BUILDING FAITH ON THE UNSEEN . . .

Posted on September 18, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Faith is impossible if you rely on reason or logic. Faith means giving up control. Faith is taking for granted a truth that you can’t make sense of. It requires surrender. When we are tested in this world of ours, so is our faith. When we say we have faith in something, we are trusting without question. I wrote this a long time ago, but it still applies. As the world crumbles before our eyes, we tend to lose our faith. This is the time when we most need to put it into practice. “Lord, help me in my unbelief.”

Faith is one of those words used to explain something that we can’t see.
It’s putting our trust in something without having proof of its existence.
But it’s so much more than that!
To have faith, we must have confidence that the unseen actually exists.
We must be willing to give our full allegiance to it.
We must use that faith to penetrate the walls of fear, hate, anger, sadness.
Our hearts must be so consumed with faith that no other path will do.
Faith is an obligation, but it’s also a free gift from the Holy Spirit.
It’s ours to keep and as a result of it, good works will follow.
Even they are not our own doing.
Our good deeds are placed in us by the one who gave them to us.
The very Spirit of God Himself.
His love – His mercy – His patience – His compassion – His forgiveness
Covers us – encourages us – takes us in His arm and comforts us.
He bathes us in His righteousness and washes away all our iniquities.

KATHY BOECHER

My faith is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

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HIGHS & LOWS

Posted on September 17, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

The image I’ve chosen today is of a vintage roller coaster. To tell the truth, the ups and downs kind of resemble what happens in our daily walk. There are twists and turns, new journeys into the unknown and emotions that rise and fall as suddenly as this dangerous amusement park ride. We may never know when they’re going to strike, but they certainly do, leaving us emotionally and physically drained.

If we look at life in those terms, we could be seen as having fatalistic attitude. I prefer to think of these bone chilling, frightening and often easily overcome dips and surges as detours, roadblocks or obstacles that are part of this world. Life is a roller coaster, particularly during pivotal stages, but we get through it pretty much unscathed. 

When we reflect on Jesus’ final days of living as a human being, we see highs and lows in the very extreme. He was betrayed by one of His closest followers. He prayed feverishly that God, the Father would find a different course for the salvation of mankind. His tears fell like drops of blood as he struggled in the garden. His followers came to his defense when the soldiers came to arrest Him. Peter would strike a guard with His sword and cut off his ear. Only hours later, Peter would deny ever knowing Jesus. The scourge would cut through Jesus’ flesh as He was beaten. Those who once called Him, “Rabbi,” turned against Him and their cries of “Hosanna,” quickly changed to, “Crucify Him.” He would be spat upon, humiliated, scorned, hung on a cross and put to death. Yet, death would not defeat Him. He came back to life on the third day, proving that He indeed was the Son of God. Talk about a roller coaster ride.

The human spirit – created by God Himself – is an amazing equalizer. Jesus demonstrated His humanity while He lived among us. He gave His last breath for our forgiveness. He died so we would live forever. His example should be our guide as we travel through the perils of life. When we go through the trials placed before us, we know that our Champion is right there with us. He will use those barriers to protect and enrich our journey and to build us up rather than crushing us.

Posted in aging, anticipation, armor of God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

BROKEN HEARTS, BODIES & A TRAIL OF TEARS

Posted on September 16, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Today, September 16th, has been set aside to remember the horror of the demise of a race in America. It has been designated as National Trail of Tears Commemoration Day. I wrote an article about the effects of this horrific event and how an invasion of immigrants led to the crushing of an entire race of Native Americans. It can be found under the title
May 28, 1830, INDIAN REMOVAL ACT SIGNED. It is fitting that every American revisit this time in history. We cannot simply hide these events under a rug and forget about them. What happened on May 28, 1830, was nothing less than a massive takeover of a remaining native tribe. They were relocated from lands that were fertile and flourishing. The twenty-five-day journey would leave many dead on that trail.

We should always learn from our mistakes. History teaches us the ugly side of life and how we can change the way we think in next generations. May God forgive those who set these wheels in motion and give rest to those who suffered through the pain.

Posted in America, history, injustice | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK . . .

Posted on September 16, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

This familiar painting once had a prominent place in our home. It was a constant reminder to take all our cares to Jesus in prayer. Prayer was taught to us at an early age, not because it was a tradition, but a necessity. As years progress, our prayers become more and more personal. We include all sorts of things in those words. When we are sad, hurting, anxious, lonely, fearful we seem to rely on prayer more. We are told in the Bible to lift our hearts to God in everything we go through in life. There is nothing like talking with the Creator of the Universe. As each day begins, turn to the Master. Thank Him for allowing peaceful sleep. Praise Him for the beauty of another day. Lay your troubles on His shoulders. You can be sure that He will hear you and act on your requests. Not because He’s a great genie ready to grant our every wish, but because He loves us and cares for each of our needs. As we begin another week, pray for His presence in your life.

Dear, Holy, Father,

You know every single one of our needs before we even ask for help.  I come to you today and ask that you bless us throughout the coming week, with the comfort of that promise. Sometimes it seems like there’s no good left in our world; that we’ve lost control over everything.  Maybe you want us to know that we don’t have control – that you are the one who sets the time and day for everything that happens.  As we face problem after problem or lose sight of the blessings you’ve laid right before us, open our eyes to those precious gifts.  Help us put our focus back on you and your love for us. Remind us of your patience – your consistency – your eternal presence in all that we experience here in life and will enjoy in eternity.  You have promised throughout time, to be with us.  I know you always keep your promises and that your healing is real and not something made up to keep us thinking positively.  Heal our nation – heal those who face life threatening situations – heal our thinking.  Let us be assured that you have our backs and that we can bear anything that the world throws at us. As we walk through each day this week, guide us into your light and give us your wisdom to work through each of those situations. In Jesus name.  Amen!

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THEY ALL FALL DOWN

Posted on September 15, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The sassy winds of autumn swirl through wilting trees of gold,

The life is being sapped from things including young and old.

The brilliance of each final growth is now exposed to rage.

We tumble like the leaves on high. Our colors fade with age.

Our vibrance softly drifts away like shards of earthen rust.

Regeneration lies beyond the cold and wintry thrust.

A life renewed, refreshed, restored awaits us in the spring,

Our bodies wither and they die, but new life God will bring.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Encouragement, inspiration. | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

SIGNS OF AGING – DROOL . . .

Posted on September 14, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Here it is – Saturday. Another week has melted into the past and it’s been filled with all kinds of emotions. As the days pass, it seems they go much faster as I grow older. One may even dribble into the next and suddenly another week – another month – another year goes by in what seems to be an instant. Bodies also change with time. As we age our skin no longer holds its supple elasticity. Now age spots and wrinkles appear with a vengeance. Along with skin, gravity has invaded every muscle, and sagging occurs in spots we can’t even see. Our clothes fit differently. Our teeth are replaced with fake ones. Our hair is falling out. Our energy is sapped. Like a fading tree in the forest, we are dying inside and out.

To top it all off we sweat less, we pee more and as we dry up in some places, bodily fluids still escape in the form of drool. It isn’t just when we sleep, although I have been known to wake up in a pool of it from time to time. Drool is a sign of sleeping with your mouth wide open. It can be caused as salivary glands go into overdrive when stimulated by something good to eat. We often associate drooling with little babies or animals. When we’re babies, it’s cute. When your 82, it’s not. In any event, it is a sign that you’re losing control.

Maybe this problem is part of the circle of life. I mean, we come into the world drooling and leave it in much the same way. We start out as helpless infants and come full circle at the end. We begin by wearing diapers and may end up wearing them again. Our eating habits change. Our speech changes. Our hearing suffers. All of our senses deem us senseless at the end of life. That along with a body that has lost most of its usefulness shrivels and drools. I much prefer to look at drool like I look at wrinkles. I consider wrinkles to be embedded smiles. Drool is nothing more than sparkles exuding from the corners of your mouth. One good thing about going through this process is that you no longer have to shave your legs.

Posted in aging, humor, Optimism | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

CHANGE IS ALMOST ALWAYS GOOD . . .

Posted on September 13, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

I suppose Mark Twain would’ve been considered a radical in his time, and even today he’d be politically incorrect, but he made a lot of sense.  He didn’t mince words when it came to the politicians of his day and often those words are still applicable.  It’s time for a change.  I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m ready.  As a loyal American, I will always love my country, but I’m not thrilled about the way it’s moving.  A lot of changes have been made in my lifetime. There have been amendments to the Constitution – corruption in government – fake news – technology that brings us too much information for us to make intelligent decisions.

We’re living in a time of chaos.  Our Constitution has been revised, dishonored and spat upon.  Our morality is at an all-time low.  Christian values are looked upon as old fashioned and unnecessary.  We’re told not to offend, yet our own beliefs are being challenged. Technology has changed the complexion of communication so much that we don’t even talk face to face.  Our law enforcement is looked upon with disdain while criminals are not admonished for wrongdoing.  All the accomplishments of Martin Luther King and others like him have been dismantled.  Bad is good and good is bad.  It seems as though everything is upside down.

It’s time for a big change – mostly a change in attitude by Americans.  Many of us grew up in a time when patriotism was still alive.  It needs to be re-kindled.  Our flame will slowly die out if we don’t do something about it and the choice we make for a presidential candidate, who wants the old America back, is critical.

Someone once said, “Change is inevitable – except from a vending machine.” Change can be good; it can drive us crazy; it can be difficult, but it will happen to everyone. When something disrupts our comfort zone it can really shake us up. The world is in a constant state of flux. Sometimes it’s difficult to understand how changes in morals and ideas occur, but it just shows us how sneaky the devil is. He gets into our moral fiber and slowly eats away at it until it becomes totally unrecognizable. God, on the other hand, never changes. We can trust in his consistency. He has our lives and our country in His hand. I pray that we will return to Him for guidance.

“TIME PASSES” by Kathy Boecher

Sitting, waiting, thinking,
Time goes by – nothing changes.
We try to understand, we work hard – nothing happens.
We try to control, we blame God – no difference.
While we wait, life goes on.
We sit, we wait, we think.
We try to understand, our labor continues,
We think we can control, we blame God.
Finally, we give up.
We stand up, we cry out in desperation, we pray.
We realize that nothing that we do will make a difference.
We throw up our hands and let go and let God do His work.
Life changes, but He remains the same.

Posted in change, Poetry by Kathy Boecher, politics | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY . . .

Posted on September 12, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” Martin Luther

What if there was no tomorrow? What if the world ended today? What if – what if – what if? I can relate to what Martin Luther said in the above quote. Even though the future looks dark, even when we don’t have a great deal of hope for our country, even when it seems that the world has already gone to hell in a handbasket, we can’t give up. The future is secure when you know that God is in control.

Life here on planet earth can be rough. We hear about horrible acts of inhumanity on a daily basis. The news is filled with them. It wouldn’t take much to just throw our hands up in despair. There are so many roadblocks along the way. They start as we enter the world. Trying to make our way through the birth canal is quite a feat in itself. Every day after brings a new challenge and they will continue until we take our last breath. We hear rumors of wars, stories of wildfires eating up an entire countryside, hurricanes that devastate and crush everything in their way. Crime continues to reach the headlines. Young lives are destroyed with fentanyl and other drugs. The devil is working hard to make tomorrow look empty and hopeless. At a certain point in the life cycle, we may even wish for it to end, but that isn’t God’s plan for us.

He has made it possible for us to look forward to our life after death. There will be no more detours. There are no tears there – no suffering – no anxiety or stress. God’s heavenly paradise awaits everyone who chooses to follow Him. Sounds so easy, doesn’t it? The choosing is easy, but the following requires a lot more. We can’t simply ask for forgiveness and then go on living the way we did before. Jesus gives us the perfect example through the life He lived when He took on human form.

Today will lead to tomorrow, but if tomorrow doesn’t come, will we be prepared for the end of life as we know it? We push on with the hope of heaven. We look forward to each tomorrow. We live for God. When it looks like all is lost, remember that tomorrow is another day. (No reference to Scarlet O’Hara here.)

Posted in aging, goals, Heaven | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

GETTING RID OF POINTLESS DRAMA . . .

Posted on September 10, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they’re yours; if they don’t they never were.”  

Richard Bach

We all have people in our lives who bug us, bring us down, don’t understand us, are not a positive influence on us.  What are we to do when a relationship becomes unhealthy for both individuals?  The answer may be simply letting go of that relationship.   Sounds easy enough, but for most of us, doing so is difficult and takes us out of our comfort zone.

When the situation becomes too much to handle, we find it tough to let go.  Yet, in order to begin fresh, we have to relinquish the things that have a toxic effect on us.  A form of tough love is required.  Releasing that person is sometimes the only way.  In fact, you may even be showing them a stronger love by doing so.

When you’ve tried to mend a relationship and nothing works – when you’re stuck in a mundane job that’s going nowhere – when you’ve tried to maintain a good attitude – when your friends betray you, you simply have to look at things differently.  We have the ability to free ourselves and the other person. Through that letting go, we’re showing a certain amount of mercy.  We’re making it easier for life to progress rather than regress.

There are things to consider though.  You may lose someone you care about – you might regret it – you can feel a lot of guilt.  Guilt in turn nags at us like a dripping faucet and it can’t be repaired easily, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be.  Sometimes a period of absence allows you to discover new avenues or find a way to mend the old ones.

We all have people in our lives that drag us down or don’t allow us to flourish.  Jesus told us to love our enemies and to do good to those who hate us. He also told us not to conform to the world’s standards.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  Roman 12:2  

Letting go isn’t easy, but sometimes it’s the only option.

Posted in aging, Friendship, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

THROUGH THE HAZE . . .

Posted on September 9, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

INSPIRATION FROM KATHY BOECHER©

The beginning of a new week allows us to shed the past – to look ahead – to feel God’s light in our waking moments = to share that light with others. Each day should be filled with that purpose. God has blessed us so much with His light – the Light of the World. We should be filled with its heat and tender warmth in a cold world. Let your light shine today and every day.

These last years of aging swell into an endless swirl of emotions,

We can’t seem to pull ourselves out of sadness, depression or anxiety,

There is only one way to eliminate those destructive feelings,

But how do you harness the sun and capture the magnificence of its light?

God is the source,

Some have tried to manage the physical light that encompasses them,

Some struggle to bring illumination back into their lives by setting goals & dreaming dreams,

Some never find it,

Some are filled to the brim with it,

Some will continue to spend their lives searching for it,

God is the source,

He created light from darkness – it was His first creation,

Separating the night from day – setting time into place,

He controls the sun, the moon and stars,

He lights the world with His radiance,

He is the source,

When the world seems so ugly and dark,

When it seems that nothing will ever be bright again,

When the darkness of sin has penetrated every aspect of our daily living,

Turn to the Creator,

His light shines brightly through His Word,

When we let Him, He shines through us,

Leading others to the flame of His truth,

He is the source,

Which allows your light to continue to shine.

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TINY BLESSINGS . . .

Posted on September 8, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

Filtered light kisses tiny petals,
Morning mist embraces each leaf,
Golden rays enliven,
Breathing,
Inspiring,
Giving hope,
Fear and anxiety drowned by the beauty,
Bringing peace,
Lifting up,
We start anew,
We gasp for fresh air,
We believe,
We know,
We are convinced,
We can look forward,
Little faces of joy,
Spring forth,
From the dirt of the earth,
Cleansed and renewed,
A new day,
A fresh start.

GOD IS GREAT!

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, God's plans, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on TINY BLESSINGS . . .

FINAL DAYS OF SUMMER . . .

Posted on September 7, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Summer days are quickly fleeting,  Soon the air will shift and blow,

Heat gives way to colder weather, and we’ll see the white of snow,

While we wallow in the beauty of these last remaining days,

We can store up tons of memories in the morning misty haze,

As the flower’s breath is shortened, as the days have lost their length,

Soak in every single second, of the sun’s most glorious strength.

As the blooms arrayed in glory, soon will wither and will die,

Life is short but doesn’t waiver, when you’re in the Master’s eye,

He will carry us through seasons, beyond death we will endure.

Death has no dominion oe’r us, our redemption is assured.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, inspiration., seasons | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

THAT FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL . . .

Posted on September 6, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Most young people are back in school again. Where did the summer go? It seems as though it flew by, but then every season seems to pass quicker when you grow older. As a youngster, I remember the above poem by Dr Seuss. When I was a child, we used this one to show the logic of learning . . .

“The more you study, the more you learn. The more you learn the more you forget. The more you forget, the less you learn. So, why study?”

It’s been many years since I attended school as a student. I spent my working years, teaching the art of public speaking and drama. The things I learned in those years has been invaluable. The study wasn’t always the easy part but knowing that we don’t know everything is even harder for us to grasp. I returned to college to pick up some specialty classes that would enhance my resume’ when I was in my mid 40s. So, the studying part of my life has really proven to me how much I still have to learn. You’d think after years of living, those important truths would stick with us, but like the wind, they tend to drift off into the sunset occasionally.

I believe I’m still living, because of my lack of understanding. God must really think I need extra brain power, wisdom and understanding. Each day I learn something new about my relationships with others, with my family and those with whom I come into contact. More importantly I learn valuable things about an all-knowing God who has great things planned for every one of us.

I’ve talked a lot about the importance of that relationship with God. The years may pass swiftly, but the lessons from God’s Word are always new and applicable for our life here on earth. The things we learn through this journey will become clear to us when we pass into eternity. In the meantime, open your Bibles with me. You’ll be surprised to discover something useful for your daily life on every page.

Romans 15:4- ESV “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

This passage tells us that our instruction and learning never end. Do you suppose we will continue once we reach heaven?

Posted in aging, education, Family, parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

BORN WITH A TERMINAL DISEASE

Posted on September 5, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

The thought of a terminal disease creates thoughts of death. Those words strike fear and anxiety into anyone faced with them. After all, didn’t God promise a life planned exclusively in each one of us? He promised in His book, the Bible, that He had our future in his hands. The plan includes prosperity, no harm, hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

When we think about those words, we might assume that God’s people will exclusively find a life filled with everything necessary for our pleasure. The truth is that we’ve all been born with a terminal disease called “sin.” When sin entered the world, death came along for the ride. Every life is affected by it. It may not show itself as a physical illness. It may seem impossible that a new life could come into this world already clothed in sin. DNA testing can give us many answers about inherited diseases and heritage of a person, but the malady of sin has not yet shown up in genetic testing. I say inherited, because this is precisely what sin is. It passes from generation to generation and ultimately causes death.

The Bible also reminds us that death has no power over those who put their faith in God. When we call on Him in any trouble, He will hear us. He lives in the body of believers through His Holy Spirit, which is poured out in baptism. Seeing a newborn, we can’t imagine that such a sweet little life could be infected with this disease, but everyone has it. God sent His Son, Jesus, to take our place as a ransom for all the sins of the world. We will still die, but our souls are assured eternal life because of the price He paid. Our sins were forgiven by Jesus. Through Him alone we are guaranteed life everlasting. Believe it. Trust God’s plan and a perfect future for you.

“EMPTY BRANCHES,” By Kathy Boecher

Trees will soon be empty,

Leaving mere skeletal remains until the snow melts,

Still there is beauty in the emptiness,

There is glory in the dead branches,

Like us,

They will be transformed,

Though dormant for a time,

New life returns,

God sends it through His Only Begotten Son,

His own flesh and blood,

Perfect in every way,

To breathe life into us again,

The grave has no dominion,

Death has lost its sting,

Through Jesus, Christ, our Savior,

Eternity without sin awaits us.

Posted in aging, death, Poetry by Kathy Boecher, sin | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

BRIDGING THE GAP OR REBUILDING THE BRIDGE?

Posted on September 4, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

I love this quote by Ronal Reagan, because it gives us hope for future generations. Every step brings new knowledge along with wisdom. Bridging the old and new can reach one end of the bridge and allow them to merge into an elaborate mountain of ideas. dreams, inventions and hope for the future. Now that school has started, we have the opportunity to cross the gap and learn from each other. We are also in the middle of a great divide within our country. Is there hope for us to bridge that great divide and work together again?

Each generation has its shortcomings and strengths.  Each has its goals and beliefs.  Each feels strongly about those things especially when their young.  As time goes by, we learn that our elders aren’t as dumb as we think they are and eventually our zest for a cause goes through changes.  Our emotions aren’t as volatile as they once were.  Our experience has taught us well and the lessons we learn along the way have shaped us into what we are today.

Does that mean our differences should tear us apart?  As aging grandparents and whimsical, enthusiastic young adults we have a massive of information to share with each other, thus enriching each-others’ lives.  For example, the Millennials have a treasure trove of technological savvy. Those of us who grew up with manual typewriters, party line telephones and cloth diapers have so much to learn.  In the course of fifty years alone the inventions which have occurred are out of the realm of our imagination.  We need help from those who grew up with it.

Maybe in the next fifty years the current generation will need the same kind of help from the younger.  The Traditionalists, on the other hand, have endured a lifetime of change, wars, political differences and inventions.  They have a history to share, because of that.  Going through the school of hard knocks allows us to pass some of those things on to our grandchildren so they might not make the same mistakes.

We can have disagreements, no matter what our age.  We can feel strongly about something and think we are the only one who knows anything.  We may make fun of each-others’ actions, wardrobe, abilities, mistakes, foolishness or talents, but wouldn’t it be much better if we could share those things and laugh together at them?

Personally, I love being with people who are younger than me.  They give me energy and focus.  They encourage when my strength falters.  They lift me up when I feel sad or depressed.  I enjoy their company because their youth makes me feel younger. In a world which seems so terribly divided by opinions, tolerance/intolerance, politics, wars and so much more, wouldn’t it be divine if we could instead treat each other as equals?  I believe someone once said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  Maybe it’s time to bring that rule back into existence.

Posted in aging, Unity, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

WHAT KIND OF EXAMPLE ARE WE SETTING FOR OUR KIDS?

Posted on September 3, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Children born in the 21st century are facing greater challenges than I ever faced. As schools open their door this month, these young people need to be prepared for what they are about to see outside their own front door. They’re exposed to so much of the ugly side of society before they even begin school and most of it appears on the nightly news.  What are the messages these young, precious minds are picking up?

  • It’s OK to talk back to your parents – you have rights too.
  • It’s OK to be disrespectful to your teachers – they’re just overpaid babysitters.
  • It’s OK to get angry when you don’t get your way.  Everyone should have a voice.
  • It’s OK to blame someone else for your bad behavior.  If they hadn’t made the suggestion, you never would’ve done it.
  • It’s OK to leave your room in a constant state of chaos. Mom will take care of it eventually.
  • It’s OK to riot, graffiti, loot and steal.  You see it all the time during a protest.
  • It’s OK to settle your disputes with violent behavior.
  • It’s OK to blow up at authority.  Everyone is out to get you, right?
  • It’s OK to bully someone on the internet.  Who will ever know it’s you?
  • It’s OK to stand up for your beliefs – even if it means demeaning others.
  • It’s OK to voice your opinion on any platform – whether an awards event, sporting event, the classroom or in church. Even if your opinion will hurt someone else.
  • It’s OK to think you’re better than anyone else.  You deserve it.
  • It’s OK to get a participation award – you took your precious time to be involved, why shouldn’t you be rewarded?
  • It’s OK to lie, steal, bear false witness, commit adultery, have sex before marriage, have sex with anyone, murder, desire what others have and put yourself on a pedestal.  Who needs God?  He just gets in the way of the things we want to do.

We can’t keep our children from seeing or hearing these things, but we can use them as examples and show them why they or someone else is going to be harmed eventually. We certainly wouldn’t put a small child out in the middle of a busy highway and leave them there, but every day our kids are being bombarded by messages like this.

Many teachers have had it up to their ears, dealing with undisciplined children – kids who have been enabled from day one.  Why do you think there’s a shortage of those who even want to teach anymore?  Their hands have been tied, their lives are in danger at times, and they don’t get paid enough. Teachers start out with high hopes – dreams of changing and inspiring young lives – building another Einstein or Thoreau – instilling a desire to learn, grow and achieve.  Sometimes they get lucky and find kids that still want to be inspired.  

The first things children learn are from their parents.  Those few short years they have them at home are critical to what they will become.  Teaching them to respect others as themselves – how to share – how to listen to each other, solve problems without anger and live by Christ’s example – are the seeds for building good character. The Bible reminds us that our children are a gift from God. We are merely setting the next stage of life for them. They learn by example.  Be a good one!

Psalm 127:3-5 ESV – “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.  Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, back to school, parenting, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

CELEBRATING WORK . . .

Posted on September 2, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Here we are – another Labor Day. I believe I’ve gone through several of these celebrations over my 82-year lifespan. It seems ironic that we would celebrate workers by taking a day off of work to do so. However, when there’s a holiday available, we look forward to it with great anticipation. Labor Day has always indicated the end of summer. Put away your white shoes, pack a picnic lunch, plan a project to do around the house or bring in the dock at the lake. It also means it’s time for school days to return and the purchase of supplies, clothes and haircuts. Even when your children have children of their own, you still have thoughts of forgetting to pack their lunches. At least, that’s the case with me.

In my home state of Minnesota, it’s the final day of the State Fair. Today is a perfect weather day here, so thousands will be herded together like cattle and pushed from feeding trough to feeding trough for several hours. Sounds like something I’d prefer to avoid. Usually, a backyard picnic is the fare of the day. Now that our days of working are putting much done for, the celebration doesn’t mean the same. We’re just happy we’re able to get up and move around. Work was established by God, when creation began. We’re told about it in the Bible.

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”    Genesis 2:15

Since the beginning of time, part of God’s plan was for his creatures to have a purpose. He put Adam in the Garden of Eden to work and take care of it. It wasn’t until sin entered the world, that work was done by the sweat of the brow and the aching of tired muscles. Over time, man began to use other human beings to do his work.  He became a boss, a supervisor or a manager.  He still had to make sure the work was done to his specification and design, but the wear and tear on his own body became less and less. As with most things, left in the hands of man, those who were managing took advantage of those under them.  This led to the formation of unsatisfied workers laboring in deplorable conditions for unreasonable periods of time and little pay.  Then came the unions.

Every first Monday of September we celebrate the worker and rightly so.  Laborers are the ones who built our country.  Buildings were erected out of steel.  Railroad tracks were laid by thousands who lost their lives in the process.  Cities were carved out of prairies and civilizations sprouted up all across the land. Today, many jobs have been replaced with machines or computers, but there is always a need for workers to man the machines.  Work is a blessing from God as it was part of His original plan for man.  We can also count on Him to be right beside us as we work.

“Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Posted in holidays, summer, work | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

HELLO, SEPTEMBER . . .

Posted on September 1, 2024 by atimetoshare.me


ORIGINAL ART & POETRY FROM KATHY BOECHER©


The fields are almost harvested, the hay lays on the ground,


The air contains the slightest chill, with stillness all around,


An old, red barn stands waiting now, to make it overflow,


Abundance of hay and forage, to last through all the snow,


The heat of August hasn’t left, there’s still much to behold,


But soon we’ll see the colors change, to brilliant red and gold,


This month brings so much transition, the days grow shorter too,


But still we savor every sense, which through it we renew.


 

Posted in aging, Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, seasons, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

WHAT’S INSIDE . . .

Posted on August 31, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

It was nothing more than the skeletal remains of a deserted old building.

The facade bore scars on its sun-bleached boards.

It had become pock marked by the bullets of hail.

Remnants of a large bird nest topped the massive chimney.

Windows, soiled by years of lost memories, were now clothed with the silver threads of spider webs, glistening in the light of day.

Within the empty walls, you could almost hear voices from the past.

Wallpaper barely clung to the mildewed walls. The floors creaked. A few dishes lined the sink- now painted with dust.

A broken rocking chair sat at the center of the open space. How many babies had been rocked and comforted in that relic?

A tree branch crashed through the roof at some point and now seemed to belong there.

The new life, budding from that seemingly dead branch, presented some semblance of hope in the midst of misery. It seemed that the bones were still in place.

The foundation was solid. When the sun cast it brilliance on it, I knew this is where I should be.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, christianity, Nostalgia | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

BEAUTY IN THE STORMS . . .

Posted on August 30, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” John Muir

Last night the sky was filled with a second round of storms for this week. Wind pushed through the trees, whipping them about with raging sounds and the ultimate cleaning out of loose branches. Some of those trees needed to be pruned, but in some cases, entire trees fell on electrical wires, cutting our power for a while. My first thought was of the ice cream I’d just purchased and visions of it melting within the freezer. My second thought was how I was going to breathe without air conditioning. My third thought came as the storm lessened in intensity. Even in that pouring rain, a few squirrels were outside gathering black walnuts which had descended to the ground. God was providing for them even in the midst of those dark skies. Those little creatures were taking full advantage of the bounty God was presenting to them.

Our God will never let us down.  He provides us with all kinds of weather which will in some way enhance our lives.  Even the thunderous roar of a storm can be perceived as His voice. The drenching rains which seem overbearing at times are feeding the earth with necessary life-giving water.  The winds can seem frightening, but they are necessary to dry up the standing water and whisk away broken tree limbs, unnecessary brush and the dirt of every day.

As I sit here this morning composing this blog, the sun has been dancing in and out of a few remaining clouds. Glistening drops of dew are evident in the grass, the flowers and even on the windowpane. The glory of the sun brings life giving healing to broken hearts. God sheds His tears to nurture the land. His sadness for our condition is evident through the storms we face each day. Even during those times, I know God is there.  His Son, Jesus, has washed us clean of our sins and given us hope for a new day. As the sun penetrates the clouds and clears up those storms, a beautifully blue sky will appear. His light lets me know that.

Dear Holy God, You control the weather, the wind, the storms of life, all for our benefit. There is beauty all around when you demonstrate your power. Your provision for us, as well as the critters around us. is made known through that strength. You have made the storms beautiful even when they seem the darkest. I thank you for giving us the ultimate gift – eternal life – through your Son, Jesus. Amen!

Posted in God, seasons, storms, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments