ORIGINAL ART BY PAUL T. BOECHER©
Psalm 30:5 “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
How many times have you cried yourself to sleep only to wake feeling refreshed and restored. Tears can overtake us, but God promises to wash away all our sadness and give us perfect rest. Joy does come in the morning.
George Frederic Handel was born on this day in 1685 in Halle, Germany. He showed an early interest in the study of music, but his father felt it a worthless career choice and insisted there be no musical instruments in the house. However, when genius is born, God always has other plans. God’s choice for Handel was to create music which would praise Him and inspire others to follow His ways. Handel’s mother encouraged her son and he studied music in secret. By the time he was ten years old, he had composed music for the oboe, organ and violin.
At his father’s insistence, Handel went to law school to pursuit a degree. That didn’t last long and soon he was back at creating music and practicing various instruments. His early career began in the opera house, playing harpsichord and organ. That led him to compose his own operas and soon he was gaining popularity. He decided to expand his skill by moving to Italy where he continued to compose operas. When Italian operas died in popularity, Handel moved to London to make it his permanent home. At that time he turned to writing oratorios and cantatas.
The most famous of his compositions, was The Messiah. This could’ve been precisely what God had in mind for Handel’s life. In a review of the performance before King George II, in Dublin in April of 1742 it was said,
“Few can be failed to be moved by Handel’s Messiah oratorio, culminating in the Hallelujah Chorus. It was even said to have brought a king to his feet.”
Handel suffered with several health issues throughout his life, including bouts of depression and anxiety. He always maintained a positive attitude in spite of it and seemed to laugh even during times of great stress. He suffered a stroke when he was 52 and lost movement in his right arm. He made a speedy recovery, and was soon playing the organ again. Six years later he suffered another stroke, but recovered from that one as well. For the last nine years of his life he was completely blind, but that didn’t deter him either. He continued to pursuit his music until his death. He never married or fathered children, so his entire estate was willed to his servants and various charities. Even in death, Handel cared about others and made sure they were provided for.
With the season of Lent upon us, we will be hearing many variations of the wonderful Messiah Oratorio. When we do, we should thank God for creating such a talent in this man, destined to spread God’s Word through his music.
“Handel is the greatest composer that ever lived… I would uncover my head and kneel down on his tomb.”
Ludwig Van Beethoven
There were those who left their jobs and families behind to follow Him. They gave up everything to be a part of it. Some of them became His inner circle of workers and would someday continue to share the words He was now speaking to the crowds.
It was a new message. For centuries the people had been bound by the tradition and ritual of their religion. They knew that God demanded perfection, but it was a demand they couldn’t keep, because of the chains of sin which bound their hearts.
Soon it became a tradition of good works and it appeared that nothing was going to take away their sin. No sacrifice or offering could pay the price for disobedience to God. Only a perfect sin offering, without blemish could do that. The time was right for God’s great intervention.
When Jesus spoke, people listened. His message was filled with the hope everyone longed for. He talked about a kingdom not of this world. He shared words about life in eternity with Him and complete forgiveness of sins. These words were balm to heal the stinging ears that heard them. His voice could reach from the middle of a lake to even the youngest in the audience. He spoke with complete power and authority. They hung on every word.
Soon the crowds grew so big that His time no longer was His own. He often retreated to the mountains or the sea to regain His strength. His mother, Mary, grew more and more concerned over the pressures being placed on her Son’s shoulders, but continued to trust in God’s plan. She knew this was nothing in comparison to what lay ahead for Him.
She could do nothing but wait for God’s will to be done. In the meantime, she would join the crowds, be still and listen.
Cute this baby is, yes hmmm. As cute as granddaughter, Julie’s, maybe not!
I wonder if we can ever be perfect, just like Jesus was. We say we’re Christians, but still we often stand in judgment of others. I don’t think we’ll ever achieve perfection on this side of eternity. Even though Jesus died for every sin – past, present and future – that doesn’t mean we’ll never sin again.
Being a Christian doesn’t mean our lives won’t be without detours or bumps in the road. We’re told that we’ll have crosses to carry. We’re not guaranteed a life free from anxious moments, fear or even death.
Every time I hear the struggles between Christian churches, it saddens me. The Bible is our connection with our Creator. It was given to us as a guide for living the Christian life. Unfortunately many stray from the truth of the Word and go in their own direction. For some it might bend towards doing good deeds. Some may say that not every word is true or accurate. Some believe only one translation is the truth. Many discount the miraculous deeds of the Old Testament as myths and story telling. Some will even bend the scriptures to fit their own interpretation to give validity to something they don’t agree with.
When human reason gets in the way of God’s truth, there will be division. His message to us is less complicated than we make it. By the disobedience of God’s first people, we’ve inherited sin and in order to be made right with God, there needs to be restitution; a perfect, sinless offering which comes only from God Himself. Nothing we do – good works, self-deprivation, money or giving up everything for Christ’s work will save us. It’s only by the precious blood shed by God Himself that redeems us. His resurrection secures our future in eternity. Because He lives, we’ll continue to live after death.
Sounds too simple, doesn’t it. We can’t help wondering – what’s the catch – what do we need to do? There is no catch. All God wants from us is our complete trust in Him. Our faith is the only requirement and, by the way, even that is a gift from the Holy Spirit.
Because of this marvelous thing He’s done for us, we can’t help but be grateful for the gift He’s given us. Thus our lives change. We learn to live as Jesus did by being a servant to others, by loving others as ourselves, by sharing the Gospel message, by walking away from the sins that have plagued us for so long.
Why do we feel we have to put our own spin on this? The truth is clear.
Today we celebrate the birthday of the first POTUS, George Washington. I remember as a child in elementary school, that this was a very important day in itself. We now celebrate the birthdays of all presidents on one day in February, but in those days, this one was carved out to especially honor the “father of our country.” We often made cut out silhouettes of George and Martha Washington and glued them to construction paper.
Most Americans know all about this founding father- a man who rose from the military ranks to a place of leadership within those very ranks. We’ve heard the stories about the fledgling nation pursuing its independence, yet Washington had always hoped that war against England would not have to take place – that this new country could gain its freedom without dividing itself from the crown.
We remember the battles of Lexington and Concord in April of 1775 which escalated into armed conflict. We’re all too familiar with the vivid imagery of Washington crossing the Delaware. We shutter to think of the death and devastation of starving, freezing soldiers, without shoes and warm clothing, at Valley Forge. We seem to imagine that Washington was always a soldier and leader of his troops against the British army.
We don’t often think of the young boy who was homeschooled between the ages of 7 and 15. We don’t think of him as a slave owner, a land baron or a tobacco grower. He wasn’t a seasoned military leader. He had no experience against an army that would fight head on in battle. He was more used to skirmishes within the countryside. He would soon learn that war was not simply gaining victories. He discovered that politics played as important a role as did winning a battle. The point was to keep the resistance alive in the minds and hearts of his men.
His father died when George was only eleven so he had to grow up quick. His education continued through the sexton of the local church ,where he learned practical math, geography and Latin. Most of his knowledge came from on the job experience, which he learned from the plantation foreman or through his job as a surveyor. His real passion was for the land and farming. He left his plantation in exchange for service to his country, but would later return to it once he left the presidency.
We owe a debt of gratitude to our first president. He was smart enough to surround himself with learned men. Jefferson, Franklin, Sam Adams, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and others who advised and assisted him with the formation of the young independent nation. Washington never wanted to give the impression that the presidency was the same as a monarchy, so he never appeared at public events in military attire during his two terms in office. Instead he opted for a black velvet suit, buckled shoes and a white powdered wig.
Happy birthday, Mr. President!
Gentle snow cascading down from the heavens – sparkling like shards of broken glass in the meadow – a simple cabin, lacking light from within, is surrounded by it from the glistening white outside. What a beautiful sight. What a picture of serenity and peace.
In the middle of nowhere – without transportation other than a pair of snow shoes or cross country skis – eager for something to eat besides TV dinners from the freezer – anxious for some communication other than the occasional sound of a distant snowmobile. Winter is beautiful, but it’s tough – especially on the elderly; those who are alone; those without families; those who may be stranded in their own surroundings.
At times like that, it seems like winter will never end. What is commonly known as “cabin fever” has begun to set in. This term was first coined in the early 1900’s to indicate a feeling of being closed in for a long period of time. I suppose people didn’t get out much in those days, because transportation didn’t allow it as it does today. But it still happens today. When we get snowed in and our cars won’t start – when the road to civilization hasn’t been plowed – when there is no help available.
It’s hard to imagine that there are so many lonely people out there, but there are. Even when surrounded by hoards of other folks, we can feel a sense of aloneness. When we feel this way; when our hearts feel that we’re completely alone; when we think that no one cares about us or that we don’t matter in this world; it’s good to know that our God is with us all the time.
Psalm 62:1-2 tells us this. “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.”
When you live in a cold climate, you kind of expect to be cooped up for a while in winter, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Up here in Minnesota we learn to live with it, because the beauty of the season is so stunning, however after a long six months of it, we long for green grass and budding trees. We can’t wait to see the new growth springing up from the ground, reminding us of God’s promise of new life. Each season in my state carries special wonder. We are truly blessed to enjoy the best that God has to offer when it comes to change. Patience is hard, but worth the waiting.
Dear Lord, when I feel hemmed in from all sides; if I feel alone even if surrounded by others; when the cares of the world overcome me; I can be confident that I am never alone. You are with me always. May this confidence grow each day in my heart and in the hearts of those who believe in you. Amen!
“The happiness which brings enduring worth to life is not the superficial happiness that is dependent on circumstances. It is the happiness and contentment that fills the soul even in the midst of the most distressing circumstances and the most bitter environment. It is the kind of happiness that grins when things go wrong and smiles through the tears. The happiness for which our souls ache is one undisturbed by success or failure, one which will deeply root inside us and give us inward relaxation, peace, and contentment, no matter what the surface problems may be. That kind of happiness stands in need of no outward stimulas.”
― Billy Graham
This is my first tribute to a woman for this month. Lots of famous women were born during February, but this one holds a special place in my heart. Born on this day in 1921 in Bellbrook, Ohio, to a working class family, this lady grew up in Dayton, Ohio and became one of the leading female columnists of her time. She became Erma Bombeck when she married Bill, a college classmate. They were told that children would be an unlikely result of the marriage so adopted their first child – a daughter. 1953 she would give birth to a son and another one came along three years later.
I grew attached to Erma when I was raising my own family in the 1960s and 1970s. She brought some real comic relief to parenting with her humorous articles and several books that she wrote during that time. Always including a nugget of truth, she would stir the imagination about the most common things. For example, she once said,
“Once you get a spice in your home, you have it forever. Women never throw out spices. The Egyptians were buried with their spices. I know which one I’m taking with me when I go. ”
It was things like that which made you stop and think, “how true.” I think I have accumulated more spices in my lifetime and most of them are similar in nature. For example, I have about three containers of Cream of Tartar, because I never remember for sure if I have it in my kitchen. When I was selling Tupperware, I sold the most spice containers ever, because of the fact that I talked about how spices can become infested with bugs if not contained properly. I was a pretty good Tupperware salesperson.
She once said, “You show me a boy who brings a snake home to his mother and I’ll show you an orphan.” I totally related, because my seven year old son did that one day. He rang the doorbell, because his hands were full of snake. When I opened the door he assured me that the snake was dead. The moving fangs indicated otherwise. After peeling me off the ceiling, his father told our son that the snake was merely digesting his food and suggested that he return it to the wild.
Erma could make the most devastating parenting situations funny, which is precisely what young parents experience with their first go at it. Humor is the only way to survive raising children. When my first two were little, we made a great investment. We bought a playpen which would occupy their time and give me a little respite to do my household chores. Erma had something to say about playpens too.
“When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen. When they’re finished, I climb out.”
Erma had a successful career as a writer. She started out as a columnist for the Dayton Shopping News and eventually her articles appeared in national syndication. She continued to write a weekly column and added several books to her list of credentials
She was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease at the age of 20 and had to endure dialysis. Eventually one of her kidneys no longer functioned and had to be removed. The other kidney caused her to receive a transplant in April of 1996. She died only 19 days after the surgery from complications. She was only 69 years old.
She shared a legacy of humor which will last forever. Another one of her quotes sums up what life is really all about.
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.'”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ERMA BOMBECK!
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Within the mountain’s early dawn, His majesty is seen,
The skies fill up with brilliance, and glorious golden sheen,
His breath is seen in morning mist, voice heard through eagles’ song,
His power displays in sunlit rays, He shines the whole day long,
His love for us unspoken is, but seen in every rock,
He leads us like a shepherd protects his wandering flock,
I am so weak and fragile, like many a stubborn sheep,
My trust oft wanes, my fears o’er take, I toss through dream filled sleep,
My tears won’t stop, my faith grows weak, I stumble all the way,
But He’s right there, surrounding me, protecting me each day,
I’ll never grow to understand His unconditional love,
But thank Him that He grants it from His throne high up above,
My God, you are my fortress, my strength when I am weak,
You carry me through deserts, you lead me when you speak,
Through pastures green and waters clean, fulfilling every need,
You fill my heart with gratitude, my soul your Word does feed.
I have been known to have very vivid and sometimes disturbing dreams. Something seems to happen to my brain when it falls asleep. It’s like this alter-ego explodes inside my head, giving way to all the weirdness or creativity within me.
I usually go through some of these dreams when I’m writing a new play or if there’s something I’m struggling with in my life. These visions, which are concocted in the recesses of my mind, might help me come up with a solution to a plot line. They may help me see something in my life that needs prayer. Most of the time they cause me to wake up in a sweat and wonder where those thoughts came from.
Peaceful sleep can heal our bodies, give rest to our minds and even provide us with answers for daily problems. How comforting to know that God watches over us even when we close our eyes each night.
Proverbs 3:24 assures us, “If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
Lord, there are times when I need you and I don’t even realize it. Thank you for clothing me in your protection 24/7. Thank you for giving me peaceful sleep, even when my mind is swimming with too much thinking and worry. Thank you for giving me time to rejuvenate my body and mind through rest and give me the peace that you are with me in all my hours on this earth. Amen!
Ansel Adams was born on this day in 1902 in San Francisco. When San Francisco was devastated by the horrible earthquake of 1906, his family moved to the Seacliff neighborhood, which had a fantastic view of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands.
He was a hyper-active child given to spells of hypochondria. He was also prone to various illnesses. The fact that he had a hard time concentrating led to his dismissal from several private schools. At the age of 12, his father decided it would be better for him to be taught at home by private tutors.
Ansel became infatuated with nature’s beauty at a young age. Living where he did as a boy, allowed him to explore some gorgeous landscapes, collect bugs and simply enjoy the outdoors. He didn’t have many friends, so his outdoor activities took up most of his time and energy.
At the age of 12 he also became interested in the piano and took lessons. The structure associated with music allowed him to focus his attention, at least for a while. He had planned to follow a career in music, but gave it up in favor of photography.
He is best known for his beautiful black and white photographs of natural places, especially in Yosemite National Park. He and his family traveled through the park in 1916 and he felt like the park was opening itself up to him. His dad gave him his first camera, a Kodak Brownie Box Camera, with which he enthusiastically photographed everything in sight. He would return the following year with better equipment.
Ansel had a loving relationship with his father. They studied the stars together when Ansel was just a young boy. His father encouraged him to emulate Ralph Waldo Emerson by leading a life of modesty and a love of nature. He followed through with that lifestyle throughout his life.
The drama captured in his photographs of natural places, shows a dimension to something that might ordinarily be pictured as a flat surface. However, his love affair with light and shadows, dancing across a sculptured, rocky landscape showed the depth of those places. It was his ability to draw them out that set him apart.
His black and white photos define the enthusiastic spirit of the man himself. In spite of his hyper activity, he was able to focus his talent into an amazing art form.
“Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space. I know of no sculpture, painting or music that exceeds the compelling spiritual command of the soaring shape of granite cliff and dome, of patina of light on rock and forest, and of the thunder and whispering of the falling, flowing waters. At first the colossal aspect may dominate; then we perceive and respond to the delicate and persuasive complex of nature.
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Deep within the wildest places, kept from harm and strong within,
God protects and keeps his creatures, never letting go of them,
Shielded by the reeds and willows, covered with His loving hands,
Kept from predators and danger, in His armor firm he stands,
Even in the darkest moments, when the sun no longer shines,
Even when the day has ended, night won’t overtake the lines,
He will cover with His presence, He will never run away,
He’ll be there through darkest trouble, and when sun renews the day,
Trust in Him alone to lead you, to the quiet waters still,
Let Him give you peace unending, and your empty heart to fill.
Eddie Arcaro was born on this day in 1916, the premature son of Italian immigrant parents. He would only reach 5’2″ in his adult life. Being small allowed him to become one of the greatest thoroughbred horse racing jockeys of all time. He won the U.S. Triple Crown twice and was one of the most prolific winners in the racing scene for years. Those who raced with him, referred to him as “banana nose” because of his large nose. It was a term of endearment.
He started his career with horses as an exerciser of the noble animals when he was just 13 years old, making 75 cents a day doing so. At the age of 16 he began racing in New Orleans. He did so well, he was hired as an apprentice for Calumet Farm in Lexington, Ky. His natural ability with horses made him a “horse whisperer” of sorts as he seemed to communicate with them during each of his races. Being a street smart kid, he had what it took to win. He had a natural competitive spirit, but also possessed the technical skills necessary to go beyond competing.
He was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1958 and only a year later was thrown from his horse and seriously injured and knocked unconscious in the fall. He stated that the helmet he wore actually saved his life. He continued to race after that, but finally after more spills and injuries, retired in 1961. He enjoyed the celebrity that came along with his job, but he really earned his claim to fame. He had a keen sense of becoming connected to the animal he raced and once stated,
“Race riding is as much physical exertion as you want to put into it. You develop strong back and shoulder muscles by pushing with the horse on every stride, by showing him you’re the boss and making him keep his mind on the job.”
Eddie Arcaro proved that his small size worked to his advantage and he made millions in the process of winning. Proving once again, that when you put your mind to something and work hard at achieving it, you can take the prize, no matter what obstacles are put in your way. He died at the age of 81 in 1997.
The practice of giving something up for Lent is one of those practices that may seem outdated, but not if it’s done with the right attitude. If we do it as a way of gaining our own salvation it’s wrong, but if done as a reminder of what Jesus sacrificed for us we are giving thanks to Him.
Think of what He gave up for us. He left His holy throne in heaven where He ruled the world alongside His Father. He shed the riches of His office and became a poor man with no place to lay His head. He lived a life filled with frustration, anger, sadness, joy, weariness – just like we do every day. He taught, led, delivered and gave hope to those who had lost all hope. He allowed Himself to be humiliated in front of a court of people He’d come to save. He suffered a brutal beating, a jeering crowd, the weight of the cross and ultimately the loss of His physical life.
As we know, the story didn’t end there. When He overcame that pathetic death, He came alive again and showed Himself to His followers. He conquered death so we would know that our sins are forgiven and we too would never die.
So, is it all right to give something up for Lent? We can start by giving up our guilt. He came specifically to bear our iniquities and tells us to lay our burdens on Him. Still it’s not always easy to do so. Our human nature tells us we should be responsible people and be involved in some way. The truth is, we can’t save ourselves – only God can do that.
So if you want to thank Him for that in some outward way – don’t eat candy for 40 days. You might lose a pound or two and in the process you will be showing honor to the One who deserves our praise.
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