This doesn’t really have anything to do with writing, but I thought it was pretty funny.
ARE WE LIVING IN HELL?
I am trying my best not to tune into the news. I feel ignorance can be bliss. At least I have a temporary respite from the ugliness of our world. We can’t really escape all the darkness surrounding us by the flip of a switch, but we can seek comfort in the one who never changes.
I tend to lose it when it comes to the state of affairs in or country and the world, but then I realize there is nothing I can personally do to change it. Even the wonderful knowledge that Jesus came to the world to fulfill the promise of salvation, is not going to change what goes on here – not until the last day.
So what do we do when it seems like evil has invaded planet earth and seems to be gaining momentum? What do we do when it looks like there’s no hope, no peace, no solace? How do we overcome the evil of this world?
We need to remember where our hope lies. God is our refuge in all kinds of adversity – even in the state of our world. He places his protective wings over us and gives us hope for the future. Maybe the future is on the other side of eternity, but so what. It’s the truth that life will go on, even after death. It’s the affirmation that God has forgiven everyone’s sins and when they believe in Him, they will share in paradise.
I had an aunt who used to say that our lives on earth is really our hell, but I believe that it’s really our time of grace. A time which God has given us to share His love with others, to serve our fellow man and to leave the legacy of God’s holy Word to our children.
The Christian knows that this is not our permanent home. We can move ahead in confidence, knowing that God has a much better place waiting for us. Face this life with confidence that God is in control.
Posted in Bible, Christian daily devotion, Faith, Uncategorized
Tagged Anxiety, confidence, encouragement, Heaven, Inspiration, Sin, State of the World
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FLIPPED
The last few days, I’ve been assisting one of my past students, as she spreads her wings and flies. In the past six years, we’ve been working together on a summer theater program for kids and now she is taking the reins and leading on her own.
The play I’ve written for this cast to memorize and perform within a short week is called “Flipped.” It was designed to teach children how to develop a character and stay focused on that character throughout the show. It starts out with these inhabitants of Gloomsville who are tired of their negative way of life and venture out into the world to find happiness. As we all know, the world isn’t the place to find true joy, but in their endeavors, the small troupe discovers how enjoyment comes from working together, listening to each other, helping one another through adversity, setting aside differences and working as a cohesive team.
In the end, the group of characters find joy in those things. Oh that it were so easy in our current state of affairs. If only we could simply cast off our fears, anger, hate and sadness like an old shoe. If only we could replace the ugliness of stubbornness, disgust, depression with beauty, flexibility, love and hope,with the wave of a magic wand.
In this world there will always be trouble. We are encased in it now as the internet has become part of our culture. We still have the ability to satisfy our need for instant gratification, by reading the truths of God’s Word.
Simple message filled with hope for the whole world, including everyone.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. “
Posted in America, Christian daily devotion, Uncategorized
Tagged America, change, Emotions, encouragement, Inspiration
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WHAT MAKES A GOOD FATHER?
Opinions about fatherhood have changed drastically over the past 30 or 40 years and I would like to address that today. Somehow, maybe as a result of the feminist movement, men have been lowered in value and the role of father has diminished tremendously. in their attempt to get better paying jobs or achieve higher status, many women have placed men lower than themselves. Maybe (and I know I’ll get a lot of heat for this) in trying to achieve equality with men, women have created a nightmare in the scheme of God’s plan for families.
Parenting is a partnership, just like marriage is. When even the smallest portion of the job is taken away or lacks respect, the job loses value – and whether you believe it or not, parenting is a full-time occupation.
In Psalm 103:13 we have a good job description for fathers.
“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.”
Compassion is a sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it. The word probably isn’t used much today, because many are more concerned with self than the needs of others. A father is expected to be the spiritual leader of the family, and he needs to take that job seriously.
Today’s world is geared to narcissistic values and often the ability to serve others gets lost in that. Fathers have often been depicted as the buffoon in such television shows as “All in the Family” up to “The Simpsons” and beyond. It isn’t easy being a good dad in today’s world. Single parenting has become the norm in many situations and leadership takes a hit there too.
This week as we prepare to honor dads, let’s remember how God fathers His children. He loves us unconditionally. He will lay down his life for us. He will continue to care about those who have strayed from Him. He looks at His children’s forgiven hearts rather than their sin, because of death of His Son, Jesus. He corrects them, He protects them, has a blueprint designed for their lives and He is with them throughout those years into eternity.
That’s a tough act to follow, but it gives us a guide for what God expects of dads. Let’s pray for their continued presence in their children’s lives.
Posted in Christian daily devotion, Family, Father's Day, Uncategorized
Tagged children, encouragement, FAMILY, Father's Day, God, Inspiration, parenting
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DIVIDED WE FALL
“There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution.” ― John Adams
“Terrorism is a psychological warfare. Terrorists try to manipulate us and change our behavior by creating fear, uncertainty, and division in society.” Patrick J. Kennedy
I will not feed into the division that has arisen in this country, because I feel we have done too much of that lately. I’m not going to rant over things of which I have no control. I merely am saddened by what is happening to my country. It’s time to stop arguing over which party is right – who should be running the country – why our elected president should be impeached – why our police should be persecuted for doing their jobs – why there is so much hatred, anger and violence.
The only way to achieve unity is to start putting our own personal needs aside and begin to think of others. With this being a time of patriotism – Flag Day and the Fourth of July – I think it’s the perfect moment to shed our differences and begin to work as a United nation once more. Our founding fathers would be shocked to see what has become of the almost perfect document of the Constitution. They would indeed be ready to move back to England had they known to what extent our nation has deteriorated.
The only way unity comes,
is through the governance of our Creator God. We should once more put our trust in Him and live according to His will for our lives. We can’t change the world, but He can.
“But he knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.” Luke 11:17
In the above passage, Jesus had just called out a demon from a man and was accused by the crowd as using the power of the devil. His explanation is clear. Anyone divided against another cannot stand alone. We all need each other. We’re in this together and God is the force that holds us.
Posted in America, anxiety, politics, Uncategorized
Tagged America, Anxiety, Depression, division, encouragement, FAITH, God, hatred, Inspiration, Unity, violence
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INTO THE LIGHT
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER
A ghostly darkness weaves its way through the forest of your mind,
Creating shadows as it dispenses a feeling of hopelessness,
The murkiness envelops you with a brazen embrace,
Leaving you breathless,
Frightened,
Alone,
Betrayed,
Overcome,
But even in those darkest moments,
When it seems the world is on a downward spiral,
When hatred, fear and prejudice,
Overtake your inmost thoughts,
God is there,
He is the source of the light
That leads back to Him.
Turn away from the ghosts of this world,
Look to Him for relief,
He will take away all fear, dispel all sadness and give hope.
Posted in art, Christian daily devotion, Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, darkness, Depression, encouragement, God, Hope, Inspiration, light
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THOUGHTS ABOUT DAD
My dad taught me how to tie my shoes.
He grieved with me when my box turtle fell off the ledge
of our fourth floor apartment.
He came with me to the five and dime to return a trinket I had stolen
and apologize for not paying for it.
He caught me taking one of his cigarettes – A camel without a filter.
He then taught me the proper way for a lady to hold a cigarette.
I was probably fifteen.
My dad taught me the difference between right and wrong
And let me know that I would always be accountable for my actions.
When I became a teenager, he was the one who told me the facts of life.
It really made him squirm.
He always “interviewed” my dates.
They had to pass his inspection, but their opinion of him didn’t matter.
He would be at the door to greet us when we got home.
I tried my best to live up to his expectations, but I never felt I could.
His words of praise were few and far between,
But I relished each one and held it tightly in my heart.
He worked two jobs so I could attend a private high school.
He wanted so much more for my sister and me –
More than he ever had.
He must have thought we needed extra attention.
He had a beautiful tenor voice and always sang loudly in church.
His Irish heritage boomed on St. Patrick’s day as he sang “Danny Boy”
And raised another glass. He could drink more beer than the rest
Of them and it didn’t affect him in the least.
Time passed and I fell in love. My dad went a little crazy for a while.
He put the newspaper in the refrigerator
and the bread down the clothes chute.
He became an emotional wreck.
He held my arm tightly as we walked down the aisle to meet my husband,
I could see tears glistening in his usually stoic eyes. He was so proud.
He died at sixty one – a long time smoker – he suffered with lung cancer.
He clung tightly to life – maybe feeling he wasn’t
quite ready for what lay ahead.
Maybe he hadn’t yet made peace with God for his past sins.
Finally knowing that he was forgiven allowed him to give in.
It gave him comfort.
I wasn’t at his side when he passed. We were driving to be with him.
As I looked at the brilliant blue sky, a cloud appeared and took on the
Form of a dove. It quickly floated high above and dispersed into heaven.
It gave me comfort.
I look forward to seeing him again so I can let him know
what a great impact he had on my life.
Posted in Christian daily devotion, Family, Father, Uncategorized
Tagged encouragement, FAITH, FAMILY, Father's Day, Inspiration, parenting, thoughts on dad
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PLANNING FOR CHILDREN
Generally we have children because it’s a way of sharing our love for each other and through that love, we’re giving love to these new little people who are inhabiting our lives.
What they don’t tell you, when you become a parent, is that your life is no longer your own. You enter marriage in the same way – with a sacrificial heart, putting the other first. Children require the same unselfish servant attitude. This doesn’t mean you go overboard to fill all their physical needs. It does mean that you will be giving up hours of sleep, countless concerns for their welfare, frustration, hopelessness at times and focus on their physical and spiritual growth.
God also commands parents to love their children as the heavenly Father loves them. To teach them in God’s way and give them every opportunity to learn God’s Word. We’re told to discipline, set boundaries (for their own good and safety), but don’t frustrate them. Parenting should include God. When He’s at the center of a family, chances are much better for success.
That isn’t going to guarantee a perfect child however. I think it’s important to do those things, but to include the basics, like a good work ethic – how to reach out and talk to others, be compassionate, sympathetic and helpful – solve problems through working together rather than resorting to violent behavior. Set examples by displaying good manners, modesty, morality and etiquette. Make sure they respect those in authority, starting with you. Be involved in their lives and let them know they’re loved unconditionally. This sounds difficult, doesn’t it?
Parenting isn’t easy. Neither is marriage. but anything of value requires hard work. When you enter these estates, remember it’s no longer about you. It isn’t easy, but if you’re willing to invest a certain amount of time and learn from Jesus how to serve others, the rewards will be amazing.
Posted in Christian daily devotion, Family, Inspiration, Uncategorized
Tagged encouragement, EXAMPLE, FAMILY, Father's Day, God's Word, marriage, parenting, teaching your children
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LAUGHTER AROUND THE TABLE
When my sister comes to town, it’s a special time. This is our second visit in less than a month and I’m relishing every second of it. Yesterday was spent with our son and his lady, and youngest daughter and her daughter. We started, as usual, at the kitchen table. With each story of what’s going on currently and memories of the passed, the laughter grew to a fever pitch.
All of us have been blessed with a good sense of humor and just being together at the dinner table seems to conjure up thoughts of our childhood together, our family discussions, our plans and goal, but mostly things that make tears of joy spill from our eyes.
When my sister and I were growing up, the dinner table was often not a funny place at all. My dad worked third shift and was not a happy guy during the dinner hour. Instead of happy times, our discussions often wound up with tears and misunderstandings. Fortunately, that inborn sense of humor saw us through most of those difficult dinners. As my sister says, “maybe we need therapy for that,” and I counter, “just get over it!” the laughter poured forth again.
We were fortunate to have been given a solid faith to get us through most of those tough times. When you can find humor in most situations, you’re not crazy, you’re simply working through things. At least that’s the way it is with my sister and I. That, and a little Chardonnay is more than enough.
I love my family. Wish our S. Carolina daughter and her family could’ve joined us in our fun last night, but someday there will be a huge reunion. I know for sure, that we’ll all be sharing paradise someday, and that will certainly put a smile on everyone’s face.
Posted in Family, Humor, joy, Uncategorized
Tagged children, encouragement, FAITH, FAMILY, humor, Inspiration, laughter, sisters
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INSPIRATION
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©
Churning,
Swirling,
Pulsated by the turbulence,
of energy,
The long, leaf lavished limbs
Undulate, under the rhythm,,
Of God’s breath,
Up and down, here and there, tossing, stirring,
His inspiration comes in the wind,
His Words have been breathed,
Into the hearts of men,
He speaks to us through them,
He never grows tired,
Never spent of energy,
Never sleeps,
Breathe life into me, Holy Spirit,
That my remaining days,
May be a testimony to you.
Posted in art, Christian daily devotion, Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, encouragement, FAITH, holy spirit, Inspiration
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IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A PERFECT DAD?
This is my dad on his wedding day.
This is a rerun today. My sister will be arriving soon from Tennessee for a short visit and I’ll want to make the most of it. This was posted on June 11, 2016
There were days in my young life that I thought my dad was the meanest, most antagonistic, unrealistic and unreasonable man alive. In fact I spent many times in my closet repeating the words, “I hate him, I hate him!” when I was a child. The truth is I loved him deeply and it was one of my main objectives in life to win him over and gain his approval.
My dad never raised a hand to me, but his words could cut deeper into my heart than a two-edged sword. At the time those words were nothing but hurtful to me, but they had more impact on the person I would someday become than he ever could have imagined. In today’s world his words would scream “verbal abuse,” but in his eyes he was toughening me up for the cold, cruel world I would someday face. To tell you the truth, I would much rather have faced the cold world.
He had a whole slew of issues dealt to him in his own childhood. His father deserted the family when he was just a small boy. He never had the advantage of a father’s love so he found it difficult to show it to his own children. He never really experienced childhood either. Everything centered around taking care of his siblings and helping to provide for them. His work ethic was born in that experience.
Despite the fact that he wasn’t the “Father Knows Best” dad that all kids wanted their dads to be, he did the best he could. He worked two jobs and sometimes more so that we could have the things we needed and wanted. He made sure we had a Christian education. I know he loved us, even though he didn’t often say it. He would brag about us when we weren’t present, because he didn’t want us to get big heads.
I learned some valuable life lessons from him even though I didn’t realize it at the time. I learned to work hard for the things I wanted in life. In fact, I learned to do more than was expected. I also found that life isn’t always easy and that we have to take the good with the bad. I discovered that I should never underestimate myself or my abilities. He taught me to dream.
My dad was only 61 years old when he died. Before his death I wrote him a letter to express my love for him. Here is an excerpt from that letter:
“When I was growing up there were times I couldn’t understand you. I often thought you didn’t know a thing. When I became a parent, I realized that you were one of the wisest men I’ve ever known. You shaped my life into something I can be proud of. Our children are with us for such a short time and we’re never sure if we’ve done all we could for them. You did your job, Dad. I hope you know that and because of it I love you forever.”
Being a perfect dad is impossible, just like it’s impossible to be all that God wants us to be. We can try to meet the requirements, but we always fall short. The beauty of God’s fatherly love is that He looks beyond our imperfections and loves us just the same.
Posted in Christian daily devotion, Father, parenting, Uncategorized
Tagged childhood, expectations, FAMILY, Fatherhood, Inspiration, Love, Pzarenting
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WRITERS’ FUNNIES
NO WONDE PEOPLE HAVE SO MUCH DIFFICULTY LEARNING ENGLISH!
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