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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INNER BEAUTY

Posted on June 4, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

beauty

The world is obsessed with beauty.  Billions of dollars are spent each day on makeup, youth restoring creams, cosmetic surgery, diet plans, working out, botox and cool sculpting.  They pump fluids into their wrinkles and suck fat out of unwanted spaces. It seems that no one is satisfied with what they were given in the first place.

The old saying, “Beauty is only skin deep.” always confused me as a teenager, especially when so much emphasis was placed on physical appearance. Young girls compare themselves by what they wear, how they fix their hair, what their teeth look like, if they can wear skinny jeans, and how they apply makeup. It took me years to learn how to pluck my eyebrows.  My mother, on the other hand had perfect eyebrows, thanks to her Maybelline eyebrow pencil.  She wouldn’t be caught dead without it.  In fact it was one of the necessities I’d pack for her if she needed to go to the hospital.  She may have looked sicker than death, but she had her eyebrows.

Women look for ways to stay young, to seem glamorous, to display glorious, color enhanced hair.  As hair is lost to age or disease, you can now get it replaced or find the perfect wig to wear until your own hair grows back.  The diet industry is huge because people aren’t happy with who they are.  They also face the threat of health issues if they don’t, but the “quick fix” always seems to be the remedy we want.

How we look on the outside is important to most of us, very important to some of us and the only thing to many. Maybe it’s time to dust off that old saying again and start looking deeper. Here’s what God’s Word says about inner beauty:

“Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” 1 Peter 3:3-4

One thing we all share is the ability to change.  When our inner-self changes – when we submit to God and His plan for our lives – when we cast all our burdens onto Him – that deep down beauty will come to the surface.  When we realize the price that Jesus paid to make us presentable for God, that’s really what matters.

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SUNDAY BLESSINGS

Posted on June 3, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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Sunday is noted as the first day of the week on our calendars.  It’s also the last day of the weekend.  To most Christians, it is a day of worship and rest.  My oldest grandson even used that as an excuse not to do any kind of work on Sunday.  We may have a difference of opinion on what Sunday means, but we can be sure that it’s a day to prepare for the week ahead.  Whether you prepare by thanking God for all your blessings of the past week, or spend time refueling yourself in a house of worship, it should be a day in which we take time to think about our Creator.

One day a week really isn’t enough.  We should begin each day with God as our guide.  Corporate worship, however, gives us an opportunity to publicly declare our faith, our thanksgiving and our praise.

With summer at the front door, don’t take a vacation from God.  He doesn’t need our praise.  He is beyond our thanksgiving, yet He is glad when we come into His house to share in His salvation, His means of grace and the spiritual uplifting each one of us desperately needs to survive another week.  We come confessing our sin, knowing that He has forgiven us.   We rest in the assurance of the forgiveness of our sins and the promise of eternal life.

What a great way to start every new week.  See you in church!!

 

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REFRESHMENT

Posted on June 3, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

waterfall

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Though fears assail and haunt me, my Jesus will be there,

He knows my every weakness, He feels my every care,

Through valleys dark He leads me, He’s always at my side,

To waters still He guides me, refreshment He’ll provide,

Wherever life should lead me, my soul is in His hand,

He never will desert me, on this great hope I stand,

Through triumph and defeat, He knows just how I feel,

He gives me so much hope when at His cross I kneel.

Our time on earth is short, our days are numbered here,

But with His precious love,  eternity is near.

Dear Jesus, please be with me as through this life I go,

Help me to share your passion, with those who need to know.

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WOO HOO, IT’S SATURDAY!

Posted on June 2, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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Well, you’ve made it through another week.  You may not have accomplished everything on your plate, but you came through reasonably unscathed.  Now it’s time for some rest and relaxation, but before that, take a moment to thank God for your ability to get out of bed this morning.  Thank Him for breathing the breath of life into your nostrils for another day.  Thank Him for the sunshine that seeps through your window.  Thank Him for this day of rest and replenishment.  Thank Him for your provision. Thank Him for your health, strength and mind.  In other words – give thanks!

We have so much to be thankful for, even beyond our own physical needs.  We have been blessed with a direct line of communication with the Creator of the universe.  The One who crafted us before we were born is available to us 24/7.  Can you even imagine how cool that is – to be in an unencumbered relationship with God?  No baggage, no requirements – except that we repent and believe that He has done the work we are unable to.  Wow! I’d say that’s  reason enough to be thankful.

Have a great Saturday!

 

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THIS OLD HOUSE

Posted on June 1, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

968890_4125844082740_744075662_n ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A solid base with bones still strong.  A place where love and peace belong,

A fortress from the outside noise.  A buttress which retains our joys,

The inner walls are cracked and dry.   Like aging skin they’re doomed to die,

The roof is in some disrepair.  The windows need some loving care,

In time those things will pass away, but firmly planted it will stay,

If love resumes with owners new, they can make their dreams come true,

A house is just a place you see, but when God’s in it, you’re set free,

To do the things that must be done, to make it shine and add some fun,

With God a house becomes a home,  He builds His love within each room,

If He’s the rock on which we build, our hearts with great joy are filled,

So turn to Him, the firm foundation, to give you hope and restoration.

 

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on June 1, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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Good advice for Autumn when she visits this weekend.

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THE OLD ROUND BARN

Posted on June 1, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©  Watercolor sketch painted plein air.

The old round barn has been the site of many of Paul’s paintings recently.  It used to serve its purpose as a working farm, but today it sits in the midst of a suburban residential area, next to a senior living residence and some busy strip malls.  Inside it’s been converted into a delightful shopping destination.  The wares include the shabby sheik, which has gained popularity lately.

You can find old silverware crafted into jewelry – antiques which have been cleaned up and are perfect for a country kitchen.  Signs with Bible verses and inspirational sayings are interspersed along with furniture crafted by local artisans.  Paul loves to sketch and paint it, because of its unique shape and beauty.  I love to visit it for ideas and gift shopping for someone who has everything.  It offers something old and something new.

Mixing old with new is something we don’t usually think about in a positive way. Trying to make something new again out of something old, is often seen as futile.  Practicality  tells us that eventually the old will wear out.  However, sometimes old things still have some life in them and serve a purpose for a time.  Just like us old fogies who seem to appear useless to those at the peak of their existence.

As I posted yesterday, growing into the golden years can be frustrating, a death sentence or a giving up period for some – or it can be an opportunity to do so much more than you ever had time to do in your mid-life years.  I prefer the second option. When I have too much time on my hands, my thinking often turns negative.

There are so many ways to insert our retired selves back into society.  We can volunteer for many things.  We can take up a new hobby.  We can spend quality time with our grandchildren.  We can become more involved in our church work.  We can get a jobk which most of us have to today in order to survive.  And here’s an idea – we have a lifetime of knowledge and wisdom stored up in these elderly minds of ours – how about we share those things with someone who’s just starting their young lives.  Mentoring is something we don’t think about much as we age, but doing so  could encourage, inspire, teach, guide and influence young minds that may be struggling right now.

Like that old round barn, we can serve a useful purpose in many ways.  God even suggests it in His Word:

Psalm 71:18  “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation; your power to all those to come.”

 

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TODAY IS MAY 31ST

Posted on May 31, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

MAY

With the end of May, comes the end of school; a short reprieve for teachers and students; time for parents to find things to occupy their kids for the next three months; the beginning of summer fun.

Most teachers will tell you that school should really end in March, because most of what is being taught in April and May is lost on deaf ears.  My experience tells me that summer might be the best time for school.  You could hold classes on the beach and kids might learn a thing or two.  But what do I know?

Today also happens to be May 31st – the last day of a very long month.  In April we experienced a blizzard and didn’t really have a spring, because we went right into 90 degree weather.  In spite of that, May 31st is also “No Tobacco Day,” “Macaroon Day,” “Web Designers Day,” and “Save Your Hearing Day.”  What was that last one? I didn’t hear it.

My advice for this 31st day of May is this:  Go into a very quiet room, where you are completely alone and have no distractions.  Your ears will thank you for it.  Then light up a macaroon, sit back, inhale slowly and begin to design your new website.

HAPPY 31ST OF MAY – BRING ON SUMMER!

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VITALITY

Posted on May 31, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

vitality

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Yesterday, my husband completed teaching an acrylic arts program for those aged 55 and older. The class consisted of ten students – some seasoned artists and others who were fairly new to painting.  During the course of eight weeks, Paul used the same canvas to demonstrate different techniques as well as to show his students how to take risks.  He’d paint over the original painting and completely redo it or take just a portion to show how things could easily change if you have the freedom to let go and trust your instincts.

It’s not easy for most of us to let go of things that make us feel safe – especially when we’re in the golden years.  We’re set in our ways.  We’ve become creatures of habit.  We rely on the sameness of a schedule or the mundane routines we choose to follow.  Taking chances is way to risky for most people, even the young.

When we’re kids, we’re told to follow the rules.  We soon realize that warnings and rules are set for our own protection – especially the first time we touch a hot stove.  When we reach adolescence, we think we know better and begin to follow our own course, only to be set on track again when we make a foolish mistake.  As we grow into adulthood, responsibility takes over and we feel an obligation to stay on the straight and narrow in order to set a good example.

When we get closer to retirement, we start making a bucket list of all the things we wished we could do before we die.  Some have the opportunity scratch off those items, but most of us play it safe until our lives become boring, useless and often lacking.

All of the arts are great means whereby we can stimulate our lives again.  If you loved making art in high school – do it again.  If you thrived on writing for your school newspaper – start compiling a memoir.  It may take you out of your comfort zone for a little while, but soon your memory will be stimulated again and your brain will be doing push ups in your head.  If you played a musical instrument, enjoyed drama or being part of the debate team – let those skills improve your life once more.

My point is this – when we reach retirement, we don’t have to give up living.  We all need some kind of stimulation to stay young at heart.  God has endowed us with gifts and talents and when we let them rest too long, we’re being a bit selfish.  The rest of the world is not getting a chance to enjoy them.  Dust off your paint box.  Participate in an exercise program for seniors.  Bring out your tap shoes, put them on and dance until the cows come home.  You’d be surprised how much you still remember.

The art program, rightly named “Vitality Arts,” was presented by Paul through our neighborhood art center.  His demo painting became a topic of discussion and some of his students want to purchase it. Many of them enjoyed it, because it showed that we need to step outside the box at times.  We can paint over something and start over if we have to and the world isn’t going to end.  I believe Paul enjoyed that aspect of teaching the class as well, knowing that his students learned that it’s OK to take chances, even when you’re a senior citizen.

 

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SOME CALL HIM A GENIUS

Posted on May 30, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

Portrait of Olga Picasso – 1924 – She was Picasso’s first wife, married on July 12, 1918.  She met the artist at the theatre in which she was performing with the ballet.  Picasso designed the set and costumes.  She bore him a son, after which the marriage began to deteriorate. They never divorced, because Pablo didn’t want to share his fortune with her.  In this portrait we can see the artist’s depth with naturalism.  He was an early learner and was studying art with his father at the age of ten.  As he grew into a man, he started exploring different artist’s styles and wanted to take the new ideas a step further.  He became famous as one of the founders of modern art.

The National Geographic channel has been airing the life of artist, Pablo Picasso, in its second season of the GENIUS series.  The title role is being played by Anthony Banderas. The show is well done, includes much of Picasso’s body of work and his relationships throughout his life – which were many,

Somewhere along the line, with all his philandering and womanizing, Picasso was able to create art which appealed to the new generation of artists at the turn of the 20th century. Gertrude Stein was one of his greatest patrons.  She hosted a salon in Paris for all the new age artists, novelists and poets.

He started to paint like other artists, which I think happens when schools of artists gather.  They look to the master artist for guidance.  Egocentric Pablo believed he was better than those he followed and often criticized them for their inferior work. A man not to be outdone, he was on a constant search to bring something new and better to the world of art.

Weeping Woman 1937 Pablo Picasso 1881-1973 Accepted by HM Government in lieu of tax with additional payment (Grant-in-Aid) made with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Art Fund and the Friends of the Tate Gallery 1987 http://www.tate.org.uk/art/work/T05010

In his later years, he became enamored with Francois Gilot, a woman who could easily have been his daughter.  She too was an artist and her admiration for Picasso and his work were probably the driving force which led her to live with and have two children by him.  He realized great wealth from his art during his lifetime.  One of few artists that have been so blessed.

I’ve had an interest in art history since I started dating my husband.  When you’re young and in love, you try to impress – right?  In fact when we were in our early years of marriage, my husband purchased a print done by Francois Gilot (one of Picasso’s mistresses.)  We were in no position to do something so spontaneous.  Our budget was busting at the seams, but we paid $25 a month to own a piece of art which I never grew to like.  “A good investment in the future,”  he said.  When it no longer became possible to keep this treasure, it was sold at a profit, and helped us through some tough financial times.  Today that print is undoubtedly priceless, but at the time we needed groceries.

If you have the chance to watch it, the National Geographic Channel has done a stunning job of telling Picasso’s story.  I’d recommend it highly.  In my experience as the wife of an artist, I haven’t witnessed my husband slicing off his ear, or having illicit affairs with women.  He doesn’t take mood altering drugs nor does he smoke, In fact the closest he came to doing anything avant-garde, was having his full head of hair permed so he looked sort of like Bob Ross.  He’s not your typical artist, but in my book, he’s one of the best.

 

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I’M HAVING A BAD DAY!

Posted on May 30, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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We all have bad days – well, maybe there are a few hours that aren’t so good – perhaps it was a few minutes that didn’t sit well with you and you considered the whole day a bomb.  When it comes down to it, having a bad day can turn those icky times into greater appreciation for the good things – if you’re willing to look beyond the yuck.

If you’re like most people, you have a plan for your days – your years – your life.  Sometimes we keep lists to keep us on track, but I always misplace the list.  You may have planned your weekly itinerary, only to be distracted and set off track.

For those who have issues like addiction, every day can be a bad day.  You wonder if you’ll ever be able to function in the real world again.  If you’re facing a financial crisis, your thoughts of being a failure begin to haunt you.  If you lose someone you love,  through a break up or death, you believe your life will never get better.  If you suffer from PTSD, have a child with special needs, are dealing with mental illness – you know that each day consists of challenges.

Those are extreme cases, but the little things in life can cause the same kind of feelings. Being late for an appointment; not wearing the appropriate clothing for an occasion; a dog who has left a surprise on the living room carpeting; dishes in the sink from the night before; getting out of bed and stepping on a Lego – these can be the catalyst for a perfectly terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  Even though they’re minor inconveniences, when compounded throughout a day, they can lead to a pain in the neck when the day ends.

An overworked mother wonders why she decided to have children.  Another decides to terminate a pregnancy because having a baby isn’t convenient.  A middle aged man discovers he’ll have to look for a new job – and discovers he’s in too high an income bracket or over-qualified.  An elderly woman discovers her life is hanging in the balance and she’ll soon die.  A teenager struggles to keep her sanity as others bully her or shame her about her appearance.

Every day is filled with trouble. Every human being has experienced it.  The optimist believes that things will get better tomorrow.  Some continue to struggle through, thinking they’ve been dealt a bad hand.  Those who believe in a loving God know that all these things are for a purpose – to strengthen our relationship with and dependence on our Creator.  We’ve been assured through God’s own words that he has provided our eternal salvation and taken on the burden of all our troubles.

If you think you’re having a bad, remember you aren’t the only one. In this world there will be all kinds of trouble, sadness, worry, anger, hatred, violence, pain and more.  It’s part of life, but God tells us to lay our problems on his shoulders and let him carry them for us.

I’d say that’s pretty great news for everyone – even when you’re having a bad day.

 

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ARE WE REALLY FREE?

Posted on May 29, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America”

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Yesterday marked the beginning of summer with the celebration of Memorial Day.  Our President laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – words were spoken in honor of those who fought for our freedom – heat penetrated the normally crisp, fresh air of Minnesota, ending the day with storms, lightening and thunder.  You could construe it as God putting His stamp of approval on our nation, or as a wake up call for us to look at the responsibility we have along with our freedom.

Freedom doesn’t give us the right to do anything we want.  It came at great cost and somehow, we take only a few days out of the year to celebrate it.  Most of the first American settlers were running away from oppressive nations or countries that were suffering through famine, war or inability to worship as they pleased.  They came in search of freedom.

When our nation was founded, it was done so by carefully crafting the Constitution to include wording which would guarantee freedom for all.  We know that those noble words soon became corrupted and freedom wasn’t for everyone.  Our fledgling nation soon became a melting pot of different nationalities and beliefs.  A combination of people that helped forge a nation out of a wilderness.  In the meantime, the freedom of the Native Americans was being dismantled in the process.  Slavery made its way into our land and inhumane practices occurred, leaving a entire race scarred and overworked and held in bondage.

The cry for freedom is futile when it enslaves others.  Eventually a war was fought to end slavery, but that war took over 600,000 lives – the greatest fatalities ever in an American conflict.

The First Amendment of the Constitution provided for the rights and freedoms of all Americans:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

As our history went forward, our liberties opened the door to all kinds of religions – the ability to voice opinions so strongly that they became at times offensive to one group or another – the right to peaceful assembly quickly turned ugly and now protests are often violent – the freedom of the press has allowed false news to spread like wildfire before it’s even been verified – taking grievances to court has created a judicial system which is so packed, chances for a fair trial are slim.

It seems to me that our freedom has deteriorated over time, because of how we’ve taken advantage of those very things.  We’ve corrupted the thoughts of our founders to fit our needs – much like our churches have become filled with compromise in order to maintain a status quo.

If we look at the numbers of lives taken in all the wars our country fought – if we realize how those who have returned physically, mentally and emotionally tarnished for the rest of their lives – if we witness how this affects the families of those lost – if we do all of this without knowing that the cost is great, we’ve lost our freedom and defame every one of those who fought defending it.

Through our short history, all of our original rights have caved to political correctness.  We can’t even display our flag in certain neighborhoods without a negative comment.  I believe that our patriotism is still alive in many hearts, but that it’s fading fast.  When we misuse our freedoms for our own personal gain, were’ no better than those who oppress others.  In fact we’re forcing our own will on someone else, which is a form of slavery.

Schools will be letting out within the next few days.  Make sure your children continue to learn throughout the summer days.  Let them know how important their freedom is and how to preserve it through their actions.  Our country’s history is worth preserving, because it shows us where we came from and helps us to know where we’re going.

“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.”  1 Peter 2:16

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A NATION, UNDER GOD

Posted on May 28, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

 

As the heat of the day pours down, and the children laugh and play,

As grills sizzle with barbecue, cars fill up the interstate,

We are drawn to the lakes and streams to be rescued from the heat,

Relief from our everyday path, a place for a brief retreat,

Then it’s back to reality, we put on our working shoes,

We struggle out of bed and know we have the back-to-work blues,

A day off of work can be grand, but we cannot forget the cost,

As we remember the soldiers, and those who suffered loss,

So we could share in the freedom to express our hopes and dreams,

So we can express our feelings without going to extremes,

We thank the ones who sacrificed and bravely gave their all,

They came back wounded, hurt and scarred, yet answered their country’s call.

They sacrificed the greater good,

Their place in battle strongly stood,

They let their light so strongly burn,

Remember what for us they earned,

The freedom to defend our cause,

The peace we’ve gained through death and loss,

We must remember what was done,

So we could be what we’ve become,

There still remains a remnant here,

That holds it’s liberty so dear,

When flags are hung and songs are sung,

Our love for country has begun,

The hymns and prayers of heroes past,

Engraved within our hearts must last,

Let not the cost be set aside,

For those who’ve given all and died,

Dear, God be with us in our quest,

To be a nation at its best,

To put you first in all we do,

To trust that you will see us through,

The troubling times that face us,

Your hope and mercy grant us.

 

 

 

 

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WHAT IS A HERO?

Posted on May 27, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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“We can’t all be heroes, because somebody has to sit on the curb and applaud when they go by.”    Will Rogers

We’re all endowed with an inner little gem, called a conscience, which allows us the ability to discern the difference between right and wrong. Since we’ve also inherited the original sin of Adam and Eve, the two are in constant conflict.  The conscience is like our safety net – a little voice inside that tells us if we’re doing, thinking or saying what is right in God’s eyes.

This gift from God is what allows men to do great things when times call for it. When injustice is being done to humanity; when lives are spent in the name of freedom; when governments become so big that they no longer include the voice of the people; the voice of conscience becomes louder and those still listening will answer it and act upon it.

We’re so blessed to live in a country which continues to honor its heroes.  We aren’t afraid to display the American Flag in our yards, because it might offend someone.  We have the right to protest when we believe there is a better way.  We have a complicated justice system, but it’s still better than other countries.  We have the right to express our concerns, by how we vote.  We can worship in the church of our choice without persecution.  We can train our children in the ways of the Lord.  We’ve got it pretty good, I’d say.

When we think of those who serve us every day – through the military, the police, fire fighters, the life saving efforts in an emergency room, caregivers for young and old, those who serve as hospice volunteers and help people die with dignity.  There are so many that are willing to give up a part of themselves to serve others.

The greatest hero of all, was a simple, homeless man, who associated with the scum of society.  He knew what is mission was from the beginning.  He was there at the creation of the world.  He appeared again in flesh and blood and became our brother.  He withstood every temptation put before Him.  He carried out His mission by doing the greatest deed He could.  He sacrificed Himself for the salvation of all..   Without that sacrifice, men would never know how to be heroes.

 

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REMEMBERING

Posted on May 26, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

arlington-national-cemetery

While visiting out east, we made it a point to see some of the sites in Washington, DC.  One that made a huge impression on me was the Arlington National Cemetery.  For miles within my vision, there were white headstones of the same size and shape lined over the entire landscape.  There were hundreds of thousands of remains of those who fought and gave their lives in the defense of the United States.  I will carry that memory with me forever.  My heart was filled with pride, honor, anger, sadness and a multitude of other emotions.  These were men and women, just like us, who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could enjoy the freedoms of a democracy.

This weekend, the cemetery at Fort Snelling, in St. Paul, Minnesota, hundreds of volunteers are placing flags on graves of fallen soldiers. The custom had been forgotten or undone for a few years, but gratefully someone remembered this year.

We don’t need to be slaves to tradition, but when a simple ritual like this ceases to be, we begin to forget more important things.  Have we, in our search to be self sufficient, thrown all the things of the past to the wind?

It makes me sad to think that we’ve forgotten.  We don’t visit gravesites much anymore, because it’s too depressing.  We may feel that the custom is outdated an unnecessary. We certainly aren’t making a difference to those who lay in those graves. Honoring them in such a solemn visit one day a year, is the least we can do to soothe our own hearts.  By standing in front of a headstone – taking time to thank God for what this soldier died for – praying for the future of our nation and God’s guidance – we’re doing something we should really do every day – remembering.

Those who serve our country with honor and self sacrifice are worthy of our respect.  Respect is a word we don’t see being used much anymore.  It’s one of those “forgotten” words.  We may not agree on what’s being done in politics today, but continuing to downplaying the positives, we’re leaving the door wide open for negativity.

Today we remember.  Will we do so tomorrow?

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on May 25, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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This one really applies to me.  I’m only 5 feet tall, but a carry a pretty good punch.

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REMINDERS OF THE COST

Posted on May 25, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

They called it Decoration Day so many years ago,
We’d dress our bikes with crepe paper to let our neighbors know,
Our pride was in the best place yet for anyone to grow,
Though times have changed and so have hearts, we still can make that claim,
We can’t deny the price they paid, their lives will still remain,
In hearts and minds of those they left, their loss became our gain,

Those precious lives preserved our own, through blood and sweat and tears,
They gave the greatest sacrifice so we could spend our years,                                                 Safe from the fear of  freedom lost, to follow new frontiers,                                                      We pray to you our Father, God to keep our country safe,
Protect her from all tyranny and keep her in Your way.
It’s still the best place in this world. God bless the USA.

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IF MY PEOPLE …

Posted on May 24, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  2Chronicles 7:14

Patriotic songs will fill the hot, summer air,

The trumpet will proclaim “Taps”,

Words of praise for those who went before us,

Those who shed their blood,

Who put others before themselves,

We honor them for what we did not do,

They took our place,

Yet we reap the benefits of their sacrifice,

Like the Israelites, we have strayed from our God,

We’ve put our trust in things of this world,

Instead of clinging to the hope of our salvation,

We become cynical, hopeless, vane, stubborn, proud,

Instead of trusting in those we’ve chosen to lead us,

We blame, we admonish, we complain, we slander,

Still there is only One who can mend the passage of time,

The ugliness of political correctness,

The shame of the things in our past,

There is only One who can truly lead us,

Down the path of righteousness,

Through the valley of death,

To a heavenly realm which will never change,

There is only One who we can trust, praise and connect to,

Just as we are – in desperate need of a champion,

One who will fix us,

Cleanse us,

Shield us from harm,

Walk with us through life,

Support,

Conquer evil,

Fight for us,

He is our defender against the evil of this world,

We must return to His loving arms,

We must confess our wrongs to Him,

We must believe that He has taken all our sins away,

We must walk in his ways,

And share His love with others,

And He will heal our land.

Heal our land, oh Lord!

 

 

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TRY TO REMEMBER

Posted on May 23, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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A song from a sweet little musical, “The Fantasticks,”tells the story of a girl and boy who fall in love, but they are neighbors and their fathers have been involved in a feud for some time.  A wall separates their homes.  The fathers have secretly been pretending to feud in order to manipulate their children into falling in love – using reverse psychology, I guess.  The song I most loved from this unspectacular musical is called “Try to Remember.”  One of the verses is as follows:

Try to remember when life was so tender
That no one wept except the willow.
Try to remember when life was so tender
That dreams were kept beside your pillow.
Try to remember when life was so tender
That love was an ember about to billow.
Try to remember, and if you remember,
Then follow.

Our memories are often filled with thoughts of the “good old days” when times were perfect in our minds.  As we grow older, those thoughts take on new meaning as we believe that we can never recapture them.  Our days grow shorter, the time allotted us is coming quickly to an end and we find ourselves trying desperately to hang onto those memories.

We like to believe that the times we spent growing up were the best of all times – that somehow those days have been corrupted over time and will nevermore return.  The older we get, the more we dwell on our past memories.  Yet all was not perfect when I was a child.

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 homemade 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 $150 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.

George Washington undoubtedly preferred remembering the days when he was 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 that’s possible) if he knew what’s happened to the country since it’s beginning.

What I’m trying to say is this – Looking back is a good thing.  We can learn from past mistakes and grow from them  but looking forward is even better.  The world has been promised a perfect life in eternity after death.  How great is that?  We will some day be in the paradise that God originally planned for us.  He’s washed away all the bad things from our past.  He’s forgiven every sin. We’ll have all our teeth – healthy bodies – no sorrows or tears – our joy will be overflowing.  The best is yet to be and all we have to do is FOLLOW the One who makes it possible.

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