WHY ME?
Everything that happens in our lives is for a purpose. The purpose isn’t always made known to us, but if you believe in an all knowing, ever present and all powerful God, you can be confident that He has your best interests always at the forefront.
No matter what your age, you can find great comfort in the fact that God is always in control. Even when we think we know better than He does, He’s still patient with us. He continues to put up with our defiant behavior. He allows us to make mistakes, yet He’s there to pick us up when we fail.
We may have convinced ourselves that we’re the only ones who have ever gone through difficult times. We feel that God has something against us and isn’t listening to our prayers anyway. This is when we need Him the most.
If you spend just a few minutes every day, you’re sure to find at least one miracle in your life. How about the weather? How about the beautiful children you’ve created? How about the roof over your head? How about a spouse that loves you? How about a God that has sacrificed everything for you?
The flashy movie kind of miracles don’t always happen, but if we search hard enough, we can find those too. How about the Christmas bonus you received just in time to buy Christmas gifts for your children? How about the storm that skirted just past your house and saved you thousands of dollars in repairs? How about the hyper-active child who discovered they could channel their energy into music, art or drama?
When you feel like the world is collapsing in on you, when you can’t seem to pull yourself out of depression, when things are spinning out of control, turn to God. His power will calm even the vilest storm. His mercy will be showered on you. His consistency will give you hope. His love will never fail.
Posted in Uncategorized
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IN SEARCH OF …
There are so many classic lines in the movie, “Monty Python’s In Search of the Holy Grail,” like the one shown above. The movie consists mainly of gallows humor, but for some strange reason, I find it funny. The fear of facing into difficult decisions, situations or simply living can stifle us in so many ways and that isn’t funny.
Many of us find it easier to run away from danger than to face it. Some of us simply don’t have the courage or the backbone to confront difficult situations. There are those who feel that running from a tough situation is a way of not having to cope with it. It also takes courage not to run away.
When I was a child, I ran away from home at least five times, before I was ten. I thought that by leaving, my parents would really miss me and whatever it was that caused me to run would be resolved. Of course I always came back after walking around the block once. It didn’t take me long to realize that I was totally dependent on them. It got to be a joke in a way. “Oh, Kathy’s leaving again. Don’t forget to pack your toothbrush.”
I always thought it would be great to run away and join the circus too. I’d dream of being a great circus star and making millions as a trapeze artist. I have since become aware that circuses are a thing of the past and there isn’t much money involved. In addition, I’m terrified of heights.
When I became an adult, there were times I wanted to run away – from the responsibilities of life, the financial issues, the arguments, the fear of failure, the challenges of parenting, meeting a deadline. Life isn’t easy. There are moments when we all feel like we want to run away. Unfortunately we aren’t always taught how to cope with the obstacles that we might run into.
Now that I’m in my “senior” years, I wish I could retreat to my youth. I wish I had done things differently and I didn’t have to face a life of depending on others or failing health. The truth is we can’t run away from life. There will be difficulties. There will be pain. Things won’t always go as we want them to.
Psalm 139:7-10 shows us that we can’t run away from our Creator.
” Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Realizing that God is with us in every aspect of our lives might frighten us. When we become aware of what’s going on inside of us, we soon realize we aren’t living upright lives. We aren’t following His commandments. We aren’t living up to God’s expectations? We can’t fulfill God’s expectations for our lives alone.
God as our judge, but He’s also the One who provides perfect justice, even though we don’t deserve it. He gave the greatest gift to all men when He sacrificed His own Son for the redemption of us all. The words of this Psalm show us that God is also our protection.
Don’t run away from Him. Run to Him!
Posted in armor of God, Christian devotion, Uncategorized
Tagged Anxiety, encouragement, FAITH, hiding, Inspiration
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GOD’S PROVISION
Last night, fireworks were at their peak, but were nothing compared to the glorious show God provided afterwards. A beautiful light show filled the sky as refreshing rains fell throughout the evening to cleanse the effects of a dreadfully hot day.
It’s been hot all week. In Minnesota anything more than a couple of days in the 90’s is considered a heat wave. We have extremes here in the Tundra, but it always amazes me how God provides for all of His creation even when the weather is unbearable.
The birds can still find water to refresh themselves, and food to sustain them. The animals are given the ability to find places to rest and hide during extreme temperatures. If God takes care of these creatures by giving them what they need, how much more will He look after the ones He created in His image.
There are days when I think there will be no end to the waiting, or no relief from fear or anger. I try to figure things out myself and don’t rely on the only one who can really take care of me.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for providing for all my needs in good times and in bad, in fair or bad weather. I know that I can count on you to provide for me and give me the true rest that comes only from your loving hands. I praise you for your bounty. Amen!
Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, creation, Uncategorized
Tagged COMFORT, encouragement, FAITH, God's provision, Inspiration, relief, storms
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GOD BLESS OUR NATIVE LAND
ORIGINAL ART PAINTED PLEIN AIR AT AN 1800’S RENDEZVOUS BY PAUL BOECHER©
“It is through this mysterious power that we too have our being, and we therefore yield to our neighbors, even to our animal neighbors, the same right as ourselves to inhabit this vast land.” Sitting Bull
As an American, I am proud to call the United States my home. Not simply because of the freedoms we have grown too accustomed to, but also for the fact that this nation is a compilation of many nations.
I’ve been told that I may have an ounce of native American blood flowing in my veins. I wouldn’t be surprised, because I have just about every other kind. Maybe I should have my DNA tested by Ancestry.com. My heritage includes Irish, English, Swedish, French and German. I guess you could say I’m made up of a whole conglomeration of countries.
If I do, in fact have native blood, I would be even more proud to call myself an American. Without the original natives, our country would never have come to be. They were there when the first pilgrims landed and set up a colony. They were there to guide newcomers across unknown territories and teach them to track and kill game for their provision. They were willing to share their lands with them.
We are a nation of many cultures – many origins – many beliefs and backgrounds. When the founders wrote the Constitution, they knew that many more would come and that document would have to allow for all of that. Our founders had a strong commitment to the truth that all men are created equal and should have equal rights under the law.
As we celebrate this special birthday of our nation, we should recall our own heritage and how each one has played a part in the blending of what we now have. God bless our country – a coming together of many and the unity of all.GO
Posted in 4th of July, art, Christian daily devotion, Uncategorized
Tagged 4th of July, America, Art, encouragement, Inspiration, Patriotism, Unity
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MY COUNTRY ‘TIS OF THEE
My country tis of thee – who is the “thee” referred to in this song? Read the lyrics and you’ll see that it is God. Somehow, God has gotten placed in the background somewhere and we’ve forgotten to give Him the honor due Him.
Samuel Francis Smith wrote the lyrics to “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” in 1831, only 55 years after the Declaration of Independence had been signed. Marian Anderson performed the song at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939. Martin Luther King, Jr. recited the first verse of the song toward the end of his famous, “I Have A Dream” speech at the same location, on August 28, 1963. Crosby, Stills & Nash performed the song on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show, following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The song has raised a patriotic fervor whenever sung. Maybe we should start singing it at the beginning of every day. The words continue to instill hope when we realize that God is really the founder of our nation. His miraculous intervention with the events leading up to our independence were apparent, as a ragtag army of everyday men went up against the most powerful nation in the world.
That small group grew into a great nation itself, and though it has problems of its own, it remains the best country, where freedom continues to ring.
- 1
- My country, ’tis of thee,
- Sweet land of liberty,
- Of thee I sing;
- Land where my fathers died,
- Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
- From ev’ry mountainside
- Let freedom ring!
- 2
- My native country, thee,
- Land of the noble free,
- Thy name I love;
- I love thy rocks and rills,
- Thy woods and templed hills;
- My heart with rapture thrills,
- Like that above.
- 3
- Let music swell the breeze,
- And ring from all the trees
- Sweet freedom’s song;
- Let mortal tongues awake;
- Let all that breathe partake;
- Let rocks their silence break,
- The sound prolong.
- 4
- Our fathers’ God to Thee,
- Author of liberty,
- To Thee we sing.
- Long may our land be bright,
- With freedom’s holy light,
- Protect us by Thy might,
- Great God our King.
So as we don our red, white and blue today, let’s never forget the One who purchased our freedom from sin – Jesus, Christ. Because of our God, our country has remained strong. As soon as we return to His ways, we will once again be blessed as a nation.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Posted in 4th of July, America, Christian devotion, Uncategorized
Tagged 4th of July, America, Country, encouragement, Freedom, God, Inspiration, Patriotism
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TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE
If only life were like a box of chocolates, but alas, I’ve been restricted – mostly self-inflicted – to a life of leafy greens, high protein and a lack of sugar. I’m not complaining, it’s just tough for an old broad like me to change my eating habits.
At my last yearly physical, I made the mistake of talking about my weight with my doctor. My weight has steadily been rising over the past ten years. I can’t say it’s because of a sedentary life style, but I certainly haven’t been very good about actually exercising. Add to that the fact that I love food – especially all the stuff that isn’t good for me.
All my blood work indicates that I’m the picture of health. I’m even getting rid of a lot of medication I don’t think I need anymore. Unfortunately, I mentioned my concern for this slow and steady weight gain to my doctor, who apparently hadn’t noticed it. Of course I know that exercise is the answer. Blogging doesn’t burn many calories and our little “new” old house takes about fifteen minutes to clean. I even have a free membership to the YMCA because I’m a senior citizen.
Why is the resistance so great? I know I feel better when I’m moving. I know all the stuff about dieting. Its been a lifestyle since I was a teenager. I know all about Paleo, South Beach, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and all the other diet plans out there. Maybe I resist because I’m tired of following the rules, but that’s a whole different story.
In fact, this entire post is the result of not wanting to talk about ants anymore.
Posted in aging, discipline, Humor, Uncategorized
Tagged AGING, dieting, exercise, fitness, food, humor, resistance
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INVASION
Yesterday we experienced some torrential rain – enough so to push several inhabitants out of their homes and into ours. “Consider the ant,” says Proverbs 6:6. In that little passage we read how the sluggard – or the lazy one – should take a look at the industriousness of this little creature and learn.
I had a clue that we might be subject to ants in the house when we moved into our little new “old” domicile. There were a few ant traps in the cupboards – first clue. Second clue came when I realized the soil around our new old house is very, very sandy – the perfect landscape for these little critters.
It really is amazing how these creatures thrive even in adversity. I mean their entire metropolis was wiped out in a single rainstorm and still they prevail. They found entrance to a nice dry abode and have been sending out signals to their friends to hop on the Boecher café. Word is out, folks. It will be no time at all and we’ll be surrounded by little ants in army helmets, taking siege over our sweet little castle.
So we have set our own bait. Terro to the rescue. It’s really interesting to see them swarm to this stuff – belly up to the bar as they say. They hang around for a while and then unknowingly make their way back to the rest of their tribe and poison them as well.
I can’t imagine getting rid of an entire army with just a tiny drop of poison, but it does seem to work. At least it will until the next rainstorm.
Posted in Christian daily devotion, Humor, team work, Uncategorized
Tagged Ants, encouragement, Gods creatures, humor, industriousness, Laziness
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SNAP CHAT PIGGIES
For the last couple days, I’ve been spending some real quality time with my 14 year old granddaughter. She and her family will be gone on vacation for a while and it was her idea that we hang together this week. Of course I was delighted.
This is such an important time in both of our lives. I’ve watched her grow from an active little baby with jet black hair (and lots of it.) I’ve watched as her confidence grew during her time of performing on the stage in my little children’s theater group. I’ve seen her strong will, her moods swinging and her independence develop, as she entered this new stage of womanhood called puberty. It just so happens to coincide with her mom’s pending menopausal moments, along with my aging attitude adjustments.
Life is filled with these “moments” as we travel through life as a woman. There are ups and downs and times of dreaming and dreams broken. There are those minutes when it seems you have it all together, and the hours in which you sort through the mess. Maybe one generation can help the other through each of these stages – at least encourage them that it won’t last forever and to enjoy the journey
Being a woman isn’t all bad though. Like the times when your granddaughter calls and asks you to hang with her for a while.
Posted in aging, Family, Uncategorized
Tagged encouragement, FAMILY, grandparenting, Inspiration, stages of women's life, teens
8 Comments
NOT MY PLAN
Each day brings good intentions, but it isn’t long before all of our noble hopes take a hit as reality sets in.
You stumble out of bed – stub your toe on the night stand – limp to the bathroom – freak out as you look at the reflection in the mirror – attempt to cover the circles under your eyes – brush the five remaining teeth in your mouth – sit down to write inspiring words only to draw a complete blank.
You might be a young parent and have every intention of potty training your two year old, cleaning up the dishes from last night’s dinner, sorting the socks that never match. Seems like these things shouldn’t be that difficult until the washing machine breaks down, another child has a fever and you have run out of coffee.
If you’re fortunate to have a job, you shower only to find that the dog’s shampoo has replaced your soap on a rope and you have an important client to meet for lunch. You miss your bus – it’s raining – you don’t have an umbrella and no one told you that your red tie would bleed onto your white shirt. When you finally meet that client and offer to pay the tab all you have in your wallet is Monopoly money.
Our first reaction might be to go back to bed before going any further with our daily tasks. We might just lay a guilt trip on ourselves to compensate for circumstances beyond our control. We could blame others for our plight or we could do the one thing that always seems to be a last resort. When you’re having a bad day – turn it over to the one who invites you to lay your burdens on His shoulders.
We are people who like to think of ourselves as self-sufficient. We are goal oriented and often push the limits to achieve success. We forget that no matter how hard we try, we aren’t in control of the inconveniences that plague our lives from time to time.
If this is your life, or if your circumstances are even more bleak and hopeless than those that I’ve mentioned, there is relief for you too. If your mistakes have put you into dire financial straits; if your addictions have taken over your life; if you are a member of the military and haven’t seen your family other than on Skype; if you have experienced the loss of a loved one – a broken relationship – a terminal disease; if you don’t feel worthy to approach the throne of God – think again.
God loves us so much that he gave up everything so that we could have it all. Instead of waiting, begin your conversation with Him today. Start by saying, “I’m sorry.” He loves to hear those words.
Posted in Bible, Christian daily devotion, Faith, Uncategorized
Tagged encouragement, FAITH, Future, God's will, God's Word, Inspiration
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