LOOK TO THE SKY . . .

Posted on September 20, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This watercolor has me stumped. Since I no longer have my in-house naturalist to tell me, I can’t figure out what kind of duck it is. I searched Google and there are so many different species of waterfowl in Minnesota. Maybe it has to do with the thousands of lakes we have in my state. I looked for ducks with fluffy heads – those that had a longer beak with a hook shape on the end. I’m still puzzled. All I can tell you is this is a duck on a lake, painted with watercolor, plein air. If anyone can educate me, I’d much appreciate it. Aside from that, I have no lack of beautiful artwork to look at, even though I can’t identify everything about it, it always brings a smile to my face.

Since times have been so toxic lately and people are hurting, grieving, unsure, confused, depressed and on and on and on – I thought a post about looking to the sky for answers might be in order. Jesus encouraged His followers to do just that in Matthew 6:27 “Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

When things seem as though they can’t get any worse, there is only one source to focus on. God has provided for all creatures, great and small. He will never leave us. He protects, guides, intercepts danger, clears the path, has a plan for our lives. We must not forget that He is still in control, no matter how ugly our world becomes.

Clouds go dancing through the sky – painted for our pleasure,

Elephants and angels fly – on canvas without measure,

The great expanse can turn to dust – its face will fill with rage,

But when the clouds display their grief,

The tears wash clean each page,

We too can be like clouds on high, when life does overtake us,

We find release in tears we cry, we pray that God remakes us,

He hears our cry and washes clean the sins that sap our life,

His life for ours, His love unseen, will take away our strife.

Look heavenward, keep eyes on Him, don’t bend to Satan’s lies,

If God can keep His creatures safe – He’ll give to us His prize.

Posted in anxiety, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Nature | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

WASHED CLEAN . . .

Posted on September 19, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Yesterday was a first for my church. A farmers’ market was held in the parking lot. I would say it was a success as there were several vendors and the rainy weather held off until it was over. It was a first for me too, as I participated by selling some of Paul’s watercolor art. When we make plans for outdoor activities we never know for sure what God has in mind for the weather of the day. In this case, the rain that was predicted took a break for a while.

I got a chance to chat with some old friends and new and spent a nice afternoon outdoors. The morning was reserved for a rehearsal of our next Jewels of deNial performance. By the time I got home – through the deluge of rain which so perfectly waited – I felt both exhausted and exhilarated. Keeping busy as an elderly widow, has its benefits, but often I forget that my body doesn’t always keep up with my mind. I slept until 9:30 AM, which was a first for me in a long time. The rain of yesterday has forced many leaves to fall to the ground. Today looks like it’s raining leaves. Whatever the season – including the seasons of life – our God is there all the time. Thank you, Jesus for another day.

Shades of grey, crimson and yellow dot the landscape with a magical mist,

Covering a multitude of sins,

I wonder if this is how we look to God?

Covered with a veil of repentance and grief over past sins,

Shrouded in a hazy net of gauze,

Undistinguishable,

The hidden,

The burdened,

It has all been washed away in the blood of the lamb,

No longer are we seeped in darkness,

No longer in fear,

God has forgiven us all through His own Son, Jesus,

Let His love shine through us and bring that light to others.

Posted in aging, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Life, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on WASHED CLEAN . . .

THE FRUIT IS RIPE . . .

Posted on September 18, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER@

“and in the eyes of the people there is the failure; and in the eyes of the hungry there is a growing wrath. In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage.”
― John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath

The painting shown today was painted plein air at the Parley Lake Winery.  It is a lovely place to visit, with art on the grounds, along with animals, grapes and tasty wine.  The grapes are ready for harvesting.  Are we ready to be part of it?

When our hearts grow weary from the bondage of sin,
When our souls cry out for rescue,
When life continues to hand us another brick,
And requires more than we can endure,
When we feel we can no longer carry the burdens,
When heaviness weighs upon us like a ton of baggage,
When failure haunts and hunger grows,
This is when we become ripe,
This is when God begins His best work in us,
Like grapes on a vine, ready to burst forth with flavor.
With juice for the best of wines,
We are being made ready for perfection,
Do not mourn the days of suffering,
They will bring forth delightful fruit.

Posted in America, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, seasons, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

SEEDS SOWN . . .

Posted on September 17, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Time for another black and white piece of art. This demonstrates Paul’s ability to capture contrast, lights and darks, detail and movement. All encapsulated in one space. When we think about Autumn, the colors are what come to mind. God has taken out his best paintbrush and filled nature with a rainbow of hues. We can never match these brilliant shades, but isn’t it wonderful that God does it for us? Trees that once created a canopy of green are descending to create a carpet of gold, red and orange. Each leaf has its own design – veins spreading out seeking nourishment – they wither and eventually go back into the ground from which they came. It’s my favorite season, but it does come with the promise the long season of winter. Each of the seasons are part of God’s creation, which gives us a glimpse of what paradise will be like.

Colors of autumn – scarlet, amber and gold,

God’s palette enlivens the fields we behold,

Each seed that was planted, its fruit has been sown,

A bountiful harvest among dirt and stone,

His Word bears good fruit, a banquet sublime,

Waits for us in heaven when it becomes time,

But while we continue to walk on this earth,

His truth to the world will offer rebirth,

Time soon will run out – there’s much work to be done,

Tell the world about Jesus and the victory He’s won.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, change, seasons, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

BE A BLESSING . . .

Posted on September 16, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

My post is short and sweet today, because I have a date with my great grandson this morning. I wanted to share something with you that I believe has been long forgotten in our world. Acts of kindness are few and far between, but when they occur, they give your heart a much needed lift.

After church on Sunday, I went to a big box store and was waiting for my family to join me. I was standing beside my cart when a complete stranger came up to me and said, “You look so beautiful just standing there.” The words were spoken in all sincerity. I thanked the woman as she proceeded into the store. I didn’t know her but she took a moment to pay me a compliment. It made my day. I decided to pay it forward when I checked out of the store. The cashier and the fellow filling my cart were obviously very busy, but I told them I appreciated their smiles and attention. At that, both of them lit up like Christmas trees. We all felt good because of it.

It takes only a moment to be kind but your words and actions can mean the world to someone. Maybe we’ve become so introverted after COVID that we’ve lost that trait. It costs nothing to make someone happy. When you do it expecting nothing in return you are not only bringing joy to another person, but it makes you feel good as well.

Posted in art & inspiration from the Boechers, Encouragement, kindness, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

A HUNTING WE WILL GO . . .

Posted on September 15, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©


Even though my husband is no longer here, I’m still learning from him. His knowledge didn’t come from the internet, but books and actual hands-on experience. His brain was geared towards getting into the field to learn and he passed that wisdom on to his students, his children, grandchildren, co-workers and me. He didn’t need Google. He’d much rather get out and experience things firsthand. At times I’d get annoyed with his plethora of information, but there were other times, when doing research for a writing project that I’d ask Paul and he’d know. Today, I’m sharing an “artist’s print” – which I had to search for on the Internet. An artist’s print is a copy of a painting, professionally done. The detail and color of the painting isn’t the same as having the real McCoy, but it will be used for making limited prints. To collectors, the value of an artist’s print is closest to the actual work. There are so many times I count on Paul for answers. My poetry also caused me to search out color blindness in species of deer. Did you know that elk, deer and moose are partially color blind? They can only define two colors – green and blue. When the hunting season begins and hunters don their bright, blaze orange or camouflage clothing, The camo blends in with the environment. They become just a mass of white, woven into the landscape, yet they can hunter is still visible to other hunters.

Wouldn’t it be grand if humanity could take off the blinders,

Throw away their bias and indifference towards one another,

To become blind to the variety of colors in the races,

To see each other as part of a huge tapestry,

Of interwoven threads,

Each an integral part of the greater picture,

The one which unfolds each day,

With people unconcerned about skin tones,

Simply working together to create a beautiful piece of art called life.

Wouldn’t it be grand if we were color blind?

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Internet, team work, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

RETREAT . . .

Posted on September 14, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

As I sift through the voluminous boxes of art, I am not only amazed by the artist, but grateful for the memories he created on canvas, watercolor or oil pastel paper. Each one of these create memories from times we shared together, places we traveled to and the love we both had for God and His masterpieces. The work today is an oil pastel, which softly depicts a scene that could be anywhere from the North Shore of Minnesota to the mountains of Wyoming or the forests of Oregon. It could be the green valleys of South Carolina or the fields of corn on farmland of Wisconsin. The softness of this medium, creates a mood that displays a quiet place we can retreat to when the problems of life get to be too much. Start this week with a new outlook. Remember that God is in control. He knows us inside and out. He loves us with an unconditional love. He redeemed us with the final sacrifice – His One and Only Son. Turn to Him when things are beyond control. He will give you peace.

A road can lead to nowhere as we travel through this life,
Our minds submit to evil, our hearts endure much strife,
But when we follow Jesus, the road is always clear,
Our final destination is not one we should fear,
He takes our hand and leads us through peril and through strife,
He’s always there beside us, He guides us through this life.
When we can go no further, He lifts us with His power,
Defending us, protecting from those who would devour,
He lays the bridge before us, He is that bridge you see,
He suffered and was crucified to set our spirits free,
The path has now been cleared, there is no obstacle,
For we have been redeemed by Him, He paid the debt in full.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Nature, peace, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

UNDER THE SUN

Posted on September 13, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

SHORT STORY BY KATHY BOECHER

The 1970s were supposed to be a golden era, because of all the changes and developments that occurred during that time.  The challenges of that decade were countless.  There was the war in Viet Nam, which caused violent protests and dodgers of the draft.  Women were burning their bras to indicate their displeasure with women’s rights at the time.  The president of the United States, Richard Nixon was forced to resign because of the Watergate scandal. He was replaced by Gerald Ford, his vice president.  He was followed by Jimmy Carter – a peanut farmer from Georgia. 

The television show, “Happy Days” introduced us to greaser, the Fonz, and clean cut Richie Cunninham. Disco music became popular as John Travolta twisted and turned to the delight of young women, in his bell bottom pants.  Music was evolving from Glam rock to Progressive Rock to Punk Rock.  Eventually country western music made itself known.  Neil Diamond dazzled us with “Sweet Caroline,” and “Forever in Blue Jeans.” (By the way, for the longest time I thought the song was titled, “For Reverend Blue Jeans.” ) Jim Jones, cult leader of the People’s Temple in Guyana, led his followers to their death in a planned murder/suicide.  The movie “Star Wars” made its debut and established a following that continues through this day.

A golden era?  Well, it was a time of innovation and discovery, but also a time which devolved into matters that might change the world in a difficult way.  Although what goes around comes around, so they say.

Every decade has its problems.  Today is no different.  The generation gap has widened. Elderly people no longer command respect. Entitlement is running rampant throughout our generations.  The morality of our society has dwindled to anything goes as long as no one gets hurt.  Even the lack of respect for life has taken a hit. 

I was a mom during this decade, with three children aged 14, 12 and 6.  I love each one the same but quickly discovered how one generation changes in a nano second.  Those changes can lead to huge problems when it comes to raising a family.  They still exist today in the 21st century – much like King Solomon who ruled after King David over Israel.  In reading his book, Ecclesiastes, we discover that life doesn’t really change much.  It just comes in different packaging.  None of his wealth, belongings, long list of wives and concubines and everything a man could desire, he came to see that none of it mattered in the scheme of things.

Our lives are short.  We have a limited amount of time to live it and most of us don’t come close to being able to afford everything we want or need.  We do, however have the Word of God.  This timeless book gives us insight on how to manage in this world with guidance from the One who created it.  There is nothing new under the sun.

Posted in change, Uncategorized, wisdom, writing | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

WATERS FALLING

Posted on September 13, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER@

This watercolor pencil drawing draws us into the Yellowstone valley and the magnificent falls that has become so familiar in Paul’s art. I have never been able to master the art of water falling over rocks and crashing to the end of its destination. It takes great skill to do this. The detail in this piece of art amazes me.

Raging ice turns into water,

Crashing,

Rolling over jagged rock,

Bubbling and steaming,

As it falls to still waters below,

The finger of God,

Pushing it ever forward,

Cutting through granite,

With only His touch,

As in days of old,

When waters poured down from the sky,

Pushing up from the ground,

Flooding the entire earth,

Only a few survivors,

But enough to begin again,

In that flood,

God spilled His tears,

Over a fallen world,

But didn’t give up on it,

He provided a way out,

Carving new channels,

Scenic bluffs,

Canyons and pathways,

Filling the old,

with new,

Renewal,

Restoration,

Revival,

Rebirth,

A new covenant,

Never again would the world,

Be destroyed by water.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, seasons, wisdom | Tagged , , | Comments Off on WATERS FALLING

NOT A FREAKY, FUNNY FRIDAY . . .

Posted on September 12, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

I usually write about some of the funny things that have occurred in my lifetime, but it just doesn’t seem right to do so this week. It has been a month filled with tragedy, hatred, terrorism, minds out of control and generally the darkness that already lives in our world today. We’ve only completed two weeks so far in September, but in that short time we have had two mass shootings in Minneapolis alone. On September 2nd, police were on the scene of the first mass shooting just across the street from Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. One was declared dead and 6 injured. An arrest has been made. Just one day later another attack was underway at Annunciation Catholic Church where 2 children were killed and 17 were injured. These incidents were not connected but occurred within 24 hours of each other. There have been stories of stabbings, shootings and strangulation in our state this month as well.

As we look at our world today, it’s easy to place blame on the government and the laws of the land. It also becomes a time to look at mental health issues and drug abuse. This is not the Minneapolis we moved to in 1973. Crimes of all kinds are happening every day. It seems like the devil is on the rampage and God has taken a back seat. Many claim that God is the villain in all this. This week our country was hit with the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who has been spreading his opinions on gender, race and politics to younger conservatives. This apparently hit a nerve of the assassin who fired just one shot to kill a man who offended him.

We are not even halfway through this short month and the memories of 09/11/2001 are fresh in our minds. A whole generation has passed and has no memory of it.

In 1847, Johnny Mercer wrote the lyrics for “The Falling Leaves.”
The song has been sung by many, including Nat King Cole. These poignant words about love lost is haunting yet beautiful.

The falling leaves drift by my window. The falling leaves are red and gold. I see your lips; the summer kisses – the sunburned hands I used to hold. Since you went away the days go long and soon I’ll hear old winter’s song. But I’ll miss you most of all, my darling, When autumn leaves start to fall.

I found the drawing of this oak leaf in one of Paul’s sketchbooks. It reminds me so much of this season. The detailed veins running through the leaf are indicative of life coming to a close. It also demonstrates to me that life goes on even after death. That leaf will become mulch to nourish the earth and produce more of its own kind. The lyrics to the song are perfect for the treasured life I had with my husband for so long. One of his favorite phrases when things seemed impossible to handle was, “God has this!”

Those of us left behind have a responsibility to get back in touch with our Creator. He’s been aware of all the ugliness going on in our world. He isn’t the one responsible for it. We have strayed from Him and the consequences are evident in what we are witness to today.

Dear, Father God, we come to you in deepest humility and sadness.
We realize that you are in control of the world and all that is in it. Help us to get back into your Word – to place our trust in your wisdom – to let others know there is hope in the future. You have provided for a new paradise where none of this will concern us anymore. Give us the courage to stand up for you, even when it causes offense to some. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Savior, our Champion, our brother and our King. Amen!

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God, terrorism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

THOSE DARKEST DAYS . . .

Posted on September 11, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This piece of art shows how darkness can shroud our vision – when the ugliest of humanity steps into our lives and destroys those we love and lose because of their actions. Feeling separated from God can result in those evil acts. Some may even blame Him.

There are days when we feel lost, as if in a dark forest, longing for escape. Some days remind us of emotions exposed and fill our thoughts with depression. Today is one of those days. Acts of terror in any shape or form, make us angry. They are times we’d rather forget, but we must remember the good along with the bad.

Looking back over the past 24 years since 09/11/2011 stirs a multitude of dark moments followed by a surge in pulling together in acts of bravery and patriotism. We said we’d never forget and most of us won’t. There is a whole generation who grew up never realizing how this would affect us and ultimately change our world.

It was an amazingly beautiful day, with skies of cloudless blue and fresh clean air reminding us of the glory of the change in seasons. Suddenly planes crashed into buildings right before our eyes on the television screens. Each attack stunned us and looked like a movie unfolding rather than an actual event. Many asked where God was during this time. Many were enraged and that rage evolved for many years to come. In the midst of all of it, God was there. Lives were lost. Multiple funerals were held. Families were torn apart. Years couldn’t mend the hearts of so many. but God was still there.

Today we struggle as lives are needlessly spent by those who have never experienced the love of God. He is always there for us. To lead us through the bad times and the good.

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 become 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 9/11, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

A FOGGY MORNING . . .

Posted on September 10, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

My posts are shorter this week because I have the pleasure of being with my great grandson while his mom serves an internship with developmentally challenged children. She is also working part time on weekends and taking online classes and has to fit in homework somewhere in there. She plans to graduate in December. This means getting up a little earlier each morning while it’s still a bit dark. This morning is filled with a dense fog advisory, so I found this watercolor from Paul to accompany my words.

Shades of grey, crimson and yellow dot the landscape with a magical mist,

Covering a multitude of sins,

I wonder if this is how we look to God?

Covered with a veil of repentance and grief over past sins,

Shrouded in a haze of uncertainty,

No!  God looks at us and sees only His Son and what He has accomplished,

We no longer carry the undistinguishable, the hidden, the burden,

It has all been washed away in the blood of the lamb,

No longer are we seeped in darkness, no longer in fear,

God has forgiven the world through His own Son, Jesus,

Let His love shine through us and bring that light to others.

THANK YOU JESUS FOR ANOTHER DAY!

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, change, wisdom | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on A FOGGY MORNING . . .

DAYS TO COME . . .

Posted on September 9, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Today’s art by Paul is a watercolor pencil drawing. These wild areas were special favorites of the artist. I also have a fondness for this time of year, when things begin to go into a metamorphic state. All leading to wondrous colors that only God can create. It also signals more change to come as the days of summer fade into the past. Change is good, for the most part. We should look forward to it rather than looking at it as difficult. I pray that these coming days bring delight to everyone who can experience the abundance of God’s artistry.

A sweet hint of inspiration and light upon the bay,

The quiet indication of sights we see each day,

A lonely craft cuts through the waves, the sky with clouds entwines,

The trees turn red and yellow now, as part God’s design,

A placid lake, a peaceful scene, pastoral in its wake,

The sky is filled with majesty, a back seat it will take,

Encased with skeletal remains of empty, withered branches,

The trees give way to loneliness, a change of circumstances,

Soon snow will fill these longing arms, with life to come once more,

The deadly grip of winter’s hold, we simply can’t ignore,

Yet with each season life returns, vitality restored,

Life will go on eternally, to places unexplored.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, change, seasons | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER . . .

Posted on September 8, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & ENCOURAGEMENT BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

“70 is the new 50” was undoubtedly coined by someone in their 70s. Growing old means you are now one of those blue haired church ladies. It means you have achieved a lifetime of memories – good and bad. When you’re in your 70s you should have matured like a fine wine, but chances are you have already gone sour.

The pull of gravity has taken its toll. Everything from the top down has sagged or grown wider. You believe that you’ve shrunk over the years, and everything has fallen down around your hips.  Your mind tells you that you can still do what you did in your twenties while your body can’t wait to turn in at 8 PM each night. You go in search of something only to forget what it was when you get there. You can remember the names of the kids you went to school with, but now you may forget the names of your grandchildren.  You may beknown to call one of them by the dog’s name.

You spend more time in a doctor’s office than your mother did. In fact, you have become your mother! You thought you would be retired and sitting on the beach in Maui, but instead you continue plugging along trying to get by on your Social Security check each month. The thought of changing anything in your life becomes monumental so you refuse to consider it. Your hearing fails along with most of your other senses. You’ve lost your youthful glow. You’re so much crabbier, because you don’t have to prove anything anymore. You’ve been there and done that.

Actually, I remember my fifties, and they were a few of the worst years of my life. Now I’m in my eighties and I feel a lot better than I did back then.   Age has its advantages.   I feel so distinguished!

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16.

Posted in aging, art & inspiration from the Boechers, Christian devotions, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

BLISSFUL SUNDAY MORNING

Posted on September 7, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The sun breaks through a brilliant, blue sky, devoid of clouds. The air is dry, yet there is something phenomenal about the Sunday morning dew. The birds begin their concert as animals waken and browse their surroundings with sleep filled eyes. The gentle breeze, the quietness, the peace that comes with a day of rest. So often we choose to fill that day with extra activities when all we really need to do is enjoy the moment, breathe in the stillness, get closer to God by attending His sanctuary.

A sanctuary that is filled with His creation, no matter where it is.  He is available to you anywhere. Walk with Him today and every day.  He has masterpieces to share with you that you will never forget. He has life giving water that will completely satisfy your thirst. He offers freedom that you’ve never experienced. He gives it to all of us without any strings attached. Yet He will never let you go.

ENJOY YOUR SABBATH!

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, prayer, worship | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

FLY AWAY HOME . . .

Posted on September 6, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The colored pencil sketch was done on the spot at the location shown. Paul always carried his sketchbook, either in his pocket or the glove box of the car. Like a camera, it was a necessary tool for his work. Someone once approached him as he was drawing and asked why he didn’t just take a picture. He said his camera was in the pencil. His knowledge of birds and wildlife were also built into his brain. We can learn so much from the creatures in God’s creation. How to work together to survive. How to not fear, but push on, even when it seems there’s no way out. How to communicate. How to share. How to evade predators. Humans are much different even though we think we’re superior. We often lose track of where we’re going. We don’t always solve problems together. We rely on technology for way too much. We give in to the masses when it seems we’re the underdog. Instead of placing our faith in our Creator, we try to one-up Him. What will you be today?

A family hatched a few months back, they now are set to fly,

The little one, the only son, would only live to die,

Survival of the fittest the remaining two pushed on,

Their home was not enough for them, there’s still work to be done,

To live in space too small for them, would never let them grow,

Respect is not therein you see, it’s one for one you know,

The birds that fly high over us, are not like us at all,

They live a different set of rules, they follow nature’s call,

But we are so much more than they, we should know how to act,

In harmony and peacefulness, let civil laws impact,

At least that’s what’s been planned for us, instead of take we give,

We push ahead before the pack, we choose the way we live,

Instead of working together, we separate and flee,

There is no real communion in trials that we bear,

What God intends for His people, is to live in peace and love,

He spared no cost when He gave us, His own Son from above,

We’ll never grow to understand or know what to expect,

Until the Son of God returns demanding our respect,

And on that day He’ll ask us if we know the reason why,

He shed His blood for all the world so they would never die,

Because of His pure, sinless self and for His love for all,

He paid for our redemption even though we fall,

There’s nothing in return He needs, His promises are true,

Have faith in His eternal love for everyone of you.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, change, Christian Devotions and Reflection, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments Off on FLY AWAY HOME . . .

FREAKY FRIDAY FUNNY . . .

Posted on September 5, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

TODAY’S FUNNY HAS TO DO WITH A TRUE EVENT THAT HAPPENED ALMOST 61 YEARS AGO, MY POST FROM EARLIER GOT ME THINKING ABOUT THIS.

It was the perfect setting for a honeymoon. It was late in September and leaves were beginning their descent, spinning and twirling to the ground. Those that remained fastened to trees had turned brilliant oranges, crimson and rust. The skies were clear with only a few scant whispers of clouds dotting here and there. Two had become one the week before. This couple had vowed to love each other through thick and thin, sickness and health and you know all the rest of that stuff. They were coming to the end of their vacation and made a stop at her grandmother’s farm. They did this on the condition that he would take some time to hunt deer. It was the middle of the bow season in Wisconsin.

Instead of staying with Grandma, she decided to tag along on his adventure. I mean, they’d only been married a few days ago and this togetherness thing was becoming a habit. He reluctantly agreed. It was late afternoon when they arrived at a swampy area of the acreage. His intuition and nose for this sort of thing made her wonder how he could know just where those creatures were hiding. It must’ve been a man thing. When they got to the destination, she remained in the car, saying she’d rather not take a tramp in the woods. To which he replied, “Who are you calling a tramp.” And off he went in search of a big buck as she sat in the car, munching on Cheetos and candy bars. She opened a romance novel she’d started before the wedding. Oh, if things were only that easy, she thought.

After about an hour, she closed the book, scanned her watch and looked at the sky. Those wispy clouds had darkened and increased in size. She became a little concerned that her hunter man had not returned. She began to imagine him being eaten by a bear or drowning in a sea of quicksand. Her first inclination was to beep the horn. There was no response. This was a time when there were no cell phones – no pagers – so the horn seemed the most likely instrument to rouse him from the woods – if he was still able to do so.

After about ten minutes of compulsive beeping, he finally emerged from the forest. His face was red. She saw a look on it that she’d never seen before. It wasn’t anger. It was more like rage. He asked her if she was okay and she said she was worried about him. That sent him one step higher up on the rage scale. He put his gear in the trunk, slammed it down and entered the car. There was a moment of utter silence. Not a word was spoken for at least ten minutes.

“I had my eyes set on a huge buck. I had just pulled back to make the perfect shot and guess what? The horn beeped and he ran away!!!!!

“But, honey,” she said, “You made it back to the car before the storm hit.”

THIS COULD’VE BEEN THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF WHAT ACTUALLY TURNED INTO A BLESSED MARRIAGE, WHICH ALMOST DIDN’T MAKE IT THROUGH THE FIRST WEEK. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THAT WAS THE ONLY TIME SHE EVER WENT ON A HUNTING EXPEDITION.

Posted in Family, Humor, marriage | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

DEER (DEAR) HUNTING . . .

Posted on September 5, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The whitetail deer in this painting stands unsuspecting of things to come. The mating season will soon begin. You can tell because these magnificent forest dwellers are moving around much more. The poem I’ve added was written in 2017 when my husband was still an active hunter. He preferred the bow and arrow because of the challenge it presented. It wasn’t one of those fancy high-powered bows but a simple traditional object which he learned to shoot as a young boy. I really think the hunting was more of an escape into Gods creation. He would often speak of sitting or standing so still that the birds would land on his shoulder. Not sure if that’s true or not, but it makes for a good story. Eventually he would hear the crunch of hooves making their way through the acorns and he knew he would soon witness one of them. The last few years of his life, he realized that he wouldn’t be able to partake of that dream any longer. He did, however, create a great legacy of beautiful art displaying his love for this special time of year.

It’s the time of the year when folks go and hunt deer,

When they bond and have fun from the dawn of the sun.

As I sit here at home, by myself all alone,

I bask in the peace as my thoughts now increase,

Looking inward and seeing the core of my being,

Alone in my thoughts as time now allots,

There’s solace in small things – the joy that a voice brings,

The siren that wails or the screeching of wheels,

Amplified sounds grab my inner attention,

And the peace now gives way to creative invention,

In days long gone by, when youth still had a hold,

I could fill all those moments, but now I’ve grown old,

I sit quietly thinking of the things I could do,

But I never seem ready to quite follow through,

Instead I will wait with my thoughts full of him,

Thoughts tempered with silence without and within.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, grief, Nature, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

SEPTEMBER’S SONG . . .

Posted on September 4, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This painting was done on gray paper. It gives the scene a look of mystery and the unknown. Every day can be like that. If you’re one who sees a glass as half empty rather than half full, you may think that September is the end of summer rather than the beginning of a new adventure. There are still weekend road trips – strolls in a county park – visiting a sunflower field – picking apples or choosing a pumpkin at a farmer’s market. Yes, the days are getting shorter so make the most of them. Autumn is the perfect time of year because it’s happening right now. Trees are shedding their foliage. Squirrels and deer are chomping on acorns. Birds are getting ready for the great migration. There is still an abundance of beauty.

I guess when we get older, time becomes more important. We aren’t sure how much of it we have left. We try to make the most of every day and if we let it, we can easily get discouraged. It takes courage to get out of bed. You need to be brave to get dressed and get motivated. You need to muster every ounce of energy to push yourself out the door and into living. Because time is short for us, we seem to want to pack as much as we can into every day. So don’t waste a minute. Live!

Every day is a gift from God that only He can give,

He beckons us to walk with Him to look at life and live.

The glorious signs of autumn fill the air with his breath,

He’s in the wind and everywhere even unto our death.

Get out and enjoy the treasure He’s blessed you with today,

A pallet of many colors awaits you on the way.

THANK YOU, JESUS FOR ANOTHER DAY!

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, change, seasons | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

WHAT SHALL I DO TODAY?

Posted on September 3, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Do you ever wake up and wonder if today would be a repeat of yesterday and the day before? Kind of like Bill Murray in “Groundhog Day.” Our lives become so routine and structured that there doesn’t seem to be room for anything else. I have days like that. As I get older, I have more of them. We become almost mechanical in our movements, in our relationships and the tasks that lay ahead. You begin to feel like a robot. You question your value. You wonder if God still has a plan for your life. One of my favorite Psalms is 139. It proves to each of us, no matter where we are, who we are and what point it is in our journey, we have been created by God for a reason. Take a moment to read it today.

God knows you, inside and out.

He knew what you would be like before you were even born.

He knows where you are at any given moment.

You can’t hide from Him.

To Him, you are a masterpiece, not a mistake.

He watches over you with a protecting love that no one else can give.

He made sure that you would survive in a dark world,

By sending a perfect substitute to be your champion.

He can turn unspeakable deeds into workable solutions.

He fights for you.

You are His child.

He is the perfect Father.

He has already planned your future, and it will be perfect.

He won’t leave you, even when it seems like He isn’t there.

Trust in His amazing love and grace.

He will show you how valuable you are.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, depression, Encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments