THE DARKEST HOUR
Yesterday, Paul and I took advantage of the $5.00 movie deal and went to see a movie I was anxious to view. My friend, Julie, is a big fan of Winston Churchill, and I wanted to see for myself why. The fact that the movie was about WWII, was a plus, because I knew Paul would enjoy it too.
As we usually do, when the movie was over, we discussed our thoughts on the way home. Paul felt he could identify with the blustery Prime Minister and I felt a connection to his wife, Clementine. Winston Churchill was anything but popular with his associates. Even the King admitted he was afraid of him. During the course of time, this opinion changed and he went down in history as he demonstrated insurmountable courage during the most perilous point in the war.
He came across as stubborn, immovable, grouchy, even a drunk by some. That fact seemed to be a thread in the movie, as Gary Oldman (who did an amazing portrayal of the man) swilled his brandy and puffed on cigars throughout. His wife was gentile and certainly had great love for her husband. She wanted the world to know Winston as the kind and compassionate man she did. This is probably where we connected with these characters.
Paul, in his zeal and excitement to carry out a project, spends countless hours thinking about it, taking notes, creating solutions behind the scenes. He puts his whole heart into just about anything he does. I love him for his enthusiasm and ability to take charge. Others often see him as coming on too strong, but has a sentimental, compassionate side as well. I’m getting off track here, but it was cool to make that connection and see how someone else deals with similar situations.
Churchill came into his job, just as Hitler was gaining more and more strength. His army was strong as well as the navy and air forces. The future for Britain was bleak as the forces raged across the country, dotting the landscape with countless craters left by bombs. Winston would not back down. Peace negotiations were not an option when dealing with a maniac. His courage didn’t falter. He actually got on the train and talked to the common man about what they were thinking. He spoke to the king as well. It was clear that he was not alone in his opinion. His efforts to enlist the United States fell on deaf ears, so Churchill ordered that any sailing vessel available, personal crafts, fishing boats, etc. partake in a rescue of British troops that were stranded at Dunkirk. In strong British style, they responded willingly, savingthe lives of over 300,000 British and French troops.
This courageous man wouldn’t give in to the threats of the German army and their desire to conquer the world. It occurs to me that we face this battle today as well. When we look at the dictators blasting us with threats of elimination, we need someone with courage to take a stand. We need someone that will get the job done without popular opinion affecting his thinking. We need someone who will never give up or give in to the world’s tyrants.
This movie, if not yet seen by our president, should be. He is facing similar odds against him. He doesn’t hold the same popularity ratings that his predecessor did. He’s often brash and surly. He says things that get him in trouble with an insane media, that hopes to create havoc for him. What he does possess is courage. He isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. He loves America and has already proven that by bringing jobs back to this country and building a strong stock market. As we face the enemies of this world, we need strong, stubborn and steadfast leaders, with elevated self-confidence, to overcome them.
Well, my movie review turned into a rant, but that happens sometimes. I loved the movie. Thanks for recommending it, Julie. I also have a new admiration for Winston Churchill.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Winston Churchill
Posted in courage, Uncategorized
Tagged courage, ENEMIES, Inspiration, leadership, MOVIE REVIEW, self-confidence
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LORD, GIVE ME STRENGTH
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
(An aging egret seeks shelter in the Reeds)
As my old body tells me that it’s time to settle down,
I wonder of the time that’s left to me.
That even though my zest is gone, my eyes and ears are dim,
My aches and pains will never let me be,
But when we look at Jesus and the gift He brings to us,
I can’t hold back the joy that sets me free.
His Word is filled with promises that He will always keep,
He gave His life to save both you and me.
I wonder if I’d know Him when He was a baby small,
The Son of God who died without one plea,
He rose again and conquered death for all eternity.
My faith in His provision keeps me strong,
To share His loving message, with those He sends to hear me,
The Son of God and man will carry on.
HUMILITY
Humility can mean modesty, subservience, giving up your rights, being last taking on a task that no one else wants. These attributes are slowly being eaten away in our current society. Somehow we no longer feel we can be successful with a humble attitude. We’re taught at an early age to be proud of our accomplishments, no matter how small. We’re awarded certificates or medals to make us think we’re better than we really are. Look at the Cowardly Lion, for example. He had already proven his courage, but he didn’t think so until he had something to acknowledge it.
Our kids are given praise for doing a great job. People in the workplace pat each other on the back for a job well done, when it was simply the job they were paid to do. Praise is a good thing when you’re trying to lift someone up, but humility is almost a forgotten word today. Even our president has no qualms about calling himself a genius. Most of the world leaders today suffer from a lack of humility.
Jesus was the perfect example for us. He is God, yet He humbled Himself, became a man, left His throne in heaven and was born into a life of poverty. He worked hard, side by side with his step father. He studied in the temple and discussed the Words of scripture with the most learned men around. He went into the desert to be prepared for His ministry and was tempted by the devil. Jesus used the Word to condemn his enemy. He preached to hungry ears who were longing for freedom from their Roman captivity. They too were poor and needed a savior, but they hoped for a king, not a man like them. He gathered a group of core followers, who would desert him at His most difficult time. He washed their feet and fed them food that would last forever. He taught them how to pray and live. He gave no thought to Himself. He accepted public ridicule for our sake, suffered the lash to the brink of death, hung on a cross and died. All0 this He did for us, without question, because of His unconditional love for us.
We really need to start teaching our children from early on, what it is to be humble. We want them to know that humility is a noble characteristic. In our zeal to make them feel great about themselves, we may be doing them more harm than good. Part of what has occurred over the years is that we’ve become a nation of narcissists. “Me” is the word of the day and what “We” can get out of life is all important.
As Christians, we should follow the example of our Lord, who sacrificed everything for us. He didn’t have to, but He did it because He loves us. All of us!
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”
C.S. Lewis
Posted in Christian daily devotion, Uncategorized
Tagged humility, Inspiration, Jesus, narcissism.virtues, pride
12 Comments
KEEP ON!
Did you know the Energizer Bunny was arrested? He was charged with battery! LOL. Sorry, but I came across that joke when I was looking for an image for my Monday post. My sister and I used to refer to our mom as the Energizer Bunny. You’ve probably known someone like that, who just keeps on going. Mom was 86 when she passed away and fought dying all the way. We thought she was dead about three times and tears began to fall, when she’d wake up and say, “what’s the matter?” We really had to check her out and have the nurse tell us that she was actually dead. Right to the last minute, she was ready to keep on going.
I really admired mom’s perseverance and hope that some of it may have rubbed off on me. There are days when I think I just can’t go another mile. I’m exhausted, worn out from fighting the battle of life. Just when I get to the lowest point, I remember that I have the greatest source of energy available to me – the One who created energy!
Time can run us down and as we age it’s even worse. Our body is finally catching up with our age and it’s not a pretty sight. Some Mondays you just want to stay in bed for the whole day. Some Mondays you feel motivated to get something done, only to lose energy a short time into the task. Some Mondays we need a charge – a fresh burst of energy to get us going and push us to continue doing even the mundane things of daily life. But this is the time in life when we can really flourish when we’re plugged into God and His Word. Reading the Bible is the best way to get recharged, but we can also talk to Him in prayer, share Him with others and be a servant as He was, when He walked the earth.
Time may be passing quickly, but there’s still work to be done. We could take the easy way out and rest in our past successes, but there are those who are crying out for our knowledge – our lessons learned – our experience.
Allowing Jesus to work through these tired old bodies, permits amazing things to be accomplished. A young child can learn some of the most important values of life. A teenager can discover his potential – a young mom or dad can learn from the experiences you’ve gone through as a parent – a business man or woman can obtain success through the lessons you learned in your working life – an aging friend who is facing a serious illness can gain strength through the Savior you have to share with them. By doing these things, God is filling us renewed strength and energy to go on.
Our flesh grows weary as time goes by, but our spirit should never give up. These can truly be the golden years if we allow God to work through us.
2nd Corinthians 4:16 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
WE’RE HAVING A HEAT WAVE
We’re expected to have a temperature of 40 degrees above zero today. When you consider we were suffering through minus 40 degrees with the wind chill last week, that’s an eighty degree difference. It’s time to get out the flip flops and shorts and take a walk along the half frozen Mississippi River. NOT!
I’m sure some of the young folks will don their summer gear, but certainly not anyone my age. The extremes in my state are enough to muddle anyone’s brain – no matter the age. Although I have to admit this was not exclusive to my neck of the woods this past week. States that usually consider the lower 50s to be uncomfortable were chilling in a whole different way. For them the challenges are so much greater than for us. We’re used to this insanity and have learned how to deal with it. We stay inside – for days and days and days, until we simply can’t stand it anymore.
Homes in the south usually aren’t built on a foundation and insulation of the walls is less than nothing. Up here, our homes are built to last for at least two hundred years. When schools close in the south because of the weather, northern folks get a big laugh out of it.
The weather is something we have no control over. We like to complain about it a lot. We try to remedy the situation by piling on extra clothes and warm blankets. We read more than the average person – because there isn’t much else to do when the shoveling is over. We are reassured when we have a warmer day in the mix. It helps us cope for the rest of the winter season, but then we have no other choice.
Soon the summer heat will be upon us and we’ll be sweltering and wondering when the relief will come. We are a very complaining people, aren’t we?
I can understand why God became angry with the children of Israel as He led them out of bondage in Egypt. I can hear them groveling over the manna and quail and that incessant light that would never go out. I mean how many ways can you cook manna? Instead of complaining, we should be grateful our homes are comfortable, we have food on the table and prospects of spring are right around the corner. In the meantime, we just grovel and grumble. Sorry, God, and thanks for your patience!
Posted in Christian daily devotion, Uncategorized, Winter
Tagged cabin fever, freezing, humor, weather, Winter
17 Comments
COLDER THAN COLD
ART & POETRY FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Frigid, Arctic air penetrates the skin like icy tendrils,
Unforgiving, blustery winds seals the cold deep within,
Each bone cries out for relief,
Each joint groans,
Each sinew tightens,
Alone within the confines of its shelter,
Stands a survivor,
Winter spins at an outrageous speed,
Sub zero temperatures are nothing,
Compared to excruciating wind chills,
Still he stands,
Oblivious,
Staunch,
Even in darkness of night,
He is protected,
His hope is in another,
Whose giant wings envelope him,
No longer can he survive by his own strength,
He must rely,
On his Creator.
Posted in art, Christian daily devotion, Christian Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, cold, God, survival, Winter
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WHAT LIES AHEAD?
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
A great expanse of brilliant blue,
Interspersed with misty clouds of purple, mauve and gold,
Within the space beyond our imagination,
Heaven waits,
Time passes,
We live,
We flourish,
We make our mark,
And then we die,
But it isn’t over,
God’s mighty hand reaches out of the expanse,
Hangs tightly to yours and leads you,
To eternity,
To peace,
Fulfillment,
Satisfaction,
There will be no more tears,
No more sadness,
Only joy will fill our hearts,
The sky is the ladder that leads to heaven,
What glory we shall behold.
TOUCH ME, LORD
Touch me, Oh Lord, and through that sweet sensation,
May peace come through Your Word, and quiet contemplation.
You hold me in Your precious wings, my spirit now does soar.
With you, Lord my sick heart now sings, your name I will adore.
LIFE REMAINS
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
This place that we have loved, this lonely withered space,
Has faltered with the winter snows and cannot rise again,
Without that inner life, that comes from heaven’s place,
Our lives will be diminished and scorned as dead terrain,
Within the ashen colors, inside the lifeless trees,
The damage has been sown, there is no longer gain,
Tempests are replaced with a quiet gentle breeze,
The breath of life is drained from it, but still it is not lost,
The battles will remain for us, but victory has a cost,
The precious blood of Jesus, Christ has paid for every sin,
And wrapped us with the will to live and new life to begin.
Our loss in life will be our gain, when to the end we come,
When we decrease we will increase, God’s work than will be done.
Posted in art, Christian daily devotion, Christian Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, death, encouragement, Inspiration, life
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SHARING A LIFETIME
We had our picture taken for the church directory this year and I happened upon this old one of us, circa 1965. Look at the abundance of hair and youthful expression! I think we both still hold some of that silliness of youth in spite of a lack of hair and the addition of several pounds.
Paul and I have learned a lot over our 53.5 years of marriage. We actually were high school sweethearts and dated for four more years until our wedding day. We’ve known each other for more than sixty years. By that time, you should know each other well, but we still learn something new day by day.
There is really no secret to staying together for such a long time. It does take a lot of patience, endurance, stamina and willingness to compromise. Maybe that’s why people are reluctant to commit to it. It’s hard work. Maybe it has something to do with the work ethic of the silent generation – those who were willing to put their hearts into everything the did, for the betterment of someone else.
I think that ethic is still out there, mind you, but when it comes to marriage, why is it so hard to take the plunge? Even when a couple does marry, they face disappointments, lack of excitement, the reality of life with another person that you thought you knew, but didn’t really. In a way, the prospect of the unknown is almost too scary for some. Yet we see young folks taking chances with other areas of their lives – like mountain climbing – jumping out of an airplane to feel the exhilaration of flying like a bird – taking a ridiculous risk in the stock market – doing anything that holds possible danger or worse.
I’m not trying to put marriage into the category of taking dangerous risks, but you are taking a big chance when you pledge your life completely to another. At that point, you’re giving up your own personal needs and focusing on the other’s. In a world where we’re told to grab all the gusto we can – to live life to the fullest – put ourselves first – this is a totally different concept. However, when you’re both on the same track and are willing to put the other first, you’re in a win-win situation.
Marriage isn’t for everyone, but for me it has been a true blessing – not without obstacles, road blocks or hiccups in the process. Life is full of problems. We will never escape them until we reach the end of it, but when you’ve someone to share your life with, you can work through those issues together. You don’t have to do it alone.
Also having God as your partner through your life together, is essential to the success of a marriage. When you share the same beliefs, the road is easier. That doesn’t mean your journey is going to be smooth sailing all the way through. In fact, you may encounter more issues. God never promised a perfect life, but when we have Him and another person to share it with, we can move mountains.
Posted in christian daily devotions, Uncategorized
Tagged commitment, God's plan, Love, marriage, Sharing
9 Comments
COLD SUNSHINE
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
A hint of golden sunshine, should warm your very soul,
It carries so much power, to heat you is its goal,
Yet in the depths of winter, the sun can shine all day,
But it will have no impact, when frost lies in the way,
Tomorrow will be better, the sun will gain new strength,
Time will simply carry on, with warmth at our arms length,
The warmth once again arrives, the sun will show its power,
Heat will overtake the frost, we no longer have to cower,
Encumbered in winter garb, intensely waiting for spring,
We’ll recognize each other. What joy that fact will bring!
GETTING RID OF THE GARBAGE
One thing we think about as a new year arrives, is getting rid of some of our past baggage. Even in a day, we accumulate a bunch of it. We don’t just wake up, eat, take care of our personal needs and go back to bed and sleep again. There are lots of spaces in between that get filled with good or bad stuff. I think they call it living.
I’m reminded of the story of a professor who showed his students how space can continue to be filled even when we don’t think it can’t hold anything else. He demonstrated by placing some rocks in a jar to the brim. The students agreed that the jar was full, but the professor added some small pebbles that filled some of the empty spaces. Again the students believed there was no room for more. When the teacher added sand to the jar, they were amazed to see how it maneuvered its way through the tiniest spaces. It had to be full now, but once more the professor showed that there was still room. He added water to the jar and sure enough, there was a place for that too.
Going through the process of purging things can be painful. It hurts to throw away memories of a past business; hopes and dreams that you once held in high esteem; tons of fabric you knew you’d use some day; chunks of wood which could be turned into fabulous sculptures. When the day ends, however, these are simply things that will not fit in the next vessel you move into. Reality sets in and you realize you don’t need these extras anymore.
The new year finds stores filled with storage containers and organizational items to help you. When it comes to our lives, however, getting rid of our internal clutter will not always fit into a plastic box. The baggage we carry around with us every day, includes things like anger, hatred, fear, depression, anxiety, loss, hopelessness, guilt over unconfessed sins and so much more. There isn’t room for it in anyone’s heart. How do you dump years of frustration, or months of sadness or loneliness? Is there a landfill that will take all that garbage and crush it into pieces – never to be remembered again?
Yes, there is! Jesus came to live among us for just that purpose. He told people to cast their burdens on His back. He invited them to ask for help. He kindly offered Himself as a servant, as an example of how we should live. He endured humiliation, false accusations, the abandonment of His people, the suffering, beatings and execution of the Roman cross. He even lost connection with His heavenly Father in that time. He took all our garbage to the cross with Him and buried it in the grave. Then He conquered Satan and the grave by returning to life.
We will still have troubles in the new year. Perfection will come after we leave this veil of tears, but we can be sure that God has washed our sins away. He’s taken the garbage out of our souls and we will one day live in paradise with Him. WOO HOO!
Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, Uncategorized
Tagged baggage, forgiveness, GARBAGE, Jesus, Salvation, Sin
9 Comments
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