Boojoyful

What a day we had! April 30 Meet Wilson!  The newest of God's creations to the Andrews/Mayo families.  God wove him together in our daughter's womb and we are so thankful he is here.  Routines are set in place to try to get him on an earthly schedule, but we know that each day presents a unique set of circumstances, so we will just keep our eyes on the Lord and rejoice that his mercies are new every morning. Look out at the trees and in gardens along your path and praise God for the reminder that he is continually making all things new.  We should not fear change, but embrace all the good God is up to, even when it comes in unexpected and sometimes uncomfortable packages.  God is alive and designed us to be in a live active relationship with him.  Let's let Him infiltrate all the areas of our lives and embrace what He is doing. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ...

April 29 My daughter says we look tired on this night before her baby's birth tomorrow. We are both a lot older than when she did this seven years ago!  Prayerfully, we will all get a good night's sleep.  I'll probably be late posting tomorrow.

We chose this young man's father to be our children's football pen-pal years ago at UNC.  Thirty-four years later we are still family and got to be  part of celebrating the Pittsburg Steelers choosing him. " We were designed to find our fullest satisfaction not in front of a mirror, but in front of God. " John Piper   April 28 Last night The Pittsburg Steelers chose Mason Rudolph as an NFL quarterback pick.  It was later in the draft than he'd hoped to go, but God was up to good.  In their previous pick they selected James Washington, who was one of Mason's teammates and a receiver at Oklahoma State. Now these two will start their NFL careers together. And to boot, this is our grandson's favorite team!!!  Here we come Pittsburg. Back in April I wrote an entry on being "For God" and addressed the life process of choosing.  Everyday we make choices...what we say or don't say, what wear and we eat, whose texts we return, with ...

Expecting a baby by c-section Monday! Expecting a call from the NFL tonight! April 27 Are we praying with positive expectancy? Do we believe God will answer our prayers in the way that is best for us and his glory? If we are praying for rain, do we put an umbrella and rain jacket in our car no matter the forecast? Elijah kept sending his servants to look for a rain cloud. Noah kept hammering away on the ark, even when friends and neighbors ridiculed him. I bet Hannah had a family cradle polished and waiting, while she cried out to the Lord. " And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." John 14:13 Why do we pray?  Jesus is teaching us that we pray for answers that will bring glory to God's name. Hannah knew that.  After weaning Samuel, her answer to prayer, she gave him up to serve the Lord. The Lord blessed her with three more sons and two daughters. The crib is finally up in our daughter's new home. ...

April 26 " Do not those who plot evil go astray?   But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness."   Proverbs 14:22 As a school teacher, lesson planning was a key and critical aspect of the job process. Building a house is an enormous undertaking and w ithout plans, a house cannot be built.    Our son is a home builder in Virginia Beach and his company posts intriguing home ideas on Instagram. While wisdom and expertise in this industry are essential,  offering those skills with a thoughtful heart that genuinely cares and patiently hears the needs of the customers is what brings success.  Our daughter has just hunkered down in a new home and has a new baby arriving any day.  Her planning process the last couple weeks for these two life changing events has been non-stop and has included thoughtfully thinking about the lives of her husband, two other sons and old mother!  Yet, she knows all the best ...

My GRITS sisters. Girls Raised in the South! Great examples to follow. This little helper at Shiloh following his dad's lead. April 25 A wonderful older woman in my Bible Study Fellowship class approached me after class. She is a woman of deep thoughts and full of wisdom, so I listen intently when she speaks. She said, "Boo, you have such a great time ahead of you as a grandmother and hopefully great-grandmother. Enjoy every moment.   Remember there is much to be learned in suffering." She had my attention for certain with that statement.  She continued, "I've gone through much suffering and am in a time right now.  For most of my life I've been in leadership, but now God has called me to  fellowship  and it is difficult." My friend, who died recently of leukemia, had said the same thing to me. She was attending Bible studies here at my home and said, "I used to be a leader. Now that I am older and not able to do that I feel like I am...

April 24 While our family was home for Easter, we had some good "around the table " discussions.  We embarked upon some...."I wonder why God...." quandaries.  One was, " I wonder why God created us to need sleep?" John Piper had this answer, "Sleep is a daily reminder from God that we are not God." My soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him."   Psalm 62:5 Unless the Lord builds a house, the builders’ work is useless.  Unless the Lord protects a city, sentries do no good.  It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night,  fearing you will starve to death; for God wants his loved ones to get their proper res t. Psalm 127:1-2 We all need to get some R and R and R and R and R and R! "Rest,  recuperation,  relaxation, refreshment, recreation, and  restoration! In order to do this we must cease striving and know that God is God.   Psa...

This sweet one is excitedly accepting losing her front tooth! April 23 This year has been a wealth of blessings as I've worked my way through the book of Romans with a group of precious women at Bible Study Fellowship.  I hate to see the year end.  Our lesson in chapter 14 focused on "Unity in Community."  The emphasis was to not quarrel over "non-essential matters."  Those things that brought about my quote years ago..."It's not of eternal value."  If its not keeping someone out of heaven, let it go! (Our dress, the use of alcohol, the style of worship music we like, the translation of the Bible we use.) Two key verses we focused on were  Romans 14:17-18 MSG "Gods' kingdom isn't a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness' sake. It's what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy. Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ.  Do that and you'll kill two...

Celebrating 7 years with this one and waiting the arrival of son #3. April 21 " The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and  saves the crushed in spirit."   Psalm 34:18 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.  He counts the number of the stars, He calls them all by name."   Psalm 147:3-4 The One who knows every star by name knows every hurt in our heart. He also knows how to heal those hurts!  In a recent journal I was keeping, on one page the question was posed "List some of the ways God has healed past hurts in your life."  It stumped me! Then that realization thrilled me, for it caused me to recognize all the healing that had taken place over the years. We look forward to meeting the three babies this sweet couple lost to an earthly life in heaven one day.  We rejoice for the life about to be born. The move is coming along, but we are pretty worn out.  The combo of a wife ready to have a C-section in a week and a slow...

See the little blue bird in the window corner among my clutter.   Maybe she knows those are my yarn bags and she wants some good nesting materials. I should go scatter yarn bits in the yard. April 20 There has been a crazy little blue bird coming to my window in the morning around 6:45-7:15 AM. I decided to get up the other day and try to take a picture of her, but as I neared the window she flew away, so I stood quietly, in WAIT. Wait  for  the   Lord ; be strong, and let your heart take courage;  wait  for  the   Lord ! Psalm 27:14 I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in  the  exuberant earth. Stay with  God ! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with  God . Psalm 27:14 MSG As I stood there, a blue jay (the instigator of my bird fears) flew to a tree close by.  God said, "Fear not, I am with you. Although the enemy prowls around wanting to kill and destroy, greater AM I ...

April 19 The movers arrived at our daughters home in Charlottesville, VA 8AM yesterday.  A little later I walked through the door with the essentials...toilet paper, a sweet tea and PRAISE MUSIC! The massive unpacking project began.  The movers were here  unloading and putting beds together for 11 hours!!!!  Around 11:30AM we were head high in boxes, when two precious friends from the lake walked through the door and said they were here for two days to help!!!!  I couldn't believe it and my daughter, who is 10 days away from a c-section,  burst into tears, sobbing with gratitude. Truly, one of the kindest, most unselfish and generous gifts I have ever received in my life.  These two are really being the hands and feet of Jesus.  We will never forget this and they are making a an exhausting, daunting task seem doable by their smiling presence and encouragement. "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonis...

April 18 The moving van is to arrive at 8AM.  A home is being hatched, but hopefully not a baby for another ten days. Here's a great song for the chaotic days of life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnjeMwxFuBA "I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds."  Psalm 9:1 If I go missing, I'm probably somewhere in this beautiful house.

April 17 (Sorry, yesterday's post had issues. It should be in order now, before this one.) When God is moving I don't want anything to interrupt the Spirit!  I was praying for my three close friends with cancer and decided to just text them my prayer.  It was similar to this Lord before I close my eyes tonight I want to pray for those I love battling the unknowns of cancer. Give them the hope, strength and courage they need for each day. Comfort them with Your presence as you whisper into their minds of your love for them. Remind them that there are fabulous angels encamped around them. May every cancer cell in their bodies be cast out and replaced by good ones with your mighty hand. Thank You for your promise that you will never leave us or forsake us whatever each day brings. I ask that their dreams tonight be joy filled and cause them to smile in their sleep and that tomorrow holds treasures and experiences that totally amaze them. In Jesus Name, with Love, Amen I ...

April 16 ( This entry posted someone else on the site yesterday. Sorry. Recently, I met some friends for an afternoon of fellowship and the activity was to bring a  family heirloom to share about.  The items were varied, but each thing quite valuable to its owner. My husband has reminded me from time to time that the value of something is determined by the price someone is willing to pay for it. This sentimental woman would beg to differ. Each time he makes that comment I process how valuable we all are, because of what Christ paid for us.   Paul says in Galatians 4:3-5,  "I greet you with great words, grace and peace!  We know the meaning of those words because Jesus Christ rescued us from this evil world we're in by offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins.  God's plan is that we all experience that rescue.  Glory to God forever! Oh, yes!" Small talk can lead to a comparison game, revealing what our he...

April 15 I don't usually post on Sundays, but it has been one of those "Jumping Jupiter Jesus is right here!" moments.  While reading a scripture card a friend had given me... "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4...I journaled, "Father, I don't know what my desires are, but your word for me today is ACTION. I gather it is time to move forward with a ministry opportunity you've had on my heart for fifteen months." Increase my faith! Opening Mark Batterson's Draw the Circle  devotional book to this morning's reading, the moment  clearly continued. God had my attention.  The day's title "SPELL IT OUT." The verse: " What do you want me to do for you?"  Matthew 20:32 God was speaking straight out to me through Batterson's words.  He related the story where Jesus and the disciples were stopped by two blind men who shouted out, "Lord, Son of Davi...

My man keeps life light and laughter filled. When he saw this toy gun and stuffed bear in the same room that brain just went to work. He said, " I know you can find a way to write about this!" April 13 We are so blessed to be Americans and have the freedoms that we do.  Personally, I forget to thank God everyday that we live in a country where we have so many "We are able to's..."  We are able to worship where we choose. We are able to pray in Jesus' name. We are able to educate our children where we choose. We are able to vote. We are able to choose a career path. We are able to have as many children as God provides. We are able to make more choices than we probably want to have to make! We are able to rest at night because we have men and women who chose to put their lives on the line to protect those freedoms. When we consider these blessings we should thank God for the privilege to be Americans and accept the responsibil...

Steal my heart away! This one knows he is loved. "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. "   Ephesians 5:1 April 12 "We are His beloved children- cared for, ransomed, welcomed, protected, defended, disciplined, and  comforted by a Father who goes before us. We are His beloved children, and that truth makes all the difference today if we let it sink in."  Ruth Chou Simons Do you feel loved?  If you are spending anytime at all in God's Word, anytime in praise and worship, it would be hard not to experience the love of God.  Just taking a moment to process the sacrifice that was made equates to receiving a deep, deep love. " In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."   1 John 4:10 " For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"...

This little lump of love has just recently gotten his land legs and now has a steady stance. He waves to everyone...or is praising the Lord a lot. April 11 Do you get excited when you are studying God's Word?  I certainly do!  Recently, while reading in Habakkuk I was overwhelmed with elation.  Who knew this little book with the crazy name would have so many wonderful nuggets! "I will stand on my guard post and station myself on the rampart; and I will keep watch and see what He (God) will speak to me."   Habakkuk 2:1 When I read this verse, I thought, "What is it I am willing to stand on my guard post for?"  Standing guard over these grands is a definite.  If I had concern for the security of my home, I would stand firm  and protect it.  I laughed as I thought about the times I widened my stance and stood watch over seats for a concert, graduation, church service etc.  I've even stood guard over a parking place! And for sur...

These two are very different! April 10 Our pastor is preaching a series called "It's Complicated." Below is an email I sent to our small group who gathers after church to discuss the sermon. The prayer I wrote was taken from these passages: Matthew 6:33 Luke 10:27 Ephesians  4:31-32; 5:1-2, 8, 10 The email: In my quiet time this morning, God’s lesson for me came in His gentle reminder that we really are not in control of much surrounding our lives. What we do control are our actions and responses to others and to circumstances.  In the past couple weeks, I’ve been reminded we have no control over when babies will be born, when cancer comes into a life, or death takes a loved one away.  We have no control over April snow showers, when builders complete houses, flat tires or traffic. We also have no control over what others think or say about us. We do have control over how much time we invest in our relationship with Christ and our ability to be DIFFEREN...

April 9 It's 5AM April 9th, the outdoor spot lights are on, so I can watch the SNOW fall.  It's going to be a while before the lake warms up at this rate. Did you grow up with a place in your home where one of your parents measured your growth by a mark on the wall? Ours was the kitchen door frame and I just loved it when my Daddy would have me back up for my new mark. Then he'd take out his tape measure and we'd see how much I'd grown! God's Word is our spiritual measuring stick.  It's the tool of absolute truth to test and approve what God's will is-good, pleasing and perfect will. " Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 How do we measure up?  Let's open the Word of God for a revelation!

April 6 " You're all I want in heaven!  You're all I want on earth!  When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful. Look!  Those who left you are calling apart! Deserters, they'll never be heard from again. But I'm in the very presence of God-oh, how refreshing it is! I've made Lord God my home. God, I'm telling the world what you do!"   Psalm 73:25-26 I need this verse today.  Yesterday afternoon, I rushed our 36 weeks pregnant daughter to a hospital labor and delivery about an hour away.  She had been in pain, not labor, all day.  The doctors were concerned she might have preeclampsia. The tests were negative and she is back here resting with us. " You're all I want in heaven!  You're all I want on earth! At 9AM this morning, one of my closest friends will undergo surgery for breast cancer at the same hospital where our daughter was yesterday.  Knowing a section was a real possibil...

Posted by Sanibel Community Church April 5 "Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor.  He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God."   Hebrews 12:2 It was difficult to keep my eyes on Jesus this past week, because we had this bunch home and I wanted to take in every moment of interaction between them that my eyes could behold. On day 5, I realized "I've not had quiet time with Jesus."  When this happens the prayer category of young parents pops up and I pray, "Jesus, Help them make the time to be with you Jesus." Reading the Hebrews verse above, I reflected on the sacrificial kind of love Paul is speaking of. I would willingly give my life for anyone in the picture above.  It would be easy to offer up, because I'm in relationship with these peeps!  We have a deep connection. Think of those we love dee...

April 16 Recently, I met some friends for an afternoon of fellowship and the activity was to bring a  family heirloom to share about.  The items were varied, but each thing quite valuable to its owner. My husband has reminded me from time to time that the value of something is determined by the price someone is willing to pay for it. This sentimental woman would beg to differ. Each time he makes that comment I process how valuable we all are, because of what Christ paid for us.   Paul says in Galatians 4:3-5, "I greet you with great words, grace and peace!  We know the meaning of those words because Jesus Christ rescued us from this evil world we're in by offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins.  God's plan is that we all experience that rescue.  Glory to God forever! Oh, yes!" Small talk can lead to a comparison game, revealing what our hearts really value. Where do you work?  W...

These beautiful photos were taken at an Easter sunrise service by a neighbor of mine. April 4 My husband works at our church on a very part time basis. In an email to our connect group leaders he shared a recap of what happened Easter Sunday.  Such a good message, I wanted to share it with you. He wrote: "Although the 8:30am service had a good group, but certainly not as many in attendance, God moved in a mighty but different way. After a time of worship and praise, the video of Pastor Stan's recored message began to play... with NO sound. Immediate attempts to restart were made but to no avail.  Although it was an "uh oh, what now" moment, without hesitation, our campus pastor, Mark,  jumped up on stage, pulled over the pulpit and simply said open your bibles to John 20 and we'll look at the account of the resurrection. He then began to share a remarkable sermon. In retrospect, I am absolutely convinced it was a providential appointm...

April 3 This Piper passage passed before me recently: "To me the greatest news in all the world is that God has designed a universe in which God's God-centeredness is the foundation of my infinite joy."  John Piper Famed physicist, Stephen Hawking, died last month.  He was known for his research on the Big Bang theory and black holes.  One article reported, "He also took a jab at religion, saying, "I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail.  There is not heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark."  To that I reply, "The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? "  Psalm 27:1 Jesus is not a fairy story and I am not afraid of the dark, because the Light of Christ lives in me. Jesus is alive and active in my life today.  He supplies all my needs.  He...