GETTING TO KNOW JESUS

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ART WORK BY PAUL BOECHER©

John 5:1  “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.”

I want to know you, Lord.  I want to feel your arms around me, comforting, protecting, loving me.

I long for your presence in my life.

Your Word connects me to you.

Your Passion shows me how important I was to you.

Your resurrection assures me that I will live forever with you.

You come to me when most I need you and yet I know that you are always there.

I can try to hide, but you are so much a part of me, I can’t escape.

Such a love is so hard to understand.  There is nothing like it.

We are connected like the grapes connect to the vine.

You are the vine.  I draw life from you.

Help me to know you better every day, so that when that final day comes,

I will be ready for you.

KATHY BOECHER©

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REST IN HIS ARMS

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The easy, peaceful days of summer are coming to  close.  Soon kids will be back in the classroom rather than complaining about not having anything to do.  Within a week, I can guarantee that many of them will be boo-hooing about having too much to do.

Parents are getting back into the normal routine of running here and there for errands, sporting events, after school programs, dance lessons,  grocery shopping, working at their jobs, doing laundry, cleaning the house and preparing nutritious meals.

Computers and laptops are working overtime for research papers, information overloading and social networking.  You’ll be lucky if you see your child’s face in the next nine months.

Time seems to move so fast once vacations are done and life goes back to “normal.”  When it seems that the world is just closing in on you and when time runs out, but obligations continue – it’s time to lay your burdens on Jesus.  He invites us to do so.  He wants us to be close Him and provides rest for our weary bodies and souls.

We get in the habit of wanting to be in control of all areas of our existence.  We believe that we can handle life on our own.  We feel we should be responsible for our own destiny.  We often forget that life doesn’t have to be that way.  Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”  Most of humanity rejects that concept.   It’s too easy to just let God take control of your life.  Besides it doesn’t jive with their self-reliance thinking – their independent spirit – their lack of faith in anything.

Maybe it’s time to let go of that kind of thinking and start trusting in the One who is the same all the time – the One who is all powerful, all knowing, always available.  This is the One who loves you so much that He gave His life for you and now invites you to rest in His loving arms.

Time for a nap!

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SUMMER GLORY

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ART WORK BY PAUL BOECHER©

The edge of a bluff lined river – a glassy reflection glistens and bounces onto a hill.  The light touches the edges of trees and buildings in the distance, creating patterns dancing from one place to another .  The deep crevices fill with darkness.  The sky is magnificently dotted with wispy clouds interlaced with mauve, crimson and blue.  A path of towering pines shades the heat of the sun,

Looking out at the beauty of God’s perfect creation – breathing in the sweet, fresh air – hearing the sounds of rushing water and birds singing their little hearts out – fills your heart with contentment.  This little morsel of peace is just a speck in the scheme of things.

How long we’ve waited for the glory of these summer days.  They are so few and fleeting.  Soon the leaves will turn to red and gold and then fall.  Like our lives. We wither and die.

The moments of joy we experience on this planet are nothing compared to what waits for us after the winter of our dying breath.  Once again spring returns and we’re blessed with new life when we know God.  The glory never ends.

KATHY BOECHER©

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TRUE PEACE

 

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ART WORK BY PAUL BOECHER©

When life engulfs you with

 

anger and rage – when you struggle with fear and temptation,

Turn your mind to the glory of God’s written page – He will heal you and give you salvation.

Though your days seem relentless, your nights never end – your hope is in Jesus, your brother and friend.

He’ll give you His peace with a love overflowing – your burdens He’ll carry for you,

A peace that’s eternal, no tears, no regrets – He’s paid the full debt that was due.

So look heavenward, leave the world far behind, and focus on Jesus the King,

His arms are wide open – He hears every prayer – and surely His peace He will bring.

KATHY BOECHER©

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WHEN WE WERE YOUNG . . .

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ART BY PAUL BOECHER “TIL WE MEET AGAIN” ©

Another day – another time.  We were young and the world seemed so exciting and new.  We found each other in this magic place so many years ago and our lives were joined from that moment on.  Hidden away in the bluffs of a charming little river town, it was a gem just waiting to be discovered.  The old beater of a truck seemed like a limousine and the path to Casanova’s awakened a love that’s lasted a lifetime.  The artist and the writer journeying into life unknown with no fear.

KATHY BOECHER©

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IN CHRIST ALONE

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I wonder if we can ever be perfect, just like Jesus was.  We say we’re Christians, but still we often stand in judgment of others.  I don’t think we’ll ever achieve perfection on this side of eternity.  Even though Jesus died for every sin – past, present and future – that doesn’t mean we’ll never sin again.

Being a Christian doesn’t mean our lives won’t be without detours or bumps in the road.  We’re told that we’ll have crosses to carry.  We’re not guaranteed a life free from anxious moments, fear or even death.

Every time I hear the struggles between Christian churches, it saddens me.  The Bible is our connection with our Creator.  It was given to us as a guide for living the Christian life.  Unfortunately many stray from the truth of the Word and go in their own direction.  For some it might bend towards doing good deeds.  Some may say that not every word is true or accurate.  Some believe only one translation is the truth.  Many discount the miraculous deeds of the Old Testament as myths and story telling.  Some will even bend the scriptures to fit their own interpretation to something they don’t agree with.

When human reason gets in the way of God’s truth, there will be division.  His message to us is less complicated than we make it.  By the disobedience of God’s first people, we’ve  inherited sin and in order to be made right with God, there needs to be restitution – a perfect, sinless offering which comes only from God Himself.  Nothing we do – good works, self-deprivation, money or giving up everything for Christ’s work will save us.  It’s only by the precious blood shed by God Himself that redeems us.  His resurrection secures our future in eternity.  Because He lives, we’ll continue to live after death.

Sounds too simple, doesn’t it.  We can’t help wondering – what’s the catch – what do we need to do?  There is no catch.  All God wants from us is our complete trust in Him.  Our faith is the only requirement and, by the way, even that is a gift from the Holy Spirit.

Because of this marvelous thing He’s done for us, we can’t help but be grateful for the gift He’s given us.  Thus our lives change.  We learn to live as Jesus did by being a servant to others, by loving others as ourselves, by sharing the Gospel message, by walking away from the sins that have plagued us for so long.

Why do we feel we have to put our own spin on this?  The truth is clear.

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I AM JESUS LITTLE LAMB

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To most of us, sheep don’t seem especially bright.  In fact they move in herds, because if  left alone they’ll surely stray and walk straight into a dangerous situation.  We are often led as sheep to the slaughter by those who would deceive and mislead us.  I won’t get into politics here, but we have grown to be a nation of sheep in many ways.

We may think of sheep as cute and cuddly, but they get tangled in barbed wire, get dirty, their wool can grow out of control, they’re be bothered by pesky insects and they need a leader.  Many consider them stupid beasts with no sense of direction..

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16.  This was said to prepare them for the persecution they would face in spreading His good news.

We also need to be prepared to defend our faith at times.  The only sure defense is the Word which God gave us.  The words of the Bible are direct guidance from Him for our lives.  He remains our shepherd in life and leads us to the green pastures of eternity.  We can count on it because He is the Good Shepherd.

I am Jesus’ little lamb,
Ever glad at heart I am;
For my Shepherd gently guides me,
Knows my need, and well provides me,
Loves me every day the same,
Even calls me by my name.

Day by day, at home, away,
Jesus is my Staff and Stay.
When I hunger, Jesus feeds me,
Into pleasant pastures leads me;
When I thirst, He bids me go
Where the quiet waters flow.

Who so happy as I am,
Even now the Shepherd’s lamb?
And when my short life is ended,
By His angel host attended,
He shall fold me to His breast,
There within His arms to rest.

by Henrietta L. von Hayn, 1724-1782

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MY HERO

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Young girls often have a vision of a knight in shining armor coming to rescue them from the villainy of an evil tyrant and carrying them off to a kingdom that is perfectly free from trouble and sadness.  As we grow up, we soon discover that those days of chivalry are long gone and that we may have to fight our own battles in life.

Today we see that thread being woven into the fabric of our lives with “reality” TV.  It’s in our nature to want perfection.  We want bodies free from wrinkles, flab and pain.  We want hair with full body and luster – some of us just want hair.   We want jobs that will supply a steady, comfortable living – some crave a job simply to pay the bills.  We want healthy relationships, respect and success.

We often look in all the wrong places for these things.  Many times we look within ourselves and believe we can do it all alone. God’s plan for our future is so much easier. The time we spend on earth is just a moment in the greater scheme of things.

2 Timothy 4:18, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Lord, Jesus, keep my eyes focused on you. You provide the answer for all my life’s problems. You are my only true hero.

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BUILT ON A ROCK

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ARTWORK BY PAUL BOECHER© At Stillwater, Minnesota

Steeples line the nooks and crannies of a hilltop, reaching to God Almighty in His holy sanctuary,

Houses planted deeply in the ground have a sure foundation.  The wind blows and the waters rise, but they will not be overcome.

They have been built on solid ground.

KATHY BOECHER©

Luke 6:47-48 “ Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

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RESTING IN HIS ARMS

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ART WORK BY PAUL BOECHER©

Though the winds blow and the seas become enraged,

All it takes is one word from the Almighty to calm the angry waters.

The storms we face each day can be quieted in just this way,

All we need to do is call on His name,

His hands will cradle us closely to his heart,

The peace that radiates from His breath will comfort and encourage.

His staunch protection will fend off any adversary.

He is the great I AM – yesterday, today and tomorrow!

KATHY BOECHER©

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NO MORE TEARS

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I’ve reached a point in my life where many of my friends are being released from their pain here on earth and have passed into heaven.  It’s tough to see those we care about leaving this life.  It not only reminds us of our own mortality, but we selfishly want to hang onto them for as long as possible.

Our lives matter.  We’re born with little wrinkled bodies, kicking and screaming and we often leave in much the same way.  God gives us this time on earth as a period of grace where can experience just an inkling of what lies ahead.  We also experience emotional and physical suffering during our lives.  We feel the pain of a scraped knee – a broken heart – betrayal – fear – anger.  We also learn what love is and how sharing yourself with another can make your heart soar.  We live through trials every day, but we reach successes as well.

When most of us reach the end of life,  we may become anxious for it to end the pain we suffer or the natural decaying of our bodies, but we all have a purpose for being here.  God has a plan for each one of us and when that plan has been fulfilled, He has an even greater outcome for those who put their trust in Him.

Life here on earth is just the beginning.  What a glorious place we have waiting for us.  Thank you, Lord, for giving me this life to share your great news with others and for your promise of eternity in eternity.  Death no longer has dominion over me.  Amen!

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GOD’S CRAFTSMANSHIP

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ART WORK BY PAUL BOECHER©

My husband and I were high school sweethearts.  We took an art class on sculpture together.  Everyone had a chunk of plaster which we were to form into something – everyone except my husband.  He stood before a large piece of limestone with chisel and mallet in hand, prepared with protective eye and ear gear, to tackle this piece of stone.  He had to be separated from the rest of the class, because of the dust created by the meticulous carving necessary to bring form from a lifeless slab.

My piece wound up looking like a chunk of plaster with eyes.  His, on the other hand, was something else.  That piece of solid rock was transformed into the head of a ram – complete with horns.  He has continued to create master works throughout his life and each one seems better than the last.  The ram is still in our home and each time I look at it, I’m amazed at the craftsmanship.

When God creates something just imagine the result.  In the Bible He tells His prophet Jeremiah to look at the work of a potter and says,

“Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does. Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel .” Jer 18:6

God holds us right in the palm of his hand  and is shaping and reshaping us every day.  He molds us with each problem that we face.  He fills our life with things that will refine us and prepare us for eternity.  He designs our future and it’s always for our good.  Why not place yourself in His masterful hands?  He has wonderful plans for you.

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GUILT

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Guilt hangs on us like a heavy weight.  Sometimes it manifests itself in the way we live, think and relate to others.  Here’s an example – though not a serious offense, it crept into my dreams and convicted me.

We had a large bird feeder in our backyard that I was constantly filling, because a group of squirrels had made it their cafeteria.  Finally, in frustration, I got out my husband’s pellet gun, I took aim and shot.  It was a gut wrenching experience.  I’d never fired  a weapon in my life.  Besides, the poor squirrel was just as hungry as the birds, but I still felt compelled to protect my territory.  As I released the trigger, everything happened in slow motion . . . I could see the pellet make its way through the air and hit the helpless critter.  He held out his front paws and dramatically fell to the ground.  My heart fell with it.  What had I done?  I killed a living thing.  Soon the stunned animal scurried off into the woods, but not without wounding my heart.

That night, as I slept, memories of the incident invaded my dreams.  I was seated atop the bird feeder and hundreds of squirrels were circling me and firing pellet guns – an amusing story, but full of truth on how sin can overcome us.

The sins of every day should convict and bring us to our knee in repentance before the Lord.  We often sin without even realizing it.  We sin in words, deeds and actions, but God is eager to receive us, when we come to Him with true sorrow and ask for forgiveness and then leave our sin behind us.

Growing as a Christian is a constant work in progress and continues until our last breath.  Thank God for His saving grace.  He has given us the victory.

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MIXED MESSAGES

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It seems that every day we’re inundated with mixed messages.  Liberals and Conservatives – anti-gays and gay rights – follow the law or do your own thing – pro-life and pro-choice – talk radio and TV shows which have their own agenda (usually opposing each other) – belief in God or no belief whatsoever – good vs. evil.  The list goes on ad infinitum.  We are daily bombarded with too much information, and often make judgments based in the moment.

There’s only one thing that makes sense in this world of confusion and bewilderment.  We need something that’s consistent – that never waivers – that is unchangeable.  We can turn to God for that unfailing truth.  His Word clearly states that He never changes.  He is always the same.

Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

The world rattles and rails against itself.  The news of the day riles the masses.  All kinds of emotions are stirred.  It’s time to get back into God’s Word.

When we can’t take the din of the world any longer, it’s time to turn to the only One who never changes.  We can count on Him to bring us peace.

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YIKES! ANOTHER KATHY RANT

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The internet is amazing tool.  You can find information in the blink of an eye.  You can spend hours absorbing information and drawing your own conclusions .

It also has  a dark side – when a news item can be blown totally out of proportion.  A story like that appeared this week and blossomed into an international tirade.  A man on a guided hunt has been put out of business because of it.  His employees no longer have jobs.  His family and his history has been under scrutiny.

One activist group can stir up so much damage while another group. which supports human life, goes largely unheard. It’s inconceivable.

When things flare up politically – like a couple of Republicans taking a stand against the establishment – the media begins to divert attention to something that has no real value – something that will enrage, anger or stir up the people so they don’t think about the issues at hand.  We are all guilty of becoming part of the sheep herd.

Our country is at a crossroads.  We’re already inundated with political rhetoric, a congress that doesn’t get anything done and leadership that has become more like a monarchy than a democracy.  Our freedoms are being spat upon along with the Constitution which was designed to disable the nonsense going on in Washington today.

We’ve always been a Christian nation, despite what our president says, and it’s time we start acting like one.  Christians as well as their churches must take a stand.  We can’t simply sit on the fence and do nothing.

Our prayers will provide God’s intervention, but our words and actions are needed to inspire the battle.  America has always stood on its trust in God.  We must become that again and the only way it will happen is to ask God to heal our land.

When scandal comes out, another story is spun by the almighty internet to divert our attention.

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I’M OFFENDED BY THOSE WHO ARE OFFENDED …

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When my husband worked as an archery instructor, part of his job was to teach the rules of safety. As he was about to instruct an immigrant woman and her children, he explained the proper way to shoot without becoming injured. The children didn’t seem to understand, so he asked if they spoke English. She retorted, “I am offended by that.” She continued to repeat this statement throughout their conversation. He politely tried to explain that his words were for their safety and the safety of others, but she continued to be argumentative.

That along with several other incidents lately, has me thinking of how over politically correct we are. It seems “I’m offended by that” is the most common expression floating around Washington – in schools – in the work place and even in our churches.

What exactly does it mean to be offended? The dictionary says it is a breach of law or rule. It’s  also an annoyance, anger or resentment.

Are we no longer able to express our feelings, state our beliefs or even try to make sure we are clear with our words? Must we walk on eggs all the time while interacting with people of different cultures, students, customers, fellow Christians? Have we become so angry, resentful and ticked off that we’ve forgotten how to be kind, forgiving and loving?

We need to be careful with our tongues. It’s one of the strongest muscles in our body, but   it doesn’t seem to matter what you say anymore. Chances are you are going to offend someone.

God wants us to live in harmony with each other. To me, this phrase is just another of the devil’s ploys to get control of us. He’s working hard, because he knows his time is running out. Ooops, I’ll bet I offended someone by saying that.

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WALKING IN THE SHOES OF A TWEEN

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It’s been over sixty years since I donned my first pair of saddle shoes and poodle skirt. Years have melted away, but a few days with my almost thirteen year old granddaughter,  have caused me to realize that we have a lot in common.

Tween years are like awakening the caccoon and releasing the butterfly. It’s a life filled with extremes – playing with Barbies or wanting to snag a date. Going from carefree to making the right choices –  thinking you know more than those who care for you – feeling invincible and having no fear except for spiders and strange sounds in the night –  laughing your head off one minute and crying like a baby the next – watching your body go through changes on a daily basis.

To top it all off, you’re living in a world where anything goes. Morality means taking birth control pills so you don’t have to endure an unplanned pregnancy. Going to church is outdated. Parents are spread too thin to spend time talking or doing things with their children.  It’s a fearful time in an uncertain world.

Come to think of it, I’m beginning a new chapter in my life too. It’s called old age and many of the symptoms are like those of my granddaughter. For example, I often feel caccooned. Some days I suffer with being too warm, while others require more  layers. I love doing silly things that my contemporaries find childish, but I’m not yet ready to kick the bucket. I think I know more than those younger than me, but I still have a lot to learn. I look in the mirror expecting to see my radiant smile, only to be greeted by my mom’s reflection.  I go to bed wondering how I got through the day and rise with renewed zeal most of the time.

Life is a roller coaster, particularly during pivotal stages, but we get through it pretty much unscathed.  The human spirit – created by God Himself – is an amazing equalizer. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, even when our lives change.

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WOMAN OF THE NIGHT

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It wasn’t unusual for men to knock on my door in the middle of the night.   It had become a welcome mat for as long as I can remember.  I wasn’t proud of my lifestyle.  It ate away at me both day and night.  Still it seemed the only way for me to keep my family alive.

There was an endless need for what I had to offer.  The world is so full of ugliness, what difference would one more sinner make?  As a child I thought someday a rich man would marry me and take me to his palace, but the odds of that happening have long since dwindled.

When those two came to my door, in the secrecy of night,  I didn’t expect them to be from the mighty nation of Israel.  Word of their exploits had not gone unnoticed in Jericho.  Even the strongest of our men was reduced to rubble at the mention of their names.

I  trembled at the sight of them,  but there was something different.  They possessed an unfamiliar determination.  They hadn’t come to me that night, expecting what other men desired.  All they wanted was information about Jericho’s military strength.

It wasn’t long before soldiers came searching for them.  Something told me to expose the spies immediately, but another voice crept into my mind compelling me to hide them.  I was then told my family and I would be spared when they invaded the city- a reward for my silence.

When the day came, I didn’t see an enemy attack Jericho.  I saw men of valor with a faith in a god I didn’t know. It was then that my life really changed.  I would no longer be a slave to the flesh – now I would adore the God of Israel.

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LORD, GIVE ME STRENGTH

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I just completed a marathon week of drama.  We held a summer theater enrichment program to a group of kids from 7 – 12.  There was not only drama instruction and music, but there was a fair amount of actual drama as the week progressed.  Day one evoked a day of quiet, unsure little people, trying to figure out how they fit into the group.  Tuesday they seemed a little more confident, but by Friday they had become a cohesive group, working together for the good of the group.

What fun to see how even little ones can become a team with one goal in mind – getting the job done and doing it to the best of their ability – which by the way was amazing.  Within less than five days they had learned three songs with choreography – a short script of memorized lines – how to flesh out a character and be believable in presenting to an audience.

I’ve been doing this for a number of summers and each year it becomes physically harder for me, but something energizes me throughout the week.  The children themselves have the ability to do that, but it’s really so much more.  I believe that God is in control of everything I do and He’s at my side – encouraging me, supporting me when I get tired and giving me the right stuff to pass along to those to whom I’ve been entrusted.   Without His guiding hand, I would lose heart quickly, because my old body often grows weary.  With Him, I’m provided just enough gusto to make it through the week.

When you feel you can’t take another step or that you’ve just spent every ounce of energy you can, ask God for His help.  With Him all things are possible!  Now I’m going to take a week to rest.

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GOD RESTED

  
He rested, but He’s always available!

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