Boojoyful

March 31 Reading through some definitions of suffer , the first one which read "to experience something unpleasant" just didn't quite equate for me.  Searching further, this one hit home more…"to submit to or be forced to endure." While I'm still in shock mode and awaiting the funeral tomorrow of our friend, who took his own life last week, I know he must have been suffering greatly.  I'm spending a lot of time in prayer this week and most of the personal prayers for individuals relate to great suffering. One young mother underwent surgery yesterday to correct a heart condition in her unborn child and the child died.  My mind can't begin to grasp the depth of that loss. If we listen to the sound of the whips which lashed across Jesus' back; if we feel the pricks of the thorns driving into his skull on that awful crown and if we allow our muscles to imagine the weight of the cross he had to drag uphill; then we can relate to the suffering Chri...

March 30 The pastel eggs, the jelly beans, the peeps and bunnies, while they say nothing about Jesus, are quite cute and a reminder that nature is springing back to life.  Brrr, you could have fooled me this past chilly weekend. (The backside of this jar would make you laugh.  My grandsons and I have been nibbling.) What Jesus did for us on that cross was the ultimate, everlasting treat!  He treated us to an ongoing forgiveness of sin, which triumphs over any feat ever accomplished. How? you ask.  In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 MSG  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

Love these country churches in Bath County March 28-29 As a child, I loved Palm Sunday and getting to wave that branch!  I thought of it more of a "Everybody loves Jesus" time, than the reality statement Jesus was making and the "Doom to Boom" that would occur in the week to follow.  Oh, I can't wait to sing…"Up from the grave He arose!" How can we be intentional to take up our cross this week and make Holy Week 2015 bring more glory to God than any other year?  Instead of standing silent on the Via Dolorosa, will we honor Christ and open our mouths to tell others how much Jesus' sacrifice means to us and that He adores them?    This morning I read an excellent reflection by Fil Anderson: "Jesus had previously rejected all attempts to make Him king.  However, this Passover was wildly different.  He'd instructed His disciples to secure a donkey for His ride into the city, indicating He was the king foretold by Zechari...

March 27 Life is a lot!  We can go from elation to devastation in seconds. We've had a fabulous week with our daughter and grandsons, but no sooner had they gotten on the road yesterday than I received a phone call informing me a dear friend/neighbor/church member had taken his own life. I was standing in Target when the call came and I wanted to throw up.  Emotionally paralyzed, I didn't know whether to take my cart through check out or just leave it there and get to the car to bawl.  I had a list of friends I was supposed to call and I went through the motions, thanking God for each one of these friends who loves the Lord and many who have been in my life for 25-30 years. Driving home I reflected on how God had placed this couple on my heart Tuesday night.  I wanted to have them to dinner, but knew he was in lots of physical pain and the drive would be difficult. Why didn't I call?   This friend was a brilliant and immensely ...

March 26 In the She Reads Truth  Lenten study, I'm working on the third section which is titled: "Remember the Path to the Cross." Each day we are to journal a prayer.  One of mine began like this… "Lord, we are heading into the part of the story where I want to turn my head.  I hate false accusations. I hate to see pain inflicted upon others.  I hate that my sin is part of what nailed you to the cross."  Section Two was titled: REPENT.  I'm still doing that and must confess there have been days I've allowed the Spirit to bring to remembrance sins that have almost caused me to vomit.  After the repenting process there is always a relief that Christ would carry those away for me, but there is something else that occurs.  A realization, that I have no place to look in judgement at anyone else, brings me to a deeper love for others. I thank God for this amazing study and for loving me in this sinful state.  I thank Christ for ...

March 25 In my current read through the Bible program, I landed on the story of Samson yesterday and it has stayed with me.  After all the tests he gave Delilah on her trustworthiness, which she failed one after another, why did he finally give in and tell her the secret of his strength?  Wake up fellow! How could you have been so blind?  It cost you your sight and the position in which God had placed you. God, where have I been that gullible? Immediately, God referenced multiple times I have allowed people to come into our home and steal from us again and again.  Sorry Samson, I was too quick to judge. Ha, he also clued me in to the years as a high school Sunday school teacher when I thought the girls liked to hang around me because they looked up to me…nope they were hoping to get a look at our five sons! Going to Gotquestions.org, I wanted to see if there were other lessons to be learned.  Here are some great points… "There are many valuable lessons we ...

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.  They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes' its leaves are always green.  It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit . Jeremiah 17:7-8 March 24 When I read this verse I thought, I want to live like this.  Trusting in the Lord, living life knowing my confidence doesn't have to be in what I can do, but in what Jesus has done and will do for me.  I want to reach out to the streams of living water and never fear or worry, but live a life that bears much fruit for God! All things are possible with God! He has a plan to do great things!

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 March 23 Today was the second time I tried to post a very personal confession of a judgmental situation on my part. Neither time what I wrote showed up, so I am taking this as a sign from the Lord he didn't want me sharing this for some reason. Most of the time, our confessions are only necessary to unfold before the Lord, so maybe that is the message he wants someone to hear.

March 21-22 Today's passage is so exciting to me.  Isaiah 42 is a wonderfully prophetic book. Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice on the nations.   (v. 1) A commentary from the NIV Women of Faith Bible states: "While Jewish scholars interpret the servant  in this chapter to be Israel itself, Christians understand the servant to be Jesus (Mt 12:15-21), Savior of the Jews, but also a "light for the Gentiles." (Isaiah 42:6) Wouldn't you have loved to be at the river that day when John baptized Jesus and the dove came down and the loud speaker from heaven spoke " This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Mt. 3:17)  Oh, how wonderful to have God look down at his children today and say…"These are my children with whom I am well pleased." Enjoy this passage, Isaiah 42:5-9 in The Message. It's subtitle:   The God Who Makes Us Alive...

March 20 Here's a good acronym for soaring, while surviving life! S.   Seek the Lord O.   Obey the Lord A. Ask of the Lord  R. Rest in the Lord           The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand,  any who  seek God.     Psalm 14:2   And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the Lord our God and obey him." Joshua 24:24 Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn't a cat and mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in.  If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing. You're at least decent to your own children. So don't you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better? Matthew 7:7-11 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:7 What great items for ...

Ready for April showers. March 19 A friend emailed this precious message, which sent me on a  portion  hunt!  She writes: "I was praying this morning asking God to let me have a tiny piece of understanding of his sacrifice. He gave me the word  PORTION!   Then I read SRT for today.  The author wrote: 'Jesus knew we would struggle to grasp the weight of his sacrifice and the fullness of forgiveness.'  Oh!  How I would love to get a deep understanding of His sacrifice.  Portion can be connected to so many things, one moment at a time, one day at a time, one sentence at a time, one word at a time, etc. Don't worry about tomorrow, for we have God to give us our portion to understand." Being inspired by what God had placed on her heart, I  went to the dictionary. One of the definitions for  portion  was...  a part of a whole.   Don't you love how that pertains to the Body of Christ!  We are a part of Him and ...

March 18 I purchased a beautiful skein of skinny yarn in blue hues.  The sales lady at the yarn shop offered to wind the yarn into a ball for me, but I explained my ride was waiting and I needed to scurry out. Traveling this past weekend I thought the car ride would provide a good opportunity to wind the yard. Instead I've ended up with a tangled mess. I've put over 28 hours so far into undoing this mess. Who knows what I could have created by now if I was knitting. Sunday, I received calls and emails relaying heart wrenching  news concerning health issues three different friends are facing with their loved ones.  One was rushed into emergency surgery and the other two have major treatment decisions to make, while facing life threatening complications and fevers. Picking my way through the yarn,  I kept praying for these friends.  As I'd get to one tight mess, I'd almost give up and toss the yarn away. Then I'd undo a knot and there would be a straigh...

The green is for St Patrick's Day March 17 If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 "He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less." C.S. Lewis So what do we do with a personal Savior like that?  Where is His presence in our lives in relationship to others and other activities?  Does Jesus hold the seat of honor in our homes? Praying the other morning, I was so thankful I could come to God so freely. Then I remembered that approach is only possible with Jesus, for Christ's shed blood makes the path clear.  I pictured myself holding Jesus' hand as we approached the throne of God and Jesus was speaking to God for me. Yup, Jesus was speaking on behalf of His beloved friend.  He wants to do that for everyone created, but we have to take the step to establish the friendship.

March 16 I just listened to this profound message on forgiveness this morning. Following the message I listened to Kari Jobe's song on the second link.  As she sang, I closed my eyes to pray and the first place God took me was to a remembrance of Jesus carrying the cross and it was laden with my sins.  Sins that I have committed again and again. We are to offer to others, that which we desire to receive for ourselves. http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=WZLKZLNX&utm_source=GodTube%20Today&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=03/16/2015 Song http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=0CJ10MNU&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20-%20Mobile&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=03/16/2015

March 14-15 This surprise shadowing event by Disney to a shopping mall brought to mind the thought, as Christians, we should be shadowing Jesus! http://features.aol.com/video/disney-characters-shadow-unsuspecting-shoppers?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl18%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D627360

March 13 For the past two hours, I've been devouring Bible Study. It's coming at me faster than I can assimilate all I want to learn.  The big question is…What am I going to do with what I learn?  Will I live differently?  Oh, how I pray I do. Presently, I'm involved in two studies. One is Beth Moore's Jesus the One and Only . Moore writes, "Walking with Christ is the greatest pleasure of my life. But even this sacred pleasure cannot be my goal.  Knowing and pleasing Christ must be my goal.  Distraction of all kinds is my biggest challenge in this pursuit."  Oh, girlfriend, do I relate! She also expounded on a  heartfelt personal petition  to God; being that she would develop His taste.  "I want to grow to love what He loves, hate what He hates, and marvel at the things He finds marvelous." What a powerful prayer for us all. Moore established these longings after realizing in Luke 7:9 that Jesus marvels at the faith of people. I...

March 12 There is an online exercise program which is advertised on TV and it's "Catch Phrase" is "Make today the Day."  Our pastor gave a sermon last week on Godly living in reference to watching for Christ's return. He used four Bible recommendations for daily living. 1) Be Alert- Be on guard! Be alert!   Mark 13:33 2) Be Self-controlled- So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-       controlled, 1 Thessalonians 5:6 3) Pray- The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can       pray.   1 Peter 4:7 4) Live Holy and Godly Lives-  Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people      ought you to be?  You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God.     11 Peter 3:11-12       Let's make today the day, we live the way Christ lived!

March 11 Oh, it's double whammy day.  My fingers are slow to hit the keys with the vulnerability in which my pen flowed across my prayer journal to the Lord.  We don't want the world to see our sinfulness do we, yet God sees it all.  Ha, no fig leave big enough!  So here goes… "Father, my heart goes back to the song, Blessed Assurance, and the two verses beginning with Perfect submission."  May I have perfect submission to You, Lord.   As I reflect back on recent days, since implanting that song in my heart, I can see hourly how many ways I need to do that.  In these last years of earthly marriage to my husband I want to be a totally submissive wife to my husband, who loves me so selflessly.  I regret and seek forgiveness for not being that kind of wife the last 36 years.  Mold me and make me better Lord.  In Jesus Name, Amen" After writing in my journal, I opened some online devotionals I receive and there was Adrain Rogers (fr...

March 10 Most of you have known me long enough now to know I love it when a word  grabs me. Today the word is purchased. I'm needing to multi-task, so I will share briefly part of a prayer I wrote to God this morning from the She Reads Truth  study journal, in which I am currently participating. "Father…I desperately want to remember that you valued me enough to purchase me through the blood of your perfect Son.  Seldom do we buy something we do not want.  Thank You for wanting me!" For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to your from your ancestors.   1 Peter 1:18 Dear friends, You are valuable to the Lord.  In all that we do today may we remember we were purchased for a purpose.  We are to bring glory to the One who give it all for us!  Amen!

March 9 My husband officiated a wedding yesterday afternoon and  you could feel the sweetness of the commitment these two were making to one another. If we stop long enough and reflect on the steadfast love of Christ, we can not only feel the sweetness, but we can give thanks for the sacrifice made on our behalf and the security of the promises made to us by God concerning that love. My memory verse this week is from Lamentations 3:22-23. I told some of my Bible study gals, we should try using the first part as a greeting to others.  Instead of How are you?   Try…. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.  His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning! Yup… Great is God's faithfulness. My computer is struggling again.  It has no space left. If you don't see it a post, it has crashed and I will have to get to Greensboro to my Apple buddies.

March 7-8 Da-gone!  In my Chronological read through the Bible in a year, I've been stuck in the Mosaic law and totally frustrated!  I'm such a rule keeper that being an Israelite would have driven me bonkers!   There are promises to be blessed when you come in and when you go out, but the chances of being considered unclean, cursed or stoned to death are pretty high! Praise God from whom all blessings flow for Jesus! Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me get a clear picture of what I'm about; See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong- then guide me on the road to eternal life. Psalm 139:23-24 

March 6 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,"  declares the Lord.   "As the heavens are higher than the earth,  so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 We will be driving along in silence and I'll turn to my husband and say, "What cha thinkin' bout?"  More often than not, we are thinking about earthly issues or desires, for we are not capable of calculating God sized thoughts.  It excites me that heaven is beyond our wildest imagination! We've had a couple of our grandchildren here for the week and the oldest one had the privilege of attending kindergarten one day, where his Papa is the Head of School.  That day happened to be Career Day for the students and the kindergarteners were to dress up in a costume of what they want to be when they grow up.  While I have an extensive dress up inventory,  the life time dreams of begin Peter Pa...

Creatures in our house! March 5 Walking my way through a season of repentance, with Easter approaching, I awaken in the early morning hours before dawn.  No creature was stirring and the only sound was the hum of the heating unit, which is a comfort on a cold winter morning. I think I told you I've been trying to go to bed with scripture the last thing on my mind. Here is where my repentant thoughts took me.  I'll just give you the trigger thought and not the heart wrenching truths God and I are dealing with.  The question the Holy Spirit posed to me was... "Where is your confidence?" The honest answers related to externals in my life. Our confidence should be in Christ and come from the spiritual realm. Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.   Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves,  but our adequacy is from God. 2 Corinthians 3:4-5

March 4 Driving home from being out of town for the day, there were a couple routes possible.  The two lane roads had heavier traffic, stop lights and what I felt was a greater possibility for construction and accidents causing slow downs, so I opted for the back roads.  The thought crossed my mind that I preferred to at least be moving forward, even at a slower past than sitting still in traffic. Hmm, how does that realization process into my spiritual life.  I love the fact that a life with Christ is constantly growing.  Even if it is a slow daily process, it is continual!  I found the passage below in The Message translation and want to turn it into a poster for my grandchildren. You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You're blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That's right-you don't go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set.  You, God, prescrib...

March 3 Easy come, easy go, but steady diligence pays off. Proverbs 13:11 Driving home from Augusta, GA, on Sunday, we had quite a day. We stopped to see friends in South Carolina, then headed north east through North Carolina to intercept a couple grandchildren and bring them home to Virginia.  So, a 7AM departure and 4PM arrival had an interesting documentation on our car's external thermometer. The temperature remained 34 degrees for over 8 hours throughout travel in four states!  Steady as she goes for sure! Today, I thought back to being amazed as I glanced at that consistent temperature in varying terrain and precipitation. Hmm?  If only my reactions to life looked that consistent.  Always trusting in the Lord, no matter the storms that blow in or the mountains that have to be climbed. If my eyes are looking towards Christ my temperament should always remain the same…peaceful, trusting, kind. And the peace of God, which transcends all unders...

  March 2 We attended a precious wedding this weekend and the pastor was a bit stumped when the couple selected Proverbs 3:5-6 for their ceremony verse. Not your typical  love verse. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and  do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. He confessed after praying over this passage that it was a fabulous verse for marriage!  Marriage takes an enormous amount of trust and there certainly are times when we can not lean on our own understanding because we makes absolutely no sense to one another and we need to acknowledge the Lord and allow him to direct our paths! So, if you are married, trust God and love the one you're with!  :-)