SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN

  
When you reach middle age, you’re considered in the prime of life.  You’ve climbed the ladder of success, reached the pinnacle of career and lifetime relationships.  You’ve vaulted the hurdles of education.  Things are looking good. 

When I turned 50, we were living in a beautiful house, had enough money so we didn’t have to worry, my husband had a lucrative business and we had raised three children who were on their own life paths.  Then the bottom fell out.  

The economy took a dive and just like Job from the Bible, we lost it all.  Within a year we filed for bankruptcy, went through foreclosure and everything looked hopeless. Those we considered loyal, soon deserted the ship, but there were many that stood with us.

At that low point, we turned to the One who has sustained us for all our lives together.  God blessed us during that difficult time.  Through what seemed insurmountable odds, we both continued to pray, pull up our bootstraps and rebuild.  We discovered that we could make a living doing the things we loved, but we weren’t afraid to do some difficult jobs to get back on our feet.

Struggles at any age are tough, but when God is with you, they become bearable.  There is a purpose for all things and when you realize that all the yuck in life is there to strengthen your relationship with Him, you can overcome even the most difficult battles.  

Trust in the Lord always and lean not on your own understanding.

Posted in Christian devotion, encouragment, God | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

HOW ABOUT US OLD FOGEYS

Old_age

Yesterday I talked about how important it is for kids to know their value.  The same is true for us old fogeys. Somewhere in middle age we become so busy building a life we forget that.  When we’re on the outer edges of life  we tend to lose faith in our abilities.

Life can be overwhelming when you’re going from one stage to another.  The same is true for us seniors as we see our lives melting away, our strength being sapped and our dependence on others growing.  Heaven looks pretty good to most of us.   I guess even kids who grow up in Christian families with strong Christian values sometimes find this world a tough place to live in and the emphasis placed on Heaven can make the thought of being there even more enticing.

The devil wants us to believe that we’re worthless – that either we aren’t capable of a good life or we’ve worn out our usefulness in it.  He also wants us to believe that death is the only answer and if we end our lives we will have eternal bliss.  This is one of Satan’s biggest lies and it destroys lives every day.

Our lives have purpose no matter what our age.  Young and old alike still have a lot to do.  We need to work together to accomplish them.  The young can bring enthusiasm to their elders – they can help them with the physical things they can’t do anymore.  The elderly can give back some of their knowledge and wisdom though mentoring – they can advise on career paths – they can encourage their younger counterparts by helping them realize their potential and worth.

There’s so much work yet to be done in this world.  It  may seem that evil is well on its way to overtaking the good, but God is more powerful than anything the world has to dish out.  He is our fortress, our strength and our protector.  Put your faith in Him – not in yourself – not in the ways of this world.  If you walk in His ways, He will give you a life with abundant joy.  What is to come in heaven is the ultimate bonus – not an excuse for us to walk away from what God has planned for us.

Posted in aging, God, Religion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

NOTE TO TWEENS, TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS

inspirational-dr-seuss-quote-self-esteem

I’ve spent many years instructing young people and even though our world has drastically changed over the years – the basic fears, hopes, dreams and self-esteem of our kids hasn’t.

When you go from child to teen you’re entering a totally new world – one that expects you to  look a certain way; wear clothes that fit the mold; feel a specific way.  In addition, you have so many changes going on in your physical self.  Your body is going through a  metamorphous.  Your face breaks out – your voice changes – your body is growing- your emotions are on a constant roller coaster ride – you try to fit in and follow peer pressure.  To top that off, you’re living in a world filled with violence, inhumanity, wars, hatred and confusion and the push for success is immense.

You’re told to act your age, but you still enjoy doing childish things. Your parents want you to make decisions you aren’t prepared to make.  You begin to question the world – your friends – your parents – your religion.

This is the time in your life that you need something to trust in – someone to depend on – someone to take care of  you.

