Boojoyful

 Wisconsin....Michigan...VA Tech  VA Tech.....America.....Duke July 2 Cruising the cove in the kayak, it was fun to inspect the various flags flying on people's docks.  These flags captured the identity of these individuals...whether as proud Americans or faithful college fans, they were making a statement of their allegiance! Maybe instead of the fish symbol on the back of our cars we should get those little magnetic flags with the Christian symbol!  Do any of you fly a Christian flag at your home?   If we had these flying then it would be easier for our Christian brothers and sisters to find a place of hospitality if they are out sojourning, as described in 3 John 1:5. Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible.  They've made a full report back to the church here, a message about your love.  It's good work you're doing, helping these travelers on...

July 1st Launching out in our yellow kayak, the memories of years gone by flowed back across my mind as I thought of 4th of July weeks on this wonderful lake since childhood. At 7AM there was little left on each dock signaling the rods cast, cannonballs let loose from the boathouse roofs and laughter exploding from the day before.  An occasional wet towel, a tube or kayak hung in wait for another day's activities and on one dock an empty bottle of Jim Beam and a squirt bottle of mustard.  It would probably be afternoon before those fellows rolled out of their home to greet another day. How do we greet an ordinary day?  Check out what Romans 12:1-3 has to say in The Message. Place Your Life Before God So here's what I want you to do, God helping you:  Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking-around life-and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can d...

June 29-30 Last night, after enjoying a delightful outdoor dinner with friends, we scurried home and boarded our pontoon boat to try to capture an 8:42 sunset.  As we idled out of our cove, the excitement of what this week holds for "lake goers" came into play as we passed docks adorned with our American flag and youngsters swimming at dusk!  I decided to take this week ahead and hopefully capture through the lens of my camera what it means to be an American living on a lake in the mountains of SW Virginia! Recently, during a Bible study here at our home, some controversial social issues were being discussed. The  judgmental  phrase was tossed out and I replied that the Bible is pretty black and white on sin issues.  Then I mentioned that historically, God has removed his hand from nations who remove themselves from His ways.  One woman was not happy with me for the comment and stated I was trying to invoke fear. Personally, I am not fearful of Jesu...

June 28 My husband and I just went for a lovely, pre-heat walk. Chatting away, we chuckled at the polite ways people phrase their disagreements. You know...in a fashion which places the discussion on the back burner. After your comment they may respond, "That's a thought."  "Hmm, lot's to think about."  "I'm not sure I've ever considered that." Our daughter-in-love (better than daughter in law) has taught her children incredibly polite manners.  One of my favorites comes into play if you are eating at someone's home and they offer you a dish you'd prefer not to eat.  Instead of saying, "Ewww, I don't like that," you politely say, "It's not my favorite!"  My husband and I are learning that works well in numerous "choice" categories....TV shows, clothing options, etc. God created us with the freedom to choose, but Jesus doesn't mince words when it comes to the qualifications for ge...

 Happy 2nd Anniversary to this cute couple this week. Happy 33rd Birthday to this sweet girl today. Happy First Birthday to this little man today! June 27 This morning I awakened and inquired, "Are you there God?"  "I'm right here my child," he said.  Then immediately my cell phone gave a "ding".  I must have received an email, but it was as if God was sending a confirmation of His presence. It made me smile! I've learned that it is not always for me to know what God is up to at a certain moment.  Obedience is where the action is and I am to obey His lead, even when I have not a clue where the finish line lays. Late last night, as my lids were drooping, I was hanging out in Biblegateway placing the Word of God on my mind as I drifted to sleep. This passage from The Message, which David wrote, spoke to me. I'm thanking you, God, from a full heart, I'm writing the book on your wonders, I'm whistling, laughing, and jumpi...

June 26 About a year ago, I challenged myself to learn something (any little nugget) new every day. This devotional thought for today has challenged me to learn something new in the Bible every day! A woman attending the "One in a Million" Bible Study I'm hosting confessed at dinner Monday night that she had really only been coming for some fellowship and to meet some other Christian women. She was not interested in doing the study part. Then when she was put on the spot by an email laying out some questions that would be discussed over dinner, she realized she would actually have to do the study.  In the midst of studying, the Lord impressed upon her heart that He was not finished teaching her here on earth! Another woman shared how she did not like the study, because it was stepping on her toes....pointing out too many areas of needed improvement. No matter our age, may we all be spurred on to "go" to Bible Study and church and continue to "grow...

 My great nephew trying to steady himself and not fall in the creek! June 25 Nik Wallenda made me sick to my stomach Sunday night as he tight rope walked over the Grand Canyon.  Squeezing my husband's hand, I said over and over again during those 22 minutes... "Why is he doing this?  This is crazy." Nik and his Dad were connected by an audio device. Nik continually thanked Jesus and called on God to calm the winds!  His father constantly encouraged him..."You're doing great. Steady as you go." In Bible study last night, Priscilla referred to a needed travel technique for wilderness times as a "Steady as We Go" approach.  She stated we can learn to appreciate the wilderness times in our lives by anticipating how wonderful the end of them is going to be! You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.  You're blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.  That's r...