ECLIPSED

Posted on August 21, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

Genesis 1:16  “God made two great lights–the larger one to govern the day, and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars.”

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BYN PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Two orbs,

Placed in their own space,

By the hand of God,

Never colliding,

One lights the day,

One the night,

The Creator made these two spheres for a purpose,

He made all things in the earth and heavens,

He is the One to be worshipped because of it,

Not the things He created,

For without Him, there would be no light,

The darkness would cover the earth,

Not for a few moments, but eternally,

The light would never be seen again,

But the Light was created to cover the darkness,

Jesus is that Light,

The Light of the world,

Who eclipsed all our sins.

 

 

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HAPPY SENIOR CITIZENS DAY

Posted on August 21, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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Today has been designated Senior Citizen Day.  This forgotten element of our society is slowly growing into oblivion.  The young folks have lost respect for the elderly, when they are really a mountain of information and deserving of  attention.

When I turned fifty, I received an invitation to join AARP.  I was astonished to think of myself as a senior.  Now, twenty five years later, I feel like a senior, but the benefits that  go along with entering the golden years are rapidly dwindling.  We receive a monthly check from the government – money withheld from our weekly paycheck during all the years we worked. There hasn’t been a cost of living raise in some time and survival on that meager amount is hardly enough to put gas in the car, eat and pay the bills.

It may seem that anyone over 70 is ready for the grave, but we still have a lot to offer.  About one third of U.S. Senators are over 70 – nice part time job for a retiree – but I digress.  I was referring to the average Joe over 70 who has something worthwhile to contribute to society.

We often look at age as something not pertaining to us – something our parents and grandparents are – until time catches up with us and we’re part of the senior generation.  What a rude awakening – a cruel joke, maybe – a fact of life which we must all face.  We’re considered useless, because we’re physically wearing out and our mind isn’t as sharp as it used to be.  We don’t grasp technology and still use basic math skills to make change or balance a check book.

A while ago, I read an article stating the importance of hugging.  It said that one requires at least two hugs a day.  I’ve raised the number to four, because there is nothing like the feeling you get from a hug. A hug can stir feelings of accomplishment, friendship, comfort, encouragement and a ton of other emotions.  We all need to feel that pleasure.  I suggest you consider giving someone a hug today – especially those older than you.  You will not only be brightening their day, but your own as well.

 

HUG A SENIOR CITIZEN TODAY!

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on August 21, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on August 20, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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SHELTER FROM THE STORM

Posted on August 19, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECH

When life engulfs you with anger and rage – when you struggle with fear and temptation,

Turn your mind to the glory of God’s written page – He will heal you and give you salvation.

Though your days seem relentless, your nights never end – your hope is in Jesus, your brother and friend.

He’ll give you His peace with a love overflowing – your burdens He’ll carry for you,

A peace that’s eternal, no tears, no regrets – He’s paid the full debt that was due.

So look heavenward, leave the world far behind, and focus on Jesus the King,

His arms are wide open – He hears every prayer – and surely His peace He will bring.

 

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on August 19, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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WHAT DO WE TELL OUR CHILDREN?

Posted on August 19, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”  Ronald Reagan

During this time of social unrest, global rumblings, world politics and a stage filled with actors that seem to have no direction, I often wonder what kind of legacy have we created for the children of the future.

These little ones are getting a distorted picture of what our world can be.  They’re exposed daily to tragedy, hopelessness and fear.  They cannot even attend school without going through secured doors.  The norm of their existence is peppered with negative news, bullying techniques on both sides, fear mongering, hatred and a social media that defines them.

Children are the future.  They are the ones who will lead us some day.  They need to know the cost of freedom.  They need to be reminded that this place is worth preserving and that God is always at the helm.

I am genuinely concerned for my grandchildren and their children.  As monuments are removed and destroyed; as art depicting battles from the past are eliminated from our public buildings; as words are revised and rewritten pertaining to the blood shed for the freedom we enjoy; as history is eliminated from the classroom –  future generations will never understand what the cost was.

National pride has almost become extinct. The word “pride” has now take on a totally new meaning.   Now we opt for self-gratification, instant everything and a country that will bend easily to our own agenda, rather than one that serves all.

What do we tell these young people as they come out of colleges and high schools?  How do we excite them for a future of success and accomplishment, when there seems nothing to be proud of anymore”   We owe it to them to re-instill a love of country.  America is worth the fight.  Those of us who lived through several battles over the years, will attest to the fact.  There are scars.  There are still open wounds.  Lives have been spent out of love for her, and the freedoms we hold dear are worth the battle.

