FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
ORIGINAL ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
GALATIANS 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Fruit, luscious, ripe and sumptuous,
A result of tender care and nurturing,
A life giving sustenance for those who taste of it,
God’s gift to man is the fruit of the spirit,
A gift that cannot be measured by the insight of man,
It is inborn,
It comes packaged in our relationships with others,
In the engraved command of God upon our conscience,
In our caring for others,
In our ability to serve,
In our ability to put others first,
Sometime it sits stagnantly,
It slowly rots and dies,
Still there is hope,
Jesus came and restored its life,
He stirs the rottenness of inactivity,
He washes the putrid darkness of sin,
Making it clean,
And creates new life from old,
To actively be of use once more.
Posted in art, Christian daily devotion, Christian Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, forgiveness, fruits of the spirit, Inspiration, Sin
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HEAR OUR PRAYER
Dear, Heavenly, Father,
You have encouraged us to come to you in prayer. No matter what the circumstances, your ears are always open to our words. You are always available to comfort us and give us hope. Even when the words seem self-serving and insignificant, you hear us. Even when we can’t find the right words, you send your Spirit to speak for us.
Today I come before you on behalf of the people of my country. The destructive winds and storms have raised fear and desolation in the minds and hearts of your children. I know that you don’t cause these storms to punish us. You, in your infinite mercy, have good purpose for all that happens in nature. Maybe that plan includes an invitation to those who have not learned to rely on your strength in times of trouble. Put their minds at ease and send help to them in due time. Give them all the power and strength to rebuild an even better country.
As the storms ravage in Florida and the southern states, I ask that you watch over those in its path. Give them hope even when all seems hopeless. As fires rage across our western states, rejuvenate the forests and send new life in place of the old.
May the true spirit of America rise again and live in the hearts and minds of the people you have placed here. We are a united nation and under your governance, we can accomplish great things – even through adversity.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen!
Posted in Christian daily devotion, Holy spirit, prayer, Uncategorized
Tagged Anxiety, Depression, encouragement, Hope, Inspiration, prayer, times of trouble
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GRANDPARENTS’ DAY 9/10/17
ORIGINALLY POSTED 9/7/14
Today is National Grandparent’s Day. There isn’t nearly as much hullabaloo as occurs on Mother’s or Father’s Day, but grandparents can play an important role in your child’s life. I have compiled a list of ten reasons why :
- They love your children unconditionally.
- They give their love first, their wisdom second and stuff third.
- They have time to spend with them which they didn’t have when you were growing up.
- They listen to them.
- They believe your children are the most amazing thing you’ve ever done.
- They teach, share and have confidence in them.
- They pray for your children.
- They believe that your children will accomplish great things.
- They give every last ounce of energy they have to spend time with them.
- They enjoy their company.
It’s a great blessing to be a grandparent. You get to see your children through your grandchildren. You see many of the things you missed because you were too busy, too involved in creating the perfect life for them or just plain too tired. God gives us that second chance just like He gives us a second chance to live in eternity with Him.
My granddaughter said it best on a handmade Christmas card she gave me a couple years ago. “You’re the best grandma – on my mother’s side.” She has always been an equal opportunity grandchild.
So to all you grandparents out there – enjoy this day. It’s your second chance to be a parent for a little while again. The best part of it is you can always return them at the end of the day.
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SOLID FOUNDATION
“Storms of every sort, torrents, earthquakes, cataclysms, ‘convulsions of nature,’ etc., however mysterious and lawless at first sight they may seem, are only harmonious notes in the song of creation, varied expressions of God’s love.” John Muir
I feel like I’m preaching to the choir today, because most of you reading my posts already know the importance of faith in the God of the universe. What I do hope is that my words will reach those who have lost their faith, who have never had it tested, or who never had it in the first place.
In the past week we’ve seen devastation on a massive scale – buildings submerged in floods, broken hearts, lost homes and memories. On the other hand we’ve seen people coming together to help those who have suffered. It seems the best of humanity comes out in times of disaster.
As we approach the anniversary of one of the most horrific terrorist attacks on American soil, I have memories of the same kind of zeal within the soul of our country. We were strong and united in our determination to fight back. All the memories of what it took to build this country flooded in. We were reminded of the cost of freedom, the blood shed to win it and the grit of our people.
How can any good come from disaster? How can we ever get back what we lost? How do people cope who haven’t faith in the consistency of God?
WE ARE A NATION FOUNDED ON THE TEACHINGS OF THE BIBLE.
Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost track of that foundation. We no longer put our trust in God. Instead we look to ourselves for solutions. We only come to God when all else fails. Even then, God welcomes us back with open arms. Our world has taken a serious downturn away from the One who created it.
I don’t believe disaster comes to us as a form of punishment from God. I do believe that He never changes, in spite of the fact that we do. He’s always available, faithful and loves us unconditionally. He will provide a way out of all peril. All we need to do is believe.
“We can’t solve modern problems by going back in time. Retreating to the safety of the familiar is an understandable response, but God has called us to a life of faith. And faith requires us to face the unknown while trusting Him completely. Charles R. Swindoll
Posted in America, prayer, Uncategorized
Tagged America, encouragement, FAITH, God's consistency, Inspiration, restoration, solid foundation
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PICKING UP THE PIECES
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
A rusted pail, a broken wheel within a vacant field,
A house that once was filled with love, the hands of time has stilled,
These remnants of those days gone by, where bounty once did stand,
Show lives wrapped up in simple things as meaningless as sand,
To let them go is difficult, but go they simply must,
These worldly things are useless if in them we do trust,
The only constant in our life, is Jesus, Christ our Lord,
We find our peace in knowing Him and studying His Word,
Our God will give the things we need when in that hope we trust,
But faith is vital to our hope, and talk to Him we must,
Our God knows just what’s right for us, He’ll never let us down,
Just open up your heart in prayer and you’ll receive a crown,
Those remnants soon will go away and new life will begin,
When we let go and give it up, and put our trust in Him.
Posted in art, Christian devotion, Christian Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, encouragement, Inspiration, natural disaster, restoration
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I CAN’T HELP BUT WONDER
As I sit here in a sunbathed room, I can see the colors beginning to change. Squirrels have been actively storing up black walnuts from the tree in our front yard. They’re so busy, it makes me wonder if they know something about the upcoming Minnesota winter. I’m thinking, as I basking the luxury of 70 degrees with low dew points, how come parts of this beautiful country is under water, being consumed by wildfires, flooding and devastating winds.
An earthquake has rocked Mexico. Mandatory evacuation has been issued for Southern Florida and Irma will follow through central Florida and possibly reach S. Carolina and Georgia. Whether or not those places are affected by the destruction is unsure, but there undoubtedly will be side effects.
So I continue to sit here and wonder why.
I read the headlines and see that amidst all this turmoil, we still have other problems in our country and the world. A maniacal leader is playing the role of the ‘mouse that roared’ and seems to be uncaring for his own population, those directly close to him and those he plans to destroy. Doesn’t he realize, he will go up as collateral damage along with the rest of his people?
We have a congress that seems to know no other way than gridlock. Decisions are being made based on next year’s election results and appealing to the voters, rather than for the good of the entire nation and future generations.
And I wonder why.
We have a president that has no more experience in government than his predecessor, yet he is a successful businessman who knows how to bring business to our country. He has succeeded in keeping the stock market on an even keel. He’s creating jobs. He’s stirring the pot and making the corrupt in government squirm. He’s exhibiting strength and making us look strong as a world leader. He’s righting wrongs where they exist. He’s cleaning up a lot of messes that were created in the last 20 years. Still, those who hate him continue to find fault in everything he does. They won’t cut him a bit of slack and tend to ramp up the negative and eliminate the positive things that are being done.
Still I wonder why.
Our cities are filled with corruption, violence, hatred, prejudice – all while we spent the last eight years trying to be tolerant of every thing and every kind of behavior. The Ten Commandments have turned into the Ten Suggestions and even they have been deem offensive.
I wonder if all these signs are things Jesus was referring to in Matthew 16:2-3.
He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
Maybe it’s time to stop wondering and start planning for eternity.
Posted in anxiety, Christian daily devotion, prayer, Uncategorized
Tagged Anxiety, Corruption, Depression, encouragement, eternity, Inspiration, repentance, sign of the times, weather
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WHERE IS GOD?
Hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, deadly tornadoes, earthquakes are all part of God’s plan. We often wonder where He is during massive destruction. We wonder where He is during a terrorist attack, when innocent people are wiped off the face of the earth. We struggle to make sense of a child’s death – the difficulties of aging – the perils of life threatening diseases. Where is God?
I couldn’t begin to understand God’s reasoning in sending storms into our lives. I do know that when we’re faced with them, we can count on His presence. He’s promised to be with us in all circumstances. That isn’t very comforting to those who have just witnessed the loss of everything. Where is God?
We tend to think that God is absent and uncaring. We might think He’s messing with our heads. We could even blame Him for all of this. We look only at what’s happening in the moment and can’t seem to see the future. Where is God?
Turn your focus to those who have given up so much to help these victims. Look at the selfless heroes putting their lives on the line to help people they don’t even know. Think about the dollars being donated for the rebuilding of devastated areas. Observe the absence of race and bigotry. Notice how peoples of every color are working together to help one another. The power of God is great. He can wipe out a town in a blink of an eye, but he can bring people together to rebuild it just as fast.
We could refer to this as the “end times.” The signs are there. There will be an abundance of knowledge. There will be a lack of compassion. People will abandon others in preference of self – wars and rumors of war – A drastic change in morality – rules and laws hold no value. It’s time to focus on our eternal future.
God says that the end will come as a thief in the night. We won’t be prepared, but the signs are there. They’re given as a call for us to return to the King of Creation, but where is God?
You can find Him and His message of hope in His Holy Word, the Bible and He is at your side, available at a moment’s notice. He is there!
Dear Lord, You have complete control over the weather, but , you are present with your compassion. Help those affected by the storms in the South to place their trust in you and know that you will never leave them. Keep them safe from harm. Protect us all from the evil one, who would have us believe that you have left us. We know better. Amen!
Posted in America, Bible, Christian daily devotion, Uncategorized
Tagged encouragement, FAITH, Inspiration, prayer, storms, Where is God
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FINAL DAYS
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Reflections fill the waters still, the path is strewn with mist,
The trees take on an Autumn glow, by sun they have been kissed,
The grounds will soon be closed and done, no more will golfers play,
For Winter lurks around the bend, inside they soon will stay,
Our walk will take us through life’s path, until the end is near,
We’ll put away our treasures then, may even shed a tear,
The things that we hold dear in life, can quickly pass away,
But when we trust that God knows best, we’ll see another day.
Posted in art, Christian devotion, Christian Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, eternity, Hope, Inspiration, life after death
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WRITERS’ FUNNIES
I have a tendency to run on and on and on, only to realize I’ve said the same thing over and over at least one time more than once.
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MOTHERHOOD GUILT
The vision of a Jewish mother, holding every form of guilt over her child’s head, has become stereotypical. Since Eve was the first woman, and obviously Jewish, let’s blame her. I feel women are formed with guilty consciences and it takes a lot for us to believe we’re doing enough for our children.
My biggest nightmare has to do with not making school lunches for my kids. I used to wonder why I’d dream that. I now realize I was concerned about more than lunches. I had this inborn mothering thing going on that required me to worry about doing my job right. It’s something I didn’t get over throughout their childhood.
I worry about them, pray for them, hope they will succeed. I want them to find happiness and love. I think about them daily. When the birds leave the nest, you don’t stop feeling or thinking about them. They’ll always be your children.
Parenting is filled with all kinds of guilt. We needlessly worry about the small stuff, which leads us to worry about bigger things. None of that solves the issue at hand. Let God take care of the tough stuff and put your time into making each moment with your children memorable.
Leaving the sink filled with dishes at night so that you can help your child with homework may make you feel incomplete as a mom, but you’re setting priorities. Not being able to match a single pair of socks; come up with creative ways to display their art work; be on time for an after school event isn’t the end of the world. By the same token, taking time for yourself isn’t going to stunt your kid’s emotional growth. We all need time to regroup and sometimes that means letting them fly occasionally.
Guilt gnaws at us and allows the devil to do his work. We feel inadequate – we get angry – we lose control – we walk right into Satan’s arms. Guilt also leads to repentance, which is what God wants. The price for our sin has already been paid, but we still need to ask for forgiveness every day.
If you’re the guilty one, or you’re the one making someone else feel that way, turn to Him who looks beyond our guilt. He’ll give you peace. I wish He’d wipe that dream out of my memory.
Posted in Christian daily devotion, parenting, Uncategorized
Tagged children, FAMILY, forgiveness, guilt, Inspiration, parenting
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NOT DEAD YET
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
A bouquet of vibrant colors, slowly fading in the hand,
Picked fresh this very morning, plucked from the moistened land,
Our lives are like those flowers – they slowly wilt and die,
We want to intercede somehow, but no matter how we try,
Our days on earth are numbered and our lives will surely end,
But even through our darkest days, we know we have a friend,
Our loving Savior, Jesus, shed precious blood for me,
He gave His life to save me and set my spirit free,
Life never ends with Jesus, His love endures the ages,
His Word sustains me everyday within its splendid pages.
DAYS SO QUICKLY PASS …
For many children across the land, school has resumed. Kids, now tanned by the summer sun will don their back to school clothes and prepare for another school year. My granddaughter will embark on her first year of high school today. I have such mixed emotions about this.
This morning a picture of her entering 4th grade popped up on my Facebook page. 
Where did the past five years go? This sweet, enthusiastic, strong willed, delightful little girl has turned into a young woman over night. Suddenly the little one I played Barbies with, watched blossom in stage productions I directed her in, laughed with during our countless views of “Shrek,” is on her way to high school today.
In one way, I’m excited for her and the adventures that lie ahead. In another, I’m concerned with the new environment; the change of attitudes at that age; the identity searching; the cliques. It’s sort of like stepping out of the fire pan and jumping into the fire.
As grandparents, we can sit back and watch as our grandchildren step from one stage of life into another and pray that they will come through it unscarred and strong. Things are so different now than when we raised our children, but I’m certain my grandparents thought the same things when I went through these altered states.
Times do change, but the basics that children are given by their parents, as they go through their growing up years, is what really lays the groundwork for their success or failure in life. I am confident that her parents – who are also both strong willed, determined, hard working, fun \ and loving – have given Kaeli the tools she needs for taking the right path down this journey of life. Their example will live through her.
They will struggle through the adolescent years, as we did with our children, but they will all survive and come out better because of it. As a grandparent, I’m limited in what I can do, but I do know that prayers for our grandchildren work. This little girl has grown into a wonderful human being, compassionate, caring and strong enough to know what she wants to accomplish in life, and I know with all confidence that she will succeed.
Dear, Lord, Jesus, watch over all three of my grandchildren as they progress through these school years. Give them the desire to learn, the passion to persevere through all things, the enthusiasm to enjoy these special years of growth and the courage to stand up for the things they believe in. You are their rock and salvation. Amen!
Posted in Christian daily devotion, Faith, Inspiration, Uncategorized
Tagged back to school, encouragement, FAMILY, grandchildren, growing up, Inspiration, parenting, persistence
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TAGS
ORIGINALLY POSTED 9/5/16
This familiar tag can be found everywhere. My mother did everything by the book and nearly had a heart attack when my husband ripped a tag off of a pillow. She was certain the police would be there in an instant to arrest him for disobeying the law.
The tags that come in clothing are annoying and thank goodness they’re now disappearing. Tags often wind up on the outside, making everyone think you have your clothes on inside out.
Life is filled with tags and labels. Unions put tags on things to assure the public that they’re purchasing a product which has been inspected and approved. Labels can take the form of bullying, when used in a derogatory way. When we park in a no parking zone, we get tagged. Companies use branding to make their products familiar to the public and thus marketable.
I’ve had many labels attached to my name over the years, but no name compares to being a Christian. It’s not a guarantee that you’ll have a life free from pain or sadness. It isn’t protection against persecution or ridicule. It doesn’t give you a “get to heaven free card.”
On the other hand, it saves you from the guilt of sin. It gives you hope for the future and eternity. It shields you from the slings and arrows the world throws at you.
Being a Christian also carries responsibility. By claiming the name of Christ, you obey His Word and commandments. You love your neighbor as yourself and you share His amazing grace with others. This label should be a reflection of what our Savior has done for us, not what we have done for ourselves.
Lord, make me an instrument of your Word. Amen!
Posted in Body of Christ, Christian daily devotion, Uncategorized
Tagged Christianity, encouragement, Inspiration, Labels
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