TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL . . .

Posted on October 8, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Wars continue to wage in the Middle East, despite the many lives already spent. Gangs infest the streets of our cities, shattering young lives and enticing vulnerable children into their malicious arms. Immorality festers in each new bit of technology. Our government engages in all sorts of drama and doesn’t accomplish anything while the media thrives on it. Our children are exposed to every available evil known to man before they even have a chance to become children.

It’s like an old spiritual which states, “I wish that I could find a way, but life is just one long grey day.” Let’s admit it, this world is a mess. There is a solution. We have a whole new generation of young minds and bodies, waiting to be heard. They are the future of our country. It starts in the home, from early on. Children need to be taught to love and have compassion for others. They need to learn about courage, faith and God. By providing them with these tools, we’re giving them the future. They will have the perfect partner in live through Jesus, Christ. They will be armed with the necessary armor that defends against the arrows of this world. The power of love is so much greater than the darkness of evil. Teach your children well

God, I know that you have a plan in all of this yuck. It’s really hard to understand it, but I will trust in you to make something good out of it. Give me peace in the knowledge that you have a better place prepared for my future. Help me share that good news with those who still need to know it.

Posted in America, Family, God | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A PLACE CALLED NEVERLAND . . .

Posted on October 7, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Growing up is an amazing thing when you think about it. Our bodies mature. Our limbs stretch out. We add bulk to our tiny forms. Hair appears in all kinds of places. Our teeth come in and eventually fall out. Our senses get stronger but weaken with the years. Having had the wonderful experience of holding my newborn and only great-grandson on two separate occasions this week has given me a look at how beautiful the process of growing up becomes as we age. There is nothing we can do to stop the progression, but I’ve learned in 82 years of living to never stop playing, laughing or enjoying life. Even when you can’t find anything worth laughing about.

Some might call me cockeyed or a little crazy, but this thought process as served both my husband and me through 60 years of marriage and 8 years of knowing each other before then. We’ve been through countless difficulties during those years, but we continue to have fun even during the hardest of times. Many may think of me as not wanting to grow up or give up. When you can laugh through adversity – when you can enjoy the life God has given you – when you can turn darkness into light – I believe that is a good life. So instead of simply waiting to grow up or waiting to die, we continue to bring humor into our otherwise depressing situations. We talk in a Minnesota accent as we drive through the Scandinavian towns around us. We laugh at misspelled or inappropriate closed captioning. We brainstorm ideas for new stories. We laugh at our own shortcomings. We share life with each other in a joyful way. We press on for the prize.

The deadly “C” word has consumed much of the past fifteen years. Add to that heart issues, an aneurism on the brain and many assorted maladies. We could’ve given up a long time ago, but instead we prayed and continue to do so. This isn’t a cure-all for healing, but it gives us time with the Creator of the Universe. What a gift that is. He will hear our prayers and answer them in His time and way. Maybe not always as we pray them, but in His wisdom and according to His plan.

So, as I looked at this perfectly formed life in my arms, I hoped I might be able to show him how to do the same. There will be times when he can’t wait to grow up. He will get angry with the rules required of him. He will try to control things by himself. He will develop physically, emotionally and spiritually. God has a special future all mapped out for him, and it will be wonderful. Becoming older can be overrated, but walking through life with God only gets better each day.

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SUNFLOWER SEEDS . . .

Posted on October 6, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

The sunflower seeds have blossomed and the fields of yellow and brown, fill the land with glory and majesty for all who come to enjoy their beauty. These locations have been the perfect place for artists, photographers and those who love seeing the massive array of color. For a graduation, engagement, family or special photo op, you can’t beat these sites. When I think of sunflowers, I can’t help recalling all the paintings Vincent Van Gogh created of these showy flowers. He once said:

“What am I in the eyes of most people — a nonentity, an eccentric, or an unpleasant person — somebody who has no position in society and will never have; in short, the lowest of the low. All right, then — even if that were absolutely true, then I should one day like to show by my work what such an eccentric, such a nobody, has in his heart. That is my ambition, based less on resentment than on love in spite of everything, based more on a feeling of serenity than on passion. Though I am often in the depths of misery, there is still calmness, pure harmony and music inside me. I see paintings or drawings in the poorest cottages, in the dirtiest corners. And my mind is driven towards these things with an irresistible momentum.”

― Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent was a troubled soul. He seemed to be at his best when he was out in a field somewhere, painting real life scenes and expanses of brilliant color. He drank too much. He cared little about his physical appearance. He often spent hours upon hours painting without taking sustenance. He was prone to depression and was admitted to an asylum which brought him a certain amount of peace. Even in the hellish recesses of his heart, there dwelt an artist of great merit. If only he would’ve experienced success during his lifetime.

We all have God given abilities – talents and blessings freely created within us. Sometimes we have to look deeply inside to realize what we’re capable of. In the process of searching, we might be surprised at what we discover.

“FROM HERE TO ETERNITY,” Poetry By Kathy Boecher©

The edge of a bluff lined river – a glassy reflection glistens and bounces onto a hill.

The light touches the edges of trees and buildings in the distance, creating patterns dancing from one place to another.

The deep crevices fill with darkness.  The sky is magnificently dotted with wispy clouds interlaced with mauve, crimson and blue.

A path of towering pines shades the heat of the sun,

Looking out at the beauty of God’s perfect creation,

Breathing in the sweet, fresh air,

Hearing the sounds of rushing water and birds singing their little hearts out, fills your heart with contentment.

This little morsel of peace is just a speck in the scheme of things.

How long we’ve waited for the glory of these summer days.  They are so few and fleeting.  Soon the leaves will turn to red and gold and then fall.  Like our lives. We wither and die.

The moments of joy we experience on this planet are nothing compared to what waits for us after the winter of our dying breath.  Once again spring returns and we’re blessed with new life when we know God.

The glory never ends.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, life after death, seasons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

ATHLETES, POLITICIANS, MIMES & BOBBLE HEADS

Posted on October 5, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Having been both a student and teacher of public speaking, I’ve had to learn a lot about body language. Has anyone else noticed similar gestures, eye contact, hand movement and nodding heads on those in the public eye? When they want you to agree with them, there is a constant bobbing of the head which makes these celebrities look like those plastic images made to look like them. So much is based on a bobbing head. When we want total agreement on an issue, it requires nodding the head in a positive way. When we wish for the opposite reaction, the up and down movement goes horizontal. Hands are also an issue which drive me crazy. When we talk, we often use our hands to express ourselves. Politicians often hold their hands out to the audience and mechanically move them up and down. Instead of honesty personified, it looks more like a mime or an AI in action. In effect, all these moves, in my opinion, only show a lack of knowing how to present oneself honestly. It all looks very fake to me.

With an election so near, it’s obvious that there’s a pattern here. Someone must’ve developed it in ancient days to be more convincing to the audience. Those body language issues have become so antiquated, yet we still see them in almost every political ad out there. Not only are we forced to hear the same rhetoric over and over through a political campaign, but we must endure these same monotonous, orchestrated bits of so-called communication.

I believe honesty prevails in our effort to communicate physically, vocally and when our message is true and reliable. When everyone is using the same actions, it’s pretty hard to have confidence in any of them. So what does God have to say about it?

Proverbs 12:19 ESV – “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.”

A good actor can be very convincing and believable, but he is simply playing a part. Is this also true of politicians, athletes and people in the entertainment business. Shakespeare spoke of life as being like a play when he penned these words.

“All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances and one man in his time plays many parts. His acts being seven ages.”

So where do we stand in the scheme of things? Is life just a staged event, with everyone taking on a specific character? I know that life itself was created by God. He had an amazing vision of what it would be. He created us with skills and attributes that could contribute to His design, yet a true heart is all He wanted – one that would be honest in their relationship with Him and obedient to Him. Instead of being puppets, mimes, bobbleheads or politicians, He made us for a purpose. He has also given you the means to accomplish it. Find yours today.

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DEM BONES DISEASE

Posted on October 4, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

My topic for discussion this week has been aging. Not because I’m particularly fond of the subject. It seems there’s a whole lot of people in my age group. I recently heard that the fastest growing group in America today is 100 years or more of age. I can’t imagine living another 20 some years, but it looks like I might. There’s a Book in the Bible that refers to the aging process among other things.

Proverbs 14:30 ESV – “A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

Most of us are not crazy about the things that go along with aging – like loss of body mass – hearing, senses of smell taste or touch or sight – skin that has lost its elasticity – hair falling out – teeth being replaced. I could go on, but I prefer to look at every part of life with hope and this whole thing is starting to depress me. When we worry about all that stuff, we soon become cranky, tired, complaining or we may even give up. There comes a point when we even wonder why we’re hanging around so long. Trust me on this, there is a reason. God has already determined what will happen as we go through this life. He knows the mistakes we’ll make or have made. He knows our shortcomings and our strengths. He uses all of those things to give our lives purpose. Thinking about our ailments isn’t going to make them better. There are medical advances which far surpass what was going a hundred years ago, so life can be lengthened. But there is still no cure for death.

How we approach that day can only be determined by the One who created life in the first place. God’s plan is for life after death for those who put their faith in Him and all that He’s done to enrich their lives. He’s also there to answer our prayers. Whatever they may be, He will answer – when He determines it’s the right time.

Our bones, along with everything else about us, are going to decay. They will eventually crush and turn to ash. Sounds promising, eh? Actually, our hearts – our life source – along with our Creator – will determine when our time on earth will end. He has promised new life, restored bodies, no disease, pain or tears.

LORD, I need you every minute of every day. Help me to trust in your perfect plan for my life. If it’s your will that I live a long life, help me to share the news of your mercy and grace. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!

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FALLING DOWN DISEASE

Posted on October 3, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

This week, my posts have been filled with maladies usually associated with the elderly. Since I’m one of those elderly folks, I have a lot of experience in this area. I must say, though I’ve endured 82 years, I’ve been able to avoid falling off a roof or a tall ladder. Most of my tumbles are related to short distances. This past week, as I got out of bed at 2 AM, my foot got tangled in an electrical cord, I lost my balance and hit a table on the way down. To spare all the details, the results caused me to make a trip to urgent care for x-ray. The ordeal consumed five hours of time but revealed only a small fracture in my foot. My side, however, looks like a weird tattoo of black and blue. It looks much worse than it is.

As I get older, I realize how limited I am. If there’s something to reach from the floor, I have to think of as many tasks to get done while I’m down there, since it’s so difficult to get up again. The aging process makes it even harder.  As difficult as it seems, we need help and that’s like admitting we’re getting old.  Who wants to do that? Falling down is not limited to the elderly. Even -the physically fit can take a tumble from time to time. Little ones, just learning to walk, also have a problem maintaining balance.

When we fall spiritually, we can’t seem to drag ourselves out of the pit on our own either.  We need someone to physically lift us out of the dung of our sin and put us back on track.  We need help getting up.  Life is full of obstacles and difficulties. We try with all our might to get up, only to feel like we’re in a pond of quicksand, pulling us further down the more we struggle.  Unfortunately, we’re proud and don’t want help.  We believe we can handle the tough things alone. When we turn to God at times like that, we’re placing ourselves in the best hands possible.  He’ll not only pull us up but guide us through whatever problem we face – even when we don’t agree with His choice for us.

So today I’ll try to remember that God has my back and guards my every footstep.  If I happen to fall, I know He’s there to catch me.

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

Posted in Uncategorized | 12 Comments

AGING EAR DISEASE – OR SELECTIVE HEARING

Posted on October 2, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

All kinds of diseases beseech us as we grow old. One that has caused me a lot of problems lately has to do with hearing loss. As Maxine says, “I’m not hard of hearing. I’ve just heard enough.” This loss has made it difficult to watch TV without captions. The captions, however, are often wrong. They can create some humorous dialogue if you watch closely. For example, on the local news, they were commenting on someone who had been fired even after being on the job for over 6 years. The caption read, “after being on the John for over 6 years.” No wonder they got fired.

Captions aren’t the only problem. I’ve tried reading lips and that works sometimes, but when the person you’re talking to has a beard and moustache, you can’t always see their lips. When that same person is your spouse and he’s the same age as you, their ability to speak has weakened making it even harder to hear them, it can lead to major communication problems. Those problems can lead to misinterpretation and wrong thinking. I’ve thought about hearing aids, but those of my friends who own them claim they aren’t a cure all and they don’t always work. So, I live with my hearing loss and make up some interesting dialogue of my own.

Hearing is one of the most important parts of human conversation and communication. If we don’t listen, can’t listen, or won’t listen, we’re losing out on half of the discussion. When you add white noise to the mix you come up with various sounds on different frequencies that lead to total confusion. So how do we get rid of this troublesome disease? Of course there are medical reasons for hearing loss. For example, I was told by one doctor that working with young children for so long could have caused it, because of the higher frequency of their little voices. Sometimes it can be caused by fluid on the inner ear or other extenuating circumstances. There are ways of treating this malady, but the art of listening requires more than a physician.

The Bible speaks about this subject in various situations.

  • Proverbs 4:20-21 ESV “My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart.”
  • Proverbs 28:9 ESV “If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
  • Matthew 11:15 ESV “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
  • Romans 10:17 ESV “ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

There are many references to the ears in the Bible. When we have no problem hearing, there’s no excuse for not listening. When we refuse to listen, it’s called selective hearing. When we don’t open our ears, we become victims of misunderstanding and other problems. The beauty of the gift of clearly hearing will open the door to building our faith. Hearing the Word of God is the beginning of understanding. It will unhitch the gate of communication and problem solving. When you’ve lost the ability to hear, do whatever is necessary to rectify the problem. However, some things are definitely better unsaid.

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FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE . . .

Posted on October 1, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Yesterday, my post was about plank in the eye disease. I’ve decided to continue this trend until the end of this week. There are many diseases floating around our world. Many are caused by bacteria or some kind of infection which travels from person to person. There are those caused through a physical gene passed from one generation to the next. Diseases can occur when the environment is filled with pollutants. We can pick them up just about anywhere. We learned the importance of washing hands and keeping our surroundings free from germs during the pandemic, but now that it seems to be under control and what have we learned?

Many diseases have a cure. Many are terminal. Many are endured and many cause great suffering. The disease caused by sin is all those things. When we sin against God, He is very clear about the results. When we sin against our fellow man, we’re creating a disease that spreads like wildfire. Foot in Mouth disease is referred to in the book of James, the stepbrother of Jesus, in the New Testament.

James 1:26 says, “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”

Someone once said, “Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time. You won’t have a leg to stand on.”  There are many times I’ve found myself saying things I don’t mean or using words that hurt without even realizing it. We are responsible for the power of our own words and often don’t think before we speak.  We also say things without realizing that our words have consequences.  My tongue doesn’t always follow the directions of my brain and seems to take on a life of its own. Life would be so much easier if we had a script to follow -wouldn’t it.

Words can slant our thinking. Words can destroy a person’s good name.  Words can cut deeper than a knife and alter the way others think about themselves and how they relate to the rest of the world.  Lies and slander don’t seem to carry the same weight that they used too.  In a world of no holds barred, and instant gratification, little thought is given to the effect our words can have.

Life is too short to go about having to apologize constantly for what we say.  If we don’t have something constructive to say, we should put a foot in our mouth simply to keep us quiet. What an interesting concept.  I wonder how many of us would be walking on one foot.

Dear Lord, I am sinful. My words are not always the right ones. When I’m tempted to say or think things that would hurt another person, remind me that I cannot even speak without your guidance. Still, you give me that freedom.  Help me to use my words to comfort, encourage and inspire others.  When we’re cut deeply by words, grant me the grace to forgive.  Allow me to put the best construction on all things. Teach me control what comes from my mouth. May my written words be used as my voice to glorify you alone.  Amen!

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ALL WE CAN DO IS PRAY . . .

Posted on September 30, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

When it seems that there is no answer, when we come to the end of our rope, when all else fails, we often turn to prayer. Wouldn’t life go so much easier if we simply did that in the first place

Why is it when we come in prayer
We just don’t have the words to share?
The struggles still continue on,
Our hopes diminish and are gone.

We lift our voices, but we fear
That God’s too far away to hear.
We grow impatient and cannot wait
We think our problems aren’t that great.

Our ego soon gets in the way.
We think that we don’t have to pray,
But God knows all our needs and cares;
He wants to hear our inmost prayers.

He sends His spirit to our side,
To speak in words we cannot hide.
He goes to God to intercede,
In royal language does He plead.

So, take your troubles to the Lord.
Don’t worry over the right word.
He loves to hear from you each day.
Don’t feel inadequate – just pray!

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, prayer, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

PLANK IN EYE DISEASE

Posted on September 30, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

When you get even the smallest speck of dust or pollen in your eye it can cause a ton of discomfort. In Matthew 7:3-5, Jesus says, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

God does not measure our sin. Sin is sin, no matter how great or small.  We’re all guilty and have fallen short of His expectations. It’s all the same to Him, but I have the promise that I am forgiven no matter how bad I’ve been in the past. That doesn’t mean I have a free pass to continue sinning. God expects us to be obedient and stay away from things that draw us back into temptation, but even that requires us to depend on Him.  He has a much greater plan for our lives here on earth. All we need to do is stay nourished by His Word, walk in His ways and follow Him.

Being a Christian does not guarantee that I will be sinless, but  I’ve been freed from the bondage of sin – my sins are forgiven – the gift comes with no cost on my part – there are no strings attached – I am guaranteed a place in heaven after my death.  All the good deeds and prayers will not make any of that happen.  It’s all about God and His love for me.

Dear God, as I walk through my life today, let me turn my thoughts to you. When I am troubled by what others do, help me to remember my own sin and ask again for your forgiveness, knowing that you will generously give it to me again and again. Amen!

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NEW LIFE . . .

Posted on September 28, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

Pushing through the smallest spaces, reaching to the sky above,

Drenched in sunshine and in splendor, nurtured by God’s own pure love,

As blood flows through each dark vein, bringing life within and out,

Tender leaves declare His name, of that truth there is no doubt,

Suddenly a bud appears, blooming with a beauty glorious,

In that flower God proclaims, He gives hope and life victorious,

Spring is just around the corner, new life soon will rise again,

When we think of God’s compassion, loving us in spite of sin,

For the gift of His salvation, lifts us from the pit of hell,

Cleansing us from our transgressions, heaven waits and all is well.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Inspiration, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

LOOK TO THE SKY

Posted on September 27, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

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

Elephants or angels fly – on canvas without measure,

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

But when the clouds dispel their grief, the tears cleanse every page.

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

We find release in tears we shed, 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 a sparrow safe – He’ll give us His best prize.

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GOD AT OUR CENTER . . .

Posted on September 26, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

We’ve traveled many miles along this thing that we call life,

At first two friends we came to be, and then a man and wife,

We’ve had our share of ups and downs and sometimes insides out,

We’ve argued and made up again so often I can’t count.

We entered into marriage thinking we could conquer all,

We never gave a second thought that we might sometimes fall,

Our hearts were filled with hope and love. God was at the center,

He led us through the best of times, He was the perfect mentor.

As we approach our final years, I’m sure of just one thing,

That God is in the midst of us, He’s caused our hearts to sing,

And even when our souls were crushed, when trouble entered in,

We knew He was surrounding us, we knew with Him we’d win.

The world continues to battle as wars are fiercely fought,

It seems like Satan is winning, his snares invade our thought,

But God has won the victory and sin has lost its hold,

We’ll die with that one conviction; His love has made us bold.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, love, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

WAITING . . .

Posted on September 25, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

My life so far has been a great opportunity for me to grow closer to God. I consider it my time of grace. God has been patient with me. He knew before I did that I would have moments of doubt, times of worry and fear, feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. He waited.

He knew that I needed to figure things out, but He didn’t rush me or force me into formulating what I believe, He knew the mistakes I made, the foolish choices, the worldly ideas that started to infiltrate my mind and still He waited.

Sometimes, in our zeal to bring others to faith, we push too hard. We let our own thoughts overpower the work that God has no problem doing. What we should do is plant the seed and allow God to nurture it and bring in the harvest. We need to be patient and wait for results, just like He is with us. He waits.

One of the best things we can do while living is to trust that God has already laid out a plan for us. With Him beside us, we can make a difference. We may never see the results in our lifetime, but the impression we make while living will go on through future generations. The things we do to glorify Him, how we treat others, our encouragement, words and actions will not go unnoticed. The waiting will be over as we enter His kingdom, where He waits with open arms.

Encouragement Is like oxygen. By giving it we are allowing others to breathe.

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BE THE WEEBLE . . .

Posted on September 24, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

The Weeble was invented in 1971 by toy company, Hasbro. They are a variety of children’s roly-poly toys. They’re still available on the market under the Playskool brand. These egg-shaped toys are weighted at the center of the bottom, allowing the toy to tip, but bounce back to the upright position. It entertained children for a while, but they soon became frustrated when the toy refused to stay down. Maybe that toy had some influence on their work ethic in the years to come.  It showed them that no matter how many bumps or bruises we take in life, we can always get up and start all over again.

After a while though we often get more than frustrated when the punches keep coming.  We feel sort of like a punching bag that has seen better days.  Our exterior is wearing out.  Our insides are weakening.  Eventually all the air comes out of us, and we’re flattened.  All that punching is bound to have an effect on us. Blow after blow changes us.  We can become sarcastic, uncaring, hard skinned, victimized – or we can bounce back up and start all over again.  A strong person will live this way.  Being a Christian creates a protective shell allowing us to bounce back.  This isn’t to say becoming a Christian protects us from the perils of life. We’re capable of muddling through life a lot better.

This life is temporary.  There will be struggles.  Even if you possess great wealth there will be problems.  I believe that God allows those issues into our lives to draw us closer to Him – to convince us that He’s in control of everything – to refine us into the perfect life which lays ahead.

“You can’t change how people treat you or what they say about you. All you can do is change how you react to it.”
— Mahatma Gandhi

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SURPRISE!

Posted on September 23, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Yesterday we were invited to attend a baby shower as a family. The new arrival is expected at any time. Anticipation for this event had been highlighted by a quick visit from our South Carolina and Illinois family. Little did we know, the shower turned into a surprise sixtieth anniversary celebration for Paul and me. We entered the event center and were greeted by friends from churches we’ve attended, the art and theatre communities and family. How they kept this secret was amazing. We were even more surprised when my only sibling came to hug us, all the way from Nashville.

Sixty years ago, we were getting ready to pledge our lives to each other. Yesterday, we got a chance to look back at those years and thank God for each wonderful person who has touched them, a family that loves each other to the moon and back and a lifetime filled with love, laughter, tears and struggles. So much has happened during those years and will carry on through the years to come through the next generations.

Thanks to each one who was there to celebrate with us. Thanks to all who participated in the planning and keeping a secret. Thanks to God, the thread that binds us all together. As we danced (sitting down) to our song, “Misty,” as tears fell. Happy tears. Reminders of all we’ve shared and will continue to share in eternity.

Posted in aging, ENDURING LOVE, Family | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

IT’S NOT COMPLICATED

Posted on September 22, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The simplicity of the Gospel often boggles the mind. We are expected to believe something extraordinary – inconceivable – impossible. We delude ourselves into thinking there has to be more to it than just a childlike faith, but the truth is that God in His infinite wisdom laid out His plan for humanity so many years ago – simply.

We were created by Him – we need His divine intervention because of our inherited sin. He loves us so much that He came to us in human flesh to teach, admonish and die for us. He rose from death showing His power over it. He returned to heaven to prepare a perfect place for us to spend eternity with Him.

Too simple, some might say. Isn’t there something we should be doing to speed up the process – to help God along with the work that needs to be done – to work our way into heaven? It’s not about us. It’s about the omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent Creator of heaven and earth. When human reason gets in the way it gets complicated. All we need do is believe that He has our best interests at heart. He loves us with a love that is beyond comprehension. He designed us perfectly.  Because of man’s desire to be equal with God, reason got in the way of that perfection and that ended paradise as it was intended to be.

Because of God’s perfect plan for humanity, all we need do is believe. When that happens, God helps us to lead lives that honor Him. He loves us without condition. He laid down His life for us. He’s waiting to meet us in person in heaven. Very simple – not complicated.

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THE FAMILY BOND . . .

Posted on September 21, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

When I think of family, I think of happy times, anxious moments, days of stress and sometimes even anguish. Still there were times of hope and being sure that we were all tightly woven into a patchwork of threads that don’t break -that keep getting stronger and fuller with time.  I think of sharing the same spoon, toothpaste, clothes, jokes, memories and a greater part of our growing up years together.

We started out as two from different backgrounds some 60 years ago.  Then three unique individuals were added to the mix – each with their own special personalities – each a branch growing from the same root.  Our family tree has always been deeply rooted in the solid foundation of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As with any family there are the idiosyncrasies, individual paths and new challenges that make us who we are.  With each new direction we take, being grounded in the same faith, we know that we’ll have a joyous reunion one day in heaven.

You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family, so make the most of the one you have and enjoy every moment – even the difficult ones.  Family isn’t only blood, it’s the best support group you may ever have.

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THE WEEK IN REVIEW . . .

Posted on September 20, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Looking back and looking forward both bring challenges and joy. My problem is that I often lose sight of the highlights of the past week and the good things that lay ahead. Many times, we get lost in the mundane issues of living and we lose sight of those events that brought a glimmer of hope, a laugh, a beautiful landscape, the sound of birds singing, the smells of apple pie and pumpkin spice. All the positive things we encounter each and every day, get swallowed up by the daily news and the cacophony of the world outside our front door.

This past week for me was filled with a conglomeration of tears, hysterical laughter, good friends, family, wonder about the future and if I would survive another day. These can become all-consuming if we let them weigh us down. The next week is full of excitement. We have a new baby coming into the family. We’re going to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary. We’re expecting a visit from our S. Carolina family. It looks like an amazing week ahead. There are days when nothing happens, but weeks that can be full to the brim with excitement and wonder.

It’s all in how we look at things. If we worry and fret about the small things, how will we handle the big stuff that often gets in our way? We can stew about what might be or we can enjoy the moment. I prefer the second option, but that doesn’t happen every day. So how do we look forward instead of retreating into the past and the mistakes that we’ve made? The Bible has an answer to that.

1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? The Bible should be our first point of reference in every aspect of our living. In good times and bad, God is there for us. He never leaves us. Through Him we can gain confidence that every day is worthwhile. Being positive about the future is partially the result of the past. Knowing that we have the Creator of all things at our side, takes the pressure away. He does this because of His unconditional love and care for us.

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UNCONDITIONAL LOVE . . .

Posted on September 19, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

When you consider having a family, be prepared for tons of frustrations –  giving up the things you enjoy doing for yourself – keeping one eye opened while you sleep – never getting the laundry done – a sink full of dishes  -maintaining your sanity – not having enough time or money for things you used to take for granted – not having the energy to do those things. Have I convinced you not to have children?

Consider this:  you’ll be raising this helpless individual in a world full of anger, hatred, hopelessness and despair.  Chances are that child will not make it into college unless they are prepared to spend a lifetime paying back their student loans.  Of course, maybe by then the government will be footing the bill.  By that time, society will have degenerated so much that families will be a thing of the past.  Are you convinced yet?

Actually, parenting is a learn as you go process.  No manual will tell you about the feelings you’re experiencing as you mop vomit off the floor or hold a child with a fever.  No one lets you know that your trips to the grocery store will now include more convenience meals and feeling guilty about that.  You will soon learn that your tears come more often and you’re on an emotional roller coaster most of your waking hours.  All the parenting magazines neglect to say how your child will immediately act up, the minute you sit down.  You have to discover on your own that your life is no longer your own. If this sounds like a picnic, don’t forget to expect rain. I am not a pessimist, but I have some experience in the art of parenting. I would never have been chosen as mother of the year, but I do know that kids are a gift from God. They are on loan to us for a lifetime. You will love them even when they aren’t loveable. You will be proud even when they fail. You will lay your life on the line for them, because they are part of you. Having a child is a blessing, even when they’re driving you crazy.

With all that being said, I can highly recommend having a family.  It is one of the most rewarding, challenging, educational, foolish things you will ever do.  By the way, my parents did move a lot when I was young, but I always found them!

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