THROW BACK THURSDAY – MY GREAT GRANDPARENTS
Today is Throw Back Thursday. I chose to pull this picture out today, because I wonder what these two would think of our country in its current state. They were a wonderful couple – one that meant stability to me. I knew them in their twilight years. Still my firstborn was able to rest in Grandma Nedden’s aging arms.
Grandma was crippled with arthritis and my memories of her include watching her cling to chairs, the sink, the walls, for support. Her hands were gnarled and filled with liver colored spots. She was a little woman, probably less than five feet tall. Though small, she had an inner mischief which exposed itself every Saturday afternoon as she sat before her television set and watched the wrestling matches, believing the contestants were out to kill each other. Even when told the entire event was staged, she didn’t accept the fact.
Grandpa had spent his life on the railroad. I think he was a conductor. I remember him taking his pocket watch from his pocket quite often. It must have been a habit he acquired during his career. He was a rather tall man for the time. He reached almost six feet high. When he stood next to Grandma, she looked like a dwarf. He would walk downtown (which was about two blocks from their house) and sit on a bench discussing the state of the world with his other retired friends.
Their love for each other was evident. Though both of German heritage, they didn’t show emotion much, but it was obvious that they care deeply for each other. When Grandma was having a particularly hard day, Grandpa would support her into the next room where she could sit in a comfortable chair.
They lived in the small town of Antigo, Wisconsin. They played a large part in the raising of my father and his siblings when their own father deserted the family. It was a time when the children were very young and needed guidance. I believe my dad inherited much from both of them – a good work ethic, strong faith, ability to learn and so much more.
I think back to those years when I was growing up and wonder if I will ever not be shocked by the state of affairs in this country. The days of patriotism have almost vanished from the landscape. The days of sitting and talking for hours, or reminiscing, or reliving some memorable event seem to be fading fast with the onset of technology. Even the way we express ourselves has changed. The recent election has shown that we are a nation divided in our thinking, our purpose, our dignity, our honesty, our simplicity of living to the complete complexity of it.
We will never capture those olden days again. Time goes forward. Some things change, while many remain stagnant. However, we know that God is consistent and He reigns forever.
TAKE ME AWAY
In solitude we sometimes find ourselves – we need some time alone,
A quiet place where life stands still – an instant safety zone,
Where waters blue surround us, where peace is everywhere,
Where you can hear the voice of God, in quiet, thoughtful prayer,
He may not give us answers that we would like to hear,
But in the sweet serenity, He holds us ever near,
The beauty of those moments, renew – refresh – restore,
So we can handle all the things the world may have in store,
Within that peaceful time with God, our eyes will never close,
New life is ours when we believe our every need He knows,
He has designed what’s best for us, He knows our every need
He proved it when He gave to us, His Son to intercede,
Though we may need to sort things out, we never walk alone,
God has a plan for all of us to reach His heavenly throne.
WAIT A LITTLE LONGER
MATTHEW 26:36 ESV
“Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.”
A single stream of silver light shone upon Him. giving a faint glimmer of hope to the man, Jesus. This was the culmination of a lifetime of doing His Father’s work. He knew the result. He knew He’d be betrayed and denied. He knew He’d suffer humiliation, pain and death. It was part of the plan of redemption instituted before creation.
Still, as He prostrated Himself before His Father, He couldn’t help wondering if He’d done enough – if His followers got it – if they were able to connect with what He’d been telling them these past three years. There were so many unanswered questions. Were they ready? Would they be able to carry on the work He’d begun?
Jesus’ humanity caused Him to become like each of us as we face death. We wonder if our lives served any purpose – if we could just have a little more time. Jesus knew His death was imminent, yet His human heart prayed that the cup of sorrows would pass from His lips. He then asked that His Father’s will be done.
He prayed this prayer with deep humility. His body ached with the torment He was undergoing. His human side was in the forefront, yet His divine side kept Him strong. He prayed three times, between moments checking on His sleeping disciples. Could they not stay awake for just a little while during this time of total desolation for their Rabbi? When His prayer became so intense that sweat fell like drops of blood to the ground.
Hematidrosis, is a condition in which capillary blood vessels that feed the sweat glands rupture, causing them to exude blood, occurring under conditions of extreme physical or emotional stress.
Jesus continued to pray for a way out, yet also that God’s will be fulfilled. Did God answer His prayers? Of course He did. Sometimes we don’t get the answer we want, but God always answers. Sometimes comes a resounding “no.” Jesus death was the only way for redemption to take place. There was more to it though. God answered with a heart pounding “yes” on Easter morning, when Jesus’ body rose from the dead.
When our final hour comes on this earth, we’ll probably pray for relief from our pain, for those we leave behind and holding God to His promise. The inevitability of death will overtake us, but there’s now a perfect promise of eternal life for those who trust in God’s plan. We will rise again, just as our Savior did.
I NEED NOT FEAR
This relief sculpture of Jesus, the Good Shepherd was done several years back by Paul Boecher. It still resides in Bay Pines, Florida Lutheran Church. Paul was commissioned to do this piece and his love for Jesus shines through.
The good shepherd has been the source of many special events in our lives. Psalm 23 was the message as Paul and I pledged our love before God and everyone at our wedding. Paul’s dad passed away at the young age of 56 and the message at his funeral centered around these same words. When his mother passed, this was the message as well.
“The Lord is my shepherd,” is a phrase that gives me so much comfort and peace. A shepherd will lay down his life for his sheep, by defending them against all peril. He will carry the wounded or helpless close to his breast when they cannot move on their own. He uses his staff to lead these animals to pastures that they could not find by themselves. A good shepherd will search for the one wayward sheep until he finds it. Jesus is often referred to as the Good Shepherd because we are his flock and He loves us unconditionally.
We all need a message of peace right now. The world seems to be in shambles and we are weary of the noise. We are tired of being locked up. We long to find green pastures and simply get outdoors and enjoy life again.
Jesus provides the peace we need. He protects us against our enemies. He leads us beside still waters and restores us. He walks with us through all trials and temptations. He knows our every need and provides the necessary leadership for us. Even when we face death, we need not be afraid, because He has promised us a life of perfection when we leave this world.
If you need reassurance that things are going to be alright, take a look at Psalm 23. It has become a source of peace for many.
FORBODING
A pale glimmer of mauve glistens over the city as the sun descends into night,
Leaving a path of darkened shadows and sparkling diamonds in its wake,
Reflections cover a cobblestone street, mirroring the lamplight from inside,
Some shops remain open, while others have ended another day.
Luminosity radiates from the corner church, inviting those in need to enter.
“Come to me,” is the inviting chant “I will carry your burdens for you.”
Simple words yet full of promise and hope,
“Come to me and I will give you rest.”
Peace is offered freely there.
You are under no obligation.
Don’t resist,
Open the door,
Enter,
Step inside and receive the gift of a brand new day.
Your cares may still remain, but something new has been added unto you,
The true Light of the World will change everything.
Come!
WHEN WILL IT END
This election may be the first in the history of the United States that is not settled by the people. In fact, this election was set up long before the campaign ads began, when a nonpolitical candidate entered the mix. Donald Trump is not a politician. Yet from the early days of his campaigning for the 2016 presidential election, he was targeted as unfit to serve in the office of the president.
Another president was also called unfit to proclaim the highest office in our country. His name was Andrew Jackson. He was a war hero, operated off the cuff, said what he felt and wasn’t intimidated by anyone. The political elite had no use for the man. He didn’t fit the mold. He was many times disrespectful, crude and his friends trashed the White House at the inaugural ball.
We are coming to the dramatic climax of the 2020 presidential election, or are we? Buildings are being boarded up across the country for fear that violence and looting will occur during the election and after. The general population has been in isolation for eight months. Depression is running rampant. Nerves are on edge. We’re being mandated to wear masks and stay at home and yet the world continues to revolve and spew out hate and anger in gross amounts.
When the votes are counted, when the recounts occur, when the challenges go on for months and months, we may not know the true results for a very long time. And yet, this is the only process we have as a democratic society, where the voice of the people can still be heard. This precious right we have as citizens is one of many blessings we have as Americans.
Some folks threaten to leave our country if their candidate doesn’t win. Some will fight another civil war for the same reason. Many will accept what happens and go on with their lives. Some will be angry for a while, but eventually settle for the results. Some will brandish the 2020 election as a result of a pandemic, the economy, personalities rather than accomplishments, but whatever happens, it will be the will of God that decides the outcome.
God already knows who will win and lose. He has counted all the votes and knew before they were even cast who our next president would be. He has laid the master plan of our existence well in advance of our birth. If He has this omniscience, all knowing ability, we have nothing to fear. Instead of looking for the answers to our future from men who are flawed, lets turn our hearts to the One who does everything for the good of those who love Him.
Do not be afraid. This will end. It will go down in history as one of the most hateful elections ever, but it will end. It’s up to us to accept the results as God’s will.
ALL SAINTS DAY & REFORMATION
In the time of the Renaissance, the Catholic Church observed November 1 as a day to honor the saints of the church, along with those who had died and hopefully pressed on to heaven. In case you had any doubt that your loved one had entered the pearly gates, you could purchase an “indulgence” which would limit their time in purgatory. This was only one of the 95 points Martin Luther was addressing when he posted his litany on the church door on October 31, 1517. It is noteworthy that he posted his thesis on that particular day. It was the night before All Saints Day and many would be attending the church the next day and be sure to read them.
This was a time of superstition – a time when fear of death was a reality, because of the plague which ravaged Europe. People were very vulnerable to any kind of hope for the future. Witch craft and the evil arts of the devil offered some of them satisfaction, but no real hope. They were seeking spiritual help wherever they could find it. The church should’ve been their sanctuary, but it had become corrupt with time and was more interested in filling its coffers than offering free forgiveness. In a way, our time today is much like that. People seem to be searching for something spiritual to overcome their daily struggles. Many are simply looking for a life preserver to save them. Most folks seek something to hang onto – something greater than they are.
The Renaissance was moving across Europe. In England, King Henry, the Eighth, dissolved his connection with the Roman Catholic Church because of their stand on divorce. It wasn’t convenient for his particular life style to be held captive to these rules. In Germany, Martin Luther was a monk in the church – dedicated to prayer and repentance. Nothing seemed to calm his spirit. He didn’t feel worthy enough to approach God, much less to confess his sins. He prayed constantly and attended confession every day with a list of sins that would go on for hours.
I’m a Lutheran. I’m not particularly proud of some of the things Luther said during his time on earth. He was often stoic and retained some of his feelings of never being good enough. Even his wife wondered why Luther was going around with such a long face. She asked him if God had died and that was the reason.
I’m a Lutheran who grew up feeling unforgiven. Like Luther, I never felt I was good enough. My sins seemed to great to be taken from me. No matter how hard I prayed, I felt my prayers were in vain, because of the image of God was shrouded in anger.
I’m a Lutheran still. I now believe that my sins have already been forgiven, not by anything I have done, but by the grace of God. That fact brings me great joy. I am finally at peace that heaven waits for me when I die. Instead of an angry judge, I now view God as a loving Father.
Luther was just a piece of the machinery that set about change in what had become corruption in the church. In a way, he was a renaissance peaceful protester with a point to make. He made religion available to the common man through the printing press. He accomplished many things, but he was simply a man devoted to the truth of God’s Word.
I will die a Lutheran, but really it doesn’t matter. I’m just a follower of Christ – redeemed by Him alone. His Word, the Bible, reminds me that through Him I am free from my sins. I will at last join all the saints that have gone before me.
HAPPY ALL SAINTS DAY AND REFORMATION DAY TOO!
IN WHOM DO YOU TRUST?
In these final days leading up to the election, we’re hearing claims that if elected, there will be a more aggressive approach to curing COVID19. We are also hearing a very optimistic view that this too will end. Who ever you choose to vote for, there really is no one here in our part of the solar system who can individually take on a disease – fix the economy – lead us back to our former glory – change the climate.
Unfortunately, we as a nation have come to depend on our leaders to make things right. We expect them to act a certain way, follow certain rules of behavior, become part of the establishment elite, fix all our problems and think that with the right one, we’ll be OK.
Guess what? There’s not a human being on this planet that can live up to those expectations. Our president must surround himself with the right people in order to do the job. Still, even with experts, there is no guarantee that life will be perfect because of the one who wins the office.
As this campaign winds down and the promises of the candidates fly rampantly over the air waves and into our minds, let’s remember the only human being who did everything right. He lived a life of poverty, humility, obedience, holiness, serving others and with one goal in mind. He healed people from diseases, brought them back to life, made the blind see and the deaf to hear. His short human existence lasted only 33 years. In that time, He led others to God, His Father. He inspired His followers with His Holy Spirit. He laid down his life for ever human being – past, present and future. He came alive again and sits as our true leader at the right hand of God. Because of Him, we have hope for a perfect existence in eternity.
There really is no other name in all the world that can compare to that of our brother, Jesus, the Son of God. Put your trust in Him alone.
A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
When souls are weary of this life – when thoughts of paradise move in,
Dreams of heavenly places light – upon our tattered lives of sin,
Our hearts are filled with thoughts of death – we live as if it’s our last breath,
But enter in the Son of God, – the light that brightly sheds its rays,
And gives to us eternal hope- for every one of our last days,
Reminding us our sins are gone – our lives are saved and will go on.
OVERWHELMED
Everywhere you go, whether it be a church, a family gathering, an election booth a grocery store, it seems a huge black cloud is hanging over us. The every day events of living have lost their joy. Faces are hidden by masks so we can’t even read what’s going on behind them. Gloom and doom. Death and destruction. Hatred, crime, “peaceful demonstrations,” looting, murders, beheadings, slander, illicit business dealings and on and on and on. The world is an ugly place.
Sometimes we simply must escape from the madness of all of it. Last night as we sat to relax in front of the TV, we were bombarded with political ads up the kazoo, so decided to retreat to YouTube for a diversion. We chose to watch a documentary on Andrew Jackson, military leader and seventh president of the United States. He served for two terms and his claim to fame was bringing the common man into the political arena.
As the story unfolded, this man became known as the recipient of political slander, misunderstanding and for his unfair treatment of slaves and Native Americans. He was a self-made man who pulled himself up by his bootstraps, overcame the loss of his family, fell in love with and eloped with a married woman, was the subject of great criticism and thought to be unfit for political office. In a way, in our attempt to retreat from the current political rhetoric, we were placing ourselves in the middle of more of the same. I looked at my husband and we laughed to realize you simply can’t escape some of the madness.
This year is taking the brunt of all our misery so far. 2020 has already been basically written off by most people as one they want to forget, but who knows what lies ahead? Will it be more of the same – a failed economy – loss of jobs – death – wars – pestilence – terrorism? We certainly have had our share of obstacles to overcome, but if we dwell on those obstacles instead of looking at them as opportunities, we’re not only giving up – we’re giving in to the negativity that’s currently feeding our nation.
When we realize that we have no control over the things that we fear the most and turn it over to the only One who can make things right, we will get back on track. There is so much of the unknown right now, but we can be sure of God’s protection, His promises and His love. He never changes. He is God. Even when we’re overwhelmed, He will provide a solution. We simply need to stop dwelling on the bad and look for the good things that will come from this. We need to be still and know that He is God.
“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.”
Charles Spurgeon
BIRD ON A LEDGE
PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
A wondrous sight sat on a ledge, his feathers he did flutter,
His voice sang notes that reached to God like words he couldn’t mutter,
Upon that ledge so far from earth his voice entered heaven’s gate,
He hoped with all the hope he had, that he wouldn’t be too late.
He wanted all the world to know, the truth that God had sent them,
He felt that time was running out for sins to be repented.
But God said, “Don’t fret, little bird, the ransom has all been paid”
“My people will enjoy new life, no reason to be afraid.”
The bird took wing and flew away, he covered many miles,
His song reached out to many souls and turned their frowns into smiles,
The song spread the joyful Gospel, the wondrous perfect good news,
Instead of sitting on his perch, he found other avenues.
We might be like that little bird, afraid to share with others,
But we aren’t alone within our flight, God leads us to our brothers,
He stands by us and gives us words to encourage and inspire,
Wings grow weary but God is strong, His voice will set us on fire.
Posted in ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, gospel, Inspiration, outreach
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TRICK OR TOM FOOLERY
I live in the Halloween capital of the world. Anoka, Minnesota has held the title for a hundred years. This year, like everything else will be somewhat different. Of course it’s 2020 – and we can’t be sure of much. My city is known to be haunted. There are supposed to be many ghosts inhabiting some of the older buildings and homes here. I haven’t personally encountered any, but who knows? Maybe the ghosts in my house are still sleeping.
This year the CDC has issued several guidelines for Halloween. If you’re going to hand out any treats, try setting the treats outside your house so you make no physical contact. One person has actually designed a catapult for sending treats out to the little goblins that dare to venture out. The CDC also encourages no gatherings of large groups, social distancing and not sharing food and drink. Don’t wear a mask over a protective mask or you may not be able to breathe. I sometimes wonder who comes up with this stuff. Are we really so ignorant that we would not know that?
Of course it’s 2020 and nothing makes sense this year. Some are talking about the Zombie Apocalypse as a real event that will undoubtedly occur on November 4th. There are those who have already put their homes up for sale, sold all their belongings and are planning to move to another continent if the coming election doesn’t satisfy them.
In fact many are actually becoming zombies – going through life with no purpose, no hope, no real oxygen flowing to their lungs. They wander aimlessly around scaring others with their negative thoughts and pessimistic attitudes. Halloween is nothing compared to the fright filling the hearts and minds of the average Joe.
I have friends who feel that this will never end. They have confined themselves to the safety of their own homes – refuse to go anywhere – will not even think about it until the pandemic comes to an end. I respect their right to do that, but doing nothing will lead to further problems down the road.
I also have friends who were already depressed, anxious and afraid before this germ came to be. They feel alone, lost and ready to give up. The phrase, “We’re all in this together,” has been so overused, but it’s necessary to know that we aren’t alone in our feelings. We all experience depression from time to time. When you live through a year like 2020, you learn to expect it.
We will get through this. God has promised that He will not give us more than we can handle. We will still go through the perils of living, but He has provided a way out for us. Through Him, we have the promise of salvation. Through Him, we are united in the body of Christ. Through Him, we have victory over death. Let’s turn our prayers to Him
Dear Lord, fear is a horrible thing. It can take away our reason to live. It gets into our minds and destroys our will, but you give us the answer we need. Even though death may come, we need not be afraid. You’ve promised a place in heaven to all who believe in you. Help people learn to live with hope instead of fear. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!
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NEVER GIVE UP
I’ve used this image before, because it shows a sense of determination that we all need right now. It would be the easy way out for us to fall into the temptation of self-pity or depression. We have reason to feel that way, but it isn’t what God has in mind for us. He doesn’t sit up there in heaven thinking of ways to drive us crazy. He loves us and wants what’s best for us.
Though the things of this world can cause us great angst, we can count on the fact that He is our defender against all of it. He will provide an answer – a solution – another day. As Jesus states in His Holy Word, His kingdom is not of this world. He reigns in heaven, but in the meantime, what about all the junk that continues to plague us on planet Earth? He’s got that too.
Instead of counting up all the negatives that happen around us, take a look at the blessings we have. Instead of painting a picture of disaster one way or another after the coming election, let’s be grateful that we still have a voice as citizens of this great country. Instead of looking at the new waves of Covid19, let’s look forward to a cure and be thankful that there are brilliant minds searching for it. Instead of feeling sad that our children must be isolated from their social activities to stay safe, let’s be thankful that they can still learn virtually. Instead of just getting angry about racism, abortion or other issues that beg difference of opinion, let’s look for solutions for the problem and work together for answers.
There is always some good to look for. When we choose to find it, we’re opening the door to understanding. God has a plan for each one of us. It was determined before we ever came to be. In His wisdom, He has masterfully executed those plans and if we allow it, we will have much to look forward to.
Like the little mouse in his protective headgear, we can obtain the prize. Our goal isn’t a measly piece of cheese. It’s eternal life in paradise. All we need to do is ask.
“You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot – it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive.” Maya Angelou
MY SEWING MACHINE
My sewing machine was a gift from my husband over 40 years ago. I felt like a queen when I got it, not only because it was an expense that didn’t fit into our budget, but it was one of the best sewing machine available at the time. It was first used to create little fashions for my growing children. In those days it was fairly economical to sew. The kids wore matching outfits for most holidays until they realized it wasn’t cool.
So I turned to making doll clothes for our youngest. I soon came to my senses. Sewing Barbie fashions requires perfect eyesight, delicate fingers and tons of patience, of which I have none. No price is too high for Barbie clothes.
Instead I turned my Viking Husqvarna into a means to eek out a little income. This wonderful machine could pierce through leather. It could embroider. It required little maintenance. Soon I was making a little extra money doing alterations – or altercations, as one of my customers called me. I made saddle bags for motorcycles, vests out of deer hides and went through about 45 sewing machine needles a week.
When I began teaching drama, this wonderful invention created more costumes than I can remember. There was the three headed queen, talking trees, caterpillar, Humpty Dumpty, Tweedles Dee and Dum, poodle skirts, aliens and on and on. Once, as I fashioned some little lamb costumes, I ran my finger under the needle along with the fluffy fabric. Talk about putting your blood into your work. A few stitches to sew me up and I was back at it.
It has been a while since I worked on that machine. It now sits in a corner of the laundry room – untouched until just recently when I attempted to make some masks. I probably could’ve started a whole new enterprise, but moving that portable contraption from its comfortable place into a spot that would be more workable, took every ounce of strength I had.
And so it remains idle. From time to time I think about trying again, but I quickly dismiss that idea. It’s really cheaper to buy stuff that’s ready made now than it is to sew. At least that’s what I keep telling myself.
I must say that the gift given me so many years ago has served its purpose. It has paid for itself many times over. My Grandfather was a tailor. I never got to meet the man, but I think he would be proud to know that his granddaughter picked up on his craft. I wonder if he had a sewing machine as good as mine.
HOWLING AT THE MOON
Two lonely hearts stand tall against the moon so bright above,
Proclaiming sounds unheard by men, of their undying love,
They lift their heads up to the sky, yet keep their gazes locked,
They plan a secret rendezvous, as hands move round the clock.
The winter sky so ghostly looms and weaves among the stars,
No voices heard except their own, the sound bares many scars,
Just two alone at last are they, within the pale moonlight,
They shine like diamonds in the snow, this lady and her knight.
Posted in ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Listening, sounds, wolves
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ARE YOU LISTENING?
As most of you know, I’m losing my hearing so I miss a lot of the conversations that go on around me. I can’t really enjoy a television show, because it’s hard to determine the plot when you can’t hear the words. Recently I switched to closed captioning, but even that can lead to misinformation. For example, as I watched the news one day, they were talking about a person who was resigning from her professional position. The announcer said she had been on the job for six months. The caption said, “she had been on the JOHN for six months. I guess I would resign too under those circumstances.
My husband is starting to experience some hearing loss as well, so our conversations have become not only interesting, but at times comical. Since we are locked up together for the duration, we have no choice but to pay close attention when we talk or we miss the entire flow of the conversation. This can also lead to one person raising their voice while the other feels like they’re being yelled at.
A dear friend of mine gifted me with a set of hearing aids that once belonged to her husband. They’re just like new. I’m hoping to figure out how to use them, but until that time I will have to learn to read lips, continue to laugh at the closed captioning or just nod my head in agreement and hope I’m not agreeing to something I’ll regret.
With all the things we currently have on our plates, it seems like a cacophony of noise that is often indecipherable. Politicians are vying for our attention. Health experts are on hand with new ways to avoid getting a virus, reminding us to get our flu shots and even conducting yearly physicals virtually. Our phone conversations have changed into emails and texting. Our discussions turn into arguments. All of this because we aren’t really listening at all.
Friends are becoming enemies. Relatives aren’t speaking to each other. Communication skills have turned into one sided conversations with no thought for another person’s opinion.
Listening is different than hearing and is one of those things that can be selective. We can choose what we want to hear. We can sift through the muck and pick up what we hoped to hear. We can ignore the really important things and focus only on the things that apply to us.
The art of being a good listener is slowly fading from our existence. We’re being fed so much information electronically, that it’s almost impossible to listen. Our minds act like sieves, sorting through it all and trying to make sense of it.
Unfortunately, when we fail to really listen, we can miss some important stuff. A child may have some important words to share about being teased at school. A teen may have feelings of depression or worthlessness. An older child is struggling with decisions about their future and you have tuned them out in deference to a sporting event or the news.
When your life becomes so filled with outside distractions, it’s time to sit down and look at what God has to say about listening.
James 1:19 “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger”
Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. “
Ecclesiastes 3:7 “A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”
Proverbs 18:13 “”If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”
When we take the time to actually listen to someone, we’re opening our ears to true discernment. Take time today to listen with an open mind. Don’t jump to the conclusion that only your opinion matters. Our country was founded on many ideas and innovations. If we lose the ability to really listen to others, we may possibly miss the answers we’re looking for.
IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR TOWN
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
The broken down feed mill remains firmly planted aside the river bank,
Like a noble guardian, staunchly overlooking the water,
Once filled with golden treasure of the harvest,
It now stands as a tribute to its former glory,
It serves as a place to buy seeds, animal chow and bird food,
The silo which once poured grain into train cars,
Now stands as a monument to its former self,
In a place that offers no solidity –
No barricade against destruction –
No hope of replenishment,
Our harvest is not of this world, but a result of the seeds planted within us,
Treasure beyond measure,
Abundant life,
Fulfillment,
Satiation from hunger and thirst,
No fear of death,
Only eternal life.
SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER
Dear, Holy, Father,
It seems strange to be coming to worship you virtually. Unfortunately this is the way of the world right now. When I think about our relationship, it really has nothing to do with the physical edifice of the church, but more so the connection I have with you through the love of your only Son, Jesus.
It took me a long time to realize that you are a God of mercy – that your love comes with no strings attached – that it’s all about you and that perfect love.
Sometimes it feels like this world is too much to handle. We become burdened with all the rhetoric flying around, during a political campaign. We wonder what we should believe and who we should trust. Everything lately seems to carry conditions. We must follow the mandates, wear masks, live with certain protocols and there seems to be no hope for the future. Yet I know that isn’t true.
You have this. You alone control the world, the climate, the storms, the plans you have for us here and in eternity. I should not be afraid. I should be confident in that hope, but it seems an unending test of our faith. Even that is controlled by you and your Holy Spirit.
I come to you this morning in humble supplication. Watch over my country. Remind me that my life in this world is just a time of grace before I come to you in your kingdom. You have already secured my place there. You will help me to overcome the fears of the unknown, because you are all knowing. I place my heart in your hands and ask that you watch over all of us and bless us with the confidence that in the end you have already won the victory. Amen!
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