WHY DO WE NEED JESUS?

Posted on March 26, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

It’s easy to see why we need someone to rescue us from the ugliness which has covered the world.  Identity theft has run amok – human slavery still exists as children are sold into prostitution – morality is at an all-time low – everything except the One True God is worshipped – the criminals are now heroes, and the heroes are crooks.  Lives are spent fighting continuing wars.  Lives are cut short before they have a chance to breathe, because they might prove to be an inconvenience. Lives are shortened at the end for the same reason.  How is it possible to survive where it seems there is no peace – no love – no hope?

We need a Savior not because we deserve it, but because we have turned so far away from what God wants and expects from us.  Our lives are increasingly being covered with scum and depravity – hunger and homelessness in a land of plenty.   It didn’t just happen over night.  It has insidiously maneuvered its way into our lifestyle, our civilization, our homes, even our churches.

We could give up.  We could let the world overtake us, but what would be the consequence of that?  God’s Word tells us that the wages of sin is death.  We don’t have the means to buy our way out.  There is no amount of human knowledge, wisdom or strength to cover the cost.  The only way for us to escape is through our Savior, Jesus, Christ.

Is there hope in this disgusting, sinful world?  No!  It comes as a free gift from God when His own flesh and blood died to set us free – to pay the ransom  we could never pay – and conquer death to show us that we would receive eternal life through Him.

Our Savior will return again to take us to heaven.  Come quickly, Lord, Jesus!

Posted in Holy Week, Jesus, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE HOLY WEEK?

Posted on March 25, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Yesterday, we celebrated the final entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. He was honored with shouts of “Hosanna,” as he rode in on a donkey. In a matter of days, the crowd would turn on Him and chant, “Crucify Him, crucify Him.” We’ve all seen evidence of herd mentality or peer pressure and maybe that’s why this turn of events was so important. Beyond that thought, the plan originated by God Himself was culminating, just as He designed. Our Savior, our King, our Jesus, would face false accusations, untrue charges and the execution of a criminal.
Why would we celebrate such an event?

This plan of God’s was instituted in the Garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve became vulnerable to the attack of Satan. This fallen angel was determined to take God’s place, but God had other ideas. From that day on, His plan for salvation was established. In all the historical writings of the Old Testament, we see stories of God’s commands, His requirements of us, His expectations and the eventual failures of those same people. We also read about mankind’s inability to live up to God’s perfect plan for our lives. We continue to think we can outthink God. We continue to follow the world, rather than His laws. When Jesus came as our substitute, we received God’s love in an unconditional form. His story was foretold in those early writings. He took on the task of living a perfect life. He was fully human, but without sin. He died so we could live. He rose from death. By doing so, we have the promise of eternal life. That’s definitely worth celebrating.

Looking beyond the suffering, the torture, the blood and nails that pierced Him, we have hope. God loves the world so much that He died for it. His life didn’t end at the cross and because of that we can be assured of a future beyond the grave. When our time comes, when death is imminent, we can also know that Jesus’ has taken the sting of death away so that we can someday meet Him face to face.

Posted in eternal life, Holy Week, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

LENT IS OVER – PALM SUNDAY IS NEAR

Posted on March 23, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Don’t you just love Pinterest? Usually, my endeavors at making a spectacular table for Easter falls far short of the images you see in the first picture. The ideas always look so creative and seem like they would be easy, but not so much in my kitchen. We’re only a day away from Palm Sunday and the triumphal entry into Jerusalem by Jesus and His followers. For some that means an end to what they’ve given up for the past 40 days, while others prepare for a week leading up to the cruel treatment of Jesus, his death and resurrection. Lent will be over, and the celebration of His Resurrection and our salvation will begin.

In the olden days, Easter was a day of great celebration. My sister, my mom and I would all get new dresses and shoes. We’d don our Easter bonnets, put on our white gloves and patent leather shoes, and off to church we’d go. We’d then have a wonderful meal with other family members and overload on jellybeans and chocolate bunnies.

When we began our own family, the traditions continued. We’d go to church in new clothes. The kids would hunt for Easter eggs in the backyard. Plastic grass would be strewn throughout the house. Easter is also a time to celebrate spring and the end of a long time in the snowy desert. This year, the winter snow waited until the first week of spring! I usually planned a special meal, served on the family China along with silverware that needed to be polished each year. Many of the fancy items on the dinner table have been stored away and aren’t used anymore. Gone are those days. We now have adult children with extended families, which we must share for the day. When the grandchildren were younger, we continued with the egg hunt and fancy meal, but now we use paper plates and plastic silverware. Times change, but the season never does.

We no longer put on a big spread for important holidays. Things change when you get older. Chocolate comes in the form of bunnies and eggs.  Jellybeans stick to your dentures.  Sugary Peeps will turn hard in a week and taste much better after drying out.  Pies will be baked or purchased.  Hot cross buns and coconut covered Easter bunny cakes will pop up for dessert.  Eggs will be hidden and searched for. The missing ones will show up in a few months.  We no longer use hard boiled eggs for obvious reasons. New clothing will be purchased at high prices. It’s another consumer holiday which beckons greeting cards and gifts.  Unfortunately, the true reason this holiday is so special to Christians, seems to get lost in all the commercial trappings.

When we place so much importance on the flashiness of Easter, we lose the true joy that comes from it. This week, prepare your hearts for this amazing gift which God provided for all mankind. The gift comes with no strings attached. Pinterest can’t begin to compare.

Posted in aging, Lent, PALM SUNDAY | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

REST & RELAXATION

Posted on March 17, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART BY PAUL T. BOECHER© FUNNY STORY BY KATHY BOECHER©

For the past month or more, the golf courses in our area have been open and are being used by many. The grass has not yet revived, so instead of meeting someone on the 9th green, it’s more like a rendezvous on the brown.

I’ve not played golf for decades.  The last time, I was the mother of three young children and wore a wig that day, since my hair wasn’t going to cooperate no matter what. This was to be a short escape – a quiet respite for me – away from the children for a few hours. Time would be well spent with my only sibling.  I actually used to be a pretty good golfer, but that particular day would dash any hopes of ever becoming part of the LPGA.

The course was on was a series of winding paths and intermittent hills, so we opted for a cart rather than walking.  We were close to the 18th hole when it happened.  We got into the cart, started it up and went sailing down the hill.  It soon became apparent that the cart didn’t have working brakes. As my life swiftly passed before my eyes, I was convinced that I was about to die. We hit a tree, and everything went flying.  Golf clubs scattered everywhere along with a few toys which had been earlier stuffed into the bag by my children.  My wig sat cockeyed upon my head.  We lived to see another day, but I was so embarrassed when a young man (I later discovered he was one of the Green Bay Packers) came running to our aid.  He began to pick things up and noticed some of the toys on the ground.  He politely asked if they belonged to us.

I must confess – I’m not a very good liar – but I simply couldn’t bring myself to admit they were mine.  That, in addition to my unusual appearance, must’ve given him a lot to talk about back at the clubhouse. Maybe this is why I have such a hard time with R & R.  I can handle rest, but relaxation conjures memories I’d sooner forget.

Posted in art by Paul T. Boecher, Humor, rest | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

PROMISE OF SPRING

Posted on March 16, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

Golden glow arises at dawn, kissing the trees awake,

Brilliant tints inhabit the sky, shades for heaven they make,

A ripple effect explodes there, shadows and light descend,

The chill in the air refreshes, all sadness is on the mend,

A new day appears as promised, God’s love it will provide,

When life leaves scars on our heartstrings, and tears fall at all sides,

Our God has given His promise, that life goes on today,

He carries us through the waters of trouble and dismay,

He lifts us when we’ve fallen down, He heals our broken hearts,

He generates hope and wisdom, and gives us a fresh start,

Each day becomes a heritage to pass on to our sons,

Our lives go on after our death, through what our Lord has done.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, Faith, Inspiration, seasons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

GIVE UP YOUR RICHES . . .

Posted on March 11, 2024 by atimetoshare.me


The story of Jesus’ ministry and time on earth is rich in events of everyday living. Some stories are in the Bible, some are made up, but through this series I’m simply trying to imagine what it would be like to live in that time and actually meet the Son of God – face to face.

SAMUEL – A RICH, YOUNG MAN

I am a man of wealth. I’m also Jewish and a Roman citizen. Some would say I was born with a silver chalice in my mouth. My family follows all the traditions of the Jewish religion. We keep the law of Moses to perfection. The commandments of God were drilled into us as children at the temple. You could say I have it all. I own several horses, a chariot and a home of my own on my father’s property.

As I sit at my window each morning, I witness the sun rising over the street. The city is coming to life. Merchants set up their wares for the visitors in town for the Passover celebration. I often watch as each new religious zealot or activist passes by. There are many of them. I suppose the lower classes need something to hang onto. Many live in squalor while others just get by. Then there are the rich. I’m not under the thumb of the Roman government as long as I pay the taxes due and donate to various projects. Corruption is everywhere and even though I could pay my way through life, something seems to be missing. Crime is at an all-time high and the Roman soldiers have difficulty controlling some of the mobs.

It seems the laws have no bearing anymore. I can’t complain, because I have the means to make it through this life without a problem. The government, the city officials and leaders, even the higher ups in the church appear to be on the take, while the average person struggles for his daily bread. If you have money, you can buy your way out of any situation.

When Jesus came to Jerusalem. He brought His entourage of close friends. A massive crowd followed Him as He preached to both rich and poor. His voice reached my window, and I needed to hear more. I quickly joined the crowd, pushing my way closer until I was right next to Him. His words were filled with promises for a better life – for freedom from tyranny and oppression – for a place where people could live as equals. I’d never seen such honesty and purity on a human countenance. He spoke to the church leaders who were trying to trick Him into saying something that would lead to His imprisonment. To them He was not only a threat, but a rabble rouser. Eventually they would rise up and accuse Him of blasphemy.

I had a question of my own. “What must I do to obtain eternal life?”

Jesus asked if I was willing to give up my life of wealth to follow Him. His eyes pierced my soul as He looked deeply into mine. I was stunned by his comment. How could I give up all that I had? He was asking me to make a huge sacrifice. I went back to my home completely discouraged. Was I walking away from the greatest treasure ever? Did I do the right thing? Was it because I refused to give up all that I own or was it because my faith wasn’t strong enough to rely totally on Him? I will ponder these questions for the rest of my days.

Posted in eternal life, Jesus, Jesus' ministry, Lent, life in Jesus'time, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

WAITING FOR THE SON TO RISE . . .

Posted on March 10, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & P9OETRYBY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

His bruised and smitten body lay quiet in the grave,

In His holy precious blood, the whole world He would save,

There are no words to thank Him, to give love in return,

God’s promise is now fulfilled, His Spirit in me does burn,

The words are forever etched in this dark heart of mine,

My sins have been forgiven, by God’s own Son divine,

I wait for Easter morning, with confidence and hope,

To see Him resurrected gives me a way to cope.

Sweet Jesus, reclining there, Your love will never fail,

I will put my faith in You.  No other can prevail.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Lent, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

FOREVER YOUNG

Posted on March 9, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

Fairy tales can come true – it can happen to you, if you’re young at heart … Old, blue eyes, Frank Sinatra made that dream seem possible when he released “Young at Heart” in 1963. It was the same year that Camelot fell, and President Kennedy was assassinated.  I was only 21 and just at the beginning of my life’s adventure.  In less than a year I would marry my Prince Charming and live happily ever after. 

Youth is really overrated.  Those early years are filled with all kinds of new ideas, hopes and dreams.  It takes years of time, struggle, building, breaking, rebuilding and the love of God to become mature.  By the time you’ve reached the golden years, you’re not only falling apart, but the world also assumes you’re too old to contribute much of anything.  I suppose, if Washington has its way, anyone over 70 will soon be on the endangered list.

One thing I’ve learned over the years, is that we can’t change God’s plan for our life.  We can try to alter it in some way, but He’s in control.  To many that doesn’t seem right.  We should be masters of our own domain, right?  To those of us who have chosen to put our lives in God’s hands, it is not only a comfort, but the best possible place we could be.  I’m not the woman I was at 21, but one who knows we are creatures of our environment, relationships and most of all the plan God has designed for us. Knowing this, we can be confident of eternal life – a life that will never fall apart, ache, suffer or be sad – a perfect life that will last forever.  Jesus made that possible!

Sweet memories drift through the crevices within my brain,

Stored treasures from my youth come forth with such a loud refrain,

I sometimes think no mountain is too tall,

and then I stumble and I fall,

The bumps along the road will not deter me,

I will not cave to age and feeble fears,

I may not have the strength or hope to save me,

But I have someone drying all my tears,

Though life may quickly run its fitful race,

The Lord is right there dying in my place,

He lifts me up when I grow weary – carries me when I grow weak,

He clears the way though dark and dreary – even when it seems too bleak,

Life can last until a hundred, but our minds revert to things long passed,

Childish thoughts and empty wishes, stay with us until our last, 

On my heart the words are written. I will speak them with my tongue,

Jesus lives and I’ll remain – after death – forever young.

Posted in aging, Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , | 11 Comments

BLESSED ASSURANCE . . .

Posted on March 3, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Majestically standing in rows just like soldiers,

With arms reaching up to great heights of the sky,

The trees tower over the rocks and the boulders,

They almost touch heaven and don’t even try,

What if we would turn our heads and our eyes,

To the mighty Creator with voices and cries,

Would He heed to our voices and answer our prayers,

Would He take away all of our fears and our cares,

Sometimes it may seem that He’s too far away,

That He’s too much to do than to hear what we pray,

Prayers don’t go unanswered when we ask from within,

He listens to us and forgives all our sin,

So lift up your eyes, to the sky up above,

God knows what you need and He’ll answer with love.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God's promises, inspiation | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

MARCH MARCHES IN LIKE A LAMB

Posted on March 2, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

So much going on in the merry month of March. It’s a good thing it contains so many days. In March, our family celebrates many birthdays. The month also brings St. Patrick’s Day, where everyone becomes Irish for a day. The onset of spring is in the air, and we’ll go back to daylight savings time next weekend. This March is coming to us like a lamb. Temperatures are above normal and 60’s are forecast for today. This is unheard of in Minnesota. We’ll see lots of folks in flip flops and shorts this week. Spring break occurs at our schools and universities and mayhem could ensue. Primary elections are popping up all over the place and the actual election is almost 8 months away. Of course, we’ve been exposed to candidates for quite a while already. No comment on the outcome. Only God knows how it will turn out. His will be done.

This is also the month of Easter – a little earlier than usual, but what a wonderful celebration. We’re currently in the season of Lent, which is a time of repentance, contemplation, meditation, thoughts about our sinful condition, and forgiveness. Easter brings joy in the knowledge that death is not the end of our existence. Jesus’ overcame death and so will we.

As we begin this month, take time to think about that very thing. Life does not end for those who trust in the Lord. He conquered death and sacrificed everything because of His great love for us. Now we can pay it forward and share that wonderful news with those who need Jesus in their lives.

Have a great March!

Posted in Jesus, Lent, seasons | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

I HAVE RETURNED . . .

Posted on February 26, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

I think General McArthur spoke those same words at one time, but since I’m not him, I won’t take away his honor. I’ve been on a hiatus of sorts for the past two weeks. I felt I needed some time off and I did. We’ve had a lot to digest over the past six months or so. Paul was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, and I had been putting my health on hold until we knew what the next steps would be. I’m happy to report that my yearly physical has indicated that I’m normal – whatever that is. All my numbers look good and apparently my heart is still pumping. There’s good news about Paul as well. He had a cancerous mass right behind his esophagus, which was twice the size it now is – without any treatment. The doctor says there is no clinical explanation for this change, but we know that God is in control. That being said, we continue living in the moment. We will take our short road trips and visit places we’ve never seen, even if they aren’t far away.


Since we are in the beginning of the Lenten season, I thought I’d share a series I wrote a few years ago. I’m using imaginary characters who might have lived during the time of Jesus’ walk here on earth. It depicts what life was like – what people were concerned about – how they made a living and what they were looking forward to in those days. The first leg of the journey starts with part one of “The Messiah is Here.”

Posted in Inspiration, rest, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 28 Comments

TAKING A BREAK . . .

Posted on February 12, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

I don’t know about the rest of you, but there comes a time when we all need a break from the normal. Because life has kind of gotten in the way of living, I’ve decided to take a little vacation from writing my blog each day. Some of you will be relieved to have me gone. Some might miss the things I have to say. Others will find other blogs to follow. The point is, when you’re in the business of trying to encourage, lift up, inspire and sending out God’s message of truth, it can be exhausting. 

Many of you are suffering from depression. Some are anxious about the way our world is turning. I know there are those struggling with health issues, their faith, their losses and hopes for the future. There are those who need a hug and a word of empathy or compassion. Since Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent begins to unfold, I thought this would be an appropriate time to take a break. 

Jesus gives us words to live with each day. You can find them in His word, the Bible. He is the giver of hope and truth. He will lift you up when no one else can. He gave up His heavenly throne and took on human flesh, so we could have eternal life. He leaves us with this message of peace.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will 

have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV

Posted in aging, change, God | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

GOD’S WISDOM . . .

Posted on February 10, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

I planned to write about wisdom this week. I got through Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday night required another trip to the ER. The problem was taken care of, and we were sent home. Thursday, we ventured to scheduled appointments with oncology for scans and lab work. By the time the appointments were over, we decided it best to stop at the urologist office. The problem had returned with a vengeance. After waiting for about two hours, we were able to see the PA and again have the problem solved, but not entirely. We were sent to the ER where another hospital stay was required. My series on wisdom had to be set aside for the moment. My fears and anxiety rose to the surface again. 

As I sit here this morning, I feel unqualified to talk about this subject. Wisdom can really only be found in God. He is the Creator. He knows us inside and out. He has compassion for the things we go through each day. He cares when it seems like no one does. He loves with unconditional love. He gives purpose to our days. He welcomes our prayers and answers them in His time. He will never leave us. God is wisdom. He tells us in the Bible, how to overcome anxiety and worry. His love endures forever.

Psalm 46:10 ESV – “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations,  I will be exalted in the earth!”

Posted in anxiety, God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

PURPLE MORNING MAJESTY . . .

Posted on February 9, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

THE VIEW OUTSIDE MY SIDE WINDOW THIS MORNING . . .

I look out my window at dawn of each day,

The sky fills with glory and begs me to pray,

My God is my helper, my strength and my rock,

He lifts up my spirits – I start to take stock.

Each morning is filled with a promise from God,

To guide and to keep me with His staff and rod,

He is the Good Shepherd in love with His sheep,

He tenderly hugs us when we need to weep.

I come to you Jesus and pray that you’ll hear,

My many requests for those I hold dear,

I know you can hear me, Your Word tells me so,

You’re right here beside me wherever I go.

In darkness you bring me your wonderful light,

You chase all my troubles right out of my sight,

When fears make me tremble, when hope disappears,

You hug me so sweetly and dry all my tears.

I trust you, dear Jesus, you know what to do,

My conquering Savior will make all things new,

Each day you will show me in beautiful skies

How close you are to me. Your love never dies.

Posted in aging, Poetry by Kathy Boecher, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

THE BEAT OF A DIFFERENT DRUMMER . . .

Posted on February 8, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

Since it’s Throw Back Thursday, I’ve opted for a rerun.

The beat of a different drummer, the rhythm that forms its song,

The ratta-tat-tat of the lonely drum, creating a deafening, mortal, gong,

The march of weary, blood torn feet, continue with reverence.

Over roads where death awaits, like a pale horse’s countenance.

Often our words get in the way, they pound deep within our heart,

Tearing away at others’ thoughts, breaking a friendship apart,

In our narrow way of thinking, to pursue what we believe,

We sever close relationships, which we never can retrieve.

Does it matter to beat the drum, do our words mean anything,

They injure more than a bullet, they create a deadly sting,

They need to be thought out fully, before we utter a word,

So, tempers don’t flare, or fester and anger will not be stirred.

Posted in aging, anxiety, Faith, Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

KNOWLEDGE +UNDERSTANDING = WISDOM

Posted on February 7, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Job 28:28 “The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”

The hope of every human mind is to gain wisdom,

We labor through our lives in search of it,

We imagine that it will come from learning,

From experience,

From years of practice,

But it doesn’t,

When we reach the end of our days,

We see,

We know,

We have learned,

That wisdom is like the air we breathe,

Like the birth of a child,

Like the first blooms of spring,

Wisdom is a gift,

From God,

To His children,

A precious commodity that only comes,

Through understanding.

Through trial,

Through adversity,

From a fear of God,

Not a fear that makes us tremble,

But one that instills an awe within us,

That fills us with inspiration,

Encouragement,

Hope,

That lifts us up,

To touch the face of,

Our Creator,

With confidence,

That He will accept us as we are,

His own precious creation.

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

WHO IS GOD?

Posted on February 6, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

I came across some verses in Proverbs 30 today which describe who God is. These words are powerful, just like God is. These words show His omniscience (knowledgeable of all things,) – omnipresence (always present and available,) – omnipotence (all powerful.) They also fill my heart with hope. Since I’m talking about wisdom this week, I thought the best place to start was to go straight to the source of all wisdom, power, knowledge and consistent presence. The Bible is filled with wonderful adjectives describing my God. Here are just a few verses.

“The man declares, I am weary, O God;
    I am weary, O God, and worn out.
2 Surely I am too stupid to be a man.
    I have not the understanding of a man.
3 I have not learned wisdom,
    nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has ascended to heaven and come down?
    Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?
    Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and what is his son’s name?
    Surely you know!” Proverbs 30:1-4

Wow, what a description!  “Gathered the wind in his fists,” “wrapped the waters in his garment.”  How great is that?  Our God is awesome.  He is alive and active in our lives and our world.  He hears us.  He communicates with us through the Bible, in His creation and through His miraculous signs.  He loves us without end.  He provides for us.  He is our Redeemer, comforter and deliverer.  He knows our every need before we do.  He has a plan for each individual on the planet.  It’s time for us to return to the One who is consistent – who never changes – never fails and wants only the very best for us.

Wisdom is a word that describes good things like knowledge, experience, sageness, understanding, contentment, peace, discernment and so much more that we can’t even begin to understand. When we know who God is, wisdom will follow. Godis the One who created everything – the One who knows our thoughts, concerns, hopes and dreams – the One who loves us without conditions – the One who gave His Son to make us right with God – the One who lives forever – The One waiting for us in heaven. God is also the One who determines who we will be. He knew us before our conception. He knit us together in our mother’s womb. 

GOD IS AMAZING AND HE IS WAITING TO COME INTO YOUR LIFE TODAY!!

Posted in Bible, Daily inspiration and devotions, God, Uncategorized, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

ON BECOMING A WISE GUY . . .

Posted on February 5, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

This week I’m going to focus on wisdom. Not because I’m so filled with it myself, but because age doesn’t necessarily make us wise. I think some of the greatest words of wisdom have come from children. For example, when I was teaching drama to young students, a kindergarten child gave me a taste of wisdom that was like frosting on a cake. It was the end of our six-week session, and we’d just finished our final performance. I asked her if she was coming back for the next class. She said, “I don’t know for sure. If the groundhog sees his shadow, I may have to spend the next six weeks with my grandma after school.” It was just a few days until the little rodent’s weather forecast, so her comment to me made perfect sense and was filled with amazing wisdom. 

Mark Twain once said, “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.” When we’re in our teen years, we tend to think we’re the only ones who know anything, but there is some merit in age. Old people have had the benefit of years of experience. We know what love’s first kiss feels like. We’ve experienced the joy of bringing a new life into the world. We’ve struggled with finances, child rearing, striving for success, building a life. Our minds have been filled with learning. Some of it has been good for us and others, not so much.

Age doesn’t always make us wise, however. We still tend to make the same mistakes, follow the wrong path, hurt people with words or actions. The truth is that the older we get, the smarter we think we are, and that can make it appear that we don’t know anything. Our minds are so full, that it amazes me that they still function – most of the time. We are flawed human beings. God didn’t make us to be that way. Our journey through this veil of tears is a life lesson for each one of us. We may all take different paths, but the final destination is dependent on how we choose to travel.

Knowledge comes from experience. Experience comes from living. Life comes from God and He is the source of all wisdom.

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” Socrates

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see. “ Henry David Thoreau

“The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” Michelangelo

Posted in aging, Life, Uncategorized, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

JESUS, LEAD US THROUGH THE SHADOWS. . .

Posted on February 4, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Our world is full of tragic news and difficult decisions.

We struggle to find good in all the strife and dark divisions.

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

Manipulating all our thoughts, with his own special seasoning.

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

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

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

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

He lurks about like lions prowl and forage for their food,

But never will he find surcease for he can do no good.

The day of victory will come from heaven up above.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

Posted on February 3, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This painting was done several years ago, shortly after a tornado tore through the city of Minneapolis.  An entire rookery was destroyed, except for one lone survivor. God shows us, even in the darkest hours, there is beauty. He turns dark into light. He gives hope to the hopeless, He reins over all of His creation. He is always with us. He helps us survive.

He sat majestically in his tattered nest, surveying the remnants of his former home.

A tornado ripped through the neighborhood the night before, splitting trees in two,

Uprooting some and destroying hundreds of nests in the rookery.

This Great Blue Heron survived the turmoil – the devastating wind –

The fierce torrential rain.

Now he sits, staring out over the destruction below.

Many of his friends have vanished or died.

The aging bird was spared, remaining behind and lonely.

Would he be able to pick up the pieces of his former life?

Would his life ever be the same?

If God’s eye is on the sparrow, He certainly would provide for this king of the river.

This majestic – almost prehistoric – champion will rebuild day by day, with the help of his Creator,

But that day he was simply a survivor –

Crushed by the elements, yet hopeful.

God formed this earth from nothing. He designed a perfect place for his creatures to live and thrive. When sin entered the world, the beauty was tarnished. Each day it devolves back into chaos. We have made it so. Let’s return to the One who graciously allows us to have the earth to care for. We have been given that responsibility. With His help alone, we can restore it. It will never be as it was in the beginning, but we can see to it that it is available for future generations. In the meantime, we can look ahead to a perfect paradise in heaven.

Posted in aging, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, trials, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments