BRIDGING THE GAP OR REBUILDING THE BRIDGE?

Posted on September 4, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

I love this quote by Ronal Reagan, because it gives us hope for future generations. Every step brings new knowledge along with wisdom. Bridging the old and new can reach one end of the bridge and allow them to merge into an elaborate mountain of ideas. dreams, inventions and hope for the future. Now that school has started, we have the opportunity to cross the gap and learn from each other. We are also in the middle of a great divide within our country. Is there hope for us to bridge that great divide and work together again?

Each generation has its shortcomings and strengths.  Each has its goals and beliefs.  Each feels strongly about those things especially when their young.  As time goes by, we learn that our elders aren’t as dumb as we think they are and eventually our zest for a cause goes through changes.  Our emotions aren’t as volatile as they once were.  Our experience has taught us well and the lessons we learn along the way have shaped us into what we are today.

Does that mean our differences should tear us apart?  As aging grandparents and whimsical, enthusiastic young adults we have a massive of information to share with each other, thus enriching each-others’ lives.  For example, the Millennials have a treasure trove of technological savvy. Those of us who grew up with manual typewriters, party line telephones and cloth diapers have so much to learn.  In the course of fifty years alone the inventions which have occurred are out of the realm of our imagination.  We need help from those who grew up with it.

Maybe in the next fifty years the current generation will need the same kind of help from the younger.  The Traditionalists, on the other hand, have endured a lifetime of change, wars, political differences and inventions.  They have a history to share, because of that.  Going through the school of hard knocks allows us to pass some of those things on to our grandchildren so they might not make the same mistakes.

We can have disagreements, no matter what our age.  We can feel strongly about something and think we are the only one who knows anything.  We may make fun of each-others’ actions, wardrobe, abilities, mistakes, foolishness or talents, but wouldn’t it be much better if we could share those things and laugh together at them?

Personally, I love being with people who are younger than me.  They give me energy and focus.  They encourage when my strength falters.  They lift me up when I feel sad or depressed.  I enjoy their company because their youth makes me feel younger. In a world which seems so terribly divided by opinions, tolerance/intolerance, politics, wars and so much more, wouldn’t it be divine if we could instead treat each other as equals?  I believe someone once said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  Maybe it’s time to bring that rule back into existence.

Posted in aging, Unity, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

WHAT KIND OF EXAMPLE ARE WE SETTING FOR OUR KIDS?

Posted on September 3, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Children born in the 21st century are facing greater challenges than I ever faced. As schools open their door this month, these young people need to be prepared for what they are about to see outside their own front door. They’re exposed to so much of the ugly side of society before they even begin school and most of it appears on the nightly news.  What are the messages these young, precious minds are picking up?

  • It’s OK to talk back to your parents – you have rights too.
  • It’s OK to be disrespectful to your teachers – they’re just overpaid babysitters.
  • It’s OK to get angry when you don’t get your way.  Everyone should have a voice.
  • It’s OK to blame someone else for your bad behavior.  If they hadn’t made the suggestion, you never would’ve done it.
  • It’s OK to leave your room in a constant state of chaos. Mom will take care of it eventually.
  • It’s OK to riot, graffiti, loot and steal.  You see it all the time during a protest.
  • It’s OK to settle your disputes with violent behavior.
  • It’s OK to blow up at authority.  Everyone is out to get you, right?
  • It’s OK to bully someone on the internet.  Who will ever know it’s you?
  • It’s OK to stand up for your beliefs – even if it means demeaning others.
  • It’s OK to voice your opinion on any platform – whether an awards event, sporting event, the classroom or in church. Even if your opinion will hurt someone else.
  • It’s OK to think you’re better than anyone else.  You deserve it.
  • It’s OK to get a participation award – you took your precious time to be involved, why shouldn’t you be rewarded?
  • It’s OK to lie, steal, bear false witness, commit adultery, have sex before marriage, have sex with anyone, murder, desire what others have and put yourself on a pedestal.  Who needs God?  He just gets in the way of the things we want to do.

We can’t keep our children from seeing or hearing these things, but we can use them as examples and show them why they or someone else is going to be harmed eventually. We certainly wouldn’t put a small child out in the middle of a busy highway and leave them there, but every day our kids are being bombarded by messages like this.

Many teachers have had it up to their ears, dealing with undisciplined children – kids who have been enabled from day one.  Why do you think there’s a shortage of those who even want to teach anymore?  Their hands have been tied, their lives are in danger at times, and they don’t get paid enough. Teachers start out with high hopes – dreams of changing and inspiring young lives – building another Einstein or Thoreau – instilling a desire to learn, grow and achieve.  Sometimes they get lucky and find kids that still want to be inspired.  

The first things children learn are from their parents.  Those few short years they have them at home are critical to what they will become.  Teaching them to respect others as themselves – how to share – how to listen to each other, solve problems without anger and live by Christ’s example – are the seeds for building good character. The Bible reminds us that our children are a gift from God. We are merely setting the next stage of life for them. They learn by example.  Be a good one!

Psalm 127:3-5 ESV – “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.  Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, back to school, parenting, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

CELEBRATING WORK . . .

Posted on September 2, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Here we are – another Labor Day. I believe I’ve gone through several of these celebrations over my 82-year lifespan. It seems ironic that we would celebrate workers by taking a day off of work to do so. However, when there’s a holiday available, we look forward to it with great anticipation. Labor Day has always indicated the end of summer. Put away your white shoes, pack a picnic lunch, plan a project to do around the house or bring in the dock at the lake. It also means it’s time for school days to return and the purchase of supplies, clothes and haircuts. Even when your children have children of their own, you still have thoughts of forgetting to pack their lunches. At least, that’s the case with me.

In my home state of Minnesota, it’s the final day of the State Fair. Today is a perfect weather day here, so thousands will be herded together like cattle and pushed from feeding trough to feeding trough for several hours. Sounds like something I’d prefer to avoid. Usually, a backyard picnic is the fare of the day. Now that our days of working are putting much done for, the celebration doesn’t mean the same. We’re just happy we’re able to get up and move around. Work was established by God, when creation began. We’re told about it in the Bible.

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”    Genesis 2:15

Since the beginning of time, part of God’s plan was for his creatures to have a purpose. He put Adam in the Garden of Eden to work and take care of it. It wasn’t until sin entered the world, that work was done by the sweat of the brow and the aching of tired muscles. Over time, man began to use other human beings to do his work.  He became a boss, a supervisor or a manager.  He still had to make sure the work was done to his specification and design, but the wear and tear on his own body became less and less. As with most things, left in the hands of man, those who were managing took advantage of those under them.  This led to the formation of unsatisfied workers laboring in deplorable conditions for unreasonable periods of time and little pay.  Then came the unions.

Every first Monday of September we celebrate the worker and rightly so.  Laborers are the ones who built our country.  Buildings were erected out of steel.  Railroad tracks were laid by thousands who lost their lives in the process.  Cities were carved out of prairies and civilizations sprouted up all across the land. Today, many jobs have been replaced with machines or computers, but there is always a need for workers to man the machines.  Work is a blessing from God as it was part of His original plan for man.  We can also count on Him to be right beside us as we work.

“Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

Posted in holidays, summer, work | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

HELLO, SEPTEMBER . . .

Posted on September 1, 2024 by atimetoshare.me


ORIGINAL ART & POETRY FROM KATHY BOECHER©


The fields are almost harvested, the hay lays on the ground,


The air contains the slightest chill, with stillness all around,


An old, red barn stands waiting now, to make it overflow,


Abundance of hay and forage, to last through all the snow,


The heat of August hasn’t left, there’s still much to behold,


But soon we’ll see the colors change, to brilliant red and gold,


This month brings so much transition, the days grow shorter too,


But still we savor every sense, which through it we renew.


 

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

WHAT’S INSIDE . . .

Posted on August 31, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

It was nothing more than the skeletal remains of a deserted old building.

The facade bore scars on its sun-bleached boards.

It had become pock marked by the bullets of hail.

Remnants of a large bird nest topped the massive chimney.

Windows, soiled by years of lost memories, were now clothed with the silver threads of spider webs, glistening in the light of day.

Within the empty walls, you could almost hear voices from the past.

Wallpaper barely clung to the mildewed walls. The floors creaked. A few dishes lined the sink- now painted with dust.

A broken rocking chair sat at the center of the open space. How many babies had been rocked and comforted in that relic?

A tree branch crashed through the roof at some point and now seemed to belong there.

The new life, budding from that seemingly dead branch, presented some semblance of hope in the midst of misery. It seemed that the bones were still in place.

The foundation was solid. When the sun cast it brilliance on it, I knew this is where I should be.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, christianity, Nostalgia | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

BEAUTY IN THE STORMS . . .

Posted on August 30, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” John Muir

Last night the sky was filled with a second round of storms for this week. Wind pushed through the trees, whipping them about with raging sounds and the ultimate cleaning out of loose branches. Some of those trees needed to be pruned, but in some cases, entire trees fell on electrical wires, cutting our power for a while. My first thought was of the ice cream I’d just purchased and visions of it melting within the freezer. My second thought was how I was going to breathe without air conditioning. My third thought came as the storm lessened in intensity. Even in that pouring rain, a few squirrels were outside gathering black walnuts which had descended to the ground. God was providing for them even in the midst of those dark skies. Those little creatures were taking full advantage of the bounty God was presenting to them.

Our God will never let us down.  He provides us with all kinds of weather which will in some way enhance our lives.  Even the thunderous roar of a storm can be perceived as His voice. The drenching rains which seem overbearing at times are feeding the earth with necessary life-giving water.  The winds can seem frightening, but they are necessary to dry up the standing water and whisk away broken tree limbs, unnecessary brush and the dirt of every day.

As I sit here this morning composing this blog, the sun has been dancing in and out of a few remaining clouds. Glistening drops of dew are evident in the grass, the flowers and even on the windowpane. The glory of the sun brings life giving healing to broken hearts. God sheds His tears to nurture the land. His sadness for our condition is evident through the storms we face each day. Even during those times, I know God is there.  His Son, Jesus, has washed us clean of our sins and given us hope for a new day. As the sun penetrates the clouds and clears up those storms, a beautifully blue sky will appear. His light lets me know that.

Dear Holy God, You control the weather, the wind, the storms of life, all for our benefit. There is beauty all around when you demonstrate your power. Your provision for us, as well as the critters around us. is made known through that strength. You have made the storms beautiful even when they seem the darkest. I thank you for giving us the ultimate gift – eternal life – through your Son, Jesus. Amen!

Posted in God, seasons, storms, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

LIKE I NEED ANOTHER PLANT . . .

Posted on August 29, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Yesterday the air cleared enough for me to breathe long enough to get out and do my grocery shopping. As I pushed my cart rapidly through the store, I ventured into the garden center. I love the mums that show up at this time of year to give some added color to the garden. I really don’t need another plant, but still, I couldn’t resist a walk into that space. There were huge containers of mixed autumn colors. Brilliant maroons, lusty browns and glistening golds all in one pot. I took a look at the price tag and quickly walked away. As I left the garden center, I couldn’t help but notice a leafy hydrangea bush with several brown petals, yet a few dazzling white blooms peeking through. The leaves were healthy, the soil moist and the price was right. Ten dollars for this somewhat pitiful looking plant that never made it into a garden. So, I put it in my cart, finished my shopping and went home.

How ridiculous, I thought as I drove home. Only a couple of months ago we were looking for a new place to live. Senior housing was on our minds. The thought of selling our house has since been put on hold. Why on earth would I even think I needed another plant. My garden is filled with lovely perennials. This summer has been a banner year for all of them, but somehow that lonely hydrangea was calling out to me. Now I have to find a spot for it, dig a hole and hope that it survives the winter.

I realize that I didn’t need to buy that plant, even though it was a huge bargain. It was going to require extra work on my part. It was going to require intervention from God to restore it to its original beauty. I felt guilty. I felt foolish. I felt, in a way, that it was something I had to do. Suddenly I realized that I’ve been doing this a lot for the past few years. I’ve been trying to fix things. I’ve been hanging on tightly to something I have no control over. The events going on in our lives right now are like that plant. Love and attention are not always enough. Sometimes we simply have to let go and let God.

Dear, Father, God, I ask that you help me surrender to your will. When difficult times make me wonder what to pray for, help me to know that you are in control of everything and that your plan for us is always good. Please, Lord, increase my faith in you and allow me to surrender. Amen!

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

NEVER, EVER ALONE . . .

Posted on August 28, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Life presents daily challenges whether we want them or not. We need to make difficult decisions. We may lack the confidence to achieve our goals. We might have limited resources and wonder how we’ll pay the bills. We could be stuck in a job we hate or is taking us nowhere. Maybe we’re facing health issues. You would think that God would get tired of our whining and complaining all the time, but the truth is He loves hearing from us. He also loves it when we show His compassion and love to our fellow man.

The noted poet, Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.” Whatever lays in your path today, you can be sure that Someone has your back. Imagine the Creator of the universe, standing behind you, beside you and in front of you, encouraging – pushing – leading and guiding you through those difficult times.

Dear LORD, remind me of all the blessings you have given me so that I may be a blessing to someone else today. Even though I know there will be challenges along the way, you are also with me on the journey. Thank you for answering my prayers before I even utter them. Amen!

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

PEACE I LEAVE YOU . . .

Posted on August 27, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Water calmed by the silence and absence of wind,

Glasslike in the brilliant sun,

Quiet, tranquil, away from the maddening crowds of interfering life,

For a brief moment, the world stands still, and you are reminded,

That He alone brings perfect peace,

A peace that transcends all human understanding,

A solitude that will last throughout eternity,

Take the peace freely given with open arms,

Bathe in it, clothe yourself with it, delight in each breath of it,

And pass it on to someone who longingly awaits the same.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, peace, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

DEATH CANNOT OVERPOWER US . . .

Posted on August 26, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

A year ago, we were beginning to experience what Palliative care is. It is defined as treatment for those with terminal diseases of a chronic nature, which continue until death. In a way, each step closer becomes more and more anticipated. For those who know that the One who created us and breathed life into us and is with us throughout our lifetime journey, has the ability to snuff out that life and resurrect it again after we take our final breath. About a month ago, my husband took the next step to Hospice care. This would seem to be the beginning of the end. A few years back, Hospice was considered the beginning of the end, but today it means that the patient is set on a path away from the anxiety of doctor’s appointments and medications. Hospice allows the patient to be treated with compassionate, tender and loving care at home. It’s a transition period, which allows for those final days to be as good as they can be.

The Cancer journey began in 2011 with the onset of Prostate Cancer and radiation treatments which took its toll on his strength and energy level. This once super energetic, feisty, strong, creative and faithful servant of God was slowly succumbing to the effects of the fight. Still His faith continues and both of us know that heaven is getting closer each day. During those years, other health issues entered the picture. A small stroke led to another. An aneurysm in the brain is a constant concern. He has a faulty heart valve. Replacing it would be detrimental to any of the other physical problems. There are many other issues which counteract each other when considering how to approach them. The decision not to have any treatment seemed like the only option. It has been a year since the Cancer metastasized to a tumor behind his esophagus,

As I started writing this post, I had hoped to relay the positive side of this journey, but up until now it sounds more like a complex medical report. The most difficult thing for me personally has been being able to surrender to God’s will. I still have days when I wonder what I should be praying for. I know that God is in control and yet, there is so much I wish I could do to intercede. At that point, I began to realize that we are not in charge of our destiny. God created each individual for a purpose, whether it is in sickness, health, life or death. Before we were conceived, He knew us and had laid out the plan for our lives. Knowing that, makes it much easier to let go, but human nature continues to fight and make us want to be involved in the process.

In this year, we have found joy in the little things. We continue to take little road trips – which are getting shorter each day. Getting into God’s creation has always been rejuvenating for both of us. We have an amazing family who supports our choices. They have shown their faith through their actions. We have a great support team at our little country church, comprised of mostly over age 60 members. We have a wonderful community of those who touched our lives throughout our careers, our successes and our losses. We are truly blessed in so many ways.

Any kind of chronic disease is going to wreak havoc. It often becomes like a time in the wilderness where all our emotions are tested. We can go from periods of joy to the depths of despair in just minutes. We can feel optimistic and full of dread at the same time. Tears fall. Hurt continues. Worry about future events is always in the picture. The hope of a resurrected body, without pain, suffering, tears or sadness, doesn’t always make you feel better, but it certainly is something to look forward to. God is so good. He has blessed us in so many ways. Life is uncertain, but God is constant and unchanging. He alone can lead us through any difficulty.

Psalm 23:4 ESV “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Posted in aging, cancer, healing, Heaven | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

WHEREIN GOD DWELLS . . .

Posted on August 25, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

When fears and worries are so real,

We sometimes wonder why we feel,

The pangs of deep depression.

The weight’s extreme – we lose all hope,

Our hearts grow sad – for strength we grope,

To lighten this progression.

We look within and try to cope

There are no answers in our scope

It now becomes oppression.

We try so hard to rise above,

We search in vain for any love.

To deal with this obsession.

We cannot do it on our own,

We need one advocate alone,

To bring our full confession.

God takes our hand and leads us out,

Relieves our pain – our fear – our doubt.

He is our best possession.

His love is great – it sees us through

When there is nothing we can do.

Our words hold no expression.

He lifts us from the pit of death.

He died for us to give us breath.

To wipe out our transgression.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, Faith, God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WHEREIN GOD DWELLS . . .

SUMMER’S END . . .

Posted on August 24, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

As giant sunflowers dot the landscape and the smells of autumn begin to invade our nostrils, we say goodbye to summer and hello to my favorite time of the year. Autumn brings reminders of pumpkins, harvesting, hayrides and crunching leaves underfoot. Each day holds its own beauty and glory, but many of them can also be filled with trial, pain and discouragement. 

Fall is the perfect time for seeds and bulbs to go into the ground.  They are sometimes placed by human hands or farm machinery.  They might be carried by the wind or birds and animals.  God provides the natural mulch which covers and protects them over the cold winter months. During this time of coming dormancy, God may use them as food for foraging animals or He might allow them a needed rest so they can be ready for rebirth in the spring. Every day that God allots us is much like the changing seasons.

For a time, we grow dormant.  We find ourselves wearing out and caving under the pressure of life.  We struggle to survive.  We sometimes give up and fall apart.  The enduring winter seems as though it will never end and then we receive the tender touch of our Lord and Savior and are reborn through Him.

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the seasons to enjoy.  Your beauty is everywhere in each day and in every breath we breathe.  Help us remember that no matter what trials come to us – you are there.  When things are running smoothly – you are there.  When we think there is no hope – you are also there.  I praise and thank you for your faithfulness. Amen!

Posted in aging, seasons, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A MILLION DREAMS . . .

Posted on August 23, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

My dreams leave me wondering about the contents of my brain. They’re vivid, almost real, sometimes a reflection of something memorable and often disconnected. Dreams are things we might wish for, as the world would like us to believe. Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” This adage has been adopted by many people in hopes of achieving their goals. Dreams cannot fulfill your wishes. We need to take action to get a result, so I don’t put much faith in the idea of trusting dreams.

The story of Joseph, the young interpreter of dreams, has intrigued people of all ages for centuries. Joseph didn’t always make friends when he related the meaning of dreams, but he continued to do so.  I’ve been known to have some very weird dreams which might even raise Joseph’s eyebrows or at least cause him to see to it that I get psychiatric help.

We don’t usually put a lot of stock in our dreams today, because they are simply dreams. However, God has given us the ability to fall asleep and see a story unfold as we close our eyes. Maybe the dreams will lead us to action. Sometimes they will fill us with fear. There are times when we try to analyze our own dreams instead of letting God manage our future. God invites us into His loving arms each day. He promises to hug us with His protection, to clothe us with love, hope and His forgiveness. Our dreams should not govern our lives, but we shouldn’t discount them. As we learn to accept the unconditional love of God, we can shake off the negative feelings that haunt us. Our dreams will still come. They may provide ideas, innovation, ways of helping others, but they won’t guarantee our future. Only God can do that.

THANK YOU, JESUS FOR ANOTHER DAY!

Posted in aging, Dreams, Encouragemet | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

BACK TO SCHOOL DAZE . . .

Posted on August 22, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

If you haven’t purchased those back-to-school supplies by now, they will soon be replaced with Valentine’s Day cards. Of course, you may need to take out a loan to purchase all of them. When I was preparing my kids for their first day of school, backpacks had not yet become popular. Their books and supplies were held in a canvas bag r their arms, along with a lunch box. I still have nightmares about forgetting to make their lunches.

Soon kids may be pulling a cart with all their school necessities. I-pads and computers take the place of books, but in the meantime, I wonder what carrying all those other things on their backs will do to their aging bodies someday, but I digress.

The end of summer conjures memories of my childhood vacation times. I often spent the entire summer at my grandparent’s farm in Northern Wisconsin.  I can still picture the line of pine trees that stood at attention, leading up to the front door of the farm. The smell of fresh air and homemade bread baking still linger in my memory. Oh, the blessed days of our youth.  When the cares of the world are non-existent and the only thing to worry about was how we looked in a bathing suit. Today, my fears of even wearing a swimsuit have turned to how I’d squeeze myself into one.  Panty hose is another story, but I won’t go there.

Today, young people are confronted with so much more.  They’re exposed to violent behavior, not only through video games, but actual crime in the streets and thoughts of having their schools invaded by terrorists.  Bullying has become so much more vicious with the advent of the internet and social media.  Hatred, division, anger and so many negatives are thrown at them in conversation, in reactions of their parents, from their peers and from the world – because the world is literally at their fingertips.

On my grandparent’s farm, the radio would blast with good old country or gospel music.  Grandma would sing as the dog chimed in with his howls.  There wasn’t much news in a farm community.  I used to think the farm report was really boring, but oh how I long to hear boring news again. Confusion reigns in these young minds. It’s more important than ever that kids be exposed to the truth of God’s Word to equip them during these difficult times of growing up.

Dear, God, as our young people return to schools across our land, give them the enthusiasm and excitement to enter this adventure in spite of the possible dangers.  Help them absorb the knowledge necessary to make changes to their future.  Also look over their teachers, giving them courage to face the school year with confidence.  Be their constant companion, in Jesus’ name.  Amen!

Posted in back to school, Children, Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

THE GOD OF PEACE . . .

Posted on August 21, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

“FINDING PEACE”

Where can you find some peace of mind, when all around seems lost,
In city streets so dimly lit, at an expensive cost,
In valleys green where water pours through rivers pure and clean,
In shadows of a sin filled world, with nothing in between,
In darkness of the soul within, is that where you find peace,
A sanctuary built of stone, where troubles you release,
Do you see it in the people, you work with every day,
Is it in the quiet laughter of children as they play ,
Does calm come from the depth of art, of music or of dance,
Or does it come from looking at your love’s sweet, smiling glance,
Don’t search in the darkest corners, you’ll never find it there,
The light that comes from God’s own face, will banish all your care.

Posted in God, peace, Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

OUR FATHER GOD . . .

Posted on August 20, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Parenting can be rewarding, a little stressful at times, somewhat frustrating at others, but always an adventure. When God blesses us with children it’s our obligation as good and loving parents to make sure that child is cherished and cared for, but there are times when we fall short.

Thankfully God, our heavenly Father never does. God is the perfect Father, because He provides for all our needs here on earth and gives us the promise of eternity with Him in heaven. He’s always involved in our lives. For example, if we’re frustrated because of all the roadblocks we encounter in life, it may be that He’s  preventing us from being involved in a dangerous situation.

He loves us unconditionally even when we stray.  He’s always there to lift us back up again and set us on the right path. He loves us no matter how foolish we are or how many mistakes we make.  He doesn’t keep track of them either.

He’s  present in every aspect of our lives even though we aren’t aware of it. Parents can learn what being a good parent is by just looking at what God does for His kids. He cherishes us so much that He took our sins to the cross and buried them there.  He then overcame death so we could live again as He did.  What greater love is there than that?

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

Posted in God, parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A DELICATE BALANCE

Posted on August 19, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We’re experiencing some wonderful weather here in the Midwest.  Days are growing shorter, but each moment is filled with fresh, clean air – gorgeous sunrises and sunsets – colors that defy any artist’s palette – and treasured amounts of light. Seasons change and we know that winter is just around the corner.

I think we experience the same kind of changes in our lives.  There are days when the sun is always shining, and things are going along smoothly.  There are times when storms gather and seem to go on forever.  We experience the new life of spring and joy erupts in us like a dormant tulip bulb.  Our days of winter seem to last for an eternity, and we soon grow weary of the bleakness.

Light is imperative for all for all of us.  In Minnesota, many suffer from a lack of Vitamin D because of the absence of sunlight.  If we are in the dark, we tend to grope around trying to find our way.  Light can be a comfort to those who are afraid or lonely.  When God speaks of light, He’s not only referring to the physical light that comforts and guides us, but the light which flows from His Son, Jesus.  He is the delicate balance which keeps us safe – which guides us through the difficulties of life – which shows us the way to heaven.

Without that light we flounder around and stumble.  With it, we can become vigilant to the dangers around us and be confident that we will be safe no matter what. There are dangers at every turn, but we must not let our fears overtake us.  God is with us.  He is our light – our guide – our delicate balance – our ever-present protector.

“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.  So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6

Posted in aging, light, peace, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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