PAINTING IDOLS

Posted on October 5, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This morning, John, the eclectic contrarian, spoke about television as being an idol in today’s society.  It made me think of the ancients and their idols.  I’m posting a few of the set panels for “Such A Time As This,” a musical play I wrote about nine years ago.  My husband created the set for this play.  The idols they worshipped in that time period were nothing more than paintings or statues carved in stone.  They had no power.  They were merely facades or window dressing if you will.

The story of Esther from the Bible, shows a portrait of a beautiful woman who captured the heart of a king.  Through her, the children of Israel would be set free from their bondage once more.  Throughout the book, we hear no mention of God, but His presence is felt as the story unfolds.

There is the usual villain – Haman – who sets a plan in motion whereby he will gain power and status with the king.  He plots to have the Israelites exterminated.  In the meantime, the king has dismissed his favorite wife and is looking for a new one.  There is a beauty contest of sorts as women are paraded before him.  He  chooses Esther to be his wife.  She is watched over, from afar, by her uncle Mordecai, who faithfully listens at the gate for any information he can gather about her.

Throughout the story we see a lesson in patience coming into view. Waiting for just the right moment, Esther places her trust in God’s timing.  She was surrounded by all these false gods and things that went against everything she believed in, yet she waited.  Her patience paid off when she was able to accuse Haman of his wrong doing and send him to the gallows.  In so doing, her people were also set free.

It’s hard to wait.  Patience is one of those lessons that seems to follow us through life.  When we ask for it, we can almost assume there will be a test involved.  God is sharpening us with each one. Our human nature wants to interfere and get things done on our own timeline, rather than waiting for God’s plan to be fulfilled.  When it is completed, it isn’t always to our liking.  Still, God is using every event in our life as part of the plan He’s already mapped out for each of us.

Trusting in His love for us, we can rest secure in the fact that He is the true and only God.  Idols have no place in our lives, whatever they may be.  The foolishness of those who trust in them will only lead to sorrow and emptiness.  Our God is Omnipotent – all powerful – He is Omniscient – all knowing – and omnipresent – always with us.  We can count on Him to lead us in the right direction.

 

 

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DEFEATED?

Posted on October 4, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
There will be days when you feel completely broken down –
Physically, emotionally, spiritually,
When every ounce of strength has been sapped,
When it seems you can no longer go on,
When life kicks and punches you,
When there seems no hope for tomorrow.

Where do you turn for restoration,                                                                                              Will you ever be the same,                                                                                                              Where do you go when your will has been crushed,
Where will you find relief,
When your lying on your back in complete submission,
The only place to look is up.

Turn to your Creator.
The God of the universe,
Your Savior, Redeemer and Comforter,
He can mend broken bodies,
He can lift your spirit beyond expectation,
He gives you new life, new strength.

He holds you firmly in the palm of His hand,                                                                                   You will feel His strength within you,                                                                                            With Him, you will soar with the eagles.                                                                                    You will meet Him face to face,                                                                                                           No more tears or sorrow will hover over you,                                                                               You will find eternal peace.

 

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MY WRITING JOURNEY

Posted on October 4, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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It’s October.  The month of howling things and stuff that goes bump in the night.  I’m stage managing a play called “Sleepy Hollow.”  I live in the Halloween Capitol of the World, right here in downtown Anoka, MN. The skies have been ashen grey for several days and we’re not about to see the sun for a while.  Going from the high 70s with tropical dew points on Monday, and quickly plunging to the 50s and lower is enough to shock anyone’s constitution.  It’s time to heat up the apple cider and hit the worn off keys of my computer’s keyboard.  Writing is a journey and a cold, dreary, dank and depressing day can be turned around instantly when you get in the groove.

There’s been little time to work on my novel, “Until Our Dying Day,” which I believe is done.  The next step is getting a publisher or publishing it myself.  The self publishing scene costs money, and thus I’m working to save enough to do so if the alternative doesn’t happen.

