I MISS THE HUGS

Posted on August 6, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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It used to be that hugs were natural.  Now we must be careful not to send the wrong message.  Social distancing has made it impossible to show affection, to encourage or show concern with an embrace.  We’ should be conscious of how others feel, especially when it comes to children or vulnerable individuals.  On the other hand, I think we all inwardly crave hugs from time to time.

I come from a long line of huggers.  Most of my aunts and uncles had no problem with planting a big one on us.  Part of it was a show of love.  Part was because we hadn’t seen each other for a while.  Mostly it was because it was how we were raised.  Being part of the theatre community, it’s also quite natural for me to hug fellow cast members, directors and colleagues.  The same is true of fellow believers in Christ. We become part of an extended family.  Add to that, our separation from each other, due to the pandemic.

It’s really sad in a way, because we all need reassurance from time to time.  We’re slowly losing some of our means of communicating by not being able to hug.  Part of that has been inflicted upon us as a means to protect us.  Part is caused by society as a whole.

I’m all for being conscious of others’ feelings.  I certainly wouldn’t want to create any insecurity in another individual with an unwanted hug.  It’s hard for us old fogies to give up what once was a sincere demonstration of caring, rather than a sinister or thoughtless deed.  Now we must wait for someone else to initiate the hug.  If that’s the case, we’ll soon be longing for them and no hugs will happen.  What a sad thought.

Lord, I ask that you end this period of isolation soon.  Whether it be through a new vaccine, a sure way to cure any disease or simply so that we don’t lose our ability to communicate true friendship to those we care about.  Only you can bring us the answers.  I pray for you intercession and constant presence in all situations, in the name of our Savior, Jesus.  Amen!

 

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NATURAL DIVERSION

Posted on August 5, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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My friend Julie has been posting some amazing pictures of baby bunnies in her garden.  Maybe this lockdown has caused us to look out our windows or into the depths of our own backyards to divert us from all the ugly in life.

I’ve been watching the squirrels who have just recently discovered a way into our bird feeders.  One of them is particularly agile.  He’s found a way to balance from the shepherd hook to the feeder and empty the seeds to the ground for all his buddies to enjoy, while he takes in several of his own.

I remembered trying different remedies in the past, like greasing the pole with Pam. It was fun watching the squirrels almost reach the top only to slide down. OK, so I’m easily amused.

I also recalled a time about 30 years ago, when I was getting extra perturbed with these little squirrel thieves invading our feeder.  In doing so, they were costing us a fortune in bird seed and discouraging the birds from enjoying their meal.

I’m really not a violent person and I don’t hunt or have never used a firearm, but this event really got my dander up.  Paul had a pellet gun in the bedroom closet.  I retrieved it, read the instructions on the box, loaded it and readied myself for battle.  One squirrel was noticeably brazen in his attempts, so I aimed the gun and was ready to fire, when my finger got caught in the spring mechanism and pinched it into a nice little blood blister.

I went forward.  I stayed the course.  I tried again.  The squirrel was stunned.  His arms reached out as he apparently took his last breath.  He then  made a very dramatic swan dive and fell to the ground.  I was devastated.  I’d never killed a living thing outside of an ant or two.  Guilt began to consume me.  I thought I might be able to revive the poor thing and as I neared his lifeless body, he suddenly came back to life and ran into the woods.  My guilt left me like a cat out of you know where.

That night, as I tried to get to sleep, thoughts of attempting to kill that little critter entered my brain.   I fell into a deep sleep only to come up with a doozy of a dream.  There I sat, on top of the bird feeder with my hands and feet bound.  Below me were hundreds of little squirrels surrounding me with pellet guns.  Divine retribution, I guess.

 

 

 

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A SUDDEN SURGE

Posted on August 4, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Have you ever just opened up the floodgates and let the tears fall where they may? You may have no logical reason for doing so, but with things as they are in our world right now, I seem to be prone to mild amounts of falling saline from my eyes.

We write positive thoughts, we pray with hope, we try to cover up the noise of the world, but somehow it continues to make its way into the deepest parts of our souls.  We can cover our sadness with a mask, but that is merely hiding what’s going on within.  We can live in our solitude and accept it or we can venture out with the courage of a mouse approaching a piece of cheese in a trap.  We know that dangers lurks at every corner, but we’re willing to take the chance.

It seems that no amount of hiding under a rock is going to keep us from the clutches of this nasty virus.  Even when we follow all the rules, there’s a chance of being exposed. Those of us with normally positive attitudes, have fallen into the rabbit hole called depression.

Tears are a natural way to wash some of our sadness away.  They can also be a product of extreme joy and laughter.  When I think about tears, I can’t help but be reminded of Mary, the mother of our Savior.  Her tears must’ve been constant when her Son endured the cross – when His smitten body was removed and place in a tomb – when she believed she would never see Him again.  Oh, what joy when she saw His resurrected body.  That moment of ecstasy gave way to tears of joy in just a few short days.

Life is filled with ups and downs.  This period of waiting is like being tucked away in the wilderness for a time.  In every wilderness written about in the Bible, there were always lessons to be learned through the wandering.  I pray that even though our hearts may be heavy right now, there will be a new day.  God will provide an answer – an end  – a vaccine – a different way of living.  The lessons we learn through all this seem unknown right now, but God never fails.  He never lies.  His promises are sure.  His will is going to be done.  Have faith, cry if you have to and know that God is in control.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

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THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS

Posted on August 4, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

What are your thoughts when you see a trail of trains cars, unmoved, contained?  Is someone living in there?  Is there any hope within?

When we lived in the city, there were so many of those container cars.  In fact, when not in use, they would be stacked in piles of four or more, to await being pulled into use again.  It was kind of like looking at a huge city of vacant apartment buildings.  Maybe they were.

Some folks are buying used container cars and repurposing them into places to live.  I imagine them to be inhabited at times by the homeless, wayfarer, the hobo, the runaway.  Imagine how it feels to live tucked away in a steel box just to stay warm for the night.  Imagine what goes through the mind as you hear spray paint cans and disruptive voices surrounding you on all sides.

Think of the possibilities.  One or more of these inhabitants is running away from something.  The average Joe wouldn’t think of doing this, but those without ties, without responsibility, without money or food wouldn’t think twice.  When your plan is to escape; when you can no longer cope; when you’re- in a bad state emotionally, financially or spiritually – you need more than a box to survive.

There was a time in my life when the thought of living this way, was almost an actuality.  Our world had caved in and there was nothing left. We’d lost our home, vehicles, bank accounts, income and our retirement.  During those dark times, we imagined living in the streets or riding the rails.  We were ready though.  Our lives of putting our faith in God’s direction is what kept us afloat.

As we left bankruptcy court with only a few dollars in our pocket, we knew that He had a plan for us.  He provided an “angel” who sold us a house on a land contract, so we didn’t have to go through a credit report to achieve home ownership.  We also had a number of good friends who prayed for us and provided encouragement.

My long time as a volunteer drama coach led to a job teaching children – working with a children’s theater and eventually starting my own children’s theater.  My husband began wood sculpting for many other “angels” and that led to the start of his fine arts business.

There are times when we feel hopeless and helpless. Those are usually the moments we turn to God.  When things are going well, we tend to coast and take our blessings for granted.  I believe that these tests are all part of God’s greater plan for us.  Trusting in His unchanging love and His beautiful blueprint for our lives will allow us to get through the tough times – but don’t forget to praise Him when things are going well for you.

My legacy doesn’t matter. It isn’t important that I be remembered. It’s important that when I stand before the Lord, he says, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ I want to finish strong.”   James Dobson

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NEVER ALONE

Posted on August 3, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

I’ve decided to pick up my paintbrush again.  I haven’t done any painting for over a year and maybe I can release some of the tension by doing so.  My husband is the artist, the teacher, the encourager.  He inspires me to continue.  So here’s my latest painting,  conceived mostly from my memories of my grandparents’ farm.  The peacefulness of that place reminds me of the way I feel under God’s protection.  The world holds no promise, but in Him, I know that my future is secure.

I need to be wrapped in the protection of God’s holy wings.

Each pinion gently lays over me – cuddling and nurturing.

The softness and strength are overwhelming.

He breathes His presence upon me and gives me life.

He speaks and I am comforted.

His touch is gentle yet full of power and strength.

His steadfastness feeds me – nourishes my soul – guards me from all evil.

His love for me is unfailing.  A love so great that it’s indescribable.

His tenderness is equal to His might.

I will never be alone as long as He is with me.

Be in my heart – my mind – my understanding.

Be with me in life so that I will know you fully when I meet you after death.

 

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GOD FILLS ME UP

Posted on August 2, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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“Memories light the corners of my mind; misty water colored memories of the way we were.”

The words to this Barbara Streisand song tell a very true story. We all have wonderful memories that we keep tucked in the recesses of our mind. They remind us of the good times; the times we laughed and cried until we couldn’t stop; those days when life was simpler, easier and untarnished by the shroud of darkness.  They all seem so long ago.

Sometimes we choose to forget those recollections.  I tend to do that.  My memory is still intact, but I seem to be able to erase some of the bad stuff. When people remind me of those times, they’ve been deleted like a computer when it crashes. I think it’s a self-preservation attribute that God places in us to protect us from the pain of recalling. On the other hand, those past memories can become baggage that we carry for with us forever.

We need not wallow in  times of distress, but rather we should take the lessons we learn and move on.  I truly believe that everything that comes our way has already been ordained by God. He alone can wash away our wrongdoings.  He alone can bring us out of the depths of despair.  He alone will bring something good out of the bad.

It would seem He has His work cut out for Him right now.  The world is a mess, but this isn’t the first time.  Over and over again, our mistakes – our words – our feelings and our fears can eat away at us and bring us back into that dreaded pit.

It doesn’t have to be that way. When God sent His perfect Son to live among us, He gave us the most perfect gift.  He alone can give us hope for the future.  He alone can fill broken hearts and empty arms.  He alone will welcome us into heaven.  When He took away our sin, He took all the bad memories too. In His eyes, we are washed clean and the evil in our hearts since birth is also forgotten; even the things that we keep hidden from others.

Praise, thanks and honor to the one who loves us unconditionally.  Through Him we are works in progress on our way to paradise.

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YOU CANNOT HIDE

Posted on August 1, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

When life gets tough we sometimes feel we have to run away.
We look at things much differently with every passing day.
It seems much too complicated to stay and go the course.
We submit to selfish thinking, we give up to remorse.

This force can pull us far away. It steals us from all hope,
It leads us to a web of fear where we can’t start to cope.
It lures us in – devours us – and spits us out again –
It doesn’t care about us when our souls it might obtain.

To fight these difficult feelings which leave us all alone,
We have to change these hearts of ours, that now have turned to stone.
“Come follow me,” our Savior says, “come walk with me today.”
“I’ll take your hand and lead you home, I’ll help you to find your way.”

You can’t escape the woes of life ’til death is at your door,
But when you trust in Jesus, Christ, He’ll give you so much more.
Stop running from the Prince of Peace, instead run to His arms.
He’s waiting patiently to help and rid you of life’s charms.

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SATURDAY PRAYER

Posted on August 1, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Dear, Lord,

I just read an article about a summer sleep away camp in Georgia.  More than 3/4 of the camp attendees and staffers contracted the Covid19 virus.  With statistics like that, I can’t help but be concerned for children returning to school this fall.  You know the numbers, Lord.  You know the cure for this disease.  You know how frustrated our teachers, our elected officials and students are.  You also know that when we first went into lockdown, children were immediately isolated from the outside and have been kept so for several months.  That probably prevented them from getting the disease.

I know that we’re supposed to carry all our burdens to you, Lord.  With all that’s happened in our country lately, it seems the only to do.  Conspiracy theories run rampant. Even the staunchest of us have become fearful and frustrated.  Depression is taking over along with this dreaded virus.  Add to that all the loss of businesses, a stagnant economy and unemployment and there are many who have lost all hope.

During a “normal” summer there are bound to be peaceful protests, but the streets have turned red with blood,  Hatred is blossoming like an invasive weed.  Division exists everywhere.

I know that this is a temporary setback, but I often fall victim to the false news.  I buy into the lies and fear grabs hold of my emotions.  I also know that you control all things.  There is a plan in all this chaos.  Only you know what that plan involves and how it has been woven together before our very existence.  There will always be anger, hate, hopelessness.  Fear and dread can easily overtake us. We are feeble when it comes to change and weak when put to the test.

Watch over my country and the world.  We are facing things we’ve never seen in our lifetime.  Each of these events could force our hand and make us give up.  They can also unite us for the first time in a long time.  Help us set aside our petty differences and place our trust in your unconditional love.  You know the past, the present and the future.  I will continue to pray in earnest and have faith that you will hear my prayer.  Amen!

 

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MAKE ‘EM LAUGH

Posted on July 31, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Ever since watching the movie, “Singing in the Rain,” I have great joy when I can make someone laugh.  Maybe I should’ve become a standup comic.  Is 78 too old to start a new career?  The only problem I can foresee is being able to stand up.

I saw that movie, I was about ten years old – a very, impressionable, easily influenced child.  I wanted to dance like Donald and do pratfalls until the cows came home.  Gene Kelly told a complete story with his dance as he caressed the umbrella, splashed in the puddles and related how he was feeling via some fancy footwork.

Somehow, we’ve forgotten how to laugh lately.  Of course I guess we don’t have a lot of reason to chuckle in our current situation.  Six months of isolation, having to wear a mask, spacing ourselves six feet apart does that to a person. Watching law and order give way to violence and hatred makes us wonder who we have become.   Add to that a political situation that’s made us wonder what continent we live on.  There seems to be no end in sight and even the most easy going are now becoming basket cases.  Has everything become so bad that we can’t have fun anymore?

The best way to get over that hump is to change something that’s within our power.  Let God take care of all that other junk.  We need to  change our attitude.  Compromise doesn’t come easy for many of us, but maybe we need to learn to bend.  Anger and frustration about who our leaders are and who’s telling the truth is tough too, because we’ve grown to believe that we can’t trust anyone. Changing a lifetime of bad habits doesn’t come easy.

I’d be a rich woman if I knew he answers.  I know that when I’m feeling sad, angry, frightened, lonely and frustrated, a good belly laugh makes me feel better.  Even if it’s just temporary, it makes the unbearable  bearable.

I’m currently collaborating on a series of short plays that will eventually be produced either on stage or via the internet.  The subject matter isn’t funny at all, but the things the things that result from it are hilarious.  We’re talking about growing old.  We have one woman in her 80’s, one in her 70s (me) and one in her 60’s.  The topics of each episode pertains to things we face as we age.  They include health issues, planning for death,  loneliness, writing a will, living in a world of technology when you still write words in cursive.  Sounds like a laugh a minute, right?

What I’m learning – and believe me, we all continue to learn until we die – is that a sense of humor is vital.  We’ve seen such a change, because the world has become overly conscious of not wanting to offend anyone. We shouldn’t speak without thinking, but we need to lighten up a bit and be willing to laugh at ourselves.  Those negative emotions do nothing to give us a feeling of well being.

So, I’m 78 and I can go through the McDonald’s drive thru with a fake nose and glasses as my mask.   I can laugh when I have difficulty getting out of a chair or while reading closed captioning knowing the words are  incorrect.  I can laugh when a man’s toupee’ falls into his soup or a woman has trouble keeping her knee brace in place  and opts for suspenders.  Life is what we make it.  So laugh, darn you, laugh.

 

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on July 31, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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IS A MANDATE THE SAME AS A LAW?

Posted on July 30, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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I’m so confused.  Is a mandate the same as a law?  When I looked up the differences between the two, I was met with lots of legal gobbledegook – words that added to the confusion.  I would never have made a good lawyer, having to wade through tons of legalese and wordy phrases that simply complicate my thinking.

The way I read it, which is certainly not based on any fact or knowledge, is that a mandate is not enforceable as a law, because it has not been voted upon by the elected officials.  However, mandates for the general well being of the population are necessary.  Since we haven’t been living in normal times, we’re having to learn new things every day.

So if we don’t wear a mask for whatever logical reason, we aren’t breaking any written law, but if we don’t wear a mask, we’re also placing others in jeopardy, which just ain’t right.  However, if we are protesting and our voices need to be heard, we don’t necessarily have to wear a mask.  If we don’t wear one, however, we are making a point and isn’t that what peaceful protest is all about?

I guess my thinking is that we use common sense in the case of masks.  I will wear one because it’s mandated that I do.  However, if I pass out while wearing one, who is responsible?  Or more to the point, who can I blame?  Maybe this will encourage people to cocoon once more.  Who is going to willingly wear a mask?  Wouldn’t it just be easier to stay home and have all your meals delivered.

Yesterday I purchased a package of cloth masks.  It was a five pack and reasonably priced.  When I put one on it barely reached from ear to ear.  In fact, instead of a training bra, I had acquired a set of training masks.  Maybe I’ll sew two of them together to get the right fit.

The problem is, we’re facing this thing with new information on a daily basis.  We’ve not seen a pandemic like this before.  We don’t know how to treat it.  We’re isolating ourselves (by mandate) and in the process unable to build any immunities to it.  Doctors aren’t sure what the protocol is because it changes from day to day.  I feel OK about grocery shopping, but I still fear going to church and singing my lungs out.  I’ve found technology fills the need to worship, but it just isn’t the same.

So getting back to my original question.  A law is something which must be voted on by the legislative branch of our government – the voice of the people.  A mandate is issued by a governor or president for the benefit and safety of the population.  Did I get that right?  Maybe some lawyer out there can explain it better than I.

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WHAT’S ON YOUR WINDOW SHADES?

Posted on July 30, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

My husband, Paul, is a plein air artist.  He paints most everything outdoors.  Once he asked permission to paint a barn and the caretaker of the building said he would need to speak to the owner, since he had no idea what color the barn should be painted.  Since then he tries to communicate his mission with more clarity.

These four paintings are the result of a painting retreat he went on about five years ago.  Each artist was given subject matter  for the day.  They were to do one painting a day – of  sky – the next day water – the next day trees and on the final day they could choose their own subject.  R he challenge was to paint their interpretations on window shades.  At the end of the day, they would gather and discuss art and other things.

One of his fellow artists noted that Paul painted with such speed and flair.  He said that my husband’s paint brush worked faster than his mind.  I suppose this comes from his many years in the advertising business.  He would have to come up with concepts to present on the spot with his clients.  I call him the idea man, because he’s able to visualize things with such great clarity and then bring them to life through his art.

One of these paintings made its way into the home of a fellow artist.  The rest are rolled up and ready to go at a moments notice. Like most of the art we create, it never sees the light of day.  I find this to be true with my writing as well.  We create because it’s born in us to do so.  We all have ways of expressing ourselves and hopefully those thoughts come through in our daily lives.  Like all of the arts, it’s more about the process than the finished product.  We continue to make art, because we must.

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OUR REDEMPTION IS FREE

Posted on July 29, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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We’ve all been slaves to something or other in this life.  The greatest burden we carry is is our long list of wrong doings towards others.  There is nothing that strips us of our freedom more than forgetting what the price is for our redemption.

In the story of Les Miserables, we see a victim of “the system” escape from his bondage by his own strength and initiative.  He becomes a fugitive and is continually hunted down by a zealous keeper of the law.  Written by Victor Hugo, a French author who lived during the Romantic Period of writing.  Many of his works touch on the subject of slavery, freedom, redemption and the injustices of this world.

As we continue in our own sort of incarceration, through this bloody lockdown and stagnant economy – as we feel the weight of not being able to touch others physically or carry on conversations in small groups or sing our songs of praise without wearing a mask – we naturally feel oppressed.  It has only been half a year, but it seems like forever.  Imagine what it would be like to be imprisoned for a lifetime for stealing a loaf of bread.

Our freedom is a precious gift, which has been paid for by the blood of many who fought to win it.  Our spiritual freedom is so much more.  Jesus, the Son of God, endured a horrific death, shame, hatred and injustice so that we could enjoy the splendor of His kingdom.  He didn’t have to do this.  We certainly didn’t deserve such a gift.  We can never repay what He’s done, but we can live as free people, because our sin has been taken to the cross.

When we choose to become slaves to sin and go back to ways that held us before, we’re rejecting the most precious gift ever given.  Redemption is ours when we choose it.  When we choose to reject it, we again become slaves to sin.

“Our natural, inalienable rights are now considered to be a dispensation from government, and freedom has never been so fragile, so close to slipping from our grasp as it is at this moment.”
― Ronald Reagan

 

 

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SUMMER VACATION 2020

Posted on July 28, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

The above photograph most likely took place during the pandemic of 1918-1919 – or the Spanish Flu.  I wonder if this family was about to venture out on a summer vacation.

When summer comes to mind, I have wonderful visions of family vacations growing up and when I was raising my own family.  My childhood meant spending the summer at my grandparent’s farm or at another relative’s home on a lake.  Both places provided me with memories that live on today.  Those memories shaped who I would become as a woman.

When my children were growing up we had many adventures in the great outdoors.  Since I had very little experience with tent camping, every one of those vacations was more than an adventure for me.  The road trips themselves brought a whole new meaning to singing in the car, separating dirty clothes from clean and preparing meals over an open fire.  I was stubborn.  That bit of Irish in my background always surfaces when I’m placed in an uncomfortable position.  Still I made compromises until the children were old enough to do some of the harder tasks involved.

We would sing in the car as we passed beautiful scenic landscapes.  Songs from my past like “B-I-N-G-O,”99 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL,” and “KUMBAYA.”  When those ran out we sang theme songs from television shows – “THE FLINTSTONES,” “THE LOVE BOAT,” etc.

I have to admit the opportunities while camping kept me constantly on my toes.  One night, as we traveled with our first two kids, a tornado went through our campground.  The rains poured and the winds blew.  Paul went outside in his underwear to secure the tent as I pushed from the inside to help hold it in place.  Through it all our children slept peacefully.  I guessed if this was the way it would be from then on, I could handle camping.

I never became a pro in that area.  The kids still traveled with dad on camping and fishing trips as they got older.  Our youngest daughter chose the life I did and we went shopping instead.

Making adjustments, adapting and working through difficult situations can be difficult for us.  This  year has given us the most unusual set of circumstances.  However, we humans have the ability to rearrange our lives to match up to our current world.  We have to.

I can’t imagine wearing a mask in the ocean, or standing outside a food truck – six feet apart from others.  I don’t want to think about social distancing.  I’m very resistant to all the restrictions, but then I don’t have anywhere to go this year.  I don’t have the funds to pay for a vacation – I’ve given up on road trips with my “road warrior” husband – so I’ll do what most Americans are doing this summer.  I’ll stay home.

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HOLES IN THE SKY

Posted on July 28, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

Angel dust fills the morning sky, starts out as ominous,

Clouds go expeditiously by, waking up the consciousness ,

The sun burns through the murkiness, melting darkness into light,

Rays of blue and gold acquiesce, birds take to their morning flight.

 

Darkness is now nonexistent, brilliant skies have now appeared.

What might have been a stormy morn,  by the sun is commandeered,

Waking hues of pink and purple, kissing trees and mountain peaks,

Nourishment for fields and flowers, touches life with all it seeks.

 

 

 

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TO MASK OR NOT TO MASK

Posted on July 27, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Leave it to Americans.  In times of crisis, in times of violence and hatred, when the world around us seems to have gone off the deep end, we seem to cut to the chase.  We have been a rebellious nation from our beginning.  Times like this require creativity and there is a bounty of it.

Face masks have been mandated in our state.  They were once deemed unnecessary, but we’ve seen the Chinese wearing them for years.  Hmmm.  A mask is almost always required when your in my line of work.  Being in theatre, we put on an invisible mask every time we set foot on a stage.  I have a collection of porcelain masks, which sit wrapped in tissue paper in a box.  With our downsizing, I found it difficult to get rid of them.

Women use face masks to improve the condition of their skin, to remove blackheads and exfoliate.  Masks are brought out at Halloween to alter the identity.  Masks are used during surgical events, in a doctor’s office and to prevent germs from passing from one person to another.

Masks have been worn by the bad guys as they entered a bank to rip them off.  I have to chuckle every time I see the commercial with the guy wearing a pair of fishnet panty hose over his head. At least he tried to follow directions.

Masks are also seen on super heroes.  Batman, Super Man, Captain America and all the other good guys that don’t want anyone to know who they really are.  They prefer to do their good deeds anonymously.

In our current world, we have been told that masks are necessary, they don’t always work, they aren’t really necessary and again that we must wear them.  So instead of fight it, we create funny masks, colorful or camouflage, animal faces, big lips, smiley faces, or for those who like to recycle – old bras, sweatpants, underwear, plastic bottles, etc.

I happen to be one of those who has difficulty wearing a mask.  Being a victim of chronic lung problems, allergies and other respiratory problems, a mask is like putting duct tape over my nose and mouth.  I have given in to wearing them when I must, but I don’t spend any more time then necessary doing so.

This soon shall pass – or then again – we may have to wear masks for the rest of our time on this planet.  I hope I’ll be able to recognize my friends when I leave.

 

 

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VESTIGES OF ANOTHER TIME

Posted on July 27, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

An ancient fortress, standing tall, within the city streets,

Remains of passing days gone by, with traffic now competes,

The outer walls are stained and brown, inside it seems the same,

Like fragile bodies fading fast – when old age is your name,

We try to stand both bold and tall, but often fail the task,

So we sit down and we circumvent about the distant past,

But still a light shines brightly and our hope will never end,

Jesus is our eternal friend, our lives He will defend,

He is our mighty warrior, when all around us fails,

He lifts us to heavenly heights, and new life He unveils.

 

 

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

REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY

Posted on July 26, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
Rest is a good thing. Even our God rested on the 7th day of His creation. Of course His labor involved separating the sky from the land, the land from the water, placing the stars and planets in the heavens and making all the inhabitants of His creation.
To us an eight hour day can seem exhausting. Sometimes the idea of getting up to go to work is a challenge. Vacations give us the chance to replenish, renew and recharge. You don’t actually have to leave your house to take a vacation. The travel channel is loaded with beautiful and exotic places and we often “take a trip” that way.
Maybe it’s just spending time with those you love or reading a book or digging in the garden. God is often referred to as our shepherd. He provides for us. He restores us. He protects us even through death. He loves us. He leads us to where we can find rest.
God, you are the giver of all things. We are the craftsmanship of your hands. May we ever use our lives to serve you first, as you first served us through your Son.  
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HERE’S THE CHURCH, HERE’S THE STEEPLE . . . .

Posted on July 25, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

 

Remember this little game we played while trying to be quiet in church as children?  The rhyme went like this:

Here’s the church and there’s the steeple.
Open the door and see all the people.

We would clasp our hands together with our fingers turned inside of them.  The two index fingers pointed up to indicate a steeple. We would say the words as we acted them out and we got to the part where the door opened, the fingers within would represent the people inside.  As with most of those childish verses and games, we soon forget them, but they do have some merit.  For example, there’s more to the verses that I didn’t know about.  Here the entire poem.

Here is the church and there is the steeple.
Open the door now and see all the people.
Here is the parson going upstairs.
And here he is now he’s saying his prayers.

Ta loola, ta looley, Ta loolay loo ley
Sleep through the nigh ’till the following day,
Ta loola, ta looley, Ta loolay loo ley
Ahh Ahh Ahh++
Ta loola, ta looley, Ta loolay loo ley
Sleep through the nigh ’till the following day,
Ta loola, ta looley, Ta loolay loo ley
Ahh Ahh Ahh

Additional lyrics by Ian Watts

Sometimes those games cannot only keep the little ones occupied, but they provide a lesson as well.  We always hope that when we open the door there will be lots of people.  Unfortunately our churches have taken quite a hit in the past few months with social distancing and masking.  We’ve slowly returned to worship, but only a certain number of people are allowed to be gathered.  They must be at least six feet apart and wearing a mask, because the saliva really flies when you sing and speak.

Prior to the pandemic, there had been a drop in church attendance across the country.  Has the inability to come in person affected your church?  Looking at this in a positive way, we have been able to reach out with other tools.  I guess God provides them so that His Word can be available in whatever form possible.  We shouldn’t stand stubbornly apart from the opportunities that are available to us.

Maybe the church as we used to know it, isn’t offering the popular “feel good” information that people want to hear.  Folks don’t like to hear about sin or asking for forgiveness, because those things just irritate us.  We instead turn to the prosperity churches that claim that God will give us a better than good life, with no problems or cares.  Often when led to our own devices and choices, we make the wrong decisions.

Online church will never replace in person attendance.  My prayer this Saturday is that covidthis virus will stir a new fervor  for God and for the promise He gives us of eternity in heaven.  We need each other to physically hang on.  Our hugs are vital.  Our fellowship is necessary.

Dear Lord, I come to you today with a prayer for our churches.  They are merely buildings, but what sets them apart is the ability to praise you, to thank you and to worship you together with other believers.  Church attendance should not be a requirement for our salvation, because that has already been won for us by your Son, Jesus.  Still we need to be together again as one body – united in your name and perfected through your Word.  I ask that you bring an end to the pandemic and join us again as your servants.  Through these difficult times, you are our only hope for comfort and peace.  Amen!

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THOUGHTS ON THE CONGRESS

Posted on July 25, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Today, I’ve decided to print some quotes about the American Congress – that noble group of elected officials who seem to have forgotten who they work for.  Not much has changed since the beginning of our independence.

“Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.” Mark Twain

“With Congress, every time they make a joke it’s a law, and every time they make a law it’s a joke.”  Will Rogers

“We have the power to do any damn fool thing we want to do, and we seem to do it about every ten minutes.”   J. William Fulbright

“I have been up to see the Congress and they do not seem to be able to do anything except to eat peanuts and chew tobacco, while my army is starving.”  Robert E. Lee

“I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the US Congress.”  Ronald Reagan

“If the present Congress errs in too much talking, how can it be otherwise in a body to which the people send one hundred and fifty lawyers, whose trade it is to question everything, yield nothing, and talk by the hour?”  Thomas Jefferson

“Congress seems drugged and inert most of the time… its idea of meeting a problem is to hold hearings or, in extreme cases, to appoint a commission.”   Shirley Chisholm

“Congress does two things well.  Nothing and overreacting.”  Michael Oxley

“I was ecstatic when they re-named “French fries” as “freedom fries.” Grown men and women in positions of power in the U.S. government showing themselves as idiots.”
― Johnny Depp

 

 

 

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