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IS LIFE JUST A DREAM?
I’ve been known for fantastical, out of this world, nonsensical and truly weird dreams. One night I dreamt I went in for some kind of surgery and came out with tattoos all over my body. Mind you, I have never been nor will I ever be tattooed, but for some reason this thought invaded my dreams last night. Imagine, if you will, a tattooed 78 year old woman. It did wonders for my wrinkles. You couldn’t see any of them. Last night I landed in a recurring dream which places me on an old rickety bike, riding aimlessly through St. Paul. Which in itself is weird. The idea of riding a bike hasn’t occurred in my life for a number of years. In fact, we sold our bikes when we downsized to our new, old home. Now I wish I had an old bike that I could paint and place in my garden somewhere – but I digress. Kind of like my dreams do.
Isn’t it funny how dreams can plant us in one place and magically move us to another without any commercial breaks? All of a sudden you can be close to the edge of a cliff, ready to spread your wings and fly and then just as suddenly, you’re on the runway of a fashion show in a perfect body. Isn’t it amazing how that happens? I can only “dream” of a perfect body I guess. Usually you can gain something from your dreams – like the solution to a troubling problem, making a point to get in touch with someone you’ve not seen in a while or think of new ways of doing things. Often mine take place in one of three places – a church, a road that goes on forever and winds up in a sea of putrid water, or something to do with theatre.
I do have a dream that places me in the bottom of an ocean. This has given me a fear of ever going on a cruise or large ship – like the Titanic. I dream a lot about my family and their families. I dream of forgetting my lines as I’m about to make an entrance. I dream about being in a bell tower of a church or in the catacombs of ancient times. I guess you could say I have an active imagination, but usually that imagery evades me in real life.
Do you ever wonder where your dreams come from? Many of mine have turned into plays or short stories. I even revised the White Queen of Narnia to be a three headed queen because I saw it in a dream and it really solved a problem for us. We had just held auditions and there were three girls that fit the part and it was a way of including all of them. We designed a costume that resembled a very large cape and all three of them went into it.
Once I dreamt we adopted a buffalo and brought him home to take the place of our dog. We bought a truck full of Buffalo Chow, made a bed for him in the laundry room and taught him to catch a Frisbee. This turned into a story about just that thing, called “A Home Where the Buffalo Roams.” Most of my dreams are quite disjointed and have no end. I still dream about forgetting to make my children lunches to take to school. (Probably some guilt trip I’ve laid on myself for not doing the parenting thing right.)
A shrink would have a field day interpreting my dreams. The possiblity does exist that I better lay low on the after dinner snacks. I wonder if there’s a switch somewere that you can click to turn the dreams off.
WHERE LIES MY FAITH?
A life once filled with loneliness, a heart that seemed like stone,
Has turned to Christ and all at once, that life Is not alone,
To walk without the Son of God is like an empty day,
Precious time that has no purpose, where thoughts get in the way,
The road through time is burdensome and sometimes can run out,
But when we walk with Jesus, Christ, the journey leavesno doubt,
For He alone can guide us home. His tenderness is real,
He washes all our sins away, redemption He did seal.
We walk like children through this life. We’re never satisfied,
But Jesus loves us even so, through Him we’re gratified.
Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Jesus, life journey
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WHAT’S UP?
Usually my stats are consistent every day when I post, but recently I’ve seen a drastic drop in them. One day I have close to 400 views and the next doesn’t get beyond 100. I’m really not counting on those numbers to raise my spirits each day, I just am curious to know what there’s such a radical drop. Anyone know?
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FAITH IS BELIEVING THE IMPOSSIBLE
Those of you in my age group probably remember when Saturday Night Live was busy producing new talent on a daily basis. So many of the great comics got their start on that show – Gilda Radner and her plethora of hilarious characters – Chevy Chase, Artie Johnson, Jane Curtin, John Belushi, Billie Crystal Laraine Newman, Martin Short, Dana Carvey, Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy and on and on. Most of the humor of that time would be politically incorrect today, but they sure brought us some much needed laughter back in the day.
Today we’re in a much similiar situation. We’ve been trying desperately to adjust to isolating, wearing masks, abstaining from being part of large crowds. We’ve been expected to follow the rules from the CDC, but crime rates, suicides, mental illness and obesity have become unwelcome side effecs of COVID19. We need a really good laugh – don’t you agree? Laughter really is great medicine for so many ailments. When we have become cocooned for more than a year, it’s difficult to find much to laugh about, but I believe it is even more important during times of crisis to look for the humor in things.
There are days when I wonder what on earth I’m still doing here. I spend hours trying to unbderstand all the new technology when I could have completed three loads of laundry. I wake up early only to spend my “alone” time thinking about all the things I should be doing rather than doing them. The morning speeds into afternoon and before I know it, I’m ready to go to bed and start the whole process all over again. I’m aging with grtreat resistance. I don’t want to grow up! I’m not ready to die. I know I’ve a few good years left in me, but as you get older you want to get everything in before you kick the bucket.
Since I spend so much time at my computer, I should really get one of those exercise machines that at least keeps your feet moving. Think of the steps I could accumulate by sitting at the computer. Continuing to move physically isnt as easy as it used to be. Sometimes we have to force ourselves to do so. I have the feeling that the minute I stop, so will my life.
I’ve mentioned my dream of one day doing stand up comedy, but there are so many obstacles now. Gone are the days of using a character voice that imitates a particular dialect or accent. Making fun of yourself isn’t acceptable. Making fun of others is null and voice. I agree that we need to be sensitive to offending or hurting others’ feelings, but sometimes seeing someone slip on a banana peel and taking a pratt fall can lift our spirits too. A pie in the face is as old as the hills when it comes to comedy. I’ve actually done that in my lifetime.
When our feelings get stepped on, we’d suck it up and take the bullying or let it roll off our backs and move on. I’m not saying that it’s good to laugh at another persons expense or to be insensitive to things that would offend. Words have always had the ability to hurt, but our attitudes about them often supercede the lessons we can learn from them. Of course we need to be kind to one another, but doesnt’ that atribute have to be taught as one of the basic tenets for life? Caring about each other will provide the armor necessary to withstand the words, the hatred, the meaness that accompany bigotry and mindless thinking. Teach your children to be kind to others, but don’t dwell so much on the negative.
There is a danger of creating false beliefs and futhering unrest. Teach them how to engage others in conversation, problem solve through team work and building each other up. We all need to feel necessary to society. We also need to lighten up, which takes a great deal of faith in troubled times, but faith leads to belief and confidence in overcoming the impossible.
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD
Within the mountain’s early dawn, His majesty is seen,
The skies fill up with brilliance, and glorious golden sheen,
His breath is seen in morning mist, His voice through eagles’ song,
His power displays in sunlit rays, He shines the whole day long,
His love for us unspoken, but seen in every rock,
He leads us like a shepherd protects his wandering flock,
I am so weak and fragile, like many a stubborn sheep,
My trust oft wanes, my fears o’er take, I toss through dream filled sleep,
My tears won’t stop, my faith grows weak, I stumble all the way,
But He’s right there, surrounding me, protecting me each day,
I’ll never grow to understand His unconditional love,
But thank Him that He grants it from His throne high up above,
My God, you are my fortress, my strength when I am weak,
You carry me through deserts, you lead me when you speak,
Through pastures green and waters clean, fulfilling every need,
You fill my heart with gratitude, my soul your Word does feed.
THE NAMES OF GOD
God is very clear about His name. Not only are we to honor it, but we should never use it in a negative way. In describing Himself through the words of the Bible, He has used words like Alpha and Omega – the beginning and the end. He is referred to as Creator, Holy – without sin, our Refuge, Jehovah, El Shaddai, Father and many names which speak not only of His character, but also hold a place of reverence.
Today, the word “god” is flung around like just another word, with no regard to the way we are verbally attacking God each time it’s used in a negative or impersonal way. The second commandment is very clear about God’s name
“YOU SHOULD NOT MISUSE THE NAME OF THE LORD, YOUR GOD.”
Our first thoughts on that command are that we should place God’s name in a category of its own. It should be above all others – revered and honored – sacred – divine – holy – a name like no other. However there is so much more to this law than we see in the obvious
Every time God’s name is used flippantly we’re slapping our Creator in the face. When we use it to swear an oath, but don’t really mean it – when we use it in connection with superstition – when we curse – when we lie – any time we use God’s name without the honor it is due, we’re disobeying this important commandment. Simple things like breaking it down into text form – OMG or simply saying “oh, God,” may not seem like a big deal, but it is.
He is supreme. He deserves our complete honor and respect. He already demanded that in the first commandment. It wasn’t a suggestion, but a law, which has seemingly had its day and been replaced by self-love, love of material things and love of anything but the One who knit us together before our birth – who had a plan all mapped out for our lives before we came into the world.
When we use God’s name in vain, swear by it, curse and do things that show disrespect, we’re dishonoring God. By the same token if we refuse to honor Him, we are denying Him as much as Peter did when he denied Jesus in the courtyard at His trial. Every time we disobey God’s commandments, we are pounding the nails into His cross.
Our society today has no problem using the name of God in every which way but the right way. We need to be more conscious of whose name we’re throwing around. Like many other signs of devolution, we’re seeing blatant disrespect for God on a daily basis. It can be blamed on a number of things like peers, family, media, etc., but it can be resolved by placing it in our children’s hearts from the beginning. Let them know who God is. Teach them that He is our Creator, our Father, our help in time of trouble. He’s not just another word we throw around to make a point.
Besides, it’s the law – which has also devolved over time and turned into mere suggestions.
WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN – ALREADY HAS
Nostalgia is defined as a bittersweet reminder of what things were like in the past; what we were way back when; who we spent time with and how much better our lives were.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could continue to have the strong bodies of our youth? It would be great if all our past relationships were still alive and active. It would be so nice if values were the same as when we were growing up or if the love of country and the respect of our leadership and government hadn’t faltered so in a lifetime. Life would be so much better if only . . .
Sometimes it’s good to be reminded of past events to enjoy the present, but isn’t it really up to us as individuals to make the here and now great for the present generation, so they have something to look back on and remember with fondness?
We could dwell on how bad things are today. There isn’t a lot to be excited about when you consider the state of the world. There are wars and unrest – intolerance and inhumanity – murder in our streets and moral depravity. We have become a society of political correctness for everything but Christianity. Our nation’s leaders struggle to get things done, but so much corruption seems to get in the way. Our children are exposed to a whole world of information through the internet and sometimes that information isn’t good.
When you look at ancient times, things weren’t much different. The days of our youth were not always pleasant. There have always been wars and rumors of war. There has always been moral depravity and corruption isn’t new.
Our hope really doesn’t lie in the past. It isn’t even in the present. In order to find perfect peace we have to look to the future and the promise of our all knowing God.
“yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” JAMES 4:13
So, even though we think our time in history can never be as great as when we were growing up, we need to make new memories for our children and give them this wonderful message of the glory which is to come.
ANOTHER TIME, ANOTHER PLACE
ORIGINAL ART BY PAUL T. BOECHER & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©
Long, cotton dress, brushing the tops of a cobblestone road,
A child at her side, collecting posies while roaming the edge of an ancient town,
A town built of mortar and stone, standing firmly for hundreds of years,
Sunlight casts shadows and light on this unfamiliar setting,
When we slow down and enjoy the bliss of God’s majestic creation,
It can transport us on the wings of eagles to a past that once was,
Reverie and nostalgia are lost arts consumed by the busyness of every day,
Sometimes you simply need to go back in time for a moment,
In order to enjoy today.
PEACEFUL CONTEMPLATION
I had no gift to offer on the morning of His birth, my voice had no great songs to sing,
The gifts I could give had no possible worth? My words were not worthy to bring,
He gave up His life, He suffered and died; His hands and feet nailed to a tree,
When the sword pierced a gash in His most precious side, I know that He bled just for me,
He died – my Redeemer, but did willingly so – the grave could not cling to this man,
He overcame death, forgave all my sins – it was part of His wonderful plan.
KAELI’S ROAD TO GRADUATION
The day you were born, I began to live again. You touched parts of my heart that I didn’t realize existed. As I watched you grow and with each step you took in your young journey, I was right there with you – coaching from the sidelines – hoping that a little part of me was being reborn. When you’re blessed to have children of your own, you’ll know what I mean. When you become a grandmother, you’ll completely understand. Our lives go on through our children and theirs.
We developed a close relationship from the start. You have always been a bit of a spitfire. When you were old enough to write your own words, you gave me a homemade Christmas card which proclaimed me as the “Best Grandma on my mother’s side.” I hung tightly to that title and still do. You’ve always been an outgoing person. Both your parents are too, so it’s only natural that you’d follow suit. You inherited the best of both of them. You have your dad’s determination, spunk and good work ethic. Your mom blessed you with compassion, love and a good work ethic. It only stands to reason that a good work ethic will follow you through your future as you decide where your career will take you.
On the day of your baptism, you became a member of God’s family. That was a special day for us too. Both of your great grandmothers were present for the occasion. It’s because of their heritage that you followed in their footsteps. The Holy Spirit was working within you already at an early age. Our hearts were overjoyed when you were confirmed in your faith, because we know that thiswill lay a strong foundation for your future.
I remember writing in my journal about you during those years. Photographs could not begin to express how I felt about you. You’ve always been precocious, feisty, a little tough with a balance of love and tenderness. I remember when you would come to our house and play with a friend you found in our neighborhood. She was the same age as you. In fact you shared a birthday and so did your moms. The two of you would play with Barbies and had fun invading my costume stash so you could dress up and make up your own stories. We’d share time baking cookies, going to movies, watching movies at home, reading books, playing games and getting to know each other. You once recalled how those things were such good memories for you. I think you were about six when you remembered some of those times and said, “Those were the good old days.”
Soon there will be more memories of the”good old days.” Each step you take throughout your life will establish the woman you become. We’re so proud of all your accomplishments so far and know that this is just the beginning for you. Now that you’re anchored in God’s love, I know that you’re prepared for the next steps. You’ve completed a very important chapter in your life. You will experience many more. There will be obstacles along the way – new challenges – changes in plans – boundaries – life style – questions and fears. Remember that God is right there with you and will always be. He will never let you down. He will always love you. He has forgiven you and promised you a home in heaven. He is your rock and fortress in the days to come. My prayer is that I’ll be around to share in some of those milestones with you.
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Posted in Graduation, Uncategorized
Tagged Future, God's Word, graduation, grandparenting
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IT’S OUR CHOICE
I woke up with a positive attitude this morning. The sun was streaming through the windows and beckoned me to wake early. I felt reasonably good in spite of a few aches and pains, but I’ve learned to accept the changes in my body as I grow older. It didn’t take long for the clouds to roll in. Within an hour of reading our morning devotion, clouds were filling the sky and even though I had a great meal from God’s Word, my attitude was changing along with the weather.
We need the rain. We really need it. All the newly sprouting plants are thirsty and longing for moisture. We started talking about some of the things happening in our world and many friends who are going through trials. My mood began to cloud over, just like the sky. There are so many bad things happening on the political scene, within our communities, in the workplace, schools and even places of worship. Dwelling on those things can do nothing for us, but pull us into a pit of depression.
We have choices in this world of ours. We can choose to take chances and even risk danger or we can be cautious and do what is necessary to stay safe. I’ve had my vaccinations, but not everyone else has. Am I being paranoid or becoming a germaphobe? We can look at our problems and lose hope or look at them as opportunities to help someone else. The decision is ours.
Within a matter of an hour, I was pulling myself away from God’s promise that He will never leave me. He isn’t one to go back on His promises, unlike us. What is your choice today? Will you push forward, look back and dwell on the negative or put yourself in God’s shoes. He knows what’s best for all of us and He will never leave us. Oh, look, the sun is out again!
BIRTH, LIFE, LIVING, DEATH, REBIRTH, ETERNITY
Growing up is one of the hardest things we’re required to do in this life. I should know. I’m still trying to do it. When we’re small children, we’re dependent on our parents to help us dress, tie our shoes, feed us and take us places.
As we grow into teenagers, our parents aren’t as important anymore. We think we can do everything ourselves. We want our independence. When we go out into the work force, life doesn’t seem so easy anymore. There are bills to pay, relationships and tons of responsibilities.
As we reach middle age, there can be a sense of accomplishment; a feeling that we’ve done it all and we know it all. By the time we reach retirement age and older, we are again depending on others to help us dress, tie our shoes and take us places.
Maybe this is what they call the circle of life. I think the truth about growing up is how we mature in our relationship with the only one we can depend on for all our needs. He is with us from our conception until the end of time – guiding, protecting, teaching and testing us all the way. Praise to God for giving us the confidence of an eternal home where we won’t have to grow up; where every day will be filled with joy and laughter. Thank Him for the ongoing circle of life which stretches from infinity to beyond. Come soon, Lord Jesus!
RESTORATION
Thank you, God,  for trouble, depression, pain and strife.
You’ve promised to be with us in all we face in life.
You temper us along the way, to make us perfect day by day.
At times it seems like waiting is the only thing to do.
Our prayers oft go unanswered, but that just isn’t true.
Our future you have crafted.  We know your plans are great.
You pave the way to prosper us, you teach us how to wait.
Through waiting you grant patience to a heart that’s filled with pain.
You’ve conquered death. Eternal life is now our very gain.
Oh thank you, God for Jesus, on this day in every hour.
He takes away our hardship and turns it into power.
Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher
Tagged AGING, Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, eternity, restoration
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RETIREMENT FALLACIES
I actually didn’t retire until I was 68 – that is, I didn’t apply for Social Security until that time. I continued to work until I turned 74. We decided it was time to downsize and moved into a house half the size of what we had. It’s funny how much stuff you accumulate over 24 years of living in the same place. It’s even funnier when you think you can’t part with some of those things. If you want a less complicated life, you do so and soon realize that your hoarding days continue even after you’ve gotten rid of all the excess baggage.
I stayed retired for a year and almost died of boredom. I found a theatre that was reaching out to all areas of the population and that included senior citizens. I began a time of visiting nursing homes and doing improvisation with some of the memory care patients. I also began teaching active seniors some of the basics of acting. This evolved into a separate entity which continues to grow. Three of us seniors got together and established an outlet for our creativity, by collaborating and writing a series of episodes regarding aging. There’s a ton of humor in the aging process which we share by laughing at ourselves.
When I was young, I thought retirement meant a life of ease – time to kick back and relax – a time to do some of the things you could never do when you were working. In my case, working is a necessary commodity and probably will be until I die. Not only does it provide a small supplement to Social Security Income, but it keeps my mind active and keeps me from vegetating on the couch.
Your mindset may change once you’ve retired. You might realize you didn’t plan well enough for this time. Your checkbook balance doesn’t match your desire to see the world or travel to exotic places. Your body is wearing out and you’re no longer capable of the things you once accomplished with ease. Keeping a positive attitude will give you the stamina necessary to get up each morning with purpose. Maintaining a good sense of humor will also help. Instead of dwelling on your aging, think of the alternative – kicking the bucket.
The fellow in the meme attached to this post, still has a certain amount of mischief in his being. Although it isn’t up to us beyond the age of 70 to enrage those younger than us, it makes for a good laugh once in a while. Life doesn’t end until God decides it’s the right time for us to come to our eternal home. While we’re still living, we can be sure that He’s going to remain with us through our time here and beyond.
“Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4
NO MORE HIDING
When days become diluted with the busyness of living,
It messes with our vision, as if closing all the blinds,
Our thoughts become polluted, our lives are unforgiving,
Our heads become befuddled, and shadows fill our minds.
The light that sweeps the darkness from our confusing state,
Cannot by coins be purchased, will not be found by hiding,
It’s light that comes from Heaven and it leads us to its gate,
We see that light in Jesus and His precious love abiding.
His Word is our connection, His promises are true,
He carries us through sadness, pain and loss,
His life He laid down gladly, He died for me and you,
There is no more confusion, just focus on the cross.
Psalm 119:130 “The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.”
Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, FOCUS, God, Inspiration
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FRIDAY FEARS FRACTURED
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” -Yoda
At last the mask mandated has been lifted for those of us who have been fully vaccinated. There is finally something to be excited about,, but wait! Masks have been a part of our culture for over a year now. They keep us from inhaling someone else’s germs – enclose our own germs behind a barrier of cloth which becomes saturated wih saliva, snot and other creepy crud – protect those most vulnerable to Corona 19 – and save grandma. In a way, I believe that masking was important, but created more fear than was necessary.
I for one have hated wearing a mask. Not because of vanity, but because of inability to breathe when wearing one. I’ve delayed going to church services because of the mandate. My trips to the grocery store to replenish supplies have been short and sweet, because the minute I don one of those crazy face coverings, I begin to cough and the whole world thinks I have Covid. In spite of it, I purchased many types of masks, trying to find the right one or one which matched most of my clothes.
I admit, I’ve enjoyed this past time of isolation. Since I’m more of an introvert than my husband, it’s been a time of reprieve for me. I’ve been able to catch up on all my favorite mystery shows. I’ve been lax in getting my housework done, because no one came to visit anyway. I’ve learned how to teach classes via Zoom. Creativity has been bubbling over because of having to be so or die of boredom.
There were advantages to wearing the mask other than the obvious ones. You only had to make up half your face. The abundance of choices grew from the familiar blue medical mask to creative offerings in bright patterns and colors. You could even get color coordinated masks. You didn’t have to brush your teeth, which would be great if you had just eaten a bowl of spinach. If you didn’t bother putting any makeup on, you could be completely unrecognizable from those you know who might be out shopping too.
On the other hand, I miss seeing people’s faces – being able to discern if they are happy or sad. There’s nothing like a smile to make you feel good – even one filled with empty spaces.So join with me today in shedding the mask – flashing your pearly whites – breathing again – and having hope again.
SIDE EFFECTS OF COVID-19
Have you noticed how defensive people have become lately? You can see it everywhere. Not only has the crime rate risen during this time, but births have decreased when you’d think this time of isolation would only create more new life. I personally have felt the world closing in at times – kind of like being trapped in an elevator or locked in a room all by yourself with no way out. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. We’ve been like caged animals for more than a year.
Everyone seems more than a little on edge. Communicating electronically has gotten old for many. E-mails often become so convoluted you can’t begin to understand them. Folks are shaming folks for not getting vaccinated or not wearing a mask, or not going to church. The idea of caring for each other physically, spiritually and emotionally has taken a back seat to our own desires and needs. We’ve become hypersensitive also. Words that were used before, now have a negative connotation. We therefore must be extremely careful in what we say and write. People are disregarding the law on the roads as they kick the speedometer up to 70 mph or more. Folks seem more focused on themselves making those around them invisible.
We’ve also been expected to be tolerant of things that we may disagree with. It’s almost like we’re being reinvented by our circumstances. We’ve experienced mandates that change on a weekly basis. Confusion reigns at times. Some might call that adaptation. I’m convinced that it’s all a matter of creating fear and hopelessness in our communities. Further division will only come of it.
Dear, God, You know the perils we experience day in and day out. You are with us through these dangerous times. You know the reasons for what’s going on and you have already mapped out the solutions. I place my trust in you to fix our world, but I also believe it’s up to us to take the first steps – reaching out to help each other – building and encouraging those who are troubled – giving the gift of the Gospel to those who will listen – praying – focusing on the good things that have come from the pandemic. You are our Deliverer, our Mighty Fortress, our King and God. You will show us the way. I praise you and ask that you keep us all safe. Amen!
THE CHOSEN – SEASON TWO EPISODE 4
There are times when actions can speak much louder than words. I watched the 4th episode of “The Chosen” last night and found this to be true. The first several minutes held no dialogue whatsoever, but the story of two brothers became apparent through the action. It began with a young boy named Jesse falling from a tree and becoming paralyzed because of it. This boy and his younger brother, Simon went separate ways in time, but began their relationship in the usual way. They were true friends and established that by knuckle bumping before going to sleep at night. Everything in those first few minutes is amazing story telling without the use of words.
I love the way this show brings out relationships and lessons for us in a sometimes humorous way as well as giving us insight into characters that we don’t read much about in the Bible. They’re bringing the truth of the Gospel to life in a lovely, personal way.
Simon becomes involved with the Zealots – a group of Jews who strictly followed the law. Jesse gave up on life because of his disability and waited at a pagan spring to be healed, but was never fast enough to be first. We see Jesse’s faith being put to the test each day, his desire to be healed, his becoming completely crushed eventually. Then Jesus meets Jesse and every thing changes. The helpless, hopeless man leaps for joy as he carries his mat off with him, completely healed by Jesus. His brother, Simon is overjoyed at seeing his brother walking again.
We all have the ability to become part of these stories and develop a closer relationship with God as we read the Bible. Putting ourselves in some of these characters’ sandals, helps us learn the many lessons God is giving us through them. “The Chosen” is well written, consistent with scripture, adds current happenings to help us relate to the times that might seem completely foreign to us. I believe anything that gets us back into the Word of God is for our benefit.
Critics may find fault with these presentations, but I happen to love watching them, because they encourage me and make me eager to learn more about the days when God became human, our brother, our teacher, our leader, our Savior and our God. He is our only hope in all circumstances.
You can view all episodes of The Chosen on YouTube. Check it out. You won’t regret the time well spent.
Posted in Jesus
Tagged Bible, God, story telling, The Chosen
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HOW CAN I SERVE?
A servant is defined by the dictionary as a person who performs duties for others, especially a person employed in a house on domestic duties or as a personal attendant. Some synonyms for the word are
attendant · retainer · domestic help while more negative words also are listed lackey · flunkey · minion .
Over time the word SERVANT indicates someone being held in bondage as a slave. What do you think of when you hear that word?
In our current time there’s still a negative connection with “serving” of being held in captivity with no hope of ever being able to live independently. Each day we’re told what to do. Wear a mask. Socially distance yourself. Wash your hands. Do it for the elderly. In a way, we’ve become servants to our leadership in Washington. We become servants to this new way of life, because we’re guilted into thinking it’s our responsibiliy to do so. We also try to follow God’s commandment of loving our neighbor and doing good for others – not only because God says we should, but because it’s good advice. We get mixed messages about serving others as meaning being beholding to them. It’s difficult to sacrifice our own time, talents and gifts.
Jesus told his disciples that giving of ourselves shows our obedience and love for Him. The things we do for others don’t incarcerate us. They liberate us and help those around us. Instead of thinking of these words – serving or servanthood or slave – in a negative way, it’s time to consider them as a necessity as well as an obligaion for all of us. God wants us to love one another as He first loved us. By doing so, we’re unlocking the shackles that hold us captive..
How can I serve today? Look to the Bible first, because in that guide for living I will find the answers. Then put those thoughts into practice. Serving is a reflection of our love for what God first did for us. Start today, by asking yourself, how can I serve the Lord today?
Posted in America, corona virus, Technology and Kids
Tagged COVID19, Love your neighbor, Sacrifice, Serving God
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