Originally posted on 8/13/14
When fears and worries are so real,
We sometimes wonder why we feel,
The pangs of deep depression.The weight’s extreme – we lose all hope,
Our hearts grow sad – for strength we grope,
To lighten this progression.We look within and try to cope
There are no answers in our scope
It now becomes oppression.We try so hard to rise above,
We search in vain for any love.
To deal with this obsession.We cannot do it on our own,
We need one advocate alone,
To bring our full confession.God takes our hand and leads us out,
Relieves our pain – our fear – our doubt.
He is our best possession.God’s love is great – it sees us through
When there is nothing we can do.
Our words hold no expression.He lifts us from the pit of death.
He died for us to give us breath.
He paid for our transgression.KATHY BOECHER©
LIFE SAVER
AMERICA IS BROKEN
Acts of civil violence, leadership that has taken away the voice of the people, city streets full of anger and hatred, an anything goes society, loss of spiritual involvement by the citizens, a people that has lost sight of God, a nation of sexual perversion – a society that condones the death of the unborn. It sounds like the days before the fall of Rome. As most of you know, this is America today.
I love this country. I grew up placing my hand over my heart to pledge allegiance to her. I stood up in honor of her flag. I remember a time when everyone loved her but things have changed so much in just one lifetime.
I’ve seen many fall away from the practice of worshipping in God’s house. I’ve seen that even in the church there is division and tension. I’ve experienced the hatred of black against white – white against black, bubbling to the point of eruption and the race riots of the 60s. I’ve watched as 13 presidents since 1942 have done their best to get things back on track. Instead each of their governing left a lot to be desired and none could control the insurgence of evil which has descended on this God endowed country.
We need to get back to the business of a democracy. We’re supposed to be a self-governing country. We’re the boss. Our elected officials are OUR employees. They work for US. Somehow that’s been forgotten along with the absence of God as the ultimate leader. If we allow our country to be taken over by people that are only out for themselves, we need to fire them.
There has to be a stop to the upside down approach to morality as well. Even though our nation is diverse and getting more so all the time, it’s time to work together to build a great America again.
Dear, Almighty, God, only you can change hearts. You have shown throughout history, that there is redemption and restoration in your name. I call on you to heal our nation. You are our only answer. Amen!
WHAT DAY IS IT TODAY?
Today is national town criers day. Now that’s an occupation you don’t hear much about these days. In olden times a town crier was the only source of information to the community. Things have changed radically with the invention of the printing press. Think of those poor unemployed town criers. Talk about disgruntled workers. These guys were wiped out in just a blink of an eye. I wonder if they had unemployment benefits or pension plans. Maybe they just went to the Town Criers Old Folks Home and are currently playing shuffleboard.
Today is also National Gruntled Workers Day. The town crier may have been eliminated, as many other careers have been taken over by electronics, and this of course created a lot of disgruntled workers. So someone thought it might be a great idea to celebrate the gruntled workers. I’m not sure what gruntled is, but it must be the opposite of disgruntled. These would undoubtedly be those who love their jobs, are devoted to their careers and don’t complain about anything. I’m assuming these folks are none other than the Geeks out there, since they seem to be the only ones with gainful employment. I suppose that’s why today is also National Embrace Your Geekness Day.
Everything these days is run by computer technology. Some of us are the underlings who spend hours on our PCs but aren’t really well versed in all the terminology or use them to their maximum potential. We are called nerds. To be considered a Geek, you must base your entire life around technology. Not only do you know the lingo, you have a job that excites you and is a necessary evil. Just think – someday National Embrace Your Geekness day will be obsolete!
If none of the above applies to you, go to McDonald’s and order ten super size French fries, because today is also National French Fries day. Of course you’ll have to sneak by Michelle Obama and her food police.
So Happy National Town Criers, Gruntled Workers, Embrace Your Geekness and French Fries Day. Isn’t it great to live in America?
STAY THE COURSE
This past week we had visitors from Utah, Oklahoma and Wisconsin – cousins I’ve not seen in over 30 years. We’ve all become older, and the hair that remains has turned gray. A few laugh lines have appeared (in my case an entire road map lines,) but memories of times past were readily available.
My cousin, Mike, was competing in the National Senior Games held here in Minneapolis this year. The event consists of games of badminton, cycling, swimming, cross country, pickle ball and much more. There was a man of 102 who participated in the bowling event. My cousin, in his late 60s, did a triathlon, several runs and biked. I’m so proud of him.
When we test ourselves to the limit, there can be obstacles, but when we finish the race there’s always a prize – a feeling of accomplishment if nothing else. We need to set goals, push on, move forward.
As far as our spiritual growth is concerned, we’re in a race towards our heavenly home. We can condition ourselves, by getting deeper and deeper into God’s Word. We can arm ourselves with His power. We can reach heights we never dreamed of as long as we keep our eyes on the cross and the love that spilled from it for all humanity. This is a race that brings a medal more precious than gold. Our trophy is not for our achievements, but for what Jesus did for us. What a prize!
My cousin inspired me so much that I’ve decided to participate in the games next year – that is if there is a quarter mile event for slow walking. No matter what, I know that even though I’m still pushing my way through my life, the best is yet to come.
SHOVEL READY
Being shovel ready has a lot of connotations today, but here’s one I’d like you think about. Our job as Christians demands that we dig in to the Word of God for knowledge on how to pray – how to relate to others – how to serve God – how to live – morality – business dealings, and much more. I once heard someone say we should ransack the scriptures. To ransack means to tear it apart and search diligently until you find what you’re looking for.
I attended Christian schools, but I never really digested the meat that lay within the Bible’s pages, but the more you get into it, the more you want of it. It’s like a thirst that longs for refreshment and the only satisfaction comes from the words God breathed into the pens of men. I think it comes from years of experiencing life and the ups and downs that get in the way of our Christian walk. As time went by, I really began to dig into the Word. It isn’t just a book of fairy tales and myths. It’s filled with things that can change your attitude, your ability to go on in difficult times, a handbook for life – plus it’s a direct communication with God Himself.
What a blessing to open that book and rummage through it – highlight certain passages – study it. It has withstood the sands of time. It remains a best seller and you can even get an app for your Ipad. An entire banquet waits for those who open it and inwardly digest it.
” Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
FAMILY ROAD TRIPS
Gone are the days when we’d pack three children, a dog and half our worldly belongings into the car and take off for a family vacation. Oh the joys of the open road – where you can leave all your troubles behind and just enjoy the blessings of God’s creation . . . well almost.
Our early Christmases were often spent driving from Minneapolis to Milwaukee during a blizzard and icy road conditions. We’d pack up the playpen, (one of those devices that would now be considered child abuse,) Christmas presents (often homemade) and enough snacks to satisfy everyone for the 5-6 hour trip.
Our first camping excursion taught us how to put up a tent, build a fire, cook over it and wash dishes in the open air. I’d never been camping in my life, but my husband – and avid outdoorsman – loved it and wanted his children to experience the rich rewards. The tent was set up, car unloaded, we ate under the tall pines and it was lovely – until a tornado came spinning through our campground in the middle of the night.
The children were fast asleep when the tent started to sway in the wind. My husband scurried outside in his underwear to secure our habitat to a tree, as I held it up from within, with water dripping down into my armpits. The kids slept through the entire thing.
Family time together can make for some wonderful memories. Through those times, we had an opportunity to learn more about each a chance to enjoy each others’ company, but as for me, I much preferred doing it in a Holiday Inn.
Time you spend together is never wasted. BTW, this was before smart phones and other electronics. “Never leave your children to their own devices,” a quote from my husband.
AGE = A STATE OF MIND
Fairy tales can come true – it can happen to you, if you’re young at heart … Old, blue eyes, Frank Sinatra made that dream seem possible when he released “Young at Heart” in 1963. It was the same year that Camelot fell and President Kennedy was assassinated. I was only 21 and just at the beginning of my life’s adventure. In less than a year I would marry my Prince Charming and live happily ever after. I didn’t have a clue how that one event would change the country I love forever.
Youth is really over rated. Those early years are filled with all kinds of new ideas, hopes and dreams. It takes years of time, struggle, building, breaking, rebuilding and the love of God to become mature. By the time you’ve reached the golden years, you’re not only falling apart, the world assumes you’re too old to contribute much of anything.
I suppose, if Washington has its way, anyone over 70 will soon be on the endangered list.
One thing I’ve learned in my life is that we can’t change God’s plan for our life. We can try to alter it in some way, but He’s in control. To many that doesn’t seem right. We should be masters of our own domain, right? To those of us who have chosen to put our lives in God’s hands, it is not only a comfort, but the best possible place we could be. Knowing this, we can be confident of eternal life — a life that will never fall apart, ache, suffer or be sad – a perfect life that will last forever. This is the best part. We have a head start if we are among the very young at heart. Jesus made that possible!
HEAL OUR LAND – HEAL US!
Over the past weekend, I thought about what it took to establish this great nation. Within its short history, we’ve seen a steady decline in morality, a lack of trust in God and a change in attitudes towards a government that was built through the blood, sweat and tears of its inhabitants. In my lifetime alone, there has been a shift in patriotism that I never thought would happen.
I remember waving the American flag proudly as a child. Now there’s a flag for everything imaginable flying in the hearts of men. I remember, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day. I remember a country that never would’ve approved of the taking of unborn lives – disrespect God’s institution of marriage – dishonor the flag – turn wrong into right and show disdain to those who protect us.
Our world has turned upside down. If we look at history, we can see why nations fall. As soon as the One true God is left out of the equation, the results can be disastrous.
We replace God with our own reason – our own lusts and sins – and we crumble. When we choose to follow the world instead of the One who created it, we’re on the road to destruction.
Every week at church we pray for our nation and its governing officials, because government was instituted by God, but when our government is endorsing things that are completely against what our Bible tells us, we must stand for what we believe.
As Christians, we cannot judge others or their beliefs. All we can do is to approach them in love and continue to pray for them and ourselves, because we are all equally guilty of spitting on Jesus. God has promised to give us the victory without any intervention from us. It’s time to return to our country’s motto – In God We Trust!
AMERICA
Samuel Francis Smith wrote the lyrics to “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” in 1831, only 55 years after the Declaration of Independence had been signed. Marian Anderson performed the song at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939. Martin Luther King, Jr. recited the first verse of the song toward the end of his famous, “I Have A Dream” speech at the same location, on August 28, 1963. Crosby, Stills & Nash performed the song on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show, following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The song has raised a patriotic fervor whenever sung. Maybe we should start singing it at the beginning of every day. The words continue to instill hope when we realize that God is really the founder of our nation. His miraculous intervention with the events leading up to our independence were apparent, as a ragtag army of everyday men went up against the most powerful nation in the world.
That small group grew into a great nation itself, and though it has problems of its own, it remains the best country, where freedom continues to ring.
My country, ’tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty,Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From ev’ry mountainside Let freedom ring!
Our fathers’ God to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright,With freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR
When I visited New York several years ago, there were cows everywhere. I ‘m not referring to herds of them running through the streets. Artists had painted these whimsical creatures to highlight some of the landmarks. My sister and I took photos standing in front of them, (before selfies) but I lost my camera so never had a chance to see them.
We place a lot of stock (not talking about cows here) in some of our famous landmarks here in the USA. The Golden Gate Bridge, the Paul Bunyan statue, the monuments in Washington, DC, Mt. Rushmore, but they’re just monuments to the achievements of some, for the glorification of others and for destination spots for travelers.
The Statue of Liberty is one of those colossal monuments. It sits in the harbor welcoming newcomers to our country. She has been there since 1886 and was a gift to our country from France. The plaque at the base contains the words of Emma Lazarus and have served as a greeting to immigrants as they journey to Ellis Island. This man made structure is just that – man made.
Like all sculptures, exposed to the elements, they eventually needs repair or reconstruction, kind of like us. Our rebuilding takes place on the inside.
When we place our trust in God, He will constantly repair and rebuild us. Our human nature will lead us to believing the lies of this world, but He will keep us on the road to heaven if we let him. He’s given us the promise of an open door to His kingdom – a place where we will never grow weary, feel pain, experience sorrow. All sinners – the wretched masses yearning to be free – will know the glory of God.
MAY GOD ONCE MORE BLESS AMERICA!
WE THE PEOPLE …
Please forgive my reposting this post from 4-3-14. My garden is keeping me busy so I’m cheating and using an old one. It’s still pertinent in light of all thEchaos in our country.
I am very concerned about the state of our nation.
The ones suffering are not the Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians or the Tea party. The American people are being held captive by a government that has forgotten all about the constitution and the running of the business of government and I’m not referring to any political party.
People are fearful of losing their jobs, rising costs and loss of insurance benefits. It is becoming necessary for more and more people to rely on government entitlements. Our president once rightly stated that the government is the largest employer in the nation. That is a scary thought. Will the day come when we are all employed by the government? Shades of the novel,“1984.” In fact, George Orwell, the writer of that novel said, “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”
The rift between parties is dividing those parties as well as the people they serve. Could this lead to another Civil War or rebellion of some sort? I hope not, but when you look at what’s happening, you can’t help wondering.
We have lost faith in our executive, legislative and judicial branches which were designed to keep things running smoothly. Our elected officials seem to have forgotten that they are working for the American people and not for themselves or special interest groups. I consider myself a conservative Christian, but there isn’t room for conservative views in today’s world. There doesn’t seem to be room for Christian views either.
So what’s the answer to this terrible mess? Maybe it’s time for us to make room for those values again. We should stand up for what we believe in and voice our opinions instead of trying to be politically correct. We can begin to work as a united group of Americans rather than individuals with personal agendas. Maybe as the employers of the branches of government, we should fire all of them and start over. Unfortunately that would be unconstitutional so we have to depend on the one right we still have – the right to vote for people to take their places.
When we follow the precepts of the Bible, governments will be blessed by God. He is the one who established government. As His children we should respect our government, but we don’t have to sit idly by while it falls apart.
When we stray from Him, we are setting ourselves up for disaster and defeat. Unfortunately our society has gone way beyond God’s plan for our lives. We have become selfish, rude, immoral, greedy, impatient, thoughtless, dependent, needy, etc. etc. etc.
I know that God is in control of our future. He will protect those who love and believe in His teachings. Our country and our beliefs are worth fighting for. Too much blood has been shed in defense of her. To stand by and do nothing is tantamount to ignoring those who sacrificed their lives for her.
OLD GLORY
I am proud to be an American!
GOD IS NEAR
Originally posted 3-11-15
I need to be wrapped in the protection of God’s holy wings.
Each pinion gently lays over me – cuddling and nurturing.
The softness and strength are overwhelming.
He breathes His presence upon me and gives me life.
He speaks and I am comforted.
His touch is gentle yet full of power and strength.
His steadfastness feeds me – nourishes my soul – guards me from all evil.
His love for me is unfailing. A love so great that it’s indescribable.
His tenderness is equal to His might.
I will never be alone as long as He is with me.
Be in my heart – my mind – my understanding.
Be with me in life so that I will know you fully when I meet you after death.
KATHY BOECHER©
CHIEF OF SINNERS
I’m tired. I need to be renewed. My strength is waning. The world is making me faint. I feel I can’t take another step. Then I realize that I can’t take a single step forward until I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I could stand in judgment of all the ugliness occurring in the world today, but I’m just as guilty for the state that it’s in as anyone else.
We’ve all sinned. We’ve fallen short of God’s expectations. We shouldn’t be surprised by the events of the last week. We shouldn’t sit back and say the world as we know it is doomed to the same destruction that befell Sodom and Gomorrah. As with every generation from the beginning, we have all been marked with the darkness of sin. It’s part of our DNA.
Sin is sin, no matter how great or small. If it weren’t for the grace of God, each inhabitant of this earth would be facing an eternity in hell. There is not one thing we can do to change that. God is the only one who changes hearts. He alone is the master of our life and eternity.
When Jesus said, “Let those without sin, cast the first stone,” He was referring to all of us. I have to repent every day for the wrongs I’ve committed. I can’t begin to itemize them, because I sin without even realizing it. God promised a way out for sinners. That way – the only way to be clean in God’s sight – purified of every dark blot – is Jesus, Christ. Once forgiven, it’s our obligation to invite others to this knowledge.
We can’t hide in the walls of our churches or the safety of our own homes. We need to be warriors for Christ. It’s time to bring the Gospel to a sin driven world and restore what belongs to God.
Dear, God, heal our nation!
BLOOD SHED – SHED BLOOD
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 own precious blood.
That is righteousness, bought and paid for the ugliest of us.
KATHY BOECHER©
HOW DO WE AVOID THEM?
The world has been evil since the first act of disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Every generation since has become imbedded with Satan and his minions and become more and more corrupt and degenerated. I don’t like being the gloom and doomer, professing the coming of the end of the world, but it sure looks like it’s upon us when you read the verses in 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
We are given key events leading to the end of days, but we are told that we won’t know the time the Lord will return. He’ll come as a thief in the night – in the moment we least expect him. It isn’t for us to know, it’s for us to be prepared.
With all the changes in our country’s moral fiber, governmental interference, media misinformation and just plain sin and lazy Christians, we are on the same road most civilizations experience before they go into decline. We need to wake up!
How do we fix it? We pray – we try to use the remaining time bringing the good news of Jesus to everyone – we become involved in the fight to bring back our nation to its origins. We can’t simply sit back and complain. We are to be in the world, but not of it.
We read that we should stay away from the ungodly, but they need to hear about God’s love too. We can’t avoid what’s happening. If we’re to be proud of our country again, we must stand up for its original precepts and design for its success.
Besides, it’s pretty hard to avoid a rainbow header on WordPress, It’s hard to see sin taking over as it has. We are not going to change the world we live in, but as a united group of Christians, we can still stand up for our country and fight to bring her back. In the end God will win. In the meantime, He has a lot of work for us to do.
THOSE WHO TRUST IN GOD WILL POSSESS THE LAND
A day doesn’t seem to go by where we don’t hear about some heinous act of evil. A week ago we mourned with those in Charleston over their loss. Today in France we see results of more evil, hateful minds. The devil is active even though he’s been defeated by the Son of God. As followers of Christ, we must never forget that he continues to have the ability to infest souls and infect hearts with his ugly plans to win us back.
The devil is referred to as a roaring lion on the prowl – sneaking around in the shadows, waiting to devour his next victim. Sometimes we try to diminish his power, but he is still alive and well. We may not see him as vividly as we have in these recent events. He can wheedle his way into our thoughts, our words and our actions without a problem. It’s enough to make even the staunchest quiver and fall. We are all victims.
Our life here on this planet is will be filled with Satan’s influence until we succumb to death. God has given us a free will. We can choose to continue living an eternity in the depths of the evil one’s kingdom. Consider this – hell will be like the news headlines of today multiplied to infinity, with no hope of relief.
The better choice is to trust in the power of God – know that He has taken the sting and finality out of death – provided a room for us in paradise – where the devil will have no power over us again. Sounds too easy, doesn’t it? It is! That’s the beauty of it.
GOD’S LOVE, MY STRENGTH
He’s like a whisper on a silent night,
His lofty wings protect me in His sight,
A voice so quiet yet it roars,
My heart ignites, my spirit soars,
He is my strength, my confidence,
Through Him alone lies my defense.
God of Creation, Redeemer divine,
Your power and your majesty I can call mine,
Through your Holy Spirit, my soul has been freed,
You’ve given me more than I ever could need.
The Father of all things now lives in me,
He’s erased all my sin and iniquity,
He leads me and guides me in all of my ways,
His strength gives me courage for all of my days.
My Savior, my Counselor, Redeemer and friend,
When I walk with you, I cannot comprehend,
All the things I can do. For your strength lives in me,
I am blessed by your love. Your grace sets me free.
KATHY BOECHER©
I AM INSPIRED
Before each nerve was sewn, or breath of life inspired,
Before each muscle formed, or potter’s clay was fired,
He knew me even then. His hand was on my heart
He shaped me with His power. With Him I am a part.
The years have withered me. My body groans within,
To see how far we’ve fallen and dwell within our sin.
Though we have been forgiven, we falter every day,
Our faith has been diminished by things we do and say.
Dear, God be by my side as life flows fast away
Refresh me with your living Word and breathe in me today,
Assure me that your precious blood has paid for every sin,
And lead me to your heavenly gate where new life lies within.
KATHY BOECHER©
INSPIRE ME
What does it take to be inspired, especially when it comes to your relationship with God? For me, there are no fireworks, no feeling of physically bonding with my Savior, no Road to Damascus moment like Paul experienced.
When I think of God, I stand in awe of Him. He’s the one to whom I’m accountable. There is more a feeling of reverence and respect than one of looking at Him as my friend. On the other hand, He’s the best friend I could ever have. Even when I reject Him, get angry with Him and don’t understand Him, He is consistently the same.
I don’t think you need a inspirational awakening when you are devoted to God. He is our Father, our brother and the fire that excites our need to tell others about Him. His message saves lives and renews spirits. When others are inspired by the words, “you are forgiven” and “you are a child of God,” it inspires those receiving the words.
I’ve experienced miracles in my life and each time I knew they came from God, but the true in-breathing – divine inspiration – miraculous moment comes when we include others by giving them a piece of this hope and letting God do the rest.
