A FLOOD OF HAPPY THOUGHTS . . .

Posted on August 8, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“A wonderful thing about true laughter is that it just destroys any kind of system of dividing people.” John Cleese

The world is filled with negative thinking. How can we overcome this dastardly perception? With the invention of social media, people’s opinions often flood the pages and many times those thoughts will provoke anger, discontent and downright rage. Friends are lost over comments they make. Those of us who blog must be careful not to offend anyone with our opinions. Even as a writer today, our words have strength to sway opinions, build anxiety and counteract the good things in life.

During a time of political rhetoric – as wars rage around us – as inhumanity seems to be at an all time high, we are turning into angry, dissatisfied and negative people. There is a remedy for this. Who can resist the sound of a child’s laughter? Who can walk away from a smile or turn the other cheek when our cheek is fully bruised? When we spread negative thoughts, slander and downright lies, we are doing no one any favors. Laughter has always been a great way to turn a frown upside down and our outlook will almost always determine the outcome. So, do we go around with a grin on our face? Do we laugh in the face of sadness? We may be considered cockeyed optimists or even a little crazy, but by putting on that happy demeanor we can change opinions, raise spirits and even bring some joy to an unhappy person. Laughter can even cause a chemical reaction within the body that lifts the spirits.

I love seeing beautiful photographs of nature, flowers, beautiful scenery. I enjoy reading jokes and laughing at them. I get joy from reading stories about courage and faith. When we’re being fed things that stir up our anger, we are going to turn into unhappy people. Maybe we should return to filling those social sites with joyful images instead of insulting or inciteful thoughts. God wants us to turn the other cheek. He wants us to put a positive slant on things. He loves it when we love each other. Maybe the golden rule is something we all need to put into action again.

“Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.”

Posted in aging, Humor, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

LAUGHING IS GOOD FOR US . . .

Posted on August 7, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

In looking at my posts over the past few weeks, I realized I was spending a lot of time talking about sadness, depression, worry and anxiety. Maybe that’s because life has changed for us drastically over the past couple years. I know that God is in control of everything we face as human beings. He directs us and has a grand plan for everyone, if we simply let Him do what He does and stop interfering. Tears are a form of release, but there’s much to be said for laughter as well.

Most of my life has been shielded by some kind of mask. Being an actress, a writer, a director, teacher, public speaker, encourager, requires a happy face that isn’t always available at the drop of a hat. How many times have you had to force that smile or cover your true inner feelings? I think we all have that problem. In fact, I believe that those who make others laugh are truly sad inside. Many comedians have fallen into the snare of anxiety.

As we travel this earth, we’ll run into all kinds of people. There are those we consider to be the life of the party – the class clown – the idea person – the brainstormer – the over achiever, but do we really know what’s going on in their hearts and minds?

There are so many distractions. For example, we’re inundated with fraud, falsehoods, fear mongers, naysayers and sensationalists – and that’s just on the nightly news. Our country is in the throes of political overload, so negativity, bullying and name calling is running rampant. The world is amping up for another war every day. Lives are being shortened by ill health, lies and things that incite us, but when you think about it, there is nothing we can do about that, other than to turn our backs on it or become involved in some positive way. Life goes on whether it’s filled with joy or sadness.

Putting on a happy face requires hard work too. It’s not just a way to cover up our inner feelings. Sometimes the search for joy is hard. All we can see is the dark side. Pushing those difficult things out of our minds requires strength, courage and determination, but most of all it depends on a higher power as its source. For me, it requires me to turn to God and ask for His help. He alone can heal a broken heart. He can lead us in the right direction. He gives us the greatest joy of all – the promise of eternal life and joy everlasting. As we wait for that day, let’s open our hearts to every opportunity to help others. Doing so will give us more joy than we can ever imagine.

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HOW’S THAT PLAN WORKING FOR YOU?

Posted on August 6, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

So often, the plans we make go awry. We carefully lay down our goals – work hard to achieve them – almost accomplish them – only to crash and fall at what should be the finish line. We rely so much on our own plans, without giving much thought to what God has done, what He’s doing and what He will do. It would be much easier to go right to Him in the first place, but human nature makes us think we can do it all on our own.

The old adage, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go wrong,” was turned into a novel, by John Steinbeck. It was then rewritten into a screenplay and presented as a movie. The level of truth in that statement ranks right at the top of the list. How many times have you planned the perfect vacation, with remarkable places to see, beautiful weather and smooth sailing all the way. Those plans can immediately take a turn for the worst when the clouds appear in the sky – the travel arrangements are changed – when someone gets sick – when an unplanned crisis occurs.

The same is true when we plan for our careers. We go through the process of learning all the necessary skills. We go to special schools to accomplish our dreams. We struggle to pay off student loans and the thought of conquering the world becomes impossible. Another scenario – You enter a relationship. At first your whole life revolves around that person. You begin to plan a future together. You start to see flaws that could easily destroy that partnership. You fell in love, but now you aren’t sure anymore. Or you may have spent a lifetime with your spouse. Your retirement is in the near future. You wonder if that union could be erased in a flash with a single word – CANCER.

The truth is, we can plan and think we have control, but life happens. It’s full of surprises and challenges. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t plan. It doesn’t mean we should blindly go forth and expect everything to fall into place. God’s plan for us is perfect. Because He knows what’s best for us, we can count on it. He wants everyone to share in His heavenly kingdom, He created the perfect blueprint for each individual life. When He returns again, His plan will be completed. Come quickly, Lord, Jesus.

Psalm 25:5 “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”

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SOME RAIN MUST FALL . . .

Posted on August 5, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall”
― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Rain is a necessary part of supporting life. Without it, our lands become dry and parched. Plant life dies and turns back into the ground that once sustained it. Clouds dance through the sky like giant cotton balls, becoming dark and threatening. Soon the water rings out of those clouds like the spin cycle of a washing machine. Sucking out the dirtiness of life and refreshing it with new opportunities. If we look at rain as a time of depression, it’s time to get over it. Rain as well as tears are a necessary part of our existence. With both of these elements, there comes renewal, restoration and relief.

My tears come and go, much like the rain. I can’t really predict when they will come. There are signs of course, but sometimes, for no reason at all, tears will escape from my eyes. Even when the reasons are readily apparent, it’s not easy to control them. The lyrics from a familiar song, an old photograph, the sound of someone’s voice, the dreams we dream, the plans we make all can create those wet droplets which seem to pop up at the most inopportune times.

Today is also Monday, which stirs up thoughts of depression. You may have just come off a weekend of fun activities and the reality of everyday living comes at you with the sound of the alarm signaling time to go to work – again. Maybe you’re beyond your working years, but still face each day with new aches and pains which occur in different spots every day. Monday is the day after Sunday, but we often look at it with trepidation and a sense of doom. Coupling that with a rainstorm and heavy skies, is the perfect recipe for anxiety. The fear of death looms in the back of our minds when we grow older.

So how do you overcome rainy days and Mondays? The following scripture verse gives good advice.


“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
    and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
   and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18

When the rain falls, there is new growth. Our cares and worries will come and go, but God will always remain the same. With HIm, we can endure any storm.

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SAVE MY TEARS IN YOUR BOTTLE

Posted on August 4, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Psalm 56:8 ESV  “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?”

In ancient times, some 3000 years ago, mourners were known to save the tears they shed over lost loved ones who died in battle. This tradition gave birth to lacrymatorys or urnae lachrymals – small vials of glass or pottery that were buried with the deceased. 

Tears can occur when a foreign object enters the area.
They can be produced through irritation, emotion, a strong odor or taste.
They can come at the most unpredictable times.
When your heart is aching over a lost love.
When you’ve shared angry words with a friend or spouse.
When a loved one departs this temporary life.
When you feel alone, betrayed, hopeless.
When there are no words to express what is in the heart.
God give us these little raindrops to renew us – to release the sadness -To wash our tears away.

                                                                           

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

FROM HERE TO ETERNITY . . .

Posted on August 3, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

I like to think of my life as a series of episodes. Each one leads to the next, which can leave you hanging at the end and wondering what’s next. They can also cause you to think about the endless possibilities. When we actually reach the last years of our journey here on earth, the final destination has got to be a whole lot better than the years of struggle, fears, sadness and testing. Instead of letting those times get the best of us, we should push ahead with hope that our next stop is going to be paradise.

The circle of life is really funny when you think about it. We come into this world screaming and kicking and we depart in the same way. Our infancy consists of diapers, eating, sleeping and learning how to walk. The same is true of those aging years. We dislike the option of death, so we fight our way to the end. Tears, anxiety and worry fill our minds until we finally succumb. In the meantime, we’re again wearing diapers, eating soft foods and sleeping through the daylight hours. We’re also learning new ways of walking with replaced body parts and aching bodies. Isn’t it interesting that what goes around comes around again? With each new venture during a lifetime, we grow until we reach the pinnacle of existence and quickly retreat to our original behavior. All those years of trying to prove our value or make a good reputation are much like King Solomon referred to as, “Chasing the wind.”

All the years of living seem to be futile when you look at it that way but focusing on the finish line makes each step worth it. Not to say we should focus on our final days, but to enjoy what those episodes allow us to do. Waiting to die is also like chasing the wind. For those who believe in God’s promises, life never ends. It simply transitions to another place – a place of perfection and peace. While we remain on this planet, we still have work to do. We can share the promises of God with others, so that they can become recipients of this same gift. We should never consider our last years as the end, but more of a fresh start.

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OUR ROAD TOGETHER . . .

Posted on August 2, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“OUR ROAD, TOGETHER,” By Kathy Boecher ART By Paul Boecher©

Sun slowly sets, leaving glistening rays upon the still water,

We hold hands and think about tomorrow,

We plan,

We dream,

We hope for answers,

For wisdom, discernment, dependence on our God,

Some days we seem to approach a wilderness,

No plans,

Shattered dreams

Unanswered prayers,

It seems at times that God is no where to be found,

But then the glow of His presence is felt in the skies,

The water,

The trees,

The reflections,

We can be still and know,

That He is there,

That He is God,

That He has this!

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WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS . . .

Posted on August 1, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Moisture hung heavily in the air last night. The heat of the day became drenched with tropical dewpoints. A welcome thunderstorm opened up the heavens, pouring huge droplets. So heavy that a portion of the birch tree clump in our backyard fell to the ground. As I opened the blinds this morning, it was apparent that the storm had broken one of the boughs. There was a manmade bird nest, which housed some little warblers. I’m hopeful they survived.

I was reminded of the old nursery rhyme, “Rock a Bye Baby.” Some of those old rhymes carry a lot of weight of their own. Imagine placing a child in the bough of a tree to rock it to sleep. The rhyme originated at a time when people actually placed their little ones in small handmade hammocks, as they worked in the fields or washed their clothes in the river. The entire song goes like this:

Rock-a-bye Baby
Rock-a-bye baby,
On the treetop.
When the wind blows,
The cradle will rock.
When the bough breaks,
The cradle will fall
And down will come baby,
Cradle and all.

Baby is drowsing,
Cosy and fair.
Mother sits near,
In her rocking chir.
Forward and back,
The cradle she swings
And though baby sleeps,
He hears what she sings.

From the high rooftops
Down to the sea,
No one’s as dear
As baby to me.
Wee little fingers,
Eyes wide and bright-
Now sound asleep,
Until morning light.

When hearts have been broken, it’s much like the felling of a tree. It can be disastrous and sometimes even fatal. Like a brough that has been beaten by the elements, there is a price to pay. There will be sadness, loss, feelings of loneliness and separation. Broken hearts may not heal, but they can serve a different purpose in the scheme of living.

A heart that’s been broken can only be mended by the One who created it.
When we stumble through life with no direction, the One who knows us inside and out is there to guide our steps.
When we lose all hope of things improving for us, all we need to do is go to God, who can do all things.
God never lets us down. He’s the same today as He was yesterday
and will be tomorrow and forever.
Put your trust in Him – not in things of this world – which are only temporary,
Rely on His faithfulness, His divine intervention, his flawless love.
No one person,or thing can repair our sin sick souls; love us unconditionally;
and guarantee eternal life to all who believe in Him.

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SEARCHING FOR PEACE

Posted on July 31, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

It may seem that the world is in an eternal state of chaos. In fact, it is. We see it every day as we read or view the news of wars, murder, hatred, immorality and inhumanity. Where do we find true peace? Does it come in a quiet place away from all the noise? Does it make its appearance in the beauty of nature? Can we find it in the face of a child? Is it ever going to show itself? When days seem their darkest – when there seems no end to suffering – when death waits at your door – are those time when you turn to the only One who controls all of it? Most of the time, we wait, we try to manage our lives, we work tirelessly to overcome negativity, but nothing seems to help.

Everyone has their own place of peace and contentment. It might be a closet. It can be found in the Word of God. It can come when you least expect it – especially when you are at the end of your rope and peace seems an impossible destination. I wrote the following words when I was at that point. We all have our own way of expressing ourselves, but prayer is one of the means whereby our words will always be heard. We may not get the answers right away, but we can be sure that God is listening.

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

“LORD, HEAR MY PRAYER

Time pulls us away from the beauty around us.
We’re in a race to beat the clock.
Each day becomes a battle field between our time here ,
And hope of eternity somewhere else.
Our days are numbered.
The seconds drop like sand in an hour glass,
Swiftly,
Instantly,
Vicariously,
Tumbling through life at an expeditious rate.
So fast that we don’t bother to enjoy what’s in the moment.
Laughter, tears, times of peace and contentment,
Desire, goals, birth and death,
Run right past us at lightening speed,
As we spend ourselves on the marathon of existence.
We need to slow down,
Enjoy the world we live in now,
Even though it’s not perfect, there is much to enjoy.
We have been afforded these years as a time of grace,
A time to be refined and perfected for the next place.
God is still in control of our future and,
He has something amazing planned for each of us,
When we take His hand and follow Him.
As we wait, be assured that He has our best interests in mind.

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VACATION MEMORIES

Posted on July 30, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

The most memorable times of my life have been spent on family vacations. Now that travel is pretty low on our to-do list, it’s kind of fun to look back at those times when we would venture out into the wilderness for “quality” time together. There was the time we packed up half the house with camping gear and headed west for the great outdoors. While driving through one of the tourist towns, our car was rear ended and resulted in hours of sitting at a car repair shop while our car was made drivable again. The perpetrator’s car was filled with stickers that said, “Save the whales – I break for ducklings and Jesus is my co-pilot.” Apparently, he didn’t have one that said, “Safe driver on board.”

Family vacations come with the best of intentions, but they don’t always turn out as we planned. Most of our early years of child rearing we didn’t have a lot of money to spend on those trips, but memories were being created from the start. There were the tent camping days. Pitching a tent as the wind raged around us and rain came pouring down. Sleeping in that same tent as a tornado went through the campgrounds. Our camping years as a family didn’t last long, but my outdoorsy husband made sure the kids got their fill of the wilderness experience over the years.

The trips became more elaborate as time went on, resulting in staying in motels instead of tents. The beauty of those National Parks was beyond amazing. The Road to the Sun, was fogged in when we were there. Still, we pressed on through treacherous roads, but didn’t see much. We were wowed by the wildlife as we ventured through the pristine natural sites. Getting into God’s creation is always a means of getting closer to Him. Eventually our family vacations became somewhat of a quest as the trip progressed. The singing of silly songs had gone silent. Tensions began to mount as we became tired of being together every minute. By the time we reached home, we were barely talking to each other, but the memories still remained.

Our kids are all grown up now with kids of their own. Most of their vacations take them to tropical places, with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. I wonder if they needed a change from their childhood family vacations. Our expectations are high in the beginning of those trips, then we fall prey to disappointment. Our natural tendency is to feel sorry for ourselves and try to plan things that won’t discourage us. Instead, God tells us not to be discouraged. He has wonderful things in store for us. The truth is, we aren’t going to have smooth sailing in this world, but our future life in eternity will be a breeze! In the meantime, spend time getting to know your family. You’ll discover just how special they are, and they will be your comfort in your aging years.

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ALL ALONE . . .

Posted on July 29, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This planet’s not my home. I am an alien here.

This place is just a hardened shell encasing sin and fear.

The husk is hard to crack. There’s only one who can.

He is the Lord of heaven. The Son of God and Son of man.

To earth He came to save from punishment and death.

He died to free us from God’s wrath with His last dying breath.

We now can look at death with peace and confidence.

He bought us for His own with His own recompense.

Now arm us with your truth. Give us a faith of steel.

Defend us in our darkest hour, for you know how we feel.

You walked within our shoes, the price was so immense.

You lifted us from depths of hell. New life will now commence.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, eternal life, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

LIKE TEARS FALLING . . .

Posted on July 28, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

There seems to be a lot to cry about these days. The world is filled with an abundance of tears. We cry because we’re troubled, anxious, physically in pain or emotionally suffering. Tears can be a blessed relief when we’re going through difficult times. God has collected those tears and knows the sadness we experience. Jesus wept when He discovered that His dear friend had passed away. I’m willing to guess that He cried for many reasons = the fate of the world, the sin that spread like wildfire across the land, the poverty, the loss of freedom, the fear of death. He is our brother and has experienced everything we do as we trudge through this life. Tears can bring us relief, but when they seem to cause us to give up in despair, they aren’t really doing us much good.

These words, written several years ago, are appropriate today as much as they were then. Even when it seems that all hope is lost, our tears are a signal that we need to get back in touch with our Creator. He will send His angels to watch over us. He will give us the will to carry on. He gives us the hope for a perfect existence with Him in eternity. He heals our suffering and infirmities when we ask Him and He relieves all sadness in time of loss.

“TEARS,” BY KATHY BOECHER©

A mixture of saline and water which appears during a specific episode.
Tears act as a cleanser. They can come at the most unpredictable times.
When your heart is aching over a lost love.
When you’ve shared angry words with a friend or spouse.
When a loved one departs this temporary life.
When you feel alone, betrayed, hopeless.
When there are no words to express what is in the heart.
God give us these little droplets to renew us – to release the sadness –
To wash away anger, frustration, grief, loss.
No matter when they come gushing out or merely trickle.
They are tears.
Tears give us new strength and power.
Every time I cry, I feel as though the flood gates have opened.
Once the cry is over there is true sense of relief.
Thank you, Lord, for tears. Help me to know that they are a good thing.
Keep me from being embarrassed or ashamed when my tears fall.
Remind me of the tears shed at your death.
Assure me that through your resurrection and ascension, I will see you.
My tears of sorrow will turn to tears of joy when I enter heaven.
After that time there will be no more tears.

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NO ONE CAN HIDE FROM GOD . . .

Posted on July 27, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

We often seek to hide from God – our sins are much too great,

We tremble at the thought of Him, but He will simply wait,

Until the darkness is too much for us to comprehend,

We’re in so deep, our broken hearts think they will never mend,

But He provides a way for us, His hand is in all things,

He lifts us with His might and strength, Salvation to us brings,

When time for us runs out we think our sins will be revealed,

For all the world to know about, we think our fate is sealed,

But God has different plans for us.  His love will last forever,

He sent his Son to pay the price.  It was His chief endeavor,

He’s with us every moment.  We cannot hide from Him,

How great His love and mercy, our wicked souls He’d win,

He washed us clean from all our sin, the victory now is won,

We never have to hide again, His work has just begun.

So, turn your heart to Jesus.  Delight in His great love,

For us He’s granted pardon.  Our home waits up above.

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

SUMMER SURPRISES . . .

Posted on July 26, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Every day is a bonus and I thank God for allowing me another opportunity to experience His glory in creation. The image I’ve included in my post comes from my garden. For almost three years our backyard garden was turned into a construction zone to expand the highway where we live. Our fence came down to make way for the destruction of the old and restoration of the new. Last year, a huge retaining wall was installed to shield us from some of the noise of that busy road.

In those three years, we saw all kinds of changes. In the past few years, we’ve also been going through a metamorphous of sorts. Growing old is like that. We have lived a remarkable, memorable life together and we’re now reaching the closing years and days of it. Change can make us think of how we will be affected. It can make us plan for our remaining time on earth. We might look at the physical memories and try to downsize some of them to make life easier. We may decide to put our house in order – but does that ever really happen – even when you have a chance to do something about it?

The wall that has been placed as a backdrop instead of a beautiful garden is beginning to show some wonderful surprises. The false sunflowers are almost six feet tall. Some remaining perennials have shown themselves. They are a vivid reminder that God is still in control. Those flowers were restored and created by God Himself. They just appeared one day and continue to grow. For all the remaining days of summer, they will continue to shed brilliant color to a once barren space. Reflections of the sun and reminders that today is the first day of the rest of our lives, whether here or in eternity.

“FROM HERE TO ETERNITY,” Poetry By Kathy Boecher©

The edge of a bluff lined river – a glassy reflection glistens and bounces onto a hill.

The light touches the edges of trees and buildings in the distance, creating patterns dancing from one place to another.

The deep crevices fill with darkness.  The sky is magnificently dotted with wispy clouds interlaced with mauve, crimson and blue.

A path of towering pines shades the heat of the sun,

Looking out at the beauty of God’s perfect creation,

Breathing in the sweet, fresh air,

Hearing the sounds of rushing water and birds singing their little hearts out, fills your heart with contentment.

This little morsel of peace is just a speck in the scheme of things.

How long we’ve waited for the glory of these summer days.  They are so few and fleeting.  Soon the leaves will turn to red and gold and then fall.  Like our lives. We wither and die.

The moments of joy we experience on this planet are nothing compared to what waits for us after the winter of our dying breath.  Once again spring returns and we’re blessed with new life when we know God.

The glory never ends.

Posted in aging, eternal life, Poetry by Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

REACH THE FINISH LINE . . .

Posted on July 25, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

There are so many races we run during a lifetime. With the Olympics taking place there is a race for the gold medal. When we study hard for a difficult test, we’re running to reach a goal. When we risk something in order to achieve something greater, we’re putting ourselves in one challenging situation after another. Life is full of crud. We go through hell on a daily basis. We see changes occurring all around us. The race we started is full of detours and roadblocks which deter us from reaching the final goal.

For someone my age you wouldn’t expect me to still be running a race. You’d think the testing had finished. You believe you’ve had your share of stumbles and falls. It’s supposed to be the time in life when you have accomplished all your desires. You’ve run the race. Maybe you’ve had a successful career. You’ve had a good journey and now it’s time for YOU to collect your prize. The race is still running. You haven’t breathed your last. You still have some time left. How will you spend your final days?

Some will take more risks. Some will cross out things on their bucket list. Some might even do something they’ve never done before. Some might choose to spend their final days in front of a TV or computer screen. They may choose to sit in their favorite chair and peacefully fall asleep.

Our final goal is a place unlike anything on this planet. It’s perfect. It’s paradise. There are no tears or sadness – no pain or anxiety – no fear. It seems to me that the minute we give up on the race of life, we’re giving in to death, but there is no fear of death for those who believe in God. We may have unfinished business waiting to be finished. We may fear for those we’re leaving behind. We might think we can control our destiny. God has numbered our days. We can be sure that He is in control of everything – even our final breath. There is great satisfaction in that knowledge.

Winston Churchill was in the midst of a horrific war when he spoke the words, “Never, never give up.” We’re in a battle which requires perseverance and determination. The only way to win is to trust in your Creator to get you to the finish line and push you through it. He will. Ask Him.

Posted in aging, life after death, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A RUSH OF MEMORIES . . .

Posted on July 24, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

I woke this morning with a flood of memories filling my brain. I recalled how we met in high school and became great friends. I thought about the journey we’ve taken together for almost 60 years of marriage. I recollected three new lives coming from our union and a family that continues on. It was like an awakening that stirred so many wonderful times shared. I also couldn’t help but think about the arguments, the misunderstandings, the fears, the anxieties, the illnesses, the adventures, the risks. All of the things that make up a lifetime were coming at me like a string of Christmas tree lights. When you love someone, there can still be those magical moments which turn life into a cherished memory. No one can take that away from you. It’s buried in your subconscious and will come to the surfaces when you need it the most.

As we journey through this time on earth, God gives us those memories to remind us of a love that flourished. Each one of them is a token of your connection to one another. Every memory we make during a lifetime becomes a part of who we become. Our lives are filled with many emotions, but the main three are tears, joy and a lifetime of memories.  We cry and the tears ultimately dry.  We laugh and the smiles eventually fade from view.  The memories we create along the way will go on even when we have passed away.

As we press on, the challenges will change.  The problems may become lessened.  The conflicts aren’t as intense as you grow older.  You simply don’t have the energy to partake in them.  God is working on us until we draw our last breath.  He’s preparing us for the glory of paradise.  He is directing, counseling, nourishing and holding us tightly today so that we can be with Him forever in eternity. Everything that happens in this life has a purpose – even our memories, our tears and our laughter.

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DAYS OF YORE . . .

Posted on July 23, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Somewhere along the line we have this image of how good things were in the olden days. If you examine the picture I’ve attached to this post, you’ll notice the woman smiling as she laboriously works through the task of laundry day. Today, we simply throw our clothes into a machine, add some detergent and let the machine do the work. We have become accustomed to the aid of machines taking the place of physical labor. Those olden days are usually just made up memories designed to give us a feeling of nostalgia.

Living is hard. There are going to be obstacles no matter how convenient things may seem today. Can you imagine doing your laundry in this archaic manner? What if you were wearing a tie and it got stuck in that wringer thingy. Or maybe one of those strings on her bonnet took a turn for the worse. As time progresses, we often look back and wish for those good old days but forget about how easy life is today from a physical standpoint. We don’t have to make our own soap. We don’t have to use a scrub board to get those deep grass stains out of blue jeans that have become impossible to clean. We don’t have to squeeze the liquid out of the fabric, rinse again and again and hang those same clothes on a rope with some wooden pins.

Almost all the things from the past are ancient history. We glorify those days and deem them as perfect, but time hasn’t changed the real challenges we face each day. We may have a lot more time on our hands, but we still worry if we’re going to be able to pay the bills. We still fuss over the state of our government, but often fail to vote or take an active part in the problem. We see the ugly side of life as someone else’s problem and hope that someone else addresses it. We hand our kids an Ipad when they’re small children and expect them to be entertained while we cope with daily issues or worse yet, stay glued to our phones all day.

Every generation has problems. Every generation thinks they have the answers for those problems. Every generation thinks their generation knows everything. The real truth is that every generation is like every other generation. Time may change our lives drastically as progress occurs, but the basics of living often get lost in the shuffle. The beginning of understanding comes from experience. Some of the greatest lessons in life come from our history. Sharing those times with new generations might be the start of creating a common thread between us. Instead of complaining about the new generation, let’s start looking at the gifts they bring to the table.

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

A quiet town, a peaceful place, much different than today,

A place that stood the test of time was built to last that way,

As we look back and reconstruct what families had to do,

The work they did to just get by, is far beyond our view,

How can we simply raise our hands in protest and despair,

And waste an opportunity while not giving a care,

To easier solutions, for problems solved and fixed,

Expecting others’ changes, while we put in our licks,

To get the issues finished, to get us back on track,

We have to start to talk again and not behind the back,

A face to face discussion, debate and discourse too,

Can solve so many problems, and bring a new breakthrough,

The right to speak is precious, but we must pull the reins,

With calm deliberation, we can release the chains.

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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.

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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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