ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
This watercolor painting was done on site. Looking at this landscape shows the determination of American farmers as we see the deep ruts, indicating where seeds have been laid. The little house looks lonely set behind the massive foreground. Can you imagine the beautiful view from that miniscule house? Beautiful pine trees lining a river that runs swiftly by them. It makes me wonder who lives there? When the land was bought, there were dreams of future families sprouting up across the acreage. Whoever inhabited the place may have never ventured outside that property except to go to town once a month to purchase supplies needed. There are several little farms left. Many in disrepair, and some apparently unoccupied. Each of them holds a history. They may have been members of a church community even though they were separated by miles from each other and their church.
Today, the average farmer has sold much of their land to subsidize their income. Bigger barns are built, with silos to match. New housing developments are growing all over what once was farmland. You would think with all that growth, there would be lots of members worshipping together in churches across the land. However, membership is on the decline in these rural areas as well as the cities.
In the early days of our country, churches were the center of family togetherness. In fact, many spent an entire day at church. Fellowship was encouraged. Picnics and potlucks would showcase the fruits of their labors. Bible studies were held after church. The hardships endured would be shared with fellow church members. They would encourage each other, inspire them to keep on trucking and befriend them completely. The church became their second family. New barns were built by a team of neighbors. Farmers helping farmers was not uncommon. For many it was their family.
The early church was made up of community, where people pooled their resources. I am blessed to be part of a church like that. Our membership is small – the love pouring out of each of those who are there, is abundant. People care about each other. It is a sanctuary for those with broken hearts. It is a place where everyone feels welcome. Some even call the church a hospital for sinners. We are all in need of God’s perfect love. He welcomes us to worship in his house, stands with us as we confess our sins, forgives us as we repent and change. Jesus changed everything when He came to live with us. He’s so much more than a neighbor. He is our Brother, our Savior and our God.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
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Thanks for sharing the painting and the inspirational text, Kathy. In our rare drives through rural areas, I observe how many of the quaint hamlets have fallen on hard times. As I pass by abandoned homes, I think about the nameless families that once gathered together inside around the hearth and shared blessed times.
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Life has changed so much over time. Families are now comprised of two full time workers who are trying to give everything to their kids except for the one thing needful. In the process the important things are replaced with rewards for average activity. Goal setting at the age of three seems silly to me. Every generation has its flaws, but it’s really time to get back to God and His perfect plans for our lives.
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This reminds me of the little house, surrounded a small barn and a number of other structures, my grandfather raised his family in. He used to tell me of the times when he was a kid that they would hitch up the wagon to the mules on Sunday and go to church. They would take food with them, because this would be an all-day event. These were times when people had no doubt that they needed God. We’ve reached a time, when people don’t know that they need God.
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I think people are still searching for God. The mega churches seem to be bursting at the seams. Many of them are nothing more than feel good places where the need for a Savior isn’t even addressed. A church that preaches the truth of the Bible and God’s plan for salvation is what we truly need. Where faith in God’s will and promises are fulfilled. It’s time to get back to basics.
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The church, the Body of Christ, it’s a beautiful creation. It is where God meets with mankind until we all live together in heaven. We serve a God who is so good. I wish more people would become involved in a local church, would become involved in doing the will of God. We need this now.
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Where do we begin? I know with God all things are possible. It is t easy to approach people today. I think the need is definitely
There, but if they don’t come how do we make that happen?
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I think we just keep doing what the church has always done which is be loving to others. Maybe we can plant a little seed and so the Holy Spirit can do the real work. Not to minimize our part, but you are right – you can’t just approach people you don’t know.It seems everyone is ready to be offended by something these days. But people watch, and they notice a difference.
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Thanks for that last sentence. My husband said that when he was alive “People notice.” He also said, ”God has this.”
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You certainly do your part to share God’s love ❤️
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Thank you Lisa. You are very inspiring with your words too.❤️
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