SURPRISE!

Posted on November 19, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

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Have you ever been totally surprised by something? You might be delighted, terrified, special, overcome, or even unworthy of such attention.  Surprises can be fun when they’re encased in a special box – when they come from far across the country – when they are least expected.  They can also hold us in suspense, give us bad news or even set our hearts racing.

Imagine what it would be like to be a young girl living in the Middle East.  Your marriage has been arranged by your family.  Plans are being made for your wedding.  Things are going along fine when suddenly you are greeted by a bright light and an angel.  It’s amazing and frightening at the same time.

Then the angel hits you square in the nose with this news!  “You will conceive and bear a Son!”  Needless to say she was overcome.  She wanted to know how it could happen, since she had never been intimate with a man.

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How will you explain this to your friends and how will your family feel being submitted to such shame?   If I were in her sandals,  I wouldn’t be nearly so willing to go along with this.

I can’t imagine what was going through this young girl’s mind when she was told that she would go through a pregnancy in such a way.  The humiliation alone would be enough for most to not want anything to do with it – but Mary accepted God’s will for her – not because she was better than anyone else, but because of her faith.

God grant me a faith like Mary and all those you have chosen to carry out your mission.  I know there are times when I resist what your will is for me.  Please look on me with mercy and  give me the strength to always follow your path for my life.  Amen!

 

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Minnesota White

Posted on November 18, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

The sky blankets us with a grey mask of clouds. The thermostat may not reach 20 today. Crystal shards line the street where a plow left its remains. The hardened, pressed snow crunches beneath your feet and your shoes collect a white coating of salt. You refuse to don your boots. You stubbornly resist getting that extra warm jacket out of the closet.

It’s November in Minnesota. We aren’t ready for this. We know we have no choice, but to accept our destiny. We reluctantly wait for just one more above freezing day to decorate the house with lights. Maybe next year – maybe in time to take them in again – maybe I’ll just forget it, AGAIN!⛄️❄️

Posted in Inspiration, Life, Nature, poetry/prose, snow, Uncategorized, Winter | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

IN EVERYTHING, GIVE THANKS!

Posted on November 18, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

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Americans will soon sit down to a sumptuous dinner and feast on foods served only on special occasions.  As we fill our tummies with goodies, let’s try to focus on those who don’t have such bounty.

Maybe you are faced with an empty table – there is no extra money for special treats – the cupboard is bare.  You may have been outcast or don’t fit in.  You might be a victim of abuse  and every dinner table is another opportunity for vile words to be vaulted in your direction.  You may be wondering if you will have a job tomorrow – if your spouse will ever return – if you’ll ever see your children again.  You might have just received news that you have a terminal disease.

God tells us to be so in all circumstances.  He expects and deserves our thanks.  God’s love for us is more than abundant.  You cannot measure it – you can’t always see it – it is beyond human comprehension.

Here are a few examples of His love:

  • He created us in His image.
  • He doesn’t make junk.
  • He loves us as a perfect Father.
  • He provides for all our physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
  • He helps us through every problem in life.
  • He loves us even though we don’t always return His love.
  • He provided an end to our sinful condition.
  • He sent His own flesh and blood to take our place and carry the burden of our sin to the cross.
  • He is always available to hear our prayers.
  • He overcame death – as will we when we join Him in eternity.

As we prepare for this special day, share this good news with just one person.  By doing so, we are thanking Him for all He has done for us.

Posted in America, Bible, Christian devotion, christianity, Encouragement, eternity, Faith, Family, goals, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Jesus, parenting, reflections, Religion, thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Ready

Posted on November 17, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

The time is drawing near. Our battle soon is done.
Our world no longer here, but with God’s only Son.
So let us now prepare for pastures green and calm.
Lift up our hearts in cheer and hold us in your palm..

No more will sting of death, engulf my mind with fear.
He’s given me new breath and blotted every tear.
Today I thank you, Lord, for all that you have done.
Let me now share your Word, but with each and everyone.

Kathy Boecher©

Posted in aging, Christian devotion, christianity, Encouragement, Faith, goals, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Jesus, Optimism, parenting, Poetry, reflections, Religion | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

GIVE THANKS!

Posted on November 16, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

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Most Americans celebrate Thanksgiving in eleven days, but we’ll do so today.  Being Wisconsin natives, we have done so for the past fifty years.  In that state, the week of Thanksgiving is devoted to hunting – not turkeys, but the infamous white tail.  Both my husband and son have made it a tradition to travel over the meadow and through the woods to a little shack where several other bearded men gather to spend a week of fellowship together.  Occasionally they bag a deer, but they get together more for the time together.

At our house, we enjoy the week before to have our traditional Thanksgiving dinner.  I guess it doesn’t really matter what day it is, since every day should be a day of gratitude for us as Christians.  Each day is a gift from God and another opportunity for us to praise Him for all His benefits.  His gifts to us are enormous.

Today, after church, I will make the dressing, stuff the turkey, prepare foods reserved for special occasions and enjoy the company of family.  Getting together over a huge meal is something we’ve always enjoyed as a family, so it will be difficult not to share it with our oldest daughter and her family who recently moved out of state.  We will be joined by some new friends though, so the table will still be full.

Thank you, Lord for giving us this time of grace to spend with friends and family.  We are so grateful for all your blessings.  Be with us all as a family as we embark on new adventures like the pilgrims did so many years ago.  Continue to look over us with your loving eyes and grant us your peace.  Amen!

Posted in Christian devotion, christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, reflections, Religion, thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Posted on November 15, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

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There are moments when my confidence wanes – when fear gets in the way of the things that need to be said or done – when trepidation steps on my backbone – when My tongue gets tied into knots and words are stifled by the angst of unacceptance or ridicule.  When moments like that overcome me, I trust that God will lift me out of the bondage of faintheartedness.  I know that I cannot accomplish this on my own – only through His love and grace do I gain the determination to hold fast in every aspect of life.

To Him be the glory!

Posted in Christian devotion, christianity, Encouragement, Faith, Family, goals, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Optimism, parenting, poetry/prose, reflections, Religion | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

YOU CAN DO THIS!

Posted on November 15, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

bible_verse_about_courage_timothy_1_7_sticker-r086da97e27f949d58e5bce546d51b58d_v9waf_8byvr_512Today ten of my students will participate in a forensics meet with teams from other Christian schools in the area.  Forensics is just a fancy word for public speaking.   This is something I wish would have been available to me as a child.

I am doubly blessed because these children already know that they are extremely precious and have been purchased at a great price.  They are adopted children of God.  This is enough to fill anyone with courage.  Knowing that God loves us so much that He would lay down His life for us means that we are greatly valued by Him.

Getting up in front of a crowd to speak – to perform – to debate or convince- to put yourself on display and be judged by others is a remarkable accomplishment.  That’s why I feel that every student that has this opportunity has been given the chance to grow beyond their own expectations.

We all have it in us to do things we don’t think we can do.  It doesn’t come from us – it comes from the One who created us.  He built this into us when we were formed in our mother’s womb.  It’s part of who we are – part of our DNA.  He wants us to use this gift in every area of our lives.

Dear Lord, help my students remember always that they have been created with the spirit of courage.  May they use that power, not for their own glory or the pride that comes with winning, but to Your glory.  Amen!

Posted in Christian devotion, christianity, Encouragement, Faith, goals, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Jesus, parenting, Religion | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

My Worth

Posted on November 14, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

I’ll never grow to comprehend the power of your love.
You hold me fast. You treasure me. You guide me from above.
There is no other love like yours. You fill my every need.
You comfort and protect me. For my soul your Son did bleed.
So take my life and use it, to serve you in some way.
Help me to share your message today and everyday.

Kathy Boecher ©

Posted in Christian devotion, christianity, Encouragement, Faith, God, Jesus, Poetry, Religion, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

GOD USES ORDINARY PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH THE EXTRAORDINARY

Posted on November 14, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

Founding-Fathers-democracy

Last night I watched a program on the history channel which appeared to discredit our founding fathers by exposing all the secrets they could possibly dig up.  At first I thought I was watching an episode of TMZ, but this was the history channel.  Has our country become so hungry for dirt that they look for it anywhere they can find it?  It did make me wonder how children will look at the leaders of today in two hundred years.

The fact is, that the founders of the United States of America were not perfect, but what they accomplished was to set a foundation for a government which has endured for over 200 years and opened up opportunities for other nations as well.

We need to restore patriotism in our country, before it becomes just another fact for the history books, which are already being corrupted.  Our nation wasn’t built on just a group of men who met secretly and plotted against their governing country.  It was built on an idea which still opens door for those fleeing oppression.  Our children need to understand that and thank God every day that He has given us a land that permits us to be free.

In God’s history book, the Bible, we see hundreds of examples of how He used ordinary, sinful men to accomplish His purpose and to do it in an extraordinary way.  He also sent His perfect Son, Jesus, to carry our imperfection to the cross

Dear God, thank you for the blessing of my country.  Though it consists of imperfect people, you have seen fit to bless it in countless ways.  In a time when patriotism is being questioned, please inspire a love of country in the hearts and minds of future generations.   Amen!

Posted in America, Christian devotion, christianity, Encouragement, Faith, Family, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Optimism, parenting, patriotism, politics, reflections, Religion, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

There is Time

Posted on November 13, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

The shadows of time have crept slowly and insidiously into this old vessel. Sometimes in dreams I see mansions filled with treasures and beauty beyond belief – Streets lined with gold and abundance everywhere – no sorrow, no pain, no loss. My eyes dim, my body grows weak and it seems I should be coming close to the end of my days. In those moments of weakness, I see that God isn’t finished with me yet. I wonder what He has planned for me today.

Kathy Boecher ©

Posted in aging, Christian devotion, christianity, Encouragement, Faith, goals, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Optimism, poetry/prose, reflections, Religion | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Jesus Loves

Posted on November 12, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

The world is full of terrible frustrations.
We find ourselves in painful situations.
We often feel that life is wildly spinning.
There is no answer and no winning.

When hopes are dashed and dreams are smashed
We struggle hard for answers
We try to fix it on our own, but not a remedy is known
For these insidious cancers.

Some days our brokenness is needed
To let us know there’s one who’s interceded.
Our Jesus knows our burdens and our woe.
There’s nothing He can’t do – just let it go.

Kathy Boecher©

Posted in Christian devotion, christianity, Encouragement, Faith, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Poetry, reflections, Religion | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

GOD BLESS OUR HEROES

Posted on November 11, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

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“Saving Private Ryan,” dealt with the invasion of Normandy and visually shared the fear and anticipation of war.  Young men huddled together, helmeted, bayonets fixed and a look of fear and terror written on their faces – sailing into certain death.  As the doors came down, they swiftly spilled out in a stream of uncertainty . Bodies lined the beach and filled the water with blood.  The movie graphically portrayed the gruesomeness of war, but it also showed the courage those boys enlisted into the core of their very being, to overcome an evil enemy.

More recently the movie “Fury” came out and I reluctantly joined my husband to see it.  I felt not only a sense of pride for what our soldiers had to deal with in time of war, but was encouraged by the faith of the characters as they faced insurmountable odds and valiantly fought on.  God does promise to be at our side in all adversity.  Deuteronomy 31:6.

Men and women in the service of our country deserve special thanks today and everyday as they face fear, anxiety, apprehension and even death.  The courage they exhibit is what constitutes a true hero – someone who is willing to lay down their life for their fellow man.

War is something our world will face until the end of time. When our young people set out on a career in the service of their country, they are giving up everything and many times return from war bruised emotionally as well.  When we need protection – when we are in danger of terrorism – when our principles deem it necessary to intercede on behalf of others – we can depend on our Armed Forces to exhibit bravery and get the job done.  Thank them today and every day for their service.

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The Veteran

Posted on November 10, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

He set out young and full of hope. His heart was filled with pride.
He left the ones who loved him most. Said ,”I love you,” to his bride.
He felt the sting of discipline. He ran until he fell.
He thought that he’d be better off if he had gone to hell.

A soldier’s life is lonely in a sea of thousands more,
A solace found in that one fact, served valor to restore.
Our young men serve for country first. Their lives are on the line.
They know that they are just one part of a unique design.

They’re always at the ready. They refuse to run away.
They shed their blood and lose their limbs a victory to allay.
Today we pause to thank them for the sacrifice they make.
Our words cannot repay them for the chances that they take.

When you return from service, let our hearts with yours be bound.
You’ve given everything for us. We’re all on common ground.
So place your hand upon your heart and with all together say,
They’ve made our homes a better place. God bless the USA!

Kathy Boecher

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, christianity, Encouragemet, Faith, goals, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, patriotism, Poetry, reflections, Veterans Day | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on The Veteran

WINTRY BEAUTY

Posted on November 10, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

Sparkling facets of frost are scraped from our windshields so we can get a clear view of the road, but do we take time to really inspect the beauty of that frost? The tiny patterns etched into ice by the finger of God Himself are just one example of His majestic power.

Each snowflake has it’s own pattern and becomes an intricate design in gossamer – symmetrical shapes with each having its own identity.

We hurry through life without often noticing the many gifts given to us through nature. The sun casts a wintry glow upon unfrozen lakes, the sound of crunching snow crackles beneath our feet. The chill in the air enlivens every nerve in our bodies. All the senses are aroused.

The calendar says November, but winter is here in Minnesota.

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FIRST SNOW

Posted on November 10, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

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Psalm 146:16-17  He gives snow like wool;
    he scatters frost like ashes.
He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs;
    who can stand before his cold?

It seems a little early for snow, but then I guess it always seems to come too soon.  This year we’re ready for it … maybe.  Most of the leaves are bagged, the garden ornaments are stored away, we even have a new electric snow blower  which my husband is dying to try out.  Being prepared for six months of winter is important in the frozen Tundra, but being prepared for heaven is even more so.

At the end of our church year, we focus on the end times and being sure we are prepared.  The weather can be predicted with lots of amazing new technology, but the return of our Savior is completely unknown.  He will come when we don’t expect it.  He will return to judge the world – including you and me.  How will we fare?  Will we be ready?

If we know that Jesus died for the sin we’re born with – the sins we commit daily – and the sin we will continue to do until our death, we can be confident that our judgment will have a good outcome.  Nothing that we do will get us to heaven.  Only the blood of Jesus can wash the slate clean, but because we have that special relationship now, as heirs of Christ, we have an obligation to live according to His Word.  By serving others as He served us, we are doing so to Him as well.

The snow will come and go, but Judgment Day comes only once.  Will we be prepared? Living a life of willing service is our way of saying thank you to the Lamb who took our place –  Our Savior and King.

Posted in Christian devotion, christianity, Elections, Encouragement, Faith, goals, God, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Jesus, reflections, Religion | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

End of Autumn

Posted on November 9, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

The once brilliant crimson and gilded leaves have all fallen. Only a few persistent “hanger-onners” cling to empty branches. The ominous grey clouds fill with crystals of ice and in no time the desolation will be covered with a blanket of glistening snow – a bath of purity will cleanse any remnant of stubbornness from those atrophied limbs.

Kathy Boecher

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I DON’T WANNA BE A PUPPET! i WANNA BE A REAL PERSON!

Posted on November 9, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

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Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today our children cannot imagine a place where black people weren’t allowed to use the same rest rooms as white folks; where there were schools that wouldn’t accept blacks onto their campuses; where only whites played professional sports, had the most influential jobs, or could become president of the United States.

When Martin Luther King uttered the above words, there was a deep division between black and white in our country – a division that created prejudice on both sides.

Strides were made, but it seems that in the past few years our country is again being split in two with  intolerance as well as political correctness.  How sad that we have come so far and yet fallen so far back.

A couple thousand years…

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I DON’T WANNA BE A PUPPET! i WANNA BE A REAL PERSON!

Posted on November 9, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

political-correctness_puppet

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today our children cannot imagine a place where black people weren’t allowed to use the same rest rooms as white folks; where there were schools that wouldn’t accept blacks onto their campuses; where only whites played professional sports, had the most influential jobs, or could become president of the United States.

When Martin Luther King uttered the above words, there was a deep division between black and white in our country – a division that created prejudice on both sides.

Strides were made, but it seems that in the past few years our country is again being split in two with  intolerance as well as political correctness.  How sad that we have come so far and yet fallen so far back.

A couple thousand years ago, another man made a similar statement, but His words can cut through the darkness of intolerance with an insight into man’s inequality towards each other and still give hope to a world that continues to wallow in the shadows.

John 8:12 says, “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

If we are ever to move forward – away from intolerance – and still have a voice, the only place to turn is from darkness to light.   The Light of the world – Jesus.

Posted in America, Christian devotion, christianity, Encouragement, Faith, goals, God, Inspiration, Jesus, parenting, patriotism, reflections, Religion | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE ….

Posted on November 8, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

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Yesterday we attended a Veteran’s Day program at our church school.  This has become an annual tradition for them and is extremely moving and inspirational.  Words were said regarding the price paid for freedom and the pain suffered on our behalf by all those who have served along with their families and friends.

One thing that stood out among many was the recitation of the Gettysburg Address which was written so many years ago, but is still pertinent today.  A portion of that speech is:

“The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom— and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

As we approach another day of honor for our American veterans, I pray that those words ring true for all of us.  We must resolve that the blood shed has merit.  Those who died to make our country a land of opportunity for all should be honored for their deeds by those of us left behind.   We really have an obligation to do so.

A government of the people, by the people and for the people is a noble sentiment which needs to be revived and upheld once again.  We have a unique country here in the USA in that we are in charge of those sworn to uphold the laws of the land.  As employers it is our duty to make sure that our governing officials are doing their job.

All the lives lost and blood shed will have not been spent in vain if we uphold that very truth.

Posted in America, Christian devotion, christianity, Encouragement, Faith, Family, goals, God, Inspiration, patriotism, Religion | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

My Prayer

Posted on November 7, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

Out of the depths of darkest hours, I come to You in prayer.

I put away my selfish thoughts and ask that you be there –

My words cannot express my needs, but I know you understand.

With groans that I can’t comprehend, you help me to withstand –

The weak and heavy burdens that I cannot solve alone.

Your loving arms surround me and lead me safely home.

Kathy Boecher

Posted in aging, Christian devotion, christianity, Encouragemet, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Optimism, Poetry | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments