SUPER SUPER HERO

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Another Super Bowl has come and gone and men who are simply much larger, stronger, physically capable than most can now rest on their laurels.  Isn’t it amazing how willing some are to place their hopes and dreams on such qualities?  Unfortunately, these same athletes will be burned out in a few years and their careers will be snuffed out along with their physical capabilities.

Millions of dollars have been spent on the hottest advertising space, but soon something new and more appealing will come along and that product will be replaced.  Sports paraphernalia has been purchased and will be long forgotten in a few months.  Food and drink have been consumed at parties all over the country and the remains are simply a mass of dirty dishes and hangovers.

Super Bowl has become a mega-entertainment industry.  I’m afraid we’ve become saturated with hero-worship and self-interest as a nation.  Everything is instantly available for us in the comfort of our own homes.  We’re amazed by power and strength.  We love being entertained, especially when it’s being provided by someone other than ourselves.  We look up to those who have more prowess than we do.  We admire those who do better than we ever could and often put them on pedestals.

It’s difficult to understand how we can be so hungry for a hero and yet there are still are those who find it difficult to believe in the greatest hero ever to walk the earth.  He was a simple, quiet, humble  man with supernatural powers beyond our understanding- a man who served rather than being served – a brilliant, compassionate man who suffered a horrific death on a torturous cross and overcame death, so all of humanity could obtain freedom from the bonds of sin.

That’s what I call a real Super Hero.

 

 

 

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RANDOM THOUGHT – NOSTALGIA

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ORIGINAL ART BY PAUL T. BOECHER©

The ravages of winter have all but covered the once fertile fields of this beautiful, old barn, but life still exists within and without.  The memories emanating from my grandparent’s farm continue to remind me of a simpler life – a life without so much complication, worry, derision – just normalcy.  I’m certain that farm living isn’t perfection, but it’s a diversion from what we view as the rat race of the every day.  Maybe that’s why Jesus referred to the farmers and shepherds of His time.  Lots of lessons to be learned – not only about life, but how to live it – not only about God, but all He does through His creation and nature – not only about compassion, but selflessness, hard work and sharing – not what we learn by reading, but by what we actually see occurring in the field.  I could easily spend my remaining days in such a peaceful environment.

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RANDOM THOUGHT – FROST

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Original art by Paul T. Boecher©

Sparkling facets of frost, scraped from windshields to get a clear view of the road, but do we take time to really inspect the beauty of it? The tiny patterns etched into ice by the finger of God Himself are just one example of His majestic power.

Each snowflake has it’s own pattern and becomes a kaleidoscope filled with intricacy. We rush 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. It’s winter. Soon it will be gone. It’s time to breathe it all in and enjoy it while we can.

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RESTORATION

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There are some reality shows on TV that deal with restoring old things into their former state.  As you walk through a neighborhood of restored Victorian homes, it’s easy to imagine the kind of lives the residents lived.  You may have an old toy that meant a lot to you as a child and seek a way to bring it back to life for a grandchild to enjoy.  We often turn to old things to stir up good memories from our past.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could do the same with our lives?

We work out to maintain strong, healthy bodies.  We try new skin treatments to keep our faces supple.  We eat nutritious food, we take vitamins, we keep moving, but when we reach our later years in life the term, “What you see is what you get,” takes on a whole new meaning.

Time takes its toll on things as well as the people that use them.  We all may grow old some day.  Every day reminds me that my life is getting shorter with each breath.  Wouldn’t it be nice to get a do-over – another shot at life – a chance to do things better than we did the first time = without all the baggage that went along with it?

God has promised to restore these aging shells of ours.  He’s placed each of us here for a reason and His purpose for our lives will be realized as we go through each earthly struggle.  The beauty of complete restoration comes when we reach eternity and inhabit new bodies – perfect in every way – disease free – lacking wrinkles, blemishes or pain.  It’s a promise we can bank on – because it comes from the One who created us in the first place.

 

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RANDOM THOUGHT – STRENGTH

  
ORIGINAL ART BY PAUL T. BOECHER©

When my body aches and my mind is fast asleep, I ponder on the strength of my God.  The mountains declare His glory, the hills sing His praises.  Even the smallest pebble screams out His mighty name.  For such a worm as I, He offers energy, life, renewal, refreshment,talent and ability.  In His majestic wings I find comfort and peace.

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DOES CHURCH MAKE YOU PERFECT?

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Many think that they’re above reproach or no longer considered sinful if they simply attend church.  Many are also there because they feel safe from the world outside.  Some even use church as a place to compensate for the sins they commit every day.  Unfortunately, going to church isn’t going to make you perfect.  Only God can do that.

The church itself is full of sinners just like you and me.  It’s an imperfect body of soiled and ugly people – often dressed in their most beautiful clothes and looking like a million bucks.  Within this seemingly perfect refuge lies deceit, judgment, anger, adultery, homosexuals, bigotry, liars, thieves and every other kind of villain you can think of.  This is one of Satan’s most popular places to visit, because it’s filled with imperfect people who are subject to sin.

However, when you look at the ministry of Christ, it took place in the most unusual places. He went to the core of humanity – to the sinners of the world – to all those who needed His healing.  He still does.  Through His Word, the Bible, He comes to the broken hearted, the poor in spirit, the lost and condemned and those who need Him most.

When God looks at our wretched condition, He’s like the prodigal Father who longs for us to return to Him.  He loves when we ask for His help, because He’s always eager to give it.

Going to church isn’t going to guarantee our salvation, but if our church is preaching the truth of the Bible, we will be nourished each week – fed with the good news of the Gospel – that our sins are forgiven through Jesus.

The church body is filled with sinners and hypocrites that need to hear that message every day.

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RANDOM THOUGHT – WINTER

  
ORIGINAL ART BY PAUL BOECHER©

Winter has finally demonstrated its rage in the normally snow covered hills and valleys of Minnesota.  The fresh white blanket caresses roof tops and has reached every nook and cranny of the landscape.  Our white dog disappears and is camouflaged by its brilliance.  Still he can’t hide forever.  Neither can we.  God sees our every move.  He knows each thought.  He’s aware of all our wrongs and yet He bathes us in His righteousness and we are whiter than snow.  His love for us I’ll help us weather any storm.

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WHO DO WE TRUST?

  
For over a hundred years, many Americans have been relying on a rodent to predict how long winter will last. For the past forty eight years we gather together for parties to celebrate the top two football teams in the country and place these athletes on a pedestal. About the same time, four boys from Liverpool arrived in New York City and changed the way we look at the phrase, “The British are coming.” We as a nation have changed some over the years, but it’s interesting how we have a tendency to turn to things of this world for enjoyment or comfort. 

 The Old Testament Israelites had a habit of doing that too. God wants us to enjoy our lives. He doesn’t want us to suffer. His love is shown in so many ways and still we rely on worldly things to give us pleasure. Malachi 3:6 says, “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” 

 Lord, I ask you to continue to be the hope of my life. You are the only awesome God – the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Let me always place my trust in you.

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OUT OF THE OFFICE

  
As most of you know, I rarely miss a day of blogging, but this weekend I’ll be taking a brief hiatus to concentrate on my family of drama students as they perform.  

I ask that the Lord be with each of them and bring them together as a real team.  May He help them to enjoy the experience of combining their efforts and talents.

Break a leg, kids, but pleasestay in one piece!

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RANDOM THOUGHT – MAJESTY

  
Original art by Paul T. Boecher©

There is nothing more majestic than the beauty of God’s glorious landscape. It gives one pause to realize what it must have been before sin entered the world.  In spite of man’s disobedience, the hills continue to cry out the power of His name.

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RANDOM THOUGHT -FLOWERS

  
Original art collaboration by Paul T. and Kathy Boecher “Hydrangeas” acrylic.©. This painting was created first by me and enhanced by the real artist in the house.  My love of flowers and his creative abilities helped to bring my thoughts to life.  Good team!

If God clothes the flowers of the field in such glorious splendor, how much more will He adorn His children.

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IT’S NEVER TOO LATE

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I often wonder if I’d have the courage to make a complete change in the direction of my life. Am I too old to start a new career? For most people in my age range, the thought of such a drastic change would be food for a heart attack.  By this time I should be settled in my ways – enjoying my senior moments with grace – give up.

Unlike most of those in my generation, I’ve continued to work – out of necessity, but also out of love for what I do.  I feel I’ve been blessed being able to do this for the past 35 years and at the same time give back some of the good things that were given to me during my life.

When it comes to making change, I’ve always been a sissy.  I like structure.  I enjoy staying in the same place – not making waves – feeling safe.  On the other hand, I have a sense of adventure that’s hidden deep inside me just dying to wiggle its way out.  Maybe it’s time for a change.

I could be a greeter at WalMart. I love being with people. How about finding a cure for cancer or some other hideous disease? I always wanted to join the circus when I was a child. There might be a place for me in social work, brain surgery or professional sports. OK, I’m getting carried away. If I were 30 years younger some of those things might still be possible, but who knows?  I might live for another 30 years! 

Change isn’t so bad and it’s never to late to start something new.   If I’m ever going to do something different it has to be now. I’m going to do it.

Yes, I’ll do it! I’m going to be a rock star!

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RANDOM THOUGHT – MERCY

  
Original art by Paul T. Boecher©

Mercy is a gift of undeserved kindness.  When we become merciful we radiate as a reflection of Christ.

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RANDOM THOUGHT – CONTENTMENT

  
Original art by Paul T. Boecher©

Contentment can be achieved when we’re alone in the quiet moments of life or we can be the calm in the turmoil of everyday living.  I guess it depends on where your priorities lie.  Sometimes being content is simply the result of accepting the blessings you already possess.

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TEAM WORK

 

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One of the best ways for a leader to understand his team is to get into their shoes.  In the show Undercover Boss, the boss takes on the tasks of his employees to get a closer look at what or who needs improvement.  By the end of the show they’ve has learned about the trials his people are facing firsthand.

In a few days, my teamof student actors, will be performing.  I’ve occasionally joined them on stage to remind myself of the things they’re going though. Will I remember lines; will my props be in the right place; will I enter at the right time -am I in costume? It helps me understand the other side of the production process.

All of us can learn through this practice.  Do you have a co-worker that’s never happy – can’t seem to focus – doesn’t pull his weight?  When you get to know him, you might discover he’s facing a financial crisis or has serious health or relationship issues.  Do you have “friends” who bully or try to make you look bad?  Maybe they’ve never seen success and the only way to look good is to make someone else feel bad.  Maybe they’ve never had a good friend.  If we try to get into the heads of our government leaders, we might even discover what’s motivating them, but I doubt it.

Jesus left His heavenly home to live in poverty.  He never had a place to call home.  He was despised by the leaders of the church.  He was ignored by the people He came to save.  He was wounded, spat upon and suffered a horrendous death.  He took our place!  He than came back to assure us that we have an everlasting home with Him.  That’s what I call a real undercover boss.

 

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RANDOM THOUGHT – PRAYER

Should prayer be reserved only for quiet contemplation or should we feel comfortable calling on God any time and anywhere?.  The answer is YES!

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MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!

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Not long ago, the Powerball Lottery passed the billion dollar mark and everyone was scampering to win a lifetime of happiness.  People enter sweepstakes or frequent casinos for that one chance to live on Easy Street.

We all have hidden desires for wealth.  Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to work?  Wouldn’t things be better if we didn’t have to worry about making ends meet before we meet our end?  All our problems would disappear in an instant if we only had the cash.  Right?

When we place riches ahead of God, we’re losing sight of the wealth He’s already blessed us with.  Still we look for easy ways to end our money problems – ways that don’t require work. The more we spend, the more we earn, the more we earn, the more we spend, so why work?

His miraculous timing has always managed to keep my family going when we thought there was no way out.  When Christmas came and there was no money for gifts – God provided a bonus we weren’t counting on. Living paycheck to paycheck wondering if we’d have enough for groceries and a kind friend left a package of food on the hood of our car.  Losing everything – home, income, business, everything – and wondering where we’d live and another kind angel had a house  we could buy without a credit report.  To top it off, God provided a job to help us pay for it.  Some would call that luck.  I consider it God’s hand in our lives.

We can’t simply wait for God to intercede, but we can be confident that He will be with us in all that we do.  Putting Him first, is better than winning the lottery, because through Him, true paradise is waiting for us in heaven.

 

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RANDOM THOUGHT – LAUGHTER

  
Laughter can cause tears to roll down our cheeks.  If we laugh hard enough, tears can fall down our leg.  Wouldn’t it be great if tears could have the same profound effect on us?

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LAUGH & THE WORLD LAUGHS WITH YOU

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A child’s laughter is one of the sweetest sounds in the world.  Laughter from an elderly person with no teeth can be just as gratifying.  Laughter can also indicate embarrassment, frustration or even panic.  Laughter can trigger all kinds of emotions, but one thing is for sure – it usually makes you feel good.

I grew up in a family where laughter was a necessity.  We didn’t have much of monetary value.  We moved often.  My dad was the only guy in the house and suffered with many of his own demons, but enjoyed a good belly laugh or two – usually after consuming several beers.  My mom suffered from many health issues.  I truly believe that had we not maintained a good sense of humor, we would all have succumbed to deep depression.

Joy and laughter actually create a feeling of well being and good health.  That might not mean much when your body is burning with pain. It’s not necessarily smart to joke with someone who is on their deathbed, but it has been known to help.

Some folks I know wear a permanent frown.  Some have become defeated by the ugliness of the world.  I’ve seen anxiety and worry place a mask of tragedy on a person’s countenance.  Even the seemingly happiest people in the world may be victims of a lack of true joy in their lives. Their spirit has become crushed and is destroying them internally.

I’m not suggesting we walk around with a fake smile on our face, but when we realize the gift we have received from God, our hearts are not only grateful, but our lives will take on new meaning as well.

Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

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RANDOM THOUGHT – TIME

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Have you ever noticed how slowly the sands in an hourglass move at the beginning of their descent?  Somewhat like life – things start out full and as time slips away, the sand rushes to its demise.  Our later years flow quickly too – faster than we’d like – but when life runs out, the process begins anew -with no end to sands of time.

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