God has created you for a purpose.  You weren’t an accident.  God doesn’t make mistakes.  You’re His creation and you’re a masterpiece.  Take a look at what you are in His eyes.  He loves you with a love you will never experience in this world.  He wants you to come to Him when you are lost, hopeless, desperate.  He’ll never give up on you.  If you make mistakes, He’s always waiting to forgive you. He doesn’t want you to worry.  He loves everything about you – even your faults.

Invite Him to sit in your desk with you.  Make Him your BFF as you walk this new path.  With Him, all things are possible – especially YOU!

Posted in christianity, God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

ETERNAL GLORY

  
I am outwardly wasting away.  It’s also known as growing old.  My body sags, my skin has become withered, my senses are duller and so is my memory.  I find myself going from one room to another with purpose, only to forget what it was.  Aging is a necessary part of the natural process of living, but it doesn’t have to be debilitating.  

God wants us to live abundantly. That’s why He works within us every day – nourishing us with the power of His Spirit – protecting us with knowledge that comes from His Word – giving us challenges which grow our faith and dependence on Him.  Through this time of grace we not only have the opportunity to grow closer to God, but we can share His amazing love with others.

Our road to heaven isn’t paved with our good works, but with the precious victory won by Christ for us.  Our reward of eternal life is not dependent on anything we do.  It’s a free gift bestowed on us by the One who created us.

Eternal life is waiting – it doesn’t cost a cent – it’s God’s love personified through His only Son. Our dying bodies can look forward to renewal, restoration and refreshment on the other side of the grave.  Life goes on with great abundance.

Posted in aging, christian daily devotions, God | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

SANCTUARY

  
Today, before church, I spoke with a woman whose husband will undergo chemotherapy … again.  I listened as a man told of his wife’s recent surgery and the difficulties she encountered in her recovery.  During the service we prayed for a family that just lost a loved one. Little children with inquiring, hungry little minds sat at the altar to hear God’s message to them.  We shared the Sacrament of the Lord’s supper.  We sang hymns of praise and thanksgiving, heard God’s Word preached in truth and purity.  We joined in prayer for our country, for our leaders, our families and our own personal needs.  

The joy of attending church each Sunday comes from so many things.  It can be the comforting words from the pulpit or the compassion for a friend in need.  It can be a firm handshake or hug from someone you haven’t seen for a while.  It can be a time of reflection, repentance and forgiveness.  Most of all, it’s time well spent, with the King of Creation.

God’s home is open to all who seek sanctuary in His loving arms.

Posted in Christian devotions, Faith, God | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on SANCTUARY

YOU CAN’T HIDE

thQPKHWSXX

Have you ever felt like closing out the world and living in isolation for the rest of your life?  I’ve had days like that, especially when I’m fighting a cold and the usual aches and pains of age.  Our world can be an ugly place and we’re enveloped in it.  We see it on our streets.  We experience disrespect in the workplace.  We struggle to make ends meet.  We turn on the news or read  a newspaper and suddenly the raw truth of what our society has become is a brutal reality.  Wouldn’t it be nice to just run away and hide?

That was always my Modus operandi when I was a child.  I would hide in my closet – in the shelter of aloneness.  Somehow that little space became a refuge.  I could shut out the things I didn’t want to face into.  It was quiet, dark and instead of a jail cell, it was where I could think things through and maybe come out a little better.  As I grew older, it became easier to go for a walk or visit someone who was totally detached.  As an adult, my refuge often included trying to laugh it off or hide under the mask of silence.

We all have our ways of handling life, but I’ve found in my many years of living, that there is no place to hide when it comes to God.  He hems us in from every side.  He knows our comings and goings.  He’s aware of our secret thoughts.  This could be frightening, but as you become more and more aware of God’s involvement in your life, you realize that it’s  unconditional love.

Sure, trials will come our way.  God allows them, to bring us in a closer more intimate relationship with Him.  So when you feel like the world is closing in on you, don’t run away from it – run to the One who loves you so much that He gave His only Son to carry all your sins to the cross.  What a friend we have in Jesus.

Posted in God, Jesus, Religion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

BOUND FOR A NEW WORLD

  
There were 102 on board the small sailing vessel. Half of them, tired of the corruption in the Church of England, bound for a new life where they could worship as they pleased; half eager to invest time and money into a fledgling country. Each had no idea what was in store for them, but they pursued their dreams with determination, courage and hope. On September 15, 1620, the Mayflower set sail for Virginia, but was blown off course and wound up in what is today Massachusetts.

Our country has changed tremendously over the past 400 years, but many of the core values still exist. Sometimes it may seem that we have come full circle and should start looking for a new place to settle – a place without corruption – a community where we can begin again – a new Eden where God is still alive and active in the lives of His people.

We tend to think, in light of current events, that there aren’t many believers left. On the outside, our world is a nasty place, but there are still those who love God. This rekindles the same kind of hope, determination and courage these early pilgrims had to push them forward.

I believe that God is very much alive and available to us wherever we travel in life. When the world is crumbling around us, we can depend on Him to carry us over the rough seas of life. All we have to do is believe in Him. It’s so simple and yet so very difficult for some.

Lord, help us realize that you are the Captain of our journey through life. You’re at the wheel and in control – guiding us, protecting us, refining us and leading us to our final destination. Give us the assurance that our pilgrimage here on earth is temporary and that we can look forward to an eternity in your paradise. Amen!

Posted in America, Chrisian daily devotions, courage, God | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

PERSECUTION – IS IT EVER A GOOD THING?

th5QV7CPW9

We see the headlines every day – beheadings, dissection of human limbs from living bodies  – a disgusting display of hatred upon one group of people because of their beliefs.  Persecution is nothing new.  It’s man’s way of showing disdain for other human beings and accompanying their acts with words of justification because of their own distorted view of life.  People try, many times in vain, to escape such persecution by fleeing their surroundings only to meet death along the way, or rejection from the country they’re fleeing too.

Romans 8:28 says,

 “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.”

How can any good come from such ugliness?  How can we find purpose in such misery?  How can a merciful God use people in situations like this as an impetus for good?

All of these are legitimate questions that we may never understand on this side of eternity, but God has used situations like this throughout history to bring His people closer to Him and to help spread His wonderful message of eternal life to all the world. He didn’t create the mess – we did.

We sit in front of our television sets and become enraged when we hear what’s going on in other parts of the world, but persecution is happening right in our own communities and we’ve almost blinded ourselves to it.  This is America – the land of the free – where all can worship as they choose, but is it?  Our rights as Christians are being undermined insidiously by the prince of darkness.  Worldly views have infiltrated our walls and God is being mocked daily.  It won’t be long before persecution here is on the same level as it is in other countries.

However, in the verse above, God assures us that all things have a purpose under God. Persecution in the early church, as well as persecution today, can be used as a vehicle for spreading the Gospel of Jesus, Christ.

Lord, help us remember that you created the universe.  You have a finger on the pulse of the world.  Evil is a result of man’s disobedience and the fall into sin, but you even turned that into an act of incomprehensible love, by sending your own Son to wash our sin away. Amen!

Posted in God, peace, Religion | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

TROUBLE

Some folks think that becoming a Christian means gaining complete freedom from all our troubles. Not true! In fact, God never promised any of us a rose garden. Well, He gave us a perfect garden, but that was quickly lost when man thought He was smarter than God.
We are going to have difficulty in our lives until we pass into eternity. However, our troubles here on earth don’t have to overwhelm us and send us into a deep depression. Some “Christians” believe that if you have trouble in your life it is because of something you’ve done to put yourself out of favor with God.
God’s mercy is beyond our wisdom. He has placed these trials in our lives to make us stronger and yet completely dependent on Him for help.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Thank you, Lord, for daily strengthening me with your truth. May your gift of peace give me hope to endure each day.

Posted in christianity, falth, God | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

SHED BLOOD

Crimson stains the sand. People running, hiding, covering themselves and others,

Fear ensues, then pain, followed by anger and rage,

Faces and heads shrouded in black, too cowardly to show themselves,

Thoughts of waging a righteous war against those who don’t believe as they do,

Brainwashed into thinking they are doing this for their god.

Misdirected, searching, groping for something to believe in – something to hang on to,

Do they find peace in causing others pain or in ending lives?

Where is the righteousness?

Blood flows from a beaten, smitten corpse, hanging on an instrument of torture,

This One not taking life, but giving it through His precious blood.

That is true righteousness, bought and paid for the ugliest of us.

Refreshing, cleansing rain falls softly on an eager earth,

Thirsting for relief and longing for renewal and rebirth.

The tears of God bring respite for the dying soul,

He gave His only Son to fill a gaping hole,

The hole that widens every day,

When we forget to turn to Him and pray,

As branches dance and lightening fills the air,

Thoughts turn to Him, who takes away each care.

We see the need for God’s power to inspire us once again,

To cleanse our hearts and wash souls in His refreshing rain.

KATHY BOECHER©

Posted in God, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on SHED BLOOD

THIS DAY IN 1492

   
Today you don’t hear much about Christopher Columbus other than it being another time for retailers to draw in business.  This explorer, like many before and since, have had their life’s work corrupted over time.

In 1492, much of the world had been seized by the Ottomann Empire. They had control of most of the seas’ trade routes.  Not only did they have a lucrative slave trade, but they pirated ships which carried goods to various markets in the world.  It was because of this that different routes had to be explored.

Over time, the discovery of a new part of the world has taken on a new look.  This expedition has led people to believe that greed was the motivating factor.  Perhaps it was.  Any native cultures were destroyed by disease, starvation or murder as the intruders invaded the new world.  On the other hand, the once nomadic people were introduced to the horse and many new foods that would become sustenance for them.

When man sets out to discover something there I’ll always be hurdles to cross.  There will always be the naysayers and critics,but without exploration there is no discovery.  Man will always look for ways to improve their lives by searching for better ways, but we must always hold the Creator of life with the highest regard.  With Him, everything is new.

Posted in America, Christian daily devotion, Dreams, Encouragement, ENDURING LOVE, Faith, goals, God | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on THIS DAY IN 1492

Do You Know Your Hymns ?

I got a good chuckle over this one!

morningstoryanddilbert's avatarMorning Story and Dilbert

Morning Story and Dilbert Vintage Dilbert
October 9, 2010

 

Lord give me a sense of humor and give me the grace to see a joke to get some humor out of life

The Dentist’s HymnCrown Him with Many Crowns

The Weatherman’s HymnThere Shall be Showers of Blessings

The Contractor’s HymnThe church is One foundation

The Tailor’s HymnHoly, Holy, Holy

The Golfer’s HymnThere is a Green Hill Far Away

The Politician’s HymnStanding on the Promises

The Optometrist’s HymnOpen My Eyes That I May See

The IRS Agent’s HymnI Surrender All

The Gossip’s HymnPass it On

The Shopper’s HymnSweet Bye and Bye

The Realtor’s HymnI’ve Got a Mansion Just Over the Hilltop

The Massage TherapistsHymn He Touched Me

The Doctor’s HymnThe Great Physician

And for those who speed on the highway – a few Hymns

45mph  God Will Take…

View original post 44 more words

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

HAPPY SATURDAY

  
A day of rest for some.  A day of hard work for others.  Whatever lies ahead for you today, in all things, give thanks.  Each day is one more opportunity to serve Him – to share His wonderful message of salvation – to bring comfort to someone – to let your light shine – to praise, honor and love God.

Posted in aging, Christian devotions, God | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

GUILT

th0R8FPG1L

Guilt can be defined as a feeling of remorse of something we have done intentionally or not.  It can also be a negative feeling that eats away at us, because we don’t see a way out.  We’ve all experienced it at one time or another.  We don’t like the feeling.  It causes us to be sad, embarrassed, weak and ashamed.  If we let it, guilt will take away our confidence, our hope, our desire for improvement and our faith.

The devil uses this to pull us away from God.  He makes us think we’re unworthy of forgiveness – which is a half truth.  By our own doing, we aren’t worthy.  The more guilt we pour on ourselves or allow the devil to convince us of, the more we feel useless and hopeless.

God provides an answer for us.  He has given us an out for our guilt.  He sent His own Son to carry our ugliness – our shame – our sin to the cross and bury it there.  Because of that sacrifice we are guiltless in God’s sight.  Our sin has been forgiven once and for all.

What a gift!  We don’t deserve this unconditional love, but the God of Creation thinks we do.  He loves us in spite of our guilt.

Dear God, I know that I have sinned and will continue to sin until you take me home to paradise, but I also know that you’ve ransomed me.  Help me now, to turn to you in times of struggle and pain.  Help me to know that I have been forgiven and that my guilt no longer has to haunt me.  Give me the courage to fight the insidious lies of the devil.  Grant me your peace.  Amen!

Posted in Christian daily devotion, God | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

THE FACEBOOK YOU VS. THE REAL YOU

funny-cat-facebook-profile-pic-real-you-fb-you

There is a lot to be said for photo shop and learning how to edit pictures to make the best possible image.  You can crop out all the bad stuff and come up with a pretty good profile picture.  You can focus in on the things you want and eliminate the junk behind it.  You can even add things to make it look like your world is much better than it really is.

Wouldn’t it be nice if that were true in the “real” world – if you could erase all the blemishes and wrinkles in the blink of an eye, drop 50 pounds, pump up you muscles, live in luxurious surroundings, eat sumptuous food, have the perfect family, run every marathon and  make yourself into a super hero just like that?  The only trouble is, you will be discovered soon enough and all the flaws and imperfections come blaring out like the reflection you see in the mirror each day.

Sin is like that. We can try to cover it up with good works.  Many say it doesn’t exist and ignore it.  We may hide under the guise of the church to become respectable.  We can go to extremes behaving like something we’re not, but eventually sin reveals itself and the ugliness convicts us.  We can’t fool the One who sees deeply into our hearts.

When you trust that Jesus has already paid for the ugliness of sin, you can be assured that it’s no longer visible to God.  That doesn’t mean we won’t sin again.  It simply shows how much we must rely on Him to make us right.  His perfection has made us perfect and given us new life.  Now, because of our gratitude, we can come to the throne of God way better than Facebook perfect.

Posted in forgiveness, God, Jesus, Religion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

  
Too bad we often wait that long.  He’s always with us.  All we need is to go to Him.

Posted in Christian devotions, Faith, God | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

YOU ARE SPECIAL

76dd51d458dce9526befd81a91833086

If you feel that your role in life isn’t important – if you struggle daily with thoughts of failure – if you believe that whatever you do, it isn’t going to be enough – it’s time to put your confidence in something other than yourself. Some turn to self-help books.  Others think they can hide their feelings of inferiority by putting on a mask to cover up their shortcomings.  Some turn to drugs or alcohol to deaden the pain.  Many simply give up.  There are also those who do not lack self confidence, but still struggle because they are trying too hard to find the answers all by themselves.  That’s precisely the time we need God’s encouragement the most.

We’ll never be able to please all the people in our lives.  We won’t always be successful in our work.  We may feel left out or lonely at times, but there is One who loves us despite our failures – our brokenness – our insecurities.  He’s the One who created us. He also had a plan for our lives mapped out in advance of our birth. He formed each and every intricate part of us before we were ever born.  He crafted each cell, each nerve, each drop of blood. I would say that’s a masterpiece.

If you’re feeling insignificant today – read Psalm 139.  It not only praises God for His handiwork, it shows the intimate relationship David had with his Creator.  This is true for us as well.

You don’t have to take courses in self-improvement or take pride in yourself and your accomplishments.  You don’t have to live by the accolades of others.  The true secret to success lies in the fact that you’re a unique creation of the God of the Universe.  He loves you – and so should you.  Use the gifts He has given you.  When we put the focus on Him instead of ourselves, we’ve got it made.

Posted in depression, God, Jesus, Religion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

DO SOMETHING NICE

thGS3T9C5N

It seems there’s a holiday for just about everything.  Today is “do something nice day.”  We shouldn’t have to set just one day aside for that purpose.  It should be part of our commitment as we walk our daily walk as Christians.

Doing good deeds are the result of God’s work in us – not in or of ourselves.  As we become part of His family and the Holy Spirit enters our hearts through baptism, (a free gift, by the way) He also gives us the gift of doing things out of gratitude for what he’s done for us.

We’re in no way responsible for the good things we do.  We’re naturally sinful and remain so until our entrance into heaven, but when the Spirit lives in us, we’re capable of shedding our selfish nature and doing good for others.  We’re able to become mirror images of our Savior in living lives of service to our God and our fellow man.

Our faith depends on our free will, repentance and God’s forgiveness.  Our good works depends only on God’s love for us.

Posted in christianity, God, New life | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on DO SOMETHING NICE

WHERE IS THE HOPE?

a24dccad56c705e61314b12c0e67a605

I’ve gotten over my anger of yesterday, regarding everything that’s going on in our insane world and yet even with all the turmoil there is peace in the midst of it.

I know there’s nothing I can personally do to change things, but I feel there’s a real need for a return to our Godly principles in this country.  America was once a strong, Christian nation with a hard work ethic, deep dedication to God and country, the ability to overcome our enemies and to defend her with all our might.

Most of the enemies of God’s chosen people were physically stronger.  The odds may have seemed insurmountable.  We often see men of great courage rise out of the simplest circumstances and overcome their enemies.

We’re living in troubling times, but we don’t have to fear the outcome if we realize who is in control of every second, minute, hour and day of our existence.  We, as a country, need to return to the One True God.   We need to trust in His unfailing love and compassion for us.  When we become complacent about a world gone mad, we’re giving in to the great deceiver.

Churches need to be strong too.  We can’t be wishy washy in our doctrine just to satisfy the “feel good” hunger of the world.  The word “sin” must be reintroduced so that difference between right and wrong is clear again.  There are too many that don’t believe in the sanctity of God’s Word and the truth contained in it.  They pick and choose what they want to believe.

Lord, as we live each day, help us to focus on YOU and the promises you’ve made to deliver us from evil.  Give us peace in knowing that you’ve got it all under control and it will be for our good when we are simply quiet and let you take care of it.  We need you today more than ever.  In Jesus name, restore our land. Amen!

Posted in God, patriotism, Religion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

BITING MY TONGUE … AGAIN

th61QR1O0S

I know I’m going to regret writing this, but there is no doubt where I stand with our current administration and it’s difficult to be quiet when our nation is sliding deeply into the toilet.

Our world standing as a great nation has been trounced upon by Russia.  The waters are being tested as to our response.  A lone gunman releases shots into a crowd and kills several people and the gun is blamed for the crime – not the shooter.  A new age of racism has arisen, but this time it’s reversed.  Political correctness is on the table ad nauseam.  Our borders remain unchecked.  Body parts are being harvested from aborted fetuses.  What’s going on?  Has the devil been unleashed for his one last chance?

Where have our American values gone?  Where are the guts of this once revered nation?  Every day we’re shocked and amazed by the decay of morality – the heartlessness and numbness of conscience – the slow decline of Christianity – the reliance and gratification of self.  Yes, we’re shocked, but what are we doing about it?

Christians need to wake up and start taking action against the darkness that’s consuming our once great nation.  We need to defend her as our forefathers did.  We must once again be proud of her and stand strong for our principles and beliefs.  There are countless groups marching in protest in this country.  It’s time we become a voice for Christ again.

There!  That’s off my chest.  Thanks for letting me vent..

 

Posted in christian daily devotions, politics, Religion | Tagged , , , , , , | 12 Comments