would pierce His brow And we beheld this offering Exalted now the King of kings Praise God for the hallowed manger ground Emmanuel, Emmanuel God incarnate, here to dwell Emmanuel, Emmanuel Praise His name Emmanuel Oh, praise His name Emmanuel Oh, praise His name Emmanuel

This video had me up and in action this morning. http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FE1M01NU&utm_source=GodTube%20Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/14/2011 Revelation 5:12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise !” December 14 LOL.. arriving home late after a board meeting last night my husband entered the house and said, "Do you realize the outdoor speakers are on and you are blasting Christmas carols all over the Lake?" I know Jesus is the reason for the season and inwardly (and blog wise) He and I are celebrating the implications of His birth (you know the guy who came to die), but what does the person who walks into my home this month see, what about Christmas Eve dinner and the pomp and circumstance of our Christmas morning routines....is HE visible, is He welcome? Is there a seat at the table for Him? Do we converse with Him in prayer recogniz...

December 13 This entry is probably more suitable for a December discovery. Actually, it correlates with what the Lord gave me there. Cream cheese was being mixed in a bowl with fresh parsley and green onions. The combination of that spread with a fried egg, bacon, a slice of tomato and avocado were about to be laid out on toasted whole grain bread, but God said, "Come away with me right now." Obediently, I wandered off to a quiet spot with The Message Solo and turned to Day 151. The title "When Disappointment Comes" and Bible book-Lamentations- were not signs that this was going to be a yippee , good ole time. Two phone calls and one email already had me pensive over the depth of hurt and heartache several of us, who loved each other dearly, are facing. But by faith, expecting God to show me something good I proceeded to read and before I headed back to sandwich making I was rejoicing that my God speaks. Lamentations 3:19-30 It's a Good Thing to Hope for H...

December 10-12 We worshipped at The Wave yesterday. It is a Hillsong church plant out of Australia. JOY filled is the phrase that stayed with me from the moment we entered the building until we drove away. Eleven children were dedicated to the Lord (2 of our grandchildren) and a passionate message on the Holy Spirit was preached. While I was not familiar with any of the music, the worship was infectious. To see our three year old grandson praising Jesus in such a setting thrilled my heart. Now the music can be a bit loud for the little ones so they provide headphones! Forgive me Hillsong for not featuring one of your songs today, but as I stood there holding our grandson, watching the big screen flash pictures of God's galaxies, I whispered in this little fellow's ear....God made everyone of those stars and He took time to make you too. He loves you so much and has great plans for you! So I am mixing up the bag of musical artists and leading you to Chris Tomlin's so...

December 9 Continuing with the music theme "I Saw Three Ships" is as close as I can get to my message for today. The link below with the song also has Christmas poems, jokes, etc and may lead you to something else to brighten your day. http://www.carols.org.uk/i_saw_three_ships.htm A thick fog covers the lake this morning and frost is on the ground. Glancing out my bathroom window I was amazed to see a tiny, white boat venturing out. It was quickly taken from my view in the dense fog. Why in the world would that person go out in conditions like that? Heading back into our bedroom I picked up Jesus Calling recalling a similar theme in today's entry. "Be willing to go out on a limb with Me (Jesus). If that is where I am leading you, it is the safest place to be. Your desire to live a risk-free life is a form of unbelief...In order to follow Me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your tendency to play it safe....As long as you stay close to Me, My sovereign Prese...

December 8 http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=DW6KZLNX&utm_source=GodTube%20Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/06/2011 Faith Hill's Lyrics to A Baby Changes Everything are filled with truthful emotions. Allow them to seep into your soul, devouring walls you may have built and crumble before God in honesty. Allow the Spirit to take what seems as loss and show you how to be found in Christ's love. Unprepared for what has hit you? Do dreams appeared to have shattered right before you? Has a trust been betrayed? Does the need to run seem the best way out...but where? Cry out! Remember Mary and watch for a star, a shepherd an angel... look to the baby who changes everything. The Lyrics Teenage girl, much too young Unprepared for what's to come A baby changes everything Not a ring on her hand All her dreams and all her plans ...

December 7 Anticipate the Workings of God was the title of Day 141 in The Message Solo devotional. Have I done that today? Have I lived with positive expectancy? In Isaiah 65 are found these instructions: Pay close attention now... Look ahead with joy... Anticipate what I'm creating. Simeon and Anna did that...they watched closely and with joyous expectation anticipated the birth of Christ! Are we paying close attention to the signs of the times? Are we joyful about the second coming of Christ? Do our hearts thrill at the creation of the New Jerusalem? This season is about more than a baby who was born in a manger. It's a celebration of life everlasting. Philippians 1:12 states: The things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel. Paul, could put all the pain and persecution behind him, because of the purpose for which they were produced! Joy to the World the Lord has come and will come again!

December 6 Ok, so this is looking like a songfest blog! Bring on the Christmas Carols..old and new. Thanks to sweet Aunt Ruby, from Nashville, who read this blog for sending the story behind this thought provoking song. http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=OExXItDyWEY&vq=medium While at the mall a couple of years ago, my then four year old nephew, Spencer, saw kids lined up to see Santa Claus. Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, he asked his mom, "where's the line to see Jesus"? My sister mentioned this to my dad, who immediately became inspired and jotted words down to a song in just a few minutes. After putting music to the words, and doing a quick recording at home, he received a great response from friends. He sent the song off to Nashville without much response, except for a Christian song writer who suggested adding a bridge at the end of the first chorus. My dad then asked if I wanted to re...

December 5 The beauty of the voices in the opening of this puppet show sent a shiver through my body. I love the diversity of the ways there are to share about Jesus. http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=KG7GGLNX&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20Video&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/02/2011

Getting into the Word and remembering who is "The Word" I felt it appropriate to have a tree that tells a story of Jesus...it is His birthday we celebrate! Snowmen melt, reindeer die and bells on bobtails are limited in the longevity of joy they shower, but Jesus...He lasts forever. It will be next year, before all the desired ornaments are gathered in. I prefer to buy them half price after Christmas. A few already inhabit our holiday closet! Click under the Jesus Tree link above for the list I've come up with so far. Also, check out our daughter in laws blog www.thoseandrews.blogspot.com for some great recommendations on Keeping Christ in Christmas!