Boojoyful

January 12 One of our sons came in our bedroom the other day and Moses, our bulldog, crept over and placed his paw on our son's foot in an effort to keep him there. Do you ever feel like the hand of God is on you saying, "Stop, stay here with Me." God loves us too much to want us to go our own way. Elisabeth Elliott Before we start a fresh it is in our best interest to STOP, DROP & ROLL. Stop trudging ahead with our own plans. Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10 Drop to our knees and seek the Lord in prayer. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Psalm 95:6 Roll , by faith, with where we hear the Lord leading us and start fresh in radical obedience. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 Pray: Lord, You are our refuge and our fortress...our God in whom we trus...

The Peaks of Otter, Virginia in the background. HEAVEN "The native language of heaven is the laughter of joy." Terry Lindvall January 11 In addition to morning devotions, I decided to read Charles Spurgeon's Evening by Evening each night before I retire. Last night's entry was thrilling. It was based on a comment made by Job and is found in Job chapter 19,verse 26, and relates to heaven. NOW here is the ultimate fresh start! wOOt! In my flesh shall I see God. Spurgeon so eloquently writes: "Note the subject of Job's devout anticipation: 'I will see God.' He does not say, 'I will see the saints'-though, doubtless, that will be untold happiness-but, 'I will see God.' It is not, 'I will see the pearly gates, I will behold the walls of jasper; I will gaze upon the crowns of gold, ' but 'I will see God.' This is the sum and substance of heaven' this is the joyful hope of all believers....Christ will be ...

Need a little praise in your pocket? Join me at: http://mentormemoments.blogspot.com/ for 31 Days of Praise excerpts by Ruth Myers.

January 10 "Join us at the bar for a party, " the physical therapist called out to a young woman sitting on the stationary bike. She is a civilian who has just returned from working for the military in Afghanistan. While there she severely broke her leg. The bar is simply a chrome contraption used to steady those rehabilitating , while various leg lifts are done. Wincing and wobbling would be the best way to describe those of us gathered in hopes of restoring our health. It is certainly not a quick fix for anyone there. Fresh starts take time, persistence, a willing heart and a whole lot of "RE" words. "The only way to bring about real change in your behavior is to renew your mind to God's truth. To make this thing called life work, we gotta lean and support, and relate and respond. And give and take and confess and forgive. And reach out and embrace." Charles Swindoll Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psa...

January 9 There are days you just know the devil is knocking at your door. It sounded as if someone was outside my bedroom hammering on the house. There was no one on the patio, but when I opened the window I saw a woodpecker pecking away at our cross! "Be GONE, in the mighty name of Jesus," I shouted! The two old blue jays in the bare crepe myrtle tree below chuckled at the ole fellow getting caught! The devil pecks away at our hearts as well. He tries desperately to delay Fresh Starts. He likes to keep us worn down and comfortable in our old ways. Bitterness, jealousy, discontentment and fear are some of his favorite coverings in which he desires to keep us coated. "Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does unlock the future!" Richard Exley Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you....

January 7-8 "We yearn for a fresh start. We pray for a hand that will enter the dark cavern of our world and do for us the one thing we can't do for ourselves-make us right again." Max Lucado A fresh start is similar to puzzle working. The pieces are dumped there before you You turn all the pieces/prospects over trying to get the best perspective. The task ahead looks daunting, but most things in life require hard work. Sorting out priorities (like straight edges) is a good starting point. The framework is laid, often in our own strength and without too much effort. Then a point comes when we need a plan, a guideline, some instruction. The author of Psalm 119 may be unknown, but he was obviously a passionate Israelite who wanted to pass along the worth of God's word as an instruction manuel in this longest psalm written. My Bible is highlighted with action verb phrases which make a perfect prayer for us this weekend: Lord.... Open my eyes that I may see wonderful ...

January 6 Young parent alert! Incorporate this specific into your family rules....if you use the last paper towel... piece of toilet paper.... or tissue in the box, please throw out the old container or roll and replace it with a NEW one! Most fresh starts require, some initiation, a bit of effort, and stepping into the unknown. God clears the underbrush ahead and guides us down special paths beaten just for us through thickets of time and uncertainty. Leslie Williams Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Proverbs 4:10-12 Pray: Lord of heaven and earth, You are the author of fresh starts every day! Forgive us when we forget who You are and allow hopelessness to overwhelm us. When life seems to be coming up empty may we place our hand on our heart and feel the beats You have given us for toda...