NEVER GIVE UP . . .

Posted on August 18, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

I’ve always loved stories with a moral – parables like Jesus told and those of philosophical folks who have experienced life to the max. Today is “Never Give Up,” day. This little story is filled with great motivation for those of us who daily face obstacles requiring perseverance.

The story is about a donkey who fell into a well. His owner felt the donkey wasn’t worth saving and since he planned to close up the well anyway, he decided to fill it with dirt while the donkey was struggling to get out. Most animal lovers at this point will be appalled, but aren’t we all susceptible to this kind of treatment every day?

With each shovel full of dirt, the donkey would shake it off and take a step up. The farmer even recruited his friends to pour on more dirt, but the persistent donkey continued to shake it off and step up. Eventually he climbed out of the well, because he had built his own way out.

The moral is obvious. As we go through this muddy life there will be problems. It will seem like we’ll never be able to dig our way out. If we just let the dirt fall on us, we will soon become buried in it. We’ll suffocate and die. If we desire to live, we try to think our way out.

Trying to dig ourselves out of a pit of despair is physically and mentally difficult, but God gives us the means to overcome the world. It is by His hands alone that the future has been carved. He knows what lies ahead and He has a plan for everything that happens in our lives. Trusting in His unfailing grace, we can shake it off and step up.

Posted in aging, perseverance, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING

Posted on August 17, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

It seems the older I get, the less I know or understand. My life may seem hunky dory to most folks, but even those who seem to have it all together, face difficulties. Many times, those difficulties require smart choices, getting counseling or advice or having a strong connection with God through our prayers.

When everything runs smoothly, our stress levels are on an even keel, but when we’re faced with life changing challenges, our whole existence transforms.  Our demeanor changes. Tears fall fast and furious. Our patience runs out. We try and fail. We try again. We feel helpless or hopeless. Anxiety and depression set in. There is only One who can relieve us of our anxiety, our suffering, our pain, our loss, our fears, even our death.  He’s the One who brought good news to a sin sick world – shed His blood for all sinners – suffered unbelievable physical and emotional distress and had no place to rest His head.  He’s the One who loves us unconditionally – who took our place – who died and rose again to prove that He is God and that His plan for humanity has been fulfilled. His named is JESUS.

When we reach a breaking point in life – when it seems that things will never fall into place for us – remember how important we are to Jesus.  He wants us to live good lives, but He’s got even better things in store for us in eternity. When we feel like we’re at the end of our rope or that we can’t endure one more thing, it’s time to turn to Jesus. Don’t wait until it comes to that point. He’s available right now. Once we surrender to His love and acknowledge the good news of what He’s done for us, everything changes.

Posted in aging, anxiety, hope, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

LAST BLOOMS OF SUMMER . . .

Posted on August 17, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

A bouquet of vibrant colors, slowly fading in the hand,

Picked fresh this very morning, plucked from the moistened land,

Our lives are like those flowers – they slowly wilt and die,

We want to intercede somehow, but no matter how we try,

Our days on earth are numbered and our lives will surely end,

But even through our darkest days, we know we have a friend,

Our loving Savior, Jesus, shed precious blood for me,

He gave His life to save me and set my spirit free,

Life never ends with Jesus, His love endures the ages,

His Word sustains me every day within its splendid pages.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, Jesus, seasons, Uncategorized, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

GOD’S LOVE LETTER . . .

Posted on August 16, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER


Do you know how precious you are to me?
Do you not feel my presence every second of every hour?
Do you know that I want to take your problems, your worries, your fears and place them all on my own back?
Can you see my hand working in your life – helping you to make hard decisions – leading you from temptation and pulling you closer to me every day?
Do you know I want you to prosper? I have a plan designed just for your life. It may not be what you want or expect, but it will be abundant.
Do you know that I am the only one who really loves you with an everlasting and divine love?
Do you know that I paid the ransom for the sins that have held you captive for so long? There is no need for guilt, I cover you with my protective wings. The price was paid once for all.
Do you know that I was not afraid to lay down my life for you, because I can conquer death?
Do you know that I am waiting for you in heaven? There will be no tears, no sadness, only joy.
Your room is ready! Do you know?

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

2024 SQUIRRELYLYMPICS

Posted on August 16, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

The 2024 Olympic games are over, but It’s that time of year again. Autumn is right around the corner and critters are stocking up for the wintry cold of Minnesota. In the process they’re creating lots of entertainment for us. I purchased some squirrel food to deter them from invading the bird feeder, but as soon as they polish that off, they head straight for the bird food.

Actually, we don’t discourage them from being around. I mean we provide meals and lodging after all. What do we get in return? A lot of entertainment is sure to follow. In fact this year, we’re looking forward to the Squirrelympics events, including the balance beam, walking the wire, 20-yard dash, gymnastics, weightlifting and survival techniques. Can you picture the scene? The squirrels have been given numbered t-shirts and are ready to roll. A team of judges (birds, cats and an assortment of other critters including us) are equipped with score cards which will determine the winner of each event.

Here comes #1 FLIP – His gymnastics on the bird feeder pole are astounding. He reaches the pinnacle of the feeder, attaches his rear feet to the roof and hangs backwards and upside down to get his food. When he’s had enough, he does a triple flip down to the ground. Oops, better get a helmet next time, Flip. Look at that five of the judges have voted a perfect ten while the other five gave failing marks for the descent. Oh well, it could be a bronze at least. Here comes #2 STUBBY – This little fellow lost his tail last year. We didn’t think he’d be back to participate, but there he is. He will be walking the wire, carrying a small branch with a walnut on each end. This is a balancing act to behold. Since Stubby is minus his tail he has to rely on pure grit and determination to get him across the wire. And he does it with ease, finishing his routine by placing a nut in each cheek. A perfect score for Stubby. That is all but one of the judges. He seems to be wearing a squirrel tailed hat. Hmmmm. Don’t worry though, Stubby finishes with an 8. Highest score so far.

NUTSY is up next, wearing #3. This little critter is really fast. He is sure to do well in the 20 yard dash. But wait, Nutsy has just discovered a pile of acorns near the starting line. Will he be able to overcome his natural hunger? Will he go on to prove he’s the fastest squirrel on four legs? There goes the starting gun and he’s off. Those acorns will have to wait for another day. Wait a minute, he’s turning around. He’s running the wrong way. Oh no, he’s heading for the acorns. Come on, Nutsy, you can beat this. You’re a much better squirrel than that. Oh, well, he’s not listening to my warning. He loses to his cousin, FLASH, who has beaten him by 20 yards. Looks like a Gold for #4. He’s not even going to wait for his medal. He just did a 180 degree turn and is headed for the acorn pile. Guess we know where his priorities lie. Too bad! Nutsy has won the really big prize.

And so, it goes in our backyard at this change of seasons. Yes, we name the animals that pass through our yard. We’re very creative after all. We also have nothing better to do.

Posted in aging, animals, Humor | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

WHAT IS GOD’S PLAN FOR YOU?

Posted on August 15, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

If you feel that your role in life isn’t important – if you struggle daily with thoughts of failure – if you believe that whatever you do, it isn’t going to be enough – it’s time to put your confidence in something other than yourself. Some turn to self-help books.  Others think they can hide their feelings of inferiority by putting on a mask to cover up their shortcomings.  Some turn to drugs or alcohol to deaden the pain.  Many simply give up.  There are also those who do not lack self confidence, but still struggle because they are trying too hard to find the answers all by themselves.  That’s precisely the time we need God’s encouragement the most.

We’ll never be able to please all the people in our lives.  We won’t always be successful in our work.  We may feel left out or lonely at times, but there is One who loves us despite our failures – our brokenness – our insecurities.  He’s the One who created us. He also had a plan for our lives mapped out in advance of our birth. He formed each and every intricate part of us before we were ever born.  He crafted each cell, each nerve, each drop of blood. I would say that’s a masterpiece.

If you’re feeling insignificant today – read Psalm 139.  It not only praises God for His handiwork, it shows the intimate relationship David had with his Creator.  This is true for us as well.

Posted in Faith, Life, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

GOD’S PRESENCE . . .

Posted on August 14, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

I need to be wrapped in the protection of God’s holy wings.

Each pinion gently lays over me – cuddling and nurturing.

The softness and strength are overwhelming.

He breathes His presence upon me and gives me life.

He speaks and I am comforted.

His touch is gentle yet full of power and strength.

His steadfastness feeds me – nourishes my soul – guards me from all evil.

His love for me is unfailing.  A love so great that it’s indescribable.

His tenderness is equal to His might.

I will never be alone as long as He is with me.

Be in my heart – my mind – my understanding.

Be with me in life so that I will know you fully when I meet you after death.

Posted in aging, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

AND THE WINNER IS . . .

Posted on August 13, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

The Olympic games of 2024 are finished. All the years, months, days and hours, devoted to a particular sport have paid off with the awarding of gold, silver and bronze medals. To be honest, I did not tune in this year. I was glad to hear that the US did so well in many categories. The Olympics always creates images of the original games that were played back in the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Wrestling was a big thing then and still is. It seems that the idea of putting someone in a position of submission has been going on for a very long time.

The Bible refers to a wrestling match that occurred between Jacob and God in Genesis 32:24-29. God appeared to Jacob in the form of a man and invited Jacob to wrestle with Him. The struggle continued all night, but in the end, God was the victor. The wrestling was an opportunity for Jacob to submit to God’s will for his life, so even though he was defeated, he was a winner. By sustaining the injury to his hip, Jacob would always remember what it was like to wrestle with God. What he gleaned from this encounter was that his earthly struggles would be painful at times, just as we will face difficult situations throughout our journey.

Our wrestling matches with God will go on.  They are daily battles.  We may never quite understand the reason for those tests, but we can be sure that when we submit to God and His will for our lives, we definitely will gain the eternal victory.  We’ll carry those battle scars until our death, but while we’re alive we can help others through our own experiences – give hope that a good outcome will occur – encourage them to go on. Our own struggles will benefit someone else as they face theirs.

Jacob would go on as the father of a nation that eventually produced the Savior of the world, Jesus.  God’s plan is always best, because through it, we gain eternal victory. The wrestling will go on for a long time too and we may never understand why we have to go through it. When life seems hopeless by our standards, it’s good to know that by submitting to God’s will, we will win the perfect prize.

Dear, God,
As this journey on earth goes forward, give me the strength to face into the perils that occur each. Help me to rely on your strength before trying to figure things out myself. You alone are my guide, my protection, my companion and forever friend. I look to you today and every day and will remain still as you put your plans in place. I know they are always for our good. Amen.

Posted in daily walk, Faith, God's plans | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

LIFE’S MARATHON

Posted on August 12, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“Life is a culmination of the past, an awareness of the present, an indication of a future beyond knowledge, the quality that gives a touch of divinity to matter.”   Charles Lindbergh

There’s nothing wrong with setting goals.  By planning our futures we’re being wise stewards of our time and talents.  At an early age, we learn to tie our shoes or ride a bike.  When we begin school, we realize that we don’t achieve without knowledge.  Our parents often remind us that we aren’t working up to our potential.  As we become teens we start thinking about relationships and where they will go. 

Once we leave the educational system, reality sets in – and I’m not talking about the kind you see on many of today’s television shows.  We find that the goals we’re setting may be unattainable.  We run into roadblocks that slow down the race.  We get beat up by disappointment, failure, desperation, hopelessness. By the time we reach our senior years it doesn’t seem important to set goals.  We may wonder. “What’s the use?”   The main achievement on any given day is getting out of bed.

Running a race requires watching our diet, training our minds to focus on the goal and preparing physically. Because these things tend to turn our focus inward, we forget to set our eyes on the final destination. We put all of our attention into what WE can accomplish by our own actions, rather than asking for help.

Look forward to the final destination, while keeping these things in mind:

  • The race is being run daily.  Look at each day as an opportunity.
  • We are not alone.
  • Plan each step for the future with the knowledge that there will be road blocks.
  • The Word of God, the Bible is our manual for how to live.
  • We can do all things with God’s intervention.
  • The prize has already been won.  
  • Our victory is assured through Jesus, Christ.

Dear Father in heaven, I’ve already won the eternal prize through your forgiveness.  As I run through the rest of the race continue to nourish me through your Holy Word. Help me realize that you are right there beside me – encouraging, lifting me up, supporting me and giving me the hope of my future with you.  Keep my vision focused on you and your amazing grace and use me to share that wonderful message with others.  Amen!

Posted in aging, Setting Goals, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

ALL KINDS OF SEEDS . . .

Posted on August 11, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

WATERCOLOR ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

A seed drops,

It burrows and nestles into rich soil,

It springs forth with new life,

Fragile branches at first,

Growing strong with each passing day,

Expanding, stretching, embracing the sky,

Reaching for the face of its Creator,

It bends and twists in the storms of life,

It blossoms and thrives in good times,

It grows stronger in bad times,

It withers, it shrivels, it dies,

But it doesn’t end there,

The circle of life continues,

Watch, observe, delight in God’s hand in it.

The ability to observe is inherent in all of us unless our eyes have been blinded from birth, but even then, God gives us four other senses to allow us to breathe in everything in our existence.  We may not be able to see the brilliant colors, the majestic mass of a tree, the vastness of the heavens or the beauty of a sea or landscape, but He blesses us with other ways to “see”.

Every artist, whether a writer, painter, sculptor, actor, musician or dancer must observe everything in life in order to portray it in a believable, convincing way.  Studying every idiosyncrasy, examining each detail, with all the senses God has given us, allows our interpretation to be expressed in unique and wonderful ways.

Praise the Lord for the special attention He has bestowed on every detail of this life.  He calms the storms, He makes things grow and develop, He provides for every living thing, He gives life here on earth and He provides for eternity.  With Him, our salvation has been assured and life everlasting waits for those who believe in Him.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, Faith, life after death | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

TRACES OF LIFE . . .

Posted on August 10, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER© “Yellowstone Falls,” acrylic

In life we have a quiet voice, that whispers more than screams,

We open up our mouths to speak, our thoughts, our hopes, our dreams,

We take the easy path it seems, when push turns into shove,

We’re stifled by the maddening crowd, when we exhibit love.

Eventually our memory, will be forgotten too,

The trail we leave behind in death, will fade like ripples do,

But while we walk upon this orb, we still have time to give,

To open up our arms and hearts, to love, be loved and live.

Like waves our lives will come and go, they rise and then they fall,

They only last for a brief time, but we can fill them all,

With never ending promises which always are fulfilled.

God’s truth and understanding, His blood for us was spilled.

Our lasting heritage will be, not what we did in life,

But how God lived within our hearts and carried us through strife,

How He alone has shown the way, to heaven’s brilliant light,

And gave to us a legacy, to share from dawn to night.

Posted in death, Life | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

SO, WHAT DAY IS IT AGAIN?

Posted on August 9, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

I was born in a different era. Being 82 has allowed me to become a creature of wisdom, experience and some knowledge. Friday has become just another day for me. I thank Jesus every morning for another day, but don’t always mean it. Sometimes I wonder why He’s keeping me alive so long. When I was a child, the days of the week each had a special meaning. In fact, I recall a nursery rhyme my mom would say at bedtime.

Monday’s child is fair of face,
Tuesday’s child is full of grace.
Wednesday’s child is full of woe,
Thursday’s child has far to go.
Friday’s child is loving and giving,
Saturday’s child works hard for a living.
But the child that is born on Sabbath day,
Is bonny and blithe, good and gay.

It was also a time when the days of the week were embroidered on dish towels to remind us of the necessary tasks for each day. I’m not so sure about Tuesday. I used to iron everything, including handkerchiefs and dish towels. Now I have a used iron and ironing board in good condition if anyone wants it. Ironing is not an option at my house. Thursday is questionable as well

  • Wash on Monday
  • Iron on Tuesday
  • Mend on Wednesday
  • Churn on Thursday
  • Clean on Friday
  • Bake on Saturday
  • Rest on Sunday

I am old enough to remember underwear that was labeled with the days of the week. I’m not sure what would happen if you wore the wrong day. Who would know anyway? Mom always said to wear clean underwear in case of an accident, but I wondered what difference that would make. If you were in an accident, your underwear most likely would not remain clean.

Anyway, the only logical way for me to keep track of time now is to look at my phone, watch the news or keep a calendar handy at all times. If it weren’t for doctor’s appointments on certain days, I’d be lost to the ravages of time. Instead, I will try to stay on some kind of a schedule other than relying on underwear, dish towels or old nursery rhymes. Does it really matter what day it is? I guess when you grow old, the days are all pretty much the same, unless you want to live a full, satisfying life. So, bring on the appointments and make them the high point of your week.

Posted in aging, Humor, time, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

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.

Posted in aging, God, Humor, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

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.”

Posted in aging, goals, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

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.

Posted in aging, Life, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on FROM HERE TO ETERNITY . . .

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!

Posted in aging, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on OUR ROAD TOGETHER . . .

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.

Posted in aging, peace, trials, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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.

Posted in aging, peace, Poetry by Kathy Boecher, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on SEARCHING FOR PEACE