JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

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WHERE ARE YOUR ROOTS?

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“Millions of men have lived to fight, build palaces and boundaries, shape destinies and societies; but the compelling force of all times has been the force of originality and creation profoundly affecting the roots of human spirit.” Ansel Adams

Most of us have a piece of history tucked away somewhere in our past.  The latest desire to discover our ancestors and heritage is sweeping the country.  We’re even asked to provide a sample of our DNA in order to find more in depth information.

Were your ancestors pillars of the community or were there some shady goings on in their lives?  Were they rich or poor?  Did they contribute to society or just take advantage of it?  Were they famous or infamous?

Any information we gather from our family trees is certainly not enough to tell us what our forerunners were really like.  What did they believe?  How did the get through the perils of life that faced those past generations?   What framed their personalities and character traits?

I came across the above photograph a couple years ago and decided to keep it.  I don’t know who the people are in the picture.  I can recognize some facial qualities that might lead me to my mother’s family.  I will never know for sure.  The thing that stands out to me in this image, is one of hard work, perseverance, determination, physical hardship and not a lot of joy.

Today photographs often include selfies – perfectly posed pictures – straight, whitened teeth and coifed hair. There is no dirt under the fingernails – no hefty work animals at our side – no sadness, grief or pain.  We try to put the best image of ourselves out there for the world to see.

I wonder what future generations will say about us.  As we look back, our vision of what used to be conjures ideas of difficult times – physical labor – oppression – fear of the unknown.  In 2099 a whole new generation of geriatrics will walk the face of the earth.  Will they recall sitting at a computer to compose a piece of writing or will that be overtaken by Alexa or some other robotic instrument? Will they understand the joy of lifting a paintbrush and creating a piece of art or will they have forgotten to enjoy art all together?  Will it matter what they look like – their appearance – their beauty?  Most will probably be cocooned within their own environment with very little social contact.

When you get old you think about things like this.  The folks in the old sepia-toned photographs certainly didn’t seem to enjoy their plight.  They existed.  They carried on, but were they happy?

Every generation probably thinks there’s is the best.  The experiences, the challenges, the desires are all part of the big picture.  Life doesn’t change much over time. We invent things that make it a lot easier, but we are all still the same in God’s eyes.  We can choose to complain about our lot in life or we can decide to live with it and make the most of it.

“The righteous who walks in his integrity—
    blessed are his children after him!
” Proverbs 20:7

 

 

 

 

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REDEMPTION

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“Nations, like stars, are entitled to eclipse. All is well, provided the light returns and the eclipse does not become endless night. Dawn and resurrection are synonymous. The reappearance of the light is the same as the survival of the soul.” Victor Hugo

In the past couple weeks, Victor Hugo has come to mind.  This eloquent author captured the darkness of the nation of France during its revolution and the evil deeds of the rich and those in power.  The poor turned to doing evil, forced out of necessity or want.   Maybe it has to do with the incendiary event at Notre Dame.  It could be that Masterpiece Theater is starting a new series based on “Les Miserables.”

There is a thread weaving through these events.  The call to redemption is that common denominator.  The need for light in a dark, corrupt, insane and unfair world is shown in both stories.  We see it today as well, when we see what’s occurring in our own world.  The light has gone out of it.  Timing is right for revolution.  People are angry, frustrated, anxious and depressed by the government.  We have become divided in our alliances and our young people are longing for things that will make us all the same.

In both “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” and “Les Miserables,” the main characters are on a quest to change their lives.  One finds sanctuary in the walls of a church.  Because of his appearance he’s scorned and laughed at.  He becomes friends with the many statues of saints that fill the church.  He feels protection from the marble gargoyles who stand guard. The church becomes his home and hide away.

The other man pulls himself out of poverty and a cruel imprisonment to make a name for himself and show love and compassion to others.  He begins his journey as a cynical atheist and when given hope by a man of God, he turns his life in a different direction.  It isn’t because of the wealth he’s gained, but his changed heart. Both stories scream of redemption.  Is it self-redemption or does it come from God?

Jesus made the payment for our redemption and is the only way for us to receive our salvation.  We can work our heads off, gain wealth and fame, prosper enough to help others, but none of that is going to buy us a place in heaven.

We can struggle through life in poverty.  Our hearts may fill with anxiety and hopelessness.  We hit bottom and who brings us out of that pit?  Not us.  Only Jesus.

When a child lays lifeless in a hospital after a three story fall and miraculously shows no internal or brain injuries, that happened because God was there to cushion the child and heal his broken body.

We can assume to take credit for these things, but the only true way to redemption is through Jesus, Christ.  Redemption means to buy back or repossess.  Think of it that way.  We were lost in our sins. We were enemies of God.  Through Jesus perfect life, His passion and sacrifice, the ransom has been paid and we are once again right with God.

All the darkness of life has been conquered by God Himself.  He loved us so much He sacrificed His own Son so we could live with Him forever.  He also brought His Son back to life, as He will with us when we die.  That’s the truth!

 

 

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LIFE UNBOUND

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A town was once alive and bustling with activity,

Abandoned, but still built on solid ground,

We trudge through time with hearts held in captivity,

Our walk in life may keep us earthly bound,

But when Christ came He gave us the proclivity,

He shows us how to turn our lives around,

We are not able through our own activity,

To reach the gates where glory does abound,

Through Him alone and His sweet sensitivity,

We now are free, our sins have been unbound.

 

 

 

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APRIL TESTIMONY TAG

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I was tagged by Mark “Hat” Rackley last week to share my testimony with you.  Last week was a little crazy for me, so I had to put the honor on the shelf for a while.  Today, being Monday and the start of a new week, seems to be an appropriate time to do this.

My testimony is really rather boring.  I was born a Christian.  My parents had me baptized as an infant.  When I was thirteen, after years of studying the Catechism and Bible, I was confirmed in the Lutheran Church – Wisconsin Synod.  I attended Sunday school, Christian elementary and high schools.  I guess you could say I’m a conservative thinker – a staunch believer in the inspired Word of God – a stubborn sinner and a very appreciative saint.  I met my husband at a Lutheran high school.

Throughout my young life, I never thought too much about my faith.  It was just in me.  I had no Road to Damascus event which changed everything for me.  My growth as a Christian was slow and steady.

When young, I saw hypocrisy in the church as people changed their normal behavior when they entered the building.  I saw a difference in societal classes and exclusive cliques which I was not a part of.  I often felt left out. As a senior in high school we studied the book of Acts for the entire year.   I’m not sure if it was that me and my fellow students were becoming a little rebellious or what, but we didn’t see any value in studying that book.  We wanted something that would prepare us for the world outside.  It took me almost thirty years to realize what a gem that book is for our life preparation.

I went to church every Sunday, followed all the rules, was known as “that Christian girl,” and sometimes didn’t like the label.  I guess my enlightenment came in baby steps.  For many years I was going through the motions of  being a Christian, but my early training pounded the law into my brain and I never truly felt the comfort of the Gospel until I was well into my fifties.

My Lord carried me through many difficult times in life.  I believe that is how my relationship developed with Him – slow and steady.  We struggled financially throughout our marriage.  My ambitious husband worked in advertising as an art director for many years.  Eventually he started his own business.  The business grew to be quite successful for a while and then the bottom fell out.  We lost everything except the small change we had in our pockets when leaving bankruptcy court.  Life has been a series of ups and downs, but God has always been the head of our home so we know we’re in good hands.  He always provides.

Through the perils of health issues, death, caring for aging parents, emotional ups and downs, God has been the foundation of our lives.  I know that without him, I would have been swallowed up by the devil.  Because I know all about His love for me, how can I not love Him back?

My career came as a result of volunteering for thirteen years as the drama director at my kids’ high school.  I went on the writing plays that were suitable for a Christian school.  My writing has always been my passion.  Though I love being with young people, I fear my days of teaching are over, but I still possess a lot of information that I’d love to share with them.

As I approach the end of my days, I’ve seen enough of this world and how it has turned so far from God and His tenets for our lives.  I long for the day when I will enter heaven.  God places us in the world for a reason.  Each day I pray that I can be an encourager to others through my writing.  The road is never easy, but with Jesus at our side, we can overcome the obstacles of life.

  1. Now it’s my turn to suggest some of my favorite bloggers to participate in this tag.  Here are the rules:
  2. Thank the person who nominated you to participate.
  3. Link back to the original post.
  4. Use the original featured image.
  5. Share your testimony in your own way, this is a tag meant for reflection and sharing the amazing gift God has given us of redemption.
  6. Nominate one or more people to participate.
  7. Enjoy the rest of your month!

My nominations are:

  1. Julie (aka Cookie) Cook
  2. David Kitz
  3. LynnAbbott
  4. Chicken Grandma
  5. John at Eclectic Contrarian
  6. Mitch Teemley
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THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS OURS

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Gated communities, walls, barricades, stockades, bulwarks, road blocks – all designed to protect one side from the other.  These obstacles are built for the purpose of protection of what lies within. They include precious people, riches and treasures, things not wanted to be shared with the outside world.

When we put up walls, we are indeed keeping those things safe.  We are providing a safety net for those inside along with a feeling of shelter and security.  When we wall ourselves in, however, we are losing out on what lies on the other side.

Most Americans are descendants of those from other countries. Illegal immigration has become the norm, because it’s so easy to get in.  Illegal means “against the law.”  In our world today, the word “law” has very little clout.  Over time, laws are changed, but they are intended for the same purpose – to keep us safe, to make us feel secure and protect us from the bad guys.  Going through the legal process of immigration takes a long time, but it’s the right way to do it.  We seem to have ignored that word “illegal” for some time now.

In a perfect world, all folks should live together peacefully, but for that to happen, there must also be law and order. In the past 50 years or so, I have seen a great change in what is right and wrong.  It seems to have flipped completely upside down.  Now the cops are on trial while the criminals are set free.  Our laws are not enforced as they should be, because of full courtrooms and prisons.  Those who break the law are released back into society too soon and return to their old ways.  Corruption is everywhere.

Over the past week, we saw how a kangaroo court convicted an innocent man and sentenced Him to a horrific death.  The stone sealing His secured tomb was rolled away and that barricade could not hold the living Son of God.  He conquered death and took away all our sins.  He made it possible for us to share in His kingdom.

On that same day, we heard of terrible destruction and persecution in another part of the world.  The churches of Sri Lanka – sanctuaries designed for worship – were destroyed along with the lives of many.  Those sacred walls were broken down, but the Joy of Easter continues to ring out.

Buildings, walls, fences, safeguards and barricades can keep us safe, but not forever.  Placing our confidence in the risen Messiah – the true Son of God – true God/true man – Creator of the Universe and all it holds – The One who loves us – is our sure defense.  We can be sure that he will guard us from all the dangers and messes of life.  He is stronger than any wall.  He uses His power to build us up and bring us to our eternal kingdom.  In heaven, there will be no obstacles.  Those who enter will immediately inherit a perfect life for all eternity.

 

 

 

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MY WRITING JOURNEY

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Last week my  writing journey took a brief hiatus.  I guess it all started the week before, when Minnesota was hit with one last (I hope) snow storm.   There I sat again, in a pile of snow and ice, struggling to get up.  I felt like a turtle on its back.    I say “again” because this was not my first fall this year.  Each one had to do with snow or ice – not to mention my widening girth and age.  I thought I was fine until half way through the week, when the pain set in.

It’s strange how life can get in the way of our goals.  We push hard to achieve – to prove something – to finish the race and all of a sudden a road block gets in the way of our journey.  I think about all the obstacles put in our lives and how they can either mess things up totally, or add another page of dialogue to a growing story.  For me, it was a week of sadness as we put our twelve year old dog to sleep.  He also suffered through a difficult winter of deep snow and aging.

My novel has waited this long to be finished.  I began the journey several years ago – put it on hold as we downsized and moved – left my career and started over – realized it was time to retire – began to focus on blogging and Bible study.  During that interlude, the novel was lost to cyber space.  I didn’t want that to happen again, so with much encouragement from my husband and a group of dear friends, I set out on the voyage again.

A week is a long time to be away from something like this. I was just beginning to pick up momentum when life got in the way.  Isn’t that how life can hit us?  We move along smoothly for a while and something happens to disrupt things.  We cave to the pressure.  We succumb to inconvenience.  We fall apart at the slightest interruption.  At least that’s what usually happens.

Life does get in the way and the best way to be prepared for it is to contemplate what we just finished celebrating – the passion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.  As we commemorated his final week of life and the price He paid for our salvation, my focus needed to be on Him.  His resurrection put His seal on my eternal life insurance policy.  He died for you and me.  He rose again so we will rise too.

Now it’s back to work!

 

 

 

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ALL THE SAME IN HIS SIGHT

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Within the city limits stands a relic from the past,

It used to hold some animals, but those days are long passed,

Today it holds many treasures, of times from long ago,

Their memory is restored again, and leaves an afterglow,

The barn is round and filled with love, with ancient tools it flows,

The things you find within these walls, will make you understand,

That nothing’s new under the sun, when in the artist’s hand,

What one may think is useless now, has found a life renewed,

What once was lost has now been found, a freshness now exudes,

We too are like that ancient shell, our sin has made us so,

Our bodies age, our sight grows dim,  our vigor is now slow,

But through our great Creator God, redeemed, restored we stand,

Our sins have all been washed away by His almighty hand.

 

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ALELLUIA, HE IS RISEN!

The cross becomes a distant memory. Was it worth it? There was no greater sacrifice. Our holy God took on human flesh, lived a perfect life, was hailed by many and scorned by more. He took our place and carried our sins to the grave. On the third day He rose from the dead and reigns in heaven forever. He gave His life for me to set my spirit free. He did this for all people because He loves us so much.

Happy Easter to all my blogging friends. May the peace of the Lord be yours.

He is risen indeed!

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GOLDEN OLDEN DAYS

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This aging bulwark stands as a reminder of days gone by.

Firmly grounded more than a hundred years ago, in the heartland of our country.

Each brick and stone, each hewn log was placed by strong, burly hands that knew no other way to work.

Vestiges of a different time – an edifice with heart built in,

Strong,

Staunch,

Level,

Stubborn,

All attributes which have caved over the years.

Where is our strength?

Where is our resolve?

How quickly can we be set ajar by the sands of time?

The stubbornness of man has been his strength and his downfall.

Praise the Creator of all, for setting things straight again.

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HE DIED

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POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

At the hour of the evening sacrifice, Jesus died.  His stricken body had suffered unbearable torture, even for the Son of God.  At last the weight of the sin of the world crushed him.  He died, but he would rise again.

When bruised and injured we do fall, before our Father’s throne
And look upon the lamb once slain for all sins to atone,
Our pain is nothing next to His, our wounds are all but naught.
The blood He shed, His torturous death were all with insult fraught,

But still the Son of God went forth in dignity and strength,
He took our place and bore the cross until His dying breath,
Three days went by.   He shunned the grave and rose to life again.
He did this so I too could claim a life in heaven with Him.

Sweet Jesus you have walked the road that I deserved to go.

You did this oh so willingly and You knew just what to do
So when I’m feeling battered and pulled in many ways, 
Remind me of the walk you took and please accept my praise.

 

 

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THE CURSE OF THE CROSS

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Roman crucifixion was considered to be the most painful, disgraceful and horrific forms of torture.  The hands and feet were bound and nailed to the cross. The pain was excruciating.  There was strain on the wrists,, shoulders and arms.  The rib cage was in such a position that it would be difficult to take a full breath.

Because of dehydration and difficulty breathing, there would be extreme cramping of the legs.  The length of time required to die could range from hours to a number of days, depending on the condition of the victim before he was placed on the cross.  Our Lord suffered extreme beating prior to His time on the cross.

The final cause of death would be lack of oxygen going to the brain, shock and unconsciousness or asphyxiation.  This type of punishment was reserved for the worse criminals and would also serve as a reminder of the authority of the Roman Empire.

Jesus died to take our place, so that the curse of the law would be taken away.  He died so we could live eternally.  Praise be to God for giving us the victory over death.

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HE WAS PIERCED FOR ME

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

 

A babe so soft, a child so sweet, lay on a bed of hay,

His mom looked at the dimpled hands and counted fingers at play.

His hands would grow with bruises and scuffs as children so often do.

He used them to craft with wood and nails and callouses He knew.

The hands would search the scriptures, though He wrote every phrase,

His hands would do miraculous deeds – like  heal and calm and raise.

He touched the hearts of many, He healed their broken hearts, He held them close and tight.

The soldiers rammed the iron nails into His willing flesh.  Each nerve burned for our plight.

He died upon that wooden cross, He suffered and He bled,

The grave would never hold Him.  He conquered death instead.

When once again we see Him in glory and in might,

He’ll take our hands and hold them.  For He has won our fight.

 

 

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THE FINAL SACRIFICE

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POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

A tender shepherd walked this earth with love within his touch,

His words could calm the troubled sheep, His hands led them through much.

He chased away the predators,  He brought them safely home.

He often searched many hours for the one who liked to roam.

He nurtured and He led them to pastures lush and green,

He sometimes pushed and prodded, through perils yet unseen.

His rod and staff protected – His love would see them through,

For they were His possession – He did what He must do.

He found the purest water to quench their endless thirst,

A clean and  living water that always put them first.

This great and perfect shepherd still leads us every day.

His life He gave – became the sheep –  to take our sins away.

No price can compensate Him.  He dwells among us still.

He leads our souls to heaven.  He guides us with His will.

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GOODBYE, OLD SPORT

It’s always so hard to say goodbye to our furry friends.  We’ve had Gage since he was six weeks old and placed him in God’s hands yesterday, just shy of his 12th birthday.

He was a lively pup, full of mischief, curiosity, fun, incessant movement and determination.  To survive as a setter to this age is unusual.  During his time on earth he gave us his share of joy and laughter, anger, frustration and a mutual admiration.

He was a gift from our children after the death of another dear pet named Bo.  This Golden Retriever was with us for eleven years and died slowly and peacefully in my arms.

Gage was quite a tough little dog.  He had an iron constitution and would eat just about anything in his sight.  At Easter time one year, he ate an entire bag of jelly beans while we were gone, and our carpet looked like Walt Disney threw up.  Another time he retrieved two raw chicken breasts from the counter and gobbled them down.  He also consumed several chocolate chip cookies, paper and many things he shouldn’t have. He did this with no severe side effects.

His toughness extended to his gruff voice, which saved our house from being burgled by intruders.  The thieves got in through the patio door, but Gage came to the rescue and scared them off.

He barked at the feral cats in our neighborhood.  He waited staunchly by the window for one to appear.  Then he would slobber up the window like the famous movie dog, “Hooch,” and go crazy trying to catch one.

He tore up many a sheet on our bed while sleeping in it.  He ate handkerchiefs, socks and other unmentionable garments. His toys, however, lasted forever.  He never devoured one.

He loved our new, old house, though he only had two and a half years to live in it.  He became accustomed to it immediately – maybe because we love it so much too.

This dog, who had a strong body, good mind (even though he would occasionally bonk his head on something with no effect,) a great disposition, soft heart and was our unconditional friend.

We will miss you, buddy.  RIP GAGE BOECHER

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BLENDING IN

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This offering is the beginning of a new series of paintings – farms, barns and broken buildings.

In the weeds and trenches,

In the darkest holes,

Perched within the clenches,

Of yearned for days of old,

This bird of many colors,

Stands guard along the gate,

As colors bloom like flowers,

As spring’s brief advocate,

The new growth brings new life,

The gentle rain renews,

The end of snow and winter strife,

Replaced with wondrous views.

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DESTRUCTION OF A TEMPLE

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READ JOHN 2:13-22

Today, as we consider the burning of Notre Dame Cathedral and all its worldly treasures, hearts will ache and tears will fall.  This building has stood the test of time through wars, scandal, revolution, discouragement and hatred.

A building

An edifice,

A structure made by human hands,

Filled with priceless art and all the trappings that go along with worship of an almighty God.  Yet, in spite of its glorious façade – in spite of its sturdiness, longevity and endurance, it is still just a building.

What happens within the walls of a sanctuary testify to the strength of its members.  We after all are the church.  Jesus is the head and we are his members.

As we look ahead to the passion of His spilled blood, shed in order for us to inherit His kingdom, let’s never forget His own words.

“Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

He had just cleared the temple of all the merchants – turned over their tables and disrupted their businesses.  The Jews thought He was talking about the physical temple when He said those words.  He was foretelling His own death and resurrection.

The beauty of God’s love for His people is amazing.  No matter how tall the buildings – No matter how richly they are adorned – No matter how many treasures lay within -Jesus is the church and He will rise again.

 

 

 

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ROAD OF PASSION

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It was over. Jesus triumphal entry into the holy city of Jerusalem ended like every day.  This man who was thought to be the King of the Jews, the Messiah, the Savior was paraded down a cloak strewn road in front of the masses.  He was just a man.  They waved their palm branches and shouted “Hosanna,” as their King rode by on the back of a lowly donkey.

A beast of burden was His mighty steed.  He was not clothed in glory, nor surrounded by guards and soldiers.  He came to the city to celebrate the Jewish Passover, but he came for more than that.  He knew in advance that His men would find the necessary animals prior to their going into the city.  He knew the precise words they were to use in obtaining them.  He knew the people would hail Him as King of Kings because He was not just a man.  He knew all this, because it had been told by the prophet Zechariah.

The Son of God rode on in victory before the victory was won.  He went through the city streets as His ancestor, David did many years before.  He too was hailed as a king and a conquering hero.

This mighty Jesus could have called down the mountains. He could have provided Himself with a majestic horse and all the trimmings that go along with royalty, but He chose to enter in complete humility.  He was a man, but more than that, He was the Son of the One true God.

I wonder what His thoughts were after that majestic ride through town.  He knew that this week was going to bring His personal suffering, torture and death.  Yet He willingly put His life on the line for us.  It was God’s precious Son who rode on in majesty.  He was the final sacrifice, which would bring communion back between God and man.

The season of self-reflection and repentance is over.  We now can look forward to Jesus victory dance over Satan and sin.  When we witness the cost, the scourge and the cross, the infinite punishment required for our forgiveness, the passion of God for His fallen creatures – we will be victorious too.

This week our focus should be on that willing sacrifice, the lamb without blemish, the Son of God and Mary’s Son, our King and our Messiah.

Let the journey begin.

“My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”  Jesus Christ

 

 

 

 

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MY WRITING JOURNEY

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Only fifteen thousand words to go.  Maybe I could add some ands, buts, pluses, likewises or toos.  The word count has been my nemesis in this process.  I realize words are a necessary component to flesh out my characters, so I continue to go back and edit a section to bring that person to life.  I wonder if Mary Shelley had this problem writing “Frankenstein?”    Actually, she was a much freer spirit than I.  I think drugs and alcohol may have played a part in that one. Lewis Carroll may have taken the same path, but I digress.

I have a tendency to go off track.  My mind works that way.  The beauty of writing, however, is that you can go back and change things.  It’s like taking as long as a week before you speak, because you want to say just the right words.  I can’t let the words simply fall on the paper.  They must be pondered before they’re set in stone.

This  adventure has been all consuming.  After I complete my blog posts each day, I get right on it.  I’m neglecting other things, because I’ve set an imaginary deadline for myself.  I want to get this done before I’m dead!  Although the story might be a lot better if I was writing it in heaven.

So the cobwebs are mounting  in every corner of my house.  Laundry piles grow high.  Dirty dishes often stay in the sink overnight.  My floors need scrubbing, the windows need some serious attention and for some reason, this doesn’t bother me.  I’ve resorted to working in my pajamas with no make up and hair flying in several directions.

I have second thoughts about my story lines. Do I have too many complex subplots?  I wonder if there is too much tragedy and sadness to make it believable.  Then I turn on the news and realize that this is the way life is today.  Will I hold my reader’s attention? I’m being directed at times by the will and voices of my characters.  The plots I had originally planned are being re-written by them.  It’s a little weird, but I appreciate their input.

I never dreamed this journey would be so intense, difficult at times, unrewarding and lonely.  Once the words are written and the storyline is resolved, I will have to edit.  That process will undoubtedly take longer than the writing part.  I’ve already experienced some of that as I go, but I’m certain I’ve got a long way to go.  I don’t know how long I have left on this planet, so it’s become like something I want to scratch off my bucket list.

So I press on for the prize.  Oh, that’s another part of my life, having nothing to do with writing, because this prize won’t necessarily be achieved.  When you consider all the hours, sweat, tears, angst, exhaustion and fear you go through, it’s hard to imagine if anyone else will think your work is as great as you think it is.

 

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BEHOLD THE CROSS

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

When bruised and injured we do fall, before our Father’s throne
And look upon the lamb once slain for all sins to atone,
Our pain is nothing next to His, our wounds are all but naught.
The blood He shed, His torturous death were all with insult fraught,

But still the Son of God went forth in dignity and strength,
He took our place and bore the cross until His dying breath,
Three days went by.   He shunned the grave and rose to life again.
He did this so I too could claim a life in heaven with Him.

Sweet Jesus you have walked the road that I deserved to go.

You did this oh so willingly and You knew just what to do
So when I’m feeling battered and pulled in many ways,
Remind me of the walk you took and please accept the praise.

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