Boojoyful

My sister and daughter here on a recent visit. Amazing women! Sunday night I was nestled on the couch with one of our sons and my husband to watch the Steelers game.  My stomach was in knots as this was our QB's first game after the concussion he received three weeks ago.  The first pass he threw was an interception. UGH.  The majority of the first half was disappointing for him.  I simply muttered out loud, "Lord, this is not good."  God replied, "Where is your faith, woman ?" Woman? He's never called me woman. What was that all about? The second half was much better and the Steelers scored 27 straight points to win the game. But the woman  comment stayed with me.  I remembered a couple times Jesus addressed his mother Mary, as "woman."  So a went searching for the reason. Here's an audio response. https://www.amazingfacts.org/media-library/media/e/1172/f/6/t/why-did-jesus-call-mary--woman--instead-of-mother- Everything I read e...

We were driving home early one foggy morning from PA. We'd been jolted and shaken by the first time experience of hitting a deer.  Dawn had broken and my head was looking down, as I worked on a Bible study lesson. My husband chimed, "Look up! Get your camera." The illusion was incredible.  It was as if we were going to drive off a road that went into the abyss. As we went further down the mountain you could see the highway curves to the left and what we were seeing was actually a run away truck ramp. The thick fog covered whatever was beyond. In our minds, we don't possess the ability to see what lies ahead for us in eternity, but I know it is going to be an amazing scene! "And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass."   Revelation 21:21

This year I have witnessed more friends than ever have to say farewell to people they love. I began making these heart bookmarks to give them that have one single word written on them.   Remember Remember words that were spoken, remember the memories you shared, remember the things you laughed and cried over with this person.  Then thank God for giving them to you for a season. "I thank my God  when I remember you in my prayers."   Philemon 1:4 We study God's Word to remember who He is, what He has done, and pass on the Good News of what He promises to do. "Remember the wondrous works that he has done,  his miracles and the judgements he uttered."   1 Chronicles 16:12 "Remember his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations." 1 Chronicles 16:15

The whole room of adults chuckled as these three grands came up from the basement donning costume after costume from a stash of dress up clothes that are 30 years old!  Transforming ourselves through costumes and clothing seems to bring delight. God works together for our good by instructing us to clothe ourselves with these exquisite qualities. Heeding His instruction and doing so will bring delight to God, us and others! "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,  kindness,  humility,  gentleness and  patience." Colossians 3:12

Our church hosts a fabulous Fall Festival every October. It was a treat to have our two year old grandson from Florida here this year.  One of the events was a HUGE inflatable obstacle course.   His father said, "No, way he will be able to do that."  But off this little one went and did it over and over again! What are the obstacles before you that seem to be too great? Are they larger than the Red Sea, stronger than a lion in a den, burning more powerfully than a fiery furnace, or darker than the belly of a great fish? Can we say, "My God is greater than any obstacle in my way!"  He is my Deliverer. "They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you," declares the LORD."       Jeremiah 1:19 Can we say, "My strength is in the Lord." He is the Overcomer. "But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us."  Romans 8:37 Can we say, "My God...

Love these happy bakers helping their mama! "You obey the law of Christ when you offer each other a helping hand." Galatians 6:2 In 1980 my husband and a very eight months pregnant me , moved into a big old home, which was built in 1914.  This home had been in the same family all those years and they actually approached us about moving there.  When the heating bill was more than the mortgage we got a glimpse of why no one else had wanted to live there!  Ends up, it was such a God thing.  God knew we'd have six children in eight years and need the space. He knew my husband would teach a young couples' Sunday school class with forty couples who needed a place to gather and he knew we would become involved in a ministry called Young Life that needed a place for thirty-five kids on Monday nights.  The attic of this house was a perfect match. One of the biggest chores for this property came in the fall. It sat on a two acre hill covered in oak trees! ...

"Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us!"   Romans 12:1 Standing in the Steelers locker room a few weeks ago, my husband said, "I'd really like to take a picture."  "Absolutely NOT!" was my reply. "There are cameras watching everything we do." It's crazy isn't it.  Now days, it's difficult to go anywhere and not be seen.  There are street cams, home security cameras, school and bus cameras, even our church is protected with video surveillance inside and out. This summer I wrote about being the first on the scene of a car accident.  While the young men  involved began to tell their stories, the truth unfolded easily because the car behind them had a camera on it's dash!!!  I tried to kiss my husband on a hotel elevator last month and he said, "Watch out!  I bet there are cameras on here."  I kissed him anyway. Add to that everyone carrying a cell phone and we are constantly being watched. God has ...