Boojoyful

Gathering with a group of friends,  we made time to sit and write answers to these 15 gratitude prompts.  It was a blessing to carve out the time to be still and turn our hearts to thankfulness.  The next day we selected a few prompts for discussion around the dinner table with family.   It was a sweet time and we wanted to share these with you and encourage you to print these off and use during the upcoming holidays. 15 Prompts For When You are Stuck on What to be Thankful For Simple Blessings:  Write down three simple things you often take for granted (warm cup of coffee, a cozy blanket, the sound of birds in the morning). How do these small blessings brighten your day? God’s Provision:   Reflect on a time when God provided for you in an unexpected way. How did that experience shape your faith and gratitude? Meaningful Connections:   List three people who have positively impacted your life.    What specific qualities about them do...

  Check out this artwork in creation. It's easy to miss the beauty before us. A crepe myrtle tree. In the current Community Bible Study on The Psalms, Lesson 9 on Psalms 13, 35, 70, 140 is titled "Dealing With Hurt".   Think about Jesus' few years of ministry on earth, about David hiding in caves in the Psalms,  about sitting rulers around the world, the teen in the high school cafeteria who is being ignored or bullied and even the elementary child who is never invited to another's birthday party . These people were and are living with enemies looking to hurt and destroy them.  Usually, the enemies are hurt people wanting to hurt people. It makes me sick to my stomach to watch. You may feel as if you are in the same boat with them, but from what I've witnessed in my lifetime sincere joy is lacking in unforgiving, revengeful people.  Bitterness stinks. The CBS writer of this lesson says, "In our attempts to defend ourselves against others' attacks, we ...

She's harping away at some amazing venues. All who want to live faithful lives will...     *hate sin, as God does (Psalm 5).     *live righteously as a response to God's grace (Psalm 15; 24)     *long to dwell in the presence of God and with His people (Psalm 26)     *ask God to test their hearts and minds (Psalm 26)     *seek intimate relationship with God over half-hearted religious performance (Psalm 50) and     *listen to God and obey His commands (Psalm 81) ...desire a close, personal relationship with God. The Song “How Good It Is” Chris Tomlin https://www.youtube.com/watchv=a_H4bNsmQvc&list=RDa_H4bNsmQvc&start_radio=1

A picture can say a 1000 words and it also can make you think about Jesus. #22, our oldest grandchild holds a big piece of my heart. Persevere We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.  2 Corinthians 4:8-10 The Hand Off Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Look Up, God is watching. The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. Psalm 33:13-15 Facing our enemies, remembering God (The Referee) is with us. For the...

A friend owns Smith Mt Lake Sourdough Company. Look at this gorgeous and delicious creation. Hoop Dee Doo!  Scripture never grows old!  My current Bible study sent me to Luke 6:27-36.  Yup, the familiar "Loving Your Enemies" passage.   Here's a check list. Verses 27-31 in the CEV Love your enemies, and be good to everyone who hates you.   Ask God to bless anyone who curses you, and pray for everyone who is cruel to you.   If someone slaps you on one cheek, don't stop that person from slapping you on the other cheek.  If someone wants to take your coat, don't try to keep back your shirt.   Give to everyone who asks and don't ask people to return what they have taken from you.   Treat others just as you want to be treated. Verses 35-36 But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back.   Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven.  He is good even to people...

  Moonriver Lane dressed for fall. 6AM on a Saturday morning, as my husband came inside from hauling tarps of leaves in the woods in the dark, wearing his trusty headlamp, I said, "Come back to bed. I actually believe we have a "do nothing" Saturday." He showered and climbed in to bed. 7:35 AM a text came in from a neighbor telling me a friend's husband had died. Texting said friend, I said, "Would you like for me to come over?"  She said, "Yes,  come eat breakfast with me, my nephew is cooking." 9:45 AM Leaving our friend's house,  we headed to the grocery store, because the night before a sweet widow friend texted she'd been in the ER all day and was home and not doing well, so we offered to bring her soup.  She shared that there are moments she starts coughing due to this lung disease and she thinks "Surely I'm going to die this time."  Her faith is so strong and she looks forward to joining her husband in heaven. Two...

Praying for four grandchildren with sporting events this particular week,  I felt the Lord say, “ Tell them to keep their heads on.”   Hmm, was that meant literally or figuratively. This is what I sent. Looking for verses about keeping your head about you, what first came up was the poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling.  “ If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you ... If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,” It reflects timeless Biblical principles like perseverance and humility. The line, ‘If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs,’ brings to mind Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds. Here’s another great verse for this week’s games. But I want you to keep your head no matter what happens.  Don’...