SORTING THROUGH THE ASHES

Posted on June 1, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Way back in time, we were introduced to televised news. The invention brought us closer to events that shocked, disturbed and incited many.  As years passed, we became used to this means of communication.  We relied on it to predict coming storms, to shape our investments and to make plans for the day and week to come.

In the years between 1955 and 1975, the war in Viet Nam played out on those same TV sets as we ate our frozen dinners. We watched the war unfold as imbedded reporters and photographers showed the horrific details.  We watched with intense fear and wondered why.  We viewed a sitting president mortally shot in the head.  We witnessed  his killer apprehended and arrested.  We looked on in disbelief as the assassin was then killed by a man connected to organized crime.  For years following we saw others shot and killed for various political and social issues,  All of this unfolded right before our eyes.

In the 1960s we saw fire hoses douse riots and billy clubs used to assault crowds of protesters who only wanted to be heard.  Soon the electronic industry introduced us to instant news – on the spot reporting – through the world wide web.

This past week in my city and in others around my country, a flame has turned into a firestorm and more than businesses have been destroyed.  Property has been stolen by a group of thugs who have no interest in bringing about change to a broken system.  For one full week, we’ve sat in front of our television sets, intent on our computer screens and phones, waiting for the next horrific act to unfold before our eyes.  Have we become the Romans of ancient days, who sat in the colosseum waiting for Christians to be devoured by hungry lions?

Yesterday, my heart ached not only for my city, but for my country and the world we inhabit.  I was overwhelmed by the destruction.  I was moved by the peaceful protests.  I was shocked by how quickly that peace could be disrupted.

Words cannot heal the scars of something that’s been festering since the days when man was first enslaved by other men – when they were deemed as property and not human beings.

It will take a long time for us to sort through all of this.  The battle against racial injustice will not happen over night.  It will not gain strength through creating volatile situations.  Violence isn’t the answer, even when it gets the attention of those who we’ve elected to govern us.

What we find in the ashes will provide the answers for much of what we’ve experienced in our civil unrest.  When we turn our focus to the core issues, there is hope.  When our hope is in the Lord, we will be renewed – even in these times of tribulation.  We must not live in fear – not of a virus nor of a malady that lies deep within our souls and rips away at our conscience.  The world is full of evil and destruction on many levels, but we can’t allow them to overtake us.

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OVERWHELMED

Posted on June 1, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Psalm 42:7 “Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me.”

Glacial waters rush and flow from highest mountain peaks,

They tumble over rocks and brush, a quiet place they seek,

The glorious power that carries them, will also let them rest,

For God has got His hand in it, He puts it to the test,

When life comes crashing down on us, we often run and hide,

The turmoil rages and destroys, but still we can abide,

In God’s green valleys we will share, the rest that He’ll provide,

If we just put our trust in Him, the waters will subside.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | Tagged | 1 Comment

SUNDAY PRAYER

Posted on May 31, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Dear, God,

This has been quite a week.  As restrictions began to loosen, there was a new sense of freedom.  The fear of contracting a disease had somewhat lessened, but still we were unsure about many things.

On Monday, a man was unjustly murdered by a police officer.  Immediately the streets filled with protesters and calls for action.  Within the next few days, thoughts about COVID19 were nothing but a vague memory,  Protests turned violent.  Members of hate groups arrived and torched our city, making it look like a war zone.  In less than a week our world had been turned upside down as National Guard troops were summoned to return order from the chaos.

The anger, hate, rage and misdirected thinking quickly spread to other parts of our nation.  Our young adults saw a broken system.  Our families retreated to their homes

in fear.  Our elderly remembered the 1960’s riots and the use of fire hoses and clubs to control the crowds.

Please, dear, Lord, our nation needs you now more than ever.  We thought we were under siege from an invisible enemy in the form of a bacteria.  Our clean hands and masked faces were nothing compared to the exposure of a familiar old enemy called hate.  It almost seems as though the end of life on this planet has been squashed.

I know this isn’t my final home.  I’m looking forward to heaven more and more each day.  Yet I know that until I take my final breath, I must remain strong in your Word. Help me to make sense of all this.  Give me strength to see that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.  Make me realize that there is so much to do right here within our own cities.  That can only be realized if we turn to you.

Look down on my city, my country, my world.  It was once a paradise and it will be again, when you return to us.  In the meantime, draw us to you once more.  May we put our faith in your direction, your goals for us and your love.  You alone can heal our land, but our minds must be opened and our biases be quelled.

I pray this in the name of your dear Son, Jesus, who took 1on the sin of the world so we could reap the benefits of heaven – our true home.  Amen

 

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IF WALLS COULD TALK

Posted on May 31, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A stately home with walls of brick – three chimneys reaching high,

Now stands alone and boarded up – the flames of hope have died,

There is no sign of life today, the insides show decay,

The hearth of every fireplace is now in disarray,

But once this lovely mansion was home to wealth and fame,

The tests of time o’er took it and now it’s not the same,

If walls could talk, they’d tell us tales of love and sometimes pain,

They’d tell of all the work involved in reaching life’s full gain,

When troubles came and all was lost, they’d tell a different story

Of how they struggled through great shame, when loss took all their glory,

But God instead had filled that house with his unending love,

The struggles weren’t quite so bad, with treasures from above,

The monetary pleasure would last for just a while,

But God’s pure love would give them strength to open up and smile,

The walls can’t talk, but people do, and when they witness loss,

It seems that they have failed to see the power of the cross,

For when you turn your eyes to Him, the Savior of us all,

The walls come down and life goes on, when we but heed His call.

 

 

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LIVES MATTER

Posted on May 30, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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I wonder if we can ever love each other as Christ first loved us.  Hatred and violence are ugly tools of the devil, which he uses to divide us.  We must fight him with every ounce of strength that God provides us.  We will overcome him, with God’s help alone.

There’s been division of races, ethnicity, social class, political views and in our religious beliefs throughout history.  The Jews were enslaved and held in bondage for centuries.  Even in modern times, they are seen as a hated race and they suffer the sting of antisemitism.  They are still remembered as the race that killed Jesus, even though they were part and parcel of God’s salvation and grace.

Looking back before our founding, the Native American was looked upon as a savage by the early explorers.  Those foreigners may have said they were there to convert and civilized them, but more likely their greed took over and they plundered and ravaged this noble race until they had nothing.

The slave trade was well underway in the 1400s and we all know the horrors of the abuse and humiliation the black race suffered. They helped build a strong industrial nation for their white counterparts and fought alongside them in war after war to preserve the rights of the constitution.

After Pearl Harbor, nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans were sent to internment camps simply because of their race and heritage.  Nearly 60% were already United States citizens who had built thriving businesses .

These are all ugly reminders of the disgrace faced by every human being.  The sins of the fathers seem to continue well beyond the third and fourth generations.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could just wash away all that prejudice and hate? Our consciences could finally feel free from blame – even though we were not personally responsible for past injustices.

As my city is under siege of the intolerable enemy of hate, we need to stop for a moment and take a deep breath.  As we’ve seen in the last few days, hatred has fueled a war which carries with it more hate and injustice.  I know that there is a faction within the streets that has nothing to do with justice for a particular race.  It has nothing to do with years of oppression.  It is simply a means whereby evil men and women can create a diversion.  Where thieves, looters and murderers can destroy property, a lifetime of hard work, the American dream of owning a small business and stir a nation already suffering from a pandemic.

This pandemic is far worse, because it may never be controlled.  When Jesus commanded us to love one another, He wasn’t putting limitations on that love.  Neither should we.  There are so many innocents who have been torn apart because of the unlawful death of a black man by a police officer.  Yet that very death has been smothered by the flames of anarchy and hate.

God doesn’t look at individuals in this way.  Each life that He creates is important – whether they are black, red, yellow, white – He made us and knew what we would be long before we were a glint in our father’s eye.  He loves each one of us the same.

When we become part of His family, through Jesus, we are set free from the bondage of this world.  Those ugly sins of the past have been washed away and we’re forgiven.  Therefore we have become a new creation.  We are united not only in our beliefs, but in our love for one another.

 

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FIRE & BLOOD IN THE STREETS

Posted on May 29, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Pools of crimson stain the streets.

People running, hiding, covering themselves and those near them,

Fear ensues, then pain, followed by anger and rage,

Faces and heads shrouded in black,

Too cowardly to show themselves,

Misdirected,

Searching,

Groping for something to believe in,

Something to hang on to,

Do they find peace in causing others pain or in ending lives?

Where is the righteousness?

 

Blood flows from a beaten, smitten corpse,

Hanging on an instrument of torture,

This One not taking life, but giving it through His own precious blood.

That is righteousness, bought and paid for the ugliest of us.

 

Refreshing, cleansing rain falls softly on an eager earth,

Thirsting for relief and longing for renewal and rebirth.

The tears of God bring respite for the dying soul,

He gave His only Son to fill a gaping hole,

The hole that widens every day,

When we forget to turn to Him and pray,

As branches dance and lightening fills the air,

I think of Him who takes away each care.

We see the need for God’s power to inspire us once again,

To cleanse our hearts and wash souls in His refreshing rain.

 

 

Posted in America, ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

STOP THE INSANITY

Posted on May 29, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Many will look at this post today and assume I’m a sanctimonious racist.  Some will accuse  me of being out of touch with the world.  The truth is, I’m a white woman.  I’m a Christian.  I’m a human being. I will turn 78 next month.  I’ve made a lot of mistakes in that time. I’ve also been through a lot of tragedy, disaster and seen how hate and anger can fester and turn ugly.  I must admit, however, that I’ve never seen parts of my city go up in flames set by a group of angry activists and criminals who enjoyed walking off with someone else’s property.

This year started out in the toilet and has basically washed itself into the sewer this week.  We should be learning much through our time in the “desert.”  The imposed isolation should’ve shown us how important we are to each other.  Our reliance on others should’ve created a void in our lives.  Our dependence on the outside world should’ve given us a glimpse of hope in a time when a germ took over the economy, jobs and small businesses.  This time in the wilderness should’ve made us appreciative of each other.  Instead, life in the world outside of our cocoons goes on with an insatiable flame that can only be quenched by God Himself.

A police action turned into what appears to be the murder of a perpetrator.  I say that with trepidation, because the investigation into the action has not been completed.  I am not say whether or not the officer is guilty or innocent, because I don’t know all the facts.  Still, the act appears to have been one that could be construed as racially motivated.  The jury is still out on that also.  A man died.  He was black.  He had a life.  He had a family. He was a Christian.   He was a human being.  All of that has been lost in the din of riotous voices and an angry mob.

I was angry when I heard about this.  I knew that it would stir more rage among the citizens of my town.  I also knew that the facts were not all clear and the crime was not yet investigated, proven or tried in a court of law.  Patience is difficult when a crime is committed against humanity.  When a white woman was killed by a black police officer a few years ago in Minneapolis, there was rage and anger too.  The taking of a life is always wrong no matter who takes the life or who has been killed.

So within a few days of this incident, my city has endured  breaking and entering, looting violent acts of arson and more killing or bodily injury.  This morning I read that many businesses across Minneapolis and St. Paul have been set on fire and completely destroyed by those who use this to make a point or to just take advantage of a situation for their own benefit.  Many of these businesses were owned by people of various ethnicities.  They were struggling to survive the restrictions of the pandemic and now will probably be facing bankruptcy or worse.  Their employees will no longer have jobs and the community will be devoid of their services.

Now other cities across the country are getting on the bandwagon and starting similar actions in their communities.  What purpose does any of this serve?  Are we supposed to cower to a group of vigilantes with knives, guns, rocks and incendiary devices?  Are we to sit back while activists take over our cities?  I believe that all things in life are intended for a reason.  I really am having a hard time realizing what the reason is for this.  Instead of solving problems reasonably, we have turned to bullying tactics and hate.  We no longer sit down and discuss things.  Instead we attack when someone doesn’t agree with our thinking.  What happened to us?

Pray for my city.  Pray for our country.  Pray that people will learn the value of life in all senses of the word.  Pray for the nation to come back to God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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HEAVEN IS MY HOME

Posted on May 28, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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For most of us the year 2020 should be eliminated from the historical calendar.  What should’ve been another year of prosperity and growth has been tampered with by science, the political realm, the local scene, violence, anger, hatred and all the negatives we don’t want to talk about.

Looking back a hundred years, we’ll see much of the same.  There was the eighteenth amendment, which put a ban on the sale, consumption and production of liquor (prohibition.) This opened the door to organized crime.  The crime syndicates ruled the streets and bloodied bodies showed up everywhere.   It was the year women achieved their right to vote with the nineteenth amendment.   Tornadoes swept through the Midwest and killed over 200 people.  The ACLU was formed.  There was a housing boom as soldiers returned from the war.

The Roaring Twenties was an age of illegal operation in the US.  There was corruption everywhere.  Lavish living was the soup du jour.  Young people threw caution to the wind.

Within just the first quarter of year 2020, life as we knew it plummeted to new depths.  The culmination of a continuous battle to oust a sitting president was set aside because of a pandemic which spread across the globe.  There were floods, destruction from hurricanes, tornadoes and other disasters. Citizens were sentenced to their own homes, away from the workplace and the security of steady jobs.  The economy took a massive dive.  The glimmer of hope that came from social distancing was soon swallowed up by the loss of small businesses, employment, new means of communication.  Restrictions were slowly  lifted and what seemed to be a slow down in the climate of man’s inhumanity towards his fellow man once again reared its ugly head,

In my state, Minnesota, an arrest turned deadly causing anger within the community.  Before learning all the facts and reviewing all the film, the media took hold of this story and ran with it.  I have no idea what the truth is at the moment.  Most facts have been clouded by anger and hate.  The truth will come out, but in the meantime, activists have added their voice to the noise and created a bubbling pot of hatred and violence.  The reactions turned ugly last night as local businesses were burned and looted.  Small businesses which already have taken a large hit by not being able to open their doors, were vandalized, destroyed and decimated.  This was done in the name of social justice.

God reminds us that this world is just a stopping off point for us.  It isn’t our permanent home.  When He faced being handed over to the church of His day, He told His disciples that His kingdom was not of this world.  Neither is ours.  Our home lies in the heavenly realms, where no evil can possibly touch us – where no disease can overtake us – where no harm or danger can overcome us.

In the meantime, we’ve been allowed this time of grace to tell others that there is hope for a future.  To let them know that God loves them in spite of the evil that surrounds us.  In times of darkness, we can be sure that our future doesn’t rely on the things of this world.  Our hope is in Christ alone, who lived here for a while as our brother.  Who also experienced the sting of this world throughout His brief life.  He promised to bring us to His heavenly home when we die, so we will never really die.  What joy there is in that message.  No fear of death, no apprehension in life, only hope for the future – that’s the assurance that can never falter, when we believe that God is for us and He has this and everything in His control.

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TUMBLING DOWN

Posted on May 28, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Revelation 14:2 “And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.”

God proves His strength, power and wisdom by controlling the strongest winds- by churning the waters of the sea – by determining that only He has these things in His hands.  No matter how man tries, he’ll never be able to change the setting and rising of the sun, the provision He graciously gives to all His creatures, the moon and stars, the warming and cooling of the planet.  He is our Almighty God.

We see His power in the hurricanes, tornadoes and snow storm.   The wherewithal contained in His little finger can stir the mightiest of seas.  We also see His wisdom.  It seem that in times of adversity, He brings out the best in people.  There are those first responders – the life savers, the everyday heroes – neighbors, coming to the aid of those who have lost all their worldly goods.

People may ask where is God in the midst of disaster after disaster.  How could a loving God put these tragedies in the lives of innocent people?  What is the lesson to be learned from all this?  Even in those times, God is with His people – caring for them, rescuing them, lifting them out of the pit.

I do not understand God’s wisdom.  It doesn’t make sense to me at times.  I don’t know why these things happen, but I do know there’s a purpose for all things under heaven.  In all things, God is there and as Job said when all seemed lost – “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”

What comfort this gives to all of us.  Even in the worst of circumstances, God is there with us, and when the final day of judgment arrives the angels will announce His return and we will see Him face to face in all His glory.

COME QUICKLY, LORD, JESUS!

 

 

 

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STILL TRYING TO DISCOVER YOURSELF?

Posted on May 27, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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In my years of stumbling over obstacles, brushing myself off and starting over again,  I’ve come to the conclusion that my life may not have seemed important to me, but God knew me before I ever came to be.  He created me with special talents, gifts and a sense of humor.  All of those things are positive when it comes to discovering who you are.

The world is constantly telling us how we deserve special treatment.  We’re worth it.  Is that really the case?  There are so many individuals out there who feel they have no value to society.  They aren’t equipped to handle the challenges that come their way. They retreat.  They stumble.  They fall.  They turn to things which will numb their pain and do whatever is necessary to make themselves look good in the eyes of the world.  Every claim about our self worth is abused by the father of lies, Satan.

In the beginning, when all this sin thing got started, he was there telling Adam and Eve that they deserved to be like God.  He made them doubt their Creator.  He set a trap for them, based on their own self worth.

The same thing happens today as teens surrender to peer pressure – as children fight for attention on the playground, the classroom or at home.  As they get older the fight for self worth calls to all who enter the work place.  There is competition all around.  There is hatred, envy and jealousy in every stage of life.  Even when we should be enjoying our final years, we often compare ourselves with someone else.  We naturally push back when we don’t make the grade.  We blame others for our failures rather than admitting we were wrong.

These feelings are a result of our sinful nature.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could get a do-over?  If we could jump in a time machine and race back to the Garden of Eden and tell those first human beings to listen to God.  However, that would be a matter of trying to be on the same level as God, wouldn’t it?

There is an even better plan, which was laid out for every individual who experiences the breath of life.  God scripted the whole thing before He created the world.  He knows before it happens.  He has arranged it all with our best interests in mind.  Why?  I mean, who are we to expect special treatment from the Creator of the universe?

Every life is important to God.  He crafted us in our mother’s womb – not only with eyes that work and ears that hear, but with a heart and mind that can make decisions and still discover what He has planned for us.  If we allow Him to, we will see not what we deserve, but what He has so graciously given us through His Son, Jesus.  If He thinks we’re worthy of a heavenly home, He will certainly be with us through this short time on earth.  His love and mercy endure forever.

 

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ONCE UPON A TIME . . .

Posted on May 26, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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A tale of many cities had forged its way through the land, forcing those in its path to hide away for a while – to rest securely in the comfort of their dwellings – to abandon the places which once consumed their time – to be limited in their wandering.

At first the time passed quickly as new skills were learned and families grew closer together.  Eventually, the routine became burdensome to many and they longed to be outside the four walls that contained them.  As days passed into weeks and turned into months, tempers flared – anxiety set in – a feeling of imprisonment and loneliness took the place of the extended vacation syndrome.  Though they were still allowed to be outdoors, the walls of their detention began to close in on them.

Slowly the restrictions were lifted and some took complete advantage of it.  They ventured out like grubs from the bottom of an overturned rock.  Some blatantly returned to places that would make them feel pampered.  Heads of scruffy hair begged to be cut and groomed.  Others found solace in simply being with others.  Some chose to go to houses of worship and thank their Creator for opening the doors for them again.  Some chose to stay at home.  They had become accustomed to the serenity of being housebound.  They felt a sense of safety and peace, being isolated from the rest of the world.

The enemy had not yet been defeated, but the world could not stand still and wait to be conquered.  Instead the brilliant minds – the innovators – the scientists – those who came up with cures for the most heinous diseases convened to find answers.  To create a strategy that would once more bring life to a civilization on hold.

In the meantime, enemies from other sources reared their ugly heads.  Those who wished to see their wealth return – the politicians – the naysayers – the idle and those who would benefit from such disaster.  There always seemed to be plenty of them.

The people felt so deserving of getting back to normal.  This time of incarceration was more than they could bear.  It felt good to be with friends again and to share time, food, laughter and hugs.  Many tossed caution to the wind and refused to cover their faces with the mandatory concealments.  Gloves were tossed aside.  The enemy was still with them, but the people felt cheated of their every day pleasures.  They could not be stilled.

Many would take on the cause of revolution.  Some became violent in this new surge.  They looted and pillaged.  They waged a new war in which they rebelled at anything that would restrict them.  This battle would be far greater than the one they had been fighting for the past short months.

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ABANDONED HOUSEBOAT

Posted on May 26, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The old houseboat still maintained a look of elegance even though paint was chipped and faded – the bough battered slightly from constant pushing against a battered shoreline,

She sat quietly moored under the wispy trees which lined the river – softly banging against the disintegrating pier,

How many years had passed since her maiden voyage?

How many months had slipped by since she cut stealthily through the rolling current?

She sits untouched – idle – lonely – forgotten – devoid of life.

Oh that the walls could speak and tell us of the days gone by.

Imagine the parties, the celebrations, the intimate, secret rendezvous.

Promises made and vows broken.  Lives changed for just a fleeting moment,

As she carried them downstream, washing their troubles away in an instant,

Did her life end when those who lived there did?  We’ll never know.

Only that she kisses the river’s edge now instead of cutting through its current.

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HEROES DON’T KNOW THEY’RE HEROES

Posted on May 25, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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A true hero doesn’t need to be recognized for his acts of courage.  The act is enough.  The field of battle has changed over the years.  The enemies have come in all sizes and shapes.  Some of those enemies have different ideas than we do – some want power – whiles others want freedom.  Some of them are unseen.  They hide in the bushes, under cover, camouflaged from those seeking them out.  Yet they are there and must be fought.

Our enemies today are much like that last group – the unidentified – the invisible – the invasive.  Those battling against this insidious foe wear protective clothing, the armor of masks and gloves and the tireless hours of persistence and dedication.  Not knowing who or when the enemy will strike is the hardest part of the fight.  Knowing that it will, is inevitable.

There are other opponents to be faced in this battle called life. Those who choose tyranny over democracy.  Those who would demonize all that this country fought so hard and long to defend.  As spiteful and evil as corruption in the ranks can be, there is still a remnant of those who will stand against such an adversary.

They do not consider themselves heroes.  They are doing what is right and good.  They do so without consideration of their own safety, because they want to be of service to their fellow man.

As we honor our military heroes for their steadfastness under fire and for their willingness to give their lives for the benefit of others, let’s also remember the every day heroes who are willing to sacrifice their own health and even their lives. A true hero is one who will lay down his life for another.  There is no greater love than this.

1 John 3:16  “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”

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THE HEART OF THE CHURCH

Posted on May 24, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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In the past few months we’ve been socially distanced from our churches.  Not only are we not permitted to worship together in one place, but we’ve not been able to partake of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, because of a pandemic.  Our lives have changed in numerous ways, but we’ve been able to maintain a connection with our church through the internet, yet we long for the day when we can again join together with fellow Christians and praise God as a group of believers.

This time of separation has caused me to think seriously about the actual building – the facade – the physical edifice.  When we plan to build a church there are things to consider.  What does it look like to the worshipper? Is it inviting as a place to spend time with God and fellowship with others like you? Is it equipped with all the technological equipment to reach those who are homebound – or tuned into the internet for immediate Bible references? Is it a place that is well maintained? Is it a place of refuge for those who feel lost? Is it a sanctuary for those who have strayed from God and His Word? Is it beautiful in design – its outward trappings – its glorious art work?

When we make a decision on which church to attend, are we looking at the outward appearance of the building? Are we putting our reliance on things that will make our worship more meaningful to us? Are we looking at the friendship of the people and the acceptance shown towards all? Are we, once we become active in that church, subject to all the behind the scenes skirmishes and petty arguments that really have nothing to do with worship.

The church is not about a building. It’s not there to make us feel better about ourselves. It’s not always a cohesive body. Many of the members of the body are subject to making wrong choices, finding fault in others, judging and forgetting the One who rules over that body.

Certainly a church must follow a set of rules. They have a constitution, by-laws and a number of leaders of committees to care for the church from an administrative standpoint. Right now we’re subject to the governing bodies who tell us to keep our churches closed.  Still the church is not immune to making human mistakes. We’re all sinners in God’s eyes. Had it not been for Jesus, our sins would continue to plague us and cause us to fall into hopelessness.

When you get down to the nuts and bolts of a church, there will always be a difference in opinion on the maintenance and future growth of the structure. There will be arguments on what to physically fix first. Many feel they aren’t being heard and become frustrated. Many get tired of fighting these minor battles and walk away rather than getting to the core of the matter.

God is not impressed with outward appearances. We can spend millions on places of worship, but to Him it makes no difference. “Wherever two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” This gathering place is a temple to give thanks, praise, sing, hear Gods Word and bring our petitions to Him. We don’t need to make an impression on God. We certainly shouldn’t try to make an impression on those we wish to attend our church. The Bible and its truth are sufficient.

God’s Word is our great heritage – a gift from our Creator. We each have something to bring to the body of the church. Everyone has a unique purpose to the advancement of His truth. If the church is focusing too much on its image, it has begun to cover up its core teachings. No amount of adornment is going to bring us closer to God.

It’s not about us. The church is all about God and His plan for each individual member. When we mask the truth of the Bible with outward appearances, we’re opening the door to Satan and his minions. He will attack from the inside out. Our assurance is that Jesus already conquered death and sin, and we will inherit God’s kingdom in eternity free from all sin.  He is the living, breathing, heart of the church and He willingly gave His life to breathe life back into our sin sick souls.

No matter where you worship today, remember that Christ is the center of your praise.  He alone deserves honor and glory. He provides us with places even in our own captivity to worship Him. Once the pandemic ends and we’re called back to worship in our church buildings, may our hearts remember how we longed to be in His house and thank Him for making it possible again.

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FINDING THE ROAD

Posted on May 23, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

Is there a place where I can hide, is there a shelter there,

Where from this hectic pace I run, to shed off every care,

A quiet, cozy place to rest, to ponder thoughts unknown,

To dream of places far away and those still close to home.

 

A nook to craft the perfect words to comfort someone’s heart,

A place where time stands still a while and offers a new start,

The plans we made so long ago, and ones we’ve yet to do,

Our hopes and goals and tasks undone and dreams to carry through.

 

When walking with the Savior, the road is surely sound,

He carries us through every strife, He gifts us all around,

He is our refuge and our strength, our constant advocate,

With Him our comfort is assured and all our needs are met.

 

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

SATURDAY PRAYER

Posted on May 23, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Dear, Lord,

Some days I feel like I can do all things through your bounty and grace.  There are also days when I feel overloaded with worry.  I think a lot about those I love – family, dear friends, those who are unable to get around.  I wish that I could help them in some way.  I know that you invite me to come to you with all my concerns, but then I think I might be asking too much, or burdening you with my problems.

Then I realize that you are in charge of all things.  You’re fully aware of the plans for our lives.  You created the blueprint a long time ago.  You knew then, what we’d be able to handle.  You knew that the road wasn’t going to be easy for us, but you never promised that it would.  Your craftsmanship is beyond our comprehension, so I trust that you’re power is immeasurable and that gives me peace.

The world is in a constant state of flux.  The challenges we face each day seem insurmountable.  Our cars break down or we need to have the plumbing repaired.  Our loved ones die or experience illness.  Our goals are crushed by circumstances beyond our control. Nothing is permanent except for your Word, dear God.  You’re the one consistent in our lives.  I know that you’ve got this.  Though perils all around us rage, my life is in your hands.  I’ll trust in your unchanging care and hearken to your plans.

Please help man to discover a cure for this dreaded virus.  Watch over our leaders and give them wisdom to make the right choices for our safety.  Help us to trust them.  Give us strength to overcome whatever the consequences of this pandemic may bring.  Remind us to come to you for help.

Thank you for your unconditional love, especially during times of change.  We don’t deserve this love, but you replenish us with it.  In Jesus name, I ask for your continued presence in our lives.  Amen!

 

 

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on May 22, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP

Posted on May 22, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

I love technology.  I hate technology.  I can’t live without it. I want to live without it.  It’s a conundrum of magnificent proportions to those of us who grew up with 10″ television screens and 45 rpm records.  However, I’m trying to adjust.

Because both my husband and I are now teaching classes in art and drama via the internet, we found it necessary to upgrade our WIFI service.  That required us to bundle a few things together and hopefully it will cost us less by the time we’re done.  With all this COVID19 social distancing, it was interesting to see how all of this would be handled.

My husband took care of the visit to the provider store with his face covered and hands gloved. He was met by a young man who was covered as well.  The entire process took about two hours and by the time Paul returned home, he was a nervous wreck.  Numbers were flying in his head.  He was unsure if he’d done the right thing.  I knew it was a matter of technological overload, but it actually scared me a little.

The installation of the WIFI was interesting as well.  Most of it took place from the outside.  They connected to an existing portal, which took about an hour to do.  Then the masked man entered the house and set up the modem.  Just like that it was all done.

Buyer’s remorse set in when the estimate came in the mail for our first bill,  Today we will set up the television sets which will widen our viewing experiencecov and I expect that should take most of the day, since we’re doing it ourselves.

Personally I feel we’re being force fed this technology stuff whether we want it, need it or not.  At the moment, it’s a matter of necessity for us to be able to work and make a buck or two in addition to our fixed income of social security.  We’re both willing to learn, but truthfully it’s hard to teach old dogs new tricks.  I guess I should call on my granddaughter for assistance.  For the younger generation, all of this is just a snap.

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THROW BACK THURSDAY

Posted on May 21, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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One of the many photo ops on social media is to post a picture from your past on Thursdays. Maybe the photo is from a time before you knew them and you wouldn’t recognize that person in a million years. Other times you can see a definite resemblance. We all like to remember the pleasant things from our past.

I think every generation believes that the “good old days” were the times they were growing up and young adults. George Washington undoubtedly preferred recalling cutting down cherry trees more than his time leading a fledgling country out of a revolution and building what is now America. On the other hand, he would probably be rolling over in his grave if he knew what has happened to the country since it’s beginnings.

The older we get, the more we seem to dwell on the past. We reminisce about how much better things were when we were kids. We believe that particular juncture in time was perfect, but not so. For example when I was growing up in the 40s and 50s, we had no clue about global warming or the internet. Our lives were simpler then. Kids played in the street – we didn’t lock our doors – we ate dirt – we recycled before it was popular, BUT it also was a time right after a world war and during the Korean War .

The atomic bomb was a real threat. Air raid drills were held in our schools. Many were building bomb shelters in their backyards. The economy was still in a state of recovery. We wore second hand clothes and shoes. Our food was home made and consisted of starchy things like pasta to fill us up. We never knew about the ill effects of gluten. We never thought of paying $50 bucks for a pair of old, torn blue jeans and we were lucky if we got a pair of new shoes when school started – but. I digress.

The truth is, every decade has its good and bad memories. One of the blessings God has given me is the ability to forget the bad things that have happened in my life. I’ve been able to tuck the icky stuff into the back of my brain. Maybe that’s why I have such weird dreams, but I digress again.

I wonder what the new generation will hold as memories of this time.  This was their year to graduate and begin careers in college or the workforce.  What will they remember as the most important lesson from this time.  I pray that they will be able to look beyond these days of the unknown to what lies ahead for them. The future still holds promise for all of us, if we allow it to.

What I’m trying to say is this – Looking back is a good thing, but looking forward is even better. We, as Christians, have been promised a perfect life in eternity after our death. How great is that? We will some day be in the paradise that God originally planned for us. We will have all our teeth – healthy bodies – no sorrows or tears – our joy will be overflowing. So without hesitation we can say “Throw every day forward!”

Hebrews 10:17 “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”

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IMAGINATION

Posted on May 21, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Imagination is funny, it makes a cloudy day sunny. Makes a bee think of honey just as I think of you. Imagination is crazy, your whole perspective gets hazy. Starts you asking a daisy what to do, what to do. Have you ever felt a gentle touch And then a kiss, and then and then – Find its only your imagination again.  Imagination is silly. You go around willy nilly. For example I go around wanting you, And yet I cant imagine that you want me too
Lyrics from “Imagination is Funny,” by Miki Howard

  • I –   IDEAS – tons of creative thought processes, melding into one.  The spark that ignites invention.
  • M – MIND – The brain is the core of invention.  We have so many storage spots and memory banks, there really is no limit to how far we can go.
  • A – ACCIDENTS – Mistakes shouldn’t set you back, but push you forward.  They will lead to solutions, which lead to ideas and the creation of something new.
  • G – GRATITUDE – Always be willing to listen to others’ ideas.  Collaboration and team work lead to even greater success.  Think if Tesla and Edison had worked together on their inventions.  The Electronic  Age would have come and gone and someone would have already taken their place.  Great minds work together to change the world.
  •  I –  INTUITION – Your intuition should be a clue to what needs to be done.  Don’t disregard that little voice in your voice that tells you to stop or go.  There’s a reason you’re hearing it.
  • N – NECESSITY – It’s the mother of invention so they say.  The first man needed something to eat.  He found tools to help him hunt for his food.  His wife needed to cook it, so together they crafted a pot.  The first one probably burned in the fire, but the next guy figured out what would correct that.
  • A – AMBITION – Things don’t get created by laying on your back and dreaming about them.  The dreams make you anxious to find answers.  They should be your stimulus to do something about it.  Get on your feet and put your ideas into action.  If you don’t, someone else will figure it out and beat you to the patent or copyright office.
  • T – TENACITY – Stick to it.  Don’t give up.  The next experiment, design, text, piece of art, will not get done by itself.  Be persistent in your quest.  If you have a reason or motivation, it will make things happen faster than you can blink an eye.
  • I – INSPIRATION – Don’t wait for inspiration to come to you.  You need to inspire yourself to – think, work, think, plan, re-plan, re-think, get excited about what you’re doing – think some more and so on.  If you’re inspired you will inspire others and together you can encourage each other.
  • O – OPEN – Don’t think your way is the only way.  Open your mind and heart to suggestions from others.  Imagination is wonderful, because it can be shared with so many, and paid forward in so many ways.
  • N – NOTICED – once your creation is complete, you have to find a way to get it in the hands of those who need and want it.  This requires marketing, advertising, selling your product as well as yourself.  If you believe that your work is worthy, you need to make everyone else believe that too.
Posted in ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments