VACATION MEMORIES

Posted on July 30, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

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

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

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

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

Posted in aging, Family, memories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

ALL ALONE . . .

Posted on July 29, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

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

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

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

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

To earth He came to save from punishment and death.

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

We now can look at death with peace and confidence.

He bought us for His own with His own recompense.

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

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

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

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

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

LIKE TEARS FALLING . . .

Posted on July 28, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

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

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

“TEARS,” BY KATHY BOECHER©

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

Posted in anxiety, Poetry by Kathy Boecher, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on LIKE TEARS FALLING . . .

NO ONE CAN HIDE FROM GOD . . .

Posted on July 27, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

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

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

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

Until the darkness is too much for us to comprehend,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUMMER SURPRISES . . .

Posted on July 26, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breathing in the sweet, fresh air,

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

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

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

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

The glory never ends.

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

REACH THE FINISH LINE . . .

Posted on July 25, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

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

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

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

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

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

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

A RUSH OF MEMORIES . . .

Posted on July 24, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

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

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

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

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

DAYS OF YORE . . .

Posted on July 23, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

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

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

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

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

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

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

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

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

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

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

And waste an opportunity while not giving a care,

To easier solutions, for problems solved and fixed,

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

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

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

A face to face discussion, debate and discourse too,

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

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

With calm deliberation, we can release the chains.

Posted in aging, Nostalgia, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

DO THINGS GET BETTER WITH TIME?

Posted on July 22, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

We’ve all been overwhelmed by the news of the past few weeks – for the past few decades as a matter of fact. We can sit back in our recliners and make snide comments about a particular person. We might even be so bold as to post our opinions on social media. I used to rant quite a bit until I realized it was non-productive. So, what’s the alternative? Do we sit back and watch our country fall apart? Do we continue to stress over political rhetoric, conspiracy theories, those running for office or those who can’t make up their minds? Well, there I go again.

I take out my frustrations in my garden. It seems to be therapeutic for me to retreat to the weeds and rip them out with a fervor that is bent on destruction. This past week I started pruning a bush until it was almost a little stub growing out of the ground. I had all kinds of brush to dispose of, so I grabbed the wheelbarrow and started hauling things away. A little five-year-old neighbor must’ve seen me struggling so came over to help. Between the two of us we cleaned everything up and had a good conversation during the time we spent together. I told her that she should be careful, which is like telling a bird not to fly. We talked about my getting older and not being able to do the things I used to. She asked me if I was old enough to die. I told her I was. She wondered if she would die someday. I told her she probably would, but she would most likely go to heaven. She asked if I was going to be in heaven. I told her I was. She said she was glad we would be together there. Oh, my goodness. Out of the mouth of babes.

For a moment all the chaos going on in the world, seemed to be very unimportant. Two separate generations had a chat in the garden that would make it all go away. Life is so short. We spend so much of it worrying about tomorrow or the next day or the next. In the process we often miss the best of it. Some things will never change. We can sit and watch as our world crumbles or we can do something about it to make it better. All the negativity, division and nastiness will continue. We can pray about it to the only One who knows the future. We can be confident that His plan is perfect and for our good. We can tear our hair out in despair, or we can ask God to heal our land. He loves having conversations with us. Go to Him in prayer today. He is the only answer, but it doesn’t hurt to talk to a five-year-old either.

Posted in aging, America | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

GOD’S INTRICATE PLAN . . .

Posted on July 21, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“WISDOM,” COLORED PENCIL DRAWING BY PAUL BOECHER & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER ©

Our world is full of tragic news and heartfelt disconnection.

We struggle to find good in all the strife and insurrection.

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

He twists and turns our very thoughts, with his own special seasoning.

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

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

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

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

He lurks about like lions prowl to forage for their meal,

But never will he find surcease for God will always heal.

The day will come when victory will come from up above.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOT OLDER – JUST BETTER – SERIOUSLY?

Posted on July 20, 2024 by atimetoshare.me


“70 is the new 50” was undoubtedly coined by someone in their 70s. Growing old means you are now one of those blue haired church ladies. It means you have achieved a lifetime of memories – good and bad. When you’re in your 70s you should have matured like a fine wine, but chances are you have already gone sour.

The pull of gravity has taken its toll. Everything from the top down has sagged or grown wider. Actually, I used to be six feet tall. Now everything has slipped down and I’m more like six feet wide. My mind tells me that I can do what I did in my twenties while my body 9 screams, “I can’t!”

I’ve been known to go in search of something only to forget what it was when I get there. I can remember the names of the kids I went to school with, but now I might forget the names of my grandchildren and I only have three of them. Short term memory is fading fast, but let me tell you about when I was 30 and raising three kiddos.

You spend more time in a doctor’s office than your mother did. In fact, you’ve become your mother! You thought you would be retired and sitting on the beach in Maui, but instead you continue plugging along trying to get by on your Social Security check each month.

Your hearing fails along with most of your other senses. You have lost your youthful glow. You are so much crabbier. You have given up trying to prove something. You’ve been there and done that. Liver spots have replaced acne. You’re going through the final metamorphous, before returning to dust.

Actually, I remember my fifties and they were a few of the worse years of my life. They were a mere thirty years ago, but some of my most difficult memories sit in that span of years. I guess you could say, I was finally growing up.

In spite of the many changes we endure in a lifetime, we can look forward instead of back. Our purpose on earth is finally coming close to an end and the promise of eternal life – free from pain, depression, sadness and tears- sounds pretty terrific. Like fine wine improves with age, so do we, if we let it. The aging process is good for many things. It allows life to simmer for a while until it’s finally finished to perfection.


“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” II Corinthians 4:16

Posted in aging, anxiety, eternal life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

FROM GOD’S POINT OF VIEW

Posted on July 19, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This wood sculpture is called “Trust.” It is an attempt to show us how we might appear to God as He watches us from above. Like little children, we reach towards heaven and those hands must appear larger than the rest of us as we place our trust in Him. One of our most difficult tasks today is sorting through the muck of life and finding people we can trust. Most of the time we’re disappointed when the trust is broken. It happens all the time, especially in a world so focused on self rather than one dedicated to helping others.

When we work together for a common cause – when we rely on those who have pledged to do their best – when the evil of this world surrounds, corrupts and interferes with relationships – we soon realize that there is only One we can trust. God sees us. He loves us. He cares about the things we’re going through. He wants the best for us. He has a perfect plan for our life, even when we make a mess of it. When all seems lost, God does what He’s best at. He restores. He renews. He refreshes, He reforms. He revises. He revives. He redeems. His loving hands are bigger than ours and much stronger. Trust Him.

“TRUST,” By Kathy Boecher

I lift my hands in confidence that you will hear my prayer,

I wonder what you think of them as I cast them in your care,

Up to the heavens where you dwell, where only you can see,

The darkness of this hopeless world, which first you made sin-free.

My hands reach out and they must seem so empty in your sight,

I have no gift to offer you, for bringing me your light,

As you look down and I look up, I feel so very small,

You’ve given everything for me, you’ve given me your all.

I thank you for the love you’ve shown, through your own treasured Son,

Through His great sacrifice I live, and with you I am one.

So now I pray with faith and trust that you will hear my prayer,

The doors to heaven open wide for all the world to share.

The wood statue has endured wind, snow, and rain. It has been weathered and beaten up by the elements, just like we have been scarred by the lack of trust we have for our fellow man. Eventually the scars will give way to destruction, but for those who believe in the true God, new life awaits.

.

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

SILVER & GOLD . . .

Posted on July 18, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Since today is Thursday, I’ going to share a post I wrote a while ago.

My maternal grandmother was the wife of a farmer – a woman with a true pioneer spirit. She often shared memories of her childhood in Montana, gathering buffalo chips to build a fire. When she grew older and married a farmer, she’d rise before the sun each day to knead and set bread for the crew of hungry men who worked in the fields. Then she would go outside, kill a chicken and prepare it for lunch.

Her hair was prematurely white, but she didn’t change it. She would braid it and twist it into a bun to keep it off her face. That radiant face was marked with wrinkles that made skin look like tanned leather, but through her beautiful blue eyes, the heart of true beauty was a reminder of who she really was. One special thing about grandma was her spirit in adversity. She buried 5 of her 8 children and her husband before she finally succumbed to death herself at 76 years of age. She rarely complained, but I’m sure her prayers were filled with angst and sorrow at those times. In my eyes, she was a perfect role model.

