MAY FIFTH – A VERY SPECIAL DAY

Posted on May 5, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

The month of May is filled with new things. The freshness of new growth. The delight of seeing little buds appearing on trees and emerging from the ground. The promise of lots of colors to bless our gardens and resplendent ornamental trees beginning to flower. It’s also a time of celebration – coming out of a long season of white into a new month filled with amazing hues of green, red, blue and yellow.

On May 5th we remember and celebrate the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo for their defeat of the French at the Battle of Pueblo in 1862. Our menu of the day may include tacos, enchiladas, Mexican beer or Margaritas. The colors of the Mexican flag will fly, and celebrations occur even if you aren’t Mexican. There were other things that happened on that day.

  • Coco Chanel introduced her modern perfume to the world – Chanel #5
  • In 1260 Kublai Kahn, the grandson of Genghis Kahn, became the leader of the Mongol Empire.
  • in 1865 the 1st US train robbery occurred at North Bend, Ohio.
  • In 1917, the first African American, Eugene Bullard, received his pilot’s license to fly for the military.
  • In 1925, John Scopes was arrested for teaching evolution.
  • In 1969, Norman Mailer received the Pulitzer Prize for his novel, “Armies of the Night.”

So, today enjoy some traditional Mexican food, think about how history has influenced everyone’s life in some way or another and read a book, but try something other than one about evolution.

HAPPY MAY 5TH

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MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU . . .

Posted on May 4, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

In my attempt to find something fresh and new for each day of May, I happened across the above meme. I’m not a big Star Wars Fan, but the phrase May the force be with you, will always require the Lutheran in me to respond with, “and also with you.” I would guess this would also be a Catholic response, and maybe Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, etc., etc., etc.,

Isn’t it funny how words and specific sentences can garner automatic responses from our past. As a Lutheran, I learned to recite the liturgy, so I would be able to respond without looking at the words. Soon those words became rote and lost their punch. So, in the spirit of Star Wars, with a Lutheran touch, my wish for you is that the true force will be with you, and also with me.

HAPPY FOURTH OF MAY!

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WALKING WITH JESUS . . .

Posted on May 4, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

Footprints in the sand

pressed deeply by two sets of feet.

They have a purpose in walking side by side.

But when one set disappears it easy to see,

by the weight carried by those lone prints,

that one has lifted the other and carried him when he could no longer walk alone.

The burdens that the one carried are now placed on the back of the other.

Not only does He carry the burdens – He lifts the one He carries to a perfect peace.

JESUS!

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NATIONAL TWO DIFFERENT COLORED SHOES DAY

Posted on May 3, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Every now and then I pay attention to silly things. Well, actually most of the time I spend thinking about silly things. For example, I will never understand what happens to socks on laundry day.  There’s always at least one missing.  For years I’ve struggled with this dilemma.  My granddaughter has informed me that matching socks are so yesterday, so it’s not really a problem anymore, but it still bugs me. Leave it to young people to find the solution for lost socks and putting it into action.  A whole new fashion trend has evolved. I even noticed a talk show host wearing one sock on one foot and no sock on the other. Did the other sock escape? There is also a day to celebrate lost socks. It’s coming on May 9th.

Today, however, is a day of celebration for wearing two different colored shoes. I’ve been known to do this at times. It wasn’t planned that way, I simply got dressed in the dark and didn’t bother to look at my feet until it was too late. No one else noticed until I mentioned it. That’ll teach me to open my mouth at the most inappropriate time. I’m not crazy about change, so the idea of wearing two different shoes isn’t on my bucket list, but if it were to create a whole new statement, I might be game. When you’re over 80 you tend to do things to stir up conversation. Most of the time, you’re put on a waiting list of some kind.

It gets me thinking about the other pair of two different colored shoes left in the closet. How do they deal with such abandonment. I mean, weren’t they meant to be together? Like lost socks, they might just disappear someday destined to a life somewhere in the bowels of the earth. Maybe there could be an online dating service for those odd shoes, designed to find the perfect mate for each one. There would have to be an honest disclosure in the shoe’s description so that a cowboy boot doesn’t get paired with a ballet slipper. Who knows? They just might make a go of it.

Don’t worry, I haven’t completely flipped my lid. I’m not losing it. It’s Funny Friday and I can’t think of anything else to write about today. Thus, I turn to the Days of the Year Calendar for writing prompts. Have a great weekend and be sure to laugh, especially at those wearing two different shoes.

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A FIELD OF WEEDS . . .

Posted on May 2, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Yesterday we went on our weekly road trip within 20 miles of our home. It’s always good for us to roam through the surrounding neighborhoods and burrows in search of God’s beautiful bounty of creation. Nothing takes your mind off yourself better. As we searched the landscape, there were signs of spring everywhere. We came upon flowering cherry trees, some newly blossoming perennials and a lovely field of dandelions. I remember picking and receiving big bouquets of these flowers back in the day. Nothing says loving, like a handful of dandelions. When we got home from our drive, there was a girl walking with her mom. She was on roller skates and had a bundle of dandelions in her hand. It made me think of those days when my own children would do the same for me.

I guess these weeds are beauty in the eye of the beholder, but to those who love perfectly green lawns they can become a real pain in the neck. When my children brought me bouquets of dandelions, it meant they were thinking of me in a special way. Even though, when placed in water, they soon wilted and turned my fingers green. Our point of view has a lot to do with how we view everything in life. When things aren’t going well for us, when we have difficult decisions to make, when health problems occur, when we are emotionally hurting, a cheerful bouquet of dandelions might clear up the troubles for the moment, but soon the beauty wears off and the flowers wilt and die.

If we look at the dandelions as only weeds, we’re neglecting the beauty they can bring to a barren field or empty lawn. Weeds will come. They’re mixed in with healthy grasses and flowers. Soon they turn into giant puff balls of seeds which scatter and grow again. There will always be the tough things to deal with in life, but God will even open our eyes to great beauty and hope and faith that tomorrow will be another day. Your perspective can and will change your outlook if you let it. Don’t miss out on the beauty that’s right before your eyes.

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DAY TWO OF MAY . . .

Posted on May 2, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“TAKE ME AWAY” – Art & Poetry by KATHY BOECHER©

The world is not the place for me. I long to be in heaven.

When thoughts like that invade my mind, I need to be forgiven.

God didn’t make me to want death. He chose me as His own.

He crafted me and knew me before my life was sewn.

Each intricate piece he whittled. Each vessel put in place.

He had a plan set just for me. He knew the dreams I’d chase.

And even as my days grow short, and time is running out,

I feel His presence in my life. Of this I have no doubt.

To live for me is Jesus, no matter where I roam.

I will rejoice to meet Him when He comes to take me home.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, Heaven, inspiration. | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

Posted on May 1, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A haze entrenched sky,

Sprinkles a minute amount of light,

Upon the mighty river’s edge,

Capturing reflections,

Dispensing shadows,

Displaying an array of natural color,

The remnant of a fallen tree rests frozen in a mass of crystal shards,

But today is a new beginning as each day should be,

Today the waters have returned,

God’s finger has opened them,

The first of May,

Transition time.

Time to sweep out the cobwebs of winter,

To lift the veil of anticipation.

And look ahead,

To days of warmth,

Rapture,

Lazy days of summer

To reach heights never dreamed of,

To find renewal,

To live.

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

JOYFUL, PATIENT & FAITHFUL

Posted on April 30, 2024 by atimetoshare.me 


"All good things arrive unto them that wait--and don't die in the meantime."  Mark Twain

“God writes a lot of comedy … the trouble is, he’s stuck with so many bad actors who don’t know how to play funny.” Garrison Keeler

Joy, Patience and faithfulness are formidable character traits, but when you add words like hope, affliction and prayer, you see there is more to them than meets the eye.  How often do we give thanks when our hopes have been dashed? How do you grow patient when everything around you is moving at a snail’s pace? How’s our prayer life? Do we just reach out to God when we need Him, or do we have numerous conversations with Him throughout the day?

God is not simply an aging old man in the sky, managing His kingdom like a puppeteer pulling all the right strings.  He definitely has a sense of humor, because He created me.  He looks after us as a loving father cares for His children.  He wants the very best for us and has a blueprint all drawn out for what He has in store for us.

He’s also demanding of us.  He wants our obedience, because He’s our Creator.  He wants us to share our love and trust in Him with those in desperate need of the Gospel.  He’s given us the command to love one another as we love ourselves.  He wants us to know that nothing we do is going to pay for our inability to live up to His expectations, but He also provided a way out for us.

We don’t just automatically become joyful when we turn things over to God.  Sometimes it takes Him a long time to answer.  Sometimes He does that to build character and patience, other times He’s refining us.  Sometimes He looks into the future and knows what’s best for us.  Maybe the thing we’re praying for isn’t for our good.  Many times He doesn’t answer at all, but He guides us through the path that He’s pre-determined for us.  He gives us discernment, wisdom and the ability to make the right choices.

God feeds us when we get a daily diet of His Word.  He nourishes our bodies and souls with the love He exhibits for us on those pages.  Plan on filling yourself up with his truth and He will bestow on you hope, patience and faithfulness.

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A WEEK WITHOUT BAGGAGE

Posted on April 29, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Mondays are good days to start over – to leave the baggage of last week and the weeks before behind and push ahead. The word, “motivation,” literally means to move forward. Sometimes it’s not easy to do so. We’re stuck in a rut because our mind tells us we can’t deal with change anymore. We’re too old to start over. We don’t have the energy or strength to begin again. Maybe we’re simply tired of the rat race of living and we don’t want to try again.

Life is full of reasons why we shouldn’t move on. We become complacent – satisfied – we’re physically unable to go through another change – we might be plain lazy – and a whole litany of other reasons. When you get to the final years of living, you become even more stubborn about change. You’ve worked all your life to achieve the things you hope to accomplish. It’s time for a break. By the time you reach retirement, you have all kinds of time, but no money – no energy – no MOTIVATION.

The truth is, when you turn 80, you can’t stretch your legs above your head. You can’t move as quickly as you once did. You’re deterred by poor health. Your sense of hearing fails, your sense of smell puts you in danger, your tastebuds have bit the dust, and your eyesight is clouded. Even your ability to physically feel something is deterred by neuropathy. In fact, you become senseless. All the things you strived for in your youth have no meaning now.

So how do we push on when our get up and go has got up and left? Where do we get the motivation to pursue something different, something new, something totally out of our realm of comfort? At this age, we’re making life changing decisions, even when we don’t want to. One thing I know for sure is that even though our life is full to the brim with choices, we have someone who will guide us through and has our back. God alone is our advocate. He will give us the strength, the brainpower, the wherewithal and the wisdom to make the right decisions. With that truth in mind, we cannot fail. He is our motivation.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

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ME, MY, MINE, MYSELF OR I . . .

Posted on April 27, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Today might be the time to challenge yourself. How many times, whether speaking to others, writing an essay, filling out an employment resume, do you use any of the words in today’s title? Isn’t it interesting how often those words come up in conversation. It may be that you simply want to help someone by sharing a personal experience that you’ve been through. It could be that your social circle is so small that you are limited in who you talk about. Perhaps you’re very proud of yourself to the point of being egotistical. Whatever the case, we all tend to refer to ourselves too often in conversation.

When we meet someone for the first time, it’s normal to expand on self in order for the other person to get to know something about you. If you tell them your entire life history, not only will you soon lose their attention, but they may actually fall asleep in your presence. When you’re filling out a job application, it can be difficult to list all the assets you can bring to the table. We don’t generally like to brag about ourselves. but is it bragging when what you can do to fill that job is precisely what’s necessary?

When you’re trying to impress someone, you tend to talk about things you excel at. When you are the center of the conversation all the time, you’re probably talking about yourself too much. It was recently suggested by an editor, that those self-words should be avoided as much as possible, because the reader may deem the author as arrogant. Something to think about for sure. Toby Keith wrote a song titled, “I wanna talk about me,” a while back. The words were sometimes comical but held a lot of truth. When involved in any conversation, it should not be one sided. Everyone has something to contribute and should be given the opportunity to do so.

We tend to throw ourselves into the limelight when it comes to social media. Of course everyone wants to put their best foot forward, but sometimes it best not to share everything. How about our prayer life? How many times do we use those self-words when approaching the throne of God? For example: Dear God, I need . . . or I want . . . or help me . . . give me. Get the picture? When we pray, we should first give thanks to the One we’re praying to. Then confess our sins and ask for forgiveness. Then we offer our petitions, pray for others and finally give honor and glory to God.

Try to do this for short time. Eliminate the self-words and focus on those you are talking to, writing to or praying for. It could make a huge difference in the way you actually see others and how they view you.

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GOING WITH THE FLOW . . .

Posted on April 26, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

You can almost imagine the sound of a babbling brook,

Trickling rapidly over rocks,

winding over obstacles, but still persisting,

Each turn in that flowage, touches something along the way,

We can be like that force,

As we tumble through life, we touch others,

Our presence has some impact on those we meet,

Either good or bad,

Wouldn’t it be grand if we made a huge difference,

If we could change another’s circumstances,

Lend a hand,

Be a friend,

We can reach beyond our wildest imaginations,

We can inspire, encourage, support, care,

With those tools,

We are making a difference,

Not only in someone else’s life,

But in our own.

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

GROWING PAINS

Posted on April 25, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
― Mark Twain

When we embark on this thing called life, we have no idea where we’re going or what we’ll accomplish during that journey. When we reach the end of it, a new set of growing pains occur. Our bodies have given way to the effects of aging. Our skin sags, our muscles flop, our flexibility has flown the coop. Important parts of us have been repaired or replaced. Yet within our aging minds, is still a young person screaming for attention. The age-old question, “Why was I born, why am I living?” flashes before your eyes in bold neon letters. That question seems to become louder with each day, but there is a reason you were born and why you’re living. If you turn off the negative vibes that come with aging, you’ll see exactly why that’s true.

God designed our minds and bodies for a purpose. His intricate, perfect creation is often maligned over the years. We may try to alter our appearance in physical or medical ways. We exercise to keep the fit. We educate our minds and fill them with all sorts of philosophies and knowledge. All our attempts to stay young, eventually succumb to old age. That doesn’t mean that our growth stops.

Our death is a sure thing. What happens after death isn’t. When you have faith in the God who created life, you know that it never really ends. Our lives on earth are transitory. Heaven is real. We know this because God speaks that truth to us in His inspired Words, the Bible. Every day, we should give thanks for another chance at living, but we should also be anxious for our place in the heavenly realms of God.

Dear Creator, God, you have placed me upon this planet for a reason. I may never know what that reason is, but I can be assured that you do. When I look back at my life, I can see how you influenced it through trials as well as successes. As I now look forward to the end of it, I can see that my purpose will continue until my final breath. Help me to serve you here and throughout eternity. Amen!

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FILL ‘ER UP . . .

Posted on April 24, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

In the old days (how I hate that expression) filling up your car’s gas tank was so different. First, you’d pull into a “service” station and a young lad would come out dressed in a white uniform and hat. His clothing was spotless, even though his job called for him to be a jack of all trades. He would quickly fill the gas tank, wash your windows and check your oil, while you sat in the driver’s seat and waited. You might even be able to get a glass or plate with the station’s logo on it. Today, an elderly woman must get out of the vehicle, find the right button to push to determine what kind of fuel she wants and how much she’s willing to pay. She will then get tangled in the hose and proceed to fill her own gas tank. Forget about the windows and checking the oil. By the time the tank is full, she has endured rain, wind, sleet or snow and frigid temperatures. In those same “old days,” gas was 25 cents a gallon and you got the service for nothing.

There’s a lot to be said for customer service, which seems to be non-existent these days. (Another over-used term.) We push through over-stocked grocery stores and try to squeeze every penny out of a meager budget. We opt for buying clothes, shoes, necessary items to get through life either online or in big stores which offer fairly good prices, but the only employees you see today are either checking you out (which you can also do for yourself) or stocking shelves. Today we’re paying higher prices for less services, but that seems to be the scenario of this age. We want things right now, at the best (cheapest) price, without all the frills. We’ve become engrained with the idea that we are independent and free to do for ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with that. Freedom and independence are what our country was founded on.

There are times in our existence when we need to be re-charged or filled up. Not with things physical things or emotional stuff, but those things that bring us closer to God. King Solomon realized the importance of this during his time on earth. He was dubbed the wisest man of his time. He had everything he needed in life and then some. As he reached his later years, he realized that all of those things were meaningless. All the stuff we collect over time has no real value. All the expensive trinket, trips, special concerts or events, are nothing but trappings for an empty life.


So where do we go when things get to be too much – when you feel completely overwhelmed, empty and drained? The best place to recharge might be to fill up with things that you truly enjoy. That could be a vacation – a walk in the woods – a short road trip or attending a special event. However, none of those things compares with spending time with God. Maybe just finding a space where you can be alone – away from all the noise can be enough to fill ‘er up. The book of Isaiah is filled with promises from God, that He will be with us throughout this walk of living. He will lift us up, encourage, inspire, take away our anxiety and depression. He gives the best to those who place Him first in their journey. Even when it doesn’t seem like it – He is there. God is always there.

Isaiah 41:10 – “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you. I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

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THE NEXT STEP . . .

Posted on April 23, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

It’s been almost eight years since we downsized into a home half the size of where we were living for 24 years before. So, I guess we’ve accumulated enough junk to make another move. When age catches up with you – when you’ve lived a “full” life – when your family and friends tell you it’s time – let the shopping begin. Our last move involved looking at what seemed like a thousand homes before we made a decision. We’re now in the early process of checking out what’s out there in the senior living realm. OK, so I’m almost 82 and I should be excited about this, right?

I’ve heard many senior living places have wine bars and a great social atmosphere. I’ve even seen evidence of that as my troupe of fellow actors visited many of them and performed for them. Now I’m one of them. I knew the day would come, but there’s something about the finality of it that brings out my feelings of hesitation. I go back in time when we made this very decision for our own mothers. It wasn’t easy for us to do for them, but a very necessary situation.

I’m not afraid or stubborn or am I fighting this. In actuality I am very afraid, extremely stubborn and not looking forward to this at all. There are so many pros to making this a reality, but a lot of cons as well. I have many friends who are older than me, who still live in their own homes. The health care system has taken care of us and given us longer lives. For me, all of this is kind of like jumping off a bridge. You realize you’ve come to that final stage of life, and you might as well give in and jump.

Like all things, the best place to turn when you’re troubled or anxious is to God’s Word. Even though our lives are in a constant state of transition, His Word remains the same. God doesn’t change either. He is with us in all that we do. He stands beside us in good times and bad. He knows what is coming next before we do. He’s planned our future perfectly for us. I know that my future is in His hands and that whatever happens in this life is only temporary.

Psalm 71:18 ESV – “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.”

Posted in aging, retirement, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

THE EARTH IS HIS, FOR HE MADE IT . . .

Posted on April 22, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART BY PAUL T. BOECHER

On this Earth Day, let us not forget the one who created it. He is always in control of its destiny. We are merely caretakers.

“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you;

the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you;

or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you;

and the fish of the sea will declare to you.

Who among all these does not know

that the hand of the Lord has done this?

In his hand is the life of every living thing

and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:7-10

Dear, Creator God, as the world celebrates the earth you have created, let us never forget that you are ultimately watching over it.  You are the one that can also destroy it completely in an instant.  May we honor our obligation to take care of it, but also trust in you for your unfailing love for us and your creation.  Help us to never forget that you are still in control of it. Amen!

Posted in art by Paul T. Boecher, creation, earth day | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

TIME PASSES

Posted on April 21, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

Time rushes as torrents of rapid fire. Pushing seconds out of the way,

To comfort and relieve my heart’s desire to listen to the prayers I often pray.

Then from God’s own mouth He whispers – take my hand and follow me,

I will always be here for you. I have died to set you free.

The hourglass will soon be empty. No more sand will enter there,

But the hope of something better, He has promised to prepare.

Time will hold no pressure for me. He has heard my pleading cries.

And true life eternal gives me. I now close my weary eyes.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, inspiration., time | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

CLOUDS

Posted on April 20, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Like a giant vacuum, sucking vapor from the earth,

Descending down from heaven, like angels in their mirth,

Billowing up so very high, the sky can barely hold them,

Sprays of multi-colors rise, kisses and enfolds them,

Cotton candy on a stick, with gossamer wings that fly,

Mottled pink and mauve connect, convection for the eye,

Striated up above the world in a myriad of shades,

They act just like a fortress, of giant palisades.

When nighttime comes, they disappear from our imperfect vision,

But when the sun returns again, they come back with precision,

God’s own strong hand has placed them there so we would find some peace,

He also opens up the sky and shares in their release.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God, Heaven | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

FRAZZLED FRIDAY

Posted on April 19, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

We’ve come to the end of another work week. It’s Friday, and many of you are thanking God for that fact. I’m thanking Him for getting me through another week. When you’re in the “golden years,” it supposed to be smooth sailing through the rest of your days – right? Well, as we all know, life isn’t like that no matter what age you are. There will always be stress – that is until our life ends, and we enter heaven. In the meantime, what do we do with that frazzle dazzle?

I could bore you with a day-by-day account of what’s happening in my life right now, but my job is to encourage and inspire – not discourage and expire. Life can be overwhelming at times. Some of those times are worse than others. If we let the tough times pile up, we’re left with a ton of baggage on our backs. When you get old, the weight of that baggage can drive you right into the ground – literally.

These golden days can quickly become tarnished and worthless. If you add all the life changing events that we face on a daily basis, there is bound to be stress. If you try to lighten that load by turning it over to Jesus, it can relieve the burden, but our human nature will eventually cause deeper problems. It isn’t easy to simply let go and let God do what He does best. It takes a great deal of courage to do so, but with His help you can do it.

l Peter 5:6-11  “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.  And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.  To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

In other words, don’t sweat the small stuff – or the big stuff either, because God has this. He knows what we’re going through. He is right beside us all the way. His only Son, Jesus, experienced pain, suffering, humiliation, shame, degradation, torture and death. God loves you. He will not leave you. He will carry the burden for you. He won’t let you fall. He is your Redeemer and Comforter. Today you can be confident that He is in this with you. He will not let you suffer more than you can handle. Trust that promise. Give thanks for it. Oh, and by the way, did you know that the word, “stressed” spelled backwards is “desserts?” Go have a piece of chocolate cake.

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JESUS HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD . . .

Posted on April 17, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

In instant lives are shattered and will never be the same.

A moment takes the light of life and it nevermore will flame.

Our hearts are heavy as we long for someone that we can blame,

But the lessons of a dreadful act are all part of the game.

The plan for life is so precious. It’s the reason that Christ came.

He came to take our sins away, our redemption to reclaim.

We can run the race we’re given. We can do it without shame

Because He died to save our souls, let us praise His glorious name.

Posted in anxiety, art & inspiration from the Boechers, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Inspiration | Comments Off on JESUS HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD . . .

THE FARM . . .

Posted on April 16, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

As I sit in my own “farm” house in the city of Anoka, I can’t help but recall days spent at my grandparents’ home in Wisconsin so many years ago. There’s something about a farm that reeks of clean living, nature, animals and peace. Our current address was originally a farmstead in the late 1800s. Even though it’s in the center of our town, I think of all the memories that must’ve been made here. It is a reminder of those childhood days on Grandma and Grandpas’ farm.

The path to their house was lined with a brigade of tall sentries. Each pine had been meticulously planted and nurtured for years. It was now their mission to protect the meager house from the elements. Once you reached the house you were greeted by a rusty old hand pump which had served its purpose until it was at last replaced by indoor plumbing. There was an outhouse in the backyard – another reminder of times past. A stray cat might also curl its way around your feet, begging for attention.

The house itself was modest but held stories of a family and their journeys through tough times as well as good. The little modified cottage grew with every new addition to the clan. As they grew so did the house. A window seat was built into the wall overlooking the massive flower garden, the fields of golden hay and the ever-present line of diligent soldiers. I used it as a perfect refuge to escape and read a book or just enjoy the view.

My grandparents raised eight children there. My grandmother watched five of them and her husband pass away during her lifetime and finally succumbed herself – never giving up the house nor the memories that were made there. Watching her children come and go, must’ve been so hard for her, but then to lose her husband as well. Isn’t it amazing what we endure in a lifetime? We start from scratch, building a life, creating new lives, watching them grow and spread their wings. We see them become responsible adults as we become old. In a way, it’s like beginning all over again when you reach these final years. You require more help just maintaining as you did just a few years ago. You become more dependent on others. Your strong stride has been reduced to baby steps. Such is the circle of life.

When you are in the building process, making memories and treasuring them, it becomes difficult to let go of the things you hold dear. Like King Solomon, you wonder what it was all for. Your mind skips through those younger years. Your body grows weaker with age, but if you are glued to the Savior, Jesus, you have more than memories. You have a full future awaiting in heaven.


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