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

matthew-2313_5137_1600x1200

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

pharisee1

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

nevertoolate

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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He is risen!

Posted on April 5, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

The tomb was empty.  All that remained was the shroud that covered him.  He had conquered death. Just as he said he would and now he was about to change the world.

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IN CHRIST ALONE

Posted on April 4, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied –
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine –
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,

Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.

Stuart Townend, Keith Getty

As his lifeless body lay in the grave, he had already conquered death and the devil.

Posted in Bible, Christian daily devotion, christianity, confidence, cross, Easter, Encouragement, eternal life, Faith, forgiveness, God, Holy Week, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Jesus, Lamb of God, Passion Week, Salvation | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

HE SUFFERED AND WAS BURIED

Posted on April 3, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

Good-Friday-Images1

In remembering my little babe’s hands, I recall ten tiny fingers on smooth dimpled hands.  These little fingers would grasp tightly to mine and in an instant he took hold of my heart.

Each day, as he grew, those hands became bruised and scuffed as he played with the other children.  As he learned his step-dad’s occupation they became calloused and blistered, but he seemed to enjoy the feel of the wood and being able to form it into something.

Later I would see those same hands touch others and heal them of all kinds of ailments and maladies.  He turned water into wine, calmed an angry sea, wash his followers’ feet.

He was my son, but he now had to suffer at the hands of his enemies.  I cringed as the cat- of-nine tails slashed the skin from his back, exposing muscle and tendons.   My heart ached as they pierced those sweet hands with the iron spikes.  I can’t express my feelings seeing his arms extended and hands reaching out as far as they could.  As the blood fell and gnats and flies surrounded him, my heart could think of nothing but the unrighteous death he had to suffer to take away the sin of the world.  He no longer belonged to me alone.

He died.  His pain was over, but my heart had been pierced right along with him.

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HE BELONGS TO THE AGES

Posted on April 1, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

Jesus-My-friend

He knew his time was drawing near. His little band of men and a handful of followers went back to Bethany to spend one more day with his friends.  It seemed appropriate.  He had spent many happy hours in their home.  When we’re troubled, we often find strength being with those we love.

Martha busied herself with preparations for his return – Lazarus, having tasted death only a few days before, couldn’t wait to hear more about heaven – their sister Mary longed for more words from her rabbi.

My heart grew heavier as each day passed.  The prophesies about him were being fulfilled one by one and I was beginning to realize what would be next.  My dear boy would be placed on public display.  He would be subjected to ridicule and mockery.  He would eventually carry the burden of every man, woman and child that ever lived, died or would come to be.  I knew his shoulders were broad and he could endure it, but to me he was still my child.

I remembered the words of Isaiah,

“He was despised and rejected by mankind,
    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.”

The words kept turning over in my brain.  Every event leading up to this week seemed like the end of another chapter, yet the beginning of a new story.  From the very beginning, I knew that God’s will was being accomplished through Jesus, but here was flesh of my flesh fulfilling each and every one of the things ever written about him.

I knew then that he was no longer just my boy.  He belonged to the ages.

Posted in Bible, christian daily devotions, enouragement, eternity, Faith, forgiveness, God, hope, Inspiration, Jesus, Passion Week, peace, redemption, Religion, Salvation | Tagged , , | Comments Off on HE BELONGS TO THE AGES

OUT OF THE DARKNESS

Posted on March 31, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

(Originally posted 12-31-14)

Through the cobwebs of existence – through the darkness of our strife –

Through the dankness of our sinfulness, through the wickedness of life

Through the deepest, darkest pits of hell and the helplessness we feel –

Comes a single beam of light from heaven to sinful hearts to heal.

The light grows stronger as we move to get a closer glance,

but as we reach to touch it, we’re enveloped in a trance.

It’s just within our reach we think, but no matter how we try,

We can’t escape the darkness that consumes us from all sides.

Just when we think that all is lost and relinquish every hope,

The light erases darkness and through it we can cope.

This little light from Bethlehem became a brilliant star

that came to earth to save the world from sin’s most deadly scar.

He came in darkness of the night, but His brilliance cannot hide.

We are redeemed by His great might.  He always will abide.

KATHY BOECHER©

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DO  NOT BE AFRAID

Posted on March 30, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

Out of the depths of my transgression, my heart screams for relief.

I grumble – I complain – I even blame God for my shortcomings.

How dare I challenge the Creator of heaven and earth?

Who do I think I am that I can question the One who molded me in my mother’s body?

I am but a worm – an insignificant gnat who persists and bothers.

In my distress a quiet voice reaches my ears.  It tells me not to be afraid.

The voice is comforting and for a moment I let myself be soothed by its gentle caress.

Again I stumble.  My feet cannot follow all the regulations for my life.

My hands feel useless.  My heart is empty.  I lose hope.

Again He whispers, “Do not be afraid.”

It is like the spinning of a revolving door – in and out of belief – around and around,

Spinning, falling, helplessly, hopelessly.  From the darkest part of my existence

He lifts me and carries me to safety.  I rest in His strong arms.  He is the Light of the world – my Savior! 

KATHY BOECHER©

Posted in Bible, Christian Devotions and Reflection, Christian Poetry, cross, Encouragement, Faith, fogiveness, God, hope, Inspiration, Jesus, Religion | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

MISSION TO SAVE

Posted on March 30, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

jesus_temple

It was the start of a week filled with emotional highs and lows.  On Sunday, I watched with the crowds as he entered the city on a donkey and was received with shouts off Hosanna.  There were those who had come because they’d heard about all the miraculous things he accomplished – even the raising of the dead.

There were those with ailments they wanted healed – those who were curious about him – those who thought he was gaining too much popularity and wouldn’t tolerate it – those who followed him – those who thought he was a king would deliver them from their enemies.  Each one had their own agenda.  Each was thinking of their own needs, but he was on a mission to save them all.

When he came to the temple on Monday, he was disgusted at the sight of the many vendors in the area.  Each of them there with hopes of making a profit – including the priests who made a percentage of the spoils.  The entire city was a place of loud activity, buying and selling of animal sacrifices and those who exchanged foreign coins.  It no longer remained the quiet place of prayer and contemplation.  It was now a den of thieves, as my son referred to it.

It was a side of him I hadn’t witnessed before.  He became enraged.  His words again showed authority. His anger was righteous.  He was not about to have his Father’s house abused in such a way.  As his eyes revealed his inner anger, I realized that this was part of his mission.  He displayed God’s own anger with a corrupt world and at the same time he showed compassion for those who would soon accuse and kill him.

There was no turning back.

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PRINCE OF PEACE

Posted on March 28, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

price-of-peace

It was shortly after Lazarus had been brought back to life.   His sister, Mary, lovingly anointed Jesus with oil.    The aroma of expensive nard filled the room.   I wondered why Mary was bestowing this honor on my boy.  The use of such oil was reserved for those deserving special honor.  It was also used for burial.

There was one in the room who thought it a complete waste.   Judas was the disciple who took care of the finances for the group, so it was like him to be thinking that way.  He said the oil should be sold for money to give to the poor.  Somehow I had the feeling that his concern wasn’t for the poor.  There was something about Judas that didn’t sit right with me.

The old prophesies started to fill my mind.  The prophet Zechariah had spoken about the Messiah coming from the Mount of Olives.  He spoke of him riding into Jerusalem on a lowly beast of burden – a donkey.  This wasn’t the warhorse you’d expect a great king to ride, but the Messiah wasn’t a warrior.  He would called the Prince of Peace.  I couldn’t help remembering stories of King David and his entry into the holy city.  He danced through the streets in triumph as crowds cheered.  Would my boy be welcomed in such a way?

It was the day before we were to go to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration.  He sent two of his followers out in search of the foal of a donkey, which he would use to ride into the city.

The scent of the aromatic oil filled the air.  I was starting to understand what was about to come.  My heart grew heavy, but I knew that it had to be this way.

The journey was now well underway.

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GOD AND MAN

Posted on March 27, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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He spoke about the destruction of the temple and we all thought he was talking about the building in Jerusalem.  He talked of things beyond our human comprehension.  He quoted scripture as if he had authored the words.  His advice for living was new to most – love your enemies – do good to those who hate you. He seemed an ordinary man with extraordinary powers, but I knew in my heart that he was much more.

All the memories of that day when I was first approached by the angel of the Lord came flooding back into my mind.  “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

I didn’t understand at the time.  I had never been with a man, but I was chosen by God to be the vessel for His son – the promised Messiah.  It had to be this way so that God could  take on human flesh, become just like us only without sin and be the perfect sacrifice to take away the sin of the world.

The pieces were beginning to fall into place.  As he taught from the Mount of Olives – the final resting place for so many of our people – the power of his words were taking hold of  many hearts.  His love for them was apparent.  It was the love of God emanating from his voice.  It was God’s voice.  I now realized that the name Immanuel truly did mean, God with us.

Soon he would begin his final journey to the holy city of Jerusalem.  It was the time of the Passover.  The lamb of God was about to be led to the slaughter.  My heart cried within me.

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He was so much more

Posted on March 24, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

He walked among the people, He told them of God’s love.
He came to walk within our shoes, from heaven up above.
His words were new to those He taught, He spoke of love unknown,
How every single sacrifice would not for sin atone.
He took the load of sin upon His bloodied back 
He suffered for the likes of me, to get me back on track.
It was the only way salvation I could win.
He is the Lamb of God who took away all sin.
So come to Him today.  Accept the gift He gives.
Approach His throne of glory.  He died, but now He lives.
KATHY BOECHER©

Posted in Bible, Christian daily devotion, Christian Poetry, cross, Encouragement, eternal life, Faith, forgiveness, God, grace, Heaven, hope, Jesus, joy, Lamb of God, Lent, Life, Messiah, sin | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on He was so much more