WHERE CAN I GO?

Posted on April 30, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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We all have special places of refuge – a quiet sanctuary, a peaceful meadow, a glorious forest, the mountains.  It’s a place we go when the world is just too much to bear – where we can hide for a while from the pressures of living – where we know we will find solace, comfort and encouragement.

When I need a moment to think or a time to plan or a place where I feel totally free from the cares of life, I like to get down and dirty.  My place of refuge is my garden.  Pulling out the weeds and the long tendrils which suffocate the good plants, helps me eliminate some of the negative thoughts I have about what’s going on in the world.  When I feel the soft earth in my hands. it gives me a sense of God’s eternal presence.

I know He’s everywhere, but for the moment, He’s in the earth and we are becoming closer as I push away the ugliness that has been left by rotting leaves and fallen branches – revealing precious new life.  It’s as if He’s right there with His promise of redemption.

We all have a direct connection to our most powerful, life giving God.  Even though we stand in awe of Him and deserve to be judged severely for our sins, He still remains our friend, our confidante, our protector, our Savior, our vine.  When we become grafted into Him, we are assured eternal life.  He puts so much value on the plants of the earth and the birds of the air, think of how much more He cares for us.

Where ever it is that you find peace, comfort and renewal, remember that God is there in the midst of it.  A mighty fortress is our God!

Posted in Bible, christian daily devotions, Encouragement, Faith, God, hope, Inspiration, Jesus, peace, refuge, Religion, resuce, sanctuary | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on WHERE CAN I GO?

SPIRIT

Posted on April 29, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

You were there when the mountains were carved, when life exploded,

When rivers were formed and when man was created from the dust.

You fill men with courage, honor, conscience, love, peace, endurance, faith,

You danced upon the heads of the apostles as they became filled with you.

You hold the hearts of those who die defending your name,

You lift us when we feel defeated.  You energize us when we grow weary.

You inspire us, enlighten, fill us with hope through all trials,

When we wonder where God has gone – when we lose confidence in humanity –

When we  have no where else to turn – You are there.

You’re unseen, but we know you are in our midst.

Your voice comes in the stirring of the wind,

Your touch can be felt when that same wind embraces us.

Your breath inspired men of God to write down your plan for our lives.

Each word penned points to our redemption, salvation and forgiveness.

You hear our prayers.  When we open our hearts and minds to speak to you, you listen.

God of heaven, three in One – Father, Spirit and the Son,

Live within us every day – give us courage as we pray,

Though our minds don’t comprehend, still you help us understand,

The mystery of your trinity, in faith we learn to trust in thee.

KATHY BOECHER©

Posted in Bible, christian daily devotions, confidence, courage, discipleship, Encouragement, Faith, forgiveness, freedom, God, Inspiration, Jesus, redemption, Religion, Salvation, trust | Tagged , , | Comments Off on SPIRIT

LIFE

Posted on April 28, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

Has life become just another commodity with little value?

Has humanity so quickly forgotten the price that was paid for it?

Have we come full circle in our quest for peace?  History repeating itself?

Each day on this planet is as a thousand years to the One who made it.

He alone has the answers to the human condition and how to heal it.

Still we try to figure things out for ourselves.  We try, but fail.

We make the same mistakes over and over and it almost seems our lives are futile.

Instead why not turn to Him in the first place?

But we think we know better.  We abort babies, we use fists to solve problems, we pull the plug on life.

We are all guilty if we stand by and allow this to continue.

We are as one pulling the trigger and taking a life if we say nothing.

We must stop the madness that will eventually consume this great country of ours.

We could easily self-implode and our enemies are aware of that.

May God be with America in this time of our great distress and show mercy on us.

Posted in Bible, Christian daily devotion, Encouragement, God, hope, Inspiration, Jesus, prayer, Religion, trust | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

A NEW DAY

Posted on April 27, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

A new day – the start of a new week – the perfect time to start over.

Shake off the remnants of the past. Look ahead and not back.

Refresh yourself in the quiet waters of the Lord.

Join your hand in His.

Walk confidentially, always trusting in His path for your life.

He has carved out a road that leads to the perfect destination.

There will be bumps along the way, but He will always be there,

To lift you up, to hold you tight, to encourage and carry you.

Don’t give up when difficulties come your way.

Don’t despair in the negative pull of those around you.

Don’t succumb to the falsehood of the deceiver.  He will only pull you deeper down.

Look up.  Raise your voice in supplication and thanksgiving.

Delight in the gifts the Lord has prepared for you.

Live this day for Him.  With Him, all things are brand new.
KATHY BOECHER©

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A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

Posted on April 25, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

  

NEED I SAY MORE?

Posted in Bible, Christian daily devotion, confidence, Encouragement, Faith, God, hope, Humor, Jesus, Life, Religion, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

A DOG’S LIFE

Posted on April 25, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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I really do like our dog, Gage, but lately he’s been a real pain in the neck. In fact you could say he’s walking a very thin line.  He’s almost six years old and it’s taken him all this time to finally like us.  He has always been rather aloof – must be his English heritage or else he’s part cat.

He’s a Llewellyn Setter and we got him within days of losing our Golden Retriever.  He may have sensed our loss.  He also went through a time of difficulties with us as my husband endured shoulder surgery and cancer treatment.  I think he has a sixth sense about how we’re doing physically and emotionally.

Since he’s finally warmed up to us, he’s become extremely rebellious when we leave the house.  To put it mildly, we no longer need a shredder in our house.  Gage has taken care of any paper that’s been left out. He’s eaten a complete loaf of bread including the wrapper, the contents of our bag of papers needing to be shredded, a list of my cast of characters’ measurements for our upcoming production, handkerchiefs and many other assorted items.  I’m beginning to believe that comment that children always use to defend not getting their homework in on time because their dog ate it.

I believe he has an iron clad constitution with all the things he’s consumed.  It’s really a wonder he isn’t sicker than a dog!

When my children grew up and left the nest, I thought my days of disciplining, correcting, guiding and patience were coming to an end.  When you have a dog like Gage, those days just go on, but I wouldn’t trade him for anything.

Posted in daily devotions, Humor, Pets | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

ETERNITY

Posted on April 23, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

Life is but a span of years – some die young, others live to a hundred.
Even a century is nothing in the eyes of God.
His timeline is eternal.  There is no end with Him.
He is the beginning and the ending of all things,
The Alpha and Omega,
When we die, our bodies return to the dust from which it came,
But we live again if we believe in Christ’s sacrifice for us.
Everything He did, through His life, death and resurrection,
Are examples and reminders of how we should live,
How we should die and live again eternally with new bodies,
Free from sin, sickness, tears and the grip of the evil one.
Today is the first day of the rest of your life.
How will you spend it?
KATHY BOECHER©

Posted in Christian Poetry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

TIME OUT

Posted on April 23, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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A time out is one way for kids to think about their behavior and how to change it.  We used to call it standing in the corner.  It would be great if adults could have time outs too – a little time to bathe in the calmness of Jesus’ presence – to get closer to Him and further away from the stresses of everyday living.

We often find it hard to pull ourselves from the busyness of life.  We lose track of what’s really important. But it’s necessary for our emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well being.  Having quiet moments with our Savior will give you a calmness, a release from the pressure of every day living and a host of other benefits.

God loves hearing from us, even if it’s a short conversation.  Find that special time to spend with Him.  Maybe you could take a “time out” when your child is having one.  Better yet, have one together.  You’ll both have an opportunity to cool off and think about what just happened and it will bring you together.  Love needs closeness, touch and tenderness to flourish.

With both of you in a time out, you’re showing that you love your child, in spite of their behavior and you’re sharing your love of God too.  Where two or more are gathered together, He will always be there.  Using that time as an opportunity to teach is so much better than using it as an escape from their annoying behavior.

The years we have with our little ones is really quite short.  We need to use every minute to expose them to the love of God, prayer and their relationship with the Creator of all things.

Maybe its time for a time out!

Posted in Bible, christian daily devotions, christianity, discipline, Encouragement, Faith, Inspiration, Jesus, love, parenting, prayer, Religion | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

MY LORD, MY GUIDE

Posted on April 20, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

The road our Savior walked in life was simply pure perfection,

And when He died upon the cross He returned through resurrection,

His home is now at God’s right hand, together they are one,

His Holy Spirit joins with them.  The victory they have won,

Because of His great love for us, our path should liken His.

He is the prime example of just what perfection is,

We try to lead that perfect life, but stumble and we fall,

We need Him near to lift us up and answer His sweet call.

We lift our voice to Jesus.  There is no other way.

He lives in us, abides with us and in our hearts He’ll stay.

KATHY BOECHER©


Posted in Body of Christ, Christian daily devotion, Christian Poetry, discipleship, Encouragement, Faith, God, Jesus, Religion | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

SING YOUR PRAISE TO THE LORD!

Posted on April 19, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

Sing your praise to the Lord
Come on everybody
Stand up and sing one more hallelujah
Give your praise to the Lord
I can never tell you
Just how much good that it’s
Gonna do you just to

Sing anew
The song your heart learned to sing
When He first gave His life to you
The life goes on and so must the song
You gotta sing again
The song born in your soul
When you first gave your heart to Him
Sing His praises once more

Sing your praise to the Lord
Come on everybody
Stand up and sing one more hallelujah
Give your praise to the Lord
I can never tell you
Just how much good that it’s
Gonna do you just to

Sing aloud
The song that someone is dying to hear
Down in the maddening crowd
As you once were before you heard the song
You gotta let them know
Then truth is alive to shine upon the way
So maybe they can go
Sing your praises once more

Sing your praise to the Lord
Come on everybody
Stand up and sing one more hallelujah
Give your praise to the Lord
I can never tell you
Just how much good that it’s
Gonna do you just to

Let the name of the Lord be praised
Both for now and evermore
Praise him, oh, you servants
Give your

Sing your praise to the Lord
Come on everybody
Stand up and sing one more hallelujah
Give your praise to the Lord
I can never tell you
Just how much good that it’s
Gonna do you just to

Sing, sing, sing
Come on
Sing, sing, sing
I can hear you now
Sing, sing, sing

Songwriters
Richard Mullins

 

Posted in Bible, Christian devotions, Encouragement, Faith, God, hope, Inspiration, Jesus, praise, thanks | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on SING YOUR PRAISE TO THE LORD!

INTERNATIONAL JUGGLERS’ DAY

Posted on April 18, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

jugglerThere is a day designated for just about everything.  How appropriate that today is International Jugglers’ Day.  It’s only a few days after taxes are due, so we all are naturally thinking about how we can juggle things so we don’t have to pay so much next year or at least get a refund.

It got me thinking how we often feel compellled to juggle things within our lives.  Kids have to be delivered to various activities – there are deadlines to meet – schedules to adhere to – much needed quality time with spouse and children.  Our lives become so busy with juggling things to fit into them, that we often just throw up our hands in defeat, because we simply don’t know how to juggle anymore.

Maybe too much of our time is focused on the juggling and not on the living.  Things that should be giving us joy often cause stress or worry.  The little things of life are shoved under the bed until a later time and are often forgotten about completely.

When we’re confident in God’s plan for our lives, we should be willing to let Him take over.  It’s not that we shouldn’t plan or look ahead to the future, but His words to us should be a source of relief and calm in a busy, busy life.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”          Matthew 11:28-30

The weekend is the perfect time to start putting things in perspective.  Life is too short not to enjoy every little bit of it.

Posted in anxiety, Bible, christian daily devotions, Encouragement, Faith, fears, God, hope, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Religion, stress | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

INSPIRATION

Posted on April 16, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

What started as an ember which seemed to be snuffed out,

Was quickly revived by the breath of God.

He whispered His true amazing grace to those who would believe.

His Spirit fanned the dying beam and inspired it with faith.

The dwindling glow renewed once more, turned into a raging fire.

The fire spread across the globe, invading time and space.  

It wouldn’t be diminished by the protests of those who believed it didn’t exist.

Even though the evidence was right there in their faces. 

Some days it seems the light of the world has lost Its luster,

But all it takes is one simple ember, with the breath of God inspired,

To reignite the world and show the way to the truth everlasting. 

KATHY BOECHER©

Posted in Christian Poetry, DAILY CHRISTIAN DEVOTION, Encouragement, Faith, God, grace, hope, Inspiration, Jesus, redemption, Religion | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on INSPIRATION

WHO AM I TO JUDGE?

Posted on April 16, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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Sometimes in our effort to help or encourage others, we might come off as judgmental or condescending.  I’m guilty of this.  I often try to use examples in my life  for others who may be experiencing a similar problem.  Unfortunately everyone is different in how they perceive their problems – how they deal with them – and how they overcome them.  We each respond in different ways.

We really must be careful not to become a stumbling block for anyone, especially if they are just learning to depend on God’s purpose in their lives.  In trying to be of assistance, we may just be creating more difficult issues for them.

There’ss such a fine line and I think many of us, in our zeal to help or desire to encourage, might come off as uncaring and unsympathetic.  How could we possibly know what is going on in another person’s heart or mind?  We aren’t walking in their shoes.  We don’t know the deep inside pain they may be going through.  We may have had similar experiences, but we are not them.

As a compassionate person, I often find myself in a position of wanting to fix everyone’s life for them.  I don’t like seeing people hurting because of a physical ailment or an emotional issue.  Jesus told His followers to care for others and carry each other’s burdens, but only He can see what is really going on in their lives and repair the brokenness.

Lord, I know that I can’t save the world.  You are the only One capable of that and you’ve already done it.  Help me to find the right words to encourage and lift up and may my words always coincide with what you have to say.  Make me an instrument of your Word.  Amen!

Posted in Bible, christian daily devotions, compassion, Encouragement, Faith, God, hope, Inspiration, Jesus, judgment, Religion | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

MODERN DAY PHARASEES?

Posted on April 15, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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Has the modern day church become like the Pharasees of Jesus’ time?  It’s sad to think of this happening, but in most organized religions it has.  We become so wrapped up in the law of God’s Word and traditions of days gone by, that we sometimes  forget what God’s purpose is for His children.  To be healed and forgiven from the grip of sin.

When Jesus gave the Great Commission to His disciples, He didn’t tell them to be selective.  In fact He spent time with those who needed Him most.  If He had been like the teachers of His time, He would insist on following the letter of the law to a T.  There would be no prostitutes – no tax collectors – no Samaritans – no thieves, liars, politicians or sinners of any kind.  In other words, the church would be empty.

It’s easy to look at this group of religious leaders of Jesus’ time and make judgment, but we often do the same thing when we react to how people dress, how they act, sing, pray, whatever.  The body of the church is made up of sinners.  We’re all guilty of not following God’s commandments.  We’ve fallen short of what’s expected of us.  We make mistakes, we lie, we judge, we gossip, we use God’s name in the wrong way, we don’t serve others, we don’t live the life that Jesus led during His time on earth.   The first step towards redemption is knowing our need for a Savior.

Lord, I know that I am unworthy of the grace you’ve so freely given.  It’s – your love poured out for everyone who realize they need it.  Help me to remember that I have an obligation to share that wonderful news.  You loved me first, now let me pass that gift on.  Amen!

Posted in Bible, Christian devotions, church, encouragment, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Religion | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

AND THEY’RE OFF!

Posted on April 14, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

  

I don’t think there’s a person in our country that doesn’t know the 2016 presidential race is now officially underway.  The first potential female president threw her hat into the ring via a tweet and social media has exploded with the usual pros and cons and we still have a year and a half to go before a decision is made.

Mark Twain once said, “Politicians and diapers must be changed often and for the same reason.”  How true is that?  Thankfully, we are still a democratic nation and maintain the right to voice our feelings through our right to vote.  Many of our other rights are quickly becoming eroded, eliminated or outdated.

I’m not looking forward to the next 18 months of rhetoric and empty promises, but life goes on and so does politics.  Wouldn’t it be an interesting concept to give each candidate a thousand dollars to spend on campaigning and donate all the rest of the money they raise to decrease the national debt?  I wonder how many serious candidates would remain.  It might be a wise way to determine the right one for the job.

We are told in God’s Word to be gentle in our admonition to those in authority and that by so doing we should also pray for them.  As Christians we are told to pray for our government, but someone recently said we are no longer a Christian nation.  Heaven help us!!  I think I’ll take a nap for the next year and a half.

Posted in America, Bible, Christian daily devotion, courage, Elections, Encouragement, Faith, God, hope, Humor, Inspiration, Jesus, peace, Religion, trust, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on AND THEY’RE OFF!

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE

Posted on April 13, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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Mondays are great days to start over.  It’s the perfect time to  do something we ‘ve never done before.    It can be day 1 of  that new diet or the start of a new job.  Maybe you’re thinking about a totally different career or a new adventure.  Just remember it’s never too late.

Our lives can take us through many trials and tough decisions, but we are never alone.  When Christ is with you, you can accomplish things you never dreamed of doing.  You can go forward with confidence, because you know you have the King of the universe beside you.

I’m not sure I’d get on a motorcycle at my age, or climb a mountain, or jump from an airplane, but I am sure that what ever I do, I will not be doing it alone. It’s good to know that someone has your back.

Jesus assures everyone who walks this earth, that they have a place in heaven, if they just ask for forgiveness and come to Him.  It sounds too easy to most people.  We all have a natural tendency to try and do things ourselves – to plan our futures – to be confident in our planning.  The truth is we can’t add one day to our lives without Him.

Having faith and trusting that He is in control isn’t easy, but even the thief on the cross beside Jesus, was confident that He would see heaven, because of the brutally beaten, pulp of a man hanging next to him.  He was able to see beyond a dying man and see his Savior.  It wasn’t too late for him, even in those final moments of his life.  It’s not too late for anyone who puts their total faith in Him.  We will see paradise because of Him.

Posted in Bible, courage, encouagement, Faith, goals, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Religion | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Psalm 98:1

Posted on April 12, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

“O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.”

HE IS RISEN, INDEED! 

 

Posted in Bible, Christian daily devotion, cross, Encouragement, Faith, forgiveness, God, grace, hope, Inspiration, Jesus, Religion | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

BREATH OF LIFE

Posted on April 8, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

Where is the breath of life?  Who formed our very existence?  Each delicate cell, each atom, every molecule is in the hands of the one who molded.them from nothing into being.  Every geometric shape lies within the makeup of our world.  Each intricate pattern in this kaleidoscope of life was crafted by the Almighty God of creation.  Each shard fits together perfectly, like the pieces of a puzzle.  No scientist, architect or mathematician can duplicate it.  Is it not fit  then that we  give Him the glory and honor?  He is the breath of our exist.

Beautiful Savior, King of Creation!

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HE LIVES!

Posted on April 7, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

I cannot imagine life without him.  He has filled me with confidence when I had none.

He has bound my innermost wounds and caused their healing.

He makes each moment of life important even when those times are filled with worry.

He provides for all my physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

He has shown love unimaginable – compassion undeserved – redemption for all.

He is always available, always near even in the dark of night.

He won’t forsake, even though I often forsake him.

He took my place, suffering the cruelty I merited, going willingly because of his undying love.

He lives now in my heart and every breath I take.

How can I thank you. Jesus?

KATHY BOECHER©

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THANK YOU, JESUS!

Posted on April 6, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

Waves

My old body had become victim of a flu bug and I was unable to attend Good Friday services.  Instead I would have to view it on a podcast rather than in person.  It saddened me because this is such an emotional service, but God had other plans for me.

As I struggled through the weekend, with no appetite or energy and no real ability to put words on paper, I worried about how the Easter meal would come together – the baskets filled – the eggs colored – house cleaned – all those things Martha would be wrapped up in if she were a mom or grandma now.

It all went smoothly, with the help of my wonderful husband who hand painted eggs and prepared the Easter feast.  It made me realize that it wasn’t about the preparation anyway.  The work had all been done.  The real work that is.

God, the Father, made Himself known to us as He took on human flesh –  a mystery I will never understand.  He spent three years spilling out His plan for our salvation.  He suffered a brutal death, died and rose again in a perfect body and lives in heaven where He waits for all of those who call on His name.  He separated the curtain that kept us apart from God, giving us free access to Him once again.

It didn’t end there.  His Holy Spirit came to fill the hearts of those who would continue spreading His message of love to the entire world.  It lives on still, 2000 years later and I know that it will continue until the end of time.

Thank you, Father, for exhibiting your true love for your creation, by providing the perfect answer for our disobedience.  Help me now to praise you along with all the saints, and wait for the day when you finally call me home.  Amen.

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