SAFELY MOORED
ORIGINAL ART BY PAUL T. BOECHER & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©
Times of turmoil and confusion, peace may seem aloof or gone,
Yet the Lord of all creation, stills the waters and the storm,
He will calm the rumbling seas, He can give relief from pain,
He can help you through all trouble, making loss into your gain,
Put your trust in His compassion. Put your faith in Him alone,
He provides for your salvation and will take you safely home.
Posted in art, Christian devotions, Christian Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art & poetry, COMFORT, Peace, rest
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WALLS
Originally posted on atimetoshare.me 8-27-14
Walls are intended to keep something enclosed and safe. They can also be used as a barricade against an enemy. The muscles of the abdominal wall are designed to protect our internal organs. Walls separate one room from another creating privacy or another living space.
In ancient times walls were built to determine boundaries- to set up a defense against the enemy – to keep the bad guys out and the good ones in. We still have boundaries, but most of the time they are just lines on a map.
We build walls around ourselves to keep things out, but in so doing we are also limiting ourselves. There’s safety in being walled in, but some of our freedom is being eaten away when we aren’t able to get out.
God places His protection around us each day – like an invisible barrier against evil. He also allows the walls to be broken down from time to time. He gives us the ability to think for ourselves – He endows us with the capacity to make the right choices – He gives us a free will – He doesn’t hold us back when it comes to sharing His love with others.
Our sure defense is our heavenly Father, but He doesn’t want us to hide behind a wall. He wants us to be brave and courageous when it comes to talking about what He has done for us.
Let’s break down the walls of selfishness – abuse – ignorance – fear – loneliness – hate – sadness, and all the other negatives – always knowing that God will be with us in the battle. Turn those walls into a path instead. Open the door and spread the love.
Posted in armor of God, Christian daily devotion, Uncategorized
Tagged evangelizing, God's Word, Ispiration, Sharing
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TIME FOR ANOTHER GARAGE SALE
I love the cartoon, since my husband has often been referred to as Indiana Jones or Louisana Jones by some.
Last year at this time we were holding a garage sale to downsize before moving into a smaller home. The well laid plans of mice and men landed most of those “treasures” at the thrift store. Our moving day finally came and we had filled a ‘Junks Are Us’ truck twice and shuffled much of our life out to the garbage can. We learned quickly that most of our stuff wasn’t going to fit in a house half the size of our old one.
Much of what I thought was worth saving – costumes, hats, fun props – were packed into large, plastic storage crates. They were moved into the attic of our new garage, which was also stuffed with many other things, but no cars. This past week, my darling granddaughter helped me to get the remainder of costume boxes down to sort through. It’s time for another garage sale. Since we’ve moved into the Halloween Capitol of the World, we should be able to get rid of most of it.
The funny things is, since we’ve lived here, we’ve been going to garage sales every week and always come home with something to repurpose and reuse. Yesterday we stopped at one where a couple was also in the process of downsizing. I chatted with the woman as my husband talked with the man about his antique car collection. I had to chuckle, because this couple lived in a modest home, with a four car garage and huge pole barn in the back. As we talked, the woman was uttering things that I said last year. “I want to do this before I die so my kids don’t have to.”
Why are we so worried about that? We moved grandparents and parents things after they passed, into our homes, which added to our own collection. Now we’re worried that our kids would have to deal with this. Anyway, the woman also made a funny comment. She said, “If I were to die today and leave all this behind, my kids would kill me.” How funny is that? How could they kill her if she was already dead?
So my mission for the next couple months is to downsize the garage so we can get a car in it this winter. I’ve seriously been considering not driving anymore, so that would get rid of the other one, but that’s a whole different post.
Posted in aging, Humor, Uncategorized
Tagged downsizig, garage sales, home ownership, humor, moving
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NATIONAL DOG DAY
PHOTO OF OUR DOG “GAGE” A RATHER SNOOTY LLEWELLEN SETTER
I’ve written much about our dog Gage, but this is a special day, dedicated to doggies and I thought a good time to let you know how we’ve grown to love this special animal and he’s grown to love us over the last ten years.
Llewellen Setters are a breed of sporting dogs which are easily trained to hunt birds. We’ve learned over the years that this dog is very sensitive – adapting to an aging family and going with the flow through illness, injuries and change.
Llewellens were used originally by poachers. The poacher would hide the dog under his coat, wrapping the dog around his waist. These dogs are extremely flexible. The dog was then dropped off in the woods – he was trained to set point for hours – and the hunter would return after dark, find the dog in the same position and get away with the game. Our dog often curls into the shape of a donut and that ain’t easy for a larger dog. He was never trained to hunt, because life got in the way.
Paul sustained a fall down the steps, trying to avoid Gage and in turn received a separated shoulder and torn bicep muscle, which took months and required surgery and recovery time. Then there was the diagnosis of prostate cancer and the long siege of radiation treatments Both of these things put hunting on the back burner and a puppy growing used to sitting next to his master rather than walking in the woods with him.
Our dog also has an amazing constitution. He has been known to eat an entire bag of jelly beans, leaving a trail of Walt Disney colored regurgitation behind. He’s eaten two raw chicken breasts right off the counter when my back was turned. He has a strong desire to eat paper. In spite of this, he’s recovered with few side effects.
Gage came to us, as a gift from our children, after our 13 year old Golden Retriever passed away quietly in my arms. So because of this attachment, poor Gage had large paws to fill. He’s managed to wheedle his way into our lives and capture our hearts in these past few years and has adapted to our new “old” house as if he’d lived here forever.
Dogs have a way of making life so much more fun and their love is unconditional. In spite of all he’s been through, he’s managed to prove himself as a great watch dog and protector for a couple of oldies. And still has the energy and sense of adventure to keep up with us.
HAPPY DOG DAY, GAGE!
Posted in animals, love, Pets, Uncategorized
Tagged adaptation, change, endurance, Inspiration, National Dog Day, pets, unconditional love
4 Comments
HE LEADS ME BESIDE STILL WATERS
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
Within the mountain’s early dawn, His majesty is seen,
The skies fill up with brilliance, and glorious golden sheen,
His breath is seen in morning mist, His voice through eagles’ song,
His power displays in sunlit rays, He shines the whole day long,
His love for us unspoken, but seen in every rock,
He leads us like a shepherd protects his wandering flock,
I am so weak and fragile, like many a stubborn sheep,
My trust oft wanes, my fears o’er take, I toss through dream filled sleep,
My tears won’t stop, my faith grows weak, I stumble all the way,
But He’s right there, surrounding me, protecting me each day,
I’ll never grow to understand His unconditional love,
But thank Him that He grants it from His throne high up above,
My God, you are my fortress, my strength when I am weak,
You carry me through deserts, you lead me when you speak,
Through pastures green and waters clean, fulfilling every need,
You fill my heart with gratitude, my soul your Word does feed.
Posted in art, Christian daily devotion, Christian Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, COMFORT, encouragement, Inspiration, Psalm 23, shepherd
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BACK TO SCHOOL
School supplies covered the shelves for weeks and trendy new fashions beckon to be purchased. Kids need more expensive tools to go to school. When raising our own children, I never really looked forward school shopping, because of the huge chunk it took from our every day budget. I felt the pinch when all they needed were a few notebooks, pencils, and erasers.
I’m glad I lived in those days, when the only real threat too my children’s welfare was my unending dream of forgetting to pack their lunches – a dream which continues to this day. We never had enough extra for piano lessons, dance lessons or karate, but somehow our kids survived without those extras.
This year, my three grandchildren are all embarking on exciting stages of their education. The oldest will be finishing his final year of college; the second begins his first year of college and living on campus; the third starts high school. Each of them is excited, anxious and a bit nervous about the newness of it all and the fears that go along with change.
Today kids have so much more to think about when getting ready for school. Now parents must sign in and wear ID tags. There are armed guards at some schools. There are no longer only fire drills, but drills on how to react during a terrorist attack. Teachers are given special training in this area. Most school buildings are secured with cameras upon entrance. There are metal detectors to make sure no weapons enter the building. There are locker inspections for drugs. There’s the fear of bullying and tearing down someone’s reputation on the internet. Today, going to school can be very frightening, but for some kids, it’s a means of escape from a troubled life at home.
Protests on college and high school campuses are commonplace. Voicing one’s opinion can turn violent even when something important needs to be said. Parents must be aware of the things being taught in the schools. They need to ask their kids questions. They need to be involved in this adventure and helping their children through it..
Back to school should be a time of excitement, but times have become dangerous. So we gain strength in knowing that God is in control of our schools, our teachers, our children and their safety. Pray with them and ask God to watch over them through these times. Ask God to give you the words of encouragement these young minds need.
Dear, God, as our young people return to schools across our land, give them the enthusiasm and excitement to enter this adventure in spite of the possible dangers. Help them absorb the knowledge necessary to make changes to their future. Also look over their teachers, giving them courage to face the school year with confidence. Be their constant companion, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Posted in Christian daily devotion, parenting, prayer, Uncategorized
Tagged back to school, encouragement, FAMILY, fear & anxiety, Inspiration, parenting
3 Comments
IT IS WHAT IT IS
The first time I heard this phrase, it made me wonder why. Why do we need to accept everything as it is? Why have we become so tolerant to all kinds of behavior, that we simply must accept that it is what it is? We seem to have tossed all of the tenets of the Bible aside in favor of being politically correct. We disobey the ten commandments daily. We disobey our governing laws – like not going the speed limit or stopping on a red light. We’ve accepted that these laws are merely suggestions for us.
When something is wrong and we know it, why do we accept it as truth? Has our society become so complacent – so self absorbed – so lazy that we can no longer take responsibility for our actions. Instead we play the blame game and make someone else responsible for our indiscretions.
What happened to the American dream? What happened to our inventive spirit? When necessity requires change, we need to act upon that – not simply by carrying a sign and protesting – but by doing something to make the change happen. We have become an angry society and it’s not only unattractive it’s foolish.
The real change will only come through action. We cannot sit back and wait for someone else to do it either. John Kennedy stated that we should ask not what our country can do for us, but what we can do for our country. We’ve always been a nation of innovators – inventors and entrepreneurs. Lately we have resorted to acceptance as the only way to improve things.
“It is what it is” should be revised to say “It is because we found a way to overcome the problem.” Let’s not simply give in and accept so as not to stir things up. Our forefathers didn’t sit idly by when they were being oppressed. They worked hard together to become independent. By not honoring that fact, we are slapping our history in the face.
We certainly can’t fight this battle alone, but we do have the God of Abraham behind us – a power that has yet to be matched.
Posted in Christian daily devotion, God, Inspiration, Uncategorized
Tagged America, complacency, invention, passivity, Politics
12 Comments
BACKYARD THEATER
I cannot even begin to comment on the above picture. I was born in 1942 and most of my childhood occurred during the 40s and 50s. We didn’t even have a television set until I turned ten. It was more like a huge piece of furniture which housed a 10″ screen that displayed images in black and white.
Our entertainment took place in the backyard. I was the self-appointed playwright, costumer and director – an occupation which would follow me throughout my life. Our theater consisted of two sheets on a clothes line – secured tightly with clothes pins. This was the backdrop for our original productions. Most of the boys were recruited by bonking them on the head or pulling teeth. There were also promises of swords, guns and bow and arrows. The girls came willingly – each wanting to be the star of the show.
We made popcorn and lemonade to sell for refreshments and the neighbors paid two cents to see the magic of live theater, while sitting on a scratchy wool blanket on the grass.
Our shows lasted about fifteen minutes. No one ever remembered lines or cues. We were simply cute, just by being there and going through the motions. I learned at an early age that a director has to pull a performance out of the actors immediately, or they become easily distracted – especially if they’re five.
It’s funny how we were able to make fun times out of basically nothing but a couple sheets, some popcorn and lemonade. The families loved the time chatting with each other, even if the show lacked attention getting material. Times were so different then, but were they really? I think we all still enjoy time spent with our kids, with our neighbors and spouses. Sometimes the means to doing so, changes over time, but the basic thought is there.
I think kids will find joy in playing inside a cardboard box and banging on pots and pans. I don’t think it’s necessary for them to be so engaged in electronics at such an early age, but then, if I were a mom today, I would undoubtedly be encouraging it.
As decades come and go, we have seen tremendous changes in society, but I believe that creating things that stir our children’s imaginations will live with them forever.
Posted in aging, America, Family, Uncategorized
Tagged children, FAMILY, good old days, Inspiration, nostalgia, parenting
7 Comments
WALKING THE WALK
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
A life once filled with loneliness, a heart that seemed like stone,
Has turned to Christ and all at once, that life is not alone,
To walk without the Son of God is like an empty day,
Time that has no purpose, where thoughts get in the way,
The road through life is burdensome and sometimes can run out,
But when we walk with Jesus, the journey has no doubt,
For He alone can guide us. His tenderness is real,
He washes all our sins away, redemption He did seal.
We walk like children through this life. We’re never satisfied,
But Jesus loves us even so, through Him we’re gratified.
Posted in art, Christian daily devotion, Christian Poetry, Uncategorized
Tagged Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, contentment, FAITH, Inspiration, Peace
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MEMORIES
I came across this old photo of my sister and I cutting up, just for laughs, at my Aunt Muriel and Uncle Jake’s home in Wisconsin. It brought back so many memories of the fun times we shared, not only as sisters, but as nieces to a wonderful couple. These two always made us feel special.
My Uncle served in World War II and kept a black and white photo of me as his two year old pinup girl. Aunt Muriel was a fun loving, quick witted, cracker jack of a woman, who was my dad’s sister. She, along with her three siblings, lived their childhood without a father. Aunt Muriel was a little chubby when she was a young girl, so she was a great encouragement to me as I struggled with my weight. She and her sister, Margaret, were really great role models for us. Both small town girls, with hearts of gold.
My sister was not always my friend. In fact our age difference of almost five years, caused me more embarrassment and a sense of obligation to put up with her. I thought nothing of making her sit in the front of the bus, so I could be alone with my friends in the back. Thankfully, the Lord has changed my thinking and I treasure this woman as my very best female friend ever.
When we were kids, we shared a bedroom. We shared a lot of things, although her clothes were too small for me and mine were too stretched out for her. Our mom told great stories when we were growing up – stories that piqued our imagination and gave us our creativity and sense of humor.
We would act out some of those stories after mom kissed us goodnight. We’d strip the sheets from the bed and wear them as evening gowns – parading across the bed as if we were Miss America. Once while we played out the Cinderella story, I dropped the “glass slipper” on my face and wound up with a black eye the next day. That took some explaining.
The old photo of my sister and I in the old fashioned swim suits, shows how much we liked to clown around. She’s the one in the colorful swim suit. She could wear stripes. I couldn’t. It also reminds me that my aunt had this giant chest filled with funny costumes. She undoubtedly had a lot to do with my love of performing. I have a garage full of funny costumes too.
It’s fun to look back at old memories and see how they’ve crafted the course of your life. We are a product of our environment and I believe that God places all these wonderful people in our lives for a purpose. Without them, we’d be pretty boring.
Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, Family, Humor, Uncategorized
Tagged encouragement, FAMILY, humor, Inspiration, sisters
3 Comments
FOUR HOURS OF SILENCE & AWE
I knew my state was not in the path of the solar eclipse which occurred across the United States yesterday, yet we did experience a couple minutes of semi-darkness and silence. At the same time, I had my television tuned to the coverage of this amazing event and was awed by the fact that for four hours, the controversial news that usually peppers our media, was nowhere to be seen. Instead I was witness to people across this land looking up at the sky in wonder.
The entire four hours and five minutes it took for the event to go from start to finish, was pure God time. Such a short span, when you think about the majesty of our Creator. Yet He created both the sun and the moon in just a day – along with the stars that fill the universe. His power is instant as well as miraculous. Wouldn’t it have been magnificent to be a witness to that powerful creation?
However, we are witness to it every day as we watch things go on as they did from the beginning of time. We see the sun rise and set. We know night will approach at a certain time every day. We can count on the patterns that God has laid out for us – the miracle of life, the intricacies of the human body, the design of the perfect architect, horticulturist, biologist. The One who not only created all of it, but knows how it works, because He made it.
It makes me wonder how people can say all this happened by chance. Our eyes should be pointed heavenward in awe of the amazing and only God, who provides for all of man’s needs – The One who holds the world in the palm of His hand.
Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord!
For he commanded and they were created.
And he established them forever and ever;
he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.
Psalm 148: 3-6
Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, creation, Uncategorized
Tagged Creation, eclipse, encouragement, God, heavens
7 Comments
LOL
I DON’T KNOW WHY, BUT THIS JUST CRACKED ME UP FOR SOME REASON!!
Posted in Uncategorized
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