Grandma would often retreat to the woods to escape the pain that seemed to surround her. It’s good to have a place like that to be with God and tell Him what’s on your mind. It doesn’t have to be the woods or a closet or a special place in nature that brings you close to Him. He’s there right beside all of us and available at any time. His consistency – His perfection – His answers to questions that haunt or cause fear – His love is the silver and gold treasure that awaits each one who puts their faith in Him Alone.

I’ve fond memories of grandma singing with the ‘old time religion’ station, as she prepared the mid-day feast.  The dog added his own musical chords to accompany her. One of her favorite hymns was “Silver and Gold.” I love those lyrics because they remind me of her, but also because the words carry much meaning in their simple message.

“Don’t give me a mansion on top of the hill. Don’t give me the world with a shallow thrill, but just give me a Savior. My life He can hold. I’d rather have Jesus than silver and gold.”

Thanks, Grandma for planting that truth in my heart.  My memories of you remain alive.  Perhaps I’ve turned you into a super-hero, but I think you deserve that status.  We all have our faults.  We all make mistakes as we age.  We learn from the past.  We struggle to make sense of world events, but because of the great love that God has for us, we are redeemed,

Posted in aging, Faith, memories, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

TREASURES IN THE ATTIC . . .

Posted on July 17, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

With an ever changing economy and uncertain times, it’s hard for most people to get by much less think about leaving an inheritance for their families. Although many contend that it’s important to work hard and store up treasures for future generations. My parents and grandparents didn’t have much money, but they did have a treasure which they passed on to me. This bounty did not come from hard work or from being given a silver spoon at birth, but from God, the Father of all creation.  It bore no price tag, was free of any obligation, given by our Heavenly Father with no strings attached.

When we downsized a few years ago, it became apparent to me that many of the things we were hanging onto were simply things that would give way to decay in time.  Some things we continue to hang onto for sentimental reasons – like the marble collection, my husband received from his dad when he was a child.  The idea of pushing those spheres of different colors around for hours as a form of entertainment has little merit today, but it takes us back to a different time and place. There’s a baby dish which was mine as a child. It holds no use anymore, but it’s a piece I will associate with time spent with my parents.  The collection of wooden toys and miniature models of old cars are still around.  Some things we just hang onto as a reminder of where we came from.

We also have a special place in our home for an old King James Bible which belonged to my mother-in-law.  We have many Bibles, but this one is extra special to us.  It shows how much that book was used, ransacked, notations made, and dog-eared pages saved for future reference. Our children know that there will be little of worldly wealth for them to fight over when we die. Maybe that in itself will provide well for them.  Treasure can only be measured in the wealth of ideas, talents, compassion and service we use towards others while we inhabit this world. I pray that my grandchildren may learn a thing or two from me, but I especially pray that they will take the inheritance I received as a child and pass it on to their children as well.

Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.” 

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of grandchildren. Be with me as I share my love for you with them. Stand beside them as they walk through life and lead them in your ways. I know this is the best treasure they can receive, and it was purchased by your own dear Son.  Amen!


 


 

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ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN

Posted on July 16, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Last week I talked about artificial intelligence and how we can become slaves to something we think will do our work for us. The world is filled with new stuff. We hear about it on a daily basis. Electric cars, electric bikes, electric skateboards – to name a few. Yesterday I was turning right, out of a parking lot and suddenly was confronted by young man coming straight at me with an electric skateboard. He was in my lane and seemed oblivious to any danger. I thought I was going to hit him and had to pull over to gain my composure. I could have caused the death of a kid on a skateboard. I could see him in my rearview mirror, continuing on in the wrong lane – no helmet – without any visible fear on his part. He was an accident waiting to happen.

Ever have days like that? You may be in a hurry to get somewhere, and you’re diverted by one of those accidents that did happen. The thing that caused you to be late, may have saved your life if you had been there any sooner. I truly believe that God protects us from harm, even when we don’t realize it. Some days are worse than others. You can be confronted with a series of accidents just waiting to happen and by some supernatural occurrence, you are spared from becoming part of it. Though there is no reference to guardian angels in the Bible, the following passage tells that God provides protection through His angels.

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11

As new inventions come at us at a fast and furious pace, we need to be ready for those accidents waiting to happen. Every time there is a catastrophe, we often look back and wonder why it ever occurred in the first place. Every new discovery or product introduced will have some sort of flaw. Those flaws should be ironed out before they hit the assembly lines, but that doesn’t always happen. So, do we go through life walking on eggs, expecting the worse at every turn? Of course not, but we do need to make intelligent decisions. With God’s help, we can be assured of His protection, but accidents still happen, so our prayers are our link to Him. Maybe it’s time to give Him a call again.

Posted in aging, angels, fear | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

IF IT’S BROKE – FIX IT . . .

Posted on July 15, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

The events of the past weekend are still fresh in our minds. There will be differences of opinion, conspiracy theories, words of speculation and the possibility of terrorism, but one thing is certain. When America endures a tragedy, they almost always come together to rebuild, to restore, or fix the problem. To say we are a nation under God, has been challenged over the past decades. We are no longer a Christian nation, as some have said. We are indeed a nation of many beliefs, nationalities and countries. A melting pot which has grown in size over time. The resources of those nations = the ideals – the beliefs – the history – should bring us together rather than dividing us.

To me, America is still a nation under God. The statement remains in our Pledge of Allegiance. In my opinion, God is still in control and His plan will move forward, without our interference.

“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other.”

These words were spoken by Abraham Lincoln in his bid for the senate.  Our country was in the throes of debates over slavery and a massive influx of immigrants from foreign lands.  Both of these things were pitting brother against brother and eventually resulted in the Civil War which killed over 600,000 Americans.

This phrase was also used by Patrick Henry when the American Revolution was being fought.  It was originally spoken by Jesus after being accused by the Pharisees of being demon possessed.  He had just released a man from his own demons.

in Matthew 12:25, Jesus simply stated that the devil would not fight against himself.

“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand,”

Whenever there is a tragedy in our nation, it seems to me that Americans are at their best. They renew their love of country and set aside their differences for a while. Instead of waiting for a tragedy, maybe we should put those words into everyday practice. The Statue of Liberty opens her arms to all nations as a place free from persecution and rebellion. We are all immigrants in fact. That is a gift that makes us unique from other countries.

As we listen to the rhetoric, I pray that God will guide us to have open minds – to research the news that comes at us at a rapid pace – to sort through the words and discern what is the best direction for our country. I love America. She has been through a lot in her short history. It’s time for us to return to our roots and begin to work together for the good of all.

Dear Heavenly Father, You are in control of all things. You have the power to change the course of history and to help us learn from past mistakes. Please heal our land from the stark differences that are in the minds of its citizens, and may we trust in You to deliver us from the evil that the devil continues to spread. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen!

Posted in America, patriotism, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

THE HEART OF THIS COUNTRY . . .

Posted on July 14, 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 will come when victory will come from up above.
When God will come to judge us all with justice and with love.


Lord, give me wisdom from your Word. Protect me with your arm.
Keep me within protective wings that shield me from all harm.
You’ve conquered death and so will I, as long as I trust You.
You’ve taken all my sins away. There’s nothing I need do.

The price for my salvation was won with your own blood,

You died for me, you cleansed my soul, you did it for my good, 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 America, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, country | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

HOW WAS YOUR WEEK?

Posted on July 13, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

God has a plan. The plan might include situations or problems that we don’t want to face. Maybe we can work through them alone, but most of the time we need someone to talk to, someone to encourage us, someone to lean on. As we’ve personally learned in our years of marriage and especially the last couple years, challenges are a necessary component to getting us through this thing called a lifetime. Each day shows us that we have a wonderful family that is doing so much to make life easier for us. We have amazing friends who have proven to be great prayer warriors and continue to lift us up. We have fond memories of years gone by and are trying to spend our remaining days, weeks, months and possibly years together. Above all, we have a Creator who has laid out the plan and is refining us and preparing us for eternal life.

In looking at my datebook for this past week, I see crossed out appointments, rearranged meetings, new dates set, a lot of notes and details that suddenly are changed for some reason or another. We can’t always count on things to go as we plan, but we can trust the plan God laid out for us at the beginning of time. All the trials we would face are in that plan. All the difficulties – the pain and suffering – the losses and successes – lives and death are included for a purpose. Tell that to the one who is going through those things. Don’t expect them to understand what that purpose is. None of us knows what the future will bring, but God does.

We all have days when we want to throw up our hands and scream. There are moments when we lose hope and give up. We are not merely marionettes, led by the great puppeteer in the sky. God has given us the ability to work through problems, the mental ability to figure things out, the physical prowess to labor through and the emotional strength to survive them. Our natural tendency is to plan, to carry out our plan and to achieve what we began. With God beside us, all things are possible – even those we never dared to dream.

So, my week in review. I had a bunch of ups and downs like most of us do. There were difficult decisions, times of sadness, times of laughter, peace and quiet, time to dig in my garden, to see new life and cherish the blessings of God. Take the hand of God. He will take yours and guide you in the path that He has laid out for you. He gives you the strength and wisdom to follow your dreams, to make new memories and to look forward to life with Him in heaven.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Posted in aging, anxiety, Encouragement | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

FRUIT OF THE VINE

Posted on July 12, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

John 5:1  “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.”

I want to know you, Lord.  I want to feel your arms around me, comforting, protecting, loving me.

I long for your presence in my life.

Your Word connects me to you.

Your Passion shows me how important I was to you.

Your resurrection assures me that I will live forever with you.

You come to me when most I need you and yet I know that you are always there.

I can try to hide, but you are so much a part of me, I can’t escape.

Such a love is so hard to understand.  There is nothing like it.

We are connected like the grapes connect to the vine.

Help me to find that intimate connection, where I know,

You are the vine.  I draw life from you.

Help me to know you better every day, so that when that final day comes,

I will be ready for you.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, Faith, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

BECOMING PART OF THE 21st CENTURY . . .

Posted on July 11, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

This will be my last post on technology for the time being. For years now, my kids have been telling me to get with the 21st Century and become familiar with the world of technology. I’ve given in, for the most part. In my years of writing, I’ve come up from a manual typewriter to a word processor to a computer. I used to erase words physically from the typewritten page. I made carbon copies and covered my fingers with black. I learned shorthand in school and got my first office job because of it. When I realized I couldn’t translate the shorthand, I was moved on to a Dictaphone machine. Thankfully, in those days I could still hear. Now I can actually speak to my computer, and it will transcribe my thoughts as I think them. It will even correct misspelled words and check my use of grammar. If I have enough money, I can actually publish my own work. That happened once, so I can say that I’m a published author.

With all the technology and instant information, the art of communication has taken a big hit.  We’ve grown to depend on text messaging, e-mailing, Facebook, Instagram and other sites on the internet to speak to one another.  What’s missing?  You can’t read a person’s body language, see the expression on their face or really hear what they’re saying. The skill of conversation has been obliterated by these social networks – and yes, I use them too.

Having taught public speaking and drama, I know the value of the spoken word and physical interaction between people.  You don’t get that in a text message.  You can read all kinds of things into an e-mail.  In trying to push forward into the rest of this century, we’re really losing something important.  Face to face communication allows us to listen, to visualize and to speak spontaneously or with thought.  Hopefully thinking before we speak.

One of our greatest difficulties, as we age, is the loss of hearing and sight.  Without them we become frustrated, feel lost and helpless.  We watch a television show and try to lip read, but that usually doesn’t work.  Closed captioning isn’t always reliable either. We watch a sunset with cataracts in our eyes and something is missing.  As one who has been gradually losing the ability to hear, I can attest to this fact. The truth is that eventually we lose our physical senses and one day the whole electronic world may die along with them. I still have all my original body parts, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the cartoon attached to this post, might prove true someday.

In our relationships, the key to unlocking a good one is communication.  If we’re not willing to listen, we’re downgrading the importance of the person were talking to.  We’re setting ourselves on a higher plain than the one we’re speaking to, before we even have a chance to know them.  We’re making faulty judgments.  Open conversation allows us the chance to see, hear and act in an intelligent way.  For example, how can you say, “I love you,” in a text message and have it hold any truth.  If you do it in person, your sincerity can be heard, seen and felt.

Take a few days to spend time with those you care about.  Make it a point to communicate verbally with those you work with.  Put your electronics away for a few weeks and realize you can survive without them.  In fact, a whole new world might just open up for you. By the way, the Bible is also available as an app for your phone or computer. Open it today and discover a whole new world that goes far beyond the 21st Century.

Posted in acting, change, technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments