I’M ONLY A MOTHER . . .
Several years ago, I played the part of Albert Peterson’s mother in the play “Bye, Bye, Birdie.” It was a dream role for me. I used my Jersey accent and every ounce of mother that was in me to portray this neurotic character, performed so well in the movie by Jean Stapleton.
The truth is, I was playing myself. At the time, my kids were all out of high school and starting careers. I should’ve been confident that some of my parenting skills would pay off, but I never stopped worrying about them. When they began their own families, I bathed in the love of being a grandmother. As they grew in their careers, I was proud. As they grew in their faith, I could see that the Lord was working on them. As they became responsible adults, I could let go a little, but I still worried about them. Today, these children are 52, 50 & 46. They’ve established themselves as confident, talented, skillful and intelligent grown ups. I still worry.
There’s a line in “Bye, Bye, Birdie,” which says it all. “I’m only a mother.” That’s me. I will always be a mother.
Today, my oldest daughter will be going to two doctor appointments. She and her husband will go on to Clemson to pick up her youngest son. The three of them will then head to the airport for a fourteen hour trip to S. Korea to visit their oldest son, who has been teaching English there for the past six months. The reunion should be amazing. Still, I worry. I’m only a mother. Please pray for safe travels and a wonderful experience for all of them.
There is no instruction manual for parents. There are a few books with varying opinions, but I think the best way to parent is first go to the Bible for words which will lift you up and console you. Then fly by the seat of your pants. It’s an amazing adventure – one that fills you with excitement, anxiety, depression, hope, faith and a whole lot of other emotions. Let me tell you, I wouldn’t trade my motherhood for anything.
My husband tells me I worry too much. I know I should have confidence in God’s plan. I know I should trust that He will guide my children; keep them safe and protect them; walk with them through adversity and joy. I know all of that, but the mother in me will always worry, because it’s who I am!
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
I want to know you, Lord,
I want to feel your arms around me,
Comforting,
Protecting,
Loving me.
I long for your presence in my life,
Your Word connects me to you,
Your Passion shows me how important I am to you,
Your resurrection assures me,
That I will live forever with you.
You come to me when most I need you,
Yet I know that you are always there,
When the problems of life get in the way,
When only you can intercede on my behalf,
When my sins overwhelm me,
When my guilt eats away at my heart,
You are always there.,
I can try to hide from you, but still you see me,
You are so much a part of me, I can’t escape,
Our connection is solid, because of you,
Such a love is so hard to comprehend,
Because we don’t know how to love that way,
There is nothing like it.
As grapes connect to the vine,
You are the vine and I draw life from you,
You nourish me daily with your Word,
Through it, we become one,
Help me to know you better every day,
So that when my final day comes,
I will be ready for you.
A WEDDING WORTH THE WAIT
Twelve months had passed. The young Hebrew couple was about to enter the final stage of the contract established a year ago on the day of their betrothal. Weddings at the time of Jesus would last sometimes for days. They were extremely special, because of the joining of a man and woman with God at the head of them.
As with most rituals in the Bible, there was a certain amount of tradition, and a lot of ceremonial law connected with them. The betrothal would be the first step which required a signed contract by those betrothed and witnesses. If the contract ( ketubah)would require a divorce, so it was as binding as the actual marriage agreement. Sometimes the marriage would be arranged by the parents when their children were young. Usually the engagement would last for twelve months.
The bride would undergo a ceremonial cleansing prior to the wedding and be veiled by her husband as a sign of his love for her inner beauty. Weddings were attended by members of the family, which often amounted to a huge crowd. After the ceremony, performed under a canopy called a chuppa. there would be a reception to celebrate the joining of the newlyweds. Special food would be served along with wine.
So why did Jesus choose a wedding to perform His first miracle? We often hear him refer to Himself as the bridegroom and His followers as the bride. The bride should always be prepared for her groom, since she isn’t sure when He will come for her.
At this wedding in Cana, Jesus’ family was present, so we can assume they were part of the wedding party’s family. Jesus’ disciples also attended the wedding. Mary, Jesus’ mother, would come to tell Him that the wine had run out and He should do something about it. Jesus resisted at first.
“Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” John 2:4-5
Jesus was referring to His divine mission when He said His hour had not yet come. His mother was talking about an immediate need and she knew that Jesus could fill that need. We can see her confidence in the words she speaks to the servants.
By this time, it would’ve been well into the celebration. Jesus told the servants to fill the stone vessels used for ceremonial cleansing water to the brim with water. Somewhere between twenty and thirty gallons of water filled these jars. The servants followed his instructions and we all know that Jesus changed that water into prime wine – wine that was beyond belief.
This miracle was done not to show that Jesus had great magical powers that would fulfill every physical need, but to demonstrate His divinity to His followers.
“This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.” John 2:11
This was Jesus’ first miracle. There would be many more. Many came to see and hear this man partly because of His miracles, but His words were so much more than mere miracles. Those words would change hearts and minds forever.
Imagine that newlywed couple. They must’ve been ecstatic to have this special wine served at their wedding, but truly the most special part of that day was having Jesus as a guest.
FALLING DOWN
ORIGINAL ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
There will be days when you feel completely broken down –
Physically, emotionally, spiritually,
When every ounce of strength has been sapped,
When it seems you can no longer go on,
When life kicks and punches you,
When there seems no hope for tomorrow,
Where do you turn for restoration?
Where do you go when your will has been crushed?
Where will you find relief?
When you’re lying on your back in complete submission,
The only place to look – is up,
Turn to your Creator,
The God of the universe,
Your Savior, Redeemer and Comforter,
He can mend broken bodies,
He can lift your spirit beyond expectation,
He gives you new life, new strength,
With Him, you will soar higher than the angels.
A BAND OF BROTHERS
Luke 6:12-16
“In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”
In the corporate world, a good CEO surrounds himself with knowledgeable people who follow his lead and learn from him; they carry out plans agreed upon by all. Still the CEO has the final word. The same is true in politics. Our president was duly elected by the people of the United States to carry out the plans of those same people and see to their protection and well being. He also adds people to his staff who will help him achievethe final outcome of his administration. If they aren’t doing their jobs, they’re replaced.
When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, he was overwhelmed by the massive problems and issues to be resolved. He needed help to fulfill his obligations to God, so he recruited men to help him. This is true in our churches as pastors and priests cannot do everything themselves.
In Jesus case, He didn’t need help because He was God in the flesh. Yet He was also fully man. He required help managing the growing crowds. He grew weary, as we all do, after a hard day of travel and work. He needed time off occasionally, to recharge and go to His Father in prayer. His constant communication with His Dad is spoken of frequently in the Bible.
So when it came to choosing a group of Apostles from the disciples who followed Him, His decision was based on a variety of men, with different gifts and talents. This band included ordinary men, endowed with extraordinary abilities from God. They were willing to give up their past life to follow Jesus. An apostle was not only an assistant, but one who would carry the Gospel message to others, heal and cast out demons. They were responsible for caring for the widows and poverty stricken.
One of the twelve, betrayed Jesus and set the crucifixion in motion. The man, Judas, Iscariot entered into a deal with the devil. Money drove his decision and when the deed was done, he committed suicide in despair over his actions. He was replaced by Matthias, another disciple who followed Jesus from the time of John, the Baptist. He was the only disciple not chosen personally by Jesus.
Many of these men were blood relatives. At least six of them were brothers. So this truly was a band of brothers connected by the cornerstone, Jesus, Christ. Each one of them would play a part in His ministry, His suffering and death and His resurrection. Many also died as martyrs for their faith.
As we think about the ministry and Passion of Christ, let’s not forget the supporting cast of players. Some were common, ordinary folks. Others were rich and were able to support the mission of Christ. The point is, when we walk with Christ, we are changed. We will never be the same again.
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PETER, THE ROCK STAR
He was known as Simon, John’s son, but when Jesus met him for the first time, his name became Cephas (which means Peter.) Peter was the brother of Andrew, one of the first disciples chosen by Jesus.
He must’ve wondered what this Rabbi – this scholar – this supposed Messiah – would want with the likes of him. He was merely a common laborer; a fisherman by trade. Every day he’d rise before the sun and prepare for another day of physical work. This meant going out on the family fishing boat, setting his nets for the catch and waiting while basking in the heat of the day. He was one of many who made their living from the fruit of the Sea of Galilee.
There were the hours of waiting – growing hotter by the minute. Perhaps he’d jump into the cool water at times for a bit of refreshment. There were moments when it seemed there would be no success for the day and often there was none. There were the hours of patience he’d have to endure. Knowing what we do about Peter, this would be something he’d have to learn even more about when he joined Jesus’ band of disciples.
All those hours, sitting and waiting, not just for fish, but for the promised Messiah of God. His people knew the covenant made so many years ago. It seemed an eternity. Many had given up. There were those claiming to be the Savior, but they were soon debunked as ones trying to incite the crowds for political or personal reasons.
Throughout his time with Jesus, Peter was zealous for the cause. He didn’t hesitate to stand for this man/God. He didn’t always understand Jesus’ words. He didn’t always trust Jesus’ commands. His faith was hot or cold, like most of us. When things were moving smoothly, he went with the flow, but when trouble occurred, he jumped to conclusions or made foolish choices. Perhaps being a fisherman was precisely the kind of experience Jesus needed for his ministry. He did talk about being fishers of men after all.
Fishermen were considered low class citizens, because of their raucous lifestyle and often foul language. They were tough under pressure, especially when faced with windstorms that could capsize a small fishing boat. Paul’s occupation tended to make him outspoken, Johnny on the spot and strong and boisterous in his convictions.
Peter often put his foot in his mouth. Later, as Jesus prepared for His own death, Peter would claim to stand by Him up until the end, yet he betrayed Jesus three times when push came to shove. We are often like that too, aren’t we? We stand on God’s Word and promises, yet when it comes down to it, we often lose our courage.
When Jesus approached him that day, to become part of his nomadic group, he had no reason to change his lifestyle. He was satisfied doing what he did, but there was something about this man that captivated him. Jesus said, “Follow me,” and Peter followed willingly, leaving his wife, goods and business behind.
Like us, Peter was a sinner in need of a Savior. The fact that he had the opportunity to walk with and learn from the Son of God, was the most important factor in his life. This should be our walk too. We all have our moments of weakness and doubt, yet we have a Savior who looks beyond our failings. Peter’s sins, including his betrayal, were forgiven and so are ours. We can count on it.
When Peter took on his own cross to his martyr death, he insisted that the cross be turned upside down, because he would not die as Jesusndid. He was just a man, but Jesus was more than that. He was God in the flesh and Peter knew that.
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WINTER WONDERLAND
This photo was snapped on our way to church this morning. We were on time, in spite of the time change and winter snow storm again last night. I’m beginning to believe I live in Narnia or that Dr. Zhivago will appear at any moment.
When you reside in Minnesota, you learn to accept the weather, but enough already! We’ve had a plethora of the white stuff, extremely cold temperatures, school closings and the feeling of isolation is beginning to effect everyone – including our dog. If you can imagine going outside in snow up to his butt and then trying to find a place to relieve himself – if you can picture being unable to sniff out the perfect spot – giving up, becoming listless and not eating as he should – it’s all a prescription for doggie depression.
I promised not to write about winter anymore, but this morning as we drove to church, I couldn’t help but notice the beauty of the fir trees, laden heavily with fresh snow. All the trees and bushes were dotted with the white stuff. The sun began to peek out, casting a magical reflection across the open spaces as a light dusting whisked across the road.
I complain a lot about our weather. Maybe I feel entitled to do so, because our winters usually begin anywhere between October and November and run into late March and sometimes April. That means about half of our year is covered with a blanket of snow, which will turn to water to nurture new growth and cause flooding of our rivers and lakes – not to mention ice dams which have caused leaking in the house – but I digress.
I love to look at the beauty from the safety of my dining room window or inside a nice warm car, but I’m getting too old to cross country ski, ice skate, snow shoe or downhill ski. I enjoy writing about the picturesque landscape. I have to laugh at the line up of feral cats living under our shed as they poke their heads out like prairie dogs and do a comical cat scan of the snow outside their domain.
It will be only two more months at the most. Then we’ll be complaining about mud and yuck being brought into the house. I have to admit it. I’m probably never satisfied, but God’s Word has some beautiful things to say about snow.
“He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes.
He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs;
who can stand before his cold? ” Psalm 146:16-17
PUT ALLELUIA AWAY FOR A WHILE
Last Sunday, during the children’s message, our pastor invited them to each take a piece of paper upon which was written the word ‘ALLELUIA.” They were instructed to hold on to them until the end of the service when they would come forward and place them in a box until Easter morning when they’d be released again.
During this time of Lent, our thoughts turn to repentance. We should be looking at our sins with sadness. Those sins are responsible for the sacrifice God made, by sending His own flesh and blood to die in our place. That sacrifice would end all future sacrifices. On Good Friday, Jesus would be placed before a jeering crowd, spat upon, made to carry the instrument of His execution, be whipped with the lash and mocked as He gave up His life to pay for the sins of the world. That perfect love – that unconditional love – that pure love that only God can give – is a gift to everyone who believes in Him.
Our hearts should be contemplative. We should really think about the cost. We should put our alleluias away for a while and turn to a realization of what it all means. On Easter morning, when Jesus conquered death by rising to life, the alleluias will ring out with great excitement, because we know that when our own death comes, we will rise again!
ALLELUIA!
I FEEL LIKE CINDERELLA!
Every young girl dreams of someday finding her Prince Charming – of being magically transformed into a vision of loveliness – of finding true love and living happily ever after. On our wedding day, we feel like a princess, dressed in pure glory from top to bottom – unsure of what the future holds, yet determined to fight for it.
When you’ve lived together as man and wife for over 54 years, some of that fairy dust wears away and you’re left with reality. No longer are you able to spend a fortune on clothes. Your focus turns away from yourself and on to those you love. Your self sacrifice is unnoticed, but necessary. It is at the core of true love.
Life has a way of sneaking up on us. We notice it more when the young ones fly the coop. Little things get under our skin. As we age, I think we lose some of our positivity, because we’ve experienced the hard times – the sad times – the ugly times and all the junk that goes with those times.
I could write an epistle about all the disappointments, failures and unfulfilled goals, but I don’t want to depress you. The truth is, all those things are gifts to make us stronger. “Sure,” you say. How can a sick child or a dying loved one make you tougher? How can a business failure make you wiser? How does any crud that comes your way, temper you and refine you?
I am about to give you an example. For many, many years I have taken very poor care of my feet – those two little appendages which have supported this overweight body for 76 years. When I was in my early twenties, I wore stilettos which raised my arches even higher than they already were. As a housewife, I’d get down on my hands and knees to scrub the floor. As I did this task, my feet were bare and calluses formed on the tops of them. I often went barefoot or wore shoes I purchased at a second hand store. My feet became swollen along with the rest of me, when I was pregnant. During that time, I didn’t even know I had feet, because I couldn’t see them.
My story is like most women’s. We often forget about taking care of our base. – the platform upon which we establish our everyday living. I finally went to see a podiatrist. From there, my Prince Charming, took me to an upscale shoe store and filled a prescription for shoe inserts. Not only that, my dear Prince popped for some very expensive, sensible shoes. I’ve never paid more than $50 for a pair of shoes in my life!
I feel like Cinderella. I wore those shoes yesterday and felt the beginning of a transformation. I was walking taller. I was taking longer steps. I felt confident. To top it off, these are not like my grandmother’s sensible shoes – they’re actually cute.
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. ” Hebrews 12:11-13
WOULD YOU HIRE HIM?
He wasn’t your usual preacher. This man had taken a vow at the beginning of his life, to serve God. He would separate himself from society – not indulge in things of the world – live alone as a hermit for many years as he prepared for his ministry. During that time, he never cut his hair. He ate what was available to him in the desert – mostly bugs and the fruit of the honey bee and his clothing would be made out of animal skins.
How would you receive a man like this if he came to your church today? He’s dressed in rough, leather clothing. His hair is long and matted. His countenance weathered and lined. His skin darkened by the sun. It was obvious he hasn’t bathed in some time. He’s boisterous – condemning – accusing and his words pierce the heart. Would you welcome him with open arms?
This man comes from a long line of religious people. His parents are in their latter years of living, yet even though they had given up on having children, they were blessed with this child. As a boy, he studied the scriptures and grew strong in spirit. His voice reaches crowds of thousands.
His references include a lifetime of service. He does not have a bed to lay his head on, but many are entranced and inspired by his words. They came in droves to hear him. His sermons are filled with fire and brimstone – things most people don’t like to hear about, yet he offers a solution to man’s sinful ways. He is preparing the way for the One who will come after him.
So here we have it. A man who looks as if he’s homeless. He’s dirty, sweaty, uncouth, and loud. His resume is filled with a history of condemning sermons. He draws great crowds. He’s charismatic. He baptizes everyone who believe his words of the coming redemption of God. He changes lives. He touches all levels of society. Would you hire him?
To most, the forerunner of Christ seems like a real nut case. Kind of like the guy on the street, parading around with a sign that urges repentance. His appearance leaves a lot to be desired. He called people to realize their sin and come to repentance, and ended his sermons with the promise of salvation. We all need to know that we’re sinners, so we can understand the depth of God’s love for us. When the Savior appeared before him, he knew at once that he was facing God’s own Son.
When Jesus was then baptized by John, he had no need for cleansing. He was sinless. Still he would carry the sins of the world to the cross and through this washing, he was demonstrating the sacrifice he would make for all of us.
UNFORGIVEN
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
A ghostly apparition of what once was,
A lone specter – remnant of a time gone by,
The phantom ship glides across still waters,
Piloted by no one,
Empty of life,
Only a whisper – a shadow – a homeless soul –
Searching for a place to rest, to heal to mend,
The moon casts a mystical glow,
A monochromatic blend of blue, weaves a pattern of loneliness,
Symbolizing what might be,
What is,
What was,
In search of something,
Yet limited in its exploration,
No one to guide it,
Left alone to decide for itself,
In the end,
Wandering aimlessly,
Lost,
Forgotten,
Unforgiven.
ALONE, TIRED, THIRSTY & HUNGRY …
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” Matthew 4:1-2
He was at the gateway of His ministry. Now thirty years old, the age of becoming a man, it was time. For forty days and forty nights He prepared for His entrance. For His whole lifetime He knew what His mission was. This final act of obedience and a servant’s heart, would seal the deal. Jesus now faced the enemy with the power of God’s mighty Word.
How often are we in a position like this? It’s unlikely that we would go on a 40 day fast, but we all have our moments in the wilderness. These times of weakness, of hopelessness, fear and dread, are the low points when it seems there is nothing left for us. We may be at the depth of desperation, facing life threatening disease or self destruction. We may have come to the end of our rope and see no light at the end of the tunnel. This is the time when Satan moves in. He’s privy to all our weaknesses, because he’s the one who caused them. Therefore he will use every instrument in his arsenal to break us.
His first arrow is one which creates doubt. It happened at the beginning when he tempted Adam and Eve to question God’s Word. It happens whenever we wonder about God’s plans for our lives. The second arrow, Satan aims and shoots with great cunning and accuracy. It is directed at our personal needs – like hunger, thirst, pain, emotional scars.
Soon Satan has emptied his quiver and we are left filled with anger against God. We blame Him for all our problems. We question His motives. We doubt His power. We think we can do a better job of running our lives. We succumb to the weaponry of the devil and all his lies.
Jesus did not give in. His sinless soul wouldn’t allow Him to cave to temptation. He did so by using God’s Word. He knew them all by heart.\ He’d studied them as a boy. He inspired others to write them as God. He was at a low point. He hadn’t eaten for forty days. His tongue was parched and His clothing smelly and soiled. He was alone in a treacherous environment. He was vulnerable, yet He remained steadfast.
Our time in the wilderness should be a time for us to contemplate what God has done for us – to pull ourselves out of the pit and rely on Him for comfort and contentment. When we turn our thoughts to our Creator, our weaknesses are used to toughen us – to make us stronger – to fit us with the armor of salvation. On our own, we’re incapable of gaining true peace. With Christ and His Word, we’re covered.
When the devil left Jesus, angels came to minister to His needs. When we let God take charge, we receive the same treatment. Trust in Him and He will take care of all your needs. There is no wilderness too great for Him to overcome.
I’M SO SORRY!
For I eat ashes like bread
and mingle tears with my drink, because of your indignation and anger;
for you have taken me up and thrown me down.
My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass. PSALM 102:9-11
HOLY GOD: I am a wretched sinner. I cannot undo any of my sins. They remain like a millstone around my neck. I grow weary with the weight of them. My heart is heavy.
There is nothing in my power which can turn me around. My deeds are like ashes in your sight. I humbly come to you, Dear, Heavenly, Father.
Your abounding love, you passion for your creatures, have spurred you to forgive. Because of your unconditional mercy, I can come to you with confidence that you have already erased every sin from my soul.
As I think about the days ahead, of your passion, your suffering, your payment of ransom for my soul, allow my heart to open to the depth of it all. Lift my heart out of the ashes and help me to soar on wings like eagles.
I praise you for your love. I thank you for your guidance. I honor you for your everlasting intervention in my life. In Jesus name.
AMEN!
SAFE HARBOR
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Like ships in the night, we pass through this life,
We’re tossed and oft crushed by the waves,
We sometimes sail peacefully then there comes strife,
It seems not a single one saves,
We enter a harbor protected and safe,
It cradles and calms all our fears,
A sweet sanctuary, a place to call home,
Unbound by sheer terror or tears,
Still waters there greet us, He’s waiting to meet us,
The Savior and King of the world,
No more shall we struggle our path is made clear,
His cloak of salvation unfurled.
A LIFE IN HIDING
In March of 1945, Anne and her sister, Margot Frank died of typhus at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany. They died within a day of each other, just weeks before the camp was liberated by British soldiers. Two young girls, were added to a roster of millions of Jewish children who died in those horrific camps long ago.
These two sisters, along with their parents and another family went through their own private hell as they hid in a secret annex in Amsterdam. Close quarters and limited rations were to be their life for 2 years. The families were Jewish and the Jews were an imperfect race in the eyes of the Nazis and had to be eliminated – according to Hitler and his minions. The only family member that survived the Holocaust was Otto Frank, the girls’ father.
I went to see a community theatre production of “The Diary of Anne Frank,” this past weekend. I’d never seen a performance of this work. I knew about the horrors of the Holocaust, because I was a young child during that time. We learned about the evil Nazi regime in school. Being taught about such suffering and inhumanity seems inappropriate today. Some schools refuse teach that part of history, because of the possibility of offending someone. I believe we need to know about such things, so we can learn from those mistakes and hopefully change the patterns of history.
I am friends of the two actors who played Anne and her mother, Edith. Since they are mother and daughter in actuality, their performances were based on that connection. Ann was delightfully portrayed as an optimistic teenager, going through the same things young girls have been enduring for centuries. Being the second of two children, she often felt like second best with her mother. The mother, having experienced the pain of having to move from her motherland in order to stay safe, was stunningly brought to life. The conflicts of mother and daughter were typical, but through all of it, Anne remained positive in her relationships and daily life. However many of her true feelings were depicted in the diary which was her constant companion during this time.
In such dire circumstances, this daily writing most likely allowed her to keep her sanity. At times, I feel that way as I write my blog. In actuality, when we write, we’re exposing ourselves to the world – our thoughts, our beliefs, our biases, our lives.
The play was a reminder of how things once were, yet a preface to how things are or might be again. We must never let this sort of thing happen again, but if our children don’t know about our past, how will they ever be able to build a future?
Otto Frank returned to the house in Amsterdam and was given the diary Anne wrote. He was overwhelmed by the complexity of his daughter’s thinking and the depth of her pain during this time. He had the diary published so the world would never forget.
As I think of our youngsters today, here in America, they’ve never really experienced the perils and destruction of war. They, in fact, are facing another kind of war in their young lives – where schools must be locked down – where those with mental illness are not being treated properly – where hate is spewed on phones and computers. I guess every generation has its own set of struggles, but we must never ever forget the Holocaust, as gruesome and terrible as it was.
In our remembrance, let us also keep hope alive, as Anne did. Our world is transforming into something I no longer recognize, but I do believe that God has a plan even in our darkest times. He never changes – even though humanity does.
“It’s utterly impossible for me to build my life on a foundation of chaos, suffering and death. I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness; I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too. I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more.” Anne Frank
WATER FROM STONE
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Never underestimate the holiness of our God,
He empties water from a stone with just a simple rod,
His power is incredible, Yet mercy lies within,
He crushes rock into rubble, refreshment from it brings.
There’s no limit to His power, all His mercy He does shower,
Of His creation He is Lord, He changes things with just one word.
We thirst and He provides us drink, He lifts us when we fall,
Protecting us along the road, His armor covers all,
He is our omnipotent God, there’s nothing we need fear,
He loves us more that we deserve, He holds us ever near.
Exodus 17:5&6 And the Lord said to Moses, “Pass on before the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel, and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.”
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