Original art by Paul T. Boecher©
A water wheel converts the energy of free-flowing or falling water into useful forms of energy. God’s love pours out on us giving us power beyond imagination.
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RANDOM THOUGHT – POWER
Posted in art, Christian daily devotion, God
Tagged Art, Bible, encouragement, FAITH, God, INSPIRATION, life, power, prayer, reigion
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SUPER HEROES
I happen to be a fan of the new “Super Girl” series. Maybe because it’s something different than the usual crime and violence we see on the tube and I don’t mean the nightly news. Most of us like the idea of having someone going to bat for us and taking on the evil that inhabits our world. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a super hero that would clean up our streets, eliminate the bullies in our schools, erase prejudice and hatred?
Unfortunately, even our “made up” super heroes have flaws. Super Girl has a huge self image problem in her every day life. She suffers from abuse by her employer – can’t let anyone know that she has super powers or who she is – is quite average – and on top of that, she’s weakened by Kryptonite and has other human frailties. When she’s Super Girl, however, the world is her oyster and she can leap tall buildings with a single bound.
It’s an escape from the reality of our ugly world to think that someone could overcome evil, but there is One who did those things for us. This One was not a narcissistic show off. He could’ve come with all the majesty of His regality. He chose instead to be born in poverty. He suffered the same things we suffer – He felt pain, cried, laughed, shared friendships, loved everyone, but unlike us, He was perfect in every way – the unblemished lamb necessary to take away the sin of the world.
Jesus wasn’t merely a comic strip hero. He existed. He truly walked the earth and because of that, we have complete assurance that eternal life is ours.
Now that’s a real super hero!
Posted in Bible, Christian devotions, God, Uncategorized
Tagged Bible, encouragement, FAITH, God, INSPIRATION, Jesus, Religion, super hero
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TAPPING YOUR POTENTIAL
When you’re a student and your being encouraged to make it into a great college and your grades don’t meet up to the standards, you might think your dream will never come true. You may even go to extreme lengths – even ones that are against everything you believe in – to get there.
When you’re a young stay-at-home mom (or dad) it sometimes might feel that you don’t have the strength to get through the day. The obligations are extreme – the wear and tear physically and emotionally immense – the results often go unnoticed. Maybe you bear the scars of a few more grey hairs and wrinkles, but every minute you are spending on the effort is worth it.
When you’re in the workplace and you put forth every effort to succeed and are passed by for a promotion, you might be tempted to throw in the towel or do something against your value system to obtain your desires.
As you grow older and face difficult health concerns or find your time is no longer valued, you might give up and simply feel sorry for yourself. You may underestimate your worth and the time still allotted you.
In each stage of life we are called upon to push ourselves a little harder – to reach inside and find that extra bit of strength, integrity, honor and untapped potential. We may think we’re doing the best we can, but with Jesus as our partner in life, we have all those things and more right at our fingertips.
With each day, ask Him to walk with you. Ask Him to be your power source. Ask Him to guide your steps and face whatever life has to put in your path. With Him all things are not only possible, but assured.
Posted in Christian devotions, Faith, God
Tagged encouragement, FAITH, Goals, Hope, INSPIRATION, Jesus
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THE STORM OF THE DECADE
Remnants of carved Jack-O-Lanterns hidden by a blanket of snow. Little trick or treaters tucked into their beds as folks pushed shovels to stay ahead of the storm. The blizzard of October 31, 1991 buried Minneapolis in more than 2 feet of fresh snow. It was the frosting on the cake of a year filled with joy and desperation for us.
The year started with plans for our oldest daughter’s wedding. We were living in a beautiful home, we both turned 50 and were experiencing the American dream. My husband had a thriving advertising business, but within the next few months, the economy took a nose dive and he was faced with laying off his employees.
Together we looked ahead to no job, no income, no future. The business was lost along with all retirement benefits, our home went into foreclosure, assets were frozen and we went to bankruptcy court with $11.24 in our collective pockets.
Life can come at you like that. Things are moving along beautifully and suddenly you get knocked down and buried in a blizzard of despair.
This situation could’ve ended a 27 year marriage, led to depression or meant reliance on the government for assistance, but none of that was an option.
Looking back on this bleak time, I can see that God was using it to prepare us for better things – things we hadn’t planned on – nor had we expected. We wondered where we’d live – where our income would come from and how we’d survive, but we never lost faith in the One who had our lives in His hands. It was all part of a bigger more complex plan.
God made it possible for us to do things we love and blessed us by providing a living through it. He also placed many angels in our path. Our church family was right there with us. Friends came through with support and even housing.
Going through tragedy of any kind, it’s hard to see the good in it, but if you can look back at it and say, “Oh, I get it now,” you will see God’s finger in it. He’s the light at the end of any storm.
Posted in aging, DAILY CHRISTIAN DEVOTION, God's plans, Uncategorized
Tagged encouragement, FAITH, God's plan, INSPIRATION, Jesus, loss, New Life, New Year, rebuilding, Religion
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RANDOM THOUGHT
Original art by Paul T. Boecher©
Birds cannot fly unless they open their wings. How much more are we capable of if we just try? For the next 365 days we have that many chances to open our wings and fly.
Posted in art, Inspiration, Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art, encouragement, Freedom, INSPIRATION, random thoughts
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KEEP ON TRUCKING
A story begins – we’re introduced to the characters – see their goals and failed attempts at reaching them – get involved in what happens next. With the turn of each page, we see the mistakes they make, root for them to succeed and hope they finally do.
Our lives are like that. We’ve been created by God’s miraculous doing. He knew us before the book came off the press. He knew how the story would end before it began. Every page has been written by Him and His love is apparent on every one.
Things happen to us as we travel through life. We run into what seem, insurmountable obstacles. We experience extreme ups and downs. We laugh, we cry, we fear and desire. The story of our life is unique from any other human being. We create memories, learn lessons from past mistakes and hopefully don’t get pulled into the mire of despair or depression. Some of us might however and that’s when the Author of the story comes to the rescue. He can and will direct a positive outcome if we simply ask.
As we turn to the next chapter – the next year – the next moment of our lives there is opportunity for change. We can make resolutions that we probably won’t keep. We might try to change the past to alter the direction our lives take. We can set new goals, walk different paths, search for alternative ways of doing things, but none of those things can be accomplished without the author. He’s the One who controls the pen. Remember, He’s the One that outlined your life before you even were.
2016 can be the best time for a do-over or it can be an extension of the life you’ve already claimed. By trusting God has a plan for you – you can look ahead with hope and excitement for what He has written on the next page. Begin by putting your faith in Him. He’ll make this the best year ever, if you allow Him to.
HAPPY NEW YEAR – ENJOY THE RIDE!
Posted in Christian daily devotion, Christian living, Uncategorized
Tagged Bible, christian daily devotions, Day by Day, encouragement, FAITH, God's plan, INSPIRATION, Jesus, New Life, New Year, Religion
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RANDOM THOUGHT – NEW YEAR
Each day is like the page in a book. They all start out blank, but life fills the pages and eventually they can become a masterpiece. It’s up to us to fill in the blank spots.
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RANDOM THOUGHT
Dreams give cause to invention. Invention produces creative solutions. Solutions allow us to dream …
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NOTHING HAPPENS BY CHANCE
As we wind down another year, our natural tendency is to look back at the mistakes we made – the goals we missed – the lost opportunities – the habits we didn’t break. We look forward to a clean slate and making changes that will make our lives better, but everything that’s happened does have a purpose.
Maybe you didn’t get the job you hoped for and you’ll have to keep looking, but maybe it was totally wrong for you. You may have had a financial setback that left you feeling hopeless. Perhaps that setback will put you on a totally new career path. What if you discovered you have a terminal disease? It doesn’t have to be the end for you if you believe that Jesus is preparing a place for you in heaven.
God has a blueprint for every life that inhabits the earth. He makes homes for the lowliest of creatures. He clothes the land with beauty. He carves paths in the mountains for the rain and ice to flow and nourish the land. His master plan for His creation includes us. Like a dad wants only what’s best for his children, God has a purpose for everything that happens to us.
When you keep that in mind in looking at your past, you’ll see how some of those bad times have changed your life for the better. The new year is a time for a new beginning, but each day we walk this planet is part of a greater plan – one executed by the Creator of the universe. All things work together under His guiding hand.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Posted in Christian daily devotion, New Year, Religion, Uncategorized
Tagged AGING, Christianity, encouragement, FAITH, God, Hope, INSPIRATION, Jesus, life, Religion, resolutions
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RANDOM THOUGHT
Original art by Paul T. Boecher ©
Soon this leaf cluttered green turned to the white of winter, bringing the solace of an icy, glimmering peace. We live life fully in the spring and rage through the heat of summer. Each season has its beauty – each slowly dips into extinction, but there is always new life – even in the chill of the frozen north.
Posted in art, Christian Poetry, peace, Uncategorized
Tagged AGING, Art, christian daily devotions, encouragement, FAITH, INSPIRATION, life, nature, Poetry
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WINTER
Original Art “SNOW” by Paul T. Boecher©
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?
KATHY BOECHER©
Posted in art, Christian devotions, Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged AGING, Art, encouragement, FAITH, INSPIRATION, Poetry, Religion, Snow, Winter
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WHO IS THIS CHILD?
God created life before it existed. He carved the mountains into majestic peaks – He filled the seas with living things – He looked at the heavens and placed the stars and planet. Each tree was planted perfectly by Him and every seed that would produce more life was in His hand. His breath was inhaled by the animals as they came into being. Then He took a handful of dust and molded the first human being – giving him masterful workmanship – a mind that could be used to name all the creatures under him and a body that was invincible. He then crafted a woman to be a companion for the man. Together they would be fruitful and inhabit the earth. and then they disobeyed Him.
A story as old as time itself. Sin entered God’s perfect creation by one simple act – disobedience. Sin came into the world and would be passed from generation to generation.
From the very beginning of the world, God was in control. He continues to watch over His creation and loves it so much that He provided a way out for the consequences of sin. He came to earth as a little, helpless child in a most miraculous way – born of a woman, conceived by God. That baby would become the champion, the savior, the prince of peace, bringing eternal life to all those who would ask for it.
Who is this child? He is God Himself. What a treasure lay in that lowly feeding trough. Within 33 years He would become the perfect sacrifice for sin and the promise of salvation fulfilled.
Posted in Christian daily devotion, Christmas, Jesus, Uncategorized
Tagged Creation, encouragement, Eternal Life, forgiveness, God, Heaven, INSPIRATION, Jesus, Love, redeemer, Religion, Salvation, Savior, Sin
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RANDOM THOUGHT
Original Art by Paul T. Boecher, “WINTER”©
A fresh coating of snow is a great reminder of how God washes the darkness of sin from our hearts. His blood makes us whiter than snow.
Posted in art, Christian daily devotion, Religion, Uncategorized
Tagged Art, Christmas, encouragement, FAITH, forgiveness, INSPIRATION, Jesus, Salvation, Snow, Winter
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THE LONG AWAITED SAVIOR
He didn’t come in glory on that first Christmas Day.
His palace was a lowly place. His bed was made of hay.
His servants were the angels, the shepherds came to pray.
The Magi came from far away their richest gifts to lay.
He will return to judge the world, in glory beyond measure.
His promises will be fulfilled. He is our greatest treasure.
KATHY BOECHER©
Posted in Christian devotions, Christian Poetry, Christmas, compassion
Tagged christian poetry, encouragement, FAITH, God, INSPIRATION, Jesus
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RANDOM THOUGHT
Original art by Paul T. Boecher©
The Tree of Life was God’s gift to Adam and Eve guaranteeing eternal life. They were told not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, but they disobeyed God and all humanity reaped the benefit of their sin. However, The Tree of Life is waiting for us on the other side of the grave. Jesus promised we would have life everlasting and gave His life to obtain it for us. Rejoice!
Posted in art, Christian daily devotion, Inspiration, Uncategorized
Tagged Art, encouragement, FAITH, FAMILY, forgiveness, God, INSPIRATION, life everlasting, Peace, random thoughts, Religion, Sin
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RANDOM THOUGHT
There’s nothing in the world better than being surrounded by family. This photo was from a couple years ago. Hopefully we can take another one this year. MERRY CHRISTMAS,
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RANDOM THOUGHT
Original Art by Paul T. Boecher©
There was no room for the child to be born in the inn. Is there room in our hearts for Him today? Open the door.
Posted in art, reflections, Uncategorized
Tagged acceptance, Christianity, Daily Devotions, encouragement, God, INSPIRATION, Jesus, Peace, random thoughts, Religion
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NOT AN ORDINARY BABY
Hands and feet swollen, tired and sore from the treacherous journey. Belly full and heavy with child. A journey that wasn’t required of her, yet it was. Had she not travelled the rugged road to Bethlehem with Joseph, the prophesy would not have been fulfilled.
The census didn’t demand women be counted – just men, but God had other plans. Mary was carrying His only begotten Son – conceived by God alone. Such an amazing thought that to most it’s incomprehensible.
The child was ready to be born, and as mothers know, a child doesn’t wait for the right moment or the perfect circumstances. Children are born when they’re ready.
Jesus could’ve avoided the painful birthing experience, but this is the way it had to be. He could’ve avoided the scourge of the whip and the horrible death on the cross too, but He didn’t. Instead He chose to become our brother, live a life of complete submission and die humbly with the load of our sin strapped to His back.
When it became difficult to find a place to rest , they resorted to an animal stall.
There were the screams and pain of a natural childbirth. There was no mid-wife. Joseph was there when her water broke and the one who cut the cord. He too had turned this all over to God’s wisdom. This humble couple acted in complete faith, because this was no ordinary birth. They knew they were simply God’s instruments for providing life to the lost.
As the King of Kings lay His tiny head upon a bed of hay, angels sang His praises, shepherds came to worship, animals watched and Mary thought of this event with complete wonder. She tucked away every memory and would think of it many times during her life. Even as she watched her Son die a horrific death.
What a precious Christmas gift. The Son of God had come to ransom us from sin, but He conquered death and shall live and reign forever and ever – and because of that – so shall we!
Posted in Advent, Christian daily devotion, Jesus, Uncategorized
Tagged Advent, Christmas, Christmas Eve, encouragement, FAITH, forgiveness, God, INSPIRATION, Religion, Salvation, Son of God
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RANDOM THOUGHT
The joy and merriment of the Christmas season never wanes, even though our bodies grow tired and old. Jesus brings new energy to even the weariest of us.
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HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR NAME
ORIGINAL ART – “MAJESTY” by PAUL T. BOECHER© Oil on canvas 28″ x 22″
I imagine this is what Moses witnessed as he stood at the foot of Mt. Sinai. God’s glory inhabited that place especially at that moment in time. He has the power to capture nature and make the mountains smoke – as indicated in Psalm 104:32. He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke.
How magnificent is our God. He speaks to us in every aspect of His creation and gives us the witness of His love for us through His Holy Bible. As we look forward to the Christmas glory to come, let’s remember that Jesus promised to return as judge and King. Let’s be ready for that wondrous day.
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all. May the peace of God’s salvation live in your hearts forever.
PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
Posted in Advent, art, Faith, God
Tagged Art, Christmas, encouragement, forgiveness, INSPIRATION, Jesus, redemption, Salvation
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