Boojoyful

June 30 Watching our grandchildren venture out and try new things reminds me of Steven Curtis Chapman's hit back in 1990 called "The Great Adventure."  It speaks of following our leader into the Great Unknown.  No matter our age we need faith to do that every day. " Just think-you don't need a thing, you've got it all! All God's gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale.  And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus.  God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his  Son and our Master Jesus.  He will never give up on you. Never forget that." 1 Corinthians 1:7-9 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVFPjIp6nkk

Happy Birthday to you! June 29 I'm so glad God's Word speaks of celebrations!  The remembrance, the recollection, of who God is an all He has done for us is reason to jump up and down, turn all around, and shout praise!  David, a man after God's own heart,  was the ultimate when it came the exaltation of his God and King! Read David's words in Psalm 145 out loud. "I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Gret is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty-and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is...

Have you ever noticed how quickly the early morning light transforms. June 28 " Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.   Show me the way I should go." Psalm 143:8 Nuff said.  Not sure about you, but this is perfect for us!

These two little fellows had a blast running through sprinklers together last week! Sometimes it's the simplest thing that brings about pleasure. June 27 It's a double birthday celebration on this day in our family.  Our daughter and one of our grandsons are celebrating life and thanking God for creating them. Birthdays are such a fun time to look back and remember the things that have brought us great joy during our time on earth. "You make known to me the path of life;  you will fill me with joy in your presence,  with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 As we remember these two lives today we thank God for giving them to our family. Our daughter certainly has been a joy bringer to many and our grandson always has a smile on his face and brightens the day of others around him. "How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the  joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?" 1 Thessalonians...

June 25-26 My life verse is " Be joyful always, pray without ceasing, and in all things give thanks." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 The only way it is possible to do this is by living in the Spirit and that's not always an easy end road to reach for humans. When we choose to live by the Spirit the result is..."love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."  Galatians 5:22-23 Doesn't that sound like a gourmet buffet for the soul? On top of external issues which have had us shell shocked the past two weeks, I've encounter a health issue with my kidneys and my precious doctor is on vacation. Her partner has started initial lab studies, which should be back on Monday and put me on an antibiotic to cover possible bases. Please pray that these symptoms have come on related to the stress we've been under and that I am not having issues related to the stroke medication I am on.  Kidney damage is a possi...

June 24 Maybe the reason I'm so drawn to this early morning foggy fishing photo I took this week is because the last nine months I've lived in a bit of a fog, as a result of the stroke. It  reminds me of the pillar of cloud God gave the Israelites to follow. Life serves us up times which lack clarity.  Times we cry out, "Are you there Father?" Holding in a lot of grief from a triple whammy of hurt the past 10 days, I went outside alone on our screen porch.  It's a place I love to seek the Lord. Hanging up from a phone call in which I was trying to stay strong, I burst into tears and sobbed.  At that moment, one of the most ferocious winds I've ever experienced burst forth.  The trees shook, our patio umbrella literally sailed through the air. I knew without a doubt it was God saying to me: "Do you not know who I AM?  I am the Almighty. Do not fear!"  I lifted my arms into the air and sang out praise saying "What a mighty God YOU a...

The Munk The little one... UGH...the bigger one! Happy Haulers June 23 If trapping chipmunks is illegal, don't turn us in.  It's becoming a great summer past time.  We catch 'em. Feed 'em a good meal...this one enjoyed pretzels and cherries...and then haul them up the driveway to where there are no houses and let them go!  I think we should paint their tails to see if we are catching the same ones over and over again.  They are probably back down the driveway before the truck is! Does anything have you feeling trapped?  Do you feel like the Israelites who have been forced into a corner and see no way out?  Cry out to God! He will make a way, when there seems to be no way. "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:6     

June 22 This father/daughter duo had the card game "Ice Scream" all laid out, but the two little fellows in whose honor the game was being played blew right past them onto another activity.  Entering the bedroom I found these two on the floor, my husband in his Krispy Kreme hat none the less, and so I took pity on them and joined them for three hands of "Ice Scream." Jesus will never leave us alone.  He's ready to play and lead, whatever the game of life offers up. " The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.  The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever."   Psalm 121:7-8

Enjoying these boys this summer. June 21 I love it when I awaken and realize I've dreamed about being with Jesus. The other night it was more of an evangelism dream.  A monopoly game salesman had come by the house and in the dream our daughter said we'd listen to his spill, if he'd play our version afterwards.  In our version all the cards had scripture verses and on each space you landed were categories where you had to share how Jesus had been an example on how to handle that situation or how he had personally walked alongside you in that category.  Marriage, parenting, sickness, work, friendship, etc. When I awakened I went online to see if such a game exists.  There is Bible-opoly, but I'm guessing the version might be a bit more historical, than relational, in format. Funny, in the dream the whole time he was giving his sales pitch, I was trying to thread a needle.  Hmm, wondering what the message is behind that.  Maybe some...

June 20 Paddling out on the lake recently,  I observed an ingenious design for keeping tomato plants attack free, from the local critters. (Especially the deer).  This individual set all their tomato plants in pots out on their dock and then covered them with a netted frame.  They also had the dock entrance blocked by turning over a, chair. Thirteen years ago this month, one of our sons was in a horrific accident.  It's a miracle he is alive or not paralyzed.  Our car, which he was driving, flipped four times and his neck was broken.  During surgery a nurse called to ask us if his legs were moving before surgery and informed me they were not moving at that time.  We think back on how strange that phone call was and wonder if it was an angel prompting us to pray specifically against paralysis.  All the people in that UVA ICU waiting room, family and strangers, stood, circled up and  cried out in prayer for God to heal his body. None ...

June 18-19 While this is not true for everyone, hopefully for most, there is a secure feeling as you approach home.  Living on the water affords us two ways to access home...by land and by water.  Both thrill my heart, as does the comfort of our own bed. Can you imagine the emotions we will experience as we approach our heavenly home? "For our citizenship is in heaven,  from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."   Philippians 3:20 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens,  but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household."  Ephesians 2:19 "Silence is praise to you, Zion-swelling God, and also obedience. You hear the prayer in it all. We all arrive at your doorstep sooner or later, loaded with guilt, our sins too much for us-but you get ride of them once and for all. Blessed are the chosen!  Blessed the guest at home in your place! We expect our fill of ...

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Romans 12:15 June 17 Heading home, from a time of weeping with those who weep, we were physically and emotionally exhausted, but so thankful we had made this journey. God was certainly at work in many ways. A long lay over between flights tempted us to take a break in white rocking chairs.  We did not realize at the time we were sitting right beside the fight information board.  The chuckles started as we watched hordes of people walk up and stare.  Discretely, I placed my phone in the book I was reading and snapped pictures.  The lady next to me was aware of what I was doing and I was afraid I would get turned in for  suspicious behavior. We were punchy tired and my husband decided it would be fun to stand up and offer assistance to people trying to find their connection.   If only we'd had tracts to pass out showing how to make a connection with Jesus.

June 16 These two grandfathers step outside and sailed away from a house full of grief this past weekend. The beauty of God's creation brings such comfort in times of grief, as does the visit from a dear friend who is willing to share their tears with you. "My soul weeps because of grief; strengthen me according to Your word." Psalm 119:28 "I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother." Psalm 35:14 "I am worn out from my groaning.  All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears." Psalm 6:6 "Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping my last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:4-6

Congrats to our baby, the triathlete, another race done well! June 15 Swim, bike and run!  Hmm, does that sound like fun? Here's a triple treat verse.  Proverbs 3:5-6 "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. Charles Swindoll broke this down into three actions for our day to day living. #1 The before part is to recognize Him.  (God) #2 Our part then is to trust Him whole-heartedly, in every corner of your life, recognizing He is the       One in charge. #3 The after part is His part . "He will make your paths straight."  Swindoll says, "He'll take care of each of those obstacles ahead of you."

Soul June 14 A dear, dear friend called last week with news of the tragic death of a friend.  Numb and in shock, we knew we needed to go be with the family.  Arriving at our destination we walked into the rental car lot.  Way at the end of the lot high above the other cars was a mustard yellow, boxy car.  I turned to my husband and said, "Watch, that will be our car."  YUP, it was. I quickly uttered, "There is no way we can pull up in front of there house at such a sad, sad time in this bright yellow box."  My husband said he would go back and switch it out.  The heat and humidity were stifling and I didn't want to delay our arrive, so I said we'd just go.  Fortunately, there was a large hedge where we could hide the car and it was not visible from the front of the house.  Every other car there was black or navy. I had assumed my girl friend's parents, whom I adore, would be at her house, but no, it would be necessary for ...

June 13 A friend visiting recently said, "Do you feel like you live at a resort?"  Deke and I both immediately replied, "NO, we feel like we WORK at a resort."  Maybe she thought this property comes with a yardman. maintenance man, housekeeper and cook,  but she was looking at 'em! "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." 1 Peter 4:9  I'm so SLOW compared to my pre-stroke life. While I am quick to recognize this, it truly doesn't frustrate me. The question is will it frustrate our summer attendees who are used to be whizzing around accomplishing lots!  The post stroke related headaches are easily identifiable and definitely related to sequencing activities and stress, but praise the Lord they come less frequently.  For my PT friends following this progress, I'll say (may have already) I was surprised that planting my pots with herbs and flowers and cleaning out drawers and shelves in my garage counted as sequ...

June 11-12 Recently, my husband and I came in from our morning walk and I headed out onto the screened porch  to cool down and invest in some quiet time.  I told the Lord that in an hour walk we only got through the letter "N" during our ABC prayers for others.  The idea came to me to go through the letters of the alphabet and find an area of my life for each letter which could use some fine tuning. The suggestions just flew into my mind!  Obviously, there's room for lots of improvement. A-Be ANXIOUS for nothing. B-BELIEVE C-Cast all my cares on Him and be COMPASSIONATE D-DWELL in the Presence of the Lord more often E-EAT less and more healthily F- FORGIVE quickly G-GIVE GENEROUSLY H-Be HONEST I-INVEST in the lives of others J- Do not be JEALOUS K- Offer KINDNESS to all, especially strangers L-LOVE LAVISHLY M-MEMORIZE God's Word N-Let nothing NASTY come out of my mouth O-Offer hospitality without grumbling P-PRAY without ceasing Q-Be QUICK to li...

June 10 Numb and emotionally exhausted from the triple whammy of heartache we are facing, I headed off to find solace before the Lord.  Exodus 14:14 ( The Lord will fight for you; you must be quiet) was  still solid in my mind. I told the Lord I trusted Him with the hurt and with the battle. (This wasn't the case throughout the night as my mind schemed ways to be heard. It was not pretty.) In my Summer of Surrender journal I wrote: I have bitterness in my heart Lord, please forgive me.  I know You are able to provide a way and place us wherever you want us on the path of life. I'm surrendered and trusting. In Jesus' Name. There was peace from the prayer, but what followed next restored my joy!  On the top of the very next page of my journal was Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God. I penned these words: Whew! I am not pure of heart, but I want to be.  Then I crawled into my kayak and turned the playlist on my...

"The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent." Exodus 14:14 June 9 The day was filled with chores and responsibilities.  Rushing to pick up my computer and an assortment of other items from the end of the bed, I felt where it was saturated. Immediately, I looked to the ceiling to see if there was a leak.  Next I leaned down to see if there was an odor. Neither investigative tactic revealed the source of the problem.  Quickly, I began to strip the bed, tossing the blanket and comforter into the dryer and sheets to the wash...not on the day's schedule.  Remaking the bed I looked at the upper edge of our beloved Egyptian cotton blanket. It was a frayed mess.  My solution was to turn it upside down. That is what has happened to our lives lately...they've unexpectedly become unraveled... turned upside down.  The triple whammy has hit leaving us only one way to look...UP!  While many suspect car travel as the source of my stroke, I'...

June 8 Whew, wee, watch out! I snuck off to be alone with Jesus and he was quick to point out some squeakie parts in my life that need transforming. As part of our spring house sprucing up, we used WD40 on our doors and they sound so much better.  Wish it was that easy to make me sound better. Monday night we kicked off our women's summer Bible study series and I found myself asking, "Why do we do this?"  My response to myself was that we are seeking the Lord, so that we might be transformed into more of the likeness of Christ." "But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, 'The Lord is great!'" Psalm 40:16 This was the verse I selected to turn into a prayer for all of us.  Ran out of time though and I didn't give it to them. "For this reason I kneel before the Father,  from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of h...

Our daughter, Jiewon's, new dwelling place in Chattanooga! "Yours, Lord, is the greatness and 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 7 After years of college and graduate work, our daughter has her PHD and will be a professor of French at Covenant College. June 1st she made her journey from Minneapolis, to her new home, to her new dwelling place! "How beautiful are your tents, Jacob,  your dwelling places, Israel!"   Numbers 24:5 Her furniture has not arrived and she's on an air mattress. Still probably more comfortable than the Israelites!  She has running water, AC and a swimming pool! "My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." Isaiah 32:18 Over and over the scripture speaks of God's dwelling place in heaven.  A l...

June 6 If I want to aggravate my husband, I sing "It's a Small World."  It's probably the closest thing to nails down a chalkboard for him.  We are so different! That was probably one of my favorite Disney rides with the children, when they were younger.  The boat and air-conditioned indoor setting provided a chance to sit down and cool off from a hot day at Disney. Caution...this song could have that "stick in your head and drive you crazy" effect on you, but it's where the Lord took me as I looked out our bedroom window at the stillness of one of the rivers which forms our lake. "I've Got Peace Like a River" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NlZO57W0eE The song doesn't attribute that peace to any source, it just draws a symbolic correlation between peace and a river. God's Word has some good insight into how to have peace. "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you....

Ryan LaSource went to be with Jesus June 3rd. June 4-5 Friday was an example of how life can change in an instance.  A couple friends had asked me to teach them to knit. Two hours before hand, a text came through from one saying, "I've been in an accident with a F250." Thankfully, she was not injured. Then my prayer partner in MS contacted me with the news that three year old, Ryan LaSource, whom we've been praying so long for, had died and was now with Jesus.  This child and his family have truly fought the good fight against Leukemia for over three years. Their faith, love and hope and this little one's courage have touched and encouraged 1,000's of people who have followed their story. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7  Our lives are brief.  Let's take time to cherish others, love lavishly and invest in the lives of others.

June 3 On my morning walks, I pass this tree standing all alone in a large field.  I contemplated the word alone  in reference to who God is.  My computer dictionary defined alone  as: "...having no one else present; without other's help." While some may argue God has never been alone, because of the Trinity, I'd think we can agree God is alone in his uniqueness of being.  There is none like Him! The alone  contemplation took me to these verses affirming there is no one like Him. "In peace I will lie down and slow, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8 "Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure."    Psalm 16:5 " I will come and proclaim your might acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone."  Psalm 71:16 "Praise be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds."    Psalm 71:18 " Let them know tha...

These three really love each other. June 2 I'm currently in a study on C.S. Lewis' book  The Screwtape Letters  with a group of ladies.  Each week we begin with a sharing time of praise and prayer.  One woman gave testimony to the numerous ways God had shown up the past week as their family faced the surgery her daughter in law was having for a cancer found in her mouth.  She listed off step by step, from tiny to big, the ways she saw the Lord show up!  It was fabulous. Picking up a journal some girlfriends gave me after the stroke, to use as my "Surrendered Summer" journal, I read on the front John 1:16 "From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another." Do we tell of those blessings? My body feels totally beaten up right now from the two accidents which occurred this week, but instead of having the mind set of "How could God have allowed those things to happen?" I am overwhelmed with t...

June 1 " Is anyone crying for help?  God is listening, ready to rescue you."  Psalm 34:17 We had terrible storms Monday night.  Tuesday morning I looked on the dock and the hibiscus trees our daughter in law had potted had totally uprooted and were upside down on the dock.  Grabbing my gloves and trowel I headed down early in the morning to beat the heat. Walking onto the dock, I saw that our umbrella had flown over the rails and landed in the lake.  Still in my workout clothes I decided to attempt this rescue from a kayak for fear of slipping on the riprap and falling totally in. Monday morning I'd had a little accident while cleaning out the garage.  My angels did an amazing job of keeping a large glass and metal lantern, which fell off a top shelf, from breaking my shoulder or collar bone and /or cutting me and having me bleed out.   All that to say it was a plus and a praise that I'd taken a Tylenol before heading to the ...