FAMILY REUNIONS

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Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings – time when people travel great distances to be with those they grew up with, disagreed with, competed with.  A Hallmark moment if ever there was one.  How many times have you gone through the process of preparing a wonderful meal, making sure your house is Pinterest Perfect.  Your guest room looks like a fancy hotel room, complete with mints on the bed and room service on demand.  Well, maybe not quite that extreme.

When we’re hosting an event like this, we want everything to look wonderful – to taste delicious – to feel comfortable and enjoyable. Yet, most families have grown apart over time.  If it isn’t because of  relocation, the start of a new career or beginning of a new family.  Whatever the case, families don’t get together as often as they used to.

I recall family reunions.   There was potato salad, fried chicken, yummy desserts and homemade ice cream – all sitting in the hot sun, collecting bacteria of all sorts.   There were also the relatives you didn’t know existed.  Maybe some were visitors taking advantage of a free picnic.  You were introduced to complete strangers and expected to instantly bond, because you were connected by blood.

What if your politics don’t match up?  What if your interests are so far apart, there’s no hope of ever connecting with them?  What if they were successful or what if they weren’t?  What if you had different allegiances to a favored football team?  Still there is that connection of BLOOD!

Family doesn’t only include the people we’re related to, but also those we share time with.  Some of our relationships are even better than those established merely through blood.

Those we confide in,

Those we laugh with,

Those we emulate,

Those who make us feel good about ourselves,

Those we can trust and those who trust us,

Those who share our beliefs,

Those connected.

By the blood of Christ – precious blood, shed for the remission of our sins.

Our church family often becomes so much a part of us that they actually become a second family.  That union comes from being part of a much greater body – The body of Christ.

We certainly can’t choose those in our family.  We may have to put up with them just because they’re blood.  Our genealogy and DNA may connect us physically, but the blood of Christ gathers us together as brothers and heirs of the Kingdom of God.

Give thanks for your family today, in spite of differences.  Give thanks also for your friends in the faith, for they will continually build you up spiritually.  Give thanks for the fellowship of the world – even when it seems to be on a path to destruction.

We’re all in this together.

Life can be tough at times, but when you’re part of God’s family, you know there’s a purpose for everything we face in life.

Give thanks unto the Lord,

For He is good,

And His mercy endures forever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A NATURAL BRIDGE

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

We travel the highway of life, depending upon the road,

Some trails have been blazed before us, as others their burdens towed.

Yet there are still roads untraveled, paths filled with trials unknown,

A bridge that cannot be walked on, a trail we’d rather postpone,

The thorns that pierce through shoe leather, the vines that wrap round your feet,

Obstacles laid out before you, seem difficult to complete,

Your body is wracked with suffering, your mind is filled with fear,

Your thoughts of never getting there, the frightening sounds you hear,

The eternal trepidation, the everlasting distress,

Can nothing end this disaster, will no one hear your request,

There has to be a Redeemer, to rescue you from your plight,

Someone to lead you from your fears, and guide you through the night,

One who will be your natural bridge and lead you from certain death,

Your Savior is Christ, Jesus who gives you new life and breath,

Wrap your mind around this truth and He will help you get there,

Troubles may seem overwhelming and fear may paralyze,

But when you walk with God’s true Son, You’ll walk with wide, open eyes.

 

 

 

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THANKSGIVING, 2018 – #2

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Yesterday, marked Thanksgiving number two of my holiday feasts of overindulgence.  Our church holds an annual Potluck Thanksgiving dinner, complete with turkey, ham, and all the fabulous side dishes and desserts.

I picked the wrong time of year to be on a diet, but this is one of my own making and I can change the rules if I want to.  When you’re an old lady, you can do that.  I’ve been on a steady weight gain program for over ten years now. A few pounds turn into a larger size and soon your off to the plus sizes and eventually Omar, the tent maker.

About a month ago, I decided it was time to do something about my expanding waistline by giving up many of the carbs that had been a steady part of my diet – bread, donuts, potatoes, etc.  It began to work as some of that old belly fat started to fall off – well it wasn’t a lot, but it was a step in the right direction.  So then came November, the month of Thanksgiving for all our blessings, which happen to include excessive amounts of carbs.

Since my husband is in the north woods of Wisconsin, hunting the elusive white tail, I am on round two of Thanksgiving.  I happen to love potlucks.  Many folks look at a serving table filled with hot dishes and salads as a walking salmonella bar.  So what if I get food poisoning?  I might lose a pound or two more.

I love variety,  Church pot lucks usually offer a great deal of it.  This feast was well planned.  Someone was in charge of making the basics – turkey, dressing, ham and potatoes – while others brought the side dishes and desserts.  Many times there will be 4 or 5 potato salads, a ton of green Jello with white marshmallows, lots of things you can’t really identify until it’s in your mouth.  This pot luck had just the right amount of accoutrements.  There were sweet potatoes, corn casserole, cranberry salads, apple dishes, things that just naturally scream disaster to any diet.  The dessert table was no different.  Creamed pies, pumpkin, lemon merengue, rosettes – it was a meal fit for a king.

So, as I originally said, I make the rules in this diet of mine.  Yesterday there were no rules.  I devoured to my heart’s content.  I didn’t feel guilty, until I realized everything had landed on my waistline.  I have a couple of days to prepare for the actual Thanksgiving celebration on Thursday.  Then it’s on to December.  Will this temptation never end?

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FROZEN LANDSCAPE

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Light in darkness – sweet redemption – all my sins he melts away,
He brings life from deep depression – cradling in his arms each day,
In darkest hours I make confession of my guilt. I bare it all,
He forgives and grants me healing. He is there to take the fall,

I know He will always catch His dear children.

Frozen landscapes soon are hidden. Only pastures green remain,
He will lead me by still waters ’til He comes to earth again,
No fear of death will e’er surround me. I know it cannot sting me now,
I’ve given him my one possession – it is my life I do endow,

Take me, oh Lord and use me to thaw frozen hearts,

And help them find your sweet caresses and gentle warmth.

 

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LOONEY TOONS

 

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I remember Saturday mornings being a time of watching cartoons.  Occasionally, when there’s nothing on TV, I’ll tune in the Cartoon Network. In fact, on my wedding day, I spent the morning watching cartoons.   Maybe it was like saying goodbye to my childhood and hello to responsibility.

Cartoons haven’t changed much over the years. There’s still the subliminal message of good vs. evil and good winning out.  There’s still the foolish hero, trying to manipulate his way through life only to be met by the villain trying everything in his toolbox to avoid that from happening – usually something purchased from Acme or Ajax.

One thing I’ve noticed about cartoons is that they show the struggles man faces.  Simple plot action like falling into a pit and trying to get out, or sitting under an apple tree while apples are thrown by a passing weirdo.  Peoples’ misfortunes often have a way of making us laugh.  Probably because they aren’t happening to us. The unexpected is also a ploy for reeling us in.  Like the bomb that doesn’t explode when it should – the villain goes to check it out – next frame, villain with gun powder on his face.  Miraculously his face is back to normal in the next scene.

A writer choses who the good guys and bad guys are in a story.  The characters must be clearly defined and each have their own goal within that tale.  We as the viewer or reader should be convinced that this character is real, even though he faces constant barriers.  With conflict the hero can overcome obstacles to achieve his final destination and the villain can contrive plans to disrupt his journey.  Cartoons are simply an exaggerated view of life with a contrived explosive devise from Ajax.

We walk through the same journey as we stumble through life. There are problems, bumps in the road, hiccups.  With the brain God gave us, we muddle through these obstacles, but we don’t have to do it alone.  God has promised to be with us every step of the way so we keep on trying.  Even if a paint can falls off a ladder as we walk under it, He is there.  Even when we experience job loss, difficult relationships, loss of a loved one or a plethora of other serious issues, we can count on God’s presence in our daily walk.

The devil is the villain.  He puts traps out there for us to start thinking there’s a better way to get what we want.  We start relying on ourselves and soon we get a pie in the face or fall flat on our faces.  This isn’t the plan God has set for us. He wants everyone to come unto Him.  He wants everyone in His heavenly realm.  Those who trust in His promises will reach their goal and that’s no joke.

 

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TO THE HUNT

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ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Snow’s definitely in the forecast, the trees are bare of leaves,

The harvest has been harvested and they’ve brought in the sheaves,

Now is the time to hunt for deer, at least I have been told,

But when you hunt in Wisconsin, turkeys aren’t too bold,

They know the special holiday, with them the centerpiece,

Makes plans for Thanksgiving dinner, a day they’ll rest in peace,

So someone in charge decided, to hunt for deer instead,

They aim their guns at the white tails, or simply stay in bed,

Thanksgiving’s just like any day, when you are hunting deer,

But it sure would be quite special if my honey was right here,

I’ve actually grown used to it, Black Friday’s the next day,

I could probably spend a bundle, but in the house I’ll stay,

Enjoying the peace and quiet, just me, the dog, a book,

For one full week an empty house, and I don’t have to cook.

 

 

 

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WALLY’S FRY DADDY FRIDAY FUNNY

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

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RE-RUN FRIDAY

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Since deer hunting in Wisconsin begins tomorrow and my husband is now getting ready for the trip down there, I’ve decided to re-post this article from 7/14/2017.  Hope you enjoy it again.

My husband has many traits.  He is intelligent in many areas of life.  He knows how to survive in the wilderness.  He should’ve been born two centuries ago, because is filled with the spirit of adventure required to have lived then.  He is an avid outdoorsman.  He knew what it took to survive before the reality show ever existed.

When he was just a child, the infamous funeral home he lived in, was so large that it had an archery range in the basement.  At a young age, he was trifling with bow and arrow right in the midst of the city.  He read countless books about mountain men, survival, camping, outdoor living and all the adventure stories pertaining to them.  All of that knowledge was being stored up for future use.

He used all his book knowledge to forge trails in the woods, sit by the campfire and tell countless stories, learn which mushrooms not to eat, whittle little creatures out of a stick of wood, forage for food, live under the stars and survive without a compass.

My first encounters with the outdoors, came after we were married.  I’d never been camping in my life.  I’d never held a gun and wasn’t much of an archer, but I did so anyway.  I could never bring myself to hunting, but never begrudged him the joy of doing so.  In fact, we were married on the opening day of deer hunting for archers. I would say that’s pretty impressive, wouldn’t you?

I even agreed to going along with him on our honeymoon as he tracked the evasive whitetail.  Of course I stayed in the car and read a book while he was out in the wilderness.  After an hour or so of waiting, I became concerned.  I wondered where he was.

I had visions of his being gored by a deer or slowly going down in a pond of quicksand.  My visions turned into fear, but instead of venturing out, I beeped the horn.  I really don’t know why I did that.  If he had been drowning in quicksand, what good would it do?

It didn’t take long for him to respond.  Within a few minutes he appeared out of the woods with a look of sheer rage on his face.  I didn’t understand his anger.  I thought I was being a good wife by being concerned for his welfare.  I was wrong.  It seems he had a deer in his sights and was about to shoot, when the horn frightened the mighty beast away.

That honeymoon disaster almost ended our marriage, but not really.  I’ve since learned never to hunt with my husband.  He does that stuff on his own.  Maybe that’s why our marriage has lasted so long.  Who knows?

 

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WHO LET THE DOG OUT?

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This is in response to Amy Blount’s blog from yesterday – a challenge to use idioms in a story or a poem.  Then I am to challenge some of my friends to do the same.  I challenge:

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Here’s my poem using as many idioms as I could think of:

MY DOG BOB

You can’t teach your old dog new tricks, that’s what the experts say,

But my old dog is different, he sees things his own way,

He’s stubborn as a mule at times, he never makes his bed,

And when I tell him what to do, he simply shakes his head,

He explains I’ve made my own bed and I should lie in it,

I try to understand his moods, but he just has a fit,

He says I’m barking up the wrong tree, the ball is in my court,

He says that sleeping dogs should lie, he thinks of it as sport,

Curiosity killed the cat, but what about the dog,

He keeps telling me what to do, I’m sort of in a fog,

I wish I could communicate, as perfectly as him,

Instead I’ll cry over spilled milk, and go way out on a limb.

 

 

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DOES CHRISTMAS COMES TOO SOON?

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I love everything about Christmas – the lights and decorations, the fancy wrapping paper, the cookies and special treats -all of it.  Today I’m following Julies lead, who wrote about her experience taking her granddaughter to see Santa.  It stirred a memory that I’d like to share.

Thanksgiving had come and gone. It was my first trip to the Mall of America.  I’m not a big fan of huge venues with lots of people pushing and shoving.  I’m not the kind that likes to do everything online either.  People normally don’t think twice about pushing you aside.  They think you’re invisible and they’re definitely more important than you.

During these blessed days before Christmas changes that.  Folks smile more.  They aren’t as angry as they were yesterday. There’s a feeling in the air that brings joy and contentment. Suddenly you become visible again and people are actually kind.

On this particular outing, my granddaughter was about five years old.  I’d promised her an American Girl doll and wanted her to be along to pick one out.  The drive to the mall requires highway driving, but we were on a mission. I sucked it up and drove through four lanes of congestion and occasional flashing lights, but we made it without incident.

Of course everyone and their uncle was there.  It was a whole month before Christmas, but I was so excited to be taking my treasured granddaughter to experience the joy of the holidays.  We made a B-line to the doll store and were greeted by a sign on the door which said there was a private party going on inside and we should come back tomorrow.  Those big, blue eyes began to tear up.  A look of disappointment covered her face.  Again, for the sake of having a delightful experience, I sucked it up and tried to remain positive.

I suggested we visit Santa Claus, because I’d heard Santa Land was amazing and they had the best Santa ever. We gazed at shop windows and soaked in all the holiday glitter and sparkle along with the  music which surrounded us.  We took our time getting there, but when we arrived we saw another sign, “Santa is taking a break.  Come back in an hour.”

Once more, I sucked it up and remained positive. By this time, my feet were killing me, so I suggested we get a bite to eat before returning to Santa Land.  That took care of her disappointment for the moment.

Time slipped by as we waited for our food to arrive.  When we finished, I realized that we were way past our wait time.  Trying to keep up with a five year old wanting to see Santa, is not an easy task, but I followed about half a block behind.

There he was, sitting on his Santa throne, with a little boy on his lap, discussing what the child expected from him that year.  Pictures were snapped and I was about to deliver my ten dollars for a picture and a snotty little elf came and said she was sorry, but it was time for Santa to close up shop for the night.

I’m usually a mild mannered woman, but I had come to the end of my patience.  I replied to her that we had been here for a few hours now and things weren’t going as planned.  I then demanded that Santa had time for one more kid.  The look of desperation must have filled my face.  He relented and my granddaughter got to sit on his lap, list her litany of Christmas wishes and have her picture taken.

By this time I was ready to go home.  She was satisfied, except for the doll incident.  I ordered the doll online.  Nothing wouldget me to go back to the Mall of America ever again.

Now as I look back on this incident, it has me wondering if we spend so much time getting ready for the Christmas, we often forget the promise that was fulfilled on that first noel.  The people had been waiting for centuries for a Messiah.  The day finally came and God’s promise of salvation lay in a lowly feeding trough, with the DNA of God Himself.  Maybe we should start thinking about preparing for that blessed holiday all year.

 

 

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HAPPY PICKLE DAY

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It’s been a while since I posted a wacky and bizarre holiday, sooooo, because I have nothing really important to talk about today, here we are again.  Who would think there’s a special day to celebrate pickles?  I mean, with Thanksgiving Day right around the corner, we should be focusing on turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes and gravy.  Yet what would a feast be without those little green morsels that delight the taste buds?

Every fancy dinner has to have a relish tray of sorts.  Some include fresh veggies, some have deviled eggs and still others hold olives and other assorted pickled items including pickles.  There are bread and butter, dill, kosher, hamburger, sweet and sour and hot and spicy pickles.  I’m sure I’m leaving some out, but you get the picture.  Pickles come in all types and sizes. Think about it.  What’s the first thing that needs refilling on the banquet table – the pickle dish. Kids love nibbling on them before actually sitting down to dinner.  Adults also like the lip puckering delights.  Some folks can’t stand them, but they’re few and far between.

Pickles can be a nice accent to a recipe as well.  I usually add a little pickle juice to potato salad, or dice up a pickle to give the deviled eggs a little more pizazz.  They can be used in soup, on top of a hamburger or hot dog and definitely should be part of the refrigerator condiment section.

History tells us that Cleopatra was one of the first to use cucumbers in brine as a beauty aid, although I don’t recommend putting pickles on your eyelids.  Pickling was done to preserve foods so they could be transported by ship in barrels.

If you don’t like pickles, it’s also Spicy Guacamole Day.  In case you have too much of both, it’s Operating Room Nurse Day, so you may be able to thank one as they remove your gall bladder.

Don’t you just love the plethora of information out there?

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CHILL IN THE AIR

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

When Jack Frost comes through chilly nights, he paints a masterpiece,

The windows glow with scenes of snow, etched by his hand’s release,

The skies are bright cerulean blue, the trees have shed their leaves,

The fields are empty of their crops and we’ve brought in the sheaves,

We turn our thoughts to longer nights, the days grow shorter now,

We find relief beside a fire and we get by somehow,

It seems too soon for such cold days, though it is mid-November,

As we recall last winter’s grip, which started in December,

And lasted well into April, with a final blast of snow,

We hide inside our nice, warm caves, and wait for thirty below.

 

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THANKSGIVING 2018 – #1

THANKSGIVINGThanksgiving for a Wisconsin deer hunting spouse is not the usual family event you see pictured above.  When my family was young, we began a tradition of celebrating the holiday a week or so before the actual day, so we could all be together to carve the turkey and eat all the calorie laden treats.

Over 54 years this has been the Thanksgiving I’ve come to know.  However, as our families grow and times change, so do some of our traditions.  Now, since I’m alone on that day, everyone seems to take pity on me and invites me to dinner with them.  We still have our family tradition of getting together prior to the big hunt. These days, I’m the guest at another person’s table for the feast at least three times.

Yesterday we gathered at my youngest daughter’s home.  Her husband prepared the turkey on a special outdoor thing-a-ma-jig and it was one of the finest I’ve ever eaten.  My daughter made all the scrumptious side dishes and my granddaughter cut the pies that my son and his girlfriend brought to share.  We sat around the dining room table in their cozy kitchen – exchanged some funny stories from the past – and laughed a lot.  We called our daughter from S. Carolina and caught up with her too.

We don’t get to see our children as much as we’d like to.  Even though we live in close proximity of two of them, time gets in the way. As you grow older, you realize how important those moments with family mean to you.  You also realize that life is changing for you and those special days will come to a close soon, so you treasure them even more.

Every year brings something new to this holiday.  My daughter and her family hosted this year’s pre-Thanksgiving event.  A few years ago, I spent the holiday at my oldest daughter’s home in S. Carolina.  All the trappings of a Thanksgiving meal are wonderful, but the best thing is the company you share it with.  Maybe some new traditions are coming to pass.

Thanksgiving is a time to gather and give thanks for all our blessings.  The old Rockwell painting, conjures thoughts of Thanksgivings past.  The point is, we are grateful for family, material blessings and daily provision from a loving God.  The way you serve it, the fine china or paper plates, the crystal goblets of Styrofoam cups, all the tasty treats, make no difference in the scheme of things.  What’s really important is getting together with those we love and enjoying each others’ company.

Whatever traditions you have during the coming holiday season, remember to open your heart as well as your doors to others.  As Americans, we have the right to celebrate such days without fear of persecution or ridicule.  We live in a time when our borders are changing, our morals have slipped beyond recognition, our churches are suffering and our politics are full of corruption.  Yet, we still live in a land of freedom.  As believers in the One True God, we have hope for an eternal future in heaven.  You can’t get much better than that.

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Colossians 3:1

 

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THE PEACE OF GOD

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Looking back on days gone by,

Gazing at a muddied sky,

In the twinkling of an eye,

The peace of God is there,

 

Trudging through the path of life,

Summing up our natural strife,

Wishing for the after life,

The peace of God is there,

 

When we cross that great expanse.

Will it be by circumstance,

Will we have second chance,

The peace of God is there,

 

He’s waiting on the other side,

Continuing to lead and guide,

From Him we never more shall hide,

The peace of God is there.

 

 

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GOD BLESS THOSE WHO SERVE

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What is at the heart of a hero?  What does one do to become one?  Jesus talked about the greatest gift we can give to our fellow man.  That means we’re willing to help, protect and serve others without thinking about it.  It means we are willing to sacrifice our own lives so that another will benefit.

Today we recognize our veterans, but I believe that all who serve us, are equally deserving of our respect and honor.  The police officers, fire fighters, the average Joe – who willingly rescues another without thought of self.

Some how those heroes are not always noticed, but that’s really what makes them heroes.  They aren’t doing these deeds of heroism, because of what they have to gain, but because they love their fellow man and are filled with the love of Christ.  Today, the world looks at those who serve – the peacemakers – as the enemy.  The Liar of this world, the devil, has convinced many that these folks are the unapproachable – that they are out to get them – that they have no place in their world.

I heard something in the news recently which made me chuckle.  Some place in the world or within our own country – people have developed a plan to get others to care about others through acts of kindness and eventually heal the hate in our communities.  What a novel idea!  This idea was originally set by the Creator of the Universe.  God told man to love one another a long time ago.  He spoke of the unselfish love of His own Son, Jesus, who should be our model for living.  We do need to get back to loving and caring about each other.

Love is something we unfortunately have to teach to our children.  We aren’t born with it in our hearts.  We have to be taught to love, just like we need to learn how to hate. Without love, there is no chance for reconciliation.  Hate only gives way to more hate.

Today as we honor our veterans, let’s thank all those in public service.  We are still a nation of laws and many of us believe that God is love.  Let’s go to Him today and pray for people to sincerely love one another.  Ask God to put the spirit of selflessness back into the hearts of men.  We need heroes.  We especially need Jesus, the greatest hero of all.

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STAYING ALIVE

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ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

I wonder if, as we grow older, we sometimes lose the joy of our youth. We’ve experienced highs and lows for many years and the lows kind of overshadow the high points of life.

As years pass, we experience sorrow, heartache, disease; loss of a job, disappointment, pain, being misunderstood or misjudged, broken friendships and the list goes on. The following passage talks about what happens to us if those things take over.

 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”             Proverbs 17:22

Wow, this is a pretty good description of a crabby old person. This world and all it holds is enough to crush our spirit and dry up our tired old bones, but the hope of what lies ahead for us should make us leap for joy and take at least 20 years off our disappointed, weary bodies.

As age enters into us we become  more eager for heaven.  This promised paradise, paid for with Christ’s precious blood is not just a promise, but a fact.  When I die, I know that life will go on.  I different life – with no pain, sorrow or tears – where bodies don’t age or become sick – a place where I can spend eternity with God.

In the meantime, I can face falling apart with that knowledge.

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WHAT ONCE WAS …

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Bold brush strokes, slide across an empty canvas,

A dab of color, a splash of pigment, the imagination of the artist,

What we see may not match his interpretation,

What we feel through his interpretation is his goal,

The artists lays the paint, scrumbling colors together,

Blending,

Adding light,

Filling negative spaces,

Always thinking about the end result,

Always hoping to touch a heart,

To inspire,

To engage,

To bring joy,

Life is made of memories,

We sometimes dwell too much on them,

We often revise them to fit our current situation,

Or paint over our original imagery,

Whatever our intention,

We should face it with a joyful heart,

Clinging to the hope that our true Creator has designed for us.

 

 

 

 

 

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WALLY’S FRY DADDY FRIDAY FUNNY

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

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