Boojoyful

December 31                             Give thanks to The Lord for he is good; his love endures forever.                                                                 1 Chronicles 16:34 Well, we have endured another year and it appears 2013 was not the year of Christ's return. While we had no weddings or babies born this year, we did have a grandson pray to receive Christ! One of those blessings beyond description! A family reunion in June and my father's reunion with Christ and the saints who have gone before him make the top five list. Children have made moves and job changes.  I faced some health issues that dampened my dance temporarily, but the love of The Lord remained steadfast. The Psalms are filled with references of how God's lo...

December 30 Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God. Job 37:14 Another year nears its end.  The greeting of Merry Christmas has been tucked away and the current chit chat has already swayed to Happy New Year.   I'm going to be intentionally different these next few days and throw out the inquiry..."What was God's most wondrous work in your life in 2013?" I'd love to hear from each of you on the subject matter!  Email me at boojoyful@gmail.com

December 28-29 Spending the night in a hotel with a couple of our grandchildren last week, I got a glimpse of God's watchful eye. Our two year old granddaughter had fallen out of bed.  My husband placed her back in bed, but about 10 minutes later, I noticed him leaning over her bed. Asking if everything was alright, my heart was so warmed by the concern this grandfather had for his sweet granddaughter. Isn't it a precious thought that God never slumbers or sleeps. He is always watching over us. He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber;  indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you-the Lord is your shade at your right hand. Psalm 121:3-5 This year I hung artificial mistletoe on the posts of our bed…a reminder to my husband to kiss me when we go to sleep and when we awaken.  :-) Have you ever thought as to whether Jesus will greet us with a kiss when we get to heaven?   ...

December 27 Friday afternoon, December 6th we gathered in the most immaculate barn you have ever seen.  As my friend introduced me, she asked me to explain The Christmas Trilogy.  My reply, "I have no clue, but my guess is the trilogy will be something totally different for each of us...God meeting us where we are at this point in our lives and blessing us. That morning as I was praying for the afternoon, God gave me a song...music, words the works. It freaked me out as I sat plunking out the notes on the piano!  A bit hesitant whether this was really for this particular event, confirmation came as the Louie Giglio was speaking in a video called "The Twelve Words of Christmas."  He used a phrase straight from the lyrics of the song.  I turned to my husband and pointed out the words on the sheets I had typed up.  In this same video, Louie is making reference to Mary and says, "And her water broke."  At that instance, the horse in the stall nearest us ...

God's gifts and surprises are unexpected blessings,  which come in God's perfect timing.  It Began in a Barn  There Was Rejoicing  Under the Stars December 26 How do I explain the Christmas Trilogy...an encounter that enriched my life and still has me in awe of what God can do? Sneaking away with the Lord, November 17th, I heard three phrases. "It began in a Barn, There was Rejoicing and Under the Stars." Having no clue what that meant, I offered up a few short intercessions for others and went on with my day.  The following day, I changed up my getaway spot with the Lord and sat in our dining room.  Watching out the window    the sun shone brilliantly as I  hoped to see the giant Blue Heron who lives near our beach.  He or she is one of those "God is with me" symbols in my life. With paper and pencil in hand, I positioned myself to listen and again I heard the three phrases, but they were prefaced with this ti...

December 24-25 I dread showing my face again at our UPS store.  While having a package full of my father's army and college memorabilia weighed for shipping, I lost it when the lady behind the counter told me to take my hand off the box.  It was then I realized emotions mounting up, as I was letting yet another part of my father go away.  Immediately, the image of not wanting to let the funeral home people take him away in the hearse came to mind.  The sobs came forth and I couldn't stop. Apologizing to the store owner, she said, "Hey, that's alright. That's what grief does…it just jumps up and grabs you at unforeseen moments. Tomorrow will be a better day." Daddy teaching all the children and their spouses to play pass the orange! For all of you wishing you had someone specific sharing Christmas with you and it just isn't possible, my heart goes out to you.  It's a bizarre season…happiness for so many, yet unbearable hurt for others. I t...

I am in the midst of a computer nightmare. I am not able to send out any emails and both laptops have no memory left, therefore they cannot function.  We met with Apple personnel (not a fun thing to do a few days before Christmas, what a mad  house) who informed us we will very likely lose all the data.  A program I've enjoyed using called Smilebox, along with the high resolution in the photos I take, have zapped my laptops. One computer has already deleted my complete photo file. (I know, it is not of eternal value.)  The desk top we wanted was not available in the store, so it will be after Christmas before this arrives.  I will not be available by computer for a few days.   If this is the last devotional post until after Christmas…Merry Christmas…I love you and Jesus does too! December 23 Last week I read an intriguing, Max Lucado, mini book called " An Angel's Story…The First Christmas from Heaven's View."   I highly recommend this quick read. ...

December 21-22 Friday night I decided to slip into Luke 1-2 in The Message version and look back upon some of the angelic encounters in The Christmas Story.  We come to except the fact that angels were the norm, as messengers with block buster news! I believe with all my heart angels are still around!  One of our grandsons has been dreaming about them every night.  One morning he told his mom he dreamed about angels who had saved him!  The next night he said they were singing. His mom asked if they were singing to God and he said, "No!  They were singing to me!" A child like faith most likely makes angel encounters less frightening than for those of adults!   Suddenly,  God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them.  They were terrified. The angel said, " Don't be afraid.  I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town...

Some welcome houseguests making homemade cookie dough. Summer guests at Shiloh December 20 When I go to sign onto the Internet, I am asked for the Guest Code to our wireless system.  Oh, yes, we do have a main sign in, but we've forgotten where we wrote down our password, but we can remember the one for guests! For many people, Christmas is a time of being a guest and welcoming guests.  As most of us reading this devotional decorate, bake and put out our welcome mat, let us remember there are those who are never extended an invitation to be a guest or have the confidence to beckon others into their own homes. On the side of our house, I  have this verse plastered as a reminder of how God wants us to use Shiloh: Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9 David was such an honest man relaying excellent relational examples of how we can approach God.  I love  how he expresses, in The Message, how welcome he is in the Pr...

December 19 Chapter 8 of the Women of Christmas -"Come Thou Long Expected Jesus", highlights the life of the prophetess, Anna. Listen to what Higgs writes about this widow, who lived a sold out life at the Temple. "She plugged into life, whatever her age. She keeps informed; she stays involved; she reaches beyond her comfort zone; she cared deeply about people.  Above all, she has a vibrant relationship with God that shines around her like sunlight… She gave thanks to God. Luke 2:38 If we did this one thing-it would change our lives and the lives of those around us forever.  Anna not only lifted her voice to the Lord; she also proclaimed the truth of the Messiah with joyous abandoned. Oh yes, she talked about Jesus to everyone who would listen and especially to all who have longed for his appearing."  Luke 2:27 Anna was a woman of exceptional devotion, incredible discipline and endless dedication." Whew, devotion, discipline and dedication. I fall sh...

December 18 Today's message was to be a little more insight from The Women of Christmas , but that plan has been usurped by a lump of joy sent by my daughter in law yesterday.  As you all know, my life verse is Be joyful always, pray without ceasing and in all things give thanks.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 We sent this little family a Christmas gift called "Chatterblocks."  Thus the photograph with the words they spelled out on their hearth.  "Be joyful." The parents of these two have chosen to be quite intentional in their training up of their children to love the Lord.  Having both been raised in Christian homes, they know from experience the value of implanting scripture in the hearts of their children at a young age.  It is always a delight for us to hear what they are learning and the video they just sent us is chocked full of joy…dancing for the Lord breaks out around the Advent wreath after reciting: 1 Thessalonians (a mouthful of a word...

December 17 Yesterday morning a group of us finished our shared reflections on Liz Curtis Higgs' book, The Women of Christmas.   I do wish I had recorded the discussion.  The final three questions in the back of the book prompted probably the deepest inner reflection of the whole study.  The reader is challenged to see which of the three women, Elizabeth, Mary and Anna, they are most like, learned the most from and would like to become like.  The honesty shared was quite moving. Chapter 7 " And Our Eyes Shall See Him at Last " had me thinking… I'm sure Mary and Joseph could not wait to see Jesus. The Shepherds certainly were spurred on by an angel to check him out. The wiremen, having studied in the school of Daniel, knew the skies foretold of the coming King and when that brilliant star (possibly Jupiter and Venus closely crossing paths) shown so brightly, the wiremen set out to see their prophesied king! Herod wanted to see Jesus…yup..see him DEAD! I wo...

December 16 I am expecting….(funny, I have said that many times in my life), but today I am expecting guests, not a baby, so this will be brief. Think about the Christmas story…Mary was expecting to deliver a baby boy (and she hadn't even had an ultra sound, but was certain of the sex). Elizabeth, was expecting to deliver a son as well. The Wise Men were a well studied group, from the school of Daniel,  and they were expecting a star from the east to announce the birth of their king.  Simeon and Anna were both expecting the birth of Christ. Two questions for each of us today… Are we expecting the return of Jesus? Are we expecting to spend eternity in heaven. There perfect hymn for this topic is: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbMwD24flbA

December 14-15 Plans changed the other day and I had some free time.  The ideas of what could be done, flew through my head, but knowing better, I stopped and asked the Lord what he had in mind for the day. (Oh, His ways and plans are rarely our ways and plans.)  During the conversation, I went into bargaining mode, trying to opt out of  parts of his agenda.  This conversation took place near a photo of the woman who raised me.  As I offered the Lord an option to his suggestion, I heard in my mind,  "Woo Girl, you best not be doing that. You listen to the Lord." If I was walking through a field of land mines, I wouldn't bargain.  I'd step exactly where the Lord told me to step.  Maybe I best look at the field of life like in such a manner.  When we go astray, things can BLOW UP! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Pr...

December 13 If Jesus is not thrilling your heart…you are missing the best part.  Reading Lysa TerKeurst's post last week nailed an emotion I have during the Christmas season. I think it is so easy for us to miss moments with Jesus. The way this man felt about the clouds in the sky is the way I want us to experience the Christmas story!  We should be AMAZED at what occurred in Mary's life. In Joseph's life.  In Elizabeth and Zacharias' lives. Their angel encounters should leave us mesmerized and wishing for our own.  Our hearts should THRILL over God's magnificent plan for salvation through a baby! Maybe tonight you can sit outside and simply study the stars as the wise men did!  Don't miss the moments around you! "Embrace the Magnificent"  by Lysa TerKeurst Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom you are exalted as head over...

Sorry about yesterday's scriptures. I didn't proof the entry and had tried to cut and paste the verses, which did not work. Probably because God wanted me to typed them into my heart. They are fabulous verses for us this time of you. December 12 While listening to Chris Tomlin’s Christmas CD, I was really getting into the spirit and rejoicing. As I thought about the word rejoice,  the meaning of the prefix “re” came to mind.   It means again and again. Indicating repetition or restoration . Wow, Jesus’ love for us is certainly repetitious…he forgives us again and again and again. In fact his forgiveness and restoration is unlimited. In Christ we are "recycled" creatures...reusable refuse!    Now that’s reason to rejoice again and again. We had a group of students visiting our home one Sunday morning for a church service in our yard. Deke was preaching on the importance of the foundation of our faith.  , Being an educator, h e asked the s...

December 11 "Heavenly Father, during our holiday family gatherings use me as a peacemaker, not a peace-faker." Boyd Bailey It's upon us.  Christmas time!  Where there is joy in the world , ok , so maybe we have to settle for joy in our hearts.    Is there really joy in your heart?  Joy trumps bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness.  Will you be able to enter the various party scenes and family gatherings honestly exhibiting the love of Christ for others or do you have a sense of dread when it comes to having to be with another individual. Is there clearly segregation between his  family and her family? Does your gift giving or lack of it reflect how you REALLY feel about someone? Have you been contemplating just the kind of verbal ammunition you are packing in your come back  arsenal, being ready for anything? Is the "zipper" attitude already in place as your survival method?  (You know, making your appearance, but si...

December 10 I shared with you the other day about the delightful "bell" gift I received.  This Christian company, in Texas states, on a card in their packaging, that it is the mission of their staff to honor God in all their endeavors by always putting God and family first and to bring joy into the lives of others with their craft.  What a great mission!  On their site:  http://www.collectbells.com   the themes of the various bells is vast.  The one I received is called the Nativity Bell and here at Christmas I wanted to share what they wrote about this bell. "Truly a work of art that fittingly depicts the birth of God's beloved son. The bail represents the Star of Bethlehem, while four scenes portray Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, a shepherd, a wise man following the star and Baby Jesus in a manger." (I must stop and tell you a funny.  When I first read bail, I thought that was Texas talk for bell.) Take those five elements and ask ...

December 9 Tis the season to be frantic occasionally.  This is the week of our big Christmas Trilogy. More to come about that when it has completed.  We were in need of a Christmas Star and ordered a couple from Amazon. One came Saturday and had 78 pieces to be assembled. My husband gave a huge sigh of disbelief when he opened the box.  Taking the assembly process on, I discovered  3/4s of the way through two pieces were missing.  Ugh, Ugh, Ugh. I know "It is not of eternal value, " but I wanted this star. Grabbing my computer I proceeded to find a way to explain my dilemma. Most importantly, I didn't want to have to disassemble this star connected with 48 rivets, pack it up and then start again.  Time was of the essence, but my email of distress received an "I'm sorry, you will need to return this product for a refund or accept a 30% refund and kept the faulty product."  Frustrated I proceeded to sign out when a "Did we solve your problem?" note...

December 7-8 We had all gathered in Nashville for Thanksgiving and our youngest, an Auburn grad, broke the news to me…"Mom we have tickets for the Iron Bowl, so we are going to leave Friday night."  In previous years, I would have felt cheated out of time with this child, but Auburn football is BIG and well…there are grand babies to fill the void now. :-) Joy abounded as we listened to the game of the century!  I didn't count how many texts I sent throughout the game, but my heart was jubilant these two Tigers  were able to scream "War Eagle" to the very last second! If you like football, you will enjoy this historic recap of the game. http://m.espn.go.com/wireless/relatedvideos?id=10073941&backText=Video&wjb There's a lot that can happen in a second.  Our hearts can stop beating! The word "cancer" can be spoken. The power can go off! A proposal can be accepted or rejected with a one second word. Also, eternity's location wi...

December 6 Beginning the day with some Bible study, I was struck by the "To do" activity in the study. "Write down a short prayer regarding what you are asking for, whether it is an open door for a new opportunity, daily provision, or a miracle.  We will revisit this request on day 5 to see if this focused time of seeking has brought part of the answer or if your request has changed."   Sheila Walsh The categories intrigued me.  The thought process went something like this: How often do I go looking for a new opportunity? I've got plenty to do as it is. Now daily provisions…I ask for those daily!  A day doesn't go by my husband doesn't pray for a good night's sleep! Miracles.  I pondered…Do I pray big enough?  Is my positive expectancy, for a God sized outcome, obvious? Most importantly…Do my requests line up with what is pleasing in God's sight?  You know, things that will bring Him glory and bring others into a closer relationship with...

December 5 Yesterday, I awakened with a cold and didn't feel like going anywhere. When I explained this to the Lord, his response brought a smile to my chapped lips... "It's just you and me baby, let's put on some Christmas music and pray the day away!" I vowed to not answer the phone, to get off the computer and to have a pray day with Jesus! A friend and I are doing a special Christmas ministry for our Bible Study women called The Christmas Trilogy . It's totally a God thing that we are trying to be faithful and "go with".  Part one begins in her barn and she emailed she wished she had a Christmas banner to hang in her barn, so while Jesus and I were chilling yesterday we made her one! Now this is how much fun God is.  My friend had given me a gift bag the other day and I emailed her to thank her for the delightful devotional she had given me. Emailing back, she said, "There's more in the bag. Look for the little black box."  I...

December 4 Oh, my!  We prepare the food, prepare our shopping lists and for wrapping the presents and for the decorating of the house. The preparations this time of year are off the wall. Noah had a lot of preparation for his ark adventure. David prepared place for the ark of the covenant. John the Baptist was chosen to prepared the way for Jesus here on earth. Jesus tells us in John 14:2  "My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" Peter reminds us of the preparation we are to have: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."  1 Peter 3:15 The greatest gift we can give away this Christmas is the truth of the Love that came down for each of us.  The best food we can offer to others is the Word of God which they can alway...

Friends decorating our neighborhood country club tree. December 3 Every year I make the effort to slow the pace, but somehow the rat race of the double holidays jumps up to bite me and I get sucked right in.  So much of it is "doing good" but we could spread those good acts out across the year and leave a little breathing room for November-December. With boxes falling on my head, I was searching last minute for packing options for truck loads of food the school children had gathered for needy families.  I had saved these empty boxes in the garage , wanting to be prepared should our house sell.  Now my husband needed them for a GOOD purpose, yet I was hesitant to let them go.  Sorting through this I thought, "Now what will happen if someone calls and wants us to move out of the house this week and I need to start packing." The Holy Spirit conviction set in and I heard-"Don't hold on to things which are perishable." "But God…" I starte...

December 2 Colton Dixon rocks out a little too much for my musical preference, but his message is powerful in this video.  I've personally experience the pain of a runaway prodigal and admit  I've run away from Christ myself at times. Yet,  He has never left me or forsaken me. If you ever see the little battery operated lantern used in this video, let me know. I'd love to get those for our grandchildren. http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=01FB01NU&utm_source=GodTube%20Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11/25/2013 Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified of them,  for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6