Boojoyful

Missing Moses' warmth! June 30 Traveling this past weekend we were first a bit concerned when we were singled out in the security line and given an orange card and instructed to read it.  The security guard then smiled at us and explained we'd been selected to be privileged and not have to take off our shoes or belts.  :-)  Walking on, I giggled to my husband…"It's because we are old." A friend gave me a book last week of the writings from great Christian theologians from long, long ago.  While their thoughts are from old  they are full of spiritual wisdom. I want to share from Richard Rolle's book The Fire of Love .  Rolle was one of the great spiritual leaders of England in the 1300's. It has me thinking I may give kindling wood and this excerpt as a Christmas gift to friends this year.(Wait, most of them have gas fireplaces. Oh, well.) Nowadays I find that even sleep ranges itself against me!  The only spare time I have is that which I...

June 28-29 With 1 Thessalonians still on my mind, I'm inspired by the fortitude of Paul in his efforts to check up on  new believers.  I'd gathered with a group of "Sisters Loved By God" to encourage and spur one another on.  The thought hit me while we were talking. Instead of asking each other "How are you?" what if we switched to the phrase, "How is your faith?" That's what Paul was doing. He was checking up to see how the church was growing. A hoot of a friend, sitting on the couch next to me, answered my challenge this way…"It's full of wrinkles."  She laughed and said that most people are going to think I"m saying. "How's your face?" Seriously though. Read 1 Thessalonians 3:5-13 and imagine what it would be like to get a letter or even an email from a fellow believer like this!  We need to cheer each other on to a wild and wonderful faith!  For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent...

Some of the Shiloh Summer 2014 Bible Study Sisters Loved by God June 27 One of my Bible Study buddies texted, All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.  Isaiah 54:13  She continued, "I'd never thought of this verse in context of ME being the child who is being taught by my Savior Jesus."  This friend, teaches with my husband at a Christian School and was headed out of state to a teaching seminar.  In my reply of things we were praying for her, I added "make new friends." At our ages our friend making days are becoming more limited.  Some of us have friends we've loved since childhood or treasured since college.  Others have come into our lives just recently. Many years ago I was introduced to a young mother who very bluntly explained that her time was precious and she wasn't going to be friends with just anyone.  She was only interested in the people who could benefit her life!  WOW. ...

God blessed them and said to them,  "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Genesis 1:28 June 26 Our grandson caught a total of 23 blue gill, when he was recently here at Shiloh.  His sister gave each of them a big kiss before we tossed them back into the lake. Our lives are kind of like that aren't they….we are out in this world swimming around. Sometimes temptation snags us.  Most of the time we survive.  If wise, we turn to God and repent. He kisses us and tosses us back into the process of life.

June 25 The Blue Heron is my favorite lake bird.  We had a wonderful time chasing this one recently.  God of Wonders pulled off an astonishing creation when he made this one.  Those long skinny legs and the enormous wing span make for a thoroughly entertaining creature. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5 

June 24 My husband is not a game player, quiz taker, or puzzle worker.   He will appease me on our morning walks and accompany me in ABC prayer, but  yesterday  morning when I wanted to switch it up, I got the look …letting me know it sounded like a dumb game. The suggested I made was to take each letter of the alphabet and ask the Lord for a scripture reminder or to bestow on our lives a quality of Christ beginning with that letter.   A- D o not be anxious. B-    Believe in the Lord Jesus C- Be compassionate D- Die to self, be delivered from sin E- Exalt  the name of Jesus F- Flee  temptation G- Give God  the Glory, etc.  The process really ended up going rather well and concluded with us in a burst of laughter, as I said, " XYZ!" Immediately, he looked to see if his zipper was down. Examine your zipper … He’s been in school administration too long! I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. Psa...

June 23 Cruising out of our cove a few nights ago, we were pleasantly surprised to find these two ladies grazing along the shoreline. God's creation amazes and delights.  Couple that with the potency of his Word and our appetites for new wonders can be continually satisfied. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.    Psalm 18: 32-34 As a deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God .   Psalm 42:1 Here is a verse, that goes with a teachable moment my husband and I had the other day.  We were out for a walk and I had not brought any glasses and commented how my eyesight was fading. I pointed out that it was difficult to differentiate whether an object up ahead was a mailbox or a street sign.  My husband pondered a moment. "Hmm?  You are always going on about how good looking I am. In reality can't see how I've aged. I guess that is God's gracious gift to couples." This deer  ver...

June 21-22 Kayaking back into one of my favorite spots Thursday, I was startled by an incessant chirping/squawking noise.  I didn't know if a bunch of squirrels were stirred up or if birds were balking at one another. Paddling closer, I spotted a black cat meandering beneath the trees and realized the brouhaha was being produced by birds warning one another of a pending attack. This devotional thought came to me…Do we warn one another to be on the alert when we see them teetering towards temptation and danger?  I floated around awhile and watched until that ole cat finally wandered off.  He was definitely outnumbered and probably a bit unnerved by my presence. I am writing this not to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children.  I Corinthians 4:14 To have a friend whom you know, trust and love, to the point of welcoming their warning, is a treasure.

June 20 Out on an early morning walk, we passed the driving range.  We were right in the process of doing ABC prayers and happened to be on the letter "G", so I stopped to pray for the golfers.  I prayed, "Lord, as they are desiring to make a hole in one today, may something occur which leads them to find The Holy One! Let them praise your great and awesome name-he is holy. Psalm 99:3 Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy. Psalm 99:5 

June 19 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13  I've accepted a creation  challenge from an accountability group this week.  Each day I am to get out in God's creation and photograph a wonder.   This spot in the back of our cove is one of my favorite spots. Last week I spotted a deer there.  It had come down to the water to drink.  Last night I found myself staring into the heavy foliage, wondering what was hidden within.  According to Hebrews 4:13, nothing in all creation can hide from God! His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me! http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=WGZ7YPNX&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20Video&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=06/18/2014

June 18 https://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=W7DK7LNX&utm_source=GodTube%20Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=06/18/2014 Opening this God-tube today, I found so much wisdom in this Andrew Peterson song.  Presently on my prayer list are parents, spouses, siblings desiring to see loved ones find their way to Christ.  There are others exhausted from medical problems, which attempt to rob their joy, faith, and trust in God's control. Some need direction on the job and career path; some are in financial storms.  This video in itself is a gorgeous setting which refreshes, but I've typed up the lyrics as well and asked God to speak to each of you and remind you that He will lead each of us home! When I look at you, boy I can see the road that lies ahead I can see the love and the sorrow Bright fields of joy Dark nights awake in a stormy bed I want to go with you, but I can’t follow So keep to the old roads Keep to the old roads And you’ll find your way ...

Mentor Bob  Mentor Paige  June 17 "I love you young friend," was the closing to an email I received yesterday.  At my age, you don't get those a lot, but it's quite Biblical.  It actually thrilled my heart, as I'm presently in an in-depth study of 1 & 2 Thessalonians and growing to appreciate Paul's love for his younger brother in Christ, Timothy. In Paul's letters to the Thessalonians we read about the  intense longing he has to be with his fellow believers.  Listen in and see if your heart stirs for the fellowship of another believer in this way. But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, for a short time (in presence, not in affection) we became all the more fervent in our great desire to see you in person.  For we wanted to come to you (I, Paul, in fact tried again and again)… v 17. While we recognize that we are forever learning on this side of heaven, it's equally important to recognize the opportunities ...

June 16 Approximately 45 years ago, my girlfriend made me watch Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds     with her.  As I child, while with my grandmother,  we had been attacked by a blue jay after my grandmother tried to show me the baby birds in a nest.  The mother bird flew into my grandmother's hair and pooped on her shoe. I can see the exact spot where we were standing to this day! As a responsible adult, I've tried to overcome this fear for the sake of my children and grandchildren, but it's been a rough week bird wise! My husband and I were dealing with only one house key, so we had left it in a planter by the front door for one another for several weeks.  Returning home Friday night, I found the key on the top step right in front of our door mat.  For the life of me I couldn't imagine why my husband would have left the key right there and it wasn't a spot where he would have dropped it out of the planter. That morning, I had noticed a nest in the pl...

Butterflies are a reminder of a fresh work. June 14-15 A precious sister in Christ has been fighting the good fight lately.  She has an aching heart for a prodigal and has had to have her armor on regarding church issues.  Two areas we assume to be safe havens for us…church and family.  (Ok, we should know better.)  We were excited about studying God's Word together this summer, when she texted that she and her husband were packing up and moving related to a new business venture. They had the opportunity to do a "fresh work".  While selfishly I miss her presence, I am elated God  has given her this adventurous reprieve. Typing "fresh work" into The Message translation of Biblegateway, I'm rejoicing in what I found. God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him.  When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start. Now I'm alert to God's ways; I don't take God for granted. Every day I review the ways he works...

June 13 If I keep my eyes on God, I won't trip over my own feet. Psalm 25:12 …or allow them to be sucked off by carp!  For as long as I've been on this lake (49 years) we've gone to feed the carp at various marinas.   I have a bag of old bread waiting to be tossed to the carp tomorrow by our grandchildren!   There's a new adventure at a couple of the marinas.  Toe sucking!   For 25 cents you can buy a small scoop of peanut butter to go on your toes. Then the carp suck it off!   I just got a pedicure, so I have an excuse not to participate! What we do need to participate in is keeping our feet on the paths the Lord sets before us. Give careful though to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Proverbs 4:26 

June 12 Summer Women's Bible Study is one of my favorite events.  This year a group of us are pouring our hearts and minds into Beth Moore's study on 1 & 2 Thessalonians.  Oh, that Paul!  He's off the charts for Jesus! While my life phrase is found in this book (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), equally delicious is 2:8. We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God,  but also our own lives, because you had become so dear to us. Some of the greatest treasures we will find in life are friends who are willing to "get real" and share their lives with us. Here's a thought: Vulnerability is fertilizer for the spiritual growth of others.                              Real friends are forever friends…I am forever and ever. Amen! 

June 11 One batch of loved ones are out the door and on their way home and the next is packing up their gear and headed our way.  Awakening way before the sun yesterday, my mind shifted into planning activities for these grandkids. Then that small still voice said, "Do you want to be with Me?" Gulp. Before I could get much Jesus time I had fallen back to sleep.  Hmm, did the Devil make me do it? Pulling up Jesus Calling,  hours later, a smile crossed my face as I read… "Rest in Me, My child.  Give your mind a break from planning and trying to anticipate what will happen.   Pray continually , asking My Spirit to take charge of the details of this day.  Remember that you are on a journey with Me.  When you try to peer into the future and plan for every possibility, you ignore your constant Companion who sustains you moment by moment.  As you gaze anxiously into the distance, you don't even feel the strong grip of My hand holding yours. ...

June 10 Beth Moore says she loves six words, in reference to studying God's Word: "I have never seen that before." He is your praise and He is your God,  who has done for you these great and awesome works your eyes have seen. Deuteronomy 10:21 One of the things I love about being a grandmother, mother, teacher is…getting to introduce others to new things.  The same can be said about sharing our faith and experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit.  It's exciting to learn! "Will we welcome Him to do the exceptional when he pleases?" Beth Moore 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 all. 1 Chronicles 29:11

June 9 Yesterday, my husband had the privilege of baptizing a young woman here at Shiloh and also dedicating her daughter to the Lord.  These two acts of obedience will be etched in our minds and hearts forever. It was a beautiful morning and a wonderful testimony to the depth of love this precious gal has for Jesus. Charles Stanley had this online devotional about baptism last week. "Children will frequently identify themselves with superheroes or other characters. For a time, they will adopt the mannerisms, dress, and speech patterns of their current favorite. As Christians, we are supposed to identify closely with Jesus and emulate His actions. The Lord has commanded us to follow His example in all things, including baptism (Matt. 28:19). At the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, John the Baptist was calling Jewish people to confess their sins and demonstrate repentance through immersion in the Jordan River. The Son of God—who had no sin—asked John to ...

June 7-8 The NIV in Bible Gateway references the word celebrate  68 times!  God is all about celebrating.  We have been celebrating here at the Andrews house, as well.  One grandson celebrated his 2nd birthday and a new granddaughter made her grand entrance onto earth the same day!  We give thanks to God for these two lives and celebrate what God has planned and purposed for them. As I awaited word that this new little one had arrived safely, and that her mama was ok, I opened up Bible Gateway for the verse of the day and found Ephesians 3:13-15 to turn into a prayer for her. "May Christ dwell in your heart thru faith and may you be rooted and grounded in love and be able to grasp how wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ is and know His love surpasses knowledge and be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." May Jesus be at the root of all of  our celebrating! They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate ...

June 6 The GPS was directing us to turn in ways that made no sense.  A passenger in my car urged from the back seat, "Press on, press on, press on!"  It made me giggle.  He shared that years ago he heard a sermon on Philippians 3 and the pastor kept saying throughout the sermon, "Press on, press on, press on."  There are so many places in life that phrase can be applicable! Think about your life right now and where are the places you need to persevere? Press on, press on, press on, knowing Jesus is by your side. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.   Philippians 3:13-14 We are working on potty training our grandson this week…press on, press on, press on. Tomorrow begin a project of adding more gravel to the scripture trails….press on, press on, press on. ...

June 5 A group of us have just set sail on an adventure into God's Presence through Beth Moore's new study Children of the Day.   In the first video Moore challenges us to realize that…"The next person we meet could become one of the dearest people in our lives."  I think about the first day I met many of you and how dear you have grown to be to me. Paul is heartfelt in Philippians 15:1 where he says about this dear, young, friend Timothy… I have no one else like him!  Moore teaches how Timothy came into Paul's life at a time when he had gone through a "break up" with his best gospel buddy, Barnabus.  Moore refers to this as a remix.   We need to be open to the changes God allows in our lives, for the good of the gospel. Somewhere I read this quote, "Paul considered trouble an opportunity to trust God and never look back."  Go, God!  The question is…will we go with Him?

June 4 Picking up the phone to invite a non-church goer to church I laughed to myself as I realized I was about to say, "It's a come as you are church."  Meaning, there was no need to get dressed up.   The deeper meaning lies in the fact that we can come as our sinful selves! Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance:  Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst!  1 Timothy 1:15 

June 3 Whew!  Not a word is spoken, but this video had me in tears.  Watch to the end. http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=0EM2JFNU&utm_source=GodTube%20Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=06/02/2014 Our actions speak volumes as to where our hearts lie. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.  They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.    Titus 1:16 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.   James 2:22 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.   1 John 3:18

June 2 We had the most wonderful group of high school seniors spend the night before graduation with us last Thursday night.  They swam, kayaked, tubed, had a treasure hunt and ping pong competition.  When my husband and I went to bed around mid-night, they decided to have an indoor game of hide and seek!  As we prayed for them before they left for graduation rehearsal, the tears dripped down my cheeks as I prayed for them to have a sweet sensitivity for their parents, whom while filled with joy over their accomplishments were at the same time aching on the inside at the reality of saying good-bye to their children as they launch out on their own. The students had requested to watch the movie  Courageous  while they were here. It's a powerful statement on the responsibility fathers carry.  The next morning I received an email devotional which reinforced the movie theme. Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous?   Do not be afrai...