QUE SERA, SERA

Posted on June 19, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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A few years back, I played the part of a medium – though I look more like a large – make that extra large.  A medium is one who says they can talk to the dead, reveal what might happen in the future and pass that information on the unsuspecting and naïve  – all to make a buck.

My mom read her horoscope every day.  I believe she only liked Chinese food, because of the fortune cookie she received for dessert. Whenever she visited a carnival, she wanted to have her fortune told by one of those charlatans.  She didn’t plan her life according to it, but she seemed to be quite interested in what the future held.

Wouldn’t it be nice to know what lay ahead for you?  I would love to see my grandchildren grow up, marry and have children.  I often wonder what the future will hold for them.  I’d love to get rid of my excess poundage and regain my hearing. Will I be rich? Will I find success?  Will I become famous?

Some things might be nice to know, but on the other hand, if we knew everything we’d also be privy to the horrible.  When will the next world war break out?  Will I develop a terminal illness?  How much longer will I live?  Will there ever be peace? Will we ever see a return to the values our country was founded upon?  The answers to those questions and may not be pleasant or what we want to hear.  We may even lose sleep or become depressed over them.  We could put ourselves into a state of anxiety which may lead to suicide.  So is it better to know or not know what the future holds?

I believe God knows what He’s doing by withholding those facts from us.  He’s all knowing for a reason.  He wants to protect us from ourselves.  He wants us to rely on Him for everything we have or will have in the future.  He loves us so much, He even drew up the plans for our lives, in advance of our birth.  His plan is always for our good.  Sure there will be obstacles, but they’re there for a reason.  Through our difficulties, we grow closer to God depending on Him to provide for us.

My birthday is today.  To me it’s just another day in the journey God has laid out for me.  I thank Him for bringing me safely through another year.  I am confident that what lies ahead is in His hands and que sera, sera.  Whatever will be, will be, when we trust in our Creator.

” Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Ephesians 6:11-12

 

 

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IN THE SCHEME OF THINGS

Posted on June 18, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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Our world is a sea of people.  I often wonder where I fit in, in that massive expanse.  Little old me, is like a speck on the radar.  Sure, there’s a heartbeat and blood flows through my veins, but it’s hard to consider how I stack up in comparison to all those other specks.  We all seem to have inherited the desire to be noticed or be better.

We push through life with hopes and dreams, which may become shattered and bruised.  Those goals we set, get trampled on by life and leave us breathless, hopeless, downtrodden and lost.  Each hit brings another contusion – another slap in the face – another defeat.  Still each of those bumps also bring growth, perception and discernment for the future.

In our civilization, it’s not the meek that gain success. It’s the powerful, the beautiful, the rich and the famous.  The quiet ones go unnoticed.  The underdog rarely hits the mark.  The poverty stricken may remain that way until death.   However, Jesus gave a very different picture of what success means.

In speaking of those that the world views as winners, Jesus noted they will have a hard time reaping the benefits of heaven.  To God, it doesn’t matter if you’re rich or famous.  He cares not about your appearance or outward pizazz.  He turns the other way when He sees those trying to buy their way into heaven.  His love is unconditional and yet He does demand our allegiance.

He gave the greatest sacrifice to pay for our souls.  As His own flesh and blood were laid on the altar of the cross, Jesus paid the ransom for all mankind.  Even the repentant thief that was crucified with Him was assured of eternal life in paradise.  Our value is not measured by what WE accomplish, but by what God has completed for us.

As we start another new week, keep that at the forefront of all you do.  Remember how valuable you are to the Creator of the entire universe.  With Him in your life, you can move mountains.

“Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in.  Aim at earth and you will get neither.”  C.S. Lewis

 

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ONCE OLD, NEW AGAIN

Posted on June 16, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

MARKET

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Even though this weekend promises to be one of the hottest in June, my artist husband, who does much of his art outdoors, will be painting at an artisans market at a renovated farmstead, several miles outside of town.  Yesterday I went out there to see what had been done to this once thriving complex of buildings.

The farm was built in the 1800s with a five bedroom, three story home, a barn and several other interesting structures.  During the years, nine children were raised there.  Many discussions about daily life, problems, struggles and joys undoubtedly took place there.  Imagine a dining room filled with eleven family members at once. Talk about patient parenting.

The house has been renovated to create an event center, retreat, or site of a wedding and reception.  Outside there’s a gazebo, which will hold the bride and groom as they say their vows.  Several out buildings have been converted into gathering places for guests to eat, converse and seek refuge from the hot summer sun.

As I strolled through the grounds,  I got to thinking about how things can be restored into something very usable if they’re solidly made.  The vendors had proof of that in their displays of antique items, crafted into pieces of art; repainted and shabby sheik furniture; signs filled with words of inspiration and so much more.  A little imagination can convert something new out of something many would have considered useless.

Things were made with great care in the old days.  The craftsmanship of yesterday was necessary, because it had to last for a long time.  Today we get tired of things, replace them and dispose of the old.

When we’ve finished with our careers, retire, lose our jobs or have to re-evaluate our life styles, we think twice about getting rid of things.  We hang on to those memories and all that goes with them.  We cling to our belongings, because we don’t know what tomorrow may bring.  Some of us (me) even frequent garage sales in search of things to restore.

Until our death, we all serve a purpose on this planet.  When things aren’t going as we planned – when unexpected expenses arises – when a paycheck is no longer there – when someone needs expensive medical attention – God has a plan.   Our troubles and how we get through them might help someone else realize there’s hope.  Our experiences in the workplace may show another how to succeed.  God’s perfect plan is for us to serve Him and each other. We all have the ability to do that.

The plan may be peppered with hopelessness or depression.  Roadblocks and obstacles crush your joy.  Yet, through those things, we’re being prepared for heaven – a place where we’ll have new bodies, without flaw – peace and contentment always – no pain, no tears, no sadness ever again.  We will be restored to perfection.

 

 

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THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

Posted on June 15, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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“Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.”    Plato

I may regret writing this post.  I may say something that will be misinterpreted or come off as holier than thou.  I may appear pompous or just plain ignorant, depending on how you think.  The truth is most of us have said something which has hurt another – led them astray – caused them to second guess themselves – cut them like a knife.  Our intentions were not to do any of that, but when we put our words out there, without thinking first, we’re setting ourselves up for a fall.

People in the public eye are often in situations where they feel the need to address something they feel strongly about.  They have a captive audience after all.  The movie stars who use an awards ceremony to state their personal opinions, are a good example of this.  I’m not saying this is exclusive to public figures.  It’s something that’s become a way of life lately.

Our kids slam other kids.  Our teachers, in frustration, might say something that inhibits a child’s growth in a certain area.  Parents are not immune.  Couples argue.  Doctors don’t always use a good bedside manner.  In the heat of a moment, we’ve all been guilty of things we shouldn’t say.  That doesn’t excuse any of it.

Thhe tongue, when not controlled, can become deadly.  Bullying in our schools as well as the work place is on the rise, even though steps have been taken to put a lid on it.  Are we not teaching our children to care about others and their feelings? Are we depending on social media to raise them?  Are we becoming numb as a whole, because everyone else is doing it?  Are we simply becoming unfeeling, uncaring, selfish human beings?

It seems to me that any kind of degeneration in a civilization takes place slowly.  Now we are faced with a problem that’s been growing over decades.  Unfortunately this age of technology feeds it.  As this uncaring nature devolves, it eventually molds us into thinking it’s normal.

I’m sick of people bashing my president.  I’m weary of our nation taking a hit by its own people. I’m disgusted when I see people I admire on the big screen, come out and use every opportunity to speak their piece.   They never stop to think how their influence will affect someone else’s thinking.  I’m also fed up with those who will not accept that our president was duly elected by the people of the United States.  They use social media to voice their hatred and disdain.  The public forum has gotten too big and now our words can go viral in a second.  That is precisely why we need to be more thoughtful in our speech.  We have the right to voice our opinion, but not to use every opportunity to spew hatred.

Not one of us is perfect in this area.  Sometimes we do it with the spoken word, the written word, our influence, our status.  The point is, we all do it.  We speak before we think.  The movie stars, the journalists, the politicians, those in power positions and all the rest of society,  need to put ourselves on the back burner and concentrate on what effect our words are having.

We’ve been blessed with the right to express our opinions, but even then, we need to be careful how we express them.  If our speech is negative, we need to shut up and listen instead.  Maybe we do that anyway.

 

 

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on June 15, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

ONE OF THOSE DAYS

Posted on June 14, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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Ever have “one of those days?”  I happen to be having one now and it’s not even 9 AM.  I went to brush my teeth this morning and one of the lights in the bathroom was burned out.  I reached to remove the bulb and it broke off in my hand.  How do I get the rest of that thing out of there without electrocuting myself?   I turned the switch on a table lamp. The glass lampshade disconnected and almost fell to the floor.  I seem to be having issues with electrical things.

I went to take the dog out and stepped into one of his previous land mines.  I turned on my computer only to find I needed about a thousand upgrades, so my blog posting had to wait.  I had a good nights sleep, but woke up with a stiff neck and a headache.  My car is in the shop, because the key to the ignition doesn’t always work, and wouldn’t it be fun in an emergency situation, to be stuck without being able to start the car?

Since both my husband and are in the arts business, it’s always been slim pickings financially.  I’ve got lots of opportunities to do volunteer work, but nothing that helps pay the bills.  My skin is beginning to look like an alligator bag.  I’m growing old.  I’m tired of being tired.  Have you heard enough?  I have.

Let’s look at the positives. I don’t have an incurable disease.  I’m going to celebrate another birthday soon, which means I’ve survived another year. I’m married to a wonderful man – I have great kids and wonderful grandchildren.  I’m not subject to depression.  I’m usually pretty cheerful.  There are so many with really serious problems.

Some days are worse than others, but we have to look at it this way.  “Tomorrow is another day” – as Scarlett O’Hara so aptly put it – another day to start over – get a fresh start – put our thoughts on someone or something else.  It’s only 9:15 AM now. I have a whole day ahead of me to make it not one of those days.

Usually when we have struggles of any kind, we carry the load all the way through the day – into the next day and weeks down the line.  Soon it’s like carrying heavy baggage.  For those suffering from real depression, this can be a matter of life or death.  Even those who put their trust in the Lord go through struggle, disappointment and frustration.  They’re called moments of weakness – a time when we’re vulnerable to negative thinking and low self image.

No matter how good or bad our days are, we have God’s promise that things will get better.  He has a plan for each one of us.  Each step we take towards the end goal is going to make us stronger when we reach it.  God tells us not to worry about today.  He’s got this!

 

 

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SOLITUDE

Posted on June 14, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Where is that simple, quiet place, that you’ve been longing for,

Is it within your own backyard or at your own front door,

It can be the peaceful beauty, we hold within our hand,

Raging glory of a garden, flowers making it grand,

The birds are nestled in the trees, they sing a perfect song,

The waters of a passing brook, will join and sing along,

The buzzing of a bumble bee, while touching each ripe bloom,

Or maybe it’s inside your thoughts, within a quiet room,

The tranquil place that we desire, will differ for us all,

It may be wrapped in solitude, or in a noisy hall,

It’s what we choose to make of it, that sets it far apart,

From things that taunt and eat at us, and tear our very heart,

Peace comes when we allow it to, and turn to God alone,

He takes our troubles far from us, and does it on His own,

 

My quiet place is often found within the deepest parts of my mind. My imagination carries me over raging seas into a blissful paradise. A kaleidoscope of tiny fragments of memories creates delightful patterns on the ceiling. Soft, muted lights, with shadows of intricately woven lace, are pressed into the wall. Colors are blurred and brush strokes swirl them into a quiet energy. This energy revitalizes, restores and renews. All of it is created by a loving Father who uses His strength to bring peace. This is my quiet place – the place where peace abounds and chaos takes a long vacation.

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SUPERMAN DAY

Posted on June 12, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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Today has been designated “Superman Day.”  I’m not sure why.  It’s one of those wacky holidays that really has no purpose other than to give us something to celebrate.  Today is also my second grandson’s 20th birthday – a milestone, if you will, where a young man gives up childish things and becomes a man.

The fact is, from the time he was 12 or so, he considered himself to be Batman.  He wore Batman t-shirts and even had a pair of Batman socks with little black capes on the cuffs.  I don’t know if he’s given up on being Batman, but if not, I’m sure he’d be miffed that his birthday coincided with Superman.

I’ve also become known as Batman’s grandma – a name I hold in high regard.  Who wouldn’t want to be the caped crusader’s grandmother?  It might mean I hold some super powers of my own. Well, let’s not get carried away.

So on this Superman Day, instead of blue spandex, (which I’d never get into anyway) I’ll don my Batman socks, get into that cool black ride and zip around town shouting happy birthday to Batman.  Well maybe not.  My car isn’t black and it’s as out of condition as I am.  Besides, my grandson has reached manhood now.  I wouldn’t want to make him look childish.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOSH (BATMAN)!

 

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LOVE UNCONDITIONAL

Posted on June 11, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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My dad’s brother could be compared to the prodigal son, which would make my dad, the brother who became jealous when the delinquent son was welcomed with open arms.  In my dad’s situation, there was no father to come home to.  Their father left the family when the children were very young, leaving all of them to fend for themselves.

As my uncle began to sow his oats, my dad made excuses for him and cleaned up after him.  My grandmother would be so happy to see the wayward son when he returned. She’d shower him with affection, while my dad sat quietly in the background.  My uncle always carried a wad of bills in his pocket, but he’d ask for a loan from my dad to tide him over until the next time he returned.

In Jesus parable of the Prodigal Son, the dad grows old and the younger son asks for his inheritance.  The father complies and the lad runs off and spends it all on foolishness, while the older brother stays home.

I imagine the father regretted ever giving in to the young son.  He must’ve known this boy was going to be frivolous and waste his fortune.  He’d seen him grow as a child and probably spoiled him by enabling his behavior.  The older son was witness to this entitlement and I suppose this is where the green eyed monster entered the picture.  Still, when the boy returns home, the dad welcomes him with joy.  He puts out a big spread and calls his friends to join in the festivities.  The responsible son is outraged.

Jesus tells us that our heavenly Father, is like the father in the story.  He waits patiently for those who run away from Him.  He knows the trials they’ll face.  His heart aches when His children suffer. He longs to be in their life again.  When the child returns, admitting his mistakes and asking for forgiveness, God willingly and joyfully gives it.

But what about the kid that stayed home? He did everything according to the book and took care of his father and the business?  Didn’t he have a right to be angry?  Do we believers fall into that category?  We do everything expected of us. We follow the rules, work hard, walk the walk.  We think our deeds are going to earn us a spot in heaven.  We even stand in judgment of those who don’t.  Like the Pharisees, we set ourselves in a higher place than we deserve.

The sins of the young son are evident.  He pushed all the buttons to get his way.  He lived the good life until there was nothing left.  When he shared a meal with the pigs, it occurred to him to return home.  He was at his lowest, yet he knew in his heart that his father would give him something to eat.

The older brother outwardly did everything right.  Yet the only thing the father wanted from his son was his love.  He didn’t have a true relationship with his father.  He was only going through the motions.

All of us slip away from our heavenly Father.  We try to control our lives.  We go to church, read our Bibles, sing but when we leave God’s house, we go back to our old ways.  We sin daily and we need God’s forgiveness daily.  We are so blessed that God is waiting for us.  His arms are wide open and ready to receive us.

My dad loved his brother, in spite of his mistakes.  I guess that’s where he learned to be a good father.  He knew that God grants grace to those who ask.  He knew that he was as much a sinner as his brother, yet they were both loved by God.

 

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WHY PRAISE GOD WHEN THINGS ARE GOING SO BAD?

Posted on June 10, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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Volcanoes spew fiery lava, descending on everything in their path.  The earth shakes under it.  The seas churn as a ship is swallowed up.  Children are being murdered before they take their first breath. Youngsters are being sold into sex slavery.  Wars and rumors of war rage around the world.  People are uncaring towards one another as the tug of narcissism pulls them under.  Depression is at an all time high and suicide seems to be the answer to many who can’t handle life anymore.

We, who say we follow Christ, are victims too.  The world is ugly.  The times are difficult.  Why on earth would we be grateful?  How can we sing praises to One who allows homelessness, cancer, phobias of all kinds? Do we deserve this kind of life?

Well … let’s take a look at what we deserve.  God never changes. He expects perfection because that’s how He created man to be. When sin entered the world, it wasn’t God’s fault.  God is still the same today.  He expects our obedience, our faithfulness and our trust.  When we are lured in by the devil – who uses every trick at his disposal – God isn’t pushing us into temptation.  We do that all by ourselves.  What we deserve is eternal life in hell, for turning our backs on God.

Because He is our gracious Father, He took away all the sacraments of the Old Testament and sent His Son to replace them, washing us clean from our sin.  We’ve been made perfect again.  We have tasted his mercy and what a feast to savor.

We, on the other hand, do change.  We change in our thinking, our deeds, our habits, our weaknesses.  We’re constantly being lured into altering how we feel about God.  We’re a fickle group – all of us.  When things run smoothly, we give thanks.  When problems arise, we become like the ancient Israelites and grovel and complain.

While we’re inhabitants of this earth, there will be trouble.  We’ll be exposed to corruption, hatred, bullying, whatever the “sin of the day” happens to be.  We can turn it over to God in prayer, believing that He is in control and will take care of it – or we can give into the bait and fall away from the One who is consistent.  We can turn our back on the only One who can bring things back to where they should be.

Today, as we worship God, let’s thank Him for life.  Praise Him for His grace and mercy.  Exult Him for being your Champion over sin, death and the power of the devil.  Turn to Him with penitent hearts and ask Him for forgiveness for all your sins.  He wipes the slate clean.  He loves us with an unconditional love.  He is God.  He doesn’t need our praise, but we need to do so because of what He’s done for us.

 

 

 

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PRAISE THE LORD

Posted on June 10, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ART BY PAUL BOECHER© – WORDS FROM PSALM 150, HOL BIBLE, ESV

Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens!  Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!  Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!  Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!

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LOOK BEYOND THE MASK

Posted on June 9, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

winstonchurchill1-2xChurchill realized that both success and failure are not important.  It’s how we deal with those things with courage.  So often, we don’t know what’s going on in someone’s mind.  I strongly believe part of the problem is the isolation we’ve created through technology.

Our emotions are exhibited by silly emojis, but do they really say how we feel?  Even in face to face contact, we tend to hide our feelings behind a mask.  We revert to putting on our “happy” face, without revealing the deep, dark, secrets which eat away at us.  We don’t want to bring others down with us, so we subdue our inner self and hide in a make believe world.

Soon that world bubbles to the surface and we’re stunned when someone takes their own life. In the past week, we’ve lost two celebrities to suicide.  Both of these people were seen as happy with their lives. They’d achieved success and were living the good life.  At least that was the picture they’d painted of their existence.

What leads someone to feel so hopeless – so helpless – to take their own life?  I admit, I’ve felt the world would be a better place if I weren’t in it.  When we’re at the lowest point in our lives, suicide might seem like the only solution.

Life is a gift.  It comes packaged in the form of a tiny body, with ten fingers and ten toes.  It’s ruddy appearance isn’t so great to begin with, but when it gets cleaned up and tucked into the waiting arms of its mom, it becomes beautiful.  As that life progresses, it takes different twists and turns. This has an impact on future development. When reaches the end, it comes so naturally – the end which God intended for it.  All the stuff in the middle is up to us – making smart choices, forming solid relationships, finding something to lean on when things aren’t going well and establishing an existence of success with failures along the way.

We have no control over our birth or death.  There’s a reason for that.  God has already mapped out our lives.  He wants us to succeed and be happy.  He has a special place in His heart for each of us, yet He’s given us free will to follow our own path.  His love for His creation will never die.  He proved that by providing for our most important need – our salvation!

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INTERIOR TURMOIL

Posted on June 9, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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Depression and suicide seem to go hand in hand.   Sometimes getting to the bottom of a problem requires letting go of it.  Sometimes we need to share our thoughts with others.  Sometimes we have to look for the signs and seek professional help.  This is a malady that is effecting far too many in our immediate families, in our church communities, in our workplace, all around us. It has reached epidemic status and continues to grow.

Have we forgotten that we’re not alone in our struggles?  Have we become so isolated and encapsulated  in our own little world that we’re oblivious to what is happening under our own roofs. It may sound cliche’ and even like a cop out to some.  It might seem that even our faith is not strong enough to get us through this, but when you’re depressed, you need something to cling to – someone to go to bat for you – someone to love you and tell you it’s going to be alright.

Maybe it’s time to turn to the One who knows what it’s really like to suffer.  He did so willingly, so that we wouldn’t have to.

There is a reason for your existence.  Don’t ever think that taking your own life is the solution.  Your contribution to the betterment of the world will be lost if you do.  Those you leave behind will also be scarred forever.  Only God can determine the extent of your life.  He will also be there to get you through the toughest of times.

I have posted this poem before.  I wrote it shortly after Robin Williams’ suicide.

ART  & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

When fears and worries are so real,
We sometimes wonder why we feel,
The pangs of deep depression.

The weight’s extreme – we lose all hope,
Our hearts grow sad – for strength we grope,
To lighten this progression.

We look within and try to cope
There are no answers in our scope
It now becomes oppression.

We try so hard to rise above,
We search in vain for any love.
To deal with this obsession.

We cannot do it on our own,
We need one advocate alone,
To bring our full confession.

God takes our hand and leads us out,
Relieves our pain – our fear – our doubt.
He is our best possession.

His love is great – it sees us through
When there is nothing we can do.
Our words hold no expression.

He lifts us from the pit of death.
He died for us to give us breath.
To wipe out our transgression.

 

 

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BUILT ON SOLID GROUND

Posted on June 8, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

An edifice of solid rock, kissed by the waves below,

A fortress carved by God’s own hand, His power He does show,

Yet within that stone embankment, a quiet peace does live,

A strong right hand, a calming touch, judgment and peace will give,

His strength will pull us from the pit of everlasting hell,

His love will calm our every fear, we know that all is well,

He breathes in us His confidence, turns darkness into day,

He feels all our bumps and bruises, yet takes their pain away,

In His protection we are safe, from Satan’s evil snare,

We’re covered by the wings of God, in His own special care,

Rest in that solid rock which stands, the firmest place to be.

 

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on June 8, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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CRUSHED

Posted on June 6, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

It begins as cold, hardened, ice,

Glistening in the crevices of mountain glaciers,

Slowly the heat of the sun brings relief,

It melts under the warmth of it,

Becoming free from the pressure of itself,

All the burdens buried in that ice,

Have been released,

Have felt the power of God,

Have transformed into a moving force,

An uncontrollable force by the world’s standards,

Full of direction through the all knowing hand of God,

He guides it over the rocks,

The roadblocks,

The interference of outside factors,

The lure of finding its own way,

The stumbling spots where life falters,

He has a plan mapped out for the final destination,

He takes the brunt of the crushing,

He carries the burden of its force,

He knows that in the end,

There will be peace,

A quiet place,

To reflect,

To respond,

To refresh,

To restore,

To live in total harmony,

With the One who protects.

 

 

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HANG IN THERE!

Posted on June 6, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

jude

We all experience persecution in some way or another, especially if we’re Christians. We’re often called upon to defend our beliefs to those who haven’t experienced the joy and hope which God’s truth provides.  We squirm and take any negative comment to heart and mull it over and over again.  We wonder why others just don’t get it – why do they rely on themselves and the ways of the world to get them through life?

While thinking about that, I came across the book of Jude.  This tiny book, consisting of only 25 verses, is packed with ammunition for those struggling with this very thing.  Jude was the half brother of Jesus.  He didn’t come to faith until after Jesus’ ascension into heaven.  Here was a fellow who lived under the same roof as the Savior, but didn’t know Him as his Messiah.

Imagine being the half brother of Jesus.  Jude certainly would’ve had issues with this kid that never did anything wrong.  He must’ve wondered why Jesus was the apple of His mother’s eye – why He knew so much about God’s Word – how an ordinary boy could be God as well as man.

Since Jude didn’t pen this book until between 45 and 60 years AD, we can assume he’d finally realized the truth about his half brother.  He knew  that Jesus was the promised Messiah of old- the One who snatched the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and set them up as His own nation of people.  He also knew that He was God in the flesh, come to save the world from eternal destruction.

At that time, evil had infiltrated the church and it was being corrupted by those who changed its truth to accommodate their sin – similar to what we see today in some churches.  Jude had an admonishment for those who challenged the true teachings of Christ.

“But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,  keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.  And have mercy on those who doubt;  save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.”       

Jude 1:17-23          

He’s also telling us to do the same.  When we see the truth being twisted to fit their own desires, we are to strengthen ourselves through the Holy Spirit and offer prayers for those would do harm to you and the church.  However, we should remain proactive by bringing the truth to them.  We can’t simply rest on what God has done for us.  We need to stand strong and tall for what believe, trusting that He will be our sure defense.  We can’t do it alone.  We need the power of the Holy Spirit, which lives in the hearts of all believers, to be our protection, our champion and our voice.

 

 

 

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EVEN ON THE DARKEST DAY

Posted on June 5, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

swamp

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A life once filled with loneliness, a heart that seemed like stone,

Has turned to Christ and all at once, that life is not alone,

To walk without the Son of God is like an empty day,

The time spent without a purpose, where thoughts get in the way,

The road through life is burdensome and sometimes can run out,

But when we walk with God’s own Son, the journey has no doubt,

For He alone can carry us. His tenderness is real,

He washes all our sins away, redemption He did seal.

We walk like children through this life. We’re never satisfied,

But Jesus loves us even so, through Him we’re gratified.

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AM I A DOUBTING THOMAS?

Posted on June 5, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

thVPH45ON3

I have a confession to make.  There are times when my faith is overtaken by doubt.  I know that kind of thinking shouldn’t come out of the mouth of a staunch Christian.  The truth is, doubt has been a weakness for me.   I wonder how God could possibly forgive all my sins.  I doubt that I’m worthy of His love and redemption. There are times – especially as I approach another birthday – when I question the things I believe.

Oh, my goodness, I feel as though I’ve just spilled the beans on one of my greatest flaws. Well, they say confession is good for the soul. When I think of things like this, there is only one place to go for answers – to God’s written love letter to the world- the Bible.

We’re all afraid of the unknown and death holds a multitude of unknowns.  What happens once we’ve passed from this world into the next?  I have no doubt that we go on living.  Where we wind up, is when the doubt creeps in.  Since my youth, I was taught that God is a mighty judge who holds us accountable for our sins.  That thought carried over into my adult life for a long time.  In fact, the devil knows that flaw in my character and uses it against me.  Every sin, known or unknown, is known to God. I have no excuse for them.  So why would I be eligible for forgiveness?

There is only one thing that takes that doubt away.  It’s faith in the God of love and compassion – the very same One who condemns has become our Redeemer.  Again, another incomprehensible concept.  He expects perfection, yet He loves us so much that He came up with the solution for our failures.  He sent His Only Son to take our sins on Himself and carry them to the grave.  WOW!  There’s another impossible thought.

I can’t look into other’s hearts, but I would guess that almost every human being has questions at one time or another.  We can solidly state that were going to heaven, because of what God has done for us, yet a little voice inside wonders if that’s really the case.

When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, they didn’t believe it was Him.  They thought He was a spirit.  He asked them why they doubted, even after seeing the scars of His death.  Jesus was right there in the midst of them.  They viewed his scars, even physically touched Him, but still questioned His existence.  In hindsight we can see how foolish they were, but that’s because we have the proof written for us in the Bible.

And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling,  he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” ”  Luke 24:41

At this point, Jesus was demonstrating He truly was alive, for a ghost would not be able to eat.  The important clue is the first part of this passage – “even while they still disbelieved” …  Even Jesus’ own disciples, who spent the past three years learning from Him had their doubts.

So what happens when we doubt?  We can choose to not believe or we can rely on our faith to help us believe.  Benjamin Franklin once said, “When in doubt, don’t”  Good advice really, because giving in to doubt leaves us without hope for a future here and beyond the grave.  Doubt, then is an element of faith.  Without doubt, there can be no faith.  Faith is the mainstay that allows us to believe.  Faith is also a gift of God, which we need pray for  every day of our lives.

Lord, increase my faith, Amen!

 

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TWO TREES

Posted on June 4, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

living water

Revelation 22:14 – Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

In the Garden of Eden You planted two trees, with fruit so divine and sweet,

One was given for eating, the other not so, but temptation would soon defeat,

Man had fallen from grandeur to deepest despair, He needed redemption within,

So you gave him the purest –  the sinless – the pure – to take on the burden of sin,

When we travel to heaven, we’ll see that sweet fruit, that grows on the Tree of Life,

It will heal and restore us and give us new life – from troubles and pain and strife,

He will take us and lead us to pastures of green and still waters will He provide,

We’ll at last be united and joined with Him there – as His perfectly treasured bride.

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