There are times in this journey, when life gets in the way, but reality is the fodder for writing, isn’t it?  Each experience we struggle and plod through, gives us more to write about.  It’s like adding another tool to the tool box.  There are days when I wonder why I am pursuing it.  I wonder if it’s ego or the need for self expression.  Why do writers write?  I guess it’s because we must.

My husband paints every day.  It’s not only to try new techniques or repair some old ones, but it keeps him on top of his game.  A body builder exercises every day to keep his body in shape and strong.  A dancer stretches muscles, twists and turns and dances on a regular basis, in order to maintain her craft.  A musician must practice his instrument often to get the proper sound.  A financial planner must keep up with market trends and investments to bring a profit to his customers.  To be good at something, it takes practice.

My book will be published some day.  Still it sits, untouched now for a month.  I feel somewhat guilty for staying away from it.  It’s almost like an unborn child waiting for its entrance into the world.  You know it’s safe within you, but you still want to see what’s next.  How will people react?  Will they enjoy the humor and tear up at the soft spots?  Will my description of the characters say enough about them?  The fears are endless, but at some point we must let go and let it soar on its own merits.

I write a blog daily.  I try to conceive some new poetry to accompany my husband’s beautiful and inspiring art work.  I stay involved in the theatre community, which energizes me.  I’ve learned to step away from all of it when necessary.  Words are sometimes hard to find, but I’ve never experienced all out writer’s block.  Maybe that’s the answer for all of us.  Even if our words aren’t classically crafted or they don’t make sense, getting something down on paper is critical. We may just be going through the motions of writing, but we may be creating something amazing.

Isn’t that true in all that we set out to do?  Practice, experiment, put words on paper and strive to come up with something that will touch another’s heart.

I write, because I must!

 

 

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WALLY’S FRIDAY FRYDADDY FUNNY

Posted on October 4, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on October 4, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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THE WORLD IN DARKNESS LAY

Posted on October 3, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Can you imagine a world in complete darkness? It may seem that the haze covering our earth and intermingling with our thoughts, fears and dreams has shrouded our thinking and even our way of life.  When God plagued Egypt in the time of Moses, the ninth blight came in the form of unbearable and total darkness.  In this post from a while back, I explore what it would feel like to be in a world devoid of light.  Are we becoming lost in that abyss?  Has the absence of light imposed on us as feeling of hopelessness?

The following was originally posted on 6/24/2017.
His hand reached for the oil lamp in the darkness of night, but he remembered that he’d not filled it the night before. He was enveloped in the deepest darkness he had ever experienced. He strained to see even a tiny glimpse of light – just a faint whisper – Nothing. He groped, but still the blindness which had overcome him, left him hanging only to his other senses, and even they were permeated with the sullen blackness.
Usually after a time in a dark place, his eyes would’ve adjusted and eventually some semblance of his surroundings would appear, but not on that night. It had been a week of impossibilities.

He groped and felt his way around the room, knowing that his family lay asleep there, but here in this pitch black abyss he felt so alone – so lost. Maybe if he could just reach the door and open it, a tiny sliver of light might steal its way into his humble home.
Finally he felt the latch and opened the heavy wooden door. On the other side – more darkness, obliquity – only the stench of the last few days lingered in the dank air which surrounded him. This continued for three days and nights. The blackness of night could not be interrupted. Even as morning approach, the sun was hidden from view. The weight of it was more than anyone could bear.

When would this end? When would his eyes be free to view his surroundings? He didn’t deserve this punishment. Had someone come in the depths of his sleep and plucked his eyes out? Yet, there was no pain – only helplessness. Hopelessness encroached his heart.

Exodus 10:22-23 “So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived.”

To live for three days in complete darkness must have been unbearable. We panic when the lights go out for a few minutes and our minds shut down after an hour or more, but we rarely experience complete or total darkness.

Can you imagine the fear that would enter your mind? Can you acknowledge your faith faltering – your courage failing – your hope dissolving into the murkiness? We are lost without light.  It is part of our being and without it we can’t find our way.

There is only one way to find the light and that is through the One who created it.  When Jesus came to fulfill His mission on earth He spoke to the people and said,

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

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ACTING FOR SENIORS

Posted on October 2, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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I don’t know these women, but it sure looks like they’re having a good time. I will begin a new adventure today.  I’m going to be teaching a group of 55+ some dramatic skills.  These theatre games, scene work, improv, pantomime, vocal production and creative movement will stimulate the senses and get them outside the proverbial box.

Since I am a tried and true old person, it seems fitting that I should be teaching the class.  I have more than 40 years of drama instruction under my belt.  I’ve taught all ages except for this particular one.  I’m looking forward to meeting these new people and sharing some of my knowledge with them.

It seems there has been a real push on keeping our aging society moving, thinking, creating and still contributing in great ways.  The arts are a perfect avenue for this.  My husband is currently teaching an art enrichment program for retired citizens and his students are thriving and learning to do more than they thought they could.

Drama can be used in the same way.  When we get out of the groove of a structured schedule and a much slower pace of living, we could fall victim to depression, low self esteem and a sinking away from relationships.  By becoming a part of something fun like this, a person will become revitalized, the mind will be stimulated and they will feel they are bringing something back to the community they live in.

Pray that I don’t mess up – that I enjoy the experience as much as I hope they do and that my age doesn’t show too much.  I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.

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WHAT LIES BELOW

Posted on October 1, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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During the last presidential election, we were promised by then candidate, Donald Trump, that he would drain the swamp of corruption which has invaded our land.  That sounded like a great idea to most of us every day citizens who are sick and tired of those profiting from the people rather than serving them.

From day one of his presidency, we were told by the losing party that they would make it their goal to impeach this man.  Thus began the division of a nation.  In these past three years we have been exposed to the draining of the swamp.

Just exactly what does that term mean.  Originally it was coined when there was a plague of malaria spreading mosquitos and the only way to deter them was to eliminate their habitat.  Over time the phrase seemed to wash over the political scene.  I’m sure this is nothing new.  In every age of a country’s history, there is the rise and then most likely the fall of a civilization.  The swamp consists of special interest groups – people out to line their pockets – those who come to service in the government with clean, pure hearts and are swiftly swept into the dark corners where they often sell their souls to survive.

When the proverbial swamp is drained all that is left is the ugliness that filled it.  What do we do with that?  Everyone’s sins will be made known on Judgment Day, but it seems the mission in our country today is to put every speck of dirt on display for all to see.  There have been accusations, investigations beyond belief, name calling, mud slinging and character assassinations.  Lives of upstanding people have been dragged through the dirt as reputations have been ruined by slander and lies.  And what ever happened to laws concerning libel and slander?

We are the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.  Where has our unity gone?  I pray that God will hear the prayers of the faithful and once again intercede.  We need Him now more than ever.

I’ve been trying ever so hard to put this away, to ignore it, but I’m reminded that those who do nothing or say nothing are just as guilty as those who are creating the problems.  We are a nation founded on people united and governed by those who serve rather than cause derision and hate.

So what are we to do?  I really wish I had the answer for that, because it would make me a rich woman, but that isn’t in my future.  I do know that we have got to get rid of the hostility and hatred that has permeated our schools, universities, the younger to the oldest generations.  Hate breeds nothing but anger and anger cannot accomplish anything.   Apparently contacting our governing officials doesn’t do much.  Even our votes are in question at times.  What will it take to get back on track.  I believe that God is the only answer to our dilemma.  He is the epitome of love and love will conquer all.

 

 

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IN SEARCH OF COLOR

Posted on September 30, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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I was unplugged for the weekend.  As part of the celebration of our 55th wedding anniversary, Paul and I decided to follow part of the journey we made as newlyweds on our honeymoon.  We traveled up the backroads of Northern Minnesota and made our way to Superior, WI.  We were in search of autumn color, but it took us quite a while to find it.  Our neck of the woods has been blessed with steady summer rains, resulting in a plethora of green and late blooming crops.

Green is a beautiful color too.  The variances of the shades and the subtle tinges of mauve, gold and chartreuse undergrowth, covered most of our drive.   It was much the same the year we got married.  We lived in Wisconsin at the time and we had to go even further north to find the brilliant reds, rusts and golds.  There were rainstorms on our wedding day.  Some refer to that as a good omen for a happy marriage.  We didn’t need any of that. We were so in love and ready to start our lives together.

On our little road trip, we came across a country bar & grill and by that time were getting hungry.  Paul donned his cowboy hat, I grabbed my walking stick and we entered the Moose Junction Bar & Grill, wondering just what we might encounter.  A friendly young crowd had gathered.  Some were out for the same reason we were – in search of autumn beauty.  Some were in from the fields in their overalls and ready for a cold drink.  The burgers were scrumptious and the root beer was amazing.

As we sat there with this menagerie of different types of people gathering for refreshment, I began to realize there is so much to experience in the every day time of living.  The people we encounter, the conversations we experience, the jokes shared and the lack of political discussion, were all great contributors to a lovely day.

One of the guys in overalls asked Paul if he was that fellow on the TV show, “Mountain Men,” named Jack.  Since we don’t watch the show, we weren’t sure who he was talking about, but Paul said “no, that he was known as Mountain Paul.”  I can attest to the fact that Paul is probably more of a mountain man than Jack, but the fellow persisted in calling him, Mountain Man, Jack for the rest of our time there.

On our way back home, we again took back roads to avoid the frantic highway drive.   The colors we were searching were just beginning to peak in Northern Minnesota, so we have a few weeks to experience them here.  Autumn is one of our favorite times of year and one of the reasons we remain in this part of the country.  We know winter is right around the corner, but God has given us so much beauty in each one of the seasons here.

It was also nice to step away from reality for a short time.  The noise of the world is becoming so deadening, we owe it to ourselves to enjoy the glory of God’s creation instead – much more often than we do.

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FRIDAY FUNNIES – GRANDPARENTING

Posted on September 27, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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DELIVERANCE

Posted on September 27, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

When we have the ability to walk the streets without fear,

To pad through the glory of the environment with wild abandon,

To soak in everything within our grasp with no ties or bondage,

To persist in spite of all the darkness which the evil one stirs up,

To breathe the fresh air of God’s creation and observe its magnificence,

To hold the little things in life dear and precious,.

We have experienced deliverance from the world run amok.

We are free from the restraints of a sick society that dwells on self,

We are unentangled and able to express our ideas, creativity and dreams.

 

Without fear of recrimination, but with freedom to stir the imagination,

We can fly to great heights, soar with the eagles,

Reach the pinnacle unknown, yet within our grasp,

While still feeling secure and safe,

Free from the tyranny of self serving individuals,

Alive with confidence, assurance, determination and hope,

Knowing that we are saved eternally,

Simply by believing in the freedom already won for us,

By God’s own Son.

 

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WALLY’S FRIDAY FRYDADDY FUNNY

Posted on September 27, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on September 27, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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THE ARTIST I MARRIED

Posted on September 26, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART BY PAUL BOECHER

The barber pole with a little extra baggage on the top is called, “A Little More Off the Top.”  He actually sculpted this piece in a barber shop.  Today it stands outside of the Caribou lounge & Antler Shed.  This is an extension of our one car garage, which houses a caribou mount of an animal he bagged in Alaska and doubles as a woodworking shop.

Paul has been an artist from the day I first met him as a Freshman in high school.  His craftsmanship as a sculptor was enough to outshine the entire senior class.  He found a piece of limestone to work on while the rest of us struggled with our plaster of paris molds.

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He had his own private corner of the art room to chisel and hammer away in along with using some grinding tools to craft this ram’s head, which still sits regally in our backyard.

Another piece which is titled “Surrender,” also has a place of honor on our property.  This piece was done when we were going through some difficult times.  Money was short, but he managed to find a piece of wood to create a thing of beauty.  It represents what we must look like to God as we surrender to His will. The huge hands reaching up in submission shows our desire to have God take over and do what we cannot do.

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When he rented a studio space he was able to carve a piece for a local restaurant, called the “Newsroom.”  The bar is shaped like a ship and Paul carved the mast head which was that of a mermaid.  No!  I did not model for this.

He also had several commissions for work to be done in resort businesses and private residences.  Since then his art has turned to painting and it’s quite unusual to see him without a paintbrush.  Most of his clothes have at least one or two blobs of paint on them.  It goes with the hazards of the job, I guess.

Paul continues to teach plein air painting to those willing to learn.  He is a kind, helpful and compassionate teacher, always bringing out the best in his students.  God gave him this gift to share with others.  I’m glad we discovered that we were made for each other so long ago.  I love this man with all my heart!

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UNTIL OUR DYING DAY*

Posted on September 26, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Two naïve young people chose to spend the rest of their lives together fifty five years ago today.  We promised to love each other until our dying day.  We’ve been fortunate to have kept that promise and even though there were mountains to climb, challenges to overcome, disappointments to face and fears to assail, we have managed to live happily ever after with God at the center of our family.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MY ONE AND ONLY LOVE!

*”Until Our Dying Day,” is the title of my new novel.  I thought it would suffice as an anniversary sentiment as well.

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IN GOD ALONE

Posted on September 25, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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We, the people, have been bombarded with an urgent desire to depose a sitting president.  This has been going on for the entire presidency of Donald Trump.  I have stated on my blog recently, that I’m trying to avoid the news because of all this nonsense, but it’s not as easy as it sounds.  The only true way to avoid all the buzz is to leave this planet and find a place in the universe that is not exposed to the news of the earth.  You can unplug – not read the newspaper – try to bypass your home page on the computer – hide under a rock or go into a coma until the next election is decided.  None of those options seem likely.

It’s in our face from the time we wake in the morning until we lay our weary heads on the pillow at night.  It seems to me that an era of hatred and dismay has hit the core of our country.  Everyone seems to have one small ounce of anger in their bodies, which is spreading like a cancer throughout our land.  We sit in judgment of each other.  We look for things that will hurt another’s reputation, his self-worth, we bully, we torment, we try to make ourselves look better than others.  How are any of those things going to be of benefit to anyone?

With the numbers of those who are no longer attending churches on the rise, we have to ask ourselves why.  Why – when we rely on our own agenda, things don’t go as planned.  When God is no longer present in our daily lives, why are we surprised when evil takes over?  When we focus so much on negative thoughts about each other, is there any wonder that hatred is on the upswing?  Why is there a rise in drug usage – murder – sex trafficking – abuse – unnecessary rage?  Why, why, why?

The number one reason (in my opinion) is that we’ve become a society of people who have lost contact with God.  We’ve turned our backs on the greatest asset we have as a nation.  Some would laugh at that opinion, but if we look back within the pages of God’s own words, we will see that every time the nation of Israel turned away from God, they were left on their own until they returned to Him again.  Our God is not just the God of Israel.  He is the God of heaven and earth and everything in it.

Maybe it’s time for us to return to our Creator and ask for forgiveness for our foolish behavior and plead His intervention.  Those who call on His name will not go unnoticed. In Him alone our future will be determined.  In fact He’s already laid out the final plan.

 

 

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WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

Posted on September 25, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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I am not a marriage expert, nor could I possibly have all the secrets to a happy marriage, but there is a wonderful book which carries some extremely good advice on how to live together as husband and wife and how to have your life together blessed in countless ways. The book is God’s own message to us in the Bible, which He breathed into the pens of men many years ago. The Bible, though ancient in its conception, is still pertinent today in all areas of our lives.

Here are ten references to specific elements of a great marriage:

  • 1 John 4:7 Refers to placing God at the head of your house. Having Him as your chief advisor makes some of the tough decisions easier and He also promises to bless those who trust in Him.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:11 & Genesis 2:24 talks about a total commitment to each other – becoming one flesh. This is difficult to understand in a time when we are taught to live our own lives and do our own thing.
  • Hebrews 13:4 proclaims that we should trust one another. Any great relationship has to be built on trust or the foundation will not stand up under the storms of life.
  • Ephesians 5:25- We should love each other as we love ourselves. Isn’t it true that we often put ourselves first. When you marry, you have another part to honor – Your better half.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:14 Tells us to be joined in faith. When you have a common faith you can move mountains with God’s help.
  • Ezekiel 3:14-21 reminds us to honor the vows we said before God – to love, honor and obey until death. This is one contract that should never be entered into lightly.
  • Hebrews 13:1-25 is a great section on being encouragers of one another.
  • Psalm 85:10 tells us to be hold tightly to our love for each other.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 refers to being respectful of one another.
  • John 15:13 talks about the greatest love of all being the willingness to give your life for another. John 3:16 tells us God’s perfect love for us.

God wants us to be happy in all areas of life. When He created man, He saw the need for Adam to have a companion – a helper; so He created woman. He blessed that partnership and continues to lavish us with His love when we remember Him first in our marriages.

Thank you, dear Lord, for blessing mine.

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FINAL BLOOMS

Posted on September 25, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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When bruised and injured we do fall, before our Father’s throne
Looking on the lamb once slain for all sins to atone,
Our pain is nothing next to His, our wounds are all but naught.
The blood He shed, His torturous death were all with insult fraught,
But still the Son of God went forth in dignity and strength,
He took our place and bore the cross until His dying breath,
Three days went by. He shunned the grave and rose to life again.
He did this so I too could claim a life in heaven with Him.
Sweet Jesus you have walked the road that I deserved to go.
You did this without one complaint, you knew just what to do,
So when I’m feeling battered and pulled in many ways,
Remind me of the walk you took and please accept the praise.

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THANK GOD FOR GOOD NEWS!

Posted on September 23, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

maxresdefaultIn this year before the next presidential election, we’ve been bombarded with all kinds of yucky news.  I for one am sick of it and have decided to disconnect when it’s time for the news shows.  It has become nothing more than tabloid news anyway, which I can read for free at the check out stand at my grocery store.  We should not have to be subject to all this nonsense for more than a year before the event occurs.

On the other hand, when something good happens, we need to take time to thank God for it.  Thus, I am doing so today.  When you get to be my age, any little thing makes you think you have cancer or some deadly disease. Each new ache and pain is a good indicator that you aren’t long for this world.  Paul and I are now 77.  We were married when we were 22 which is 55 years ago (almost.)

So we both had our annual physicals about a week apart this year, so the nail biting and negative thinking had already begun to creep in as we waited for results.  It was suggest that Paul have a PET scan, because it was some time since he had been treated for prostate cancer and his numbers were elevated.  The final result (drum roll please!) no cancer indicated.  Praise God.  All his other tests were fine too.

I went in with a variety of issues including a sprained knee, a UTI and lots of questions.  I was sure I had early signs of Alzheimer’s.  I was convinced that I had bladder cancer or kidney stones.  My allergies were acting up and I was expecting the worse.  I actually suggested that my doc come home with me, so that when I have these feelings of anxiety over aging, she could reassure me on a daily basis.

All of my blood work came back fine except for the UTI, which is treatable.  My knee is now in a brace to keep it stabilized.  The only problem is, it keeps falling down half way through the day.  I wonder if they have suspenders for knee braces.  My lungs were clear and I was just experiencing the bad air that everyone else had been.

So it looks like the two of us are good for another six months.  I guess God isn’t ready for us yet.

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AUTUMNAL EQUINOX

Posted on September 23, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

Bathed in a buttery softness of golden light,

Touched ever so lightly with God’s own breath,

A powerful creature pads across the horizon,

Burnished antlers glistening,

Exhalation visible in the early morning mist,

Soon his body will call out for ravenous scavenging to sustain,

Through the coming cold and icy winter,

But today,

He roams,

He lolls,

He rests,

He lifts his majestic head to heaven,

And basks in the autumn sun,

Enjoying every last second.

 

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