GOD IS OUR ROCK
We’ve been witness to God’s magnificent creation this week, as we’ve traveled from Minnesota through three states to reach South Carolina. Both of us have been showing our age, as knees and hips ache and refuse to move as they should. Even through this whole aging process, it’s been a wonderful time for us, after twenty years without venturing on a road trip.
Yesterday we crossed a massive expanse of lush greenery to Table Rock Mountain State Park. As the car did all the work of climbing, we sat back and wallowed in the beauty – trees that reach to heaven, trunks covered with a veil of vining plants, trickles of sunshine pushing through the sparse empty spaces. When we reached our destination, we were greeted by a green mountain lake. We walked a short distance and discovered a lovely falls, encased with solid, flat rock, which reminded me of the still waters referred to in Psalm 23.
The waters weren’t still. Instead the force of the falling liquid, pounded against those rocks with great pressure and power – kind of like the pressures of every day. When we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, it like that pounding surge. We struggle with pain, adversity, worry, doubt and fear, yet the power of God is available in every circumstance.
When we come to the end, problems dissolve. We come to rest in that peaceful water, no longer bruised or broken by the trials of living. God carries us to that place. He walks with us through all the perils of our existence and lifts us in His arms, when we cannot make it alone. This is the good news we have as Christians. It is too good to hang onto and hoard for ourselves. Our world will not last forever. The signs of its demise are everywhere, but we can rest in the knowledge that life goes on for the believer. Share that great news with someone today.
Posted in Christian daily devotion, eternal life, Uncategorized
Tagged death, encouragement, God's power, Inspiration, life
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ANCHORED
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Scuffed by the constant thrashing of the elements,
Battered by scars of overuse,
Holding on by a cord of the past ,
Waiting for another chance,
Clothed in dignity and strength,
On the outside,
Falling apart,
Beaten,
Corroded,
Internally,
Pushing hard to survive,
Struggling to stay afloat,
Bones cry out for relief,
Minds long for the end of the journey,
Where will it lead?
What lies ahead?
When your anchor is embedded in Jesus,
The destination is sure,
Cast your burdens on Him,
He gives all a reprieve,
Another chance,
Trust in the pilot.
To guide your journey,
And to take you home.
Posted in art, Christian daily devotion, Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, encouragement, Future, Goals, Inspiration, trust
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LOOK TO THE SKIES
POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©
What started as a single seed reclining in the earth,
Is now a giant masterpiece with monetary worth,
The time it took to grow this tree encompassed many years,
It suffered many bruises and witnessed many tears,
Some of its limbs were withered, while others brandished life,
Its trunk was strong as iron, yet endured all kinds of strife,
As winds defiled and bent its frame, it seemed that he was lost,
Its roots exposed, its spine now bent from cold and bitter frost,
Still it survived and grew some more and pierced right through the clouds,
Its life went on and does today, evading death’s dark shrouds,
We like that tree continue through life’s discouraging path,
We place our hope in worldly things and we receive God’s wrath,
But when we put our hope in Him our life will never end,
And it will be much greater than our minds can comprehend,
The growth that we experience throughout our earthly days,
Will never reach comparison to what His love purveys,
We lift our eyes to heaven and know what waits beyond,
To see the face of Jesus and know He will respond.
Posted in art, Christian daily devotion, Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, encouragement, Goals, Inspiration, persevere
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REMEMBER
Originally posted by atimetoshare.me 5/21/2015
It may have begun somewhere in the 1970s. We were winding down a seemingly endless war in Viet Nam. Women fought for equal rights. Segregation was still an issue. We had a national scandal and saw a president impeached. The comedians of the day were Phyllis Diller and Don Rickles who spent their monologues ragging on everyone. Movies now had “R” ratings. The sexual revolution was well underway. It seemed that the days of “Father Knows Best” were over and replaced with dysfunctional families with dads like Archie Bunker.
Folks became numbed with illicit drugs. The three martini lunch was the menu of the day to cinch a deal. Space exploration was still in the news, but now people were becoming more concerned about the state of our own planet and focusing on ways they could control things like climate change.
Somehow the basics of religion were tossed aside in favor of self-reliance. The Ten Commandments became outdated. The Bible was just a book of myths and stories. In fifty years, this would lead to a nation who no longer felt the need to go to church – a population that didn’t trust government officials – a land where family was a thing of the past – a country that no longer put their trust in God.
As we approach Memorial Day, we need to get a handle on what this country was founded on – Judeo/Christian principals, strong work ethic, the sanctity of marriage and family, the opportunity for anyone to succeed. We have truly been blessed to live here, but we cannot forget our history. Blood was shed, lives lost and families made the ultimate sacrifice to defend the values that were set down by our forefathers. Memorial means remembering. Let’s never forget the price paid for our freedom.
Posted in honor, Inspiration, Memorial Day, Uncategorized
Tagged America, change, Country, founding fathers, Memorial day
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DON’T WORRY – BE HAPPY
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
― Dr. Seuss
What is the source of true happiness? Is it merely a state of mind or is it what we hope to accomplish throughout our lives? Most of us have suffered with depression, loss, hopelessness, loneliness and all the other sad emotions out there. It’s part of who we are, just as much as the happy times are a potion of our makeup.
God doesn’t want us to be unhappy. He is our heavenly Father and He wants only the best for us. This is why He gave His greatest gift, His Son, so that we could share Paradise with Him.
Most dads want happiness for their children, but they don’t always give them what they want in order to make them happy for the moment. There are times when discipline is necessary. There are days when things are taken away. There are moments when dads hope to teach their children to be independent, strong, helpful, responsible and so on. Those are days when they are really showing their love towards their children.
God makes every day for our pleasure. We have the choice as to how we are going spend each one of them. We can choose to have a positive outlook or be negative. We can be happy when things are going well, or turn around and be depressed the minute things don’t go as we planned.
It isn’t easy to be up when things are dragging you down in life, but it is possible with God at the center of it. He has great plans for you and me, so don’t worry – be HAPPY!
Ecclesiastes 7:14 “In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.’
Posted in anxiety, Christian daily devotion, joy, Uncategorized
Tagged encouragement, Inspiration, joy in adversity, Peace
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TRAIL OF TEARS
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
In our travels this week, I’ve been able to release some of the sadness from behind. I have found my smile and I’m hanging tightly to it, praying that God will continue to fill my heart with joy. I’m also realizing that you cannot run away from sadness. You can’t hide from tragedy. It’s all part of the journey.
When we traveled from Tennessee to South Carolina, we witnessed a semi-truck consumed by flames. There was no way to tell if the driver survived, but the ashes of destruction were evidence of another tragic event.
Yesterday, our grandson’s track coach was killed in an automobile crash – just a few days before the school’s graduation ceremonies. Another tragedy, yet hope remains as this community of Christians gathered to honor him with a prayer vigil. They comforted each other through this action, but more than that, they witnessed life as it is – a fragile, temporary time on this planet. They saw how quickly it can be snuffed out.
Last night, another bombing at a concert, where young lives were taken needlessly. It’s become almost a daily affair. Life is so precious and yet one or more individuals has so little regard for it, that they would impose their hatred on a whole group of innocents.
Our lives are a trail of tears. Each step we take is in question. We never know where life will take us, but we can be sure that as long as we remain, there will be trouble. There will be sadness. There will be tears. And yet, even all of this darkness, there is a shining light that never goes out.
God is that light. He never changes. His consistency gives us hope to press on – to move forward in our travels at home or away.
Thank you, dear, Lord, for guiding our steps – for walking with us – for giving us hope for the future and the promises of an eternal life, where tears no longer exist. Amen!
Posted in armor of God, Christian devotions, falth, Uncategorized
Tagged death, FAITH, God's consistency, persistence, tears, tragedy, trust
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RELIEF
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
A lush, heavy laden. damp, spring morning in South Carolina
The weight of grief upon this lovely town does lay,
A life was taken from another yesterday,
A man who gave his life to serve,
A life cut short it seems so undeserved,
And yet we know that he is now set free,
To live a life in sweet eternity.
Where no more sadness fills the day,
Where tears have vanished all away,
But for the ones who still remain,
May God protect them and sustain,
From sorrow, grief and endless loss,
And turn their hearts unto the cross.
Posted in art, Christian daily devotion, Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, death, eternity, FAITH, Hope, loss, Salvation, tragedy
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SHERLOCK HOLMES DAY
“How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?” Sherlock Holmes in THE SIGN OF THE FOUR” Conan Doyle
Today, for whatever reason, Sherlock Holmes is being celebrated. I love these obscure holidays. They often provide fodder for blogging when I run out of ideas. The quote above is really useful at this time of year as young men and women receive their diplomas and take the next step in their education or vocation.
The graduate faces many challenges when they move the tassel from one side to the other. Their future is unknown. They may be looking at at least four more years of education. They possibly are thinking of getting into the work force right away. Some are considering a military career. Those are all difficult decisions, requiring clear thinking and direction.
One of the best ways to get rid of the weight of all that baggage is to turn it over to the Lord. He’s already invited us to do so. He’s willing to carry the load. He’s promised to do so. It is His greatest desire is to be part of your decisions and your partner throughout life.
Sherlock Holmes got it right when he said to get rid of all the improbable things and focus on the possibilties. That will lead to the truth. God also talks about getting rid of the negative thinking and the impossible and replacing it with truth. The truth can be found in His Word.
To the graduate – When you begin any task, if it is done with the Lord, it will be blessed. Maybe not as you expect it to be, but according to His will, because He knows what’s best for you. When anxious moments fill your mind, when you are unsure about the future, get rid of the improbable and focus on the possible, for all things are possible with God.
The future is unsure, but God isn’t. Remember, He is in control of all things – even your future.
Psalm 94:19 ESV “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
GRACE
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
I love singing this hymn, not only because of the beautiful harmony and sound of the music, but because it really says everything. I can come to God as I am – a sinner without worthiness, knowing that I am forgiven.
If I were to appear before God as I really am, filled with sin and an appearance that would disgust anyone in this world, I wouldn’t have a chance at salvation. It’s because of the fact that my savior willingly sacrificed His life for me, that I can stand before my God confident that my ransom has been paid in full. Not by what I have done to earn that forgiveness, but because of the price paid by my Lord.
In addition to that, He rose from the grave, defeating death and the devil so that I can also live on, even after my death.
Jesus, thank you for your grace, for your love and your final sacrifice. No longer am I unworthy in your sight. Help me to stay strong in your teachings and your ways. Make your Word the center of my life and give me the solid peace that I am forgiven. Amen.
Posted in Bible, Christian daily devotion, Uncategorized
Tagged cleansed by Jesus, encouragement, forgiveness, Grace, Inspiration, Salvation, Sin, worthy
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GETTING YOUR SMILE BACK
Today we continue our journey to S. Carolina and a long awaited visit with our children and in celebration of grandson #2s graduation. We’ve had a great visit with my sis and her husband. Got to take a wonderful tour of Nashville, enjoy good food and drink, laughed until my face hurt and genuinely feel like the healing of the last few months of sadness is beginning to take place.
We have decided that Bruce will now be known as Billy Bob, the dishwasher and James, the waiter – however I much preferred Chad. We had such a good time these past few days. It’s hard to say goodbye, but this time has been a blast. Now it’s on to the next place.
When we travel through life, there will be times of sadness. Tears can be a cleansing for those brief times, but God’s promises of eternity will wash away those tears. In His heaven, we will be heirs of eternal life and smiles will never fail to exist. In the meantime, we will try to find them here on earth. It’s great to share them with family.
Posted in anxiety, Christian daily devotion, Uncategorized
Tagged Depression, FAITH, Hope, Joy, laughter, Love, sadness
8 Comments
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
ORIGINAL ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
We’re off again on our adventure and our travels today will take us through the Smokey Mountains where we will worship our God in His creation.
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NEVER GIVE UP
We all experience our own hell as we walk through life. Some days are worse than others – some are completely free of it – while others seem to hold absolutely no relief. Winston Churchill spoke these words when in the midst of what seemed an unwinnable war, but they resonate for any circumstance we face in life.
Jesus, the true Son of God, Son of Man, faced off with the devil some two thousand years ago and defeated him. His power has no hold on us anymore as long as we put our faith in our Savior. We can even face the pangs of hell while here on earth and keep on pushing through with His help.
If you consider what our fate should have been, had Jesus not paid the ultimate price, the flames of damnation would have swallowed us up the minute we were born. Our God loves us too much to allow that to happen. He has clothed us in the fire proof garment of His Word and through it we can face the toughest challenges Satan throws our way.
We will face days that seem hopeless, times when life seems futile, hours when fear tempts us, minutes that suck the life out of us and seconds that frustrate us. With God’s armor, we have the protection necessary to make it through the fire.
Don’t ever give up. God as a plan for each second of our lives. He is in control and He loves us more than we deserve. With Him we can face even the scorching, flames of hell, because He has already won the victory.
Posted in armor of God, Christian daily devotion, Hell, Uncategorized
Tagged eternity, FAITH, Hope, Inspiration, Jesus, perseverace, Religion
3 Comments
FRIENDSHIP OUTREACH
Someone once told me that if you have something precious, and you don’t share it with others, you’re being selfish. That really makes sense, especially if you have a specific talent like singing, or writing or painting. If you keep it all to yourself, you are denying others the pleasure of having it in their lives too.
We, as Christians, have the greatest treasure in Jesus, Christ and because of the joy that message brings, we must not keep it to ourselves. In fact we are commissioned to get the Word out. This is a gift that must be shared not just with other Christians, but with those who are looking for answers in their lives. Everyone has something in their life that is causing pain or conflict. Start listening to them, rather than talking about yourself. It doesn’t take long to see where their needs lie.
In doing this, we aren’t be judgmental or Bible thumpers. We’re merely trying to give them an antidote for their affliction. Letting them know that Jesus is available for them shouldn’t be pushed on others. It’s a gift from God Himself and more precious than any monetary gain.
Talk to your friends, your co-workers and even people you meet for the first time. You don’t have to bombard them with the story, but as your friendship grows, they will see that you have something special to share with them. Your joy will be contagious and the word will spread like wild fire.
Use me, Lord to show others the joy I have in my heart because of you. Amen!
Posted in Bible, Christian daily devotion, love, Uncategorized
Tagged Bible, encouragement, evangelism, gift of God, Inspiration, Love, outreach, Salvation, Sharing
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