Boojoyful

December 31 I'm still cherishing Joseph's encounter with the angel when he was in his dilemma over Mary being pregnant and considering his options. Consider this is an excellent intro when presenting the gospel.  Jesus does a great job presenting the Pharisees with some thoughts to consider about the Messiah in Matthew 22:41-46 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, "What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?"  "The son of David," they replied.  He said to them, "How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him, "Lord? For he says, 'The Lord said to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.' If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions. The book of John is filled with Jesus dishing out consider this  statements to the Jewish leaders...

December 30 There are times I am studying God's Word and I get soooo excited.  Back on Dec. 13th in the John Piper Advent studies was one of those times.  Check out this privilege. "The beginning of the end was already present in the first century.  The long awaited Messiah had come. So the writer of Hebrews (1:1-2) says, 'At many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.' When God sent his Son into the world, the last days began. It is a great privilege to live in the last days because, Joel prophesied, in the last days…God will pour out his Spirit upon all flesh (Joel 2:28).  All the prophets looked forward to the day when the Messiah, the Son of David, the King of Israel, would come, for that would be a day of great blessing inaugurated, and we live in an age of fulfillment. What we anticipate in the future at Christ's second coming is not something completely new, but rather t...

December 29 As a year ends, it is customary to think back over that year of your life and reflect on what it held.  At times, there are years we are glad to see be gone and we hold on to hope that the new year will produce more hope, less hurt and good health. Paul suggests this... Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,  and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. Romans 13:14 Finally, brothers and sisters,  whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Philippians 4:8 As we gather our reflective thoughts for 2014, why not consider making a list of the presence of the Lord in our lives during those days?  If He didn't show up often, think about inviting him into more activities in 2015.

December 27-28 We have some "C" nicknames for some of our grandchildren. They are "Chins," "Cheeks," and the "Chuckleheads."  As we remember Christ, we remember three "c" words which bring images of his birth, crucifixion and his eternal reign to come! Christ in the cradle. Christ on the cross. Christ, our king, adorned in his crown for an eternal reign! Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10  (Photos to come)

December 26 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;  and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Receive the gift. Respect His authority. Rejoice in what He offers us: counseling, leadership and protection. Relax in His love and the peace that knowing him brings. 

Painting, a gift done by our daughter. December 25 The other day I thought,  I'll take the 25th off from writing a devotional.  Stores close, but my adoration for Jesus does not so that's a silly idea. Instead I want to take my life verse (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)   and apply it to this day of rejoicing! Be joyful always , because we are loved at a depth we cannot comprehend, by a love that is constant and never waivers. Pray without ceasing, because it is our communication process with our heavenly Father. Give thanks in all circumstances,  because our lives are directed and redirected by the God of the universe who is capable of working all things together for our good when we are lovingly surrendered to him.  Our life is a gift, which is transformed by the greatest gift ever to come upon the earth, Jesus. "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a b...

December 24 How amazing would it be if Jesus returned on Christmas Eve!  I remember as a child being encouraged to watch the skies for Santa's sleigh, to place out milk and cookies as a snack for this busy man. Yet, never believing he came down the chimney, but in through either the front door or the porch door into our living room. Wouldn't it be equally as exciting to teach our children/grandchildren to watch the skies for Christ return? What would it look like to train them up that Christmas is the time to make a list of things they can do for others instead of what they want to receive for themselves? How exciting to place before our families the challenge of sharing the gospel with 12 different people the 12 days before Christmas. As we sit around feasting and opening gifts tomorrow, will a reflection of Jesus' life and accomplishments be among the conversation? Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in t...

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.   He came to that which was his own,  but his own did not receive him. John 1:10-11 December 23 What in life has robbed you of the joy of a special moment?  You know, like in Father of the Bride  when George Banks has to go outside during his daughter's wedding and handle a parking mess and misses special wedding moments and almost misses telling her good-bye. This week is one that can bring about rushing.  I think back to the years I've spent in the kitchen and missed conversations, antics, and laughter on our dock or downstairs in our family room.  Every year I say I will simplify and get others to help.  This year we actually are eating out a couple times! Ann Marie Stewart writes in her devotional Advent : "Most Bethlehem villagers missed receiving the joy of the moment.  Bethlehem was crowded and chaotic.  Many never noticed Jesus...

