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

WHEN YOU JUST CAN’T . . .

Posted on February 2, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

There are some days when you just CAN’T –

Make it through the discontent,

Throw your troubles to the wind,

When your inner thoughts have sinned

Toss your worries in the air,

Hope that someone’s home up there,

Pray for God to intercede,

Shed a tear for those in need,

Give some hope to someone sad,

Listen to some news that’s bad,

Cry for those who cannot see,

What the Lord has done for me,

Raise my arms beyond my sides,

Pray that God with me abides,

Try to understand the world,

Hope when the flag is unfurled,

Figure out God’s perfect plan

For the lives of every man,

Make some sense of terror strikes,

Wonder why the climate spikes,

Change the things I cannot change,

Why do people act so strange,

Will our Jesus come again,

Will we enter His domain.

Life can be a series of question marks, indecision, lost hope, trouble, addiction, fear and loss. It can also be covered with love, fond memories, peace, wonder, excitement, joy and anticipation. There are days when we can’t cope – when all of those mixed emotions come together and weigh heavily on our shoulders. At that point, we either become victims and fall apart, or we grow stronger in our dependence on God. We all have days filled with both those issues. It’s OK to let it out – to talk to someone about it – to pray about it – to let it go. Some days, you just CAN’T. That’s OK too, because God is always by your side.

John 14:27 ESV ” Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Posted in aging, Life, Uncategorized, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

HAPPY FEBRUARY 2024

Posted on February 1, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Here we go again. Time to flip the page on your calendar. This is the shortest month of the year. This year we’re getting an extra day. I never quite understood the whole concept of leap year. So, do we get out our pogo sticks; go to the zoo and watch kangaroos; go to the gym and do jumping jacks? This happens every four years, just like our government elections. I wonder if they needed an extra day to count all those extra votes. Anyway, February is full of fun holidays. Of course. there’s Groundhog Day, which Bill Murray made a movie about. Peta is suggesting that we do away with the groundhog and replace it with a coin? OK, what does that have to do with anything – except maybe if there’s going to be more days of winter it will be harder to find that coin. Who knows?

In February, we’re treated to the Super Bowl. We usually enjoy the commercials more than the game or the half-time production. We all know who is going to win anyway. Since the Vikings and the Packers are no longer contenders, I have very little interest in the outcome. The day after Super Bowl is my husband’s 82nd birthday – a blessing we weren’t sure would happen this year. There’s Valentine’s Day, all the holidays listed on the above calendar, along with the first day of Lent. This season of Lent is a celebration of Jesus’ ministry, life and death. It all leads up to Easter, which changes everything for us. The Mardis Gras celebration begins the day before Lent. In other words, all the things that everyone plans to give up for Lent will be overindulged in for one day prior to that celebration. Another “biggy” is Presidents Day. They’ve lumped all the presidents together for this. I remember celebrating Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays separately a long time ago.

In addition to daily holidays and celebrations, there are monthly holidays.  During the month of February, 2024, The Year of the Dragon – Chinese New Year – will be honored. February includes Black History month, National Cancer Awareness month, National Embroidery month and National Pet Dental Health month. There are many more, but I’ll spare you.

In other words, this seemingly insignificant little month is filled with lots of things to look forward to. Some more than others. Maybe it’s because in February, most of us are experiencing cabin fever and we need more things to keep us occupied. Unlike the groundhog in search of a snow-covered coin.

HAPPY FEBRUARY!

Posted in aging, Humor, seasons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

EARTHLY TREASURE

Posted on January 31, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

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

The broken-down feed mill stands firmly aside the riverbank,

Like a noble guardian, staunchly surveying the water,

Once filled with treasure of the harvested gold,

It now stands as a tribute to its former glory,

But the treasure no longer yields its bounty,

Do we store our blessings, our treasures, our time, our talent,

In a place that offers no solidity – no barricade against destruction –

No hope of replenishment,

Our harvest is not of this world, but a result of the seeds planted within us,

Treasure beyond measure,

Abundant life, fulfillment, satiation from hunger and thirst,

No fear of death,

Eternity.

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

CLEANING OUT THE CLOSET

Posted on January 30, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

We often work too hard and might forget that life is too short not to enjoy the time we have. We place stock in the accumulation of things – the blessings from God – the special remembrances. When it’s time to clean the closet, we have an opportunity to count our blessings. In our middle years of life, we clothe ourselves with the garment of work and discipline. When we don the apparel of perfection, the disguise simply acts as a cover-up for the things going on within us. The fabric wears out. The threads begin to fray. There is nothing left but the worn, tattered rags of a frayed and meaningless existence. Clean out the closet.

My motto is, if you haven’t worn something for more than a year, it’s time for it to go. I usually go through the things in my closet in autumn and spring. My husband, on the other hand is a bit of a pack rat and places a lot of sentimental thoughts on his stuff. We are opposites in a lot of ways, but in this area, we tend to disagree. Even those differences might need to be tossed out. Clean out the closet.

Wasting our time thinking about what could have been or what might be becomes a waste of time. We need to snuggle in the warmth of the attire Christ gives us through His love. Before Jesus came into the world to save it, we were all clothed in filthy rags. In God’s eyes, we were disgusting. When Jesus died and was resurrected, our sins were wiped away – eliminated – discarded forever. His payment made it possible for us to wear a royal cloak as heirs of heaven. First, we need to cast off those old clothes. We need to ask for God’s forgiveness, repent and receive His precious blessings with thanksgiving. Then the closet will be cleansed, and we can approach Him with confidence. He has already cleaned out the closet.

Posted in aging, Jesus, repentance, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

CLEANSING WATERS . . .

Posted on January 28, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER

You came to wash my feet, my hands, my heart and soul.

You washed me in your Son’s own blood.  You made me clean and whole.

From sin’s dark grip you pulled me – from Satan’s hands of steel,

Your love did then enfold me.  Your tears for me did heal.

Because you cleansed my soul, enslaved I’ll never be.

You loosed the chains that held me tight – You set my spirit free.

A bond that took the place of chains – exists within your touch.

A love that man cannot explain – a love that means so much.

Posted in aging, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

WHAT EXACTLY IS A CONUNDRUM?

Posted on January 27, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

No, I haven’t been to the Ark Encounter, but I’ve read the book. There are so many questions with this story that boggle the mind. In fact, you might call it a conundrum. A conundrum is defined in the dictionary as a confusing or difficult question – a riddle or puzzle – a pun. The story of Noah and the ark is filled with conundrums. How did he get two of every kind of animal on that boat? How did they feed them? Did the animals eat each other and call it a cruise with an endless buffet? Was the meat Kosher? Well, the questions create all kinds of images and make us laugh, but Noah was really faced with a conundrum when God approached him one day and told him to build an ark. Can you imagine? 

First of all, where did he get all the materials? I don’t think there was a Home Depot in the neighborhood. There wasn’t a lot of wood to be found in his little town. How about that gopher wood. Did someone have to go for it? God was very specific in his blueprint for this vessel. He also provided for the necessary elements to make it happen. This story could be considered an epic tale or a legend. However, the fact that it’s included in the Bible and that almost every nation has some kind of great flood story to tell, is more than enough proof for me.

God’s book is filled with stories that cause a conundrum. We might call them impossible narratives. We wonder how, why, when, where and who accomplished them and that makes us suspect the truth of them. However, God’s Word is truth and I believe that this story was an actuality. I also believe that God can do anything, provide everything, cause things to happen that seem inconceivable and turn things around at a moment’s notice.

We face conundrums each day. We struggle with problems that seem impossible at the moment. We try to fix the unfixable. We hang on to our own abilities instead of trusting in the One who created the world, the universe, everything. If we turn to Him in the first place, we’d probably have less conundrums to worry about. The solutions to our problems are all in God’s hands and part of a greater plan for us. That doesn’t mean we should sit back and wait for things to happen and problems to just go away. Noah didn’t sit there and angst over the state of morality in his world. He didn’t complain to Mrs. Noah about the condition of the politics of the time. He built an ark and through him, God saved the world.

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