Boojoyful

November 30 Sunday, over lunch, the Israelites grumblings came up in our discussion. Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt?...For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.   Exodus 14:11-12 My husband related the similarities in attitudes to those of many Americans.  They'd rather be enslaved to the government and allow it to make all the decisions and provisions by going further in debt and raising taxes, than having the freedom to work and make something of their own lives.  So sad to see "The American Dream" slip away. When the Israelites looked out upon the impassable body of water before them and heard the thunder of the advancing Egyptians before them, they felt gloom and doom...not God's divine hand and impending deliverance.  How often in our trials do we call out "Why God?" instead of crying out with positive expectancy "What's next God?" I don't think w

 "Oh, no! Mama Boo has on a BIG hat!" November 29 "Oh, no!" is a favorite quote of our grandson when something falls or one of his Thomas the Train engines derails.  I am beginning to feel a similar need of utterance, as again and again God is dropping messages to me through Bible study, Sunday sermons, my quiet time on the topic of following Him in the wilderness. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are My ways, declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8 The Bible study title for week two of One in a Million  is "Welcome to the Wilderness".  The author begins: "If you've made a decision with me to leave Egypt and fully embrace the journey with God, I have a warning: This journey will not be easy.  It will test your faith, stretch your belief system, and challenge your level of commitment-but onward we must go.  We know that God's destination will be filled with everything we need and so much of what we want. Is it worth this diffi

November 28 Normally, this time of year Bible Study groups phase out until the first of the year, because of hectic holiday schedules.  I became very convicted of how we let the hustle bustle of the season, edge our Jesus time out of the picture and I decided to delve deeply into a six week video series by Priscilla Shirer called One in a Million-Journey to Your Promised Land .  The first day I gulped down a whole week! It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 The author desires to see us release the chains that bind, believe in the power of the Holy Spirit and go for more spiritual gusto than we ever dreamed of.  She writes: With each divine interruption in my life and in my theology, I received a golden sealed invitation to see God out of the box. He wants me to expect to see His power in supernatural ways, anticipate miracles in my everyday existence and hear His voice with star

November 27 Because we are such a large family, we decided two years ago that instead of buying expensive presents we would make handmade gifts for one another. It has been so much fun.  One son arrived home two years ago, having procrastinated and had no gift.  He grabbed his Pop's chain saw and headed to the woods and sawed up a large limb.  Then he took a picture of himself and one of girlfriend.  I am guessing he ran up to the drug store and had copies made and then he shellacked them to the pieces of wood and everyone received a pair of drink coasters! This year I decided to make a gift I would give early.  I contacted a neighbor whom I knew had a workshop and asked if he would instruct me in cutting out seven, twelve piece nativity scenes.  He felt I was in WAY over my head, but I persevered, broke two of his blades (which I paid to replace), and was thrilled with the outcome. Yesterday, I was sanding another wooden project.  Sanding, like weeding, is a great activit

November 26 Breakfasting with our granddaughter at Chick Fil A Saturday morning, I appreciated her spunk. She is not tall enough to crawl up into the tubular play ground the conventional way and slide down, but she came up with "Plan B" and ventured into brightness of the unknown. Don't panic, I was quite aware there was no one coming down the slide or I would have put on my grandmama boots and gone to the rescue. Her courage/inquisitiveness to head out on a great adventure was inspiring.  How often does God call us on the simplest of adventures and we back away from the challenge spouting off excuses for how we are ill-equipped, too busy, or just out of our comfort zone?  The Moses syndrome. (Now, I am not saying wandering in the desert for forty years is a simple adventure.) It takes faith follow! Also,  belief in the stories of our forefathers who must have sung..."Step by step He leads me and I will follow him all of my days."  By faith, Noah hammer

November 24-25 Our grandson had a fabulous four year old birthday party today. The theme was "Diggers and Donuts".  His father borrowed a friend's excavator! His mom piled sprinkle donuts high as an alternative to a cake!  They were yummy. Once again I busied myself so in grandchildren glory that I didn't have much time with the Lord, except a prayer that went up here and there throughout the day.  Before I closed my eyes tonight I took time to reflect on the day and thought about how I had not done any digging into God's Word. Searching the word "dig" in the contemporary Message translation numerous passages came up, but the one which really caught my eye and penetrated my heart was: Deuteronomy 32:6-7     1-5  Listen, Heavens, I have something to tell you.      Attention, Earth, I’ve got a mouth full of words.      My teaching, let it fall like a gentle rain,          my words arrive like morning dew,      Like a sprinkling ra

November 23 Since we alternate major holidays with the in laws of our married children, this Thanksgiving was an off year for us.  One of our son's was able to be with us because his wife was traveling on business and my 92 year old father came for the day.  When he was heading out the door to go back to Roanoke he kissed me and said, "This is one of the nicest Thanksgivings I can remember."  That caught me off guard because usually, all the children are here and sometimes other family members.  Before I could process the comment much further, he made another....."It's the only Thanksgiving I can remember!" What a great sense of humor! God is a lot older than my Daddy yet, he forgets nary a thing.  He remembers the day he formed us in our mother's womb and has us engraved in the palm of his hand.  Amazing! Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget I will not forget you

November 22 Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;  let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.   Let us come before him with thanksgiving and  extol him with music and song.     Psalm 95:1-2   Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly  as you teach and  admonish one another with all wisdom  through psalms, hymns,  and songs from the Spirit,  singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16   I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.  For in him you have been enriched in every way- with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge. 1 Corinthians 1:4-5

Ole LOL November 21 Before leaving for work, my knight in shining armor headed out the door at 5:45 AM to grab some forgotten grocery items I needed to prepare the Thanksgiving meal.  We'd been up and at it since 4:45AM.  Moses, was sprawled out on the floor by the bed.  I said, "Why don't you take ole Lump of Lard with you in the car."  (Car and boat riding are his favorite past times.)  This was not to be the day for the ole fellow, but my husband said, "You've just given a whole new meaning to LOL." LOL (Lump of Lard), you're so funny! (People will have no idea you are calling them a name!) Now that's not nice:   Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.   James 3:10 Thinking about the very same letters, holding totally different meanings led me to praise the Lord that: Jesus Christ is t he same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8   Praise the L

Take care of your toothies! November 20 Yesterday, I sat in the dental chair for my semi-annual cleaning.  As the hygienist scraped away the unwanted plaque, my fists were clenched and my body tensed.  While I knew this process was good for my health, it was not enjoyable.  The correlation to the repenting of sin came to mind.  No fun, but good for our souls. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace  for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 Chuckling to myself, I thought back to dental appointments in the "olden days" (my school days).  In my purse (we didn't have backpacks) would be toothpaste and a toothbrush.  Before heading to the dental office I would slip into the school bathroom and scrub away in hopes the dentist would not be able to see my lack of flossing and brushing.  The last minute outward action could not hide what was happening on the inside. Is

November 19 Shopping is not one of my favorite past times, but giving is a joy and coupons are tempting this time of year. Venturing off to the city last week with my list in hand,  ToysRus was the place to get out of the way first. Whew, now I remember why my mother and I did the children's Christmas shopping in October.  In need of comfort, Chick Fil A was where I headed.  The drive thru was packed, but I've been battling a virus and wasn't up for heading inside.  Placing my order for a Spicy Chicken sandwich and a sweet tea I pulled around and paid at the window, then I was informed my sandwich would take 2 minutes and I was asked to pull around the corner and wait. Six minutes later I was rather frustrated. Locking the car, I grabbed my purse and headed inside in search of the manager. While not outwardly rude, inwardly I felt I had not gotten what I deserved!!!!! Ooo, missy...got herself an attitude!  Asking for the manager, I explained what had happened and sta

November 17-18 Let's make all things work together for GOD. "Do not be anxious, do not be anxious, do not be anxious"....(I am repeating this like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz saying "There's no place like home".)  I am not a tough mother when it comes to some of things in which my offspring involve themselves. Please tell me why an intelligent, godly, young man, with a gorgeous family would want to compete in Tough Mudder and make his mother worry..  For those of you saying, "What is a Tough Mudder?"  you can check out this Youtube video about last year's championship, which benefits the Wounded Warrior Project. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzfRgz-q3KY While we are very proud of him for finishing in the top 5% of the team competition in Wisconsin last spring (amongst 11,000 competitors) and thus qualifying for the World Championship; it is worse than waiting for a baby to be born to see if his team will complete this 24 obstacle

November 16 So why do we associate with a church (a body of believers)?  Just as your Mama told you to drink your milk, so you'd have strong bones, God knows that being united in fellowship is nourishment for our souls and carries out the plan for his Kingdom. Jesus outlined our commitment to Him in a commandment and through a commission. The Great Commandment: Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart...soul..and mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.   Matthew 22:36-39 The Great Commission: Jesus said, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."   Matthew 28:19-20 The church membership program I've been sharing from states: To "Love God with all your heart"  is WORSHIP To  "Love your neighbor as yourself"  is MINIS

November 15 As we ponder the state our world is in, there is a direct Biblical correlation...we are sinful!  The membership class I was telling you about yesterday goes on in Part II to state "Our Problem". "Man has a natural desire to be the boss and ignore God's principles for living." "Look out for #1. Do you own thing." "If it feels good, do it-regardless of what God says about it." "It's my life and I'll do what I please!" This self-centered attitude is called sin and is has been around for a long, long time.  :( All of us like sheep, have gone astray, and each of us has turned to his own way.   Isaiah 53:6 If we say that we never sin, we are only fooling ourselves, and refuse to accept the truth.   1 John 1:8 "Sin breaks our close relationship with God.   It causes us to fear God and try to live our lives outside of His will. When our relationship to God is not right, it causes PROB

November 14 For 25 years we attended a mega church with 5,000 members (that was mega for our city). We were really plugged in and were pleased to participate in creative programs, hear great preaching and be the recipients of fabulous fellowship.  When we moved away to the country we never found the same feeling.  A new church plant began this fall and held its' first new members meeting last week.  The next couple days I want to share some of their statements of faith and challenge us to look deeply into our own statements of faith. What does it mean to be a Christian? "Many people live their entire lives without ever knowing "WHY".  They exist year after year with no idea of why they live of God's purpose for their lives.  The most basic question a person can ask is. "What is the meaning of life?" Everyone wants to be happy. People try many ways. ...Some look for happiness by acquiring possessions. ...Some look for happiness by experiencing ple

November 13 In the past 5 years our family size has tripled, which puts a challenge on the birthday and Christmas budget.  We have a couple Thomas the Train lover grandsons, so I was seeking a deal comparing prices at Target, Amazon and ToysRus.  Interestingly one item might be $3 less on one site and another less on a competitor's site.  It was exhausting.  I also was trying to purchase enough at each company to qualify for their free shipping...another "deal". Minnesota is the real deal when it comes to clothes shopping.  They have no clothing tax.  Unfortunately, the airfare or gas to get there would probably be more than the tax on the clothing we'd purchase. Shopping in Kroger last Friday night, I lucked into a real deal.  The Boar's Head meat distributor approached me in the produce section with three bags of deli turkey...a new holiday blend, jerk and chipotle. I must have had a concerned look on my face, because she quickly stated, "There is nothin

November 12   Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produced perseverance. Let perseverance finish work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.   James 1:2-4 Beth Moore's latest Bible study is on James.  Our daughter in law is facilitating a group in her home town and loaning me the DVD's in January to do the same here at Shiloh.  Inquiring as to how it is going her reply was priceless: "James doesn't mess around, that's for sure!" James is the half-brother of Jesus and became a leader of the church. The lessons he challenges us to learn in this book, which some think was most likely the first New Testament book ever written, are not for sissies or Sunday morning pew sitters.  This book reminds me of a banner my husband hung in our kitchen, shortly after he came to know the Lord.  "God said it, we believe it, that settles it."

November 11 The video below is in honor of Veterans' Day and all the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=0JC99CNU&utm_source=GodTube%20Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11/10/2012

November 10  The godtube video below is such a wonderful picture of 1 John 3:17-20 This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us,  This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves.  If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears.  And you made it disappear. My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love.  This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality.  It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it.  For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we  do ourselves. http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=WDZDD7NX&utm_source=GodTube%20Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11/08/2012   The video

November 9 "Pray for them to have a hunger for my Word." Somewhere last month I read this quote and jotted it down.  Such a simple statement, which when taken into action it can change lives and even change the direction of a nation.   Yes, get it, God's Word, sharper than a two edged sword! My great niece accompanied me on a grandbaby sitting gig this week.  This beautiful eight year old brought her Bible and two devotional books, which she faithfully read each night at bedtime.  Her sincere hunger for the Word amazed me.  "Would you like me to recite Psalm 23 for you, Aunt Boo Boo?" she asked.  Without missing a beat the Word of God elegantly rolled off her tongue.  Desiring to highlight some verses in her Bible she asked me for help.  It was a delight to show her my life verse and that of her great grandmother.   Two other key passages we highlighted were Romans 3: 23     For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. "Everyone

November 8   My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.   Psalm 119:28 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things." Luke 10:41 Little Miss "Be Joyful Always" was in a  stupor yesterday and is still struggling to be released from a funk this morning. States legalizing recreational marijuana, recognizing gay marriage and a health plan which has our tax dollars paying for abortion have me biting my lower lip and looking up to the Lord out of the corner of my eye saying, "Sorry, Father. We've failed you as a nation. We deserve Your wrath."   Where we have strayed, as a nation, which was founded "under God", will not be changed by an individual in the White House though. History shows us that God's people have been set out to wander before.  Wandering can lead to wondering, which can work in us to seek wisdom! Then the Lord said to Moses, Tell the Israelites to

November 7 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 God made us in such a way that we couldn't exist long without food.  Man can exist about forty days without food, about three days without water, and only eight minutes without air.  In the spiritual realm of eternity, how long can we exist without Jesus?  Not for a moment! Our pastor is doing an excellent series called "White Picket Fences" on the best way for families to exist in accordance with God's plan.  Week one touched on the importance of believing God's word and recognized Him as supreme over our individual lives and thus our family unit.  Week two pronounced the importance of the husband being the spiritual leader of the home.  For the husband to love his wife in a sacrificial manner, which would then have her willingly submitting to his authority. Week three he minced no words when laying the responsibility of our children'

November 6 A few weeks ago Nancy Leigh DeMoss had an excellent devotional on camouflage.  Today let's us God what we may be trying to cover up in our lives and allow him to help us come clean! Nancy Leigh DeMoss:  Did you realize that the first clothing was designed to be camouflage? Adam and Eve hoped their fig leaves would allow them to blend in to their surroundings and hide from God. It seems ridiculous, but sometimes we do the same thing. Do any of these sound familiar? “So . . . I made a  little  mistake.” “That temper just runs in the family.” “Everybody cuts a few corners.” Nancy:  Our natural tendency is to make excuses, to cover up our sin and make ourselves look better than we are, but God sees it all. He asked Adam and Eve, “Where are you?” Of course, He knew where they were and what they had done. But He was giving them a chance to admit their sin. He gives us the same chance. When God convicts you of sin, are you honest, or do you try to hide from Him? R

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them,  because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36 May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord's people will not be like sheep without a shepherd. Numbers 27: 16-17 November 5 Tensions are high in our nation with the impending election having the propensity to lead us down such different paths.  Tomorrow night, if the results carry sufficient evidence to announce a winner, one half of our nation could be gorgonized.  What will it take to placate those individuals?  For those of us who love the Lord and have been called according to His purpose, if we have studied the issues and voted for the man whom we believe is the one God would appoint to lead our nation, we can step back in peace as we trust in His sovereignty. For the One who

November 3-4 Watching my husband's alma mater on TV last weekend (we were loosing, which is never fun) I said, "This is really sinful.  We haven't put near the time today into God's Word that we have into sitting in front of this TV."  "Do you want me to cut it off ?" he offered.  There were only a couple minutes remaining.  Fortunately, we watched to the end and saw one of the most exciting finishes ever to a football game.   Read as reported: After another UNC timeout, Giovanni Bernard went back to return the punt with 30 seconds to go.   Bernard took the punt 73 yards for the TD putting Carolina up 43-35 after the extra point snap was low and the holder rolled right and found a receiver.  An exciting ending to a great back and forth game in Kenan Stadium. Bernards return was a historic moment in this great rivalry we will see replayed over and over throughout the years. Any chance of a NC State miracle was erased when the ensuing kickoff was