THE WORLD CONTINUES TO TURN . . .

Posted on November 6, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other. This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution.” ― John Adams

“Terrorism is a psychological warfare. Terrorists try to manipulate us and change our behavior by creating fear, uncertainty, and division in society.” Patrick J. Kennedy

Thank you, Jesus for another day, has been my prayer for the last few years. With the breaking of each day, I have been blessed to have my husband still by my side. Life goes on for us until it doesn’t. Our prayers are not what keep us here, it’s what God has ordained for each one of us. Today I say, “thank you, Jesus for another day. An election has taken place, and the voice of the people has spoken. No matter what your political bend, we continue to have that right to vote. As a unified nation we have the ability to work together.

There will be broken hearts, fear of our nation’s demise, threats to our leaders, more rhetoric and who knows what else. God is still in control. He is the One who created this orb – the One who continues to watch over and direct it – The Sovereign King who will never leave us. When we separate from Him, we are losing out on the greatest gifts of all. Instead of a day of sadness, loss or fear and anxiety, we should consider today a new beginning. We can start by setting aside our differences and start the healing process. Division has been our downfall for a long time. It’s time to start looking at our country and its leaders with respect and honor. We must also remind ourselves that life goes on. The world still turns until He decides otherwise. His love endures forever!

Posted in America, Uncategorized, Unity, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

WHAT WILL TODAY BRING?

Posted on November 5, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

We’ll be seeing a lot of maps, polls, numbers and colors on our TV screens today through the evening hours. After a while, it will be kind of a mish mosh of opinions, forecasts and optimism. For the most part, I pray that things go smoothly today and, in the days, ahead. Since this is one of the rights established in the Constitution, I take it very seriously, but it seems like each election year there are more lies than truth. There is rhetoric, which most of us no longer trust. We have in a way become numbed by all of it.

Four years ago, hope and change were offered to the entire population. Of course. it was a political claim, and we should all know by now that promises like that can’t be kept. Man has always tried to manipulate others with words, and when his actions don’t live up to them, we tend to lose faith quickly. Unfortunately, the topic creates all kinds of division, which we certainly don’t need in our country. Our voice can still be heard at the ballot box. Whatever happens in this election, someone will win, and someone will lose, but we can be assured as God’s children that He is still in control of our lives and our government. He is the one who established it. He will maintain it, if it is meant to be kept alive. I think we should remember that the only one who does keep His promises is Almighty God, who tells us to call on Him alone for our hope. He does keep His promises. You can depend on it. In four more years, we will be faced with this same situation.

Dear Father, God, you have watched our country emerge from a group of immigrants who were seeking a better place to live and work. America was founded on the truths of God. Our country is now on the brink of uncertainty. Help us all to return to you for guidance. You alone can heal our land. Amen!

Posted in America, Elections, Uncategorized, Voting, wisdom | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

TIME CHANGES EVERYTHING, OR DOES IT?

Posted on November 4, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Have you ever looked at the eyes of an infant and wondered what they might be thinking. That tiny body has gone through the trauma of childbirth. He was intricately formed in his mom’s body, knit perfectly together by the Creator of the universe. His brain has been ticking for some time now, so thoughts must be running through that developing mind. He might be wondering where he is, who he is, who are these new faces? As his eyes develop along with his other senses, he is able to feel who is holding him, feeding him, singing to him, changing his diapers and talking sweetly to him.

I recently became a great grandmother. I can’t begin to tell you how much I love this newborn. He has captured my heart. Both my husband and I realize the value of this precious child and pray that he will be surrounded by those who love him, support him, encourage and inspire him. Looking at those tiny fingers and toes, I am amazed by God’s handiwork. So many of the sounds he makes along with silly faces and smiles are caused by a little gas, hunger or discomfort. It may seem funny, but this is kind of what we look like as we approach our final days. We spend most of our days in the comfort of a chair or bed. We sometimes must wear diapers. We rely on others to take care of us. Our sight begins to fail. All those marvelous parts created so long ago, are breaking down now and we have come full circle. Now we wonder what is being said to us. We can’t control our balance or ability to move. We can no longer communicate as we once did. Things are devolving from infancy to old age., but a new life awaits. Until that day, we can make each day and every moment a new beginning.

“WHAT IS THE WORLD TO ME?“ by Kathy Boecher

Has life become just another commodity with little value?

Has humanity so quickly forgotten the price that was paid for it?

Have we come full circle in our quest for peace?  History repeating itself?

Each day on this planet is as a thousand years to the One who made it.

He alone has the answers to the human condition and how to heal it.

Still, we try to figure things out for ourselves.  We try, but fail.

We make the same mistakes over and over and it almost seems our lives are futile.

Instead, why not turn to Him in the first place?

But we think we know better.  We abort babies, we use fists to solve problems, we pull the plug on life.

We are all guilty if we stand by and allow this to continue.

We are as one pulling the trigger and taking a life if we say nothing.

We must stop the madness that will eventually consume this great country of ours.

We could easily self-implode and our enemies are aware of that.

May God be with America in this time of our great distress and show mercy on us.

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

Posted in ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS, Life, Poetry by Kathy Boecher, wisdom | Tagged , | 7 Comments

THE WEEK AHEAD

Posted on November 3, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

It’s not unusual to make plans for the coming week. We usually have some kind of agenda to accomplish and setting goals for completing them is usually mapped out at the beginning, but by the end, the road has taken a detour. What do you do when your plans are interrupted? How do you deal with major delays and distractions? Most of us just give up and add those hoped for dreams to next week’s list.

Do you get discouraged by that? Are you disappointed in yourself? Do you wonder why this always happens to you? You’re not alone. We are about to enter a week of turmoil. A National presidential election looms over us. Many have made up our minds, many have already voted, many still can’t decide. There are also those who refuse to vote, because they feel there aren’t any good choices. However, when we fail to vote, we better be prepared to keep our mouths shut when a candidate we might have voted for doesn’t win. This wonderful right that has been granted to every citizen of the country. Not doing it is like spitting on the Constitution. How can we find any joy in that

Later in the week we will celebrate the veterans who bravely served our country – who gave the ultimate sacrifice – who didn’t plan to die but did. These two days come at a time when our country is not only divided, but angry with each other. The election will happen. Someone will be declared the winner. The process will undoubtedly be challenged. All of which is going to create even more division, but it is a right that has been duly given to us and we need to realize how important that is. It’s a gift.

There is nothing we can do about the lost lives in battle except to honor them, respect them, celebrate them and what they’ve done for us. This is another gift. Placing your life on the line for your countrymen is not something we give honor to anymore, but it is a gift of great value.

Jesus is the greatest piece of the equation. Without Him there would be no hope for our fallen race. There would be nothing but eternal death in hell. God’s love for us was so great that He sent His own Son to die for the human race and guarantee a place in heaven for those who follow Him. This is something we can count on for the coming week until our dying day. The gift of salvation is given to us every day that we draw breath. There will be ups and downs. We’ll face problems. Things will not always go smoothly. Our path may be filled with roadblocks and detours, but one thing remains. God loves us. He died for us. He lived again and we will too. He has an amazing plan lined up for the human race. He’s made that possible. That’s something we don’t even have to think about. When we put our trust in God. Instead of beginning the week with a cloud hanging over your head, remember this. Look up! It’s going to be a good week!

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LOVE MEANS SAYING YOU’RE SORRY

Posted on November 2, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & 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 little 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.

Personal relationships should always be truthful, but an intimate relationship with God requires laying all our sins at His feet.  We should do this, not because He isn’t completely aware of our mistakes, but because He wants us to see our need for Him. By doing this, we’re being released from the burden, but we’re also drawing closer to Him.  Instead of thinking of Him as a vengeful judge, we should remember how much He loves us.  His love covers all our past mistakes. When He conquered death, He was demonstrating what lay ahead for all those who ask for forgiveness – eternal life.

We see the world falling deeper and deeper into darkness – we think it has lost sight of God’s eternal plan – we blame others for the trouble we’re in – but we often forget that sin is what brought us to such a time as this. God knew that our weakened state required a Savior – now we need to rely on His saving grace. Our salvation depends on it. The only way to do that is to open our hearts completely to Him – to admit that we have sinned and fallen short of our God’s law. Repent of those sins and live life in a way pleasing to God. That’s where the intimacy begins.

KATHY BOECHER©

Posted in aging, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, forgiveness, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

THE DAY AFTER HALLOWEEN

Posted on November 1, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

It had been an exhausting night. The man, Martin Luther had made his way up the steps to the door of the Wittenburg church. No doubt, anxiety was raging inside him. As he unrolled the scroll and lifted his hammer, he had to be wondering if he was doing the right thing. He had pondered this very deed for some time, until his voice could no longer remain silent.

Martin was born the son of successful businessman who wanted his son to follow in his footsteps. Martin had other ideas. As a child he was educated in schools that were run by the Catholic church. He was well versed in scripture. He studied the Bible incessantly. As he grew older, he decided to become a monk against his father’s will. Perhaps the strict lifestyle of the time in the home as well as the church, made him feel he had to choose this vocation to make himself right with God. Times were also changing. The Renaissance was in full force. New ideas, newfound appreciation for the arts, and an interest in world issues was emerging.

The monastic life required a life of structure, prayer, work, study, self-sacrifice, service and more prayer. The life required confession and prayer and Martin lived up to that obligation. Many a priest would complain about his long list of sins as he entered the confessional. For some reason, he never felt adequate to come into God’s presence. The church of the time was selling indulgences, which guaranteed a place in heaven. Knowing that grace was the only thing required, made Martin question the church and its desire to gain wealth through the selling of these worthless documents.

Finally, he could wait no longer. He had to confront the church. He knew in his heart that he might be considered a heretic. He felt the sting of condemnation. Yet he could not allow his fellow Christians to be duped in this way. When he hammered the document to the church door, he knew it would be read. On the next day, the church would be filled with many who would gather for All Saints Day. I wonder what was going through his mind as he left that church. I wonder if he knew his words would not only challenge the church, but also put his life in danger. I wonder if I would be able to stand up to the voices of those I challenged. I wonder, yet I know that God was guiding Martin Luther to change the corruption and reform His church on earth.

Once again, God had a plan. He used a group of young reformers to weed out the wrongs of the church. They were ordinary men like you and me. We all have an obligation to do God’s will on this earth. He has made it possible for us to enter paradise. We have the confidence to join the saints in heaven who have gone before us. Death no longer holds fear for those who love God.

Hold Thou Thy cross
Before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom
And point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks,
And earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death,
O Lord, abide with me.

From the Hymn “Abide With Me,” by Henry Francis Lyte

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THE LAST DAY OF OCTOBER

Posted on October 31, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Today is the last day of October and a lot is going on. First of all, Paul and I managed to hobble to the polling place yesterday and cast our ballots early. So that scary thing has been crossed off our list. It’s also Halloween and soon the little creatures of the night will knock on our door expecting free candy. We are impressed with the very young trick or treaters. The local squirrels have carved our only pumpkin with their sharp little teeth. It’s not perfect, but you have to give them credit for originality. The scary images of this day are everywhere. Zombies, witches, ghosts, vampires and many more. Many of us are getting used to seeing them, which is a scary thought to begin with. In Minnesota, it has also become traditional for snow to fall. Right now, I’m looking out at a carpet of white and heavy flakes falling from the sky. October 31st also recognizes the Reformation of the Roman Catholic church of the Renaissance era. Martin Luther was one of the early reformers. The teachings of the church had been corrupted and the message of salvation had turned into the selling of indulgences. The truth of the Gospel had been erased and become a works-oriented institution.

Yes, a lot of things are happening on this last day of October. One thing remains the same, no matter what month of the year it is. Jesus came to save that which was lost. All our fears, our demons, our past mistakes have been washed away by Him. The consistency of our God is apparent. He never changes. His plans are always for our good. He invites us to lay our burdens on His shoulders. He has a plan perfectly designed for each one of us. Tomorrow is another day, and we can be confident that all of this will be the same where He’s concerned. Trials will come and go. Elections will pass and we will go on. Fears will be swallowed up in victory. The church will undergo changes, but as long as the Bible remains the source of its teaching will never change.

So goodbye, October. Maybe I’ll see you again next year. Maybe I’ll be in heaven by then. Whatever happens, I know that my Redeemer has it all figured out.

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IT’S OK TO SAY NO . . .

Posted on October 29, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

There are days when we simply must learn to say “no.” The actual word is a negative response, but there comes a time in life when we can no longer accomplish the things we did 20, 30, 40 years ago. In fact, we often have trouble remembering what we did a minute ago. For many of us, a life of serving others has been our mission. It’s inborn as well as taught by those who have gone before us. Jesus was the perfect example of serving ever. We can’t possibly match Him, but he has given us gifts which we can use to serve Him and His kingdom.

Still, when we reach a certain age, we need to remember that our bodies and minds don’t always remain the same. We grow old. We’re limited in what we can do. When we push too hard to accomplish things, it takes us so much longer to recover from them. What we used to accomplish in a day, now takes a week or more. Admitting that fact is difficult for most of us. It’s like saying “goodbye” to our youth and “hello” to our decline. The whole thing is depressing if you let it be.

Within the last week my schedule included rehearsal and performance. We enjoyed a homemade meal at our house, with family. We attended a church event for Trunk or Treat. We treated ourselves to a dinner out. We watched the Packers play football. We attended church. I went grocery shopping, which is my weekly exercise. Today we were invited to attend breakfast with our church friends. This is a weekly event and also a chance for fellowship. I tried to make my way out of bed at least three times but kept returning to it. Both of us struggled with getting up. We are both 82. Getting out of bed shouldn’t require so much work, but it does.

We shouldn’t feel guilty when we simply can’t keep up anymore. We should feel honored to still be invited, but we can keep those friendships alive in other ways. As we age, we seem to take longer to recover from an illness. We struggle to come back healthier from each surgery. We take longer to heal. We eventually wear out. We still have value, however. Life doesn’t have to be a rat race. We can be useful even when the years start accumulating. The wisdom, knowledge, patience, lessons we’ve learned over time can be of great value to the younger generations.

For me, slowing down has come to mean a freedom of sorts. God has promised to be with us on this journey called life. Knowing that He is there, makes the walk so much easier, but in the meantime, we should remember that we aren’t always physically capable.

PSALM 71:17-18 ESV – “O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. 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.

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WE CAN NEVER LOVE LIKE GOD DOES

Posted on October 28, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

The very idea that God loves us without conditions is impossible to comprehend. When you add to the fact that His forgiveness is a reflection of that love and even when we were sinners, He loved us more than we possibly could deserve.

In our world today, we’re told that sin is non-existent – that we’re accountable to no one except ourselves – that there is no God – that we should live every moment to the max, because we deserve it  – that we are the rulers of our own domain –  that we should blame others for our mistakes and foolish actions – that when we die, that’s the end of us.

We’ve gotten so far away from the truth of God’s Word, which incidentally was inspired by God’s voice into the minds, mouths and pens of ordinary men.  If you don’t believe that, chances are you’ll not believe in God’s expectations of us – He demands perfection.  You will never comprehend His unique love, which surpasses understanding.  You won’t see His willingness to sacrifice Himself to pay for every sin and to give us the inheritance of a life in eternity. None of it will make sense without the Bible.

Every time you refer to His Word, you’ll learn something new, but the core of the message is that God’s love is different than ours.  His ways are not our ways.  His thoughts are different than ours.  He is perfect in every way.  Because of his unconditional love, we’ve been given freedom from our sin.  We’ve been purchased at a great price.  We need the law of the Old Testament to show us our sin.  The New Testament is God’s gift to mankind – His “get out of jail, free” card.  Through it we see how great God’s love is for us.  He washes the slate clean and gives us a fresh start.

This doesn’t mean we can go through life sinning as usual.  Because we’ve been redeemed by the Savior, Jesus, we should be changed through our sanctification – not by our deeds, but by God’s unimaginable love. The change will be evident in how we finish out the rest of our lives.  We’ll never be like God until we reach His heavenly realm, but staying true to His Word of truth, we’ll grow to know who He is and how much He loves us.  His love is without end – love unknown by us – love imperishable, everlasting, eternal.  He cannot be outdone, so why would we even try?

“Only the supernatural love of God through changed lives can solve the problems that we face in our world.”

Billy Graham

Posted in ENDURING LOVE, peace, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

SIGNS OF CHANGE . . .

Posted on October 27, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART, PHOTOGRAPHY & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

Signs of autumn are in the air.

Leaves are slowly losing their grip,

And soon prepare to tumble,

Acorns crunch beneath your feet,

All kinds  of seeds nestle into the earth,

Starting the regeneration of life to come

The air is fresher,

The colors brilliant,

The crops are ready for harvest,

And the smell of apple pies permeates the air,

It can also be looked at this way,

No more warm days of summer,

No more lazy days on the beach,

Birds escaping in hoards to warmer climates.

Leaves pile up requiring a rake,

Snow is on the way,

The way we look at things in life,

Can have a great effect on how we live it,

A dark observation often leads to negative behavior and attitude,

Lord, help me to look at things the way you intended them to be,

As a gift from you, with no strings attached,

May I find beauty in all of your creation.

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

WHAT DOES GOD SEE?

Posted on October 26, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Smiles are wonderful ways of expressing your joy, excitement, contentment, approval and love, but sometimes a smile can just be a mask for what’s really going on in the mind of the face behind it.  Even the supposedly strongest among us, needs someone to rely on.

Women are especially vulnerable, because we have been created to be nurturing individuals. We’re often depended on for security, companionship, advice, compassion, inspiration, encouragement and motivation.  It’s not always easy dispensing those things  when you need them too.    Because of these demands we tend to get down on ourselves if we can’t provide.

Many women look in the mirror and hope to see the reflection of Super Woman – one who can do it all in just one fell swoop.  We demand so much of ourselves at times that that reflection often turns ugly.  We feel we can’t keep up – we’re inadequate – we don’t have the right stuff.  The demands of being a strong encourager soon catch up and that person staring back at us from the mirror, no longer becomes a Super Nobody. Satan tricks us into thinking we’ve failed.  He wants us to believe that we’re useless.  By doing so, he also turns us away from our relationship with God. God is in complete control, even then. His power is beyond anything this world has to offer. He has already defeated the devil.

We need someone to take away our tears, our fears, our indecision, concern, failures and our worry.  Thankfully we’re invited to lay all our troubles on our God.  Jesus wants us to come to Him when we’re burdened with discouragement of any kind.  He loves the world so much that He gave His life for us.   He bathed us in His everlasting love and gave us His inheritance in Heaven.  Now, when He sees us, He sees only beauty – no sin – so ugliness – only beauty. He sees the face of His Son, Jesus. You are beautiful!

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ELECTION OVERLOAD . . .

Posted on October 25, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

I used to be very vocal in my opinion about voting. Now I’m just glad I still have the right to do so. We will hit the polls early this year, because we’re old and don’t really like fighting crowds anymore. When I first had the opportunity to vote way back in ancient times, I felt so honored to be able to do so. That which was a right for all American citizens has devolved over time, with early voting, mail-in voting, etc. Not only have the laws changed, but those who are chosen to represent our country are whittled down to two candidates who offer nothing but false promises and a lot of baggage. Still, it is a right that we have as members of this community. So how do we choose? Frankly, our opinions are often made based on false news, social media and misguided information across the world of technology.

I will be so glad when all this election stuff is over and all the attack advertising is off the air and buried somewhere. Why must we be exposed to this constant barrage of mudslinging? There are negative ads on TV which cause us to turn the volume to mute; there are flyers that show up in your front door or your mailbox; the internet is full of “opinions” and frankly election time has become a pain in the neck. Wouldn’t it be much easier if each candidate donated every cent of his campaign budget to the national debt? We might be in a lot better shape financially and we’d see what kind of people we were really electing.

Of course that will never happen. We have had to deal with negative finger pointing since the beginning of time when Adam first blamed Eve for making him eat the apple and Eve in turn blamed the devil. We do have the assurance that a new day is coming for those who trust in God alone and this is one promise that we know will be kept. We are told to be still and let Him take care of us, and He does. So. in a few days all the hoopla will be over. The election will be decided. and the proverbial dust will settle.

The election crud will go back into the woodwork until the next election. There will be a whole slew of arguments regarding the results. Again, those who voted for so and so will be demeaned. Those who voted for the other, will also suffer slander and disdain. The voting process will continue. At least we’ll have enough fuel for a good bonfire.

Time will go on and God will still be in control, so I’ll be still and know that He is God.

Posted in America, Elections, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

TBT – WE THE PEOPLE . . .

Posted on October 24, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Today is Throw Back Thursday, I’m feeling kind of lazy, it’s getting close to a National election, I’m running out of ideas of things to write about. I found this oldie from several years ago that still seems appropriate today. Every time there’s a presidential election to deal with, there is so much convolution out there that it becomes a confusing time for everyone.

I had thoughts this year about not voting, because of my lack of faith in government and the corruption of the entire voting system.  However, by doing so, I would be giving up one of my most basic rights as an American citizen. In a democracy we still have the ability to say who is going to govern us – based not on what we see or hear via the media and the millions of dollars spent on campaigns, but on doing our research.  We should not go to the polls without doing so.

Somehow local elections don’t resonate like National elections so many folks don’t bother.  Maybe we have just given up on the whole process.  Maybe we’re dissatisfied with the two parties that control our Senate and Congress. Maybe we think our vote isn’t going to make a difference.  There are tons of reasons and excuses to stay at home on election day, but not one of them holds water if you plan to complain about the results.

Conspiracy theories are running rampant. Fake news is everywhere. We are inundated with political ads that carry very little truth. We hear all kinds of weird things that our government is capable of accomplishing without our knowledge. We’re influenced by all these things. How is anyone supposed to make an intelligent decision? Also, when it comes down to two candidates, we are left with very little choice.

We continue to have a voice as Americans – even though the true voice of the people isn’t heard much anymore.  To become a part of the political system today, is not only taking a big financial and emotional risk – but if you have any ethics at all – you could easily be swallowed up by the evil that infects it.

As Christians we should remember that God instituted government for us.  He is the one in control of it and He will protect it, even when its corrupt.   Many lives were spent in defense of our country.  It’s up to us to make sure the right people are doing the job. It is also up to the people who will fill those jobs to remember who their employer is.

The government is merely a servant―merely a temporary servant; it cannot be its prerogative to determine what is right and what is wrong, and decide who is a patriot and who isn’t. Its function is to obey orders, not originate them.

Mark Twain

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FALLING FOR AUTUMN

Posted on October 23, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Leave it to Maxine to put things into perspective. We have a few nuts living in our neighborhood. I guess I could be considered one of them. I love this season. Not because of all the decorations that pop up on people’s lawns. Not because of the abundance of witches flying into trees. Not because of a lack of trick or treaters and the wealth of treats I can now claim as my own. My biggest reason for loving autumn is that with it comes another season to look forward to. The stores that are currently filled with Halloween treats, will soon be replaced with Christmas goodies. I often wonder if there are little elves in the stores, who transfer those Halloween treats into Christmas bags, right after that spooky celebration.

We tend to look forward so quickly, that we often miss something along the way. I’m discovering this more and more as I grow old. We run the holidays together way before they occur. We used to look forward to them with great anticipation. Now, it’s like one big holiday with constant celebration. Not saying I’m a Scrooge who has no use for holidays. I love them all. I just miss the anticipation that comes with each one of them.

Right now there’s an overload of things going on. We have a pagan holiday coming up in a week. We have an election to follow, which is almost as scary. Thanksgiving will follow with an overflow of more food to digest. Then comes Christmas, New Years, Valentines Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, etc. etc. etc.

So. what am I trying to say today? Take time to enjoy each and every moment that God blesses you with. Time will go on with or without us. The time we have on earth is limited, and eventually we won’t be here anymore. Will our existence matter? Will we be remembered for anything? Is it even important? The life we live is a blessing from our Creator. Use it to honor and thank Him for it.

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WE ALL MATTER . . .

Posted on October 22, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

When we grow older, our self-worth tends to decline. Unfortunately, when we pass retirement age, there’s a certain amount of discrimination in our country. People who have amazing life skills and experience often have little value in a society of young whippersnappers. (Did I really say that?) When your life has been chock full of experience, you may get an interview, but chances are you’re considered overqualified, unfit for the job. or they think it’s a waste of time to train and old dog new tricks.

On the other hand, when you’re just getting started, you need to list your experience on your job application. If you’ve had none so far, it seems pointless. It’s no wonder, we feel unimportant or useless at times. Somewhere in the middle we find our worth and value to society, but it takes time. In some cases, it’s never found. Sadly, as a nation of many nations, we’ve lost sight of each other’s value. We work hard to achieve our own, but in the process, we forget that others are also struggling with this problem. In order to be of help to others, we need to take care of ourselves first. The best way to accomplish that is to realize how valuable we are to God. Just think about it. He loved us so much that He gave His only Son as the perfect payment for our sins. We have value, even when we don’t think we do. It’s up to us to find out how He intends to use our abilities for the rest of our days.

Lord, as I see myself growing older day by day, help me realize that you still have a reason for me to be alive. I want others of my age to know that too. We have an important place in the scheme of things until the day you carry us home to heaven.  Give me the right words to help others see what you’ve done for them and how special they are to you. Amen!

Posted in aging, purpose, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

WHAT IS TRUE PEACE?

Posted on October 21, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

As we begin another week, it’s a good time to take stock of what’s really important in our lives. It’s a chance to write a “to-do” list and plan the rest of the week. It is an opportunity to look ahead and tackle new challenges along with ones that haven’t yet been accomplished. Mondays seem like the perfect day for that.

Our lives – our days, our minutes and seconds – are often filled with nothing. We may have set some short-range goals that never got accomplished. We may have come off of a weekend of stress filled activities. We may look ahead and see a little light at the end of the tunnel, but it might also seem overwhelming. When we have situations like that, it’s time to turn to the One who never changes. God, our heavenly Father, is the source of consistency and order. He created the world, the universe and everything in it and has complete control over all of it. That fact alone, should give us comfort and the stamina to push forward with a new plan for the coming week.

Our human nature lacks order. We often take things as they come, not realizing how difficult we’re making things for ourselves. We give most of our energy to our jobs, careers, family and self. Unfortunately, we often forget about God’s power and His ability to make life run smoothly. Not to say there won’t be problems when you’re in tune with God. You can almost count on difficulties, especially when you’ve decided to follow His lead. He doesn’t guarantee a bed of roses, but He is always there to guide you to a solution. So, start this week with a prayer that you can be confident will be heard. God always hears our voices. He will act on our requests according to His will for our lives and in His timing.

Dear, Father, God, thank you for bringing us to another week. Every day is a blessing from you. We have your assurance of peace and contentment when we follow your lead. Even though the world is filled with unbelievable evil, we know that you never change. We know that you have a perfect plan for each of us. Give us strength to trust your consistency and power. In the name of your perfect Son, Jesus. Amen!

Posted in aging, confidence, peace, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

SAFE HARBOR

Posted on October 21, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Like ships that pass each other in a sea of discontent,

We seek a different way – a way to reinvent,

We think of starting over, but that thought is now too old,

We’re weary of the struggle, too tired to be so bold,

Our thoughts now turn to peaceful days, a time to rest and reap,

The bounty of our working years, and catch some needed sleep,

But life reminds us otherwise, the harvest has been spent,

Demands of life continue even though our backs are bent,

We search for a safe harbor, a place where we can go,

When time takes youth away from us, where peaceful waters flow,

Our Lord comes to our rescue, He gives us such a place,

He died to make it possible and gives it with His grace.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, sanctuary, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

NATIONAL SQUIRREL AWARENESS MONTH

Posted on October 19, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

I’ve written on many occasions about the antics of squirrels and how entertaining they can be. I didn’t realize there was a whole month dedicated to them, however. October is noted for many changes that occur in the environment. Colors pop and leaves fall. This month has been named Anti-bullying month also. I wonder if squirrels have bullies in their tribe. I imagine so. They seem to exist everywhere. October is also known for October Fest celebrations which seems to edify beer and lots of it. However, October is also known as Sober month – so go figure.

We have become squirrel observers in our aging years. Maybe it’s because we admire their stamina, their where-with-all, their industrious nature and their comical antics. We have a window which directs our attention to the little critters, and we’ve had our share of enjoyment watching them. We’ve named some of them, but each year they change because there’s a whole new crop of them. Stubby was the squirrel who lost most of his tail during his lifetime. Jake, from State Farm, was the squirrel who looked like he was wearing khaki pants. Nutsy was one who seemingly had no fear and was quite the acrobat. He once picked up a branch with one walnut on each end. He stepped on an electrical wire and carried that branch like a barbell. It was quite a feat. “Stretch” was known for his ability to hang onto the tree trunk and stretch the front part of his body to the bird feeder. We tried greasing the pole that led to the feeder, but that didn’t deter him. It was fun watching him slide down though.

Squirrels are amazing little creatures. They are really nothing more than tree rats, but they have a lot of human attributes. When October comes, they are very industrious. Nuts from our black walnut tree are meticulously hidden by them. I often wonder how they know where to find them. When they are storing them, they dig a hole first, pop in the nut, and deliberately push the dirt over the top. Then they cover the spot with dried leaves. It’s an amazing process. I wonder if they put little markers on those spots or if they simply have built in radar.

In my opinion, there is nothing like learning from nature. The whole world is filled with amazing creatures which God designed for a specific purpose. I’m still trying to figure out why He created mosquitos, but that’s a whole other story.

Posted in aging, Humor, Nature | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

BRIDGES . . .

Posted on October 18, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Bridges are part of our infrastructure. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to connect with those on the other side. We couldn’t easily transport goods from one place to another. In daily life, we rely on bridges for many necessities. There’s also a bridge that separates us from heaven. In the beginning, the bridge was open and accessible. Man’s relationship with God was perfect. When sin came into the world the bridge was broken and there was no immediate access between man and God as there once was. God’s solution for that wall that stood between Him and man would be restored through Him alone.

We all face bridges that seem unmendable in this life. We start out with high expectations of making it across but run into cracks in the pavement or actual wearing out from within. There seems to be no way over that bridge. When Jesus was sent to us in human form, He bridged the gap which seemed impossible for us to cross. His life of humility, His poverty, His compassion for others, His servant attitude, His suffering, pain and death, were all steps He took to mend the bridge and pay the price for the restoration. He defeated the evil of this world. He overcame it, so that we would someday become joint heirs in His kingdom.

When days seem to hold no solution to our problems or when we give up in despair, always remember what the Son of God did for us. He took the sins of the world on His own body and buried them at the cross. We now have perfect access to our heavenly Father. The bridge is no longer necessary.

“REFRESHING RAIN” by KATHY BOECHER

Mountainous clouds enshroud a sky of black,
Filled with tears from the Lord of all.
He sees and He knows our tribulation.
The depth of our sorrow is in His hands.
There is nothing we can do to take away our sadness.
We cannot change the course of our lives,
But He has turned His own tears to cleansing waters
Through the death of His beloved Son.
Washed – forgiven from sin’s deadly pain,
We can dance in His refreshing rain.

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

GIVE THANKS FOR GOOD HEALTH

Posted on October 17, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Hi, my name is Kathy, and this is one of my support groups. Each one of these women is part of the Jewels of deNial, an ensemble group of actors of retirement age and beyond. I’m the “beyond” part of the group. We’re getting ready to put on our newest episode today. The shows are set up as an old-time radio show, so we can read from a script. Acting skills are still necessary, but the use of voice is the primary gift for this kind of theatre. Most of us have trouble remembering what day it is, much less than it would take to memorize lines.

I am 82 years old and proud of the fact that I’ve made it this long. I believe part of that is because I refuse to stop doing what I love, even though my aging body often tells me I should. I thank God that He’s given me this outlet. As we age, we could mope around and ponder the thoughts of going to heaven, but I think God wants us here for a reason. No matter what age we are, He has a purpose designed just for us.

I’ll never make it big on the Broadway stage. I wouldn’t want that anyway. My life has been one production after another as it is, and I’m blessed through that. Creating our own scripts with lifetime experiences that have been somewhat embellished, also allows for lots of laughter, chuckles and big fat guffaws.

Dear God, thank you for this opportunity – this outlet – this creative venue – this time of fellowship with my friends – my chance to make someone laugh. I’m not sure if that’s what your purpose is for my life, but it is a big part of it. Thanks for keeping me healthy and able to continue for the time being. Amen!

“All the days of the afflicted are evil, but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15 ESV

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