Tag Archives: encouragement

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 … Continue reading →

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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 … Continue reading →

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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 … Continue reading →

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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, … Continue reading →

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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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, discipleship, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 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 … Continue reading →

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WAITING IN WAITING ROOMS – PART TWO

“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;they shall run and not be weary;    they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 Within the last week, we’ve found ourselves sitting in waiting rooms again. I … Continue reading →

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HOW DO YOU COPE?

We all go through times of distress in this life. Whether it be a financial issue, a relationship problem, a life shattering illness or a test of our faith, each individual will at some point in their life find trouble … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, anxiety, God's promises, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER The old flour mill stands as a fortress, beside the rambling Rum River, An icon, once thriving, once useful – a place where industry grew a small town into a big city, … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, America, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

GNARLY

ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER© Trapped beneath the rugged surface of gnarly bark and battered limbs, Roots reaching out to grab a drink for a thirsty trunk, Hidden within the depth, Faces sullied by nature, yet … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Life, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

QUIESCENCE

The word, “quiescence,” is one we don’t use very often. Its meaning refers to a state of dormancy, inactivity, idleness or suspended animation. Going to sleep has never been a problem for me. I can hit the pillow and find … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, God, rest, time, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

GOD IS NOT DEAD

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER ‘One nation under God,” is what our founders said, But something happened on the way. They now say God is dead. I know our God lives on. He stands at heaven’s gate. … Continue reading →

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TIME MELTING AWAY . . .

I’m not a fan of Surrealistic art, but in 1931, Salvador Dali painted the above image, called. “The Persistence of Memory. The painting created quite a stir and tested the intelligence of everyone who viewed it. What was the deeper … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, eternity, time | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

TO CELEBRATE THOSE IN HEAVEN

Today, the church celebrates those who have preceded us in heaven – the saints, as they are referred to. This includes all those who have passed away, believing that Jesus redeemed them and prepared a special home for them in … Continue reading →

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MONDAY MORNING SLEEP IN . . .

I am amazed by people who get up early in the morning, do a load of wash or two, make lunches for their kids, plan supper, go out for a quick run, take a shower, get their kids up and … Continue reading →

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CARVING OUT A NEW FACE

It’s that time of year again. Buy at least one pumpkin, cut into the top of it, scoop out all the gunk and seeds, carve out a face, put a candle inside and set it by the front door. In … Continue reading →

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SINGING & DANCING IN THE RAIN

For some reason, I’ve become kind of hung up on old barns and beautiful autumn color lately. Maybe it’s because of our special drives this year. Maybe it’s because the character that abounds in those rugged buildings that have seen … Continue reading →

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MAKING ART . . .

My husband is an avid wood carver. His love for chiseling on a chunk of wood probably dates back to his younger years, sitting around a campfire and whittling. He made a living doing wood sculptures for restaurants, individual residences … Continue reading →

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FINAL DAYS OF OCTOBER

“October is the month of painted leaves.Their rich glow now flashes round the world.As fruits and leaves and the day itselfacquire a bright tint just before they fall,so the year near its setting.October is its sunset sky;November the later twilight.” … Continue reading →

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MY QUIET PLACE

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER This time of year, used to be reserved for hunting deer, squirrel, pheasants. I remember coming home one day to find recently besieged and already rigamortised pheasants staring at me from the … Continue reading →

Posted in aging, art & inspiration from the Boechers, Nature, peace | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments