HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY ONLY SIBLING

Posted on October 24, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

When we were young and innocent, so very long ago,

I didn’t think too much of you at all,

You’d tag along behind me like the shadow you would throw,

Our youth is gone, but still we can recall.

The nights we danced like movie stars, dressed in our own bed sheets,

The mud pies made at grandma’s old farm house,

We fed them to the hungry dog who treasured those weird treats,

We kept that secret quiet as a mouse,

When we became young women I was just four years ahead,

But still you took the spotlight for a while,

The boys all came to court you, I’d lay waiting in my bed,

To hear about your first kiss and I’d smile.

The years went by so quickly and we both took different roads,

We lived our journeys far away from home,

Our families grew, our work increased, we lived each episode,

We shared our lives upon the telephone.

Now as our lives are ebbing and we turn our thoughts to death,

We know that God is waiting for us there,

And when we get to heaven, each day will bring us new breath,

New life and peace, eternal rest we’ll share.

But now we’re in the present and the truth is we’re not dead,

The Lord has more He wants for us to do,

Now texting is our visiting, and emails must be read.

Those things for now will help to see us through.

So on this special birthday, for my only sibling’s years,

I’ll text you with this little poem you see,

My love for you won’t waiver and even through happy tears,

I’ll never forget what you mean to me.

My dear sister, Carol, is celebrating another year of life. She’s had her share of turmoil this year. It seems that 2020 is the year that keeps on giving – more and more surprises and things we find hard to deal with. Carol is one of those steel magnolias that most women strive to be. I’ve cherished her from the day she was born, even though I didn’t always seem to.

My life and the lives of all those she’s touched along the way, have been so much better because of her. I know God has a special place reserved for both of us in heaven and that we will be reunited again for all eternity. Until then, happy birthday to my sister, my dearest friend, my shoulder to lean on and my connection to the past. I love you.

Posted in Family | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

TIME FOR TOLERANCE

Posted on October 24, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Tolerance is described in the dictionary as a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one’s own; freedom from bigotry. The opposite of being tolerant is to be narrow minded, unbending, inflexible and one who is considered a bigot.

In today’s world we’re asked to be tolerant of everyone, even if it goes against what we believe. It has become the new “in thing” to be. Jesus told His disciples not to judge others, lest they be judged by God. We all face that final judgment, but even though God is tolerant and has forgiven the entire world, He will not receive those who defile His word or His name.

In my opinion it’s much easier to go along with the masses and accept everything and everybody. It’s harder to stand up for what we believe in and stay true to it. Will we be tolerant today? I hope we can continue to remain so without losing our convictions.

God is the most tolerant of all of us. He loves each and every one of us, despite our sinful natures and He wants us to be with Him, but He also expects us to stay strong in our faith, true to His Word and to follow His commandments.


Dear God, As we draw near another presidential election, help us remember those who are running for office. Help us also to keep open minds and look at facts rather than rhetoric. You have placed our governing bodies for a purpose. Our voice – our vote – our opinions can best be expressed through the election process. Amen!

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,  for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Posted in America | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

MY ONE TRUE GOD

Posted on October 23, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

My God is like no other God, His wings span wider than an eagle,

Searching,

Watching,

Uncovering the majesty below,

He lifts me up beyond the sky,

Into eternal paradise,

His hands protect me every day,

He leads me through His perfect way,

He won’t let go, though try I will,

He takes my hand, my heart He fills,

He is my true salvation.

I have no way to thank Him,

My words are not enough,

He’s done it all for my own good,

To make me strong and tough.

When my last breath I finally take,

I know His promise He won’t break,

He loves me more than life you see,

He gave His life to set me free.

Posted in ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS, Bible | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on October 23, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
VINCENT VAN YODA
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

TIME TO FLY

Posted on October 23, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

When you reach a certain point in life, you wonder how many things you might cross off the old bucket list. I’ve never thought too much about a bucket list. I’m happy to see the dawning of a new day – to enjoy the company of my husband – to have the memories of a lifetime.

The fact that I’ve never really had any wild goals in my life would probably indicate that I’m a pretty boring person. I’ve never jumped out of a plane to free fall. I’ve never driven at speeds over 200 MPH – swung from a bungie cord across a wide canyon or stood on the top of a pyramid.  You could say, I’ve led a pretty dull life, but I don’t think so.  In fact, I feel like I’m still a work in progress and every day allowed to me from now on is just another opportunity to grow closer to my Savior – my God.

If I were to write a bucket list, I would undoubtedly have a tough time.  I’m afraid of heights; I’m not a very good swimmer; my out of shape body would never carry me to the top of a pyramid – much less a flight of stairs.  I’ve never been one to take chances.  I really play it safe most of the time.  I’m way too conservative to spend money on foolishness.  I know, most bucket lists are designed to take you outside of your box and make you do something you’ve never done before, but I think that most of the things that would be on my list have already been accomplished in my lifetime.

For example I might say I would like to witness a miracle – but I have already seen many.  I have three children, I have been given God’s forgiveness of my sins, I have had all my earthly needs provided for even when I didn’t think they would be. 

Sure, these are the every day miracles that we’ve all seen, but there are more.  There was the Christmas we were up to our ears in medical expenses and it looked like we wouldn’t be able to buy gifts for our children.  That year was bleak for the company my husband  worked for and they weren’t giving out bonuses – except to him.  There was the time I drove for over a mile with a broken tie-rod and made it safely to a place I could get help.  There were numerous occasions when I thought my life would end due to some illness or surgery, but God had other plans for me.  Miracles are all around us if we just look for them.

If our lives mean anything, a bucket list isn’t really necessary.  God has our life all planned out for us and we can expect to have adventures and excitement along the way.  He loves our laughter.  He enjoys our successes.  He grieves when we grieve. He sometimes molds us like a potter punches his clay to make us a thing of beauty.

I’m happy with the life I’ve experienced so far – even the low times, because I know that something wonderful is waiting for me on the other side of eternity and that is where every hope, dream and aspiration will be fulfilled. 

“So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.”  Ecclesiastes 11:8

Posted in aging | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

YOUR WILL, NOT MINE

Posted on October 22, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

My God, you’ve shown your will for me in everything you do,

You break the earth, you cut through rock, you kiss the morning dew,

The skies surrender to your voice, the clouds contain your breath,

You’re seen in every place we go, from life until our death.

Stretched across the mighty seas – far beyond the mountains high,

Your blueprint for each life is planned from morning until night,

The creatures of the forest and the fish beneath the sea,

Are in your constant watch and care, as much as you love me.

The days turn into star filled skies, your finger moves the sun,

Your love for us immeasurable, with you we become one,

Our dreams are not impossible, our hope will never die,

You touch the waters and they rush to reach the other side.

Your will be done forevermore, let me become your tool,

And may I find true peace in all that you would have me do,

I trust your perfect path for me, I’ll never walk alone,

You are right there beside me now and you will take me home.

Posted in ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

6-8 INCHES OF NEW FALLEN SNOW – BLEH!

Posted on October 21, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

I guess we should have expected it. Last week’s little dusting of snowflakes was just a foreshadowing of what was to come. Yesterday, the white stuff, which we refer to in Minnesota as that horrible four letter word, starting falling at about 1 PM and didn’t let up until around 8 or 9 PM.

There were more that 350 accidents and spin outs as those who still commute to work had to adapt to different driving conditions. I don’t know how driving has been in other states lately, but during this pandemic, people drive much faster in my state, with little concern for those around them. Anyway, we were fortunate not to have to go anywhere, but I couldn’t help wondering if this is just another addition to the growing list of complaints about the year 2020.

This morning the sun is glistening over the new fallen snow. Thoughts of hot chocolate are calling to me. As I grow more and more introverted during this time, I’m wondering if I’m alone in feeling this way. I know that we’re three quarters of the way through this year. I know that more is yet to come. Life doesn’t stop during a pandemic, it just becomes more intense. What we do with this time is imperative.

We could sit around, feel sorry for ourselves, cry, “oh woe is me,” or simply give in and pull ourselves deeper into the pit of depression. We could do that, but how is that going to make things better? As I think back to the Renaissance Period in history, the plague had destroyed many lives, but out of that time came artists like Michelangelo and DaVinci. Innovation began to spring up like new growth in springtime. Beautiful poetry was being produced, books were written and published by the newly invented printing press. The Reformation of the church was underway. More and more people were being educated and able to do more than simply eek out a living.

During the time of the Civil War lives were being shattered all across our country. But another disease in the form of tuberculosis was being called the Masque of the Red Death, by Poet Edgar Allan Poe. This genius of a writer lived in poverty for most of his life. He lost many of those he loved to tuberculosis and eventually died penniless and hopeless. Still we have a plethora of his writings to enjoy today.

There will always be sickness in our world, but there will also be those who rise above it – those who use their talents to enrich the lives of others – those who we can count on to get things done – those who serve others before themselves. I pray that this time in the wilderness teaches all of us how much we need each other and God to get through this life. How blessed our lives will be once we reach the other side of it.

Posted in corona virus, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

EMBARASSMENT AT THE MOVIES

Posted on October 21, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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I usually read other people’s posts before actually staring my own. This is sometimes a way of sparking some thoughts when I’m not sure what I’m going to write. This morning I read a poem by Carol Congalton at https://adivineunraveling.wordpress.com. Carol always has writings that amuse and she has a fun way of telling stories through her poetry. Go check her out.

The poem she posted today had to do with Matinee Poets. I’d never heard the term before, but it stirred a memory of a time I went to the movies with my grandkids and husband. I think the movie was “Lincoln.” What I saw of it was outstanding. The costuming was spectacularly accurate for the time period. The acting was well done, but I fell asleep during one of the many battle scenes of the Civil War. I’m not sure why. It may have had to do with the fact that I was sitting in a reclining chair that embraced me with heat and comfort. I may have simply tuned out when the guns started shooting and blood was flowing. Whatever the case may be, I fell asleep. That wasn’t bad enough. I started to snore to the amusement of those sitting around me. When I finally was shaken back to reality, my package of Mentos had melted all over my orange jacket. I looked like a Jack-O-Lantern.

Anyway, I promised Carol a poem this morning and here it is.

EMBARASSMENT AT THE MOVIES

I once went to a picture show,

With popcorn, treats and drink in tow,

Reclined in leather seat was I,

I thought I’d died and now could fly,

The dreams of sleep soon overtook,

I fell asleep, felt like a schnook,

Around me bombs were falling fast,

I was part of movie cast.

Guns were firing and blood ran red,

I realized I wasn’t in bed,

When woken by a gentle nudge,

I reached around to find my fudge,

Melted into my jacket there,

From that infernal leather chair.

Posted in humor, Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

THE GHOST LIGHT

Posted on October 20, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

A ghost light in theatre terms, refers to a light that remains on when the theatre is empty. For those who have been affected greatly by the COVID19 pandemic, this traditional light has remained lit for far too long and it doesn’t look like it will be turned off for quite some time.

The performing arts have been a part of society dating back to the earliest of civilizations. It is a means of expression – a chance to make a statement of sorts – an opportunity to display talent – to offer a voice – to dance, to sing, to create. Even in Biblical times, David danced as he victoriously entered the city – he played the lute to entertain and comfort King Saul through his angst and depression. It is part of our heart and soul as human beings.

We’re told that Broadway will not be opening any shows at least until August of 2021. Recovery from this plague is probably going to take three to five years according to the experts. Little performing venues are closing their doors for good. Children who have gained so much through the creative and performing arts may not see a renewal of that experience during their childhood.

The heart of man is being touched in so many ways through all this. Sometimes things need to go through a cleansing process before they are restored. Sometimes we need to reevaluate, regroup and return to our roots.

