A FRESH START

Our country inaugurated a new president yesterday.  Protesters lined the streets, jeering voices spewed obscenities, violent behavior erupted.  Just like any other day.

We could say these acts of vandalism and hatred were freedom’s voice speaking loud and clear, but they’re nothing more than business as usual in our country.  It seems when folks don’t like something, they to go to the streets and stir things up – to get noticed – to be heard – to take advantage of any event to make their dissidence known.  I have nothing against peaceful protest, but protest is no longer peaceful and it has become a sickening rendition of freedom of speech.

So much energy is spent in these displays – energy that could be used in much better ways.

Maybe it’s time that those who protest for one cause or another, use their energy towards a positive goal – like getting involved in the community – working for change – being part of the solution to the problem they are opposing.

Our new president spoke to the American people and promised that their voices would again have presence in the governing of our nation.  I think he means it.  He also used the word “we” throughout his speech – which shows me that we are involved.  We need to be part of this whole thing called America and we need to return to God as well.

The United States has always possessed the spirit of hard work and perseverance.  In the past decade, I’ve seen a decline in patriotism and skepticism towards anyone in government – brought about by self-motivated and corrupt politicians as well as lackadaisical citizens who have dropped the ball.

We all need to get on board.  We need to forget about our differences and join together again.  Maybe we still don’t agree on certain things, but now it’s time to bring unity to our nation.  Democracy works only if we the people are involved in the process.

 

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SUBMIT

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“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” Abraham Lincoln

Today we await the transfer of power as one president leaves office and another takes the oath to honor the constitution of the United States.  It should be a smooth transition, however this election has stirred emotions that run the gamut of human existence.

There are those who resist, protest and continue to complain about the results of that election.  There are those who will continue with that attitude for a long time after.  It’s now time for us to focus on a country that needs help in so many ways.  It’s time to set aside our differences, our anxiety, our depression, our desires.  When we place our thoughts on things that effect is personally, we are not only succumbing to the “me” society of today, but we’re losing what’s really important.

Our new president will face the same difficulties that the old one did.  There will be bad press, fake news, scandal and more. However, the business of government should be considered a business. Our country needs a leader that knows how to run a business and we now have one.  Let him show us what he’s got.  He was, after all, elected by the majority.  There was a reason for that.

Dear, God, I pray for our presidents – past and future.  They are your representatives in our country.  Without them there would be no order.  You have set up governing bodies for just that purpose.  Help our nation to come together, rather than pulling apart.  Don’t let feelings get in the way of reconstruction.  Keep us on a steady path and be with this nation once again.  There are still many here that trust in your name and your involvement in our government.  I pray with sincere hope that we will again become the UNITED states.  Amen!

 

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MAJESTIC IS HIS NAME

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The mountains in all their glory,

Pale in the presence of their Creator,

The trees bow in adoration in His presence,

The stones shout out the power of His name,

The streams and rivers spring forth in praise,

All living creatures give thanks,

For the abundance provided,

The shelter given,

The breath of life,

He lives in all things within the earth,

He walks among us,

He knows our every thought,

He loves us in spite of our disobedience,

His knowledge created everything with perfection,

Within every living thing there is a master plan,

A blueprint laid out with unknown excellence,

Using mathematical formulas,

Engineering skills,

Artistic beauty,

Each atom and molecule fits,

Flawlessly,

Thank Him every day,

For His omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience,

He deserves our praise,

Majestic is His name!

 

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BOAT TO HEAVEN

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

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A lonely ship cuts through the path of life,

Through troubled waters,

To unfamiliar destinations,

Under the bridges of adversity and depravity,

Through unknown territory,

We cry, we laugh, we mourn, we love,

We find pleasure in the little things,

We rejoice in success,

The waters grow deeper,

The pain grows heavier,

The journey at times seems to never end,

Who is at the helm?

Who guides your ship through these difficult days?

When God is your pilot,

You can count on still waters and

Green pastures,

He will direct your journey,

Your voyage has already been mapped out,

Rest, assured in a safe harbor.

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SIT DOWN, YOU’RE ROCKIN’ THE BOAT

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A few years ago, I had the pleasure of directing a high school production of “Guys & Dolls.”  The story is about an itinerate gambler who makes anything into a bet.  He has been challenged to approach Sergeant Sarah Brown, from the Save a Soul Mission to have dinner with him in Havana.  In exchange, he will bring a dozen genuine sinners to the mission to be saved.

Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat” was one of the entertaining numbers from the show. The pudgy gambler, Nicely-Nicely, contritely comes forth to make his testimony. I wonder if anyone really understood the meaning of the song.

I dreamed last night I got on the boat to Heaven and by some chance I had brought my dice along, And there I stood, and I hollered, “Someone fade me,” But the passengers they knew right from wrong. For the people all said, “Sit down, sit down you’re rockin’ the boat.” And the devil will drag you under by the sharp lapel of your checkered coat;

I sailed away on that little boat to Heaven and by some chance found a bottle in my fist, And there I stood, Nicely passin’ out the whiskey, But the passengers were bound to resist. For the people all said, “Beware!” You’re on a heavenly trip. Beware you’ll scuttle the ship; And the devil will drag you under By the fancy tie ’round your wicked throat.

And as I laughed at those passengers to Heaven A great big wave came and washed me overboard, And as I sank, and I hollered, “Someone save me,” That’s the moment I woke up, thank the Lord! And I said to myself, “Sit down you’re rocking the boat.” The devil will drag you under with a soul so heavy you’d never float,

Sit down you’re rockin’ Rockin’ the boat…

I took out many of the sit downs, so you could get  message.  How many times do we sin, repent and sin again?  This little diddy, talks about keeping things on an even keel – not shaking things up – following the rules – or the devil is gonna get you.  It’s a simple message, but there’s some truth in it.

We were born with sinful hearts, thanks to original sin.  The lure of sin comes packaged in all sorts of irresistible ways. It’s appealing –   if it weren’t we wouldn’t be tempted to fall into it.

Jesus  gave His life on the cross to take away the sin of the world- another simple message.  He died, our sin is gone, now what?  Well, He also raised Himself from death – just as He will do for us when we die.  I think that’s  worthy of a halleluiah and then some.

Are we then free to continue living in sin?  Of course not. Not only will we be rockin’ the boat to heaven, but we’ll be denying what God has done.  With grateful hearts, we need to repent, be forgiven and go and sin no more.

It sure isn’t as easy as it sounds – for the devil will drag us down if we let him.    Our defense must be strong and God is our armor.

Oh – and one more thing – our deeds will not get us to heaven.  Only God can do that.  He’s at the helm and will safely lead us to our final destination if we have faith in Him.

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JANUARY THAW

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Shortened days – lack of sunlight,
Fields are white and streets now glazed,
In the icy silence of a stolen breath,
Through wild anticipation of lost moments soon remembered,
Anxiously we wait for One who promised he would come.

In a manger – in a stable – gently laid upon the hay,
His return will be in glory, as a King he will arrive,
Through his power and his wisdom he will judge and cast away,
All the evil and deception of the one whose only drive,
Is to make an interruption in the path we’ve chosen,

Light in darkness – sweet redemption – all my sins he melts away,
He brings life from deep depression – cradling in his arms each day,
In darkest hours I make confession of my guilt. I bare it all,
He forgives and grants me healing. He is there to take the fall,
I know He will always catch His dear children.

Frozen landscapes soon are hidden. Only pastures green remain,
He will lead me by still waters ’til He comes to earth again,
No fear of death will e’er surround me. I know it cannot sting me now,
I’ve given him my one possession – it is my life I do endow,

Take me, oh Lord and use me to thaw frozen hearts,

And help them find your sweet caresses and gentle warmth.

 

 

 

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WHEN WILL THE SUFFERING END?

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“I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness; I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too. I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more.” Anne Frank

As we look at our world, we can’t help but see the amount of suffering going on. Atrocities  being done to Christians in foreign lands. We see persecution right here in our own country.  There are people in poverty – those who live in the streets – folks with deadly diseases – unrest in our children – death, destruction, fear, anxiety, depression at an all time high.

Within the confines of our homes there is abuse, neglect, lack of love, insecurity.  In the workplace there those climbing the ladder of success in  a dog eat dog society that concentrates on self rather than service to others.

We have those who can’t get over the political scene as it is.  Those refusing to attend the inauguration of our ELECTED president.  Folks who simply cannot accept that fact that this man is going to lead us.  Scandal and deception continues in our media.  Where and when will it all come to an end?

When God spoke through Isaiah centuries ago, the world wasn’t much different than it is today.  We have the advantage of reading those words and applying them to our daily walk. Our prayers are important to God.  Before we utter one word, He already knows our requests.

In this section of Isaiah 65, He is speaking about the end times, judgment and salvation.  He speaks of a new heaven and a new earth where the wolf and the lamb will feed together.  Everything will be new again.  There will be no more tears, no sadness, no death.

We long for the day, don’t we?  We often feel hopeless when we look around us, but if our focus remains on God and His promises, our fears will soon melt away.  The devil knows how easily we become distracted and uses that to pull us away from the one important thing in life – God’s promise.

 

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TOUGH DECISIONS

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When life gives us lemons we make lemonade, or lemon bars, or sour faces.  I have been stewing for a few months now over what to do with my life. I’ve been running in overdrive for a number of years and it’s time to make a change.

It’s hard for me to change and, like Peter Pan, I never want to grow up. I like things to run on an even keel, but I also consider myself adaptable.  Over the years, I’ve been blessed with great parents, sister, husband, children, grandchildren, students and friends. Through those years, I’ve moved several times, gone through job changes, moves, personal growth and a stronger faith resulted. There have been highs and lows in every aspect of my life, but most always the highs outweigh the lows.

I have seen times of near poverty, and great wealth.  I’ve enjoyed the benefit of having a resourceful husband who has a million ideas yet to be finished.  I’ve loved watching my own children grow into mature, God fearing adults.  I have been blessed with good health, except for many unwanted pounds which have departed and reentered my life.  I have seen my husband go through Cancer treatments and a stroke within the past few years.

There have been moments of sadness as those we love have passed from this veil of tears, but rejoicing that they knew their Savior and are now guests at His banquet table.  We have seen many new lives come to be – watched them grow – had a part in their lives – loved them.

When it comes time to change again, I can’t tell you how hard I’ve resisted.  I knew we had to move to a more affordable home.  Living on Social Security alone does that to you.  The thought of getting rid of mountains of accumulation from 52 years of marriage was daunting.  We are now in our new home and I love it.  I know that whatever lies ahead, is just the beginning of a new adventure and that my final destination will be the best.

I have made the decision to no longer work so hard.  The fact that some of these decisions have already been put in place has helped me to do that.  I’m also discovering that if I just remain dormant, I’m going to die very soon.  I feel like God still has a task or two for me to accomplish, so I will go back to work again, without all the demands.

Change is good most of the time, but one thing that never changes is the love of our God.  Through whatever situations we sustain, he always remains the same.

 

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BESIDE STILL WATERS

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

 

Slowly crossing the sands of time –  into a pasture green sublime,

I’ll rest my feet and wet my lips, with waters clear and cold that grips,

Through danger I will walk with Him.  He guards me from each foolish sin,

He takes my hand and leads me now, to comfort me and show me how.

to live my life and live it right and when I stray He sets me right,

When my own final hour comes near, I’ll face my death with no more fear.

I’ll trust in His unfailing love – which He bestows from up above.

With Him in paradise I’ll live.  He promised me He did forgive

each one of my transgressions.

 

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ANOTHER FUNNY PARENTING STORY

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This is another actual event that occurred when I was doing a “sort of good job” being a parent. Many of the events that happen during this time of life are really hilarious after the fact, but my thoughts of ever achieving the Mother of the Year Award, quickly waned after this one.  Funny things happen to me all the time. Either that or I’m not all there and everything just seems funny.

My youngest daughter brought an assignment home to finish for her art class. It was made of paper mâché and when it dried completely, she was able to paint it. She was very proud of her work. It was really cute and she put extra effort into making it worthy of a good grade.

Everyone turned in for the night and the little paper mâché sculpture sat unconcerned on the kitchen counter.

It was one of those nights when I semi-woke up and wandered aimlessly into the kitchen. I wasn’t fully conscious. This wasn’t unusual since I was often found sleep walking. The house was dark. There wasn’t a sound to be heard except the growling coming from my stomach. Even though I was in a dream state, I felt the pangs of hunger.

My hands reached out in the darkness and landed on the dog art. Slowly I lifted the innocent victim to my lips. I opened my mouth and my eyes. It looked like dark chocolate, but it didn’t smell like it. It didn’t smell like anything. My pearly whites wrapped themselves around the morsel and bit down.

It was one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever tasted. I immediately woke, spit the tidbit into the garbage, rinsed my mouth out with water and went back to bed.

The next morning I was sharply awakened by screams coming from my youngest child. I ran to see what happened and there she was with the decapitated dog in her hand.

I had a hard time explaining the truth to my family and to her teacher.  Imagine have to explain that I had eaten her homework.

This event took place about 35 years ago. But we still laugh about it. Finding humor in unlikely situations can make you look like a real idiot or it can help you keep your sanity.

 

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INVESTING IN YOUR CHILDREN

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I have a tendency to try and fix things.  When people are sick, hurting in any way, lacking confidence, wanting to succeed – I feel responsible for taking care of all of that.  I often overload myself with these cares and eventually it becomes overwhelming.

I’m a grandma now to three of the most amazing people you will ever meet. I know that every grandma feels this way, but  being a grandparent is like being given a second chance at fixing what you messed up as a parent.

Every parent regrets something about their child rearing.  They wish they’d spent more quality time with their children.  They hope they did enough to plant the seed of God’s Word in their hearts.  We blame ourselves for a child’s bad choices or rebellious natures.  Was I too hard on them?  Did I expect too much?  Did I love them enough?

Even after they begin a new life without you in it, the parenting will remains.  I still think about my children when they’re traveling, applying for a job, facing health, financial, or other worrisome issues.  It’s in my genes – remember, I’m the one who wants to fix it all, but of course I can’t.

Parenting and grand parenting, still relies on our dependence on God’s providence and intervention.  He has given us the benefit of His wisdom through His Word and gives us great comfort because of them.

I’ve been blessed to have my children living nearby, but a few years ago, our oldest and her family moved to another state.  There are so many times when a phone call or text message are not enough.  You need to physically be close so you can hug some reassurance into them – to let them know how much you love them – to see for yourself that everything is OK.

These words of how it feels when your kids grow up.

The moments have turned into days, the days turn into years.
We’ve watched you grow. We’ve seen success and now there come the tears.
I know I should be happy for all that lies ahead.
A new life to start – in God’s strong arms – so why do these tears I shed?
It’s so hard to say goodbye to those you call your own.
When they were young and starting out, who would have ever known,
that some distant day they would leave and cut a path alone.
I know The Lord will be with them, but my heart is breaking inside.
Take care of them, Lord, protect and sustain and with them always abide.

 

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LILIES OF THE FIELD

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ORIGINAL ART & INSPIRATION BY KATHY BOECHER©

The glory of spring,

Pushing its way through to life,

For a brief time that life glimmers and shines,

But all too soon it is snuffed out,

It withers,

It grows weak,

It can be easily crushed,

We walk this earth for just a short span,

We love,

We laugh,

We bloom and flourish,

Some more brilliant than others,

Still that whisper of life,

That brief breath,

Holds tight for a while,

We love,

We share,

We expand our vision,

We hurt,

We die,

But life returns again,

Like the lilies of the field,

They will assume new life,

A better one,

One that lasts forever.

 

 

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THE LOSS OF A CHILD

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My maternal grandmother was one with a true pioneer spirit.  All that she did in life was done with gusto as well as perseverance.  She, along with my grandfather, raised 8 children, built a dairy farm, tended the chickens, baked fresh bread each day and did all the usual chores of a farmer’s wife.

My grandma also buried five of those children and her husband before her own death at the age of 76.  Each of those losses tore a little piece of her heart from her and when she finally succumbed to death herself, it was because her heart failed.

There is nothing to compare with the loss of a child – no matter what the age.  Only one of those five children lived beyond the age of 30.  She died after battling cancer for a number of years. Three of them died in tragic accidents.  The last one also suffered and died from cancer.

I consider my grandmother a hero of sorts, because of her great courage in adversity, but the very thought of losing a child is so difficult to even think about.  How do you comfort someone who is going through this pain?  Where are the words to heal the heartache?  There really are not sufficient words to lift someone from this sadness, other than to let them know that you are there for them, you love them and you will pray for their healing.

Helen Keller, born blind and deaf, said these words, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched, but are felt in the heart.”

We have our children in our immediate care for such a short time.  Usually by the time they’ve finished their schooling they’re on their own.  Those brief years are but a whisper, but God allows us that time to nourish their souls, to feed them with the Word, to equip them with the armor that shields from the slings and arrows of the world.

Like the flowers of spring, many bloom with brilliance for a short time and then they pass away.  Our hope comes from knowing that God had a part in their splendor, no matter how long it lasts on this earth.

Once our children are grown, the foundation has been laid.  When that child knows that  life is simply a temporary place and a time of grace from God – they have the one necessary thing to guide them through it.

While our children are in our lives, we must take the time to hug them, to love them, to give them the tools they need to get through life, and rest in the confidence that they are in God’s hands – even and especially after death.  We have no control over when our last hour will come, but we do have a wonderful life insurance policy for the future.  The price for eternity was paid for us by God’s own precious child.

“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.” Leonardo da Vinci

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TWO TREES

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Two majestic trees stretch their mighty limbs,

Acting as guardians for those who dwell in the house between them,

Like parents,

One man, one woman, united,

Standing together,

Working alongside one another,

Building a safe place – a sanctuary for their young,

When founded on the Rock,

The house will not fall.

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WHERE’S YOUR STRENGTH

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One of my favorite sources of comfort when I’m fearful or anxious is Psalm 91. These beautiful words have been converted into exquisite poetry and hymns throughout the centuries. The picturesque language shows just exactly how much our God protects us from all danger, whether it is spiritual or physical peril.

This particular psalm depicts God’s love for us by describing the way an eagle looks after her young; She does this by spreading her enormous wings over that weaker creature to cover and protect it. God will be with us in every hour of every day. He is our shield and defense against all the dangers of our daily walk and the power of the devil. He will restrain all that gets in the way our relationship with Him.

He tells us that He will send His angels to protect us physically as well – armies of them will go with us as we face the possibility of sickness, injury or the harmful words and deeds of others. His shelter is like a fortification surrounding us. Can you imagine having your own personal protection device with you all the time?

ALL OF THIS HAPPENS WHEN WE PLACE HIM AT THE HEAD OF OUR HOMES AND THE FOCUS OF OUR LIVES.

Thank you, dear Heavenly Father, for supplying all that I need to walk this journey of life. With you at my side, I can achieve many things which I thought impossible. You alone are the Way, the Truth and the Life. I know there is nothing I can do to show my appreciation for this amazing gift, but I humbly ask for your forgiveness of all my wrongdoings and am confident that you have already done that through your Son, Jesus.

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OLD ROCK DAY

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I know, I’m a little weird, but I find it amusing that there are so many wacky things to celebrate throughout the year.  Did you know that January 7th is not only Old Rock Day (which I’ll get to later,) but also National Bobble head Day and I’m Not Going to Take it Anymore Day?  For those of you who follow them, it’s also Harlem Globetrotter Day.

Who thinks up this stuff anyway and who determines that it’s going to be a National or International holiday?  Not only that, how do people actually celebrate a day like “I’m Not Going to Take it Anymore” day?  I must admit these unusual holidays prove to be great writing prompts.

When you think about it, celebrating old rocks isn’t so unusual.  Think about it.  Anyone over the age of 70 knows that we rock – therefore this must be a celebration intended just for us.  Why would anyone go ga-ga over a rock. Unless it contained the secret of life, or held the answer to how the earth came to be, it seems silly to actually have a party for them.

Of course if you’re a rock, the adulation might mean something to you. No one seems to know where this particular holiday originated.  Maybe some old rocks got together one day and decided it was time they were recognized.  Maybe they made up signs that said “Old Rocks Matter” and blocked a major highway somewhere.  It could be that we haven’t given old rocks enough attention and they’re feeling abused.

In any event, it’s time to rise up and celebrate old rocks, bobble heads and the Harlem Globe Trotters.  If you don’t, I have no recourse but to stand up and scream at the top of my lungs, “I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!”

HAPPY SATURDAY!

 

 

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WINTER

 

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The sun sprinkles a handful of fairy dust upon clinging icicles. Each one hangs on for dear life hoping that tomorrow the thermometer allows them to dwindle a bit, but in reality that each day only adds to their girth. That solar disk will return to full strength and eliminate them altogether. Until that day we accept our circumstances knowing that every season will present itself at just the right time

Icy winds push glistening remnants of yesterday’s snow across roads and fields. Long spires of stalactites cling to the eaves. The mercury in the thermometer longs to move to the opposite end. Time passes slowly as the skeletal branches of trees have given up the memory of the tender touch of rain and the warm sun only to replace it with thoughts of shriveling up and dying. Thus it is in the winter of life and yet for those who have not yet given up the battle against the elements, the war wages on. Soon it will be replaced with green pastures, fields of gold and perfect temperatures. What shall we complain about then?

Sparkling facets of frost are scraped from our windshields so we can get a clear view of the road, but do we take time to really inspect the beauty of that frost? The tiny patterns etched into ice by the finger of God Himself are just one example of His majestic power. Each snowflake has its own pattern and becomes a kaleidoscope of intricacy. We hurry through life without often noticing the many gifts given to us through nature. The sun casts a wintry glow upon frozen lakes, the sound of crunching snow crackles beneath our feet. The chill in the air enlivens every nerve in our bodies. All the senses are aroused.

Trying to find the beauty in an endless winter is like looking at your reflection in a mirror and hoping to recapture your youth.. It seems that new life will never surface again. Everything is cold and dead. The green existence of spring seems eternally wrapped in a blanket of white. Somehow we hang on to the hope of a new day when the sun moves closer and embraces those withered limbs and forces life to bud forth again. Spring – will we ever see you again.

 

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HEAVEN WAITS

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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.

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SENIOR MOMENT

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HEAR ME ROAR!

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ORIGINAL ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL  KATHY BOECHER©

On the days when I feel useless, when I simply cannot move,

When my heart is full of energy, but I can’t get in the groove,

That’s the time I need my Savior, The King of heaven and earth,

His constant care He gives me and grants to me new birth,

He is the Lion of Judah, the great and mighty one,

He makes my life worth living, each day under the sun,

He arms me with protection, He lifts my heart and soul,

And though I may be weary, my life He does control,

Each day that passes from me, is like the setting sun,

I know that it will rise again, God cannot be outdone.

 

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