Boojoyful

April 1 A goal for April is to photograph a different cross for each day leading up to Easter and to try to guide us to a deeper appreciation for the sacrifice that was made for us. "He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; by taking our punishment, he made us completely well.  All of us were like sheep that had wandered off.  We have each gone our own way, but the Lord gave him the punishment we deserved."  Isaiah 53:5-6  CEV  Take time today to mentally absorb some of these statements concerning what we've done and what has been done for us. He was wounded and crushed because or our sins . Taking our punishment. He made us completely well . All of us.. .had wandered off. We have each gone our own way, 

Want this on my front door. March 30-31 We are forever learning.  A recent lesson of mine came with conviction. "When you become successful, don't say, 'I'm rich, and I've earned it all myself.  Instead, remember that the Lord your God gives you the strength  to make a living.'"   Deuteronomy 8:17-18 I've never been one to pretend that my husband's and my hard work afforded us the opportunity to buy Shiloh.  We've been very upfront that it was a generous gift from a very giving heart and the hard work of my father and grandfather.  As I read this passage, conviction grabbed my heart! I've given the so much praise to earthly men, when in truth it is all a gift from God! We can be quick to make idols out of others.  The adoration I've had for my earthly father, should in no way compare to the adoration I have for God. #foreverlearning Oh, praise God's name forever.

March 29 Last night I had a great conversation with one of our grandsons concerning the Devil's trickery. We discuss the way devices (computers, phones, iPads) lure us away from relationship building, one on one conversations, and paving the way for sharing the gospel. He said, "Satan gets into people's minds and convinces they to play video games." Satan gets in our minds and convinces us of a lot of things, doesn't he. " Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."   Ephesians 6:10-11 " Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."  Psalm 9:10

March 28 Studying the life of the young King Solomon is a blessing.  He could have asked God for anything and he asked for an understanding mind to govern God's people, so that he could discern between good and evil.  (We all need that!) He went on to ask for wisdom, instruction and understanding.  God gave him that and so much more! Continuing on in 1 Kings 4 I recognized two things.  Solomon was a delegator and a rewarder of hard work.  He used God's gift of wisdom to choose men to help him rule and in Ecclesiastes 5:18 he writes this: " Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him." There are many places we can apply this.  In our churches, our businesses, our children's school work, our family chores, etc.  It's alright to enjoy the rewards of hard work! I never realized th...

March 27 "Grasshopper vision is what happens when our eyes look at our problems or obstacles in regard to their intimidating size or our own personal inadequacy, rather than looking at them in regard to the greatness and the all-sufficient power of our God.  People with grasshopper visit view God in proportion to the enormity of their problems rather than viewing their problems in contrast to the size of their God."  Jimmie Larche  I need this reminder! Again and again in the Old Testament, battles approached with the "We can conquer!" plan were lost and those led by men seeking God and trusting in his plan tasted victory. While I've never marched in an army, I've been in battles.  While helping a young woman years ago, who came to live with us, face the anguish of anorexia I learned the importance of surrendering.  It was only two weeks into the plan of being perky and planning pretty meals that the daily failure I saw, had me crying...

March 26 It was a devil dart day.  A stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnosis for someone I dearly love. Disappointment in numerous other areas and vertigo returning to me with a large class to teach the next day.  As my husband and I discussed all that had happened and were getting ready to pray I said, "Jesus, just come back tonight." He agreed saying, "Yes, that would be the simplest solution." If you are reading this, it didn't happen.

This little one has a good, good spirit and exhibits the fruit  March 26 It's been wonderful to see the sunshine this past week, even with March winds blowing.  In Utah it's been awhile since they've seen anything but snow.  This little ones loves life wherever she is though. Four year olds may be my favorite age! They are so honest and so tuned in to life! At church I enjoy hanging out in the 3-4 year old class.  They speak from their hearts and are little sponges excited to soak up learning. Their prayers are sincere and powerful. Engage a four year old today! "God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled.  There is no law against behaving in any of these ways."   Galatians 5:22-23

This friend is our grandson's godfather. March 25 I've mentioned we have close friends and the husband is facing a big health battle.  He's one of those friends who is ALWAYS there for you. Two years ago in April, I had the amazing privilege of praying with this gentleman to receive Christ.  Here come the tears.  It was one of my life's most humbling unexpected blessings. His spiritual growth and love for the Lord have increased daily. Now he's the one who doesn't leave my presence without praying for me. (An email from him actually just dinged in as I'm typing!) In my journal a couple weeks ago was Philippians 4:4. This friend's name could have been right there in the margin, for this is the attitude with which he is living. "Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad ." The passage goes on to say:  " Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here. Don’t worry about anything, but pray about e...

March 23-24 We embarked on a parenting class at our church with 63 parents!  They are amazing and fill us with such hope for the future. For our theme song I have chosen Unfinished  by Mandisa We are all unfinished masterpieces of God. Have a wonderful weekend with lots of Jesus time outs! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejycllx5iwA We can all say, "He's still working on me!"

The defender becomes the doctor. Congratulations for a job well done and a wonderful wife who has stood by you! March 22 Yesterday, one of our sons had the privilege of defending his dissertation, after the lengthy process of seeking a doctoral degree.  He sat alone, while a panel of professors questioned him and his wife watched the process. My guess it was more grueling than my husband and I sweating out his senior speech in high school. As I thought of the word, defense , I regaled in the fact that we never stand or sit alone.  By accepting Jesus as Lord of our lives we have an ever present Defender and a guide and comforter in the Holy Spirit. "You help everyone in need, and you defend them when they are on trial."   Psalm 109:31 Amen!  Thank You Jesus!

Knowing what God says about us, makes us soar! March 21 What are the areas of your life where you questions if you are enough? Could it be in parenting?  Could it be in your area of employment or your marriage? Sitting by the hospital bed of my husband's 95 year old father, I've definitely had feelings of not being able to do enough. Three floors down in the same hospital, I'm watching a close friend struggle to figure out how to care for her husband with huge medical needs.  It's exhausting.  Feeling very fatigued and going on little sleep I realized in two days I'd let myself disconnect from a surrendering to the Holy Spirit.  My joy was waining, because my joy was in externals not in the internal peace of Christ.   I opened Biblegateway to the verse of the day which read: "Be like newborn babies who are thirsty for the pure spiritual milk that will help you grow and be saved.  You have already found out how good the Lord really i...

St Paddy's Day Snuggles March 20 What is it God is calling you to that you just don't think you are able to make it through? A job situation, an illness, a rebellious child, or marriage lacking love and respect? Maybe it's the neighbor you have to pass everyday whom you've had a spat with and reconciliation seems impossible, so you're just praying they move away. " for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" 2 Timothy 1:7 Who do we say God is?  Have we called on Him as our Sustainer? " Our Lord, we belong to you. We tell you what worries us, and you won't let us fall." Psalm 55:22 Do we believe He is our Covenant Keeper? "  You know that the Lord your God is the only true God. So love him and obey his commands, and he will faithfully keep his agreement with you and your descendants for a thousand generations."  Deuteronomy 7:9 Are we amazed by what He has done and what He says? ...

Not really a preference between the beans and rice. These bibs are amazing! March 19 The word came clearly to me after studying in Genesis 37 where Joseph's brothers had tossed him in a cistern and then opted to sell him into slavery. Preference- a greater liking of one thing/person over another. Jacob had set his favorite son up for this torment, by showing a preference for him over his brothers and igniting intense jealousy. "For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. "       Proverbs 6:34                                                         A powerful passage for us to engrain on our hearts and teach to our children and grandchildren is found in Philippians 2:3-8 "Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider other more important than yourselves.  Care ab...

Probably the first selfie we ever took together. We were out in our hammock. March 18 So, it's my man's birthday and I am so thankful to have him.  Many of you know his 95 year old father, Timer. Well, he fell again yesterday and felt sure he had broken his hip as he could not walk.  We went to Roanoke and took him by ambulance to the ER. It is not broken, but the doctors said they could not release him to home until he can walk.  So, PT begins tomorrow and most likely a rehab center. Please pray for God's guidance and peace for everyone in the days ahead. A girlfriend, celebrating her 60th birthday,  was visiting this past weekend.  My gift to her was a group of scripture verses that we turned into prayers for her life.    “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.” (His mama would say, Amen) Jo...

This photo is of our son and his wife when they came to visit me in Nashville in after I had the stroke. March 16-17 I accidentally came up this video, but it brought back to memory our son's tragic car accident years ago.  Our two youngest sons were at Young Life camp and they were taken to the camp office to receive a call from us telling them about what had happened. Our 17 year old son left that phone conversation and told his counselor that he really thought his brother was dead and we were just letting them finish the week at camp.  He said, "If that is the case than I am jealous of him, because he is with Jesus." That statement spread across the country to all the Young Life camps and had a huge impact on campers and counselors.  Our son had a broken neck, but he did survive and God did get glory! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHiH1NytwjM

Cameron Jane Andrews March 15th "Be joyful always." 1 Thessalonians 5:16 It's especially easy on the days you get a new grandchild. We thank You, God, for the gift of precious Cameron and pray she will draw near to You, so You will draw near to her all the days of her life.  In Jesus' Name Amen

March 14 One of the funniest church lady conversations convened recently in our church lobby. If there were eavesdroppers in the crowd they were greatly entertained.  The ladies were talking about needing their coffee. I explained I'd never had a cup.  One lady said, "I drink all the time!" I chuckled wondering if she meant coffee. Then the other lady said, "I carry a flask!"  The mouths of both lady #1 and myself dropped open.  "Do you have coffee in it?" She shook her head, "No."  "Whiskey?" "No, olive oil."  "OLIVE OIL," we exclaimed. Then lady number one questions, "Is it for lubrication?" Oh, my!  And this is the pastor's wife they are talking to.  She explained that olive oil is good for your brain and she takes two swigs a day.  "The flask fits perfectly in my purse," she went on to add.  We met later in the week, so I could get a picture of this flask. I didn't want ...

My favorite photo so far for 2019 March 13 I'm just realizing that my intrigue with herons, must be because I relate to their long legs. A girlfriend, who winters in Florida, posted this photo last week of this family crossing the street. What an incredible thought that God values and knows the precise needs of every creature He has breathed life into. He can call every creation by name.  That alone points to the enormity of God. One of our grandsons has tweaked my name a bit during his lifetime. Instead of Mama Boo, when he was very young I was "Abu" (like the monkey in Aladdin) and now at seven years old he has shorten Mama Boo, to Mom Boo.  I love to hear him call me! One day we will see Jesus face to face and he will call us by name. " But if anyone loves God, he is known by Him."   1 Corinthians 8:3 " But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob. And he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have ...

Our Steelers QB pondering what to do in his off season. March 12 Riding in the car with a couple of twelve year old girls recently, I chuckled to myself as they laid out their life plans.  Where they were going to college, how much money they would make at the careers they were pursuing, etc.  They had their lives figured out and the lives of some of their siblings as well.  Years ago we sat in a shopping center parking lot with our children's youth pastor who felt God was calling him to plant a church in our area. We were so excited and prayed fervently.  A church plant for that young man did come to fruition and has flourished and multiplied, but in another town.  Seven years after that, we became part of a totally unrelated church plant in this area that God has blessed as well.  God's plans go forward!  At this point in my life I only want to exert time and energy in the things that are of the Lord, so seeking i...

March 11 We visited a friend recently and listened as he shared news from his doctor that there was no cure for the ways his body was deteriorating; only ways to make him more comfortable.  He loves the Lord and as tears dripped down, over an incredible smile on his face, he shared the mixed emotions he was feeling.  I love a friend who is real with you! We walked out into the night with mixed emotions as well.  We don't want to do life without this friend, but we certainly don't want him to suffer.  As I awaken the next morning and opened Biblegateway for the verse of the day my jaw dropped. God you just blow me away time and time again. This is definitely the verse for such a time as this!!! “In heaven I have only you, and on this earth you are all I want. My body and mind may fail, but you are my strength and my choice forever.”   Psalm 73:25-26 (CEV) I took this verse to a local shop and had it engrav...

Missing these two who live in Louisiana. The artist and the author. March 9-10 A friend shared that her husband had stopped eating and drinking and now hospice was making him comfortable.  I drove to the memory care facility where he has been living and entered his room where he lay alone waiting for Jesus. Although he never opened his eyes, as I prayed over this precious man, who is loved by God, he kept lifting his hand and I know he heard me.  I spoke of Jesus' love for him and the hope of heaven. I also spoke of the love so many of us have for his wife and promised we would take care of her and walk alongside her while she remains here on earth. Shortly after I left the wife called me to say she was running late and was sorry she missed me. Then she burst into tears.  Profusely, she began to apologize for her tears.  I reminded her God created our tears with a purpose, so to let them flow right out. Opening up Biblegateway's verse of the...

March 8 As my husband went through a church call to be the campus pastor of our church, I lacked confidence in what that meant for both of us.  Again and again I would awaken and say "God I can't do this! I don't want us to do this!"  He affirmed that I could not do what we were being called to do, but I could lean on Him and his Holy Spirit to show us step by step how to answer this call.  My confidence would not be found in my abilities, but in my faith in God and his abilities.  Confidence- firm trust; a feeling certain about the truth of something. Where is your confidence lacking?   The old saying goes: "If God has called you to it, God will see you through it." "We have a great high priest who is in charge of God's house. So let's come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith.  Let's keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water.  We must  hold ti...

This sweet family of ours received a much needed vacation after a couple tough months. March 7 A couple of the healthiest treats I do for myself are reflexology and chiropractic treatments by two talented, praying, Christian women.  For three months we were on the go with holiday visits to family, traveling for baby sitting, and some burdens I was carrying for others which kept me away from these luxuries.  Last week, I made it to both appointments.  Encouraging these two women in their careers and praying over then when I visit has been a privilege the past couple years.  As I walked into my reflexology appointment my friend said, "God has told me to do things differently today.  There will be no talking.  I want you to work on your breathing and let everything go."   As I laid on that table with her working on my feet, I began to relax and recite scripture in my mind.   I had no idea how stressed out I had really become.  At one poin...

This little one will be a big brother soon. March 6 I’ve shared what a basket case I was for two months while going through the process of my husband being called to be a full time campus pastor at our church. Several times I told him I was not cut out for this. One time God replied, “I know you’re not. That’s why you will have to rely on Me.”  Good words and a much needed reminder. Well, the section of Stormie Omarian prayers we are in now for the wife are titled “Her Emotions.”  It’s just what I needed to hear my husband praying for me. The day of the church vote we were traveling to Charlottesville to baby sit for the day. I was an emotional mess!  Fear had a hold of me. My husband finally pulled off the road and said, “Boo, I am nauseous.  These feelings you are having are not from the Lord, we need to pray.” I’m thankful for his wisdom.  And that was before he had received this little book and this perfect prayer! "Lord, I am so gratefu...

So good to see these cousins together at Disney. March 5 As a child did you say this blessing... "God is good, God is great, let us thank him for our food. By His hands we all are fed. We thank him for our daily bread, Amen?" The next generation sang the Johnny Appleseed blessing... "Oh, the Lord's been good to me and so I thank the Lord, for giving me the things I need, the sun and the rain and the appleseed. The Lord's been good to me.  Amen!" Somewhere in the mix was: "Thank you for the world so sweet, thank you for the food we eat.  Thank you for the birds that sing, thank you God for everything. Amen" God is good and God is great! I read a She Reads Truth article about the difference. "To say God is great is to focus on His power: He speaks creation into existence, makes the skies thunder and rain, and sets the planets in their orbits. But to say God is good is different; it is not just another way of recognizing His powe...