WOOD SCULPTURE & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
A child just turned a woman, became the chosen one,
To hold the Son of God within – to be her firstborn Son.
She wasn’t someone special – a lowly servant girl –
But God had special plans for her and also for the world.
Through Mary’s contemplation of this high exalted state,
She knew that God would come to earth to wipe away all hate.
To bring to man forgiveness from his every single sin.
Fulfill His word of promise and make us clean within.
“Over the meadow and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go.” These were words of excitement for us as we prepared to spend the Christmas holiday with our children’s grandparents. The words changed into tremendous challenge as we packed our little station wagon with suitcases, a playpen, dog kennel, dog, gifts, diapers, food and the five of us.
Almost every time at least one of the kids was sick and the others crabby. There was invariably a blizzard. In thinking back on those trips, I can’t help wondering what Mary and Joseph were thinking as they traveled across rough terrain, with a child about to born at any minute. The trip from Galilee to Bethlehem was about 80 miles, with some side-tracking to avoid the Samaritans, because they were their enemies.
They had no fancy chariot to get them there. They had no hotel room waiting for them. It took almost a week for the treacherous journey. They faced danger at every turn, but they knew they were part of God’s extraordinary plan for salvation.
My little inconveniences while raising a family were nothing compared with what this young couple went through. An unwed mother, impregnated by God, rejected by her friends and family and her betrothed husband, still reeling from the revelation from an angel – they plodded their way across a dismal landscape to register for the census in Bethlehem – the town of their lineage.
The thoughts that must have filled their minds. We can only imagine the faith these two displayed as they relied completely on the God of their fathers. All of this was done to fulfill God’s message to the prophets of old.
Dear, Jesus, as we celebrate your Advent, remind us that you are God in the flesh. You were born for the sole purpose of laying down your life for all sinners. Your birth was the beginning of the greatest love story ever told. Amen!
READ LUKE 4
All four Gospels share the good news of Jesus, Christ, the Messiah. Jesus was flesh and blood, just like you and me, because he was born in the same way we were. He was subject to pain, hunger, exhaustion, loneliness and temptation, but because He is also God, He was able to overcome those things.
In Luke 4, we see the Savior, after 40 days in the wilderness – His time of preparation for the beginning of His earthly ministry. He was at a low point and Satan knew it. This is the time when the devil strikes – when we’re weak, tired, emotionally and physically exhausted, hungry and in need of restoration. The evil one knows all the right buttons to push and used them to tempt the Savior before He began His ministry.
With Jesus’ final answer, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test,’” the devil left him for the time being, but this was just the beginning.
I think it’s interesting that the Bible often references a time in the wilderness – usually 40 days and nights or 40 years. A time of fasting is usually 40 days. The Israelites walked in the wilderness for 40 years. A wilderness can also be a time of waiting, testing, contemplation, renewal and decision making. Jesus was about to begin the greatest ministry ever.
When he defeated the devil with His words, it was just the start of the battle between good and evil. Jesus was ready to start His mission, so He returns to Galilee to spread good news to the poor, to teach in the synagogue and be praised for His skill and knowledge. When he returns to the place He spent His childhood, it’s a different story.
He preaches with great authority. The crowds are amazed, yet they remember Jesus as the little boy who helped His stepfather, Joseph, make chairs and tables for a living. When Jesus revealed the fulfillment of the prophesy through Him, there were those who thought He was crazy and tried to throw Him off a cliff. Jesus walked through the crowd and on His way.
Jesus pushes on to Capernaum and delivers a man possessed by an evil spirit. He shows His God side by releasing the man from the clutches of the demon. Those in the crowd couldn’t believe what they saw. A simple man had the capacity to heal those afflicted by the devil himself. They followed as he continued on to Simon’s home and healed his mother-in-law of a disabling fever .
By the time evening came, Jesus was exhausted. The people continued to bring their sick and demon possessed. Jesus healed many and drove out demons who verbally acknowledged that this was the Son of God. By morning, Jesus retreated to a solitary place to get some much needed rest. The crowds continued to pursue Him, but he said,
“I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”
He continued to preach in Judea. This account of the time after Jesus’ temptation is slightly different than the other Gospels. Some may call them contradictions, but each one was written by a different author under the inspiration of God. There will be differences, but none of them affect the basic truth of the Gospel.
” For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
READ LUKE THREE
Luke opens this chapter by telling us who was ruling at the time, where this was taking place and the prophesy that was being fulfilled through it all. John, the Baptist was now 30 years old and had begun the work God had set for him to do. He would be the forerunner of the Messiah – the one who led people to repentance and prepared them to be ready for Jesus and His message of salvation when He appeared on the scene.
Isaiah, the prophet of old had written about the event many of years before it occurred.
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
And all people will see God’s salvation.”
He wasn’t much to look at. Imagine living in the wilderness, with only animal skins to wear and insects to eat. Yet he spread the message of repentance for forgiveness of sins to those around Jordan and many came to hear and be baptized. This simple washing became the cleansing of sins and the acceptance of the Holy Spirit into those being baptized.
John taught them about producing good fruit as a result of their gratitude for God’s forgiveness. He told them to prepare immediately for the judgment of God, because the Messiah would be there soon. He even told Herod to repent of his sins – including his marriage to his brother’s wife, along with other evil deeds. Herod promptly placed John in prison.
Before his imprisonment, John converted many people and made them take a good look at themselves. Until then they had forgotten the way of the Lord. They were drifting away from their beliefs and had adopted other religions and philosophies, much like today. The baptism was new to them, but a necessary gift whereby the Holy Spirit could enter their hearts and return them to the One True God.
Jesus is also baptized at this time. John immediately recognizes Him as the One he’s been preaching about – the one whose sandals he felt unworthy to tie. Jesus didn’t need to be baptized, because He was sinless, but He insisted on it. Eventually He would carry all the sins of the world to the cross. When Jesus was doused in the water, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove. A powerful voice from the heavens rang out for all to hear.
“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
This chapter then goes on to list the genealogy of Jesus all the way back to Adam, the son of God. Through this blood line, we see God’s covenant with man being fulfilled. Jesus was about thirty when he began His public ministry. He was also about to change the entire world. May we be revitalized with John’s message of repentance during this time of preparation.
Lord, make our hearts ready to receive you as our Lord, King and Redeemer. You alone can save us from the hold of the devil. You’ve already conquered him. Arm us with your Holy Word. Help us bring others to your truth. Make us ready for your second coming. Amen!
READ LUKE TWO
To those of us who have attended Sunday school classes – or have read these words during a church service – we easily remember the account of the birth of Jesus. The first twenty one verses are often the key part of the nativity of our Savior.
Luke sets the stage beautifully, along some commentary about what’s going on in the world at this time. Caesar Augustus was emperor and sent out a decree to for a census to be taken. The people were all to gather in the land of their ancestors and be counted. We hear about the huge numbers of people in the little town of Bethlehem – the birthplace of Mary and Joseph’s relative, King David. There was not a room for them, so they stayed in an animal stable – their only shelter from the elements – and the place where Jesus would be born.
The story continues out in the fields, where we find shepherds resting after a hard day of herding the sheep and finding lush pastures for them to munch on. The sky always seems to be filled with the brilliance of the galaxy lighting it in a most glorious way. As they were nodding off, the angels appeared to them and told them that their Savior had been born. Can you imagine the sight and sound? Hundreds, maybe thousands, of angelic voices singing praises to God and lighting up the sky with a luster only God can create.
The angels told them a star would guide them to the place where would find baby in a manger, wrapped with snuggly strips of cloth to keep Him warm. Just a tiny baby –born like every one of us, but completely free from sin. Angels came to worship. Lowly shepherds were personally invited to be a part of it. So we know that Jesus came for all people. This tiny child was born to be our equal and to bear the sin of the world on His back.
Like the angels and shepherds, we sing for this glorious birth – Joy to the World, the Lord has come.
The next section deals with the time eight days later as Jesus is taken to the temple to be circumcised and named. Mary and Joseph took their son, at the time of purification to follow the law of Moses. He was named Jesus. They offered a sacrifice of two pigeons as well to complete the obligation of the law. Someday, Jesus would become the only sacrifice acceptable to God.
While at the temple, the priest, Simeon took the child in his arms and raised his voice in thanksgiving for being able to see the Messiah – to hold him tightly – to know that the law of God was fulfilled through this tiny baby. The prophetess, Anna, also held her Savior in her arms. The words spoken that day, must’ve made a deep impression on Mary. She would tuck them tightly into her heart so she could call on them when necessary. There would be many of those times.
The next session talks about how Jesus was preaching in the temple as a young twelve year older and his parents left town, thinking Jesus was already in the caravan returning home. When discovered missing they quickly returned to Jerusalem and found Him. Often we lose track of Jesus too. We walk away from Him, thinking we can go it alone, but soon discover how necessary He is in our lives.
The last verse gives us all the information about Jesus childhood that we need to hear. Last year I did a series on the early life of Jesus – THE YEARS IN BETWEEN – there are nine installments for you to read if you wish.
The opening verses of the first chapter of Luke are a dedication of sorts to a prominent citizen of Antioch who was a contemporary of the author. They were both men of wealth and education. Luke felt it necessary to write all the facts down regarding this Jesus who everyone was talking about. It was important that the truth be told based on actual eyewitness events and from those who were there. Luke was also God’s instrument for getting this information down in writing for future generations.
In verses 5-25 we read the story of the priest named Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth. They were both faithful servants of the Lord, following all the commandments and requirements of the law. They were in their golden years and had all but given up the thought of having a family of their own. There was a stigma attached to being barren in those days, but they had two things going against them. Not only could Elizabeth not have children, they were also too old.
When visited by the angel, Gabriel, Zechariah was naturally shocked. He was doing his priestly duties when this happened. At first he didn’t believe and his unbelief cost him his voice until his future son arrived. Zechariah was given specific directions on how the child should live and what he should be named. The child would be named John and he had already been chosen by God to call the people to repentance and prepare the way for the Messiah – fulfilling the prophesy of Isaiah chapter 40:3 “A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
Zechariah came out of the temple without a voice and one of the greatest bits of news he’d had in his entire life. He went home and managed to let his wife know what was about to happen and they both waited.
In the sixth month of her pregnancy, God sent His angel, Gabriel to Nazareth to visit Elizabeth’s cousin, Mary. The words seemed impossible to Mary. How could she have a child without ever being intimate with a man? She soon learned that nothing is impossible with God. She accepted what was about to happen with a completely child like faith and submission to her Creator. During this time she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth and stayed with her for the next three months. When Mary arrived and Elizabeth saw her coming, the child in her body leaped. The perfect sign that this was something extraordinary. Can you just imagine what they had to talk about? None of this made any sense to either of them, yet they accepted it, because they knew it was from God. So they waited.
On the eighth day after John’s birth, he was taken to the temple to be circumcised and named. Everyone thought he would be named after his father as is customary, but Elizabeth said, “His name is John.” Zechariah wrote the name “John” on a writing tablet and his mouth was immediately opened.
There are two amazing prayers in this chapter of Luke. Mary’s Magnificat, which honors God and humbles Mary. It shows her complete faith in God’s plan for her life, even though she didn’t yet understand it. Zechariah’s prayer at the end of the chapter shows the completion of God’s covenant with man – that a Messiah would come. His own son would prepare the way for this mighty king and the promise would soon be fulfilled.
We wait again. We pray for our Lord’s second coming. He will return and when He does, every knee will bow.
The season of Advent is upon us. The word is derived from the Latin “adventus”,” which means ‘to come. ‘ Literally the word references the appearance or coming of someone important or of noble birth. There are many traditions connected to Advent. There may be mid-week services held to prepare the way for the Lord, with special choir music or pageantry. The addition of Christmas decorations to the sanctuary and angels of gold might be added. Some count down the days to Christmas by using an Advent calendar. Recently I heard of another way to walk to Christmas with the reading of the book of Luke, which includes 24 chapters, just enough to get us to Christmas Eve. So this is in my plan for a new Advent tradition beginning this year. Starting tomorrow, I will begin with Chapter 1 of Luke.
Luke was a follower of Jesus, Christ, but he never actually met Him. It was assumed that he was friends with Jesus’ mother, Mary. The second chapter of Luke, deals with her story and is written from her perspective. He became acquainted with two of the most important evangelists for Christianity – Peter and Paul. He is considered one of the original church fathers and was the writer of the Gospel of Luke along with the book of Acts. He was a Greek, born in the city of Antioch. He was known to be a physician and a educated man. His knowledge of history is apparent as he delved into the book of Acts. Many hours, spent with the Apostle Paul were actual interviews with him.
Luke has the complete life of Christ written in his book. Inspired by God, he penned the words that would show the fulfillment of Old Testament prophesy and the truth of God’s perfect salvation for man. Since I’m not a theologian I don’t claim to know much about the man – only what I’ve read about him. The important thing about Luke, was his sealing of the facts of the virgin birth, the treacherous journey to Bethlehem, the difficult life of poverty, following the carpenter’s trade of his step father, the ministry of Jesus and His eventual walk to the cross. The final chapter deals with the resurrection of Jesus and what that means to all of us.
Each day I’ll ask you to read a chapter from Luke. Then I will discuss some of the highlights of each of them and ask for your thoughts too. We are about to begin a wonderful adventure as we travel trough the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, Christ.
Barreness means without life or unproductive. In this Advent Season, let’s focus NOT on the things that fill time, take our energy, destroy our joy, but rather on the fulfillment of God’s promises to us. Don’t let the busyness of this Season take away from the glorious peace that comes with the birth of our Savior and turn it into a barren wasteland of materialism.
Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas. When we put our eyes back on that information, there’s a calmness about it. We don’t have to feel the stress of getting things done. Depression doesn’t have to creep into our thoughts. Our minds can wrap around the Savior as tightly as the swaddling clothes Mary dressed Him in.
Christmas and the season preceding it have become a time of preparation, but we often forget what we’re preparing for. Is it the huge dinner we’ll serve – the festive parties – the cookies to be baked – the gifts to buy – the amount of money we spend? Or is it the gift from God in the form of a little baby that makes our hearts glad?
The barrenness of life is not limited to the womb.
We all face empty moments that our souls slowly consume.
We hide from time – we cloak our heads – In closets safe we stay.
We cannot face the guilt or dread. We often run away.
The truth is we can’t hide from God. He sees our every move.
He watches us and let’s us fall – His faithfulness to prove.
He’ll never let us walk alone or ever leave our side.
He loves despite our frailties. He always will abide.
So when you’re feeling empty – like life has passed you by.
Just ask Him to be with you. He answers every cry.
He does it in His timing. He knows just what to do.
His love is everlasting. It’s there for me and you.
Kathy Boecher©
ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
Over a number of years, my artist husband has created several hand carved Santas for me. Each was added at Christmas to a collection started long ago. I love it when Paul works sculpting something out of a chunk of nothing. He’s a master craftsman, but he also enjoys the time whittling away on a piece of wood. It seems to carry him to a different place and time.
Like the touch of a paintbrush in a way – his hands and mind move swiftly and carefully – creating, molding, shaping incredible little creatures which make me smile. One looks like a pickle with his tall, green, pointed hat. Another is shaped like a jalapeno pepper. Each is unique and has it’s own character. All of them look somewhat like their maker.
For a time, these treasures were hidden in a box and we thought they’d gotten lost in our move, but they appeared one day last year while we were going through some boxes. They now are displayed all year round in our new, old farmhouse in the city.
A great Thanksgiving story about two men in search of their own goals, comes together in the most difficult of situations and become lifetime friends in spite of it. John Candy & Steve Martin were perfectly cast for the film. Steve’s immediate disdain for John in the film, came through loud and clear. John, on the other hand, was simply looking for a friend to fill his lonely life.
It occurs to me, as we travel to a different location over the holiday season, there might be someone in need of a friend. We could become a shoulder to cry on. There might be a person who needs help with their luggage or finding a seat or maybe a person who needs calming as the plane takes off or lands.
When I travel alone, I have visions of being held captive by terrorists – trying to use my MacGyver skills (of which I have none) to get out of a tough situation – coming to the rescue and landing the plane myself – even though I can’t parallel park.
Steve Martin was on his way home for Thanksgiving while John Candy was on his way to another sales destination – no family – no wife – no one – a lonely man who simply needed a friend. How many people do you know who are in that situation? They might be alone for this holiday or the next. They may simply need to have a conversation with someone or enjoy a laugh or two.
Steve Martin had a family waiting for him. There was a lovely home with relatives and a choir concert to attend for his daughter. He would be late again. It probably was normal for him to miss many a celebration because of his job. Traveling to and from home was a way of life for him, but it was especially difficult during the holidays.
This overweight, somewhat obnoxious, annoying fellow he was forced to share transportation with eventually grew on Steve. Carrying a huge trunk with samples of shower curtain rings and all his worldly belongings was a task at first, but became a thing which bound them for the duration of their trip.
We don’t always know what’s going on in the mind of a stranger, but as a friendship begins to develop, we often discover that first impressions aren’t always true. When we’re on a timeline – when we have a reason for getting somewhere – when we would do anything to get to our destination, we will do whatever it takes to get there. Even if it means sharing a rented car with a chain smoker who uses the dashboard as a percussion instrument. We might wind up on a bus filled with fellow travelers, singing the theme song from “The Flintstones,” but it will be worth every second knowing that we’ll soon be together with those we love.
Of course in the movies, everything is over the top. A car fire, literally driving into a motel, traveling in the back of a pick up truck during a snow storm and sub zero temperatures are unlikely scenarios in real life, but there is so much truth in the forming of a friendship even during times of need or stress.
In the end, Steve and John arrive in time for Thanksgiving dinner having established that kind of friendship. It’s especially touching because both men come to the realization of how much they needed each other.
Today give thanks for those special people in your life. Even if you can’t be together for one reason or another, thank God for them. They are the people who make you who you are, even with all the flaws.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Do you remember those magic words – the words learned shortly after we began to speak. By the time we learned to say, “please and thank you,” we may not have had an inkling as to why those words were necessary. At the time, we were the center of the universe. No one deserved such accolades outside of ourselves. As a parent it was a necessary rite of passage to teach our young’ns that these words were important in showing our respect to others – common lessons in good manners which seem to be waning over time.
As we approach another Thanksgiving Day, we set aside one 24 hour period to say thanks to God and those we’re connected with. Actually, it’s more than a day, when you consider all the planning that went into the process. The sweat and sometimes the tears over a feast that would include special tableware, beautiful centerpieces, food galore where everyone sits together for the fifteen minutes it takes to consume the spectacular banquet.
From the table to the kitchen sink – plastic containers to save the leftovers – dishes to load in a dishwasher or soapy water – a little more community time to chat and enjoy each other’s company. Or maybe it’s a trip to the couch and an afternoon of watching football.
Thanksgiving has been relegated to all other family holidays that might bring up old disagreements. Sometimes controversial subjects are brought up and arguments ensue. Oh the joy of the holiday season. A group survey of the newspaper ads for black Friday and finally a trip to save a few bucks, by spending more than you intended for the next holiday.
We are not a traditional Thanksgiving family. The men are always deer hunting in Wisconsin. We usually have our feast before or shortly after the actual day. Before we sit down to eat, Paul will ask the blessing. We all know that the prayer often takes longer than it does to eat, but everyone is kind enough to let the food get a little cold so we can join in those special words of Thanksgiving – those magic words we were taught as children.
How can we possibly thank God for all that He’s done for us? He created a world for us to inhabit. It’s filled with beauty beyond compare even though sullied with sin. He walks beside us through life and has promised to carry our burdens if we let Him. He has taken upon Himself our iniquities and forgiven us all of our sins. He has prepared a perfect life for our time after death. His love is unconditional and immeasurable. When we come to Him with our please and thank you, we’re showing Him a small portion of the respect due Him.
Thank Him through our prayers. Show our respect for Him by the way we treat others. Take our petitions to Him on a daily basis – not just when things get desperate. The magic words should also extend to those we come in contact with every day – not because we have to, but because we really mean it.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
The tales told in the past repeat themselves on a daily basis. The classic story of Romeo & Juliet has been retold in different ways, genres and locations. What is it about these plot lines that draw us in? The movies and television shows are much the same. There have been so many “sequels,” it’s hard to keep track of them all. Why can’t we come up with something new?
King Solomon wrestled with the same dilemma. Here was a man that had everything. So much so, that he had tried it all and still remained lacking. He basically came to a point in his life when none of it mattered. It was all meaningless – chasing after the wind.
Solomon had more than the wealthiest of today. He had wives and (as a child once said) “porcupines” than any other man. His riches exceeded those of any other. He experienced everything (good and bad) that life had to offer. Even with all that, he wasn’t satisfied.
Why do we repeat and repeat and repeat? We go through life making many of the same mistakes. We stumble through each day, trying to make sense of what’s happening around us. We drag ourselves to jobs we hate. We spend hours in the car driving kids from one activity or another. Are we really living or just rewinding? Are we becoming sequels of the days before?
There is nothing new under the sun while we remain in this life, but there is a refuge – a hiding place – a sanctuary where we can find comfort. There is something new when we’re under the Son. God has promised a future filled with amazing new things. Our table will be set with exquisite foods we’ve never tasted. Our days will be filled with joy and sadness will not exist. We will have all of our needs provided for and more.
While we travel this world, things will remain the same. We aren’t guaranteed perfection if we believe in God. There will be wars, hatred, division, violence and hostility. Death is the passage that takes us to a new place – one with adventures never experienced and it will last forever. Can’t wait!
These are the infamous “Johnson Street Turkeys” from our old neighborhood in Minneapolis. I’ve written about them before and in fact an article about them appeared in the local newspaper a number of years ago. This flock would carry on every day by chasing the mail truck or following the garbage trucks in hopes of scavenging a tidbit or two. They would hang out by railroad tracks which happened to be just yards away from the butcher shop. One day as my husband was out and about, he spied one who looked like he was dead. The butcher was approaching as my husband drove by. We often wondered what happened next.
This obnoxious gang found it amusing to nibble on the cocoa bean mulch I’d placed in my garden. They’d stir things up and made a horrible mess out of it. They had no fear and like many an adolescent, they seemed to think they were invincible. Their iridescent feathers looked amazing in the sunlight, especially when they were fully displayed.
It was said that these were truly “city birds,” because they knew how to cross the main street on the traffic light. They’d patiently wait for the light to turn green and then run madly across. Not sure if that’s really true, since I never witnessed it, but I wouldn’t be surprised.
There was a myth that when our newly formed country was in its infancy, Benjamin Franklin suggested having the turkey as our national bird. Actually that is untrue. However, it wouldn’t surprise me either, considering all the turkeys that are currently residing in Washington.
I always have thoughts about these birds at this time of the year. Actually up until recently, turkeys weren’t as plentiful as they are now. It’s interesting how they stick together and show off when the lady turkeys show up. Now that we’ve moved away from the city, I’ve seen other flocks gathering and brazenly walking in gangs from place to place. Maybe they think they deserve special attention because of their apparent resurgence in numbers. Who knows, maybe they will eventually get the respect they deserve.
And so it begins – the onset of the holiday season – a time of gathering, sharing, giving, receiving and love. This week families will gather and share in a bounteous meal, reminiscent of their past. Turkey or ham will be served with mashed potatoes, yams, home made stuffing, fancy desserts and a lot of indigestion. The meal itself is a tradition.
Think back to the holidays of your youth. Days of preparation went on before the actual feast. For some it meant making sacrifices to bring something sumptuous to the table. For others it may have meant a way of giving thanks for their blessings.
The gathering was comprised of a bounty of relatives and/or friends. It was a noisy time of laughter, conversation, debate, trying to one up the other. It was time to remember how things used to be when grandma made the main course and others would pitch in with side dishes and desserts.
Then came the football games. When I was a kid, I don’t think they had started televising football games. What can I say? I’m old! So instead the football would be taken outside allowing for the elimination of some of those unnecessary calories we’d consumed.
Getting together as a family has almost become a thing of the past as we’re often separated by many miles. Today our dinners may still contain some traditions. We set a fancy table, filled with treasured China, crystal and silverware. We sit together or maybe not. We begin with a special prayer of Thanksgiving and then everyone digs in and rushes from the table to pursue their own devices. Today the special table has been substituted with paper plates and plastic utensils. The meal is served buffet style, but hey, you’re all in the same general vicinity of each other, which may or may not be good.
The old ways are not always the best. Conversation is rare, because we don’t want to talk about anything controversial and ruin this Currier & Ives setting. Football exists on a huge HDTV and for those left to clean up after the amazing feast, it just becomes an extra burden.
When we strive to do things that have been done a certain way in the past, we often set ourselves up for disappointment. We may create a Pinterest environment with lovely trappings, right down to the napkin rings. We create the perfect scene, yet all the crud leading up to it can make us feel alone, depressed and used.
Does it have to be traditional?
When our society changes, many of those old traditions fall by the wayside. The one important thing, in my opinion, is the gathering. Time flies and with it many of the old things need to be revised. It isn’t always possible to travel. If we can manage to get together at least once a year, the holidays are the perfect time to do so.
New traditions are being made today. We can talk to each other on Face Time and actually see each other. We can text each other and instantly communicate. We don’t even have to cook anymore, because most everything can be delivered to our front door. As we get older, we resist the changes, but maybe these new ways will be the traditions of tomorrow.
“A fiddler on the roof. Sounds crazy, no? But here, in our little village of Anatevka, you might say every one of us is a fiddler on the roof trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking his neck. It isn’t easy. You may ask ‘Why do we stay up there if it’s so dangerous?’ Well, we stay because Anatevka is our home. And how do we keep our balance? That I can tell you in one word: tradition!”
Tevye, “FIDDLER ON THE ROOF”
And so begins the onset of the holiday traditions. We all have our own fami
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Why is it when we come in prayer
We just don’t have the words to share?
The struggles still continue on,
Our hopes diminish and are gone.
We lift our voices, but we fear
That God’s too far away to hear.
We grow impatient and cannot wait
We think our problems aren’t that great.
Our ego soon gets in the way,
We think that we don’t have to pray,
But God knows all our needs and cares;
He wants to hear our inmost prayers.
He sends His spirit to our side,
To speak in words we cannot hide.
He goes to God to intercede,
In royal language does He plead.
So take your troubles to the Lord.
Don’t worry over the right word.
He loves to hear from you each day.
Don’t feel inadequate – just pray!
A tradition in our family for more than 55 years, requires the father and son team of Paul & Bob to return to Wisconsin for the one week deer hunt. This special week of male bonding and fellowship started today, when Bob helped his dad load all his gear into his truck. I’ve grown used to this time of regeneration for both of these guys and all the others who participate. In the past, this week was used to work on a project or do a complete clean of the house, or redecorate a room. This past week has been a season of recovery which seems to be going on too long, so it looks like any big plans are out of the question.
Paul simply loves being in the outdoors, For many years, after his career in advertising, he worked as a naturalist in one of our county parks. He is a walking dictionary when it comes to nature and knows so much about things, it’s natural for him to share every ounce of knowledge he’s compiled over the years. Being an artist, it also gives him the opportunity to transfer his love for wildlife, wildflowers and all things that grow and thrive in the forest onto a canvas.
The painting I’m showing today is one of those experiences he’s felt. Each brush stroke shows how much he loves the outdoors. The poem is one written, perhaps when he was off on another hunt. It also seems appropriate for Thanksgiving.
Give thanks to the Lord for His creation,
In His hands all things came into existence,
The trees perfectly designed and crafted to bring shade, comfort, and shelter,
The seas in all their majesty, blown into place by His breath,
Abundant with life, food for our stomachs and beauty to behold,
The sky is filled with the voice and color of His paintbrush,
A glimmering sunset, a rainbow of promise, clouds to gather the tears of man,
The secret places are His also, He formed great mountains from formless clay,
He carved the crevices from steely granite, penciled in the lines,
Washed the canvas with water, tweaked, punched, chiseled,
He created every living thing,
Formed from nothing into intricately executed works of art,
Giving the first man a likeness of Himself,
And the first woman taken from the ribs of the man,
To forever be a part of him,
God is the Creator of all things,
Let us praise Him and thank Him for His wondrous gifts,
And remind us that He created us to be the caretakers of His creation.
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
The wind and winter’s chill worm through the thickness of inner earth, Weaving in and out of the good spaces,
Infecting, infesting, destroying,
They can emerge as a thing of beauty,
But soon overtake and enshroud the original brilliance,
They take advantage of life around them,
Sucking their own life from others,
Sapping,
Suffocating,
Choking,
Strangling,
Cutting off all defense,
The garden, the farmer’s field, the soul of man,
The trap has been set.
Our foolishness pulls us in, but something grasps tightly,
With a fervency and tenacity our minds can’t comprehend.
Some call it instinct,
Some see it as their positive aura or conscience.
It is the touch of Jesus,
Pulling us, retrieving us, clinging with great strength,
The hand of God wont let go.
He has overpowered the devil.
He has done it all,
Because of His great love for us.
Hang on to Him for He will never leave you.
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Stories, features, articles of writer and author David Ettinger.
Life is a patchwork of moments — laughter, solitude, everyday joys, and quiet aches. Through scribbled stories, I explore travels both far and inward, from sunrise over unfamiliar streets to the comfort of home. This is life as I see it, captured in ink and memory. Stick around; let's wander together.
God's amazing grace removes walls and replaces those barriers with Jesus, freedom from sin's consequences, freedom to forgive, and freedom to love unconditionally.
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