These wise men grace the entry of a dear friend's home. I believe they belonged to his mother. The hats are velvet! Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw His star as it rose, and we have come to worship Him. Matthew 2:2 December 22 I really want some wise men.  Don't we all? No, seriously, I've seen some gorgeous antique wise men decorations in people's homes, which are magnificent pieces of art. I think they would be a great year round reminder of how we are to live. #1 Seeking Jesus. #2 Worshipping Jesus #3 Bringing gifts to the Lord These three belong to another friend and were handed down in her family. Yesterday, our pastor mentioned the wise men in his sermon yesterday and noted that the presence of these wise guys and their enormous entourage of over 300 sparked panic in Herod. Instead of seeking the Messiah to worship him, with these men;  Herod sent his soldiers to destroy Jesus and any threat of another king rising up to ru...

Boo and Brandon Heath December 20-21 Most of you know that our oldest child is a harpist in Nashville, TN, where she has resided since she was a music major at Vanderbilt's Blair School of Music.  Over the past 17 years, we have met some wonderful musician friends of hers.  Years ago, we attended a concert of Brandon's and became instant fans.  This past Thursday he was in Roanoke for a concert with Third Day and Steven Curtis Chapman and I had the privilege of spending the day with him.  We even drove out to the school where my husband is the Head of School and Brandon pulled out his guitar and surprised the faculty at their Christmas lunch.  He blessed so many people that day with his God given talents and his humble spirit. I thank God for Brandon Heath! One of the songs he wrote last year for this album is called Just a Girl. Brandon explains that we don't know exactly why the inn keeper wasn't more helpful to Mary and Joseph, but this song take...

December 19 Sorry, I am tardy this morning.  I put pomegranate seeds and setting the table before Jesus this morning. It all started when I went in the kitchen for a glass of water and got side tracked for 2 hours.  Me oh my, that is easy to do this time of year.  Forgive me Lord. Picking out pomegranate seeds gives great opportunity for pondering.  As I was trying a soaking technique a friend just told me about to make this pomegranate process easier, I realized I will never see a pomegranate again that I don't pray for her.   Looking around my kitchen I realized there are triggers  that set my mind a praying for specific people. The clay hand was made by our children's art teacher years ago, she still gets lots of prayers.  The Grandma ornament flies over my kitchen sink and is a gift from a cherished friend, who is like a mother to me.  The golf ball sits on the sink. It came flying across the road one day where I was walking. ...

December 18 Why does it take us so many years to gain wisdom?  Oh, to have grasped years ago, what I now do about the Lord.  Granted in the story I'm about to share, the appearance of an angel  was probably more than a gentle persuasion, it is still possible for us today to consider some things of the Lord! So Joseph gets the news his fiancé is pregnant and he has not been with her in a way to make this possible by him.  In other words, he knows he is not the daddy and he is thinking the best scenario is to be divorced from this commitment. So where does the story go…. But after he had consider this, an angel of the Lord  appeared to him in a dream and said,  "Joseph so of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife,  because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit." Matthew 1:20  Consider this... nothing comes our way that God does not allow. Consider this...  God can work all things together for hi...

December 17 Oh, how I pray you and Jesus are having a wonderful Advent together.  Over and over again I find myself getting so excited as I dig into the story of Christ's coming. John Piper writes, "Christmas was God's most successful setback. He has always delighted to show his power through apparent defeat. He makes tactical retreats in order to win strategic victories." He goes on to use the story of Joseph as an example.  Whew, sold into slavery, tricked by a temptress,  and plunged into prison…all the steps of Joseph's life were part of God's plan to raise him up to a position of authority in Egypt.  Jesus' story plays out to a similar tune. The choruses chant…. Victory in Jesus! Up from the grave He arose! Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. Hebrews 4:14 

December 16 We have a friend who, while not a church goer, says he loves the Lord.  He is a quiet fellow, but when he speaks, it is worth perking up your ears.  His wife shared that recently they were attending a birthday dinner where the topic of the Bible came up with some couples who are not in the NFL (Nuts for the Lord).  Sitting back listening to their conversation, at some point he interjected, "Do you ever wonder if God is an alien?"  The wife said at first she bristled at the comment, but when one gentleman replied, "You might have something there, " she realized the statement wasn't too far off. There is no one like God! A good vocabulary word for Christmas is incarnation.  In Latin it means "in the flesh." The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14  Yup, God took on human form.  (For he is not ...

December 15 The season that was going to be slowed down this year, hasn't happened.  Each morning, before my eyes open, I've found myself asking…"Is there anything big on the list today?" There are three lists in the Bible that will gird us up to face the holiday hoop la! Santa may check his list twice…I need to check my life in relationship to these lists everyday! But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.                      Galatians 5:22-23 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hoped, always perseveres.         ...

December 13-14 Sitting in a car in Florida with a pastor’s wife from my past, who had invited me to their beach condo, I looked up at the moss hanging from the trees of northern Florida.   I said, “Doesn’t that remind you of how Jesus has us covered?” She looked at me and said, “You just see Jesus everywhere don’t you?” I do, when I take the time to look. Kirk Cameron has a movie out called Saving Christmas.   While it has a good message, more geared to adults, you might want to have a hit of caffeine before you go.   We went after a big buffet lunch and my husband was snoring shortly into the movie.   The emphasis of this film is on remaining joyful at Christmas and seeing Jesus in everything from Santa, to gift giving, to feasting. More importantly, the message stresses the importance of our attitudes as ambassadors for Christ. This weekend let's look at the symbolism of two evergreen plants,  holly and ivy, as expressed in this song. This i...

December 12 Climbing down from the loft carrying two little chairs, I knew if my husband was home he would say, "What are you doing?'  I wanted to set up a special children's table in the kitchen for our grandchildren and some other young visitors who have been stopping by.  If asked, "Why?" I knew my reply would be, "Because the kids are of great value to me." Earlier in the day, a friend emailed us a link to a video of highlights from the Oklahoma vs Oklahoma State game last Saturday.  This gentleman knows that #10, the new quarterback (just relinquished his red shirt year because the coach needed him for the last two games) is like a grandson to us. Mason Rudolph has been in our lives his whole life and he and I share a "Jesus"connection.  Watching the video, I wept because of my love for this young man and the fact his life is of great value  to me.  I'm writing a note to the man who took the time to tape the game for us and als...

December 11 The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8  If someone asked you today why you celebrate Christmas, how would you reply? Have you ever heard the above verse read at a Christmas dinner? Lord, make us bold enough to go beyond the "It's how God demonstrates his love for us." That's fine as long as we add…"being that we are sinners and we need a savior to be reconciled to God, so Christ came to die for our sins ."  Personally, I think 1 John 3:8 will be my new response! What a thought provoking statement! Here's a December 10th tidbit from John Piper's book The Dawning of Indestructible Joy. "Thus says the Lord: the meaning of Christmas is that what is good and precious in your life need never be lost, and what is evil and undesirable in your life can be changed. The fears that the few good things that make you happy are slipping through your fingers, and the frustra...

I know where you are girlfriend! December 10 Oh how I wish we could all sit around the tree together each evening and share a cup of hot chocolate with lots of fresh whipped cream and share what God is teaching us during this Advent season.  I'm so ready to see Jesus! "Where is He who has been King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." Matthew 2:2 The phrase " Where is He?"   called out the following challenges to me… Are we seeking Him everyday with the same expectancy of the magi? Are we equally excited to see others find Him? Having a blue moment last week, I was sitting in the grocery store parking lot listening to a voice message from a neighbor.  That week I had allowed my feelings to be hurt by someone and I wasn't totally giving the feelings to Jesus.  God knew my hurt though.  Somehow, I hit an old voicemail message and the voice of my soul sister, who died two years a...

December 9 A flutter of wings passed the window. They looked white. Could it be my bird has returned for winter? I was too warm and cozy under my down comforter to get out of bed and go look.  The parallel hit! Finding Jesus takes a bit of effort and repentance.  Living for Him means sacrifice and listening for the Lord takes discipline. We wonder why so many people flit through life without Him.  Could it be they are too comfortable where they presently are in life?  Oh, my.  The comfort factor could change in a heart beat or change drastic when the heart stops beating. Back to my Advent studies.  Here's a little tidbit for today. Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened,  and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.   John 1:51 Piper writes that the title  Son of Man  is used over 80 times in the Gospels and always by Jesus, describing himself.  He states the title comes from D...

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from  the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14 "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6 December 8 Often you all ask, how do I keep doing this day after day.  The process blesses me as it is such a faith builder and accountability tool.  I've become totally expectant of God to provide and teach me.  Enjoying lunch out with my husband, after church, something trigger a discussion on the necessity of a measurement (a constant John Piper says) on which we base our decisions. For us, he explained, it is the belief that God's Word is truth.  From that acceptance, we base life's choices. Here's where the faith builder comes in.  This morning, opening the December 8th entry in  The Dawn of Indestructible Jo y, I find John P...

December 6-7 This has been my favorite Advent season of my whole life, because I'm actually escaping to be with Jesus each day and pondering these things in my heart!  It has also been the most dart filled Advent ever.  Yesterday, alone here at Shiloh, the devil was really agitating me and I finally screamed out in the name of Jesus for him to "Be gone!"  Satan must hate this month, where so many of us have our eyes upon the birthday celebration of our King. The song I posted yesterday, called Mary Did You Know , is one of my very favorite Christmas songs. A dear friend, who lives in our neighborhood, is a talented pianist and organist and is currently preparing to play The Magnificat  (found in Luke 1:46-55), at her church.  It is also known as the Song of Mary  and was sung out by Mary upon Jesus leaping in her womb, when she saw her pregnant cousin Elizabeth.  I've typed up her song below. While vacuuming yesterday, I had Mary's life on m...

December 5 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,  but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son,  whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.   Hebrews 1:1-2 When we take time to dwell in the Christmas story it's good to take a hike back to the Old Testament where God spoke through the prophets. In that day the branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious,  and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. Isaiah 4:2 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 It's magical to remember how God spoke to Mary. This stirring song gives us lots to ponder. Be Blesssed!  http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=WP7Z6PNX&utm_source=GodT...

December 4 Monday's list was long, but I'd heard a forecast for balmy weather, so I stuck my head out the door around 10AM to sunshine, white puffy clouds and temps in the mid 60's!  Bag that treadmill, I thought and I headed for the woods with my clippers to enjoy gathering pine, magnolia and holly for decorating. Finishing up the outdoor planters by noon, I thought, Today is a gift!  And I am going to receive it.  Gathering a stack of Bible study books and my laptop, I headed off to the screen porch with the Lord! So glad I hadn't packed up those outdoor cushions. Jesus is a gift!  He is a gift of love, of mercy and of grace.  He is a gift of unspeakable joy! A gift poured out, filled with selfless service to the point of death on a cross for our sins. That's a lot to think about! Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 You know that he appeared in order to take ...

December 3 I've been missing my earthly father alot lately.  Maybe it's the season, maybe it's his picture on my dressing room table.  Maybe it's missing the constant security of a Father's unfailing love. Maybe it's God's way of drawing me to where I need to be…before Him. Stepping on the scales, the numbers showed that Thanksgiving week had not been kind to my belly. My earthly father would have gently told me to "lose a few pounds." God's loving whisper encouraged me.  "We've got this.  You gave up the sweet tea and you were doing so well with eliminating all that bread, let's get back on track.   We can do this." The phrase: "The Father Never Falls" thrilled my heart. Opening the 3rd John Piper Advent entry, I found it coincided well with where God was leading my heart.  The title: "Draw Near to the Savior."  That is what this season is supposed to be about…getting close to Jesus and apprecia...

December 2 It was Day 1 of my Advent adventure, not even 10 o'clock, and my mind was off and wandering. The invitations and opportunities of Christmas began to roll in and I'd opened my calendar to start the scheduling. The voice was very, very familiar…authoritative, but full of love…the message.. "Remember, I am in charge." How quickly our minds shift into "take charge" mode and we make plans without praying. I journaled: Show me what is of eternal value, Father.   Show me where you have made the path straight and the hearts tender. Don't let me miss a moment of what You have planned for this advent season. Then today I moved on to John Piper's Day 2 and I am blown away by the first words my eyes absorbed . "God owns and controls all things."   Don't even try telling me there is no God, or that he isn't omnipresent and aware of our every thought.  He is the REAL DEAL! How can you believe, when you receive glory...

December 1 Wake up! It's December 1st.  Jesus is coming!  Let's celebrate all month long. "It won't slow down," my husband mumbled.  "What?" I asked.  "The Christmas pace. Whatever you attempt to do, the pace will not slow down," he replied. "Well, I can still make an attempt to make it more about Jesus!" Our daughter, who is living in Paris, email this link to John Piper's approach at getting us focused on Christ during Advent. It's excellent.  So, this is where I will dwell the next 25 days. Each day, I'll take the verse Piper assigns and ask God to put in into Advent Action in a tangible form. http://cdn.desiringgod.org/website_uploads/documents/books/the-dawning-of-indestructible-joy.pdf?1414777983 Piper writes: Jesus said, “I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). His joy was the very joy of God. He promises to put that in us. Th...