Boojoyful

September 30 Yesterday, in a Beth Moore study, she used the phrase Madness to Gladness  to describe what Paul was explaining in 1 Thessalonians 3:5-6 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.  But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love.  Our son and his wife went from madness to gladness  yesterday.  Our daughter in law began having contractions a week early. A friend of theirs, who works out at the Cross-fit gym they own, is a labor and delivery nurse at the hospital and told them to come by and she'd check on things.  As she was checking our daughter in law began to bleed and had a placenta abruption and was rushed to the operating room for an emergency section.  They gladness came when the doctor safely delivered a 9 lb 3 oz bab...

September 29 As long as the earth endures,  seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter,  day and night will never cease. Genesis 8:22  There is a slight chill in the air. Bring on the colors of fall!  Bring on the reminder that God is still on his throne and bringing about change on the earth and in our lives as well. #He'sstillworkinonme

The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.                                                                 1 Corinthians 2:14   September 27-28 Ha, not sure if what persuades a grandmother's heart is always from the Spirit, but it's an unexplainable urge at times.  We made a mad dash to VA Beach for some sweet baby love and there is nothing foolish about that! A friend read this scripture the other day and said she thought of me;  thinking I'm rather nutty when it comes to Jesus. If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For Christ's love compels us… 2 Corinthians 5:1...

September 26 For  three hours I plugged into Thessalonians.  I was so exited and wanted to share with someone. I began writing an email to some groups I'm involved with currently.  Deleting it, I realizing they would probably find me nuttier than usual. I may have mentioned, I've been listening to a chapter a day on audio as read by Max McLean. Additionally,  I've pulled up a John Piper sermon each day related to the specific chapter I'm studying. I'm learning so much I could bust. It's better than a college course.  All the while my plants are thirsty, my ironing is towering to the ceiling and I can no longer blame the dust on the fall air. Related to 1 Thessalonians 2 (which is flat out amazing) John Piper wrote: " This message is intended to lead you down paths that will deepen and strengthen and intensify and lengthen your joy-by pointing you to the work of God, the word of God, and the ways of God. And one of the ways of God that leads deeper...

September 25 I took a challenge from my spiritual discipline group yesterday to listen to a chapter from the Bible a day, for the next week. Max McLean's voice,  on www.Biblegateway.com  , makes that easy to do. Since I'm currently studying Thessalonians,  the time appropriate choice was to apply this commitment to those two books of the Bible. Delving into chapter 1 I took verses 2-4 and upped the challenge a bit.  I committed to do these four things in relationship to my sisters loved by God in this group. 1)  Always thank God for all of them 2) Continually mentioning them in my prayers 3) Remember….their work produced by faith and their labor prompted by love 4) Encourage them to endure with hope for the sake of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.  We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by ho...

September 24 You are probably familiar with Isaiah 43:19 which says: See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?   I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Awesome verse!  Well, this morning I did a new thing, in the area of spiritual development.  I love how God sends me on these treasure hunts, when I'm digging in the Word.  Now I can't even remember why I opened Biblegateway, but the verse of the day caught my attention. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36 www.Biblegateway.com  has a new layout, so as I was searching for a link to get this verse in context I noticed a megaphone icon and clicked on it and the entire book of Hebrews 10 was read to me out loud by Max McLean in his amazing voice!  What a fabulous chapter it is! ...

We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. 1 John 4:16 September 23 Beth Moore, in her study Children of the Day , states: "You can't call yourself unwanted." In the third session of this study she goes into six important maternal and paternal parenting qualities God exhibits over us.  The second one is my favorite.  We are a ffectionately desired  by God.  God loves us and desires a relationship with us. Moore went on to describe Jesus waiting in our bedroom for us to get up each morning and take note of  his presence.  Wake up, wake up. I'm here, talk to me! Makes me think of baby sitting a few weeks ago for our 3 and 5 year old grandchildren, who are early risers. One morning, at 5:15, I heard their little feet pitter patter into the room where I was sleeping.  My eyes were NOT ready to open, so I laid there thinking they might wander back to their room, but instead I felt little fingers gently poking in my back...

September 22 The day was approaching when seven people from our church were going to be baptized here at Shiloh.  The beach had been weeded, mums and pumpkins placed around, but prayers had not been said around the property for protection.  Recalling a bee attack from the week before, my husband set out in the night to pour gasoline down the bee hole.  With flashlight in hand, he shined the light towards where the hole was located and jumped back at the site of a skunk with its head stuck down in the hole. Years ago, we had a dead fish stinking up our shoreline two days before our daughter's wedding, but I have the feeling a skunk firing off on my husband and the baptism area would be even more disgusting for people to smell.  Fortunately, the skunk just wandered off, my husband got about his bee business and God delivered a glorious day for the baptisms. Let's take time this week to ask God where we need to shine his light on the path of life, so we don't g...

September 20-21 "How do you know God is talking to you?"  Have you been asked this? Do you ever battle with two voices? Can you see the image, sometimes portrayed in TV or movies, where the devil is on one shoulder and the angel on another? Traveling back from Nashville, I encountered two voices, and followed one which took me down the wrong path. Immediately, I thought of the discernment that is needed in life. I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. Psalm 119:125 Check out Paul's challenge here in Ephesians 1:15-19 from The Message translation. That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you-every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks.  BUt I do more than thank.  I ask-ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory-to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him ...

September 19 "The Solidarity of Suffering" is the title in my Beth Moore workbook today.  It often feels like we are so alone in our suffering, but God promises that he never leaves us. Yesterday's Beth Moore lesson had me write down that we are to "live continually aware of God's presence." Hmmm, continually?  That would mean in the good times and the sad. "Enoch walked with God 300 years." Genesis 5:22  Something must have been going right. So often, in the onset of suffering, we panic or zone out.  I'm famous for this.  It's like Novocain coats my body and mind and I'm numb. Our daughter opened her Bible study to this exercise yesterday. Objectives: "Realize that there is no glory without suffering; there is no resurrection without crucifixion, and there is no life without death. Grapple with what it means to embrace suffering, crucifixion, and death in your life. Practice the skill of identifying an area of suff...

 The marble maze we made this morning. September 17-18 Sometimes life feels like a downward spiral and we wonder what is at the end.  As the boys and I made this marble maze this morning, I reflected on all the twists and turns that life takes.  Our daughter has just had her second miscarriage in five months and it HURTS! Yes, we know lots of women have them. Yes, we know she is blessed to have two children. Yes, we know that God is sovereign and we trust him. Yes, we believe that life begins at conception and therefore we long to know this little life that didn't come to be here on earth. Once again I'm in a study of Thessalonians and as I've been here grieving with my child I had to read… We are not trying to pleases men but God, who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 Whew, Beth Moore writes about how, after being striped, beaten and imprisoned, Paul and Silas kept on keeping on with their boldness for Christ.  Today, I almost found myself sa...

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to thyself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:22-24  September 16  Some days we just need to know this passage in Lamentations  is true!

September 15 One of my favorite sisters in Christ said to me one day, "You just see God in everything don't you?" I do think there are lessons to be learned all around us.  Watching a group of crows in our yard the other day had me thinking. There was one picking away at the berries in a dogwood tree and three others were posted below the tree on the ground.  As soon as I moved to my bedroom window, they squawked and took flight. Standing perfectly still, I thought they would return and allow me to get a picture, but they were obviously aware of my presence.  Hours later, they were back again and I realized if I stayed about 8 feet back from the window they were not aware of me and I could shoot a couple pictures. These birds were sticking together and definitely on the alert. What was the lesson?  It is important to stick together with like minded friends, who will warn us when danger is approaching. There are many Bible battles recorded where the...

This one always has her joy on! September 13-14 Whew, yesterday, I had one of those days where joy doesn't come naturally, it comes by faith. While bearing some sad news for someone dear to my heart, it was tough to get my joy on. We had a precious father/son combo here at Shiloh using the property for what is called Passport to Purity.   A five gallon water jug burst and leaked through to a bedroom ceiling creating quite a mess.  Add to the my dermatology appointment and nineteen stingy frozen spots and I was at the point of telling Jesus he'd have to get my joy on! With the days events I had not written a daily note of encouragement to the ladies doing Bible study here this fall. Opening the Beth Moore lesson I had to chuckle at the words facing me on page 27 of Children of the Day. "Joy in hardship is weird…People who retain delight while walking through demoralizing circumstances are not normal.  They are either delusional, detached, or, in the case of the...

September 12 The trifecta has struck in my life once again.  Since last Sunday's sermon, "I know your deeds," from Revelations 3:8 has popped up three times in my quiet times.  My first thought was…"Do I think I'm hiding something from you, Father? Search my heart." Our pastor shared a cute  insight…he said the angel of the church  in these references in Revelation means the message was being given to the pastor.   He chuckled at the thought of being referred to as an angel. The reference of "I know your deeds," made me think back to a note I'd written one of our grandchildren recently.  After reflecting on the visit, I felt it was important to write this child and tell him I was aware of all the wonderful ways he helped this ole grandma, while I was there.  Sometimes it's a nice boost to have our deeds recognized. God may have something totally different for you in this passage today. I've included a couple more of the verses i...

September 11 Funny, I started looking for some pictures of gray haired friends and realized they all dye their hair! I did come across one of my father and one of Deke's parents who wore/wear their gray hair proudly! Maybe I am supposed to type up this verse and take it to the nursing home in our community and take photos of those with lovely gray hair. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4 

September 10 This morning I received the above photo and an explanation.  This individual had disobeyed his parents and was about to receive the consequences… a spanking.  Recalling a story told at our home, where one of our sons was in a similar predicament and went to his room and put on multiple pairs of underwear, this young fellow followed suit. The creativity of his actions caused his parents to laugh and issue a pardon THIS TIME for his disobedience. Whew!  We have received a HUGE pardon for our sins haven't we. Let us be grateful as we step into today! Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives  the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.  Micah 7:18-19

September 9 Having been an elementary school teacher and a mom, I've heard many a braggadocios statement… "I'm faster than you!  May ball went further than yours! I scored more than you!  I got an 'A' and you only got a 'B'."  Babysitting one night, I heard such a comment and instead of the normal reprimand of "That's not very nice." I posed this question.  "Do you think Jesus ever said to the disciples, "WOW!  I caught a lot more fish tonight than you did."  A contemplative, "No," was the reply.  My follow up, "We should all try to be more like Jesus." May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.   Romans 15:5  

She daydreams of a place where the coffee is strong and there is nowhere she has to be. September 8 Our daughter, Jiewon, posted the above attachment on her blog.  Flying back to Paris a week ago, she began living that very daydream.  For the next year she will work on the completion of her doctorate in French Literature.  Later, she emailed to say a good friend had arrived. They are enjoying walks and sitting in cafes to work together.  They also were heading out Sunday to check out a new church. Whether you are in good ole Moneta or Paris, France we all need godly friends in our lives with whom we can walk, break bread, drink coffee, and worship the Lord. That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. Acts 2:42

September 6-7 Coincidences often blow me away. Today, I had gone down to the dock to read more out of Crazy Love .  Chan was teaching on signs of being a lukewarm  Christian.  Reading, "Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict.  They desire to fit in…"  I heard this comment from a young man on the above house boat, which had cruised into our cove. "Everybody's doing it." That comment fit right in with what I'd just read on the behavior Chan spoke of where we are sometimes caught up in the desire to fit in.  WILD! Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers throated the false prophets. Luke 6:26

September 5 But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,  and his righteousness with their children’s children. Psalm 103:17 Lord,  Thank You for these precious lives.  I pray that our children and grandchildren will fear you, love you, obey you, serve you and praise you.   May I take seriously the responsibility a grandparent has to pray for these offspring continually and be an example of joy in the Lord for them.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice. Thank You Father for the safe delivery of grandchild #7. We love him! September 4th

September 3 Yesterday a few thinks on my mind were... I noticed that the nail polish was coming off two of my toes and I'm out of town without touch up polish.  The temperature was over 100 and a dread of the day was how many times I'd have to be out in the heat and I had an emphasis on being sure the grandkids stayed hydrated. (I did pray for construction workers in the area.) Then I picked up Francis Chan's book, Crazy Love , which had me challenged spiritually the moment my eyes hit the introduction and it has held my interest right into chapter two where I just read: "On an average day we live caught up in ourselves.  On an average day we don't consider God very much.  On an average day, we forget that our life truly is a vapor." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.  What is your life?   You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.   James 4:13-14 Even after reading that, I didn't turn off the mundane of ...

September 2 Lately, I've been playing Would you rather? with our five year old grandson. The first two options yesterday were…Would you rather be thrown into a pool of trash cans or a pool of alcohol?  I inquired as to what kind of alcohol, stating that wine can really stain.   He clarified it was the kind in the doctor's office that stings!  :-)   Right back at him, I tossed the options of sitting in a bathtub of marshmallows or one of cole slaw?  He needed clarification on the cole slaw!  Marshmallows quickly won out! On August 25th I read Psalm 25 and almost every day since, I have gone back to read these words again.  I'd rather pour God's Word over myself than pour myself into a good novel. In you, Lord my God, I put my trust . I trust in you, do not let me be put to shame,  nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame,  but shame will c...