IS CURSIVE WRITING OBSOLETE?

Posted on January 23, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

Today is Friday – the end of the work week – the beginning of the weekend – and it’s also National Handwriting Day. Who would’ve thought that we’d be honoring this means of communication, but then why shouldn’t we? I’ve always enjoyed receiving a letter or greeting card that was written and signed in beautiful handwriting. I used to do a pretty good job of writing in cursive. It’s how I was taught from my early days of learning. Attention to detail – keeping the line straight without having a line to guide you – different pen points to highlight – fancy looking letters that were readable. As the youth of today would say, it’s a “generational” thing. I have grown tired of that idiom because it makes me feel old. So many of the things that we used to put value on, no longer exist because they’ve been replaced by technology.

Today, handwriting in itself has become somewhat obsolete with the entrance of the computer age. I must admit giving way to that practice myself. There are huge varieties of fonts in various sizes and boldness. What we used to painstakingly spend a great deal of time producing has now turned into an app for that.

When I was long distance letter writing to my future husband when he was in the service, I would display my affection for him through the handwritten word. He, on the other hand, preferred printing the words. As time went by, I would eventually give up cursive writing, but there was something romantic about the former. When I was directing student plays, I found it necessary to print my notes rather than using the formal style of writing. It took me longer to print, but the students could not read cursive, so I gave into their needs by printing my suggestions for them. I guess the art of handwriting is now related to the nostalgic things of our past. I never kept a journal until recent years. I wrote most of my entries in cursive. Now that I look back at them, I have a hard time deciphering what they say. Guess I’ll just have to put them in a file on my computer. I wonder what the future holds for ways of communicating.

Change can be seen as good for the most part, but some things never go away completely. I hope that taking time to write to someone in beautifully hand-crafted words never does.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!

Posted in change, generations, Humor, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

THE JOY IS IN THE GIVING . . .

Posted on January 22, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

O.K. enough of this gloom and doom stuff. The last few days my posts have reflected my feelings. Most of these words were not meant to bring people down. There’s enough of that in the news. Unfortunately, reality isn’t great right now. However, we are living in this world and the only way I can see for us to make it through any kind of difficulty is to direct our eyes to God’s Word. His voice is clearly in the inspired word.

Jesus said this to His audience, “I have said these things to you so that, in me you may have peace. In this word you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV

Those words of reassurance should give us all kinds of hope when it looks like there is none. Jesus knew what His mission was. It wasn’t pretty. He would suffer torture, pain, suffering and death, but He was willing to do so. He went uncomplaining to the cross and took with Him all the sins of the world. That’s more than an act of random kindness. It’s the gift that was given without expectation – or unconditional love. His death led to resurrection, which is what we have to look forward to when we believe.

When Jesus spoke the sermon on the Mount, He said, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life. what you will eat or what you will drink, nor your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25 ESV

Our acts of random kindness are nothing like the gift we received from God, but He wants us to give from our heart without expecting reward. There are so many little ways we can do that. We can make a meal for someone who is homebound. We can pray for them. We can send a note of encouragement. We can shovel a sidewalk, clean a house, offer your services freely to someone who can’t afford them. We can give a welcome hug. We can say, “I love you,” and mean it. We can take care of the child of a single parent who can’t afford childcare. We can send them a silly emoji to make them smile. We can listen to their story.

Yesterday was the first day in a long time that I was able to get out of the house and do some shopping. As I searched for a parking place close to the entrance, a woman was going to her car and noticed me. She pointed to her car, which was in a perfect spot. After she filled her trunk, she pointed to the shopping cart as if to ask if I wanted to use it. My heart was filled with joy at that simple act. I was able to use the cart as a walker to get me into the store and was close enough that I wouldn’t run out of breath. The woman didn’t know me, yet she saw that I was in need of help and provided it without question. I hope she knows that a simple act like that made my day. It gave me hope in humanity again.

As I entered the store, I saw people smiling and helping each other. I actually felt like I was on a different planet. The world will always look dark when you are hidden behind dirty windows. Being cooped up, I was exposed to the darkness in the sounds of the news, the internet and social media. My mood was getting darker by the minute. Some would say, I just needed to get out of the house, but I feel this simple act of kindness was a lesson I needed to learn. There are still people who care about each other. There is kindness out there. We simply have to look for it.

.

+

Posted in America, kindness, peace, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

DAYS OF OUR LIVES . . .

Posted on January 21, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

Betty White had a long life, filled with trials and loss. She also was a funny lady who appeared as the naïve lady from Minnesota who always tried to find the best in every situation. Her dimpled smile made us laugh for many years on the Golden Girls. I wonder how her character would react to what’s going on in Minnesota right now. Pretty much of everything you can imagine is happening here and it’s truly hard to keep on smiling – even for Rose.

We moved from Wisconsin to Minnesota in 1973. Our first impression of the state was how welcoming it was. People had a different way of talking. It wasn’t really an accent or dialect. It was just plain down-home Minnesotan. The only skyscraper was the Foshay Tower in the center of downtown. The Mississippi River ran through it both cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul. It was a beautiful extension of Wisconsin, which made the move easier. Over time, more big buildings popped up. Population increased. We raised our three children here, made many friends and were able to have jobs that we loved. Something happened to the friendly attitudes along the way. People became more isolated. We made most of our friends through the churches we attended but also stayed connected to the real world. Politics changed. We even had a former professional wrestler as governor. In 2020 we fought, along with the rest of the world, a plague that would further isolate us. For five years we became sequestered from the rest of the population. Somewhere along the line the Minnesota of 1973 was no more.

Today our streets are filled with protests – mostly well-intentioned but often scarred with activists that turn things ugly. The news media stirs the pot and the average person gets riled up. We became a sanctuary state welcoming immigrants who went through the legal process of gaining their citizenship. We are considered a very liberal state. In the past twenty years or so, the protests continue. Many become out of control. Lives have been lost and law enforcement has taken a big hit. Law and order have been under attack. Along with that, Minnesota is under investigation for massive fraud which has allocated government funds into the wrong hands. What happened to my state?

This week has been designated a week of prayer for Christian unity. I wonder if anyone realizes that. It makes me sad to think we set aside only one week. Jesus gave us instructions to love one another in His Sermon on the Mount, yet we’re seeing so much division among those who disagree. We used to be able to listen to people’s opinions. We used to work together for the good of our country. We used to help each other when we needed to. Disagreement turns into anger and anger progresses to hate. We’re all children of God. We have different ideas on how to deal with things, but the minute we start thinking we’re better than those we disagree with, we’ve started to behave like less than human beings. If equality is ever to happen, that’s a good starting point.

I guess I’m a lot like Rose, from the Golden Girls. I recommend being positive in a negative world. I pray that we can set aside our differences and talk to each other without anger. That we can learn from our past mistakes and finally work together in a friendly way. Yes, I am naïve, but I also believe that even in the chaos of our lives, God has a plan. He’s had it since the beginning of time. He never changes, even though our lives are constantly in a state of flux. When we look to Him for hope in hopeless situations, we can be sure that He will answer.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY. I KNOW YOU HAVE A PURPOSE FOR ME TODAY. USE ME TO BRING PEACE TO OTHERS – TO LOVE THEM EVEN WHEN I DISAGREE WITH THEM – TO FOLLOW YOUR EXAMPLE FOR LIVING TOGETHER IN UNITY AND HARMONY. AMEN!

Posted in aging, America, anxiety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

STAY THE COURSE . . .

Posted on January 20, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

A typical news day throws headlines at us that would depress even the most hard hearted of people. We read things like “Abolish I.C.E,” or “Brutal temperatures in Midwest,” or “Incredible Fraud in Minnesota,” or “Iran Threatens Massive Response,” or – well I could go on and on, but you get the picture. I’ve also seen comments like, “This is like a return to COVID-19,” or “A Dictator in the White House,” or “Stop the Insanity.” This is what we’re exposed to on a daily basis. You can turn off the news, or discard the newspaper, or you can get involved in the insanity, or you can go into a deep state of depression.

The symptoms of depression are many and most of us have experienced them from time to time. Emotionally we become sad most of the time – we lose interest in things that used to give us enjoyment – we feel hopeless. Physically, we feel fatigued, our sleep patterns change and changes in diet occur. Mentally we may isolate ourselves, we lose motivation to do anything and we retreat. Add to that the goings on in the world, your personal life, health and life and death situations, we’re all bound for the nuthouse. So, where do we go when this is happening to just about everyone today?

Severe depression requires professional help, but there are things we can do to relieve some of the pressures that we face. The ideas of running away to a deserted island or a different country or planet can sound appealing, but not practical. God doesn’t want our existence to be filled with anxiety and worry. In fact, His plan for our lives has been predestined before we ever came to be. I had a recent comment on one of my posts that expressed the hope for a world that would be filled with people of like opinions and beliefs. Where everyone got along, where we never disagreed, where there was no hate or anger or deceit or violence. I totally agreed with the person but added that we’ll never experience that on this side of eternity.

What does God say about all this? There are many comforting words in the Bible that we can draw on. We can pray specifically for things that make us depressed. We can talk to someone about our feelings. We can get involved in a positive way. We cannot run away from the difficulties of life. Even when the times seem ripe for Jesus to return, we have no control over that. Even when the darkness seems to be pushing out the light, there is always hope. Jesus is the Light of the world. Turn to Him. He has promised to give your heart rest and to carry the burden for you. Have faith that He never changes. His consistent, unconditional love is available to all.

When life gets tough we sometimes feel we have to run away.

We look at things much differently with every passing day.

It seems too complicated to stay and go the course.

We cave to selfish thinking. We give in to remorse.

This force can pull us far away. It saps away our hope,

It leads us to a web of fear where we can’t even cope.

It pulls us in – devours us – and spits us out again –

It doesn’t care about us. Our souls it might obtain.

To fight these awful feelings which leave us all alone,

We have to change these hearts of ours, which now have turned to stone.

“Come follow me,” our Savior says, “come walk with me today.”

“I’ll take your hand and lead you and help you find your way.”

You can’t escape the woes of life ’til death is at your door,

But when you trust in Jesus, He’ll give you so much more.

Stop running from the Prince of Peace, instead run to His arms.

He’s waiting just to help you and free you from life’s harms.

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

HE HAD A DREAM . . .

Posted on January 19, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

Today we honor the man, Martin Luther King, Jr. and the work he accomplished in the 1960’s.   I remember viewing his “I have a dream” speech on television as a young woman. I especially recall his words about looking forward rather than back.  To be truly free, we must put the past behind us, yet our past gives us lessons for the future.

The world has changed tremendously since Dr. King gave this address to a divided nation.  However some things have remained the same.  There still is injustice within our country.  Prejudice still remains and new divisions have occurred in the last 50 years.  Terrorism has reared its ugly head. New cells are breaking out everywhere.  Because of that we’ve all lost part of the freedom that our nation has shed so much blood to preserve.

We have to be careful what we say – how we respond to other cultures, ideas and beliefs – being so politically correct that our own faith is often placed on the line.  Have we really stopped looking back?  I think not.  We are probably now more afraid than ever that we might offend someone – that we no longer have the freedom to stand up for what we believe is right.

I think Dr. King would have been deeply offended at the change that has occurred in our country.  His words of tolerance and peace have been tarnished to include tolerance of any kind of behavior.  To be truly free, we need to look forward.  Our destiny is not going to be determined by anything we do.  It has already been set by the Creator of the universe.  God is in control and the death and resurrection of His Son has set the entire world free from the sting of sin and death.  We are ALL free at last.  

To soar with the eagles no matter how high,
To reach all my goals or at least I can try,
To try and to fail but never give up,
to turn to my God to fill my cup,
To speak what I feel without fear of dissension,
To believe what I choose without intervention,
To live without fear and to follow my dreams,
To love and be loved with a peace that redeems.
The only thing needful for freedom that’s true
Is to love one another as Jesus loved you.

POETRY “FREEDOM RINGS,” by Kathy Boecher

Posted in America, freedom, Martin Luther King, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

IN THE DARKNESS . . .

Posted on January 18, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

I came across another box of watercolor paintings recently – surprise, surprise! Paul’s many years of creating art seem to pop up just when I think I’ve seen them all. What a special gift he’s left for me and others.

A city of blazing lights may cover all the ugliness of a darkened world,

The world that lies beneath the bridge of deception, hate, fear and addiction,

Under the hidden territory where sin abounds,

There, shrouded in the shadows, the real world dwells,

The cloak of evil captures those who would go there,

There is no light, no hope, no promises,

Only loneliness,

When sin overtakes the light, nothing can hide the darkness,

Nothing,

Yet, there is one light that never dies,

A light that lives in the hearts of those who believe,

The true Light of the world,

This light can extinguish the darkness,

Only this One dominating light,

Can swallow up eternal obfuscation,

Through which we can find our way,

Becoming light itself,

Just as a small ember grows and ignites everything in its path,

Don’t hide in the shadows,

Follow God’s Light.

With all that’s going on in the world today, I can’t help but think that darkness is on a fast track to covering the goodness that will eventually prevail. God is the light that created the world. He alone can fix it, but we have to be part of the solution. We can voice our opinions through peaceful protests. We can rethink the way we interact with people. We must be willing to start over. We can make a difference in little ways which will eventually turn into real change. We can turn off the anger and hate which seems to be part of the current dialogue. We can listen to each other. We can be slow to speak and when we do, the words we choose can make it matter. We can wait patiently for truth to come. We can rely on the One who wants only the best for us. We can learn to trust again through example. We can pray. We can stir the luminosity of patriotism and allow the light to grow. Even when it seems hard to endure, we can believe that God has this.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY! HELP ME TO SEE YOUR LIGHT AND BE A REFLECTION OF YOUR LOVE.

Posted in America, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, sin, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

A DIFFERENT TIME & PLACE . . .

Posted on January 17, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY & PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Taking a trip back in time has been in the back of minds for many years. The thought of erasing all the ugliness and evil of current events is naturally appealing. This watercolor pencil sketch crafted by Paul shows in detail the way things might have been a hundred and fifty years ago. There were churches on just about every street corner, along with a bar or two peppered in between. Cities were constructed by manpower rather than through the Industrial Revolution. They lasted longer than most current buildings do. People weren’t afraid to leave their homes unlocked when they went outside. Neighbors took the time to chat for a while and sincerely ask how you were doing, without running away before you told them. Community was strong and people cared about each other. I’m not saying that doesn’t exist today, but we seem to have drifted further apart during those intermittent years.

Jesus told his followers that they should love one another as they loved themselves. This was in practice and called the “golden rule” a hundred years ago. What happened? Life became more complex, even though many of the tasks were taken over by machines, and free-time became available. That should’ve brought people together, but instead they retreated into bigger homes, which required larger incomes from two parents bringing home the bacon. More expensive homes followed with amenities that would’ve been reserved for the rich. A second, third and fourth car might be required. Fancy vacations with high price tags came next. Even with all those luxuries, families drifted apart. Friendships took a hit too. When people did converse, they might become argumentative. I see many of those churches now empty. Some are being sold because of lack of attendance. People opt for the “feel good – no mention of sin churches” or watc live streams on their mega TV screens in the comfort of their own homes. They also miss the fellowship which comes with attending church regularly – not to mention the truth of God’s Word which heals broken souls.

It might be awesome to retreat to better times, but times haven’t changed much – people have. We’ve grown suspicious of each other. We lack trust in our friends and neighbors. We feel safe in our homes because they’re protected by security systems. We lock are doors anyway. We’re surrounded by those who steal from the taxpayers to line their own pockets. There are those who enter our country illegally and take advantage of government programs. Maybe we should look forward instead of back and see what we can learn from past mistakes. God gives each of us a second chance. Many times, it’s more like a third and fourth chance. If we ask for forgiveness with repentance in our hearts, His love endures forever. We all have ideas on how to solve the problems of the world, but only God has the answers we need.

A simple time when days were filled with elementary things,

Like gathering wood and breathing air and songs that nature brings,

Enjoying all the scenes of life within our earthly pale,

And leaving all the cares behind when life starts growing stale,

To start each day with wonderment, instead of fear and care,

To feel the hand of God near you, His closeness there to share,

To contemplate the quiet things and not be self absorbed,

To turn your troubles to the Lord, you’ll surely be restored,

That simple place is in your heart, a place where Jesus dwells,

A place of calm and comfort too, where all our fear dispels.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!

Posted in aging, America, change, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

SKIPPING STONES . . .

Posted on January 16, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

As I sit here by my side window, looking at an expanse of dirty snow and a cloudy sky, I can’t help but think about warmer days, enjoying a swim at the lake and skipping stones as a child. I never got very good at skipping stones. Most of the time, I’d throw and kerplunk! The stone immediately descended to the bottom of the lake never to be seen again. It’s easy to sit back and dream of the olden days when you’re old. I’m learning (even in my old age) that keeping my mind busy is as necessary as taking care of the physical self. That part of me has been quite inactive lately, so I better keep looking out my window to keep my mental state in good working order.

When I choose a subject for my blog, I sometimes have to dig down into the recesses of my brain. For some reason, the thought of skipping stones came to mind. As I recall, my expertise left a lot to be desired, but it was such fun watching others spin those rocks right across the surface of the water leaving a trail of ripples where the rock had been. As I usually like to research what I’m talking about, I did so this morning and found some interesting facts about this phenomenon. This has become a national pastime for some folks. In fact, there are contests that test the participants’ skills. The Guiness World Record tallies the results of these competitions. In 2013, Kurt Steiner broke the record by skipping a stone for 88 bounces.

There is naturally a lot of science behind this. Since it includes physics, I don’t have a clue as to the reason behind it. Some relate this anomaly to the force that allows a person to get up on water skis. I was never very good at that either. I do know that it’s best to use flat rocks. If you’re lucky you can make it happen on the first try, but most of those who are really serious about it, practice for hours to be good at it.

All of this led me to thinking about how this can be applied to our witnessing to others about the One who created us. He loves it when we talk to others about eternal life and sins forgiven. I wonder if Jesus ever skipped stones across the water. Anyway, when we work together our voices are eventually heard. Each tossing of that truth begins a ripple effect which spreads quickly. Just a thought, but how do you send out ripples when it comes to sharing the amazing truth of the Gospel? It doesn’t happen by watching the day pass by your window. We need to be active in our witnessing, especially in a world that is screaming for change.

“But God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:17 ESV

Posted in aging, change, discipleship | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

POWER OF PRAYER . . .

Posted on January 15, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 ESV

As our world continues to grow and the sense of community is lost to the busyness of every day, we may forget to pray for others. There are times we don’t even know that our friends or family need our prayers.  There are a number of reasons for that. We might be afraid to open up our lives to others.  We may feel ashamed or embarrassed by the things that we’re concerned about.  We may not want people to know we’re suffering with an illness or loss, because we think it’s a sign of weakness.  We may think we don’t need the prayers of others, because our relationship with God is a private thing between us and God.  We may want to handle things ourselves.

When Jesus taught His followers how to pray in His Sermon on the Mount, He made it clear what our prayers should include.  Our words should be from the heart – not just words that outwardly make a show of ourselves. Prayers should be done in private – with the doors closed – in a closet, no less. So, what about the image I’ve chosen for today’s post? It shows a number of people praying together – for each other. Have we forgotten how to do that? Each one of us is facing some kind of problem, illness, loss, anxiety, depression, fear, etc. When we pray together, we’re amplifying our voices to the One True God. Not that He doesn’t hear the most silent of our prayers. In doing this, we are joining together our belief in God’s providence and provision. Not only are we praying for each other, but also for ourselves.

In the words of His very own prayer, He tells us to honor and praise God, the Father – to forgive others – ask for our own forgiveness – have our daily needs provided – to be kept safe from temptation. He wants those words to spill onto all those around us.  We really need to get back to a community of people who care about each other.  This is part of the reason people go to church – to be encouraged by the Word, to praise God, to give thanks to Him and to be in fellowship with other Christians.

Don’t be afraid to share your prayer requests with others.  God loves it when we pray together with sincere hearts.  Jesus also said that where two or three are gathered in His name, He will be there with them.

THANK YOU JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY TO OPEN OUR HEARTS IN CORPORATE PRAYER. YOU ARE THE SOURCE OF ALL UNDERSTANDING, JUSTICE AND HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.

Posted in America, God, prayer, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

peek-a-boo . . .

Posted on January 14, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART BY PAUL T. BOECHER

This is in response to Heavenly Raindrops Wednesday Challenge. A watercolor sketch done by Paul Boecher of a beautiful buck hiding and camouflaged by its surroundings.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

AGING IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART . . .

Posted on January 14, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

The secret to a long life is growing old. Most of us cringe at that option, but for those who have made it through the process, I say “Congratulations. Now what?” By the time we reach our 80s, our bodies have given way to gravity. I used to be 5’3″. Now I’m pushing 5′. I truly believe that those three inches slipped down to my hips and at times to my ankles. This has resulted in a pear-shaped body known as “Jabba the Hutt syndrome.” Everything sags, even my eyelids. My face is wrinkled, largely due to the many children I’ve taught over the years. My skin is dry and even a large can of motor oil would quickly be absorbed in seconds, making no impact. I’m fortunate to have the ability to think. My memory is in pretty good shape. My hearing is shot. My teeth come out at night. Should I really go on. I’m getting depressed here.

The true secret to a long life has less to do with the condition of your physical self, and mor with your mental and spiritual health. I grew up in the “Silent Generation,” a time when you kept your mouth shut. If you had opinions, you simply didn’t express them. Self-esteem wasn’t in the vocabulary. Self-worth was determined by what you did to make a living, and extras were something you didn’t think about because they were unnecessary. Because of that, we raised our children to feel good about themselves – gave them positive feedback – rewarded them with participation awards and overcompensated for our own lack of those things. The mistakes we made in parenting were passed down to the next generations and I’d be considered an old fuddy duddy if I expounded on that. Well, if the shoe fits, right?

As we age, our minds also grow old. All the information stored in that grey matter has overloaded and much of it has disappeared. Keeping our minds active is essential to aging gracefully. Simple things like playing solitaire, doing puzzles or taking up a hobby are ways to stay sharp. My mind kind of resembles my laptop. Most of the keys are illegible. The memory has been updated so many times that it’s practically extinct. I refuse to buy a new one, because I’m too cheap to invest in one. As human beings we become out of date as well. At times we become invisible to others. Our opinions don’t always matter. Our ideas are antiquated and so on.

That’s why it’s so important to keep our spiritual life healthy. Attend church services, weather permitting, or watch online streaming. Participate in a Bible study group. Join the choir (if you can still sing.) Share your life experiences with others and how you got through them. With gray hairs comes wisdom which is priceless to those struggling in today’s world. Stay in the Word of God, the Bible. You can get it online – in large print editions – and a variety of translations. We don’t stop learning about our Heavenly Father as we grow older. We simply realize how very much we need Him to get through this whole aging thing.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER MOMENT TO SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH THOSE WHO NEED TO HEAR IT. THANKS FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS YOU’VE GIVEN ME DURING THIS LONG AGING PROCESS. YOUR PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE IN HEAVEN IS YOUR GREATEST GIFT. I CAN HARDLY WAIT!

Posted in aging, anticipation, Heaven, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

A CENTURY OF CHANGE . . .

Posted on January 13, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

Looking back over the last century might be a real eye opener. Especially for those born in the 21st century. In the 1920s the automobile industry was getting underway with the Model T Ford. A crank was used to get it started, and tires were not made for rustic roads that still existed. Today, we have cars that practically drive themselves which receive their power from an electrical plug. Radio was becoming the entertainment of the day with situation comedies and shows like “Inner Sanctum,” which scared us to pieces. Now we get our entertainment on a handheld screen which offers more than we need to see or hear in a lifetime.

In the 1920s the subject in the newspapers was prohibition and gangsters like Al Capone and John Dillinger. Violence was the fare of the day. The criminals held a certain popularity in this time of anything goes and the roaring ’20s. There were the suffragettes who protested for prohibition and the Irish and German immigrants who liked their beer and protested against it. There was an increase in labor unions, which looked out for problems in the workplace and those employed there.

Fashions were changing too. Ladies turned in their corsets for more comfortable undergarments. The dresses were much shorter, exposing legs that had been hidden for years. They cut their hair short in what today is called a “bob.” Makeup became part of their fashion statement and freedom of movement made life a lot easier for many of them. Women were making themselves known during this time.

The United States had just finished their participation in a world war, so women were doing jobs that men left behind. Protests became popular. Farmers and ranchers had their issues. Women were demanding more rights. The government was filled with corruption as police, judges, lawyers and juries were bribed.

People remained patriotic. Love of the United States of America was still a popular notion along with the promise of fulfillment of the American dream. It was the age of invention – the telephone, television, rocket experiments, and many appliances that made housework a lot easier. The washing machine, electric iron, toasters, the first air conditioning units and refrigerators were all invented during the 1920s.

So here we are, 100 years later. I wasn’t around for the 1920’s, but during my 83 years I’ve seen an abundance of inventions that have altered the way we live. Technology is the biggest factor. Instant everything has become a way of life. So much so that we demand answers immediately. Another thing I’ve noticed in my lifetime is that God is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow. If we place our hope and trust in Him, we can count on promises fulfilled.

“The past isn’t gone; it’s just waiting to happen again.” Maya Angelou

Posted in aging, America, history | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A NEW DAY, A NEW WEEK, A NEW YOU . . .

Posted on January 12, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

The afterglow of the holiday season might have let you a little down in the dumps. January starts out with the bang of fireworks, resolutions to do better and then what? The month lacks celebrations, mostly because it’s too cold to do anything but snuggle under a thick quilt and drink hot chocolate. It also happens to be Monday. The first day of the workweek, which doesn’t really allow for such a luxury. It seems like every other month is filled with something to celebrate. January suddenly breaks the thread.

Every day can be a fresh start if we put our minds to it. It’s like writing a new page in the journal of your life or turning that page and filling it with something different. We are currently enjoying some pretty decent temperatures here in Lake Woebegone. A January thaw is a welcome relief, so take advantage of these warmer days to get out of the house and move. This month is often designated as a huge do-over month, because we have so much time on our hands to think about it. On the other hand, who wants to think about doing something over when we can do something different.

Having just recovered from a long bout of pneumonia, I am eager to get back to living. That includes starting a project. I have a bunch of possible options. I could finish the novel I’ve been working on for over ten years. I could start writing a series of mysteries (like Agatha Christie,) I could get out my paints and start a masterpiece. I might bake something special and then eat the whole thing. Perhaps I could tackle a walk outside. Well, I may not do that this week, but I can look forward to it in the next few months.

My point today is that we look at each day – each hour and minute – as an opportunity to do something that will make a difference in our own lives or those of others. Now if you’ll excuse me, my quilt and hot chocolate await.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY. HELP ME TO FOLLOW YOUR LEAD THROUGH OUT THE COMING WEEK.

Posted in aging, Inspiration, purpose | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on A NEW DAY, A NEW WEEK, A NEW YOU . . .

HE CREATED TEARS . . .

Posted on January 11, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Mountainous clouds entwine in a sky of black,
Filling with tears from the Lord of all.
He sees and He knows our tribulation.
The depth of our sorrow is in His hands.
There is nothing we can do to take away our sadness.
We cannot change the course of our lives,
But He has turned His tears to cleansing waters
Through the death of His beloved Son.
Washed – forgiven for sin’s deadly pain,
We can dance in His refreshing rain.

The painting today was commissioned several years ago by a woman who wanted to donate a memory of her husband to the church. It reminds me of a place of comfort and peace – a habitat in which to get away from the ugliness of the world. I believe that God must cry over the condition of our planet, our country, our cities, our homes and even our churches. Since we have been created in His image, tears are part of who we are. We cry when we’re happy, sad, angry, outraged. We cry when we’re in pain. We cry when we realize that our lives are in a state of change which we have no control over. Jesus wept. Even though He could end the pain He felt, He suffered through it. He wept.

Tears can be our exit strategy when we simply cannot cope any longer. They release the suffering of a broken heart. They can comfort one who mourns. They can show feelings of pride for a job well done. Tears can come when miracles occur – when a newborn opens his eyes or a man sees his future wife walking down the aisle. The painting also shows God’s compassion through the dominant cross that appears in the sky. That symbol is more than comforting to those who weep. It gives us hope for a future in a perfect world, where there will be no more tears.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY. FILL OUR HEARTS WITH HOPE FOR A FUTURE WITH YOU IN HEAVEN. YOU GAVE YOUR SON TO TAKE AWAY OUR SIN. LEAD US OUT OF THE TRIBULATION THAT COVERS THIS EARTH AND HELP US TO CRY TEARS OF JOY!

Posted in anxiety, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, compassion, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

FROM GOD’S VANTAGE POINT . . .

Posted on January 10, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” Genesis 1:1 (ESV)

Before the world would come to be, the only thing that God would see,

Was darkness deep, no light, no glow. An emptiness that cried below,

What it became was His clear choice – holy and pure through His own voice,

His strength turned darkness into light, the days would also turn to night.

Amazing order of His plan He’d etch into the soul of man.

Six days, the number that it took to craft it all and take a look,

Proclaiming that it was so good, His love expounded as it should,

He rested on the seventh day – a quiet respite He would pay.

What happened to this world after God created it? As God looks down on the world today, what does He see? Once again there is a darkness that seems to have infected all of it. The light that was drawn from His own breath, seems to have fizzled into oblivion. Is there any hope for us? We need to remember that God is in control – He has a plan, which originated during creation – He will never leave us – He loves us beyond our capacity to love – He is the ember that will reignite the perfect light again. We must return to Him. He is our only hope in a world that seems so hopeless. He brought light into darkness. He can do anything.

We will search for answers today, Lord, teach us how we ought to pray,

Asking for the guidance you give, showing us the way we should live,

Loving others as you loved all, should be our daily victory call,

To walk the way that you have led – Until in heav’n we make our bed.

Posted in America, anxiety, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on FROM GOD’S VANTAGE POINT . . .

JUMPING TO CONCLUSIONS . . .

Posted on January 9, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:19-21 (ESV)

We’re living in amazing times. Technology has made news available to us within seconds after it occurs. We have become so accustomed to this that we form opinions regarding it just as fast. As I look at what’s happening in my state this week, I have thoughts about events where folks have overreacted, formed early opinions and jumped to conclusions. Not long ago, a mass shooter was arrested after taking lives, found guilty, tried and convicted before he ever appeared before the legal system. A drug deal went bad, a death occurred, we reacted to the system rather than the criminals who supplied the drug. People came to our country for refuge. They enter illegally and supposedly become model citizens while they rip off the taxpayers by setting up fraudulent businesses. With the instant news we have, we blame law enforcement.

Our thought process is based on what information we’re being fed. We don’t truly investigate for ourselves before making a statement of outrage. Our opinions cause a rush to judgement that is truly unfair. I bite my tongue every time I write about the state of our nation. I have tried very hard to ignore this problem, but I see it every day. Why are we so quick to judge without having the full picture?

I pray that America is doing the right thing to prohibit the needless hatred, fear and death that occur on a daily basis. I pray for our law enforcement and their safety. They’re putting their lives on the line each time they leave their homes. I pray for our government officials – instituted by God – that they will look at the corruption that has infiltrated our cities, country and minds of the people who live there. I pray that we all take a deep breath and look for ways to bring God’s love and truth back into our everyday living. As James states in the above Bible passages, we should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. This is a simple solution, but we have gone far beyond that by choosing to believe that all things coming from the media are true.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY. HELP ME TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME TO THINK BEFORE SPEAKING – TO THINK AND RESEARCH BEFORE WRITING – AND TO SERVE YOU AND YOUR HOLY WORD BY LIVING FOR YOU.

Posted in America, judgment, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

YOU CAN’T HIDE FROM GOD . . .

Posted on January 8, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

You’re born into a family of little means. You’ve barely gotten to know your mother’s face when she’s forced to give you up to protect you from certain death. You’re adopted into a wealthy family and your life changes drastically. You grow up in luxury learning things you never would have been afforded otherwise. You grow into a strong individual with power you never dreamed of.  As you mature you see the injustices around you. They tug at your heart. You feel helpless. You witness a young man being unjustly beaten and intercede. By defending the underdog, you become the victim. Your rage puts you in an ugly situation and you take a life to save one.

What you do next makes you appear a coward. You run away. You hide for many years without apprehension. You change your identity – try to fit in – find a new life. You try to forget your past, but it soon catches up with you. Days progress and you’ve almost forgotten the weaknesses of your youth, but now those secrets resurface in your dreams.  The devil presses guilt into your heart like a hot branding iron claiming victory over your soul. You show signs of aging.  You fear that you’re destined to a future in hell. You feel that you will never realize a true purpose in your life. God has something else in mind. He still has work for you to do – work that involves facing into your darkest fears.

You reluctantly return to the place of your youth. You feel unqualified, haunted, unworthy. Your reluctance turns to fear and cripples you, but then you realize there’s a reason for all of this. You return only to be met with more adversity. They haven’t forgotten you.  They recognize you.  Your true identity has been revealed to those in high places.  You have a price on your head, but you’re determined to face your fears. When dealing with past sins you must admit your failings.  Then ask for forgiveness.  You may suffer the consequences of your actions, or you may run again.

People aren’t nearly as gracious as God.  Old garbage is dragged from the dump to be revealed to a waiting world.  The ugliness of your misdeeds is paraded before everyone and you’re judged by your past.  Now the truth is out.  There is no escaping – no hiding – no redemption.  Thankfully your future doesn’t depend on others or yourself for salvation.  God has wiped the slate clean with the perfect life of His own Son, releasing everyone from the guilt of sin and allowing great things to be done through Him.

Moses realized his sin but tried to hide it. When he faced his past mistakes and asked for forgiveness, he was allowed to do what he was born for. We certainly can’t hide from God.  He’s promised to be with us always. Don’t be afraid of Him. His love has no strings attached.

Run to God and with Him – He will set mountains on fire and use you for His purpose.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY OF GRACE. REMIND ME TO RUN TO YOU IN TIMES OF TROUBLE AND WHEN THINGS ARE GOING WELL. YOU ARE MY SAVIOR, MY REDEEMER, MY COMFORTER, MY REFUGE, MY GOD. I CANNOT HIDE FROM YOU.

Posted in anxiety, God's plans, sin, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

MID-WEEK CRISIS (AKA) HUMP DAY . . .

Posted on January 7, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

For me, getting through the battle scars of living, seems to be pretty uneventful. I get out of bed about the same time each morning. I go through the motions of preparing for the day. I might eat breakfast. I’ll throw a load of wash in the washer and sit down to write my blog. The rest of the day would seem boring to most. At times I actually feel I’m going through the motions of living.

When I was part of the work force and raising a family, my list of tasks was much longer. I never seemed to have enough hours in the day to get everything done. I remember getting three kids ready for school, making lunches (unless I forgot,) planning my own workday and encouraging my husband. I don’t recall such a thing as “hump day.” There wasn’t time to muddle through the disadvantages of working. It was simply something we did.

I do agree that time has changed the way we function today. There are almost always two bread winners in the family. If you’re getting close to retirement, you may even have your own children living with you. If they’re working, they might contribute to the family treasury. The age of active employment has come under a great deal of change as well. Many have home offices and try to manage their workspace, their household duties and family all at the same time. The stresses by midweek are huge, not to mention the lack of communication, family interaction and counseling one another.

Instead of making Wednesday a day that gets us down, we should think of some things that will get us through the week without those negative thoughts. Make the day something to look forward to. Plan a special meal that will involve everyone sitting down at a table to eat – preferably at home. Carve out time for a board game or two. During that family time, share your problems, your conflicts, your goals and dreams and put away the phones. You might want to make Wednesday a date night with your spouse. You don’t need to spend a fortune. Just getting away from the mundane will keep your marriage alive. When we have something to look forward to, life can be so much more fun.

Even when you have fulfilled your years in the workplace, you can set time aside for getting over the hump of daily living. I’m not much for to-do lists anymore, but it’s a good idea to schedule activities that give us something to challenge both mentally and physically. Life is too short to worry about getting through it. God gives us time just as He gives us a purpose for being here. Make the most of the talents He’s given you and share them with others.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 ESV

Posted in aging, Family, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

DAY 6 OF JANUARY, 2026

Posted on January 6, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

Five years ago (January 6, 2021) as the COVID19 Pandemic continued to rage, we were witness to the storming of the U.S. Capitol building by protestors who had been attending a rally. Five years later, the shock of that day continues on. It could’ve been construed as an act of free speech. Perhaps some would call it treason against the United States, while others would condemn the outgoing president for causing it. That same president would be re-elected four years later in spite of it. I prefer not to express my opinions on politics. I feel it futile in the light of the current climate in our country. Division is probably the deepest scar we’ve received from scandalous news such as this along with a pandemic that pulled us all into our shells. The fact is, life continues and our hope is still in the LORD.

Our daily worries and cares, however, can seem much greater than those going on in government. The thought of losing a job – the worry that we won’t be able to provide for our family – the possibility of a life-threatening disease- all lead us to feelings of depression, hopelessness and despair. We’re reminded that God is in control and that thought may bring little encouragement when we go through those difficult times.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV

Tuesday is just another day on the calendar. In my part of the country the streets are filled with ice which will melt as the day goes on. I will stay home, as I have for the past week. As we grow older, we take more precautions when venturing out into Minnesota winters. Each day brings challenges to all of us no matter what our age. If your Tuesday isn’t measuring up to your expectations, it’s time to start something new. Today I promise myself to get back to my unfinished novel. As long as I’m temporarily homebound, this is the perfect opportunity. It may sit for another ten years before it actually gets published, but for the time being, it’s keeping my mind awake and my body – well, we’ll talk about that another day.

Live each day as if it were the most important gift you’ve ever received. Whether it is a day of progress, one of disappointment, filled with trials or one peppered with happy thoughts and positive motivation. God is with us through every moment of every day.

THANK YOU, JESUS FOR ANOTHER DAY!

Posted in aging, depression, God, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

NATIONAL WHIPPED CREAM DAY . . .

Posted on January 5, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

January 2 was National Cream Puff Day and today, January 5, we celebrate National Whipped Cream Day. These days are only three days apart. I wonder if that might be a clue for me to share a story that includes both of those events. Since I’m a native of the dairy state, Wisconsin, it would seem logical that I have a fondness for anything to do with cream. I just finished off the last bit of homemade whipped cream yesterday. It was a sad farewell. The whole thing about these holidays is that they remind me of some funny stuff that happened in the past. Nothing like a funny story to start of the week.

We had just moved to the state of Minnesota. We owned a modest home, but adequate for the five of us and whichever dog we had at the time. We were making it paycheck to paycheck, but special luxuries like cream puffs weren’t really in my daily meal planning. I was grocery shopping at the local Piggly Wiggly store when my eyes were drawn to the refrigerator section of the bakery. CREAM PUFFS. The thought of Wisconsin State Fairs and the most amazing of these delicacies stirred my memory and tempted me into buying five of them. I managed to scrape enough out of the grocery budget. I could hardly wait to offer these to the family for dessert that night. I served them on a silver tray, complete with a paper doily. I could see by the reaction of my family, that everyone was excited to bite into one. We raised our cream puffs and took a huge bite. I could tell by my taste buds and the looks on the faces of my family, that this venture was a total mistake. Either the cream puffs were more than a day old, or they just didn’t taste good. I don’t know who started it, but a food fight ensued. There were cream puffs on the floor, the ceiling, the walls and faces. The dog loved it. He was the only one who did. The decadent dessert I served was a disaster, but it became one of those memories that you simply can’t forget.

Much later in my life, when I was called upon to take a pie in the face for a performance, I felt completely qualified to do so. For seven shows and numerous rehearsals, I would be covered in whipped cream as a pie landed dead center on my face. It was a scene much like the one played out in the kitchen, living room and backyard of our home. I don’t make a habit of starting food fights, but I have fond memories of those I’ve been involved in. My family has always been somewhat spontaneous. We had fun in unusual ways, but the cream puff incident stands alone. Sometimes you just have to have to be weird.

I do not recommend having food fights, unless you’re willing to clean up after them. I do recommend being weird at times. It’s good to laugh.

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” Charles Dickens – “A Christmas Carol”

Posted in Family, Humor, parenting, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments