Boojoyful

Today, let's hang out in Ephesians Chapter 6 and reflect on how God equips us for times like this.  His Word is clear that we will have trials, suffering, and even death, but we don't have to face those alone. Let's look at what we need to "put on" and how we can choose to allow the Lord to equip us. Ephesians 6:14 in the CEV begins by saying "Be ready!" Our leaders are being blasted for not being ready for what has happened.  Don't even get me started on my feelings about anyone being negative at a time like this.  God is fully aware that throughout our lives we will be "hit" with situations we have never experienced before. I bet you could reel off ten quickies in life where you have not been prepared for what was to come. (Marriage, childbirth, illnesses never before experienced, loss of job, stock markets plummeting, being falsely accused, death of a loved one, fear of attack, taking care of a home and a yard, physically lost, s

Standing on the promises I cannot fall, Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call Resting in my Savior as my all in all, Standing on the promises of God. 2 Peter 1:4 “ And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”  2 Corinthians 1:20   For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.  How would you respond if someone approached you today and asked, "What are the promises of God?"  Here are some quick answers we might give...can we back them up with scripture? God loves us unconditionally.      Romans 8:37-39      " In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us.    I am          sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or dea

Love the lake reflection of the bare winter trees in this photo. What do you reflect upon?  Reflect: "Think deeply or care about; embody or represent (something) in a faithful or appropriate way." Oh, my. Read that definition again.  We live in a world that watches don't we? How are we representing Christ as his followers during this trying time? Think deeply on... Who God is. .. " On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God."   Psalm 62:7 How God has provided. . " Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need." Luke 12:31 " And my God will fully supply your every need according to his glorious riches in the Messiah Jesus."   Philippians 4:19 Whatever is.. . " Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, hold, friendly, and proper.  Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worth of praise. "

Knowing there has been a battle going on here at Shiloh for our health, a friend sent the clip art above with a verse of encouragement. For the past three weeks I've had a tough battle with shingles, even feathers on my face would have hurt. At the same time, I've tried to care for my husband who has been battling an upper respiratory and sinus infection. Psalm 91:5 has brought me comfort. " Under Your wings, I will find rest for my weary soul."   If I wasn't sheltering in place, quarantined from my husband in the house, I'd print up that verse on cards and distribute it to as many healthcare workers as possible who are on the front lines. Might get that done yet. Psalm 91 begins with a reference to God's shadow.   "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." Looking up the word shadow  in the dictionary most of the references are in a negative context.  But a shadow can be a protectiv

The Scripture Trails at Shiloh The warm temperatures and quarantine situation called me outside to our scripture trials last Saturday.  I feel so blessed to live on 5 acres and have access to the solitude and silence the woods offer.  Add God's Word popping up to challenge you around every bend and you've got an awesome way to position yourself to hear from the Lord. If today affords you a little more time because you are staying put , use that time to memorize a scripture passage today that you can use in your arsenal to combat the discouragement that many are feeling. I have a specific prayer request for you.  For two nights in a row, the Lord awakened me with an urgency to pray for the physically and mentally abused. He pointed out that for many children school, a neighbor's house, or church are places of refuge which have been removed from them right now.  For some women, work is their safety net and they are either working from home or may

A walk around Shiloh reminded me God's mercies are new every morning. "The steadfast love of the  Lord  never ceases;   his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.' " Lamentations 3:22-24 He makes all things new! Revelation 21:5

Offer hospitalizing without gumbling. 1 Peter 4:9 Social distancing is not my modus operandi. It's cramping my style!  I'm a hugger, a welcome the strangers in kind of girl, but  God often calls us to the uncomfortable with a purpose! Hunker down with Jesus. I've been doing a coloring book filled with God's promises and will share some of those in the days ahead. Hold onto Jesus because He's holding onto you and let your light shine by sharing with someone else who you are holding onto. "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  "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control; against such there is no law." Galatians  5:22-23

Cups awaiting guest for a tea party. These are the strangest of times. It hit me last night, as I was knitting Easter eggs, right now we don't know what we can look forward to? Pulling up my March/April calendar I found myself deleting event after event.  The change began two weeks ago as our only winter getaway was cancelled.  This Sunday was supposed to be my husband's ordination and the house was to be filled with family and friends.   The long awaited wedding of the daughter of a life long friend....cancelled because no more than ten can gather. Birthday parties, sporting events, graduations, grandparents' day at schools, church and maybe even Easter Sunday service, celebrations of births and even farewells at funerals will not be held. No one knows when dates can once again be put on our calendars. God's Word tells us that no one, but the Father, knows when Jesus will return, but it's a given.  We can definitely look forward to that day and in

A coffee to meet some new ladies from our church. Being Known “ I know those I have chosen .” John 13:18 How would you say you are known by others? Recently, I was out of town attending a party and met a young woman. I inquired, "Now you are the wife of the pastor at such and such church, right?" She was offended that I referenced  her in that way and was quick to let me know.   While her reaction was less than warm and welcoming and showed a lack of contentment to what God has called her to as a pastor's wife at this time, it caused me to look more deeply at what makes us feel known. We were created with an innate desire to be known and in most cases we long to be desired. Well, we are!  We are known and desired for the deepest of relationship by our Creator. Psalm 139 You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me. You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts. You notice everythin

Pretend fishing with dried pampas grass The simple life. We've been so sick here, not sure what is what post wise. I just tried to post day one of a two part series on "Bygones" but it appears to have posted further down the site by March 16th?  So you will need to scroll down to read that one. Here is part 2. Trusting God to sort out all things in these crazy times.  He has his reasons for every detail of our lives. Our son who lives in Park City, Utah texted yesterday right after they had an earthquake in the middle of a snow storm. Part 2 of Bygones.  Be sure to go read Part 1 first. There are so many lost social courtesies.  What my generation knew and practiced as manners are a thing of the past...things gone bye! Did you know that March 10th was National Landline Day?  Surprised aren't you!  We still have a landline because of cell service is very spotty down in the mountain holler where we live.  Our grandsons were visiting and unfamiliar

These cuties are on my to do list. Happy Birthday to my main squeeze today. I haven't been able to squeeze him or even get near him for a week, as my immune system has been compromised with the shingles virus and he has been so sick with a cold, sore throat and fever himself.  Praise the Lord, yesterday at 4:45AM his fever broke and he is starting to feel better. A friend sent cupcakes, so maybe he can eat cake and ice cream tonight.  Just the two of us! There was this overwhelming sense of relief when I walked in the bedroom and after six days of misery and hardly opening his eyes he said, "I feel better!" Relief is described as "a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety and distress."   Isn't that what we are longing for on earth right now. Relief from this devastating repercussions of this virus.  My sister is awaiting the results of her test for the virus. Opening God's Word, singing praise, and bei

  I've probably shown you my Eggspresisons before. Which are you today? Happy, Excited, Afraid, Shy, Angry or Sad. Which ever it is, God is with you in that emotion. We have a grandson, and every time I tell this young man I love him, he quickly replies, "Love you more."  I say, "Not possible!"  He boomerangs back, "Possible!" We may be socially distanced, quarantined, and isolated from one another, but we are not separated from God's love. It's not possible!  Now there's a happy thought for today. "I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future,  and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord! " Romans 8:38-39 I turned on Pandora Sunday, during my prayer time, and these songs spoke right to the feelings many are having at this time.  Hope they encourage