I believe we’ve been given this time for such a purpose. We could look a this year as one which should be erased from all time, but then what will we have learned from it? If we take a defeatist attitude, we surely will be defeated. If we look at -our current situation as full of amazing opportunities for change, for doing things new ways, for igniting the creative process, we will have turned the lights back on and given new purpose to the arts and also for the way we face life in general.

God gives us reassurance in this area too, by reminding us that even one tiny glowing ember can grow into a blazing fire. It doesn’t take much, but we must keep that fire lit and never let it go out. Even when things seem their darkest.

Posted in America, corona virus | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

ABANDONED

Posted on October 20, 2020 by atimetoshare.me


ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

It was nothing more than the skeletal remains of a deserted old building. The facade bore scars on its sun bleached boards. It had become pock marked by the bullets of hail. Remnants of a large bird nest topped the crooked chimney. Windows, soiled by years of lost memories, were now clothed with the silver threads of spider webs, glistening in the light of day.

Within the empty walls, you could almost hear voices from the past. Wallpaper barely clung to the mildewed walls. The floors creaked. A few dishes lined the sink- now coated with dust and dehydrated food. A broken rocking chair sat at the center of the open space. How many babies had been rocked and comforted in that relic of broken furniture?

A tree branch crashed through the roof at some point and now seemed to belong there. The new life, budding from that seemingly dead branch, presented some semblance of hope in the midst of misery. It seemed that the bones were still in place. The foundation was solid. When the sun cast it brilliance on it, I knew this was once a home and it could be again.

Posted in ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS | Tagged | 2 Comments

MAKING NEW KINDS OF MEMORIES

Posted on October 19, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Here we are, in the midst of a pandemic, waiting for another legendary election, waiting to go back to church as we used to, hoping for that job promotion and praying that we stay healthy during the coming winter months.

Really, if we were to take the word of every politician out there, we would be doomed to an eternity in hell if we choose the wrong candidate. If we refused to wear a mask because we can’t breathe when we do, we wouldn’t have to fear being thrown into jail or fined for doing so. What if, instead of living each day in fear of one thing or another, we decide to create new ways of doing things that will lead to new memories.

Memories are the things that fuel our old age. They capture our minds and fill us with warmth beyond measure. The good old days were not always that great, but the memories created during those times will live on and give us some hope for the future.

When I was a kid, it seemed my self-appointed job to entertain people. One of my grandsons felt that same obligation when he was a young boy. He said he felt it his responsibility to make people laugh. We’ve both grown up since then, but somehow that desire to entertain and make people laugh is still within our souls.

I remember taking a few of our old sheets and clothes pinning them to a rope outside. I’d find a few set pieces to place in front of the “curtains” and rounded up a few of the neighbor kids to make a play. As every young entrepreneur will tell you, you have to add some popcorn and lemonade to sell just to sweeten the pot for your audience and make a ka-ching sound in your pocket as well. Our plays were not worthy of praise, but the popcorn was good. It was a great way for neighbors to get together and share time and words of encouragement.

Well, some things don’t change even in the middle of gathering restrictions. The little theatre I’m involved with has been holding outdoor performances for the last three months. Two of these shows featured adult performers and one consisted of kids from 6th grade and up. In spite of a few rainy day rearrangements and a chilly October rendering of readings from Edgar Allan Poe, all three performances were a success.

The memory of those old backyard shows warmed my heart as semi-icicles formed on my masked face. Actually the mask was a nice face warmer. People sat socially distanced as a warm bonfire crackled in the background.

It seems to me that when life gives us lemons, we can certainly make lemonade instead of a bitter concoction of angry thoughts and hatred. For a small moment in time, we can journey into a different place and escape the maddening sounds of the world. This time can lead to the formation of new memories that will carry us during future times – times that will return again soon. When that happens, we will look back on this time as a time of healing for our nation. What a lovely memory that will be.

Posted in America, corona virus | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

TREASURE OR TREASURED

Posted on October 18, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

In my lifetime I have experienced living with little, living modestly, living with means and living with little once again. When you have money, it doesn’t mean you are happier or are twice blessed. It simply means you have more to be in charge of.

Having wealth can bring some sense of freedom from worry, but it doesn’t buy peace of mind or happiness or love or the things of true value including eternal life. Whatever we are blessed with in life is a gift from God and should be managed as such.

God gives us so much more than worldly riches. He gives us the silver of His forgiveness and the gold of an inheritance with Him in heaven. Thank you, Lord, Jesus for giving me this gift of promise. Remind me that earthly wealth is just temporary. I have so much more to look forward to. It’s what lies ahead that gives us true wealth.

Don’t give me a mansion on top of the hill.

Don’t give me the world with a shallow thrill.

But just give me a savior my life He can hold.

I’d rather have Jesus than silver and gold.

Posted in Christian devotion | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on October 16, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

FAKING IT

Posted on October 15, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

The word hypocrisy is defined as the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform; pretense.  Being an actor and one who teaches acting, I guess I could be labeled a hypocrite.  Getting in front of an audience as a character from a play could really be construed as faking it.

The fact is each of us is guilty of being a hypocrite at some time or another.  Even Peter, the rock solid man of God, became weak when push came to shove.  As believers we cannot be susceptible to reason or logic when it comes to our beliefs.  We must be willing to stand strong and firm in faith and the power of the Holy Spirit and the very truth of God’s own words.

Not always easy, is it?  Peter had Jesus right with him and yet when asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples, he said he didn’t know Him.  How often do we deny our Savior?  Are we willing to literally lose our head because of Him?  I stand in awe of those who are currently being persecuted for their beliefs.  I honestly don’t know if I would be able to profess my faith in such a way.

I think God knows that too.  He knows our weaknesses and faults much better than we do.  He knows how much we can bear.  He knows what our limits are.  He created each one of us, so He knows everything about us.

God, forgive my weaknesses as only you can.  Walk with me each day, each hour, every minute and second and give me the strength to honor you in any way I can.  When I falter, lift me up and give me the courage to stand tall for you.  With you all things are possible. Amen!

Posted in America | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

LIFE STANDING STILL

Posted on October 14, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
GALATIANS 5:22-23   “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

ART & POETRY FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Fruit, luscious, ripe and sumptuous,

A result of tender care and nurturing,

A life giving sustenance for those who taste of it,

God’s gift to man is the fruit of the spirit,

A gift that cannot be measured by the insight of man,

It is inborn,

It comes packaged in our relationships with others,

In the engraved command of God upon our conscience,

In our caring for others,

In our ability to serve,

In our ability to put others first,

Sometime it sits stagnantly,

It slowly rots and dies,

Still there is hope,

Jesus came and restored its life,

He stirs the rottenness of inactivity,

He washes the putrid darkness of sin,

Making it clean,

And creates new life from old,

To actively be of use once more

Posted in ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

WEDNESDAY WISDOM

Posted on October 14, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could simply run away? It seemed to be the answer when I was five years old and again when I was six, seven and eight. The thought occurred to me when I was in my teen years too, but I had no source of income and no place to run. When I became a mother, it seemed to be a daily thought, but never acted upon, because I’d finally become a responsible adult Or had I?

The thought of running away is still somewhere in the back of my head, but because I’m now an old lady I should be thinking more in terms of my last days here on earth. Instead, those two little words, “run away,” seem to be luring me into its web of deception once more.

This year has been a nightmare to many. In most cases, we can’t wait until it’s over. It started with an ongoing impeachment trial. Then in February the COVID19 virus reared its ugly head. Isolation, toilet paper and hand sanitizer became the words of the day. Graduations were cancelled. Students were put on an extended spring break along with teachers. Families got to know each other on a close quarters basis.

Summer was filled with “peaceful protests,” which turned into violence and looting. Again the ugliness of the world reared its ugly head and the voice of justice was drowned out by the words of hatred and deceit. Travel plans were placed on hold or forgotten completely, but somehow we survived. When the sunflower fields and corn mazes filled Facebook pages, and the colorful handiwork of God filled nature with a stunning canvas, hope sprang again as kids went back to school, although in a much different fashion.

October has turned into another badgering session placed upon a candidate for the SCOTUS – another means of campaigning for both political parties. In three weeks an election will occur, which undoubtedly will be contested into the next year or two or ten. Who knows, we may wind up living in a whole new world.

My opinions are mine alone and I expect I’ll get some flack from them, but honestly this has been a year to make us want to run away and hide. The ball drop in Times Square on December 31, 2020 will be virtual. There will be no crowds to control – only pre-recorded fireworks and confetti, ushering in a new year, but there will be no crowds. The suicide rate will rise and mental health is at an all time low. Depression is commonplace these days. It’s enough for one to long for the end of the world and Christ’s return.

Instead of running away, let’s run to the only One who never changes – the One who has already laid the blueprint for our lives – the One who knows what’s best for each of us. God will always be there. He will never run away from us, so let’s make a mad dash towards Him.

Posted in corona virus | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

FAMILY REUNIONS

Posted on October 13, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

I haven’t got a clue who the people are in this old photograph, but they look like part of the same genealogy – the family tree filled with all kinds of nuts. My own family was much like this and I recall getting together with them for reunions in the summer time. We didn’t know most of the people in attendance, but we were assured they were long lost relatives from one of our parent’s side of the family.

One thing for sure in those days is that everyone dressed up for a picnic or family gathering of any kind. They knew there would be a photograph snapped during the course of the event and they wanted to look their best. Just rounding up all those various sized children was a task in itself and then to have them sit still long enough to have a semi-professional take a photo that would show off all the good elements of each of the members.

We’d dine on potato salad, fried chicken, homemade ice cream and deviled eggs – not to mention tasty homemade pies and cakes.  Everything sat in the warmth of the July sun until every last lick was eaten.  Today those tasty morsels would be like certain death and the evidence of food poisoning would be apparent the next day. Maybe in those days the same was true, but we went on living anyway.

Getting together with family was pretty easy too.  Most everyone lived close by and the need to search for the long lost relative, didn’t take long.  Today, families are spread all over the map and it’s not nearly as easy to get together.  I kind of miss those times, especially as I grow closer to the end of my days.

There was my mom’s aunt, who once got stuck in our recliner and her ample size created special challenges for my thin husband. 

There were the cousins we never really got to know except for that one day a year.  There were second and third cousins too.  Farm families were often larger than city ones, so relatives we didn’t even know were on hand. These same people were on hand for every wedding and funeral to occur throughout the year, often serving more of that poisoned potato salad. 

We had sack races, played horse shoes, contests of all kinds, usually designed to bring out the competitive spirit and pit cousin against cousin.  The end of the day would consist of a huge bonfire and stories of old being spun as the crackle of burning logs filled the air.

There always seems to be one black sheep of the family – whose name would certainly come up at least once.  Whatever happened to old what’s his name?  Last I heard, he was in prison for stealing chickens

There was the yodeling cousin, her sibling who could click the roof of his mouth with his tongue and another cousin strummed on a wash board.  This was done for the entertainment of the elders. I’d often direct some kind of skit as well.  This was one thing my cousins dreaded, but it turned into a career for me.

We can’t chose our family members.  They’re a part of who we are.  We all come from the same DNA so there is a natural bond.  There are a few we’d much rather not be related to, but keeping connected is sadly a lost tradition.  I can’t wait for that final reunion in heaven.  I’m sure I won’t recognize any of them.

Posted in Family | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

FAMILY TREE

Posted on October 13, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Sullied by the hands of time, darkened by its sin,

A world so lost and fallen, is buried deep within,

The broken limbs are withered, the leaves have lost their grip,

The roots are thirsting moisture, a flood or just one drip,

When family trees seem lost and dead, the cycle carries on,

Soon death will overtake it,  its life will soon be gone,

We could despair and weaken, all hope might disappear,

But God sends Living Water, to freshen and restore.

His Son provides refreshment and brings new life each day,

If we would just remember to get on our knees and pray.

Posted in ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on FAMILY TREE

ENTRANCE TO AUTUMN

Posted on October 12, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A refreshing thunderstorm rolled through last evening’s sky, taking with it many of the colorful leaves that adorned our trees. It revealed the skeletal remains and let the beautiful rays of sun pour through this morning. How glorious is the hand of God.

Give thanks to the Lord for His creation,
In His hands all things came into existence,
The trees perfectly designed and crafted to bring shade, comfort, and shelter,
The seas in all their majesty, blown into place by His breath,
Abundant with life, food for our stomachs and beauty to behold,
The sky is filled with the voice and color of His paintbrush,
A glimmering sunset, a rainbow of promise, clouds to gather the tears of man,
The secret places are His also, He formed great mountains from formless clay,
He carved the crevices from steely granite, penciled in the lines,
Washed the canvas with water, tweaked, punched, chiseled,
He created every living thing,
Formed from nothing into intricately executed works of art,
Giving the first man a likeness of Himself,
And the first woman taken from the ribs of the man,
To forever be a part of him,
God is the Creator of all things,
Let us praise Him and thank Him for His wondrous gifts,
And remind us that He created us to be the caretakers of His creation.

Posted in ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

DYSFUNCTION JUNCTION

Posted on October 12, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

We read about the dysfunctionality of the American family every day. Yet we’re exposed to “perfect” families by the score when we see Facebook or Instagram posts. It would seem that most people in this country have the ideal life. We see them traveling together, creating things, eating sumptuous meals, living the good life. It starts to make us feel that something is lacking in our own family.

When I was a kid, I felt my family was totally dysfunctional. I compared everything to what my friends had. They lived in nice homes with a mom that wore an apron and put fantastic meals on the table each day. They had family vacations that boggled my mind. They seemed so happy to be together. They were superfunctional. I think I just created a new word.

As I looked up the definition for the word dysfunctional this morning, I found the following synonyms:

troubled · distressed · unsettled · upset · distraught · unbalanced · unstable · disordered · maladjusted · ill-adjusted · neurotic · emotionally confused · unhinged · screwed up

Nobody wants to admit that about their families, nor about their life in general. However, as a I started my own family and joined my life to a person with his own background, we seemed to be creating yet another dysfunctional family. Unfortunately, we all have skeletons in the closet. We all have secrets that we would never want another human being to know about.

When our children were young, we decided to set up a time for Bible study with them. We determined to do so after supper, when we had a captive audience. As for me and my childhood, that would have been the least perfect time. My dad worked the night shift and even though mom insisted on dinner together each evening, he wasn’t at his best. Our times around the dinner table were often a series of arguments, chastisement, lectures and discomfort. I didn’t want that for my own children. So we set time aside each evening to work our way through the Bible starting with the Book of Genesis.

Our children were old enough to read and comprehend what they read, but this method proved to be a real struggle. After all the thees and thous along with biographies that spanned hundreds of years, we lost our captive audience. I can’t imagine how young families find time today for Bible study.

Over my own life. I realize that once you get beyond all those difficult names and relationships, there’s really a lot of meat to digest. The stories of dysfunctional families jump off the pages, and I believe God inspired those words so we could learn how to deal with situations like greed, jealousy, hate, heritage, legacies, loving each other, showing compassion – all the things that are pertinent to every family out there. In the words of that first book alone, there are stories of murder, incest, deception, stealing a birthright, selling a brother into slavery, adultery, sodomy, over indulgence. Stories that have also inspired best selling novels over time.

When you think about it, if we’re left to our own devices, we often fall into bad habits. We turn away from God and try to go it alone. We think we know better than our own heavenly Father. Having Him as the head of the family is a good start for establishing functionality. He is our Creator and knows everything about us. When we place our focus on Him and His plan for us, we have a far better chance of leading a fairly normal life.

Posted in Family | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments