THE ADVENTURE BEGINS!
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS!
Posted in Uncategorized
Comments Off on THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
CHRISTMASES PAST – PART THREE
Picture this – You are about to embark on a family visit to see the grandparents. You can’t afford to kennel the dog. You have three kids ages 0-7 You load up the station wagon with enough clothes to get by for three days. The playpen is included with the luggage, dog kennel and dog. Christmas presents and homemade baked items are stuffed into the empty spaces. It’s about 20 degrees outside and a blizzard is expected between Minneapolis and Milwaukee. You’re hearing the familiar, “Are we there yet?” starting within the hour. The camp songs have run out along with your patience. It starts to snow, creating a beautiful landscape, sparkling like diamonds. Within half an hour the snow is falling sideways, and blizzard conditions are now in effect. Don’t you just love holiday road trips with kids? We made it a tradition, that would run out when our kids grew into their teen years and the grandparents would begin to come to us.
You continuue your road trip and see cars in the ditch along with frustrated travelers trying to figure out how they’re going to survive in the now dropping temperatures. You try to maintain your sanity as “Are we there yet,” has become a recurring theme. You start to fall asleep to escape the mass hysteria that’s now ebbing within the confines of your temporary house on wheels. Suddenly red lights are seen flashing in the distance. Another accident. Time to stop. Pull into an all-night truck stop. Get out of the car. Go in. You have entered the Twilight Zone. Others who are trying to reach their destination are huddled together, sipping on coffee and hot chocolate. Mind you, this is the age of no cell phones – no ability to text and let people know where you are – the Internet has not yet been invented. In those days, you had to wing it. So we did. We joined the group of travelers in the huddle.
Every Christmas road trip we ever took, brought to mind that very first Christmas journey. Mary and Joseph were on their way to the home of their ancestors to register for the census which Caesar had called for. Mary was probably in her final days of pregnancy. Joseph walked as Mary sat upon a donkey. The roads were rugged. The path filled with all kinds of possible dangers. They pushed on with determination to get to Bethlehem. The only distractions were the sounds of wild animals and the potential attack by thieves or murderers. They left their hometown and the whispers of the family and neighbors whose tongues were now wagging about the impending birth of Mary’s “illegitimate” child. When they got to their destination, they were met with no place to stay. Mary was about to give birth and there was not a room available. She had to deliver that child, the Son of God, in a stable where animals were kept.
As we rounded the corner to Grandma and Grandpa’s house, I felt compelled to thank Jesus for being born on that first Christmas Eve. Because of that treacherous journey, the birth pains, the lack of housing and all the other things they encountered along the way, God was coming into this world of darkness to bring light to all of us. Every trip comes with a certain amount of angst, but what a wonderful gift arrived when Jesus was born. Unto us, a Savior came to be one of us. That’s good news that we are joyful and grateful to share with everyone.
Posted in Christmas, Family, Travel, wisdom
Tagged AGING, Anxiety, Christmas, Depression, Hope, Joy, parenting, Road Trips with Family, Snow, storms, technology, winter storms
3 Comments
GOD CAME DOWN TO EARTH
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
He was just a little baby, but like no other one,
He fussed and cried like babies do, but this was God’s own Son,
People came from miles around unto this unknown place,
Unlike all other kingly homes, in any time or space.
His Mother held Him gently and nursed Him at her breast,
While sheep and cows lay quietly, His bed was not the best,
When shepherds came to see Him, they knew Him right away,
He was the boy whom Angels hailed upon that glorious day.
The boy would grow into a man and worked beside His father,
He knew that He must do the work of God and not another,
When He became a rabbi, His words were straight from heaven,
He spoke with such authority of sins to be forgiven.
He lived among the people and felt each pain they bore,
He ate with them and healed them, His words meant even more,
He spoke of love and peace. He taught things new to them,
How we should forgive others, as He did for all men.
When on the cross at Calvary, my Savior died for me,
But rose from death as promised and from sin we are set free,
So as we come to Christmas with gifts for everyone,
Let’s not forget the Son of God whose work has just begun.
Posted in Advent, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Jesus, Uncategorized
Tagged Advent, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, encouragement, FAITH, God, Hope, Inspiration, Jesus, promise, wisdom
2 Comments
A NEW MONTH WITH ABOUNDING HOPE
The month of December is filled with so much of everything, we tend to forget what the season means and the hope that is built into it. In a little town, long ago, a child was born. He was no ordinary child. He was fully human, but also God. The promised Messiah took on human form and came to spend 33 years with the world. In that time, He left us with the real everything. The unchangeable Jehovah fulfilled His ancient promise to bring salvation to the world. In doing so, the world would never be the same. Jesus changed everything.
As we begin the adventure of the Advent season, and those Advent calendars are used, take time to look at the promises Jesus kept for you. He never stops loving us. He is always there for us. He will not leave us. He gives us reason for living. He fights for us. He died for us. He rose back to life before many witnesses. His truth is evident in His Word to us – the Bible. That little child led the entire population of the world, past – present = future to the next promise. Eternal life in paradise.
We hear about the promise of Jesus in the Old Testament of the Bible:
Isaiah 7:14 ESV – “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Micah 5:2 ESV – ” But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”
Jesus is the only one, the promised one, the true God, our Savior and our EVERYTHING!
Posted in Advent, Jesus, Salvation
Tagged Advent, Christmas, FAITH, forgiveness, Inspiration, Jesus, promises, redeemer, redemption, Salvation, Sin, Son of God, wisdom
2 Comments
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
Yesterday was my first day of Christmas shopping. I visited Hobby Lobby in hopes of finding some crafts I could make instead of investing in high buck gifts this year. I remembered how I used to make beautifully decorated ornaments out of styrofoam balls, and always well received. My craft stash was liquidated when we downsized, so the craft store was my first destination. I was surprised to see all the people with the same idea I had. Many young women were searching the shelves for things they could turn into Christmas treasures with a smaller price tag. At the same time, their children were glued to their phones.
Isn’t it weird how commercial Christmas has become? I guess it was the same way when I was a kid. The first thing we thought about was what we would get for Christmas. We’d make our list and hope our dreams would come true. When we started our own family, gifts were mostly homemade at the beginning. The first thing created was a rocking horse, crafted by Paul. It was absolutely beautiful and even though our firstborn was suffering from a bad cold, she got up on that horse and rocked for hours. It helps to have a master artist living in your house. I would make cookies to give away, homemade ornaments, and home sewn Christmas outfits for our kids to wear. When they were grown up and our business was lost, we gave secondhand gifts. I remember those gifts and I think our kids do too. It doesn’t really matter what the price is. What matters is the gift itself and the time, talent and love that goes into it.
This may seem cliche’, but Christmas isn’t about the gifts we give or receive. It’s about the greatest gift ever given. On that first Christmas, we were the recipients of a Savior who lived and died for us. He would then rise from death and return to His throne in heaven to prepare a place for us. The Advent season will soon be upon us. Let’s take time to look at the real reason we celebrate this blessed holiday and focus on the love that was poured out upon each human soul. The credit cards don’t need to take a hit. The household budget doesn’t have to suffer. Think about the gift that was given on that special birthday. The gift of unconditional love – which doesn’t cost a cent.
Posted in Advent, aging, America
Tagged Advent, AGING, Christmas, Christmas shopping, credit, encouragement, FAITH, gifts, God, Hope, Inspiration, Jesus, Love, money, Peace, reason for the season, spending, unconditional love, value, wisdom
4 Comments
FEAR & ANGER CAN LEAD TO HATE
I watched a devotion from Time of Grace Ministry this morning that really made sense to me. It was about how grief can easily transfer into fear and fear into anger. We get angry when someone leaves us behind – when we can’t imagine life without them – we may not understand why any of this is happening. Mary Magdaline was so overcome with grief when she approached Jesus’ tomb on that first Easter morning. Even when Jesus spoke directly to her, she didn’t recognize Him. When He said her name, “Mary,” she responded immediately to her Savior’s voice.
How often do we turn our sadness, our fears, our losses into anger? Suddenly it seems that the whole world is against us. In thinking about our youth today, you can’t help but wonder how they are coping with today’s world. It is a world full of fear, death, wars, confusion about who they are, bullying behavior and so much more. Alcohol and drugs are often a result of these feelings and usually are turned to in order to numb what they face each day.
When we discover that a terminal or life changing disease has affected someone we love, the same thing occurs. We might go through the same steps a person does when they’re grieving. You wonder what you did to deserve this. You wonder why it isn’t you instead of them. How will you survive without them? As time goes by, you receive comfort from friends, but eventually they forget about your loss or sadness. You don’t hear from them again. The prayers that are being said, might even seem pointless. As you go through this process, you could even blame God for your situation.
The photo I’ve chosen of wise, old Yoda, is not a typical place to start with the actual wisdom of living, but the words make sense. Getting to the root of anger, frustration, anxiety, depression – which is almost always caused by fear – is a real problem in our current society. We’ve been through some volatile years. Those times have had a deep impact on our mental health along with the mindset of our young people. So, what do we do? Like Mary, our grief, our fears, our sadness can all be dealt with when we know that our Savior never – NEVER – leaves us. He has promised to be with us through all our difficulties. The One we need the very most, is right in front of us. Turn to Him now.
THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!
Posted in Faith, healing, Jesus
Tagged AGING, anger, Anxiety, cancer, death, Depression, drugs, Fear, God, grief, Hope, hopelessness, Jesus, loss, prayer, rage, rumors of war, steps of grief, understanding, wars, wisdom
4 Comments
BY MY SIDE
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Through troubled waters, you are there, You watch my every move,
You know my thoughts, you hear my prayer, my way you will improve.
The storms of life will come and go, but you will never change,
Through difficult and anxious times, my path you rearrange,
When trials overtake me and when sin gnaws at my heart,
Stay closely here beside me Lord, and nevermore depart,
Your love will surely bind me Lord, my life is in your hand,
Abide with me and lead the way to your sweet, promised land.
Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, encouragement, FAITH, God, Inspiration
Comments Off on BY MY SIDE
SENSELESS
To be “senseless,” is to lack the ability to feel. It can also mean useless, unreasonable or unconscious. For someone in my age bracket, senseless can mean the loss of physical sensations like, hearing, taste, touch, smell or see. All of the senses become shaded and void of feeling over time. I guess I could be called senseless for all but one of those senses. I can still see pretty good. I had cataract surgery this year and my vision is better than ever.
There are some senses that aren’t really included in those five physical senses, such as common sense, keen sense, nonsense. The sense to do the right thing – to be proactive – to think things through – to change the way you do things without question. Making changes along the way, our once youthful bodies now sag, lag and often drag. We make adjustments to accommodate our now transitioning and often failing frame. Change is good for the most part but can cause big alterations to our life. Such are the seasons of the year. We adjust to the colder temperatures by donning more clothes. We shed those clothes when the sun hangs around longer. Life is kind of like a metamorphosis in a way. We are constantly changing.
The One that never changes – the One who is always available – the One who is consistent in His love for us – is the One we can count on, even when our faces begin to look like worn out leather shoes. That is one thing that truly makes sense.
 “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 ESV
THANKSGIVING IS OVER – NOW WHAT?
When one holiday flows into another, we can become overwhelmed with parties, family gatherings, lots of selfies and anticipation for the next one. I recall walking through a Hobby Lobby last July, only to see that all the summer things had been discounted, making way for the Christmas decorations which were already taking over a section of the store. Maybe it’s because we have become accustomed to things happening within nanoseconds in this day of instant gratification. The internet has made it possible for us to jump from one thing to another so fast, that we don’t even have time to enjoy what’s going on in the here and now.
Thanksgiving gets sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas. The letdown in January, leaves us without something to celebrate until Valentines Day. Maybe it’s time we enjoy each of those special occasions in the moment, without being so focused on what’s coming next. In other words, slow down and breathe each one in and let the afterglow be enough until the next one comes.
I am at the age where family has become a major focus. The days of raising that family are well over, but the times we continue to spend together are so important to our mental health and our positive moments. As we approach the end of life, we can see our mistakes – our foolish decisions – the bad choices – the innocence, the lessons learned and the hope for a future in eternity. We slow down because we have to. Our bodies no longer are capable of preparing a huge feast. Getting decorations up and cleaning the house are no longer simple tasks. We have a family that pulls together whenever they can. Being together is one of the benefits of that goal.
So, Thanksgiving is over for another year. The pumpkins and fall decorations will be replaced with inflatable Santas and reindeer. Lights will be lit on Christmas trees and packages will be placed under them. The gratefulness of this season should carry over throughout the coming year, but we soon forget all the platitudes become meaningless -and we return to normal living – whatever that is. Being thankful should be a daily activity. Thanking God for all His blessings is a good place to start. Every day should contain our prayers of Thanksgiving.
THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!
Posted in aging, holidays, Uncategorized, wisdom
Tagged AGING, anticipation, encouragement, enjoyment, FAITH, FAMILY, God, Holidays, Hope, Inspiration, Jesus, Love, preparation, thanksgiving
2 Comments
CHRISTMASES PAST – part two . . .
My maternal grandmother was always on top of Christmas. She had a lot of grandchildren. They weren’t wealthy – just an ordinary couple of farmers who never failed to remember those they loved. It seemed there was one tradition that always arrived shortly after Thanksgiving. We knew it was coming. Every year it would. Every year we anticipated the contents. What I really remember most about that package was the size of the box. It was huge. in those days, there was no Amazon or special delivery services. She used the USPS to send her packages. She meticulously wrapped each of the contents within. Then she would seal the box with tape, wrap it in brown paper, write the word “FRAGILE” on the outside. I think she tied string around it too. She then would drive to town in their old pickup truck and make the first stop at the post office. Off it went – sealed with a kiss.
The box would conjure ideas of magical gifts, special candy and cookies and lots and lots of love. We would have to wait until Christmas Eve to open the box, but it was always worth the wait. She would send homemade ornaments, socks and underwear, a pair of mittens for each of us. There might be a new box of crayons and coloring books and paper dolls. We would open each package and enjoy the surprises they held. Finally, we would turn the big box into a little playhouse or a prop for one of our plays – whatever suited our fancy.
Traditions come and go. As we get older, we often forget about them completely. Some of them are just too difficult for us to accomplish anymore. This is a special time of the year – not because of the traditions we establish or enjoy, but because the greatest gift to humanity was born into a life of poverty to become one of us. His name is Jesus and His love is bigger than any special box or anything else that this life has to offer. He left His throne in heaven to take our place – to die for us – to live again – to prepare a room for us in heaven. That’s what I call an incomparable treasure available to all of us.
Posted in eternity, Jesus, tradition
Tagged AGING, anticipation, encouragement, excitement, FAITH, gifts, Holidays, Hope, Inspiration, Jesus, Love, memories, traditions, wisdom
2 Comments
WE ARE FAMILY . . .
There’s nothing like a family gathering to get your heart pumping, your eyes alert, your ears partially aware and your hugs so meaningful. The pictures from yesterday show the intensity of watching football on TV – the sharing of fun and games and lot of good food and love to go around. Today, our oldest daughter and her family will depart for their homes far away. Our youngest daughter and her family hosted our Thanksgiving dinner yesterday and are always near at hand to watch out for us. Our grand dogs will continue to provide for our need of canine companionship without all the responsibility that goes along with them. Our son will return from Wisconsin, either with a load of venison or empty handed. We’ll see him and his lady and their two doggies soon.
It never fails to tug at the heartstrings, to get together and share family love and then watch as they leave. It’s so good to sit back and enjoy what these special human beings have become. Our grandchildren were all on hand. Each has their own personality and goals for the future. We can see our own children and child rearing days through them.
This has been a year of transition for all of us. Life will go on and growth will continue. Our legacy will be fulfilled through what happens through them in the future. God has so richly blessed us with his tender care and love. Until we gather again, know that we will never let you go. You will all live on in our hearts until we all reunite in heaven.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO OUR WONDERFUL FAMILY AND TO THOSE WHO HAVE BLESSED OUR LIVES SO VERY MUCH.
BLACK FRIDAY – ORDER IN CHAOS?
Black Friday shopping? No thanks! I’ve never been one to wait for Thanksgiving to end to go shopping the next day for bargains. I’m probably in the 2% of the population that feels that way. Actually, shopping has become more and more of a chore since I entered my eighth decade. I’m not a fan of any kind of shopping, unless I have a cart to hold me up and have one thing to buy. This was the case on the one and only Black Friday I ever participated in. It was about 7 years ago. I saw an ad for a dog bed that was only $5. Since our dog was in need of a new one, I braved the cold weather – waited until later in the day in hopes that no one else would be in the store – went straight to the dog bed department – was deterred by some other special deals. When I finally got to the dog beds, there was only one left. I quickly snatched it up and headed for the checkout.
The trip to the waiting line was a breeze, but once I got there, I was surrounded by about 100 others who were already waiting. Of course, there were more bargains to be had at the waiting area. By the time I finally checked out, my cart was filled with $100 worth of bargains that I didn’t intend to purchase. After an hour of waiting in line, I started to doze off. A new batch of shoppers entered the store and were on a quest to get their own bargains. Hopefully they weren’t there for the dog beds, because I had the last one.
Was it worth it? When I arrived home, I placed the new dog bed in front of our dog. He immediately snuggled into while I collapsed on the couch. I guess it was worth it. Since my solo excursion on that black Friday, I’ve opted for staying at home. I’ll leave the chaos to those with more stamina than this old lady.
Posted in aging, America, Black Friday, Humor, Thanksgiving
Tagged Adventures, AGING, Black Friday, Blessings, chaos, gifts, humor, Inspiration, shopping, thanksgivinhg, wisdom
3 Comments
GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD
Today is Thanksgiving, 2023. It’s time for us to stuff ourselves beyond capacity – to fill every empty cavity with carbs and sugar – a time to forget about calories and just let ‘er rip. After that, it’s a time to watch football, if you’re so inclined. If not, you may have spread the newspaper advertising for Black Friday all across the room. You make this part of the tradition of Thanksgiving. Seems there are lots of traditions for Thanksgiving. It’s time to share a meal with those you love – not to discuss anything political – stuff your face – eat some more pie. You will suffer from indigestion, fatigue, stress, anticipation – just to name a few results of Thanksgiving.
You gather at the dining room table, trying to put twelve people around a table for six. By the time you’ve finished eating, you can barely move so you find a place to stretch out and catch a few winks before your favorite team comes on the tube. Those few winks can turn into a rip roaring, loud and imposing sound of snoring and sleep assisted by Tryptophan. When you wake it’s time to hit the stores for all those magnificent prices. There are sales everywhere. This year they started yesterday.
Talk about the perfect situation for renewing relationships and starting over. It’s a time to forgive and forget – feel nostalgic – overindulge a little and have fun. It’s also time to thank Jesus for another day – a special day – Thanksgiving.
May your blessings be many. May you walk through life with the Lord at your side. May you be shielded by His presence as you venture into the world of retail. Remember this:
What did the turkey say to the computer?  “Google, google, google.”
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Posted in aging, holidays, Thanksgiving
Tagged Blessings, FAITH, feast, gifts, God, gratitude, Holidays, Hope, Jesus, over indulgence, thanksgiving, wisdom
Comments Off on GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD
WE ARE ALL PILGRIMS
“I am a pilgrim in the world, but at home in my God. In the earth I wander, but in God I dwell in a quiet habitation.” Charles Spurgeon
In 1621, in Plymouth colony, Massachusetts, two separate cultures came together to share in the bounty of the harvest. Many folks today would like to forget about this event, because of the greed of the early settlers and their eventual stealing the land belonging to those they first met after landing from a perilous journey across dangerous seas. We can try to cover up our history – especially the dark parts of it – but it remains part of who we are as a nation. We’re made up of many races – religions – ethnicities and cultures. To do away with the truth of how we came to be, is to cheat future generations from our earliest beginnings.
When you think about the melting pot we’ve become over the past few hundred years as a nation, there is a progression of humanity that continues to invite all to enter her ports and harbors for refuge. This is part of why we celebrate Thanksgiving. It’s not about the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. It really should not be about the food and the extra calories and overindulgence. Thanksgiving is a time to thank God for all He does to provide for our needs and beyond. We may travel many years, through the perilous storms of life, but God remains unchanging. He continues to be with us through each one of them.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF MY BLOGGING COMMUNITY AND ALL THE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE BLESSED MY LIFE.
Posted in America, Faith, Thanksgiving
Tagged Blessings, FAITH, history, New Life, pilgrims, Sharing, suffering, thanksgiving, usa, wisdom
9 Comments
A RENDEZVOUS WITH DEATH
On that dreary November morning, I sat in my office chair, daydreaming about my recent engagement and upcoming wedding. As I pondered the most important event to happen in my life, a customer entered the office. “Have you heard,” she said, “they’ve shot the president.” I felt like a character from the past – an insignificant piece of a massive puzzle – knowing that I was part of one of the most historical events of my lifetime. President John F. Kennedy had fallen victim to an assassin’s bullet and lay dead on an operating table. The story began to unfold as we watched the scenes repeated over and over on our television screens.
As the events of this current tale of terror exploded rapidly, we watched the victim’s wife reach for the secret service man behind the convertible. We saw her covered with her husband’s blood – her pink suit forever stained with crimson. We witnessed the pursuit of the assassin and his eventual arrest and confinement. We were glued to the screen as he was moved to a different area only to be confronted by a night club owner with a gun. We saw the assassin shot to death in an instant. It was like a bad nightmare coming true.
We looked on as a new president was sworn into office, while the dead president’s wife stood stoically alongside him – a look of dismay and shock on her face. We suffered with the young children who were now fatherless – the many brothers and sisters who would mourn their sibling’s demise – the parents who had to endure losing a child again and a country that would go through the process of grieving along with them. A parade of dignitaries from many nations wept. The youngest president to ever govern in the United States was dead.
Conspiracy theories were a dime a dozen. Everyone had an opinion on who this man was. Was there a mob connection – was the assassin a communist – did he act alone or was he part of a greater plan? A special commission was assigned to investigate. We were on-the-spot witnesses, watching the rendezvous with death unfold. The president was as vulnerable to death as we all are.Â
Alan Seeger was an American poet who fought as a French Foreign Legion soldier during World War One.  This poem was favored by John F. Kennedy who shared it with his wife on the return from their honeymoon. His new wife, Jackie would later memorize it and say it to her husband. The poem proved to be prophetic in a way, but we all have a rendezvous with that final stage of life. Like all stories forged in fantasy, their relationship could be described as a great love story. It continued even after death.
Death is imminent. We can’t escape that fact. When we’re convinced that death isn’t final, we’ve achieved true communion with God.
Posted in death, Inspiration, Poetry
Tagged AGING, death, destiny, encouragement, FAITH, JFK ASSASSINATION, no fear of death, November 22, Poetry, presidency
4 Comments
WHAT DOES ABUNDANCE MEAN TO YOU?
Webster defines abundance as “the state or condition of having a copious quantity of something; plentifulness.” In other words it means a huge amount of material things or talents. From a Biblical standpoint, abundance may refer to having joy and contentment in life, no matter what the circumstances. As we approach a day of giving thanks for all our blessings, it may be a good time to make a list of all of those blessings that make your life full and abundant.
- A closet full of clothes that either don’t fit or are out of style. More than necessary to get a person through one week of not wearing the same thing every day.
- Enough food to suffice and often more than necessary. Even when the budget is stretched to the limit, there is abundance.
- Friends and family you can count on in any situation.
- The talents God has given you and how you can use them to spread His good news to others.
- The love and companionship of a faithful spouse.
- A family that you have equipped with the Word of God.
- A job that helps to provide for those you love. That same job, which gives you satisfaction and you love doing every day.
- Spiritual leaders who inspire and guide you through life.
- Even in your old age, you have an abundance of help getting through each day, physically, mentally and spiritually. You also have accumulated years of experience and wisdom through those things. Through them you become a blessing to others.
- Whether good or bad, your health can determine how you look at life.
- Your aches and pains – Even when your body is crying out in despair or discomfort, you can rejoice in the fact that it won’t last forever.
- Your financial, relational, emotional problems can be considered stepping stones for the future.
- In times of war and violence, you have the peace that you are living in a country that has not yet been devoured by them.
- Knowing that we are merely visitors here on earth. Our true home awaits in heaven.
- You can be confident and assured that you are not alone in your walk on this planet. God is always with you. He will never give up on you. He loves you unconditionally. He gave His life for you. He created you and He knows all about your thoughts and concerns.
- You are a child of God and an heir of eternal life.
I could go on and on with this list, but I think you can understand what I’m talking about. We’ve been blessed beyond measure with an abundance of gifts. So many that we can’t even list them all. Unfortunately, we often forget all about those blessings for the rest of the days of the year.
” May the Lord, the God of your fathers, make you a thousand times as many as you are and bless you, as he has promised you!” Deuteronomy 1:11 ESV
Posted in Faith, God's promises, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized
Tagged abundance, AGING, Blessings, bounty, gifts, God's plan, gratitude, Heaven, Hope, thanksgiving
1 Comment
THANKSGIVING WEEK
This week started with a Thanksgiving dinner at our church. It had been a tradition for some time to enjoy a potluck feast the Sunday before the actual holiday – that is until the pandemic. Three years of isolation, with concern for spreading the disease caused that practice to cease. The best part about an event like this is the fellowship. My church is comprised of caring, thoughtful people who share our faith. We sometimes meet for breakfast during the week if we can. This wonderful group has become a support group, a special collection of believers, friends, lifter-uppers and a family of sorts.
This week will be filled with family, friends and an assembly of those we love. There may be some differences within those groups, but for one day a year, we tend to set those issues aside and gather together to give thanks. Unfortunately, it has also become a time of discord for many. Those who have parted ways from the family – those who have changed their political views from yours – those who have drifted from the beliefs of their youth – those who have health or mental issues. So, in those cases, the thanksgiving part of the holiday might get lost in translation. When you think about all the people who have touched your life in the past year, you will probably come up with many. For example – it may be someone who did something against you. It could be a nurse or doctor who intervened in a specific illness. It could be the family member that is struggling with a financial crisis. It might be one you haven’t heard from in a long time. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to set those issues aside and concentrate on the positive affect these same people had on you during this time.
We give thanks for God’s bounty. We give thanks for His mercy, grace and love. We give thanks for His guidance. We give thanks for the positive things in our lives. Do we give thanks for the negatives that may have happened? Do we thank God for those who would hurt us? Do we thank God for our problems – financial, emotional, relational or physical? The things we hold dear are not hard to give thanks for. The others, not so much.
As we get closer to Thanksgiving Day, let’s try to remember how each of those negatives brought a positive result. Maybe it’s the lessons learned. It could be a complete change of opinion. It might even lead to a deeper relationship with the person that caused you harm. God uses all of our experiences to teach us – to grow our wisdom – to prepare us for the final banquet that waits for us in eternity.
Give thanks for your enemies, because God has a plan for both you and them!
Posted in aging, forgiveness, Thanksgiving, wisdom
Tagged AGING, Anxiety, Depression, ENEMIES, FAITH, forgiveness, gratitude, Holidays, Hope, Inspiration, Love, Salvation, thanksgiving, wisdom
Comments Off on THANKSGIVING WEEK
HARVESTING BLESSINGS
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER - Watercolor grapes by Kathy Boecher & Acrylic grapes on the vine by Paul Boecher
Colors of autumn – scarlet, amber and gold,
God’s palette enlivens the fields we behold,
Each seed that was planted, its fruit has been sown,
A bountiful harvest among dirt and stone,
His Word bears good fruit, a banquet sublime,
Waits for us in heaven when it becomes time,
But while we continue to walk on this earth,
His truth to the world will offer rebirth,
Time soon will run out. there’s much work to be done,
Tell the world about Jesus and the victory He’s won.
Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, discipleship, Thanksgiving
Tagged .Thanksgving, AGING, Blessings, bounty, encouragement, FAITH, God, Hope, Inspiration, wisdom
5 Comments
CHRISTMASES PAST
Well, it’s only 36 days until Christmas. Have you started your gift shopping? Most shopping today is done online, but there is something enchanting about going to the mall or a local store to “feel” the excitement of this amazing season. The stores are magnificently arrayed in red velvet, gold, silver trimmings and sparkles are everywhere. It’s like a fairy tale filled with one beautiful sight after another. I grew up in the 1940s and 1950s, so we were also treated to the Thanksgiving Day Parade in downtown Milwaukee. My grandmother lived in an apartment on National Avenue, which is where the festive floats made their way down the street, accompanied by several high school marching bands. We had the best seats in the house when it came to the beating of the drums and the roar of a chorus of trumpets.
At that time, the best gift for little girls, was a Nancy Ann Abbott Story Book doll. Nancy started her doll making operation in 1936 with $125, working from her apartment. From that came a company that swept the nation. Her dolls were based on story book characters from nursery rhymes and fairy tales. To receive one of these dolls, was on every girl’s Christmas list. The fact that my grandmother was a seamstress, I could look forward to lots of extra doll ensembles for my doll to wear. The dolls came in a pink polka dot box. As soon as the wrapping was removed, it was apparent that the recipient knew exactly what was inside before opening the box.
Time has passed. Dolls have gone through a history of their own. From the Story Book Dolls to Barbie, Cabbage Patch, Chatty Kathys and currently the American Girl Doll. I recall one Christmas, taking my granddaughter to the American Girl Doll store in the Mall of America. I was almost as excited as she was to purchase her first one. Like the Story Book Doll, the face was pretty much the same on each one, and they weren’t especially pretty, but a child could choose from a variety of styles. Most of the time, they would choose one that resembled themselves. The trip to the mall was to be the start of a new tradition for us, but when we arrived, the American Girl Doll Store was closed for a private party. Both of us were highly disappointed. In order to soothe our broken hearts, we went to have dinner, which would be followed by a visit to see Santa. By the time we got to see him, his little village was ready to close! Being the fierce grandma that I am, I confronted one of the elves and I insisted that my grandchild get her turn to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas. I think they saw the fire in my eyes and agreed to let her in.
In spite of that, she did get her American Girl Doll as well. I felt vindicated and pretty good about standing up to the man in the red velvet suit.
Posted in aging, Christmas, holidays, Nostalgia, Uncategorized
Tagged AGING, Christmas stories, dolls, gifts, history, humor, Love, nostalgia, wisdolm
5 Comments
COUNTDOWN TO THANKSGIVING
In just one week our South Carolina family will arrive to celebrate Thanksgiving with us. One of their sons is now living in Illinois, so he will drive to get here in time for the festivities as well. The Thanksgiving feast will happen on Friday. Instead of going shopping we will be on a different schedule than most of the country. Our youngest daughter will host the party and she and her family will prepare the feast. We will be missing our son and his lady since it is hunting season in Wisconsin and tradition has always placed him there for the holiday. There’s really nothing better than a shot in the arm filled with family. As I think of all that’s happened within just the last year, there is so much to be thankful for. Each morning brings this simple prayer to our lips – “Thank you, Jesus, for another day.”
Somehow the holidays exemplify almost every emotion on the spectrum. We’re happy, sad, grateful, excited, touched, deeply moved and so much more. Many who suffer from depression, find the holidays a time of remorse, grief or self-pity. Being grateful for a life filled with sorrow would seem not to be an option. Many suicides occur during this time of supposed joy and gratitude. There is pressure to put on a great spread – to serve amazing food – to extend the budget to the max buying special food and drink. There are the gifts to purchase and wondering how much more our credit cards will stretch. It is a formula for depression when you become overwhelmed by it all.
God wants us to be grateful for His gifts. He showers us with so many every day. Taking time to thank Him should not be a chore or a special day. It’s something we do because we truly are thankful for our blessings. God doesn’t need our gratitude. He’s God! But think of all that He has given you today and every day. I’m not talking about material things, but things that truly matter. For us, that simple prayer says it all. “Thank you, Jesus, for another day.”
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Posted in America, God, prayer, Thanksgiving
Tagged AGING, Blessings, depression & anxiety, encouragement, FAITH, God, gratitude, Inspiration, prayer, suicide, thanksgiving, wisdom
4 Comments
atimetoshare.me 
You must be logged in to post a comment.