WINTER WARMTH . . .

Posted on December 15, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Living in a house built in the late 1800s creates special attention when the temperatures dip into single digits. There are three sources of heat in this sweet little farmhouse. A furnace that’s supposed to keep the entire house and two gas room heaters. The house doesn’t have a basement so that also contributes to the lack of heat. We knew this when we bought the house. We didn’t realize that the insulation wasn’t sufficient keep our pipes from freezing. When the temperatures go below freezing. the cupboard doors need to be kept open to expose the pipes. In other words, we must remain vigilant about taking precautions when the thermostat moves down. Staying warm is a necessity. Warmth not only helps us stay healthy but comfortable during the winter. Sitting in front of a fireplace can help too. Warmth can also be a state of mind; a feeling we get when our hearts are warmed by those we love. It can come from other sources which are spiritual, emotional and natural. God has placed the sun in the sky to give us warmth. We feel warm when we receive good news, love someone, experience a miracle. Winter warmth is vital to our physical and spiritual health. We celebrate that coming as those who waited over 2000 years ago. Advent reminds us of the time before Jesus came in human form. He promised to return again and He will. You can count on it.

Majestic pines, remain fresh and green,

A light dusting of snow tickles their branches,

Glistening like diamonds across the once lush landscape,

Within that icy mass, brilliance pours forth,

Color still remains alive in the frigid temperatures,

Our souls can be cold and close to death,

But the Son of God will warm them once again,

The message of His coming burns within us.

Posted in Advent, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

WINTER’S MONOTONES . . .

Posted on December 14, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

With the coming of Christmas, we imagine brilliantly colored lights adorning a Christmas tree. We picture decorations in a variety of jewel tones and bright reds and greens. Those fabulous hues are intended to brighten the darkness of winter evening skies; the simple purity of snow and ice; the frosty explosion from open mouths singing Christmas carols in the chilly air. Generally, we dress winter up in December for the celebration of Jesus birth. When Mary was ready to give birth, it was anything but a royal party. Mary was an unwed mother. She gave birth in holding place for baby animals. She would place her newborn in a feeding trough filled with straw. It was an unclean place, filthy with animal dung and the sound of those same animals as they sang their own lullaby. This baby was like none other. He was the Only Son of God. He should have been praised as a king, yet this lowly, humiliating birth would fulfill the prophesy written centuries before His birth.

The world has turned to black and white, enveloped in ice and snow,

Birds longing to sing their arias. feel temperatures soar below,

Some people say it should be spring, but heaven has other plans,

A drop of fresh snow will fall again sent by the Father’s hands,

Deceivingly warming climate is nothing more than fake words,

The thought of a global warming, seems absolutely absurd,

Looking on the wintry landscape, it makes me just wonder why,

We don’t have spring ’til summer and Christmas should be in July.

Posted in Advent, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

THROUGH THE DARKNESS . . .

Posted on December 13, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Snow has become the norm in our area. Now we’re experiencing below zero temperatures. This part of winter is one that I don’t really prefer but living in the Midwest all my life, I’ve learned to adapt. One of the ways is to stay inside for the next few months. As we get older, we avoid the outdoors because we could easily slip and fall. We hibernate like the bears. We have someone do our shopping for us. We pick up germs easily. Most of mine have died of old age. We watch church services online. Breaking a hip, knee or other body parts isn’t an option. We become hermits. We watch a lot of old television shows. We eat more. Since we aren’t moving much, we add extra pounds to our girth. Even with all those obstacles, we can look out the window and see the beauty of a white landscape – the skeletal fingers of ice clinging to the edge of our homes – the empty trees which resemble silhouettes against an early morning sky. Knowing that we are safe is a bonus. God is always with us. He takes care of all our needs. He blesses us with all the seasons. He brings light into darkness.

Through the darkness and the shadows, God is with me all the way,

Even when the road is cluttered, with the cares of every day,

When I’m lonely or downhearted, fears surround on every side,

When the path is filled with danger, He will always be my guide.

The world attacks and arrows pierce, death will overtake and win

Still the breath of life will conquer, Jesus washed away my sin,

Here on earth there will be trouble, but in heaven no more fear,

Still He watches and protects me, grace He adds to every year.

Every day is such a blessing, when we walk with God’s own Son,

He brought peace to all the living, and in death our souls are won,

Thank you, Jesus for your passion, for your grace and love so true,

The gates of heaven now open, when we just believe in You.

Posted in Advent, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Jesus, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

OUR GREATEST TREASURE . . .

Posted on December 12, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Here’s another painting of one of God’s amazing creatures. The hawk has been found to be one of the most intelligent birds. They have great strength in their wings. They are considered to be predator birds. Their long tail feathers contribute to the speed of their flight and ability to capture their prey easily. These birds became popular in the sport of falconry during medieval times, but also were used as early as 400 BC. Speed and intelligence are essential, God has built those traits into humanity as well. As we prepare for the birth of Jesus, let us always remember that Jesus has always been with us. His short life of 33 years included the wisdom of God, the knowledge of the universe and the ability to remove our sins. He is fully God and fully man. It’s one of those things that remains difficult to understand, but it is true and we accept it by faith, which is provided by the Holy Spirit.

He didn’t come in glory on that first Christmas Day.
His palace was a lowly place. His bed was made of hay.
His servants were the angels, the shepherds came to pray.
The Magi came from far away their richest gifts for to lay.
He will return to judge the world, in glory beyond measure,
His promises will be fulfilled. He is our greatest treasure.

Posted in Advent, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Faith, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

A REPRIEVE FOR A MOUSE . . .

Posted on December 12, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

This is my second rendition of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Maybe I should do a new one each year. I haven’t seen any mice running around the house so far this year. Even the trap has gone untouched. I recently read that they’re probably living in the walls of this old house and have found a safe place to reproduce. I prefer to think they are all outside of the house.

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

‘Twas right before Christmas and in our simple old house,
Not a creature was stirring except one small mouse,
He wasn’t too big, but the sight made me cringe,
A mouse in the house meant he’d surely infringe,

So off to the hardware store, money in hand,
We picked up a mouse trap, we thought it was grand,
Guaranteed to trap mice with no trace of the dead,
We hoped it would work then we went off to bed.

That night I heard nothing, just the sound of my breath,
It saddened my heart to put someone to death,
After all he had siblings, a mom and a dad,
And it was so close to Christmas, it made me feel sad.

There must’ve been mice in that stable of old,
They went there for refuge from danger and cold,
When they looked at the Christ child, a sight to behold,
A Savior had come as once had been foretold.

I smiled and I thought of that sweet little child,
And the animals watching so meek and so mild,
The trap is still empty, no sight of the mouse,
A timely reprieve for the guest in our house.

Posted in Humor, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE . . .

Posted on December 11, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

The Christmas tree has taken on many different forms over the years. When I was a child, dad would wait until the day before Christmas to buy the last one on the lot to save a few bucks. As he entered the house with the less than bountiful, scraggly looking evergreen, it was up to my sister and I to make it look good. All the money saved on that tree was used to purchase a ton of tinsel, which filled in the empty spaces. In the 70s there were the first artificial trees, including flocked trees – aluminum trees – and the traditional standby. We’d did aways with the tinsel because it was so messy. When we started our family and Christmas traditions were being formed, we made a trip to a tree farm and cut a tree to take home and decorate. Eventually that tradition wore out. The children would string popcorn or construction paper chain links to add to the beauty. As our family grew, we even had more than one tree.

The tradition of a Christmas tree came into being in central Europe – mostly in Germany. Christian Protestants were the first to take part in this event. It is said that Martin Luther added the practice of placing lit candles on the tree. This was way back in the 16th century when electricity had not yet been figured out. Some food items such as apples and confectionaries were added for extra appeal. Those goodies were intended for the critters outside, when the tree would be disposed of. When Queen Victoria married her cousin, Albert, the tradition of the Christmas tree had become most popular to the upper class and royalty. The Christmas tree became the centerpiece of the holiday season. The practice of placing candles on the tree was eliminated after many accidents occurred because of them. In today’s world you can buy an artificial tree for up to $800 which seems a bit extreme. I guess having a tree has again been allocated to the wealthy.

The tree pictured in my post today is what I’ve used for the past few years. It’s easy to decorate and doesn’t take up a lot of space. I also have a collection of hand carved Santas, which Paul created over the years. They are on display every day because they are true works of art. So, whether you opt for a real tree or an $800 artificial one, enjoy this season of traditions and family joy. Don’t forget what the real reason for the season represents. It started many, many years ago and it all began with a tree.

Posted in Advent, Family, tradition | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

AND A CHILD WILL LEAD THEM . . .

Posted on December 11, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

Original art & Poetry by Paul T. Boecher & Kathy Boecher©

This pencil sketch was done in 2010 by Paul somewhere in the mountains. As I look at the detail in this drawing not only do I see Paul’s craftsmanship and attention to the little things, but also God’s creation and how He provides for it. The gigantic mountains in the background are home to many varieties of birds and animals. The soaring egret and the one nestled in the majestic pine have an amazing view of what lies below. The smaller cardinals stand out like rays of red light. The trees act as shelter, comfort and places to rest for a while. Some of the trees in the foreground have seen better days, but even they can be a thing of beauty. The depth and dimension replicate the development of the mountains from bottom to top, starting with the lush tree line, the cliffs and the outgrowing of ascending mountains. The sky is God’s dwelling place, but it spills over into His creation. There was no room for Mary, Joseph and the soon to be born Jesus. Can you find a place in your heart for them?

“In my Father’s house there are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” John 142

Do you know how precious you are to me?
Do you not feel my presence every second of every hour?
Do you know that I want to take your problems, your worries, your fears and place them all on my own back?
Can you see my hand working in your life – helping you to make hard decisions – leading you from temptation and pulling you closer to me every day?
Do you know I want you to prosper?  I have a plan designed just for your life.  It may not be what you want or expect, but it will be abundant.
Do you know that I am the only one who really loves you with an everlasting and divine love?

Do you know that I paid the ransom for the sins that have held you captive for so long? There is no need for guilt, I cover you with my protective wings.  The price was paid once for all.

Do you know that I was not afraid to lay down my life for you, because I have conquered death?

Do you know that I am waiting for you in heaven?  There will be no tears, no sadness, only joy.

Your room is ready!

Do you know?

Posted in Advent, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Jesus, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

NOSTALGIC CHRISTMAS MOVIES . . .

Posted on December 10, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

You can tell how old I am by the images I’ve chosen for favorite old Christmas movies. The one thing most of these have in common is a central character who has issues. In “A Christmas Carol,” Scrooge is a stingy, old man who has made his career the most important thing in his life. In “Home Alone,” we see a kid left behind on the family Christmas vacation. “It’s a Wonderful Life,” shows a fellow who can’t seem to make his goals come to fruition. He gives up and thinks about suicide. “A Christmas Story,” hits close to home for me, because many of the situations are so familiar. “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” we find Charlie Brown, depressed as usual, by the materialism of Christmas. His friend, Linus, reminds him why we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

All of these movies have a lot in common. We can relate to the central characters and their personal needs. We see that we don’t deserve to have the gifts we receive. We realize that we need someone other than ourselves to make things right. We find the truth that the greatest gift of all is the gift of a Messiah who would assure our heavenly destination.

Christmas can be an emotional time. We can feel lonely if a loved one has recently passed away. We miss those who can’t be with us for the holidays. We long for the good old days. We are inspired by the Christmas message. We sing songs praising a newborn baby who is truly the Son of God. We search for just the right gift and discover it isn’t. Some will become engaged to the one they want to spend the rest of their lives with. We decorate our homes only to remove the trimmings shortly after the holiday is over. We sometimes become so focused on the material things of Christmas that we miss the true joy that we should feel thinking of a tiny baby in a manger – true God and true man – conceived by the Holy Spirit – born to a virgin. The seemingly insignificant little boy was born in poverty, yet He was there when the earth was formed.

These old movies might jerk a tear or two from our eyes because they touch a personal nerve. The true joy of this entire season is caused by God’s unconditional love for mankind. He promised to send a Savior to redeem us from the sting of death. He promised to give eternal life to those who believe in Him. He promised to clean the slate of sin. He promised to return to us on the last day of this world’s existence. God never fails to keep His promises. That’s something to rejoice about!

Posted in Advent, Christmas, nostalgia, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

WINTER’S GRASP . . .

Posted on December 10, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Another winter storm has socked us in. Roads will be hard to travel. Schools will open late or not at all. Plans will be rearranged or cancelled. Christmas shopping will probably be done online this year. The days are shorter. We get tense and anxious. Emotions are all over the map. It’s just another reminder that our long winters in Minnesota are to be expected. We’ll don our winter coats, furry boots and mittens and push through it. The beauty of winter will soon turn into salty streets and yellow snow. The Advent season is kind of like winter. We wait and wait – sometimes impatiently. We think about God’s plan for our salvation. We look back at all the prophesies about Jesus and how they were fulfilled. We think about our sin and feel sad that we can’t do a thing about it on our own. We ponder all these things along with Mary, and we come to God with repentant hearts. That dirty snow (our sin) is washed clean because of God’s perfect Son.

Deep in the heart of the forest, what is it you see,
The death of bush or the loss of each tree,
They die for a while, and rise up again,
Spring pushes each bud, giving life deep within.

Our days undefiled and sins now washed clean,
The pure life of Jesus, will help us convene,
The darkness of winter can leave deep remorse,
We wander away and relinquish our course.

The coldest of days will be warmed through the night,
Our Savior will comfort and holds each one tight,
He won’t let us go, if we trust in His Word,
Our souls are renewed and our steps undeterred.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY AND THE REMINDER THAT OUR SIN HAS BEEN WASHED WHITER THAN SNOW!

Posted in Advent, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized, Winter | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

FONDEST CHRISTMAS MEMORIES . . .

Posted on December 9, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

A wonderful memory from my childhood Christmases was the huge box that would arrive from my mom’s parents at that time of the year. I knew there would be something in that package just for me. I could hardly stand the anticipation. Each year grandma would find tons of little treasures to send us. She’d wrap each one individually. There was always a tin of specially decorated cookies too.

The box would customarily arrive two weeks before Christmas so we had to wait for what seemed an eternity. My mom told us to be patient, but that was like telling a flea not to jump. Being patient isn’t easy for any of us. Waiting for anything in life can be gut-wrenching, but most of the time the wait is worth it. In Romans 8:25 God says, “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”

I don’t really remember any of the gifts – more the anticipation of waiting to discover what was waiting for us.  In our anticipation of the Advent Season, we are waiting too – waiting for the promised Messiah.  Even though He has already come to do the work intended for our salvation, there’s an ongoing anticipation for His final arrival. Our gift from Him is available to all of us and even though we can’t imagine what’s waiting for us, we know that if it’s from Him, it will be amazing.

Lord, sometimes I just can’t wait to get to heaven, but apparently you still have something for me to do. Make me your instrument and continue to give me the strength and patience to share your truth if it is your will.  Amen!

Posted in Advent, memories, Nostalgia | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

WINTER REMINDER . . .

Posted on December 9, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

Paul’s painting displays the majesty of God’s creation. Today I’m using it as a reminder of why we need a Savior. The idea of sin causing people to go to hell is not a popular thought these days. Most of us don’t like to be told that we’re sinners. At the time when Noah was building the ark, people laughed at this common man who had orders directly from God. The world had become so corrupt it’s hard to imagine that God’s patience isn’t running out again. Our world is a mess. Hatred and anger abound. Families are in disarray. We have become a world of robots going through the motions of living – forgetting to care about each other – losing track of our final destination. When the flood came, the world had not yet experienced rain. Water fell from heaven, but also gushed up from the earth, destroying everything in its path except for the ark and those in it. It cut through the mountains leaving a trail of erosion that we can see even today. When the rain stopped and the waters receded, God placed a rainbow in the sky and promised that He would never send another flood to destroy the world.

Noah and his family were to repopulate the world. It would be a second chance for God’s creation and its people. It didn’t take long for mankind to mess up again. The original sin of disobedience by Adam and Eve was passed on from generation to generation. The need for someone to rescue mankind could only come from the One who created it. God sent His own Son to take our place – to become one of us – to call us to repentance – to suffer and die for us – to rise again from death and ascend back to His heavenly throne – allowing us to enter the realms of heaven after our time here on earth. We need Him today more than ever. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. Will we be ready? God chose us. All we need do is follow Him, have faith in Him and live according to His will.

Tempestuous waters seeped up from within the earth
And gushed forth with astounding power,
The skies opened at the direction of God’s voice,
And poured upon a once rainless earth,
Cutting a path of destruction.
Severing trees,
Washing away the ugliness,
Only the faithful remained,
A family of eight survived,
Along with two of every species,
The rage of God could be tested no more,
But even in His anger,
He created beauty from destruction,
The sound of His voice carved canyons out of granite,
Waters laid to rest in lakes and rivers,
Mountains laid low as valleys rose up to meet them,
When the deluge subsided,
The Master Architect had once again.
Created a new world,
His work could not be destroyed,
His love endures forever,
Man’s disobedience continues to corrupt today,
How much more will God endure,
Did we learn nothing from our past?

Posted in Advent, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Jesus, sin, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

EMPTY BRANCHES . . .

Posted on December 8, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Seems like we can’t escape winter so far this year. Our neighborhood has been a winter wonderland for the last couple weeks. Each day begins with a light dusting upon cars and roads, creating a whitewash of sorts. As the days progress we see more accumulation. I’m blessed to have my grandson to take care of these issues. I haven’t had to drive much, because I’m still recovering from pneumonia. i can attend church online. The mad dash to purchase gifts has been limited. More folks are opting to order things online. The world of technology can even make it possible to become a hermit I recall years gone by, when I could still shovel my own driveway in a short time. I could make a snowman with my kids. I could find plenty of chores indoors to keep me occupied. I might even be able to take a trip across the snow on cross country skis. Today, I’ve been consigned to my sweet old house. Because my grandson lives with me, I’m able to keep my little, old house for the time being. As we get older, our bodies hold us back from many of the things we used to do, but we also learn that we need to slow down during this portion of our journey. I have a tough time with that, because I’ve always had a very busy and active life. So, as I look at this amazing sketch in watercolor pencils, I realize just how blessed my life is. I’ve come to the last chapters of this journey. There is still beauty in the aging process. Change isn’t always good, but it’s necessary. Heaven is waiting for me as I wait for God to carry me there. Every change that happens to us, keeps each day an adventure. As we look forward to the birthday of our Savior we take one step closer to Him.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY CLOSER TO BEING WITH YOU!

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 Advent, aging, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD . . .

Posted on December 7, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

In thinking about the King of Creation – Lord of Lords – the Almighty God – we don’t expect to hear of this holy birth to happen the way it did. The lowly little town of Bethlehem filled to the brim with people coming to register for the census. The cave or animal holding area for newborn lambs or calves would serve as a delivery room for the Son of God. His tin body would not be swaddled in fine linen and placed in a royal bassinette fluffed with velvet blankets. He would not be cared for by a midwife, but His young mother would nurse him. Servants would not tend to His needs. There was no place for this family to rest their heads, so they settled for the only one left in town. As we prepare for this child’s birthday, let’s remember who He was and who He remains to be. He was born in poverty. He became human so He could experience life as we do. He grew up in an insignificant town and lived a common life so that we could call Him brother. When He became the true age of manhood, He set out to save the world. He confronted and was tested by the devil. He won! He preached eternal life. He healed the sick. He rid possessed minds and bodies of their burdened illnesses. He roamed the country without a place to call home. He shared His Father’s plan for salvation. He was wrongly accused of blasphemy. He was tortured, beaten and smitten. Finally He was condemned to the Roman cross where he bled and died for the future of mankind. He rose from death, defeated Satan and gave us hope for our heavenly home with Him after our own death. He was no ordinary man. He came to earth so that we could join Him in heaven. Thank you, Jesus, for another day and for taking our place.

Live in my heart forever, Lord.  Light up a darkened world.

Bestow on us your gift of love, through Jesus, Christ our Lord,

A peace that lasts forever- A light that always shines,

He will forsake us never.  His hands are open wide.

Prepare us for salvation through Your own precious Son,

And grant us peace – a lasting peace – for each and everyone.

Posted in Advent, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

ARE WE EVER READY?

Posted on December 7, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

We’re living in terrifying times.  Fear grasps our throats and we choke on it.  We’re slowly and cleverly being devoured by evil.  It’s a problem old as time. In my lifetime alone, I’ve experienced the fear of invasion from foreign governments created by the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.  Again, as I attended elementary school, I remember practice air raid drills, where we’d be ushered to the basement and told to sit and cover our heads.  As time went by, there was the Korean War, Bay of Pigs invasion, the Cold War, Viet Nam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan. We’ll never escape evil on this planet. However, if fear rules our hearts, our enemies have already achieved their goal.  Thus it was when Pearl Harbor was attacked on this day in 1941.  No one expected it.  No one was prepared.   No one forgot.  It was a day that continues to haunt us as a nation.

My parents were thinking about the child that would be born in six months.  I was safely nestled in my mother’s womb.  The United States had resisted entering World War II, but the events of that day, meant we could no longer be uninvolved.  Japan sent waves and waves of planes across the Islands of Hawaii, bombed the American ships in Pearl Harbor and Kamikaze pilots plunged into the sea, destroying themselves along with unsuspecting sailors. Because information couldn’t be transmitted with speed – no CNN – no internet – difficult communication on all levels; it took  a while before all the details were sorted out and the news reached President Roosevelt.  Our nation was devastated.  Our navy  crushed.  2,403 dead and 1,176 wounded.  Our resolve was to “Remember Pearl Harbor” as involvement in this war was inevitable.

The next day was my mother’s 20th birthday, but there was no celebration.  The same kind of fear penetrated the souls across our land.  My parents continued their lives as usual, but this interruption in their journey would forever live in their hearts and minds. My dad was unable to serve, but because he didn’t want to. Young men across our country immediately enlisted to fight against this horrific event. Unprepared – unsuspecting – thinking we’re beyond something like this ever happening again, our country was attacked 60 years later.  Why weren’t we prepared?  Being unprepared leaves us wide open for vulnerability.  We can never be ready enough.  The same is true on a spiritual level. This is the season of preparation and repentance – a time to lay all our sins on the table and turn them over to the Savior.  We must be watchful, diligent and prepared in all areas of our lives – especially when it comes to eternity.  Our souls are at stake.

Posted in 9/11, Advent, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

FIRST LIGHT . . .

Posted on December 6, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This colored pencil sketch is of a familiar sight for those who have traveled through Wyoming. Imagine what the first pioneers thought of this ominous looking butte popping up from the ground. The first inhabitants of the area named it Bear’s House or Bear’s Lodge. Several other names were attributed to the butte by indigenous tribes. In 1875, during an expedition led by Richard Irving Dodge, an interpreter mistakenly gave Dodge the name “Bad God’s Tower.” It officially was named Devils Tower. In the 21st century, there was a call to rename it because it was assumed it was offensive to some. Whatever the name, it is another of God’s interesting creations that often surprises those who see it. The sketch includes the rising of the sun and makes me think about the Advent of Jesus, the Son that would be born in Bethlehem to fulfill the Creator’s promise of salvation. The intricate lines and details, mingled with the movement of the scene, represents the process of fulfilling that prophesy. God has a plan for each one of us. The complex design of that plan is something only God can make happen. Thank you, Jesus, for another day.

Through the darkest nights are spinning; fears and shadows filled with strife,

Through the dankness of our sinning and the wickedness of life,

Through the deep, darkened pits of hell reeks the helplessness we feel,

Comes a single light from heaven, for our sinful hearts to heal,

Light increases as we move, open eyes improve our glance,

As we reach to touch the light, we’re enveloped in a trance,

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

Escape from gloomy darkness now, consumes us and makes us cry,

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

The light erases those dark clouds and with it helps us to cope.

This little light from Bethlehem became a brilliant star,

He came to earth to save the world, from sin and its ugly scar.

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

We are redeemed by His great might,  His love will always abide.

Posted in Advent, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, back to school, Jesus, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

SILENCE OF WINTER . . .

Posted on December 5, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Over the meadow and through the woods to Bethany we go. Today my granddaughter will graduate from Bethany College in Mankato. The trip takes about an hour and a half, so we’ll be leaving soon. There’s a light flurry of snow, but I remember family trips on days like this when we worried about the weather. Think about the journey Mary and her betrothed husband Joseph took over rugged terrain with him guiding a donkey who carried Mary and the soon to be newborn baby, Jesus. If that trip had not been taken, things might have turned out differently, but it was all part of God’s plan that they return to the ancestral town of Bethlehem. It’s amazing how He weaves all events together to fulfill His promises.

Shortened days – lack of sunlight,
Fields are white and streets now glazed,
In the icy silence of a stolen breath,
Through wild anticipation of lost moments soon remembered,
Anxiously we wait for one who promised He would come.

In a manger – in a stable – gently laid upon the hay,
His return will be in glory, as a king he will arrive,
Through his power and his wisdom, he will judge and cast away,
All the evil and deception of the one whose only drive,
Is to make an interruption in the path we’ve chosen.

Light in darkness – sweet redemption – all my sins He melts away,
He brings life from deep depression – cradling in His arms each day.
In darkest hours I make confession of my guilt – I bare it all,
He forgives and grants me healing – He is there to take the fall,
I know He will always catch His dear children.

Frozen landscapes soon are hidden. Only pastures green remain,
He will lead me by still waters ’til He comes to earth again,
No fear of death will e’er surround me. I know it cannot sting me now,
I’ve given him my one possession – to Him my life I do endow,
Take me, oh Lord and use me to thaw hearts to find your gentle warmth.

Posted in God's plans, God's promises, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

WHAT’S THAT NOISE . . .

Posted on December 4, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

The Advent season is upon us. Our focus should be on the coming Messiah, but somehow the commercialization of this time of year kicks in and we might fall victim to some of the outside influences. The picture was not painted by Paul this time. It’s just a cute little Pinterest offering. I haven’t seen any mice in the house so far this year. That’s a good thing since they scare the bejeebers out of me. Who would think an 83 year old woman would be frightened by such an adorable little critter? This is a Throwback Thursday from four years ago.

‘Twas the month before Christmas and all through the house,

The only thing stirring was a cold, little mouse,

He found a warm spot in the neighborhood,

He thought he’d sneak in while the getting was good,

The house it was fancy and the space was ginormous,

Each room beckoned him, but their cat was enormous,

Instead he decided to sleep in the attic

Along came a friend who was quite acrobatic,

Who swung through the air with the greatest of ease,

He traversed cross the ceiling, as quick as a breeze,

At last they found refuge in the insulation,

But suddenly felt a tumultuous vibration,

They thought it was Santa on top of the roof,

They got so excited, but remained quite aloof,

They peeked out the window and what did they see,

It was simply the owner, decorating the tree.

Posted in Christmas, Humor, Poetry by Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

BRANCH OF DAVID . . .

Posted on December 3, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The watercolor sketch was painted several years ago, when Paul’s vision was still clear and bright. The colors were more brilliant in those days. As macular degeneration invaded those dark brown eyes, the colors began to fade. He still painted beautiful paintings, but he began to experiment with impressionism on a larger scale. I don’t know much about the disease, but I did see a definite change over time. He painted every day to keep his craft at work. Bigger projects were coming his way in the form of murals. He created some wonderful pieces on much larger canvases – including backdrops for my children’s theatre company. God continues to use our talents throughout our lives. Even though vision may change and body strength diminishes, our Creator still provides ways for us to fulfill the gifts He’s given us.

God had a plan in mind for His very own Son. This perfect (without sin) baby that was sent to earth to be with us, to live a human life, feel pain and suffering, preach, heal and change lives and hearts, would become our brother. The plan began a long time ago when He promised the first human beings that a Messiah would come to save the world. That was something that only God could make happen. Jesus came from an interesting list of ancestors. This too, shows how He was fully man. He suffered death and rose again for the purpose of making it possible for us to share in eternal life. He overcame death and we will too. In just a short life span, a baby grew into a boy and then a man. At the young age of 33 He died, but he crushed the devil and still lives. God’s plan for us has already been established. No matter what our past – no matter what our abilities – no matter what life throws at us – we are redeemed by Him. True man but also true God.

The prophet said it plainly. The Son of God would come,

To be the perfect sacrifice for each and every one.

The words have been fulfilled. The Lamb of God was slain;

Our sins have all been washed away and we have hope again.

“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord,

“When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch;

And do justice and righteousness in the land.” Jeremiah 23:51

Posted in Advent, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Daily devotion, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

IT ONLY TOOK 4000 YEARS . . .

Posted on December 2, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POERY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The pencil drawing today shows a peaceful scene – where evergreens are still green and mountains stand tall in the distance. The water has begun to freeze. Serenity, quiet, peace are things that we all long for, but it may take a lifetime to achieve. The people of Israel had waited for 4000 years for God to fulfill his promise of a Messiah. Generations would come and go. Sin would continue to infest the world. A flood was sent to clean things up, leaving only a small tribe of humanity to repopulate the earth. Years again would go by. The promise still hung in the air like a fleeting memory, but it remained. In God’s timing – according to His plan- without any help from mankind – He waited for just the right moment. All the ancient prophesies were about to come true. His messenger, Gabriel, was busy when that time came. He first visited Zechariah and Elizabeth to tell them they would have a child. Another impossible situation. They were old and Elizabeth was barren. They waited. They believed. It happened. The forerunner of the Messiah would be born to this couple. Mary went to be with Elizabeth after she heard that she also was going to go through a miraculous pregnancy. Together they resolved that this was such a time as this. All according to God’s original promise. Waiting isn’t easy, but when the final result occurs, it is SO worth it.

You came to a world filled with darkness and sin.

You loved us devoutly without and within.

Your love conquered all through a child meek and small,

Sweet Jesus, Your Son came and died for us all.

You took away sadness and filled us with peace,

You give us a hope that defies life’s surcease.

You gave Your life for us so we could be free.

Sweet Jesus, Your blood you did shed on the tree.

Your body lay lifeless, but rose on that day,

To show us that our sins you carried away.

So now we look forward to that special time

Sweet Jesus to join you in heaven sublime.

We know you’ll return to carry us home,

To empty the darkness of this world that we roam.

Be with us forever and love us each day,

Sweet Jesus, we love you, come quickly we pray.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, patience, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

MARY’S CHRISTMAS . . .

Posted on December 1, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This year has flown swiftly by. With each day on the calendar, there comes a hope that cannot be denied. I’ve chosen this watercolor painting of Paul’s for today. It depicts a scene of a welcoming lighthouse. This beacon of hope reminds me of the promise that the angel gave to Mary when he announced the birth of the Messiah. Can you imagine what must’ve been going through this young woman’s mind? She was no more than a child herself. Her life would be turned upside down with this news. To be in the presence of an angel was one thing, but to be told that she would bear the Son of God had to be impossible to grasp. How could this be? How could she conceive in spite of being a virgin? What would her betrothed husband think? How would her family react – not to mention the wagging tongues of the village. The angel left her with this news, yet she accepted it completely by faith. Nothing about this miracle made sense to a logical mind, but isn’t that what faith entails? Isn’t that what miracles are all about? Some things we simply accept because God tells us it is so in His Holy Word. Still, what was about to happen made perfect sense to the Creator of the universe. His plan for the salvation of mankind had to come directly from Him and His unconditional love. In the days leading up to Jesus’ birth, let’s take a look at Mary’s journey and with pure faith, believe.

A child just turned a woman, became the chosen one,

To hold the Son of God within – to be her firstborn Son,

She wasn’t someone special – a lowly servant girl –

But God had special plans for her and also for the world,

Through Mary’s contemplation of this exalted state,

She knew that God would come to earth to wipe away all hate,

To bring to man forgiveness from every single sin,

Fulfill His word of promise and make us clean within.

Posted in Advent, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Jesus, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments