WITH A SONG IN MY HEART

Posted on November 10, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

On November 10, 1907, Jane Froman was born in the small Missouri town of University City. She grew up in Missouri and considered Columbia, Missouri her home town. Her parents separated when she was only five. Little Jane suffered with stuttering, but it seemed to disappear when she sang. Maybe that’s why singing became such a refuge for her. She was married three times – had a successful career as a radio singer – sang for the troops with the USO appeared in movies and was named one of the most successful singers of the age.

On the way to one those trips, the plane carrying her and 38 others, crashed into the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. Jane was one of fifteen survivors, but she was severely injured. She was rescued by the plane’s co-pilot, whom she married five years after the accident.

The plane crash caused injuries that would require 39 surgeries to mend her broken body. The injuries to her legs were extensive. Her right leg suffered a compound fracture and a cut below her left knee which almost severed her leg. She would not agree to amputation. When she returned to entertain the troops in WWII, she appeared on crutches, but her determination was admirable.

She earned three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She had a fifteen minute show on CBS, alternating with the Perry Como Show. The song, “I Believe,” written specifically for Jane, was presented on the show and earned her a gold record in 1953.

A movie about her life was made in 1952 – “With a Song in my Heart,” starring Susan Hayward – another one of those movies I’ve sought to immerse myself in lately. The vocals were supplied by Jane Froman herself. We all need to hear these stories of courage and determination from time to time. Especially in times of uncertainty and stress.

I don’t know if it’s all the old movies I’ve been watching lately, but the title of my post today was ringing in my head when I woke up this morning. When I went to check it out on the internet, I discovered some of the above facts about this courageous woman. The reason I’m writing about her today is that it’s also her birthday. In honor of that event, here are the lyrics to her award winning song, “I Believe.”

“I believe for every drop of rain that falls a flower grows
I believe that somewhere in the darkest night a candle glows
I believe for everyone who goes astray
Someone will come to show the way, I believe, I believe
I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard
I believe that someone in the great somewhere hears every word
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry or touch a leaf or see the sky
Then I know why I believe
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry or touch a leaf or see the sky
Then I know why I believe
(Why I believe)“

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FROM A TRICKLE TO A RAGING RIVER

Posted on November 9, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A small mass of melting snow trickles gently over rocks and crevices,

Weeping as the tears of God,

Hemorrhaging from each pore within the granite,

Shards of glasslike ice,

Intertwining,

Mingling,

Coexisting,

Fraternizing,

Coming together,

Churning and percolating over each nook and cranny,

Until what once was an insignificant droplet,

Rages into an incomprehensible force.

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

MOVIE BINGING or FILLING EMPTY HOURS

Posted on November 9, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

The light over the kitchen sink, cast an eerie glow. The stillness was almost deafening. She moved with short, thoughtful steps from one room to the other. Were she to fall, would anyone know? Her mind filled with thoughts of laying alone in the stillness, unable to move, unable to call for help. The blue light from the silent television screen fell upon her. Closed captioning spewed words that couldn’t be heard. A night alone in a house that normally held two would become a prison of sorts – a lonely cell with no sound, no interaction, no communication.

Sound like the opening of a dark mystery, a film noir, a terrifying Hitchcock movie? Not really. Just my own little world this weekend. As you know, I am an old movie buff. I spent most of my childhood at the movies. It was a time when you could get into the theatre, buy some popcorn and soda pop all for under a dollar and spend the entire day in the same seat watching the same movie over and over.

Now, since we have access to a plethora of old movies for free, I feel like a kid in that same movie theatre 70 years later. Only now, I don’t have to contend with walking over sticky floors filled with spilled popcorn or noisy kids who were throwing said popcorn all over the place. This weekend I was alone. I used to treasure alone weekends, because I could feast on old movies to my heart’s content. I could watch what I wanted, could cry until my eyes turned red, didn’t have to move if I didn’t want to. I was totally immersed. Lately, the alone times aren’t as exciting.

As I sat in my chair, flipping from one film to another, from “Citizen Kane,” to “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” to “Psycho,” “Shadowlands,” “The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit,” “David & Bathsheba,” “Halls of Montezuma,” “Gas Light,” I was separating myself from a world I didn’t want to be part of anymore. Not that I was ready to jump off a cliff or anything. I just didn’t want to hear anymore of it. I wanted to be 8 years old again, sitting in a movie theatre, eating popcorn with my eyes fixed on a different place for an entire day. That is precisely what I did for two and a half days.

It got me to thinking what my life would be if I was totally alone all the time. I am fortunate to still have my husband to encourage me every day. He is a great motivator and more often than not, inspires me to seek the important things in life. Some day that may not be the case. What will I do then? This isn’t a thought I like to dwell on, but will I spend every waking hour glaring at a screen, exchanging my world with that of other? I hope not. I know there is more for me to do. I know that I’ll be directed to fill my time with things that matter.

As long as I live, I know I am not alone. Even when I’m the only one in the house, I am not alone. Even when I turn off the television set and turn in for the night, I know that I am not alone. As long as I can have that assurance, I will continue living in the world. I may be physically by myself, but God will always be there. I may resist the world outside and seek refuge in the truth of God’s Word, where I am never alone. I may fill the room with temporary company from an old movie, but that will not last. I know I can count on the presence of my loving God.

“And lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20

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THY WILL BE DONE . . .

Posted on November 8, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

A young child clings to life. He has endured months of chemotherapy. His tired little body is shrinking every day and life is being sapped from his tiny frame. We’re told to ask that God’s will be done. Yet what is His will? Is it the answer we want to hear? Is it the promises He has already kept? Is it because of duty and obligation? Is it an act of faith?

A young father sits at the wheel of his car. He fears getting out and having to tell his wife and family that he’s lost his job, that there will be no Christmas this year and no special vacations. The job market looks bleak and still he’s told to rely on the will of God. Does he then pray for a new and better job? Does he lay his requests before God with confidence? Will he trust that God will answer his prayers?

A woman discovers that her husband has been cheating on her. She blames herself for not being adequate. She trembles at the thought of losing him as her husband and the father of her children. She wonders how she will survive without him. Jesus tells her to pray for God’s will to be done. Can she expect a miracle? Will her topsy turvy world return to normal and he’ll forget about the other woman? Will he realize that his adultery is against God’s commandments for his life? Will she accept what God has in store for her?

An elderly woman fears she has the COVID19 virus. She lives alone, but this means she will even be more alone. Having to quarantine for two weeks will be difficult. Will anyone care? Will she feel good at the prospect of dying? Will her fears of an empty home and empty heart continue to haunt her? Will she be wrong in longing for death? Will she see fit to pray for the will of God?

How many times have we prayed vigorously for God’s will to be done, when what we really want is for our needs to be taken care of? We aren’t praying for a Godly outcome, but a human want or petition. We are not letting God do what He does so well. Who do we think we are? We can’t dictate what God has in store for us. We have no idea what will happen tomorrow or a year from now. We can’t even predict hour to hour.

Our God is inconceivable in His mercy. He knows before we do what will happen to us in the next year. He is able to look ahead and see the future, because He’s already planned it out to the last detail. His power to know all, to cover us with his enduring love, to use our difficult obstacles to make us stronger is far greater than we can imagine. He is God. He is perfect. He knows the plans He has for us and they are to prosper us in every way.

We are faced with troubles every day. Isn’t it so much easier to rely on our most powerful God to manage our lives for us? When things become seemingly insurmountable, He will provide an answer for us. When it looks like the world will soon crumble and blow away like dust in the wind, He will be beside us. When we lose hope in our country, our elected officials, our own ability to voice our thoughts, He will strengthen us and give us hope.

All we need to do is ask that His will be done.

Posted in America, God's will | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

SILENT SATURDAY

Posted on November 7, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

My post today is intended for me, myself and I. I’ve been known to fly off the handle from time to time. I don’t do it often, but when I do, it’s time to put my own thinking to bed, be willing to listen, hold my tongue and trust that God has everything under control.

When the world is so filled with distress – with the noise of division and anger – with violence becoming the only way to be noticed, it becomes necessary for me to go to my prayer closet and reach out to the only One who can solve the dilemmas of this time and place. There is absolutely nothing that my insignificant voice can say or do that will make a bit of difference. It could stir things up even more. It could create tension among friends. It could make me look like a fool.

The things going on right now are out of my control. My faith in our system of government is waning. My trust in the media has bit the dust. My own feelings about growing old and dying begin to consume me. All of this is happening. not because I have lost faith in my Creator, but because of all the outside noise occurring every day. I still remain confident that God is in control.

I have a couple days to be alone. I have a view out my window that many would call lovely. The birds have sought sanctuary at our bird feeder and with the advent of a new kind of seed, the squirrels seem not to enjoy. They still gather below to vacuum any remnants of the existing seeds that fell before the feeder was refilled. The only sounds I hear are the distant trains rumbling across the tracks and the lack of heavy traffic on the interstate, because it’s opening weekend for deer hunting. The weather this week has been wonderful, with temperatures in the 70s. Birds chirp. I can hear he sound of the furnace as it kicks in when the thermostat requires. I can hear my breathing and if I try hard I can feel my heart beating. The stillness is a chance for me to focus on the blessings that fill my life, rather than dwelling on the negative influences surrounding me.

Dear, Father, God,

You are my confidence and sure defense;

My heart is blessed, my soul is given rest,

I trust your Word, the promises you keep.

I thank you for a night of quiet sleep.

I look to you for everything I need,

I know that your strong hand will intercede,

Let me return to quiet peace again,

Prepare me for the noise that enters in.

Renew me with your calming, healing love,

Give comfort of a new world up above,

Through all my days when trials come my way,

Remind me of the price that you did pay.

Give me a heart of deep humility,

From sin and death I know you set me free,

Defend me with your all consuming rod

Let me be still and know that you are God. Amen!


Posted in America | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

WHAT A WEEK!!!!!!!

Posted on November 6, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

This has been an unusually crazy week. Last Friday I masked up and ventured out to buy some candy to pass out to any would be trick or treaters. I decided to choose something I like, because I knew I’d probably be eating the bulk of it. Still I was hopeful that there would be a few costumed children knocking on the door. Hopeful because this virus has made it nearly impossible to communicate with our friends, grandchildren, children. Just one little trick or treater would’ve made my day, but none came. So here I sit, adding to my girth by eating two bags of Kit Kat bars.

Though Halloween Eve lacked little beggars, we were treated to a full moon and lots of scary decorations on neighbor’s houses, for this is the Halloween Capital of the world that I live in. The night also allowed us an extra hour of sleep due to the daylight savings time change. With the hugely bright moon shining in the window, it wasn’t easy to get that extra hour.

As the week continued, that extra hour was quickly lost and simply created more confusion. I still don’t understand why we do this every year. Since we experienced temperatures in the 70s this week, it added to the strangeness. It didn’t feel like November. My husband had a senior moment as he sat outside listening to nature and watching new buds appear on the lilac bushes. He thought for a second it was March. Let me tell you, when you get older the days kind of run into each other anyway, but add to that a virus that’s held you captive for months, not having a regular schedule, getting your annual physical virtually, snow in October and spring in November, it’s bound to set your internal clock on fire.

By Tuesday, we were prepared for a long election process. We had voted early so didn’t have to go to the polls, but as we watched the votes come in from various states, we were no more in the know than the rest of the country. We still don’t know, but I am hopeful that who ever wins this election there will be a return to kindness instead of hatred – the violent protests will cease – that tempers will ease and people will move forward.

The bright spot in Tuesday was a short time with our almost 18 year old granddaughter. She came to retrieve our Christmas decorations from the attic. Instead of waiting until it was 20 below, we thought it would be a good idea to bring them in early. We then had lunch together and shared some conversation. Visits are shorter now, often online or by text, phone or e-mail. This simply adds to the sadness of these times.

Wednesday and Thursday were filled with Zoom meetings and constant checking in on the news channel. If it wasn’t the news it was Hallmark Christmas movies which have been running for a couple weeks now.

It’s Friday and the week isn’t over yet. The election hasn’t been called, but it looks like it will be soon. There could be more craziness in the next few days, but I pray that soon we’ll be back to normal. When I mentioned that to my granddaughter, she asked, “What is normal anymore?” She nailed it with that question, but we do have hope for tomorrow no matter what. The world goes on. God is still our King and our kingdom is not of this world. The plan has already been put in place and it will be for our good.

Posted in America, anxiety | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on November 6, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

THROW BACK THURSDAY – MY GREAT GRANDPARENTS

Posted on November 5, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
Grandma & Grandpa Nedden – my dad’s grandparents

Today is Throw Back Thursday. I chose to pull this picture out today, because I wonder what these two would think of our country in its current state. They were a wonderful couple – one that meant stability to me. I knew them in their twilight years. Still my firstborn was able to rest in Grandma Nedden’s aging arms.

Grandma was crippled with arthritis and my memories of her include watching her cling to chairs, the sink, the walls, for support. Her hands were gnarled and filled with liver colored spots. She was a little woman, probably less than five feet tall. Though small, she had an inner mischief which exposed itself every Saturday afternoon as she sat before her television set and watched the wrestling matches, believing the contestants were out to kill each other. Even when told the entire event was staged, she didn’t accept the fact.

Grandpa had spent his life on the railroad. I think he was a conductor. I remember him taking his pocket watch from his pocket quite often. It must have been a habit he acquired during his career. He was a rather tall man for the time. He reached almost six feet high. When he stood next to Grandma, she looked like a dwarf. He would walk downtown (which was about two blocks from their house) and sit on a bench discussing the state of the world with his other retired friends.

Their love for each other was evident. Though both of German heritage, they didn’t show emotion much, but it was obvious that they care deeply for each other. When Grandma was having a particularly hard day, Grandpa would support her into the next room where she could sit in a comfortable chair.

They lived in the small town of Antigo, Wisconsin. They played a large part in the raising of my father and his siblings when their own father deserted the family. It was a time when the children were very young and needed guidance. I believe my dad inherited much from both of them – a good work ethic, strong faith, ability to learn and so much more.

I think back to those years when I was growing up and wonder if I will ever not be shocked by the state of affairs in this country. The days of patriotism have almost vanished from the landscape. The days of sitting and talking for hours, or reminiscing, or reliving some memorable event seem to be fading fast with the onset of technology. Even the way we express ourselves has changed. The recent election has shown that we are a nation divided in our thinking, our purpose, our dignity, our honesty, our simplicity of living to the complete complexity of it.

We will never capture those olden days again. Time goes forward. Some things change, while many remain stagnant. However, we know that God is consistent and He reigns forever.

Posted in America | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

TAKE ME AWAY

Posted on November 5, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©


In solitude we sometimes find ourselves – we need some time alone,

A quiet place where life stands still – an instant safety zone,

Where waters blue surround us, where peace is everywhere,

Where you can hear the voice of God, in quiet, thoughtful prayer,

He may not give us answers that we would like to hear,

But in the sweet serenity, He holds us ever near,

The beauty of those moments, renew – refresh – restore,

So we can handle all the things the world may have in store,

Within that peaceful time with God, our eyes will never close,

New life is ours when we believe our every need He knows,

He has designed what’s best for us, He knows our every need

He proved it when He gave to us, His Son to intercede,

Though we may need to sort things out, we never walk alone,

God has a plan for all of us to reach His heavenly throne.

Posted in ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS | Tagged | 3 Comments

WAIT A LITTLE LONGER

Posted on November 4, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

MATTHEW 26:36 ESV

“Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.”

A single stream of silver light shone upon Him. giving a faint glimmer of hope to the man, Jesus.  This was the culmination of a lifetime of doing His Father’s work.  He knew the result.  He knew He’d be betrayed and denied.  He knew He’d suffer humiliation, pain and death.  It was part of the plan of redemption instituted before creation.

Still, as He prostrated Himself before His Father, He couldn’t help wondering if He’d done enough – if His followers got it – if they were able to connect with what He’d been telling them these past three years. There were so many unanswered questions.  Were they ready?  Would they be able to carry on the work He’d begun?

Jesus’ humanity caused Him to become like each of us as we face death.  We wonder if our lives served any purpose – if we could just have a little more time.  Jesus knew His death was imminent, yet His human heart prayed that the cup of sorrows would pass from His lips.  He then asked that His Father’s will be done.

He prayed this prayer with deep humility.  His body ached with the torment He was undergoing.  His human side was in the forefront, yet His divine side kept Him strong. He prayed three times, between moments checking on His sleeping disciples.  Could they not stay awake for just a little while during this time of total desolation for their Rabbi?  When His prayer became so intense that sweat fell like drops of blood to the ground.

Hematidrosis, is a condition in which capillary blood vessels that feed the sweat glands rupture, causing them to exude blood, occurring under conditions of extreme physical or emotional stress. 

Jesus continued to pray for a way out, yet also that God’s will be fulfilled.  Did God answer His prayers?  Of course He did.  Sometimes we don’t get the answer we want, but God always answers.  Sometimes comes a resounding “no.”  Jesus death was the only way for redemption to take place.   There was more to it though.  God answered with a heart pounding “yes” on Easter morning, when Jesus’ body rose from the dead.

When our final hour comes on this earth, we’ll probably pray for relief from our pain, for those we leave behind and holding God to His promise.  The inevitability of death will overtake us, but there’s now a perfect promise of eternal life for those who trust in God’s plan.  We will rise again, just as our Savior did.

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I NEED NOT FEAR

Posted on November 3, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

This relief sculpture of Jesus, the Good Shepherd was done several years back by Paul Boecher. It still resides in Bay Pines, Florida Lutheran Church. Paul was commissioned to do this piece and his love for Jesus shines through.

The good shepherd has been the source of many special events in our lives. Psalm 23 was the message as Paul and I pledged our love before God and everyone at our wedding. Paul’s dad passed away at the young age of 56 and the message at his funeral centered around these same words. When his mother passed, this was the message as well.

“The Lord is my shepherd,” is a phrase that gives me so much comfort and peace. A shepherd will lay down his life for his sheep, by defending them against all peril. He will carry the wounded or helpless close to his breast when they cannot move on their own. He uses his staff to lead these animals to pastures that they could not find by themselves. A good shepherd will search for the one wayward sheep until he finds it. Jesus is often referred to as the Good Shepherd because we are his flock and He loves us unconditionally.

We all need a message of peace right now. The world seems to be in shambles and we are weary of the noise. We are tired of being locked up. We long to find green pastures and simply get outdoors and enjoy life again.

Jesus provides the peace we need. He protects us against our enemies. He leads us beside still waters and restores us. He walks with us through all trials and temptations. He knows our every need and provides the necessary leadership for us. Even when we face death, we need not be afraid, because He has promised us a life of perfection when we leave this world.

If you need reassurance that things are going to be alright, take a look at Psalm 23. It has become a source of peace for many.

Posted in art & inspiration from the Boechers | Tagged , | 4 Comments

FORBODING

Posted on November 2, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©


A pale glimmer of mauve glistens over the city as the sun descends into night,
Leaving a path of darkened shadows and sparkling diamonds in its wake,
Reflections cover a cobblestone street, mirroring the lamplight from inside,
Some shops remain open, while others have ended another day.
Luminosity radiates from the corner church, inviting those in need to enter.
“Come to me,” is the inviting chant “I will carry your burdens for you.”
Simple words yet full of promise and hope,
“Come to me and I will give you rest.”
Peace is offered freely there.
You are under no obligation.
Don’t resist,
Open the door,
Enter,
Step inside and receive the gift of a brand new day.
Your cares may still remain, but something new has been added unto you,
The true Light of the World will change everything.
Come!

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

WHEN WILL IT END

Posted on November 2, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

This election may be the first in the history of the United States that is not settled by the people. In fact, this election was set up long before the campaign ads began, when a nonpolitical candidate entered the mix. Donald Trump is not a politician. Yet from the early days of his campaigning for the 2016 presidential election, he was targeted as unfit to serve in the office of the president.

Another president was also called unfit to proclaim the highest office in our country. His name was Andrew Jackson. He was a war hero, operated off the cuff, said what he felt and wasn’t intimidated by anyone. The political elite had no use for the man. He didn’t fit the mold. He was many times disrespectful, crude and his friends trashed the White House at the inaugural ball.

We are coming to the dramatic climax of the 2020 presidential election, or are we? Buildings are being boarded up across the country for fear that violence and looting will occur during the election and after. The general population has been in isolation for eight months. Depression is running rampant. Nerves are on edge. We’re being mandated to wear masks and stay at home and yet the world continues to revolve and spew out hate and anger in gross amounts.

When the votes are counted, when the recounts occur, when the challenges go on for months and months, we may not know the true results for a very long time. And yet, this is the only process we have as a democratic society, where the voice of the people can still be heard. This precious right we have as citizens is one of many blessings we have as Americans.

Some folks threaten to leave our country if their candidate doesn’t win. Some will fight another civil war for the same reason. Many will accept what happens and go on with their lives. Some will be angry for a while, but eventually settle for the results. Some will brandish the 2020 election as a result of a pandemic, the economy, personalities rather than accomplishments, but whatever happens, it will be the will of God that decides the outcome.

God already knows who will win and lose. He has counted all the votes and knew before they were even cast who our next president would be. He has laid the master plan of our existence well in advance of our birth. If He has this omniscience, all knowing ability, we have nothing to fear. Instead of looking for the answers to our future from men who are flawed, lets turn our hearts to the One who does everything for the good of those who love Him.

Do not be afraid. This will end. It will go down in history as one of the most hateful elections ever, but it will end. It’s up to us to accept the results as God’s will.

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ALL SAINTS DAY & REFORMATION

Posted on November 1, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

In the time of the Renaissance, the Catholic Church observed November 1 as a day to honor the saints of the church, along with those who had died and hopefully pressed on to heaven.  In case you had any doubt that your loved one had entered the pearly gates, you could purchase an “indulgence” which would limit their time in purgatory.  This was only one of the 95 points Martin Luther was addressing when he posted his litany on the church door on October 31, 1517. It is noteworthy that he posted his thesis on that particular day. It was the night before All Saints Day and many would be attending the church the next day and be sure to read them.

This was a time of superstition – a time when fear of death was a reality, because of the plague which ravaged Europe.  People were very vulnerable to any kind of hope for the future.  Witch craft and the evil arts of the devil offered some of them satisfaction, but no real hope.  They were seeking spiritual help wherever they could find it.  The church should’ve been their sanctuary, but it had become corrupt with time and was more interested in filling its coffers than offering free forgiveness.  In a way, our time today is much like that. People seem to be searching for something spiritual to overcome their daily struggles. Many are simply looking for a life preserver to save them. Most folks seek something to hang onto – something greater than they are.

The Renaissance was moving across Europe. In England, King Henry, the Eighth, dissolved his connection with the Roman Catholic Church because of their stand on divorce. It wasn’t convenient for his particular life style to be held captive to these rules. In Germany, Martin Luther was a monk in the church – dedicated to prayer and repentance. Nothing seemed to calm his spirit. He didn’t feel worthy enough to approach God, much less to confess his sins. He prayed constantly and attended confession every day with a list of sins that would go on for hours.

I’m a Lutheran. I’m not particularly proud of some of the things Luther said during his time on earth. He was often stoic and retained some of his feelings of never being good enough. Even his wife wondered why Luther was going around with such a long face. She asked him if God had died and that was the reason.

I’m a Lutheran who grew up feeling unforgiven. Like Luther, I never felt I was good enough. My sins seemed to great to be taken from me. No matter how hard I prayed, I felt my prayers were in vain, because of the image of God was shrouded in anger.

I’m a Lutheran still. I now believe that my sins have already been forgiven, not by anything I have done, but by the grace of God. That fact brings me great joy. I am finally at peace that heaven waits for me when I die. Instead of an angry judge, I now view God as a loving Father.

Luther was just a piece of the machinery that set about change in what had become corruption in the church. In a way, he was a renaissance peaceful protester with a point to make. He made religion available to the common man through the printing press. He accomplished many things, but he was simply a man devoted to the truth of God’s Word.

I will die a Lutheran, but really it doesn’t matter. I’m just a follower of Christ – redeemed by Him alone. His Word, the Bible, reminds me that through Him I am free from my sins. I will at last join all the saints that have gone before me.

HAPPY ALL SAINTS DAY AND REFORMATION DAY TOO!

Posted in reformation | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

IN WHOM DO YOU TRUST?

Posted on October 31, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

In these final days leading up to the election, we’re hearing claims that if elected, there will be a more aggressive approach to curing COVID19. We are also hearing a very optimistic view that this too will end. Who ever you choose to vote for, there really is no one here in our part of the solar system who can individually take on a disease – fix the economy – lead us back to our former glory – change the climate.

Unfortunately, we as a nation have come to depend on our leaders to make things right. We expect them to act a certain way, follow certain rules of behavior, become part of the establishment elite, fix all our problems and think that with the right one, we’ll be OK.

Guess what? There’s not a human being on this planet that can live up to those expectations. Our president must surround himself with the right people in order to do the job. Still, even with experts, there is no guarantee that life will be perfect because of the one who wins the office.

As this campaign winds down and the promises of the candidates fly rampantly over the air waves and into our minds, let’s remember the only human being who did everything right. He lived a life of poverty, humility, obedience, holiness, serving others and with one goal in mind. He healed people from diseases, brought them back to life, made the blind see and the deaf to hear. His short human existence lasted only 33 years. In that time, He led others to God, His Father. He inspired His followers with His Holy Spirit. He laid down his life for ever human being – past, present and future. He came alive again and sits as our true leader at the right hand of God. Because of Him, we have hope for a perfect existence in eternity.

There really is no other name in all the world that can compare to that of our brother, Jesus, the Son of God. Put your trust in Him alone.

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A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

Posted on October 30, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

When souls are weary of this life  – when thoughts of paradise move in,

Dreams of heavenly places light – upon our tattered lives of sin,

Our hearts are filled with thoughts of death – we live as if it’s our last breath,

But enter in the Son of God, – the light that brightly sheds its rays,

And gives to us eternal hope- for every one of our last days,

Reminding us our sins are gone – our lives are saved and will go on.

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

OVERWHELMED

Posted on October 30, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Everywhere you go, whether it be a church, a family gathering, an election booth a grocery store, it seems a huge black cloud is hanging over us. The every day events of living have lost their joy. Faces are hidden by masks so we can’t even read what’s going on behind them. Gloom and doom. Death and destruction. Hatred, crime, “peaceful demonstrations,” looting, murders, beheadings, slander, illicit business dealings and on and on and on. The world is an ugly place.

Sometimes we simply must escape from the madness of all of it. Last night as we sat to relax in front of the TV, we were bombarded with political ads up the kazoo, so decided to retreat to YouTube for a diversion. We chose to watch a documentary on Andrew Jackson, military leader and seventh president of the United States. He served for two terms and his claim to fame was bringing the common man into the political arena.

As the story unfolded, this man became known as the recipient of political slander, misunderstanding and for his unfair treatment of slaves and Native Americans. He was a self-made man who pulled himself up by his bootstraps, overcame the loss of his family, fell in love with and eloped with a married woman, was the subject of great criticism and thought to be unfit for political office. In a way, in our attempt to retreat from the current political rhetoric, we were placing ourselves in the middle of more of the same. I looked at my husband and we laughed to realize you simply can’t escape some of the madness.

This year is taking the brunt of all our misery so far. 2020 has already been basically written off by most people as one they want to forget, but who knows what lies ahead? Will it be more of the same – a failed economy – loss of jobs – death – wars – pestilence – terrorism? We certainly have had our share of obstacles to overcome, but if we dwell on those obstacles instead of looking at them as opportunities, we’re not only giving up – we’re giving in to the negativity that’s currently feeding our nation.

When we realize that we have no control over the things that we fear the most and turn it over to the only One who can make things right, we will get back on track. There is so much of the unknown right now, but we can be sure of God’s protection, His promises and His love. He never changes. He is God. Even when we’re overwhelmed, He will provide a solution. We simply need to stop dwelling on the bad and look for the good things that will come from this. We need to be still and know that He is God.

“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.”

Charles Spurgeon

Posted in America, corona virus | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on October 30, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

BIRD ON A LEDGE

Posted on October 29, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY
PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

A wondrous sight sat on a ledge, his feathers he did flutter,

His voice sang notes that reached to God like words he couldn’t mutter,

Upon that ledge so far from earth his voice entered heaven’s gate,

He hoped with all the hope he had, that he wouldn’t be too late.

He wanted all the world to know, the truth that God had sent them,

He felt that time was running out for sins to be repented.

But God said, “Don’t fret, little bird, the ransom has all been paid”

“My people will enjoy new life, no reason to be afraid.”

The bird took wing and flew away, he covered many miles,

His song reached out to many souls and turned their frowns into smiles,

The song spread the joyful Gospel, the wondrous perfect good news,

Instead of sitting on his perch, he found other avenues.

We might be like that little bird, afraid to share with others,

But we aren’t alone within our flight, God leads us to our brothers,

He stands by us and gives us words to encourage and inspire,

Wings grow weary but God is strong, His voice will set us on fire.

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

TRICK OR TOM FOOLERY

Posted on October 29, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

I live in the Halloween capital of the world. Anoka, Minnesota has held the title for a hundred years. This year, like everything else will be somewhat different. Of course it’s 2020 – and we can’t be sure of much. My city is known to be haunted. There are supposed to be many ghosts inhabiting some of the older buildings and homes here. I haven’t personally encountered any, but who knows? Maybe the ghosts in my house are still sleeping.

This year the CDC has issued several guidelines for Halloween. If you’re going to hand out any treats, try setting the treats outside your house so you make no physical contact. One person has actually designed a catapult for sending treats out to the little goblins that dare to venture out. The CDC also encourages no gatherings of large groups, social distancing and not sharing food and drink. Don’t wear a mask over a protective mask or you may not be able to breathe. I sometimes wonder who comes up with this stuff. Are we really so ignorant that we would not know that?

Of course it’s 2020 and nothing makes sense this year. Some are talking about the Zombie Apocalypse as a real event that will undoubtedly occur on November 4th. There are those who have already put their homes up for sale, sold all their belongings and are planning to move to another continent if the coming election doesn’t satisfy them.

In fact many are actually becoming zombies – going through life with no purpose, no hope, no real oxygen flowing to their lungs. They wander aimlessly around scaring others with their negative thoughts and pessimistic attitudes. Halloween is nothing compared to the fright filling the hearts and minds of the average Joe.

I have friends who feel that this will never end. They have confined themselves to the safety of their own homes – refuse to go anywhere – will not even think about it until the pandemic comes to an end. I respect their right to do that, but doing nothing will lead to further problems down the road.

I also have friends who were already depressed, anxious and afraid before this germ came to be. They feel alone, lost and ready to give up. The phrase, “We’re all in this together,” has been so overused, but it’s necessary to know that we aren’t alone in our feelings. We all experience depression from time to time. When you live through a year like 2020, you learn to expect it.

We will get through this. God has promised that He will not give us more than we can handle. We will still go through the perils of living, but He has provided a way out for us. Through Him, we have the promise of salvation. Through Him, we are united in the body of Christ. Through Him, we have victory over death. Let’s turn our prayers to Him

Dear Lord, fear is a horrible thing. It can take away our reason to live. It gets into our minds and destroys our will, but you give us the answer we need. Even though death may come, we need not be afraid. You’ve promised a place in heaven to all who believe in you. Help people learn to live with hope instead of fear. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!

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