We need to rekindle the flames of patriotism.  We need to pray for our leaders.   We must ask God to intercede so that there is something left for future generations to hand on to their children.

There is hope for the future.  God has provided for our eternal life with Him in heaven.  In the time we have remaining, as parents and grandparents, we need to leave a United States for future generations.  This means, putting aside our own interests and joining together as one nation, under God.

Dear God, heal our land.

 

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PLEIN AIR IN HUDSON, WI

Posted on August 18, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Today, Paul is beginning a three day paint out in Hudson, Wisconsin.  A group of talented artists from the area, will be painting a picture a day on site.  Each painting will be of some location within the town or on the river.  At the end of the three days, their art will be exhibited in the Seasons on St. Croix Gallery in downtown Hudson, WI. on Monday, August 21 at 6:30.

This magical little town on the St. Croix River is full of unique sites.  The river is still filled with sail boats and other types of watercraft.  People quietly stroll down the streets or on the beach – some alone, some hand in hand.  Quaint shops line the main street.  It’s an escape from the madness of society for just a few days.  Oh that it would go on forever.

If only it were so easy.  To pack up our troubles and cares – to get in the car and head out for unspoiled lands – to escape for a while.  This is the beauty of being an outdoor painter.  There are difficulties to encounter – like inclement weather, wind, rain, heat – finding just the right spot that will capture a story for your painting – making sure your paints remain wet – and countless other obstacles.  The rewards far outweigh the interruptions.  Being in nature brings you closer to your Creator.  Being outdoors lends itself to peace.  Breathing fresh, clean air and focusing in on natural and man made beauty can calm the savage beast.

Just like in life, we go through bumps in the road  We face difficulties at every turn, but in the end we come up with some semblance of stability and order.  There are times when we can tune out the world and enjoy the beauty of God’s splendid creation.  If we walk with God, we won’t lack for respite.  He puts things back into perspective.  With Him we can decompress and find tranquility.  Even if it’s only for three days.

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REMOVE THE PLANK

Posted on August 18, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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As we prepare for the coming solar eclipse, we’re being warned not to focus directly on it.  If we do, we’re allowing for damage to the retina and possible blindness.  I wonder if it would make any difference to our spiritual blindness, if we were to simply not look at all the ugliness around us – to put on blinders, so to speak – to shield our eyes from the state of the world.

Our planet is full of so much hatred – so many opposing beliefs – so much anger and division – so much sin.  The truth that we are all sinners has somehow become blurred.  We don’t want to hear that we’re imperfect, but the truth is, we have all fallen short of the glory of God.  Sin is an ugly word.  It isn’t politically correct.

Many folks think that if they lead a good life and help others or do good deeds, they have paid the price for their own salvation.  The thought that they might need help in that area doesn’t enter the picture.  We’re taught to be self-sufficient and independent.  We might learn that positive thinking is the answer.  We sometimes turn down a different path in search of something that will clear our minds and take away the madness that surrounds us.

What we really need is a Savior – a Redeemer – Jesus.  Without His perfect sacrifice, we are nothing but dark, deeply disturbed, perverted and separated from God.  With Him, the path for eternity has been opened for us.  We cannot work our way into heaven – only Jesus could do that.  First we need to recognize that we need Him.

In times like these, I wonder just how long our God will be patient.  As each day fills with bad news, illness, financial needs, hatred, war, abuse and division, we seem to be falling further and further away from Him.  These are the times when we must learn to depend totally on the One who came for the express purpose of saving us from the results of sin – eternal death in hell.

It’s time to turn back to God.  He has already provided the way to heaven.  He can certainly change the direction of the evil that is infecting our world today.  It’s time to stop looking for the fault in others, when a giant plank is lodged in our own eyes.  It’s time to remove the plank.

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on August 18, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on August 18, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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STOP THE WORLD

Posted on August 17, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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About a year ago, I started posting cartoons pertaining to writers.  I did this as a means of taking my mind off of the negativity going on prior to our last election.  Laughter can be good medicine, but so often the negativity doesn’t magically disappear with a nonsensical image or a funny story.

In fact, negativity is a tool of our most mortal enemy, the devil.  He uses it to make us question, to create doubt, to enrage and to cause hatred and finally bring us down to his level.  When he gains control, all hell breaks loose, (no pun intended) and exposes the dark side in each of us.

I happen to believe that we’re much better than that.  For the most part our people want to live in harmony.  We don’t all hate or explode with anger the minute some new opinion arises.  I think we, as Americans, get sick of all the nonsense that appears on our television screens each day.  Yet, those who deem it necessary to control our thinking, are on location when any kind of negative behavior occurs.  Before things have a chance to go to trial; before all the facts have been gathered, before the incidents even happen, the media has already made it impossible for us to think for ourselves.  Somehow, the devil has made it into the newsroom and begun the brainwashing.

Over time, we’ve become numb to all the ugliness we see everyday.  It wasn’t enough to see men crushed in battle during Viet Nam.  The embedded media took it on itself to show us every brutal deed as it happened. We’ve been eyewitnesses to assassinations, cold blooded murder, theft, corruption all in the name of instant news and instant gratification.  We have become apathetic, because we feel there is nothing we can do about it.

I think there is something we can do.  First we have to approach the King of Creation in prayer.  We need His direction once more.  We have allowed the devil to win if we don’t turn back to God.  We need a spiritual revolution.  God has promised to heal our land when we rely on His intervention.

We also need to become a United States again.  The split between the races is just as great as it was in the 1960’s.  Join me in praying for our land, our government, our people and the final destruction of the evil one who is trying to ruin us.  In the end God will win.

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on August 17, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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IMAGINE

Posted on August 16, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,  bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.  Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.  And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”  Luke 6:27-31

These words of Jesus  still apply today, but unfortunately, the Word of God has been mocked and to the vast majority, doesn’t hold much water.  Today, we are quick to judge others.  We find ourselves consumed with our own lives, rather than caring for one another.  Hatred, bigotry, violence and malice seem to be a way of life in our country.   It’s all for one and one for one.

I began my young adult life in the sixties – another time filled with hatred and ugliness.  It was a time filled with prejudice, anger and rioting.  How far have we come in those few decades?  I pray that we can return to God’s Word.  I pray that our country will someday realize that all of the things we’ve fought for in our history, was for a good cause.  I pray that once more we will become a United States with a common goal.

In those turbulent 60s, the Beatles invaded America and though I wasn’t a huge fan of their lifestyle, I loved their music.  The profound words of John Lennon speak loudly today.

Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people living for today

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace, you

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope some day you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people sharing all the world, you

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope some day you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

JOHN LENNON

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on August 16, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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NOT OF THIS WORLD

Posted on August 15, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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“Persistence of Memory” by Salvador Dali 1931

Abstract shapes and distant thoughts,

Engraved within the troubled mind,

Given to hallucination and Freudian thinking,

This man used his beliefs to create,

What is considered a masterpiece.

What if we could turn back time?  What if we could melt all reference to it and start over?  Is that simply an abstract thought, filled with mind bending alteration?  I think not.  We don’t come out of the womb hating or violent.  Those traits need to be learned.

Even though every human being is born with inherited sin, we’re also created with a conscience, which allows us to determine right from wrong.  If we follow the teachings of the Triune God and His Holy Word, the Bible, that won’t make us better individuals.  Only Jesus saves us.  We can’t take credit for any of it.  If we don’t take responsibility for our actions, we are nothing more than an abstract image of humanity.

What if we were given a second chance?  What if we could start from scratch and accept each other as brothers and equals?  This doesn’t mean we have to tolerate evil behavior.  It doesn’t mean we become complacent.  We can’t let the devil run loose in favor of political correctness.  We need to stand firm in our beliefs, without exhibiting malice towards others.

We cannot create a masterpiece out of life.  Only God can do that.  He gave us the second chance we long for, by sending His Son to take our place – to redeem us from the devil, the world and our flesh and give us the inheritance of heaven.  He alone turns back the clock every time we come to Him with repentant hearts.

If we let the world take hold of us, our masterpiece becomes just another piece of ordinary art, without merit, without hope, without love.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Romans12:2

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on August 15, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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SO LONG AGO

Posted on August 14, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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A dream was hatched by a man,

A dream which allowed him to see the future,

Which gave him a glimpse of black and white co-existing,

Without complication,

Without hatred,

Without malice,

It was a dream which God gave to him,

A dream which we prayed would come to be,

A dream that should be reality,

But somehow became shrouded in darkness,

Smoldering into a flame that would not be consumed,

A raging fire, fed by rioting, violence, protest,

Hatred, malice and complication,

When will we learn,

We are all the same in God’s eyes,

We all have a place here,

If we don’t live together in unity,

We will surely perish,

If only dreams came true.

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on August 14, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on August 13, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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