Boojoyful

The Human Hamster House The Great Train Tunnel He built a track that went all the way through the tunnel and backaround! May 31 We are finding so much joy in building with boxes here at Shiloh!  Sometimes life has you feeling boxed in and praying for a way out.  The other night, struggling through a sleepless night I picked up a devotional and the topic for that day was "sleepless nights."  Really! I love You, Lord.  The suggestion was to switch out of worry gear into an attitude of gratitude. So, at 4AM I decided to take the alphabet and come up with areas of thanksgiving. A- that I live in America B-that I was a Burrows, my maiden name. C-that I have children and a great church D-that Deke is my husband E-that I know where I will spend eternity F- that my faith is a firm foundation and I have fabulous friends G-that I have happy grandchildren H-that I have a house I- that I've experienced the joy of the ice cream boat on our lake...

May 30 How would you finish the statement, "I don't want to..." Now I can't even remember the conversation with God where I was telling him, "I don't want to do." I only remember His holy thought reverberating back... "What about what I want you to do?" Laying down our lives, our wants, our comforts, our wishes is a daily exercise for me. I continually go back to what I want. "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 straight your paths."  Proverbs 3:5-6

May 29 My husband and I recently sat and listened to his 93 year old father share World War II stories we've never heard him verbalize.  It was sobering.  The descriptions of the physical conditions, the grenades and gunfire, the moans and smells of death all around and the longing for home were humbling. Greater   love  has  no  one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 Today, may we take time to thank God for our nation and for the many men and women who have paid the price through their sacrifices for our freedom. And for the many more who are actively serving today.  In the days and months to come may we remember to say thank you to those who have served, those who are serving and their families who give up so much of what we would call normalcy by living with "servicemen  and servicewomen." This link is to a 1955 Billy Graham message on Memorial Day. https://billygraham.org/story/a-timeless-bill...

May 27-28 My fishing terms are not proficient at all.  While I can tell a bass from a blue gill and a carp from a catfish, I'm not for certain if all the minuscule fish above are called minnows. Last weekend while working on one of the docks I saw hordes of these tiny finned creatures.  Hiding behind a rock nearby was a good sized blue gill.  I wondered if this was the daddy protecting his young or a predator contemplating his next meal. We probably go through a similar contemplation when certain people approach us.  Are they coming to breathe life into us with uplifting words or heading for the kill using the tongue as their weapon. This past week I've been walking through the book of James with She Reads Truth and considered the tool called the tongue. "With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God's likeness." James 3:9 Ugh. It's true isn't it.  A young woman has come back into...

Home! My happy place! I like to just float out here and seek the Lord! May 26 Sarah Young wrote in the voice of Jesus, "It's crucial to take time with Me-enjoying My Presence and studying My Word. It is also vital to stay in communication with Me...Acknowledging your inability to handle things on your own is a healthy dose of reality...The most important part of the equation is recognizing My abiding Presence with you and My desire to help you." It so true!   God is with us! (Psalm 46:7) We just fail to recognize His Presence. I've been having a few more health issues and had some testing scheduled for today, but I needed insurance information before I proceeded. My husband is the one who usually handles sorting out the insurance quandaries, but he was in meetings all morning, so I put on my big girl pants and bit the bullet making the call.  After waiting on hold for several minutes a sweet voice answers and says, "This is ANGEL, how can ...

May 25 This photo should be in a magazine!  Our son said his daughter took her flower girl job very seriously and graciously. Instead of dropping the petals down the aisle, she went up to each row of seating and said, "You want some? Then she put petals beside each row!"  He said it took FOREVER! Jesus is like that isn't he.  He's looking into our hearts saying, "You want some of my love?  It's freely given!"   Jesus freely gave us Amazing Love through the sacrifice of his life for our sins. "...he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and  will-to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the  One he loves.  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness o sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."  Ephesians 1:5-7 Many commentaries see the Song of Solomon as the picture of the love that Christ has for his bride-the church....

Somebunny loves you!  His name is Jesus. May 24 Devalue-" reduce or underestimate the worth or importance of." This word, to which I awakened ringing out over and over again in my mind, certainly pertains to anyone who takes the life of another.  Here comes another one. Degrade  "treat or regard with contempt or disrespect." The emotional damage that occurs when individuals hurl hurtful words and insults at another or behind their backs can bring devastation.  Be it the workplace, the classroom, on the playground or inside the walls of your home the recipient's pain is real. God's Word calls to believers to: "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."  Romans 12:10 It takes a even a steeper step and says: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."  Philippians 2:3 Today may we be intentional to speak love and life into another.  L...

May 23 How incredible is this sunset. It was a real show stopper in our community last week. My husband said, "It's as if the sky is on fire." Delving into God's Word we see fire is a deadly force. "Then God rained brimstone and fire down on Sodom and Gomorrah-a river of lava from God out of the sky!-and destroyed these cities and the entire plain and everyone who lived in the cities and everything that grew from the ground."  Genesis 19:24-25 James 3:5-6 warns that our tongues can set off an equally destructive course. "It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire.  A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it." Today we pray for all the people in Manchester, UK who are in shock and grieving from last night's horrific attack at the concert. Lord...

May 22 We know better than to cruise the lake on a summer Saturday, but thought May 20th wouldn't be too crowded. Wrong. It was a gorgeous day and people were making the most of it. Our plan had been to find a quiet cove to anchor in and read, but that wasn't going to happen. Grabbing my camera I was amazed at the diversity in boating styles represented.  Ha!  The photo missing is two grandparents on a pontoon!  That's because most locals know better than to be out in the chaos! As I clicked away the thought entered my mind of how different God's children are.  We come in all colors, shapes and sizes. We motor about life at different speeds, with different personalities, but the commonality is our love for Christ, like all these boaters love Smith Mt. Lake. These boaters may all end up at the same marina chatting over their love for the Lake.  Hopefully, we will encounter some sort of Christian fellowship this week and rejoice over the greatness of Go...

May 20-21 While the large magnolia tree in our yard is the evening porch for multitudes of birds, it is off of our screen porch where the chirpiest of birds on our property can be found. They are so happy! Not a worry in the world. A cat could be on the prowl after them, but they are not stressed! "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you." Psalm 55:22  My skin is saggier than last summer, my hair is grayer, my gums are receding and my walk is slower,   but like the birds, I have Jesus in my heart and I am happy.  Hope you feel like singing a song today! "Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with  one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ ."  Romans 15:5-6 “If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or...

May 19 Our pastor has embarked on a sermon series entitled "How's Your Soul?" It's fabulous! (The sermon series that is).  He shared that Yellow Stone National Park has opened for the season and park guests are asked to sign a statement of agreement for 10 things they will do while in the park. #1 is to be cautious and practice safety while taking "selfies."  Accidents have been occurring due to risky selfies on ledges and with animals. He then said, "We are into our selfies! The more we focus on ourselves the more we neglect our souls." Five days later I opened Jesus Always  and read a similar message: "To increase your awareness of My Presence, you need to learn the art of self-forgetfulness. You were not designed to stay focused on yourself. However, Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden made selfishness the natural bent of mankind.  The inclination is a deadly trap, but I've equipped you to live supernaturally.....

May 17-18 The other evening I asked my husband, "Will you walk with me?"  He grimaced and moaned.  After a long day at work that really wasn't on his wish list.  Whenever we walk around Shiloh a "to do list" manifests.  This particular evening the walked turned into cleaning our dock and replacing lights until after 9PM when we could see no more. "Enoch walked with God faithfully for 300 years!  Noah walked with God and got into a really BIG project!" Walking with God can lead into working for God, but there's really no better place to be. "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plan."     Proverbs 16:3 "How great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts!" Psalm 92:5

My joy comes from the Lord. "...yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:18 May 16 "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." John Piper How many promotional product tag lines include the phrase "Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back?"  Can't say that I've ever been disappointed about hanging out in the Bible and wanted to renege on my walk with Jesus. God's Word satisfies. There is a praise song which has the chorus line… My joy comes from the Lord.  Again and again God has to refresh my mind to this truth.  My joy can’t be in how my husband makes me feel, the affirmation I get from other people, the laughter that comes from the grandchildren or the faithfulness of a pet like Moses.  My constant is my Creator and the relationship He created me to have with Him.  A relationship with a guarantee to satisfy throughout eternity.

May 15 A younger sister in Christ posted on Instagram her new life verse. "My flesh and my heat may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26 What are some things you have scrapped because they were such a mess, total failures in your eyes that you decided it was just easier to start over?  I've tossed baked goods, knitting projects, paintings, writings, clothing, fishing poles and even friendships. Unlike the majority of the items mentioned above, marriage is God made, not something established by human hands. Not something He wants scrapped, but totally refreshed, restored.  While friendships are relational in nature, they are not bound by a covenant to God. Yes, our friendship with God/Jesus is the exception. " A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24 Coming alongside a wounded couple one night, my husband and I recognized the spiritua...

May 13-14 Yesterday's Jesus Always  entry had me recognizing our faith takes action to operate correctly. This weekend let's see if we are: Praising the Lord for simply being Present. Thanking Jesus for being a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Trusting God is always with us. Talking to Jesus about "thoughts and feelings, our struggles and pleasures." Believing  He cares for us deeply and hears our prayers. Seeking Help and accepting our limitations Looking Out and seeing where God is at work Rejoicing always because God can do "immeasurably more than we can imagine." Remembering "Nothing is impossible with God." Refusing " to be intimidated by daunting circumstances" "Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?  Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God-soon I'll be praising again.  He puts a smile on my face. He's my God." Psalm 42:5 (MSG) "Now to him who is...

May 12  A girlfriend accompanied me to Low Moor, VA to visit an assisted living facility where the lady who raised me is now living.  This precious woman was celebrating 88 years of life and probably close to that many years of loving Jesus.  While she is frisky as ever, dementia is robbing her memory. Every time I leave her the tears well up and my heart tugs so hard.  I love her deeply. When we departed, I was trying to hold it together and busily sharing stories about life with my girlfriend and I totally missed our exit.  This friend is the Queen of Apps and a master of phone technology. Immediately she had her phone GPS rerouting us.  Back into the mountains we went. The landscape was gorgeous.  Rounding a curve, coming over a mountain, we were both speechless at the view before us. I said, "I've got to pull over." Being raised in the mountains, I find them to be a sanctuary.   This was such a gift from God.  He knew my heart w...

More cow adventures. Some setting has gotten out of whack. Sorry May 1 1 The She Reads Truth community is currently studying The Psalms of Ascent and this morning's entry was Psalm 128.  The person adding commentary today wrote two sentences that I've read over and over this morning. "We don’t just think about God; we live in response to His Word to us.  Obedience is a path to joy." If we are not pouring scripture into our lives, then we do not know how to respond to life in a Biblical fashion.  Faith is a life long walk, a progression, with twists and turns and fortunately there are places along the way to sit on a rock or a stump, sip some water and ponder what God is teaching us along the path.  Occasionally God sends us a walking buddy who brings encouragement. The "Word" posted on Biblegateway today says: Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other,  just as God in Christ also has forgiven  you.  ...

".. .but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.   They will soar on wings like eagles;  they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. "   Isaiah 40:31 May 10 Sunday night our church small group watched a 2006 documentary titled, "Young at Heart." It's the story of a senior citizen chorus based out of Massachusetts. While not a Christian based film, it had a wonderful message on staying active, being in community with others and spreading joy at any age. Their theme song is called "Forever Young."  The following morning I opened Jesus Always  and there was a devotional which said: "Invite Me to enter into your circumstances-including your thoughts, feelings, and decisions.  Communicating with Me will help you focus less on trivial matters and more on glorious realities.  While you wait in My Presence, I will renew your strength.  Regardless of how old you are, you're always young in M...

Sometimes a picture says 1,000 words. I love how our grand dog adores and guards our newest grandson. What a reminder of how close Jesus is to us! May 9 Part 2 of the Shark Tank Saga... Psalm 124:8 and Philippians 4:6-7 had my attention, but I was still weary from the battle. Brandon Heath’s song  Your Love  was playing in my mind, so I pulled it up to play on my phone.  Oh the healing balm. Afterward listening to it four times,  I texted Brandon and told him how thankful I was for his ministry. He wrote me a sweet note and said he was heading in to write a song that very moment.  My weekly BSF questions were completed, but I had not read the notes, Oh my goodness.  The part were Mary sees Jesus in the garden after his resurrection hit home. Suffering is to be expected. “Jesus’ affection for Mary caused him to reveal Himself to her. She was among the first to see, talk and touch the resurrected Jesus.  But such a p...

May 8 My husband says I would never make it as a college football coach's wife. The daily message board thrashing and cheers, which can quickly turn to jeers, from the stands would crush my heart in no time. He's right! Recently, a dear friend we'd been counseling suggested a full time ministry project for my husband and I to consider.  Shaking my head,  she inquired, "Why?" I simply baulked like a chicken.  Wait?  That sounds like some of the disciples, who loved Jesus dearly, but couldn't take the heat.  I get it! I felt like I'd been dropped in a dry and weary land and was no longer cut out for ministry. When Jesus has victory in someone's life whom we are helping here at Shiloh, the devil darts start flying and targeting people I love or our health.  Right now I find myself waving the white flag and saying like on the Shark Tank show, "I'm out." I can't be in the midst of these ferocious battles any more Lord. Count me ...

I have this sweet children's cup, which has Winnie the Pooh in the base of the cup. So when you finish your milk or juice he's smiling up at you! This Starbucks' cup of Poo is a different story. My husband hates giving out his name, Deke, at restaurants because they never get the pronunciation correct and call him Dick or Dyke.  So, on this particular day he decided to use my name, "Boo." Waiting alone in the store for his order you can imagine his dismay when they called out, "Poo!" Oh, laughter does lighten the load of a day! Maybe that is part of their Starbucks training! May 6 -7 Its not a laughing matter, but an incomprehensible thought that God knows all of our names.    " And the Lord said to Moses, 'This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.'" Exodus 33:17 " But not thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who for...

May 5 This is my new favorite instructional verse!   Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame.  Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.  Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.  Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. Romans 12:12   MSG  

Cow cards, cow placemats, cow cake and cow grandparents make the MOOd a little more fun. May 4 Mood-  "a temporary state of mind or feeling." In Malachi 3:6 the Lord is doing some cleaning up among the Israelites. He makes the statement: " I, the Lord, do not change."   His mood is consistent! Moods change. Sometimes very quickly and they are certainly swayed by circumstances. Lack of sleep, external stresses, heartache, sugar and hormonal levels play a big part.  :-)  Lack of control of moodiness often causes people to inflict emotional pain on others.  In the moment much damage can be done. The enemy loves to be on the look out for when our guard is down, when moodiness is on the loose and use this weakness to bring dissension among believers in their marriages, families, friendships, and churches.  When Satan can destroy unity in the Body of Christ he has accomplished a great victory. " Be alert and of sober mind.  Your enemy the dev...

While baby sitting we added a little adventure to our day by creating an indoor slide! May 3 I've decided to call my middle of the night escapades with Jesus "Wake up calls." One las week was so sweet.  My husband was spooned up against me sending signals of security amidst a windy rain storm.  I felt so loved and safe.  Jesus reminded me, "No matter where you are, you should feel secure for I AM with you." We can know God loves us, just like this little one knows her Daddy loves her.

May 2 "Now you are no longer strangers to God and foreigners to heaven, but you are members of God's very own family,  citizens of God's country, and you belong in God's household with every other Christian." Ephesians 2:19 The framed statement below was given to a young elementary aged boy in our church, by his parents, upon his baptism.  That's what I call a confidence builder. The reminder of to whom we belong  is important at any age. Walk in confidence today, if you are the child of the King! If you aren't a hundred percent sure, call me. Let's talk about it!

Yes, I was on a cow kick this winter. This little one out scored everyone in the stack the cow game. May 1 How often to you feel that life is stacked against you?  Not only can you not get ahead, you can't even catch up.  Laundry alone is proof of that! There is another area that often gets the best of us.  Our thought process. How often do our minds wander off to the unpleasant.  Just the other morning I heard my mind say in reference to another, "She's not a very nice person."  Immediately, Jesus replied, "Well, I AM. Why don't you think about me and brighten your day?" It's so true! " Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditation on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized.  Do...