TIME FOR A 360 DEGREE TURN AROUND
We stand on the cusp of a new year. My dad would’ve hit the century mark in 2019, but he went to heaven far too early. We look back at the things that happened during 2018. We’ll see a lot of stuff summing up the happenings of the year – most likely focusing on the negative things like hurricanes, floods, Tsunamis and other natural disasters. The rich and famous will be recognized for their lives and deaths -we’ll hear about a supreme court justice going through rigorous investigations, while his accuser is convincing. There will be the news of presidential trips, decisions, the wall, the accusations, the investigations that won’t stop. We will see division and hatred grow again as it has since so many have turned away from God.
For some reason, looking at the bad stuff, seems to make the new year very appealing. It’s like getting a second chance. I wonder. The only second chance that bears any merit is the one given to us by the God of Creation. It happened many new years ago when the world was filled with poverty, oppression, disdain, corruption, politics, hatred and evil. Much like today. So how much has the world changed since the beginning of time. It would seem that it hasn’t changed at all.
Jesus took on human skin and became a man with feelings and temptations that we face daily – yet He never sinned. From that time on, the world would never be the same. His teachings and the truth of his divinity may diminish over time, but as long as there are believers, the fire can be reignited.
My New Year wish for the world is a return to the Triune God. He is the God of love undeserving, peace inconceivable – compassion, mercy and hope. With Him all things are new. We can look forward to another year when He walks with us – when He remains in our hearts – when we place our trust in Him. With Him, we can walk in love rather than hate. We can approach the problems of the world as a unified country. If there is to be any change, we must get back together and start serving the Lord and each other. I know this is an impossible dream to some, but I also know that with God, all things are possible.
DON’T YOU JUST HATE LISTS?
Soon you and I will change the way we live. We will begin another diet – cut down on using electronic devices – spend more quality time with spouse or children – cut out some addictive behavior – become more positive – find a cure for cancer – bring peace to the world ….. NOT! Let’s get real.
Life is full of surprises, challenges, bumps in the road, the unexpected, the unwanted, unnecessary and obstacles that sometimes are insurmountable. Here are ten suggestions for starting the new year right.
1. Set realistic goals. Don’t try to lose 20 pounds in a month. It will return. Trust me. I know!
2. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t accomplish your goal immediately. Tomorrow is another day.
3. Trust your gut. If you don’t feel right about something, you’re probably right.
4. Start thinking outside of the box. Many great accomplishments have been reached because someone looked for a different way of doing things.
5. Start thinking less of your own wants and more of others. One of the most rewarding things to do is help someone else realize their dreams.
6. Do something nice for your neighbor. Shovel their sidewalk or help them carry in their groceries.
7. Open your Bible. There’s lots of good stuff in there.
8. Don’t worry about the state of the world. There is nothing you can do about it unless your name is Warren Buffet or Bill Gates.
9. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Small stuff can easily become big stuff if you let it.
10. Have confidence that God is directing your life. He is putting all the pieces together for you. With Him you can do anything and you are never alone.
AFTERMATH
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
The sun sprinkles a handful of fairy dust upon clinging icicles. Each one hangs on for dear life hoping that tomorrow the thermometer allows them to dwindle a bit, but in reality that each day only adds to their girth. That solar disk will return to full strength and eliminate them altogether. Until that day we accept our circumstances, knowing that every season will present itself at just the right time
Icy winds push glistening remnants of last night’s snow across roads and fields. Long spires of stalactites cling to the eaves. The mercury in the thermometer rises and rain is falling now. By days end the beautiful white blanket will disappear. We begin to long for the warmth of the sun, but soon that memory is replaced with thoughts of shriveling up and dying.
Thus it is in the winter of life and yet for those who have not yet given up the battle, the war wages on. Soon it will be replaced with green pastures, fields of gold and perfect temperatures. What shall we complain about then?
Posted in art, Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher
Comments Off on AFTERMATH
WORTH THE WAIT
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
He was just an ordinary little boy, with ten fingers and toes. Blood surged through His veins as He cried out his first breath. On that day a child was born, yet he was more than an ordinary little boy. He is the promised Messiah – the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is God in the flesh. He was there at the beginning when the earth was created. He is here with us today as we journey through life. He waits for our arrival into His heavenly kingdom and will return someday to judge all people. Come quickly, Lord, Jesus!
Our dear, Savior, God, we thank you for that first Christmas, when you became our brother and lived among us. You made the sacrifice because of your love for your people. May the spirit of Christmas live in our hearts every day. May our love for you never die. May we look forward to meeting you face to face in heaven. Amen.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
IT STARTED WITH A TREE
ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
God spent six days creating the world. He rested on the seventh, not because He needed it, but so He could take the time to enjoy the work of His hands. The world was perfect in every way.
When the devil tempted the first man and woman, they turned their faith inward, thinking they could become like God when they already were. How often we look to ourselves for answers rather than putting our trust in the Creator of all things. God placed a curse on man that wouldn’t be removed until Jesus came and paid the price.
God took on human form and came to earth on Christmas day. He lived a sinless life, suffered humiliation and denial, and died a pitiful death so we could be forgiven – another mystery that defies all understanding. If we try to analyze this, it just boggles our mind. If we accept it as truth, we are given eternal life.
Heavenly Father, Son and Holy Spirit, all of you were present at creation. You were all in attendance at the physical birth of Jesus. You were all on hand at Calvary and observed His physical mutilation. You were there when He conquered death and rose to heaven again. You are in our lives today. Let us never forget the precious ransom you paid for our lives. Amen!
Posted in art, Uncategorized
Tagged art & inspiration from the Boechers
Comments Off on IT STARTED WITH A TREE
THAT GIRL . . .
Being a grandmother is one of God’s greatest blessings. He gifted us with our Kaeli, sixteen years ago today. She has been a winner from the beginning. When I first held her in my arms, I knew that she was going to be an amazing woman some day, and because she walks with God, I am assured that is true.
Most teenagers go through so much turmoil – making the right choices – rebellion against anyone older than they are – and determining what their future holds. That’s a lot for a sixteen year old to absorb in such a short time. Add to that the fact that they now live in adult bodies, with hormones raging and emotions high. The numbers of those who feel hopeless or helpless are on the rise and suicide becomes the answer for them.
This girl is right at the high point of being a teen. All those things contribute to who she is and how she reacts to the world around her. She has shown that she has great leadership skills, she loves to perform on the stage, she loves her animals, she has chosen to teach special needs children after graduation from college. She has involved herself in church activities as a Sunday school teacher and helper with other things at church. She loves the Lord and has pledged to be His child, through her baptism and confirmation. Her Confirmation verse is John 3:16 and even though I don’t remember my own – that one will be a part of her for the rest of her life.
She has always loved being on stage and that’s where we became even more connected. Being her grandma and director/teacher held the same kind of problems I had with my own children. Suddenly I became something other than mother/grandma. They had a hard time getting used to it. We did so many plays together and our bond grew. We spent a lot of time in a movie theatre and I sometimes fell asleep with chocolate melting on my clothing as she enjoyed the show. She didn’t appreciate my snoring though.
This child has been a steady part of our lives since the day of her birth. She makes us smile, laugh and sometimes we shed tears over her. We pray for God’s protection over her and His constant intervention in her life. We know she will succeed, because He is walking with her. HAPPY SWEET SIXTEEN BIRTHDAY, KAELI, BUG!
Posted in Uncategorized
5 Comments
YOU WILL NAME HIM – JESUS!
When it comes to naming our children, we usually put a lot of thought into it. We check to see the origin of the name and its meaning. When we named our third child Joy, Noel, it was partially because of the joyous time of the year. Christmas was her due date. We had no idea that she would take on the personality of the name, but she did. She’s become a great joy to us throughout her life. I have a friend who has ten children and waits until after the birth to name her children. We don’t just randomly name our kids without thinking about it for a while.
Many children have more than one name. They may be named for a favorite relative, an important person in history or after a parent. In ancient times, a firstborn son was usually named for his father. Some names are a combination of names.
The name of Jesus was ordered by the angels who visited Mary and Joseph prior to the birth of the Son of God. They were given the name designated by God, Himself. The name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew word Yeshua, which means “deliverer.” Jesus would be born to save the people.
The prophets gave Him many other names and as He grew into a man he acquired many more. There are over 200 names for Him. Here are some:
Son of God and Mary’s Son, Mighty Counselor, Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, Savior, Brother, Lord, Redeemer, Man of Sorrows, Lamb of God, King of the Jews, Jehovah and the list goes on and on.
He was born from the line of David and His lineage is clearly stated in the Bible. He was conceived by God the Father – which is one of the greatest mysteries of our belief system, which requires faith alone. When we praise Jesus over the next few days, with our songs and prayers, let’s remember that He was indeed named by His Father – who spoke through the angels to the earthly parents.
Even though we may acquire many names over our lifetimes, the only one important to me is “Saved.” My Savior is Jesus, who lowered Himself – took on human form – lived a life of poverty and simplicity – was scorned by many and suffered and died so that we could become heirs of His heavenly home. He overcame death, as we will, to live with Him in paradise.
Thank you, Lord, Jesus, for coming to this world as a man and for fulfilling the most amazing purpose of your life – to lay it down for me and all those who believe in you. Amen!
NO GREATER LOVE
An amazing thing happens after the birth of a child. All the pain you endured is replaced with joy and anticipation for the new life you hold in your arms. You check to see if all the little fingers and toes are intact. You constantly watch to make sure they are still breathing. You worry – you wonder what they will become when they grow up – you wonder as they depend totally on you for all their needs.
Children are a gift from God and the one born on that Christmas day long ago was the greatest gift He ever gave us. Imagine the thoughts that were racing through Mary’s mind. She was no more than a child herself, disgraced and shamed before her family. Her betrothed, Joseph, knew that what was happening was from God, but he must have been confused at times.
When the shepherds appeared and told them what they had seen in the sky, it helped them realize that they weren’t the only ones to know about this. Soon the whole community would know that the promised Messiah was born. Word spread like wildfire and I’m sure visitors dropped by to get a peek at the new King.
Mary pondered these things and kept them tightly bound in her heart. The well wishes would take on a different meaning when her Son was wrongly accused and nailed to the cross. She knew it would happen, but for now she held the tiny child and felt the breath of heaven looking back at her.
Lord, burn in our hearts the amazing thing you have done for us through the birth of your Son. You have in fact laid down your own life for the redemption of mine. What greater love is there? Amen!
O LITTLE TOWN . . .
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
It was a tiny town, the least the Bible told,
Yet in that lowly, humble place, the Savior laid His head,
The child would be a king, but not with earthly gold,
He reigns o’er all the world, but still a manger was His bed.
This lowly, little boy, would live as one of us,
The greatest would become the least, so we could be His own,
Our ransom has been paid, by One who was so just,
No sin He ever gave in to, yet for us He would groan.
Upon a rugged cross, He gave His life to save,
He suffered and He died for us so we would live,
He carried every sin of ours unto a cold, dark grave,
His precious blood He shed, His life He’d gladly give.
So as we look upon this child with love and gratefulness,
We know the grave can’t hold, He rose from death you see,
He crushed the serpent’s vicious head, erased our sinfulness,
We’re heaven bound today, because He set us free.
Posted in art, Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Immanuel, Little town of Bethlehem
3 Comments
BLUE CHRISTMAS
I’m not a huge Elvis fan, but his song about a blue Christmas hits home for me at this time of year. All the hustle and bustle going on in our world – all the confusion about politics and the effect they have on world events – all the sadness of losing a loved one at this time of year – being alone and away from family or those we love – being in harms way in service of our country – all those contribute to depression, sadness and often hopelessness.
Maybe we’re feeling sad because our budget won’t allow the gifts we used to purchase. We might feel guilty for not being able to give to our church or charities. We may have concerns about our health, our future and what we leave or don’t leave behind. These are all legitimate feelings at a time when there is so much focus on giving.
Sadness may come from being alone. You may be surrounded by crowds of people, but those who mean the most to you are far away and your only connection is the internet. There are those who are in broken relationships – facing difficult illnesses – those whose loved ones have passed from this mortal coil. When you’re facing difficulty of any kind, the date on the calendar doesn’t matter. One day is like the other and often we just grow deeper into our sadness, because it’s so close to Christmas. We have constant reminders of those losses or our aloneness.
The anticipation is like that of a small child waiting for Santa Clause – knowing that when he comes, things are going to get better. Once the gifts are opened and the decorations are put away, we go back to our old feelings. The fleeting moments of joy are simply temporary.
We’re in the season of anticipation or Advent. We become anxious for the Savior’s return. We recall, with music and stories that stir the heart, what that first Christmas was like. It didn’t come wrapped in big red ribbons or shiny paper. The entire incident and the events leading up to it were filled with mystery, shame, confusion. The angelic messages to those who participated in the plan of God must’ve been amazing, but still there were questions – the unexplained – having to face humiliation. Every one involved in the story of Jesus’ birth were subjected to all these things, yet they overcame them by faith and the promises from God’s own lips.
That first Noel didn’t take place in a luxurious hospital, with midwives and trained professionals in sanitary garb. A boy was born of a virgin in a dirty, smelly shelter for animals. It might’ve been the holding place for newly born lambs, but this was the lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world. The final sacrifice to make us right with God.
He wasn’t wrapped in robes of purple, nor did He have the benefit of a nanny or servants. He was a simple child, born in poverty, in the lowliest conditions possible. Yet in that manger lay the King of Creation – God Himself!
Our gifts pale in comparison to the One God gave us on the night of Jesus’ birth. That doesn’t mean we will be free of sadness or depression. Those emotions are real and they hurt, but if we keep our eyes focused on the true meaning of Christmas, we can’t help being overjoyed. Each human being ever to walk this earth has been gifted with the promise of eternal life and no fear of death. Through Jesus, we have the assurance that our lives today are simply a training period for us – a time to grow in our faith, learn about God and share His wonderful message with others.
There will be blue Christmases. Every one of mine as held a touch of sadness. We all experience these moments in different ways, but we all have been given the greatest gift ever, because of the Giver’s love for us.
BORN IN THE CITY OF DAVID . . .
Bethlehem wasn’t a big town, but it was bursting at the seams as people entered from all over the country to be counted for the census. Imagine a little farm community where the people gathered to do their trading. I suppose some folks camped outside of the town, some probably stayed with relatives and others went to the local inn for a room.
For Mary and Joseph, it had been a tiring journey. The distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem is less than 100 miles, but can you imagine what they endured on that trip? Many say it would have been virtually impossible for a 9 month pregnant woman to travel so far on the back of a donkey. They also claim that because Joseph was a Jew, he would not have allowed Mary to travel with him at this time of her pregnancy.
Mary’s swollen belly was about to give birth and yet she endured the trip, because she knew it was all part of the plan God had laid out. The bouncing over rocky terrain – the ache in her back – the thoughts of having a baby so far from home – it must’ve have weighed heavily on her. Joseph would also wonder how this would turn out. His mind had to be focused on why it had to be this way – his concern for his young wife – his own state of mind – his hope to find a comfortable place for the child to be born
Why did it happen this way? I guess if you knew that you were carrying the Son of God in your womb, and had been told exactly what to do by a Heavenly messenger, you’d follow the directions to the letter. The angel told Joseph what to do and in an act of complete faith, the step-father of Jesus, listened. Mary also must have been in such pain and discomfort, but she leaned on the breath of God to carry her, rather than the animal she sat on.
Lord, I yearn to have such a strong faith. I can’t survive without your assistance and guidance in my life. Please strengthen my trust in you through your Holy Spirit and the birth of your beloved Son. Amen!
My life on this planet is merely a breath.
There isn’t enough time it seems.
No work that I do here will help me face death.
Just the love of the Christ child redeems.
Kathy Boecher©
Posted in Advent, Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Bethlehem, prophecy fulfilled, Son of God
Comments Off on BORN IN THE CITY OF DAVID . . .
HEAVEN IS MY HOME
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
I know what lies ahead for me when life on earth is done,
A room has been prepared for me by God’s eternal Son,
Lift me up on eagle’s wings. Let me with the angels soar,
Take me to my home in heaven, where I shall weep no more.
A JOYFUL SEASON
Yesterday capped off the ending of a joy filled week. We began with a Christmas party on Wednesday with the Board of Directors of the children’s theatre I work with – good food and great company. On Friday we had dinner with my son and his girlfriend – a special time for us since they live quite a distance from us. Saturday, another festive party at the lovely home of a lifelong friend and yesterday we went Christmas caroling with a small choir of voices – to the shut-ins from our congregation – who appreciated our singing with a show of tears welling in their eyes.
Each event was a reminder of the wonderful joy that permeates this time of the year –
A joy that can’t be described except through experiencing it,
The joy of singing and conversation with old friends,
Engaging in laughter and being with those you care about.
We decorate our homes, we bake special treats, we overindulge, we shop until we drop,
We often forget that tiny child laying in a makeshift bed, surrounded by dirty sheep and cows. Only a short time prior, the Son of God was being pushed through the birth canal and became our brother. God’s own Son was born on that first Christmas, to live among His people – to experience humanity, yet remain sinless until His crucifixion when He carried the sin of the world to the cross.
Some things are changing in our lives. This is our first year in our 54 years of marriage, that we don’t have a Christmas tree. Even my Charlie Brown tree is tucked away in the attic. I’ve limited the amount of decorations, because as we age it becomes harder and harder to do some of these things.
When we place our hope and joy in the material things of this world, we often come up empty. The true reason for this season was born in animal shelter. His mother must’ve known this was God’s own Son as she held Him in her arm. She was merely the vessel which carried Him into the world. Still, there were so many questions – so much mystery – so few answers, but joy rose out of that nativity scene as shepherds came from their fields to worship Him – men who studied the stars came with gifts to bestow upon Him – angels sang His praises in the heavenly realms.
Joy is a word derived from Latin, gaudia, which means to rejoice; and from the Greek gethein to rejoice., from gaudēre to rejoice; probably akin to Greek gēthein to rejoice. The word describes a most wonderful feeling of elation for something has been anticipated for a long time. Jesus came to the world to save us. That was His only worldly mission and He accomplished it with shame, humility, pain, suffering and death. When He rose, He made a future for us in eternity. That’s the real joy of Christmas. Rejoice, for God’s own Son came to live with us. He is the true Immanuel (God with us.)
Posted in Uncategorized
10 Comments
LIFE INSURANCE
ART & POETRY BY PAUL KATHY BOECHER©
Can’t be sure what life will bring. Our future is unknown,
To God’s own Son our praises sing, He love us as His own,
He’s taken on our sins, He took them to the cross,
He died for us and rose again so new life won’t be lost,
There is no fear of death. We know life never ends,
His home is ours if we believe. Our souls He there will tend.
THE WAITING IS OVER
ORIGINALLY POSTED DECEMBER 24, 2017 BY ATIMETOSHARE.ME
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of a virgin. This in itself is impossible to comprehend, yet Jesus did this, because of His great compassion for us. He was there at the creation of the world. When the seas were parted, His hand was in it. When the trees and vegetation began to come up from the ground, He was nurturing the seeds.
He was present when Abraham was asked to sacrifice his own son. He was there when Moses stretched out his rod over the Red Sea. He heard the cries of His chosen nation when they were in bondage. He sits at the right hand of God, the Father and is One with Him and the Holy Spirit.
It all sounds like some mystical fairy tale, where there is a great super hero come to save the world. In a way, this is exactly what happened. I know it’s true, because the truth of it was recorded in God’s inspired word, the Bible.
Jesus could have entered the world on a glorious white stallion, with angels leading His parade. He could’ve danced victoriously in the streets as His ancestor, David, did so many years ago. He could’ve been clothed in velvet instead of swaddling cloths. He could have – but He chose to lessen Himself – below the angels – equal to us yet perfect in every way. He chose to humble Himself, be born into poverty and a world divided and full of hate. He chose the right time, the right place, the right era in history to come as an infant without royal fanfare. It was the perfect time.
He continued to live the human life, so that He could bear all our sins upon His back as He carried the wooden beam of His execution through the streets of Jerusalem. Thirty three years isn’t a long time, but He accomplished His mission for mankind in those days. He served as an obedient Son. He told others what God had in store for them – how they would be redeemed and inherit His kingdom. He healed, did many miracles, but always in humility – always giving the credit to His Father.
The waiting is over. The Son of God came to save the world. He did so for you and for me and all who believe in Him. Now it’s our turn to live for Him as we wait for His second coming.
Lord, we could never possibly imitate what you’ve done, but I know that because of your dedication to us and your obedience to the Father, we’re guaranteed eternal life. Bless all my friends and acquaintances during this time of your birth. Let them know the beauty of what you’ve done for all mankind. AMEN!
atimetoshare.me 