DO THINGS GET BETTER WITH TIME?

Posted on July 22, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

We’ve all been overwhelmed by the news of the past few weeks – for the past few decades as a matter of fact. We can sit back in our recliners and make snide comments about a particular person. We might even be so bold as to post our opinions on social media. I used to rant quite a bit until I realized it was non-productive. So, what’s the alternative? Do we sit back and watch our country fall apart? Do we continue to stress over political rhetoric, conspiracy theories, those running for office or those who can’t make up their minds? Well, there I go again.

I take out my frustrations in my garden. It seems to be therapeutic for me to retreat to the weeds and rip them out with a fervor that is bent on destruction. This past week I started pruning a bush until it was almost a little stub growing out of the ground. I had all kinds of brush to dispose of, so I grabbed the wheelbarrow and started hauling things away. A little five-year-old neighbor must’ve seen me struggling so came over to help. Between the two of us we cleaned everything up and had a good conversation during the time we spent together. I told her that she should be careful, which is like telling a bird not to fly. We talked about my getting older and not being able to do the things I used to. She asked me if I was old enough to die. I told her I was. She wondered if she would die someday. I told her she probably would, but she would most likely go to heaven. She asked if I was going to be in heaven. I told her I was. She said she was glad we would be together there. Oh, my goodness. Out of the mouth of babes.

For a moment all the chaos going on in the world, seemed to be very unimportant. Two separate generations had a chat in the garden that would make it all go away. Life is so short. We spend so much of it worrying about tomorrow or the next day or the next. In the process we often miss the best of it. Some things will never change. We can sit and watch as our world crumbles or we can do something about it to make it better. All the negativity, division and nastiness will continue. We can pray about it to the only One who knows the future. We can be confident that His plan is perfect and for our good. We can tear our hair out in despair, or we can ask God to heal our land. He loves having conversations with us. Go to Him in prayer today. He is the only answer, but it doesn’t hurt to talk to a five-year-old either.

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GOD’S INTRICATE PLAN . . .

Posted on July 21, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“WISDOM,” COLORED PENCIL DRAWING BY PAUL BOECHER & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER ©

Our world is full of tragic news and heartfelt disconnection.

We struggle to find good in all the strife and insurrection.

The devil uses all these things to tug within our reasoning.

He twists and turns our very thoughts, with his own special seasoning.

But God’s power is much stronger. He’s crushed the serpent’s head.

He took the devil’s strength away when He rose from the dead.

That evil creature walks the earth, in shadows and in darkness.

He preys upon our weaknesses. He thrives upon our starkness.

He lurks about like lions prowl to forage for their meal,

But never will he find surcease for God will always heal.

The day will come when victory will come from up above.

When God will come to judge us all with justice and with love.

Lord, give me wisdom from your Word. Protect me with your arm.

Keep me within protective wings that shield me from all harm.

You’ve conquered death and so will I, as long as I trust You.

You’ve taken all my sins away. There’s nothing I can do,

Except to spread your Word of truth and love as you loved me.

Now shield me from all evil and set my spirit free.

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

NOT OLDER – JUST BETTER – SERIOUSLY?

Posted on July 20, 2024 by atimetoshare.me


“70 is the new 50” was undoubtedly coined by someone in their 70s. Growing old means you are now one of those blue haired church ladies. It means you have achieved a lifetime of memories – good and bad. When you’re in your 70s you should have matured like a fine wine, but chances are you have already gone sour.

The pull of gravity has taken its toll. Everything from the top down has sagged or grown wider. Actually, I used to be six feet tall. Now everything has slipped down and I’m more like six feet wide. My mind tells me that I can do what I did in my twenties while my body 9 screams, “I can’t!”

I’ve been known to go in search of something only to forget what it was when I get there. I can remember the names of the kids I went to school with, but now I might forget the names of my grandchildren and I only have three of them. Short term memory is fading fast, but let me tell you about when I was 30 and raising three kiddos.

You spend more time in a doctor’s office than your mother did. In fact, you’ve become your mother! You thought you would be retired and sitting on the beach in Maui, but instead you continue plugging along trying to get by on your Social Security check each month.

Your hearing fails along with most of your other senses. You have lost your youthful glow. You are so much crabbier. You have given up trying to prove something. You’ve been there and done that. Liver spots have replaced acne. You’re going through the final metamorphous, before returning to dust.

Actually, I remember my fifties and they were a few of the worse years of my life. They were a mere thirty years ago, but some of my most difficult memories sit in that span of years. I guess you could say, I was finally growing up.

In spite of the many changes we endure in a lifetime, we can look forward instead of back. Our purpose on earth is finally coming close to an end and the promise of eternal life – free from pain, depression, sadness and tears- sounds pretty terrific. Like fine wine improves with age, so do we, if we let it. The aging process is good for many things. It allows life to simmer for a while until it’s finally finished to perfection.


“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” II Corinthians 4:16

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FROM GOD’S POINT OF VIEW

Posted on July 19, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This wood sculpture is called “Trust.” It is an attempt to show us how we might appear to God as He watches us from above. Like little children, we reach towards heaven and those hands must appear larger than the rest of us as we place our trust in Him. One of our most difficult tasks today is sorting through the muck of life and finding people we can trust. Most of the time we’re disappointed when the trust is broken. It happens all the time, especially in a world so focused on self rather than one dedicated to helping others.

When we work together for a common cause – when we rely on those who have pledged to do their best – when the evil of this world surrounds, corrupts and interferes with relationships – we soon realize that there is only One we can trust. God sees us. He loves us. He cares about the things we’re going through. He wants the best for us. He has a perfect plan for our life, even when we make a mess of it. When all seems lost, God does what He’s best at. He restores. He renews. He refreshes, He reforms. He revises. He revives. He redeems. His loving hands are bigger than ours and much stronger. Trust Him.

“TRUST,” By Kathy Boecher

I lift my hands in confidence that you will hear my prayer,

I wonder what you think of them as I cast them in your care,

Up to the heavens where you dwell, where only you can see,

The darkness of this hopeless world, which first you made sin-free.

My hands reach out and they must seem so empty in your sight,

I have no gift to offer you, for bringing me your light,

As you look down and I look up, I feel so very small,

You’ve given everything for me, you’ve given me your all.

I thank you for the love you’ve shown, through your own treasured Son,

Through His great sacrifice I live, and with you I am one.

So now I pray with faith and trust that you will hear my prayer,

The doors to heaven open wide for all the world to share.

The wood statue has endured wind, snow, and rain. It has been weathered and beaten up by the elements, just like we have been scarred by the lack of trust we have for our fellow man. Eventually the scars will give way to destruction, but for those who believe in the true God, new life awaits.

.

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

SILVER & GOLD . . .

Posted on July 18, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Since today is Thursday, I’ going to share a post I wrote a while ago.

My maternal grandmother was the wife of a farmer – a woman with a true pioneer spirit. She often shared memories of her childhood in Montana, gathering buffalo chips to build a fire. When she grew older and married a farmer, she’d rise before the sun each day to knead and set bread for the crew of hungry men who worked in the fields. Then she would go outside, kill a chicken and prepare it for lunch.

Her hair was prematurely white, but she didn’t change it. She would braid it and twist it into a bun to keep it off her face. That radiant face was marked with wrinkles that made skin look like tanned leather, but through her beautiful blue eyes, the heart of true beauty was a reminder of who she really was. One special thing about grandma was her spirit in adversity. She buried 5 of her 8 children and her husband before she finally succumbed to death herself at 76 years of age. She rarely complained, but I’m sure her prayers were filled with angst and sorrow at those times. In my eyes, she was a perfect role model.

Grandma would often retreat to the woods to escape the pain that seemed to surround her. It’s good to have a place like that to be with God and tell Him what’s on your mind. It doesn’t have to be the woods or a closet or a special place in nature that brings you close to Him. He’s there right beside all of us and available at any time. His consistency – His perfection – His answers to questions that haunt or cause fear – His love is the silver and gold treasure that awaits each one who puts their faith in Him Alone.

I’ve fond memories of grandma singing with the ‘old time religion’ station, as she prepared the mid-day feast.  The dog added his own musical chords to accompany her. One of her favorite hymns was “Silver and Gold.” I love those lyrics because they remind me of her, but also because the words carry much meaning in their simple message.

“Don’t give me a mansion on top of the hill. Don’t give me the world with a shallow thrill, but just give me a Savior. My life He can hold. I’d rather have Jesus than silver and gold.”

Thanks, Grandma for planting that truth in my heart.  My memories of you remain alive.  Perhaps I’ve turned you into a super-hero, but I think you deserve that status.  We all have our faults.  We all make mistakes as we age.  We learn from the past.  We struggle to make sense of world events, but because of the great love that God has for us, we are redeemed,

Posted in aging, Faith, memories, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

TREASURES IN THE ATTIC . . .

Posted on July 17, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

With an ever changing economy and uncertain times, it’s hard for most people to get by much less think about leaving an inheritance for their families. Although many contend that it’s important to work hard and store up treasures for future generations. My parents and grandparents didn’t have much money, but they did have a treasure which they passed on to me. This bounty did not come from hard work or from being given a silver spoon at birth, but from God, the Father of all creation.  It bore no price tag, was free of any obligation, given by our Heavenly Father with no strings attached.

When we downsized a few years ago, it became apparent to me that many of the things we were hanging onto were simply things that would give way to decay in time.  Some things we continue to hang onto for sentimental reasons – like the marble collection, my husband received from his dad when he was a child.  The idea of pushing those spheres of different colors around for hours as a form of entertainment has little merit today, but it takes us back to a different time and place. There’s a baby dish which was mine as a child. It holds no use anymore, but it’s a piece I will associate with time spent with my parents.  The collection of wooden toys and miniature models of old cars are still around.  Some things we just hang onto as a reminder of where we came from.

We also have a special place in our home for an old King James Bible which belonged to my mother-in-law.  We have many Bibles, but this one is extra special to us.  It shows how much that book was used, ransacked, notations made, and dog-eared pages saved for future reference. Our children know that there will be little of worldly wealth for them to fight over when we die. Maybe that in itself will provide well for them.  Treasure can only be measured in the wealth of ideas, talents, compassion and service we use towards others while we inhabit this world. I pray that my grandchildren may learn a thing or two from me, but I especially pray that they will take the inheritance I received as a child and pass it on to their children as well.

Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.” 

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of grandchildren. Be with me as I share my love for you with them. Stand beside them as they walk through life and lead them in your ways. I know this is the best treasure they can receive, and it was purchased by your own dear Son.  Amen!


 


 

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ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN

Posted on July 16, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Last week I talked about artificial intelligence and how we can become slaves to something we think will do our work for us. The world is filled with new stuff. We hear about it on a daily basis. Electric cars, electric bikes, electric skateboards – to name a few. Yesterday I was turning right, out of a parking lot and suddenly was confronted by young man coming straight at me with an electric skateboard. He was in my lane and seemed oblivious to any danger. I thought I was going to hit him and had to pull over to gain my composure. I could have caused the death of a kid on a skateboard. I could see him in my rearview mirror, continuing on in the wrong lane – no helmet – without any visible fear on his part. He was an accident waiting to happen.

Ever have days like that? You may be in a hurry to get somewhere, and you’re diverted by one of those accidents that did happen. The thing that caused you to be late, may have saved your life if you had been there any sooner. I truly believe that God protects us from harm, even when we don’t realize it. Some days are worse than others. You can be confronted with a series of accidents just waiting to happen and by some supernatural occurrence, you are spared from becoming part of it. Though there is no reference to guardian angels in the Bible, the following passage tells that God provides protection through His angels.

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11

As new inventions come at us at a fast and furious pace, we need to be ready for those accidents waiting to happen. Every time there is a catastrophe, we often look back and wonder why it ever occurred in the first place. Every new discovery or product introduced will have some sort of flaw. Those flaws should be ironed out before they hit the assembly lines, but that doesn’t always happen. So, do we go through life walking on eggs, expecting the worse at every turn? Of course not, but we do need to make intelligent decisions. With God’s help, we can be assured of His protection, but accidents still happen, so our prayers are our link to Him. Maybe it’s time to give Him a call again.

Posted in aging, angels, fear | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

IF IT’S BROKE – FIX IT . . .

Posted on July 15, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

The events of the past weekend are still fresh in our minds. There will be differences of opinion, conspiracy theories, words of speculation and the possibility of terrorism, but one thing is certain. When America endures a tragedy, they almost always come together to rebuild, to restore, or fix the problem. To say we are a nation under God, has been challenged over the past decades. We are no longer a Christian nation, as some have said. We are indeed a nation of many beliefs, nationalities and countries. A melting pot which has grown in size over time. The resources of those nations = the ideals – the beliefs – the history – should bring us together rather than dividing us.

To me, America is still a nation under God. The statement remains in our Pledge of Allegiance. In my opinion, God is still in control and His plan will move forward, without our interference.

“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other.”

These words were spoken by Abraham Lincoln in his bid for the senate.  Our country was in the throes of debates over slavery and a massive influx of immigrants from foreign lands.  Both of these things were pitting brother against brother and eventually resulted in the Civil War which killed over 600,000 Americans.

This phrase was also used by Patrick Henry when the American Revolution was being fought.  It was originally spoken by Jesus after being accused by the Pharisees of being demon possessed.  He had just released a man from his own demons.

in Matthew 12:25, Jesus simply stated that the devil would not fight against himself.

“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand,”

Whenever there is a tragedy in our nation, it seems to me that Americans are at their best. They renew their love of country and set aside their differences for a while. Instead of waiting for a tragedy, maybe we should put those words into everyday practice. The Statue of Liberty opens her arms to all nations as a place free from persecution and rebellion. We are all immigrants in fact. That is a gift that makes us unique from other countries.

As we listen to the rhetoric, I pray that God will guide us to have open minds – to research the news that comes at us at a rapid pace – to sort through the words and discern what is the best direction for our country. I love America. She has been through a lot in her short history. It’s time for us to return to our roots and begin to work together for the good of all.

Dear Heavenly Father, You are in control of all things. You have the power to change the course of history and to help us learn from past mistakes. Please heal our land from the stark differences that are in the minds of its citizens, and may we trust in You to deliver us from the evil that the devil continues to spread. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen!

Posted in America, patriotism, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

THE HEART OF THIS COUNTRY . . .

Posted on July 14, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Our world is full of tragic news and difficult decisions.
We struggle to find good in all the strife and dark divisions.
The devil uses all these things to tug within our reasoning.
Manipulating all our thoughts, with his own special seasoning.


But God’s power is much stronger. He’s crushed the serpent’s head.
He took the devil’s strength away when He rose from the dead.
That evil creature walks the earth, in shadows and in darkness.
He preys upon our weaknesses. He thrives upon our starkness.


He lurks about like lions prowl and forage for their food,
But never will he find surcease for he can do no good.
The day will come when victory will come from up above.
When God will come to judge us all with justice and with love.


Lord, give me wisdom from your Word. Protect me with your arm.
Keep me within protective wings that shield me from all harm.
You’ve conquered death and so will I, as long as I trust You.
You’ve taken all my sins away. There’s nothing I need do.

The price for my salvation was won with your own blood,

You died for me, you cleansed my soul, you did it for my good, Except to spread your Word of truth and love as you loved me.
Now shield me from all evil and set my spirit free.

Posted in America, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, country | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

HOW WAS YOUR WEEK?

Posted on July 13, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

God has a plan. The plan might include situations or problems that we don’t want to face. Maybe we can work through them alone, but most of the time we need someone to talk to, someone to encourage us, someone to lean on. As we’ve personally learned in our years of marriage and especially the last couple years, challenges are a necessary component to getting us through this thing called a lifetime. Each day shows us that we have a wonderful family that is doing so much to make life easier for us. We have amazing friends who have proven to be great prayer warriors and continue to lift us up. We have fond memories of years gone by and are trying to spend our remaining days, weeks, months and possibly years together. Above all, we have a Creator who has laid out the plan and is refining us and preparing us for eternal life.

In looking at my datebook for this past week, I see crossed out appointments, rearranged meetings, new dates set, a lot of notes and details that suddenly are changed for some reason or another. We can’t always count on things to go as we plan, but we can trust the plan God laid out for us at the beginning of time. All the trials we would face are in that plan. All the difficulties – the pain and suffering – the losses and successes – lives and death are included for a purpose. Tell that to the one who is going through those things. Don’t expect them to understand what that purpose is. None of us knows what the future will bring, but God does.

We all have days when we want to throw up our hands and scream. There are moments when we lose hope and give up. We are not merely marionettes, led by the great puppeteer in the sky. God has given us the ability to work through problems, the mental ability to figure things out, the physical prowess to labor through and the emotional strength to survive them. Our natural tendency is to plan, to carry out our plan and to achieve what we began. With God beside us, all things are possible – even those we never dared to dream.

So, my week in review. I had a bunch of ups and downs like most of us do. There were difficult decisions, times of sadness, times of laughter, peace and quiet, time to dig in my garden, to see new life and cherish the blessings of God. Take the hand of God. He will take yours and guide you in the path that He has laid out for you. He gives you the strength and wisdom to follow your dreams, to make new memories and to look forward to life with Him in heaven.

“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.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Posted in aging, anxiety, Encouragement | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

FRUIT OF THE VINE

Posted on July 12, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

John 5:1  “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.”

I want to know you, Lord.  I want to feel your arms around me, comforting, protecting, loving me.

I long for your presence in my life.

Your Word connects me to you.

Your Passion shows me how important I was to you.

Your resurrection assures me that I will live forever with you.

You come to me when most I need you and yet I know that you are always there.

I can try to hide, but you are so much a part of me, I can’t escape.

Such a love is so hard to understand.  There is nothing like it.

We are connected like the grapes connect to the vine.

Help me to find that intimate connection, where I know,

You are the vine.  I draw life from you.

Help me to know you better every day, so that when that final day comes,

I will be ready for you.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, Faith, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

BECOMING PART OF THE 21st CENTURY . . .

Posted on July 11, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

This will be my last post on technology for the time being. For years now, my kids have been telling me to get with the 21st Century and become familiar with the world of technology. I’ve given in, for the most part. In my years of writing, I’ve come up from a manual typewriter to a word processor to a computer. I used to erase words physically from the typewritten page. I made carbon copies and covered my fingers with black. I learned shorthand in school and got my first office job because of it. When I realized I couldn’t translate the shorthand, I was moved on to a Dictaphone machine. Thankfully, in those days I could still hear. Now I can actually speak to my computer, and it will transcribe my thoughts as I think them. It will even correct misspelled words and check my use of grammar. If I have enough money, I can actually publish my own work. That happened once, so I can say that I’m a published author.

With all the technology and instant information, the art of communication has taken a big hit.  We’ve grown to depend on text messaging, e-mailing, Facebook, Instagram and other sites on the internet to speak to one another.  What’s missing?  You can’t read a person’s body language, see the expression on their face or really hear what they’re saying. The skill of conversation has been obliterated by these social networks – and yes, I use them too.

Having taught public speaking and drama, I know the value of the spoken word and physical interaction between people.  You don’t get that in a text message.  You can read all kinds of things into an e-mail.  In trying to push forward into the rest of this century, we’re really losing something important.  Face to face communication allows us to listen, to visualize and to speak spontaneously or with thought.  Hopefully thinking before we speak.

One of our greatest difficulties, as we age, is the loss of hearing and sight.  Without them we become frustrated, feel lost and helpless.  We watch a television show and try to lip read, but that usually doesn’t work.  Closed captioning isn’t always reliable either. We watch a sunset with cataracts in our eyes and something is missing.  As one who has been gradually losing the ability to hear, I can attest to this fact. The truth is that eventually we lose our physical senses and one day the whole electronic world may die along with them. I still have all my original body parts, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the cartoon attached to this post, might prove true someday.

In our relationships, the key to unlocking a good one is communication.  If we’re not willing to listen, we’re downgrading the importance of the person were talking to.  We’re setting ourselves on a higher plain than the one we’re speaking to, before we even have a chance to know them.  We’re making faulty judgments.  Open conversation allows us the chance to see, hear and act in an intelligent way.  For example, how can you say, “I love you,” in a text message and have it hold any truth.  If you do it in person, your sincerity can be heard, seen and felt.

Take a few days to spend time with those you care about.  Make it a point to communicate verbally with those you work with.  Put your electronics away for a few weeks and realize you can survive without them.  In fact, a whole new world might just open up for you. By the way, the Bible is also available as an app for your phone or computer. Open it today and discover a whole new world that goes far beyond the 21st Century.

Posted in acting, change, technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

AGING IN THE AGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Posted on July 10, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

I am of the age when cookies were things you put in the oven and then in your mouth. I know about the Internet, although I haven’t even begun to explore all it has to offer. I’m aware that clicking on a butterfly means to open the computer, but I always thought butterflies were good pollinators – not part of technology. I know that autocorrect has replaced white out. As I ponder over the effects of technology and the aging brain, I can’t help but be amazed by God’s intricate design of the world I live in. Because of His divine intervention, there is order in chaos – beauty in the workings of the human body – geometric patterns that make up the smallest creatures. There is no computer or Artificial Intelligence that can even come close to what He has created. Still, we continue to think we know better than Him. We work hard to become like Him. We struggle with problems that only lead to more problems and less solutions.

At one time, mankind was the image of God, but the angel who thought he could compete with and win over Him, entered the picture and created doubt in the minds of Adam and Eve. A doubt that would lead to their downfall and therefore the fall of the human race. The division that occurred in that moment would never be unified until God’s love prevailed.

I must admit, I’ve become somewhat of a slave to this new technology. I used to scoff at the younger generation as they seemed to be glued to their devices. Now that my hearing is failing, I rely on my phone to keep me in the loop. I can still type and communicate via text or email on a daily basis. My husband has threatened to send me an email rather than talking to me personally. I love the ability to search for information and get results immediately. I use my computer to find recipes – to talk to old friends – to encourage others – to discover how to tend to my hydrangeas. It is like having all those information sources right at your fingertips. I can even see my church services on live stream if I can’t attend in person.

Like everything that serves a good purpose in life, there is also a seedy side. The Internet can bring things to view that will tempt, corrupt, lead to sin and temptation. It can be a source of crime for those who want to scam others out of their daily bread. It can create a false image of what is expected in this crazy world and lead people away from the truth of God’s love. That being said, I pray that we stay aware of what our children are viewing as well as what we expose ourselves too. God is still in control of the universe. We have a responsibility to pass that truth on to future generations.

I have no idea how the world will change in the next fifty years. I don’t plan to be around that long. I pray that people will return to God. He is our Creator, our Comforter, our hope for salvation and the One who provides for a future with Him.

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THE END GAME

Posted on July 9, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Remnants of a frozen past, dangling branches kissed at last,

Dreams of respite from the cold, thoughts of ever growing old,

Sapped of life and wanting more, grasping for that final door,

Then when all seems lost and done, Heaven opens with the sun,

Warmer days and star filled nights, lift you to new glorious heights,

Earth gives way to life anew, fresh, green buds are breaking through,

Smells of earth and wind and rain, dance within your tired brain.

Washing clean the pangs of death, giving you new life – new breath,

Then comes summer blazing hot, scorching, searing afterthought,

Lazy days of contemplation, dawdling in God’s sweet creation,

Thoughts of everlasting peace, mingled with a temperate breeze,

Then the earth begins to dry, things give up and start to die,

Even then the beauty springs, colors burst and heaven sings,

The final act, the seasons done, nothing is new under the sun.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Life, seasons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

AI VERSUS GOD

Posted on July 8, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

 ” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5

I am not a scientist. I am not a theologian. I’m certainly not an intellectual. I am a creation of an Almighty God who has breathed life into me. My thoughts and actions are not stellar. I have a long way to go in that department. My journey has taken me in lots of directions and given me obstacles to overcome, battles to fight, relationships to nourish and share and so much more. My lifetime – 82 years of it – has definitely been a work in progress. I would venture to say that every human being has gone through much the same thing. To create another me or another you, would be such a complex endeavor, that it would never match that which was originally made by an all knowing God.

As we hear about artificial intelligence – an oxymoron of sorts – I can’t help wondering if we are on another trip into a realm that we have no control over. We can make cookie cutter images of things, but can we sort through all the intricacies of a human life so perfectly, that every detail is a mirror image of the original? There are bound to be things forgotten, seemingly unimportant or unnecessary. A carbon copy of the original is going to be flawed in some way. As the technology of today has advanced in the minds of men, are we on the brink of trying to become God? This was the question that the devil placed before Eve when he put doubt in her mind and that of her husband.

In my posts this week, I plan to address the question and hope that others will enlighten me. Like I said, I’m not an expert on any of this. Yet, I believe that whenever we try to place ourselves in God’s shoes, we’re inviting disaster. We can never even come close to His power, His omniscience nor His consistency in our lives. As a grandma of three young adults who are currently starting their own life journeys, I’ve seen so much danger in the technology of today. I’ve also seen the benefits of this knowledge and how it can help humanity. It’s kind of like a double-edged sword. On one side it can be used for good and on the other – evil is lurking right around the corner.

Those who hope in God will grow in wisdom and strength. I may be naive, but I truly believe that God is in control of all things in my life. His hand is guiding me. His power is strengthening me. His eternal knowledge is beyond human comprehension. The world is in His hands. This I know is true, because God has spoken to us through His Holy Word, the Bible.

Posted in aging, change, technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

SUMMER PONDERINGS . . .

Posted on July 7, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

As you sit by quiet waters and try to escape the madness of every day, you set the world apart from your thoughts – escaping temporarily – dreaming – feeling the intensity of calmness – simply thinking about nothing but enjoying the sensation of your environment.  Life without care, for a short time.  All that’s necessary is one quiet moment to run away from responsibility – to live in the extraordinary gift of contemplation.

Posted in aging, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, summer | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

GOD BE WITH MY FAMILY . . .

Posted on July 6, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

The past few weeks have been filled with family time, sharing good times, laughter, old memories and new ones made. Getting together as a family for special days has always been a part of lives. We aren’t all together each time, but we are a family, nonetheless. Over time, families grow and start their own adventures through life, but they will always be alive in our thoughts and prayers. Each time we get together is like recharging our batteries for a while. Watching grandchildren become adults and begin their own lives is a treasure everyone should possess. There’s nothing like grandparenting. It’s like a second chance at parenting for us.

Today the house is empty except for the two of us. Each day is a gift for us and we thank Jesus for everyone He blesses. For us the family visits are like another gift. They can seem few and far between – because we have so much free time to think about it. Our hopes of hearing from them become is much like becoming children ourselves again. We grow to rely on them, lean on them, trust them, wait for them, long for them and need them as they once needed us. I guess that’s called the circle of life, but each circle leaves an empty spot when it’s gone.

Our oldest daughter and her oldest son came for a short visit last week. We packed a lot into two days – mostly talking about the future. I found this poem I’d written the year she and her family moved to a faraway state. Our other two other children and their families live closer so we get to see more of them, but each one of them were originally entrusted to us by God. The gift of family and the path you travel together in their younger years, will not be forgotten when they grow old too.

GOD BE WITH MY CHILDREN – Poetry by Kathy Boecher

The moments have turned into days, the days turn into years.
We’ve watched you grow. We’ve seen success and now there come the tears.
I know I should be happy for all that lies ahead.
A family together – a new life to start – united again in God’s strong arms –
so why do these tears I shed?
It’s so hard to say goodbye to a family you call your own.
When they were young and starting out, who would have ever known,
that some distant day they would leave and cut their path alone.
I know The Lord will be with them, but my heart is breaking inside.
Take care of them, Lord, protect and sustain and with them always abide.

Posted in aging, Family, Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

WHERE EAGLES DARE . . .

Posted on July 5, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

The remnants of spent fireworks can be found in backyards and on city streets. The sounds of celebration have diminished. Old Glory may still wave, but has anything changed? Chances are the sounds of liberty and freedom have dwindled over time. We have lost much of the afterglow that originally followed the United States Declaration of independence so many years ago. There is still a glimmer of patriotism alive in our country, which needs to be rekindled by someone who truly loves America and realizes the cost of freedom. I pray that God will provide the right leadership and reignite our pride in the sacrifices paid for our liberty.

ART BY PAUL & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

Majestic eagle spreads his wings, a span of eight feet wide,

The pinions of those glorious wings with heaven soon collide,

His feathers made for reaching God, they also serve to save,

Protection for those learning how to take off and be brave.

We’re like those fledgling youngsters, flailing to keep the pace,

We need the stronger presence of the One who takes our place,

We turn our eyes up to the skies, praying for God’s own hand,

To take us far beyond our realm, into another land.

We soar so high with wings outspread, His breath will intercede,

We fail at times, but He’s right there to care for every need,

The gates to heaven open wide, we’ll meet Him face to face,

He grants our rest in His strong wings knowing we’ve won the race.

Posted in 4th of July, America, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WHERE EAGLES DARE . . .

BRING PATRIOTISM BACK TO AMERICA . . .

Posted on July 4, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Memories of the Fourth of July from years gone by, flood my mind this morning. As I look out my window, there’s a grey haze in the sky. Humid air infuses the atmosphere. Summer heat kisses the ground with glistening dew. It’s a day of family events occurring to honor our country on its 248th birthday. Bands will play patriotic music. The flag will be displayed. Barbeque grills will fire up and people will gather for another holiday, but will we really consider what has happened to this fledgling nation over its short history? Many will don their red, white and blue apparel. Some will salute the flag as it’s displayed. Some will scoff at the changes that have occurred while others will continue to honor the founding of this nation.

A few years ago, we moved into our current address. We live in one of the first towns to be established in our state. We inhabit a home that was built in 1885 – after our nation went through a civil war which divided families and continues to wage even today as opinions become separated again. The small-town atmosphere seems to be more conducive to patriotism, but this attribute is not restricted to one part of the country our another. It’s something that lives within the hearts and minds of its citizens. In less than three centuries those feelings have been tested to the max.

Mark Twain once said of the United States, “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” That sentence is a good reminder of what our government was intended for. Over time the good intentions of our founding fathers have been tarnished to facilitate the greed, the narcissism, the bravado and popularity of those who would lead us.

Patriotism means that we collectively are proud of our freedoms.  We stand when the “Star Spangled Banner” is played. We even try to belt out the words with our faltering voices.  We remember the many battles fought, just during our lifetime, to protect our rights and honor democracy.  This one day in which we honor our nation, isn’t just about fireworks and celebration.  It’s about the ability to do those things without fear of repercussion.

As we pack up another Independence Day, let’s keep our patriotism alive a little longer than just a few days.  George Washington referred to America as a “Great experiment.” Any experiment needs to be nurtured, refined, polished and occasionally changed to fit the times, but the original template should never be forgotten. Many wars, many lives, too many tough life memories have paid the price for our freedoms. Let us never put away our patriotism.

GOD BLESS AMERICA – AGAIN!

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

LET FREEDOM RING . . .

Posted on July 3, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” John F. Kennedy

I watched the movie, “The Patriot” again recently.  It’s become a tradition, just like watching, “Ten Commandments” during Passover and Easter. The truth of overcoming hardship, deposing tyrannical rule, putting down a villainous adversary and doing so with truth on your side is something most of us hope for.

In the movie, we see a young widowed father of seven children, put away his younger days of valiant fighting in lieu of a career as a southern plantation owner and farmer.  He has had his fill of war.  Like most, who have fought the good fight, he is weary of it.  Testing the heart of a father, by taking the life of one of his children, is enough for this man to take up the sword once again.

This was the story of most patriots.  They were ordinary men and boys, fighting for the right to live freely.  Today, our freedom comes at an even higher price.  We’ve become accustomed to the liberties so many have fought and died for. We take for granted the ability to speak as we wish; to publish or air news stories in order to get ratings; to be tolerant of all kinds of behavior (even that which goes against God’s Law) for the sake of political correctness; to live as we wish without regard to civil law and even show disrespect to those who try to protect it. Our liberties have in fact given way to a carte blanche way of thinking for many. Licentiousness and arrogance have in fact taken the place of responsibility and the law.  By doing so, we have let the flag touch the ground and be trampled upon.

The final scenes of “The Patriot” show the father carrying the shredded flag which his oldest son rescued when he died in battle.  The “lost cause,” as the fight was often referred to, wasn’t lost at all.  The British army was defeated by a rag tag bunch of patriots with the fire of freedom burning within them.

As citizens of a free country, we continue to fight for that liberty to be a democracy by ruling ourselves. Our forefathers were willing to die for the cause.  Every day we’re confronted with life-or-death situations.  Are we ready to give our lives to fight for the same cause today? As followers of Christ, we know that our freedom from sin was also paid for with the greatest price ever – the blood of the Son of God took our sins to the cross and buried them forever.  Because of that we can truly say, we are free!

Posted in 4th of July, America | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments