BREATH OF GOD

Posted on June 21, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

What inspires writers to write? Each of us has a story inside our brains. Maybe by using that story, we may inspire someone else with the words. Does it matter? There are so many stories out there. There are millions of writers who aspire to encourage, get people thinking, to teach, to encourage and build others up with their words. There are lots of writers who use the pen to slander, to belittle or humiliate. There are many who wish to become famous and make lots of money with their words. There are those who truly have a gift for the craft and those who think they do.

If you are a wordsmith, you have a responsibility to fact check – to make sure that what you’re writing about is completely true. Not only should you be willing to take criticism and face rejection, but you should have the courage to do so. Writing anything today is going to have an effect on someone who reads your words. Your words have the power to ignite, incite and excite. Those same words can cause division, create negative opinions and have a profound impact on those who read them.

Writing for me has a number of reasons behind it. I write plays for people of all ages. My works have not been submitted for publication, because of my fear of rejection. The plays are meant to entertain. I love it when people laugh at the comedy I include in them. I also write poetry from time to time. My poems don’t follow any rules. They’re a combination of my inner thoughts which may turn into rhyming verse. I write a daily blog for my own benefit. By doing so, I do a lot of research and search the scriptures to find things that will inspire others and lead them to Jesus. I consider my early morning time of doing that as my daily Bible study.

Words don’t always come easy. Words aren’t always the right ones. Whether spoken, written or heard, words hold great power. I pray that God will allow me to help someone today.

BREATH OF GOD, By Kathy Boecher©

Churning, swirling, pulsated by the turbulence of energy,

The long, leaf lavished limbs of mature trees, undulate under the  rhythm of God’s breath,

Up and down, here and there, tossing, stirring,

His inspiration comes in the wind,

His Words have been breathed into the hands of men,

He speaks to us through them,

He never grows tired, never spent of energy, never sleeps,

Breathe life into me, Lord, God,

That my remaining days may be a testimony to you.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

ANOTHER DAY OLDER & . . .

Posted on June 19, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

It’s that time again. Another day, another birthday. Who would’ve thought I’d ever live this long? I still own the baby dish from which my mother once fed me. I’ve collected lots more stuff over these 82 years. Of those collections, the most important are the memories God has saved in my mind. The people who nurtured me as I grew up. The friends I made along the way. The man I fell in love with. The children entrusted to us. The relatives who put up with me. Those who counseled me, prayed for and with me, the partners I shared a stage with, my fellow church members. My students. My grandchildren – who are the most amazing creatures on this earth – next to my own children and husband. A lifetime filled with memories both good and bad, but a life well=lived.

I found this listing of old hymns, renamed for those of us over 50. I thought it was appropriate for an old lady like me.

Give Me the Old Timers Religion

Just a Slower Walk with Thee

Go Tell It on the Mountain, But Speak Up

Nobody Knows the Trouble I Have Seeing

Guide Me O Thou Great Lord God, I’ve Forgotten Where I’ve Parked The Car

Count Your Many Birthdays, Count Them One By One

Blessed Insurance

It Is Well With My Soul, But My Knees Hurt

Jesus loves me, in spite of myself

This has been a year of many challenges, but it has brought me one more year with all those I love – especially my family. Thank you, Jesus for another day.

Posted in aging, Family, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

SURROUNDED BY LIONS . . .

Posted on June 18, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The lion sculpted in wood was a birthday gift from my husband several years ago.  Paul spent many hours carving, chiseling and sanding to craft this special dramatic mask of sorts. The lion has always been a symbol of strength and prowess. This cat has also been used to describe the stealthy power of our enemy – the devil.  I prefer the first choice.  God is our refuge and strength and through Him all things are possible – even our ability to fend off the distractions get in the way of our journey.

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 up from the dead.

The evil one still walks the earth, in shadows and in darkness.
He preys upon our weaknesses. He thrives upon our starkness.
He lurks as lions tend to prowl while foraging for food,
But never will he find real peace, since he cannot bring good.
The day will come when angels sing their songs 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 the evil one and set my spirit free.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

VANTAGE POINT

Posted on June 17, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

When you get to be my age, many of my evening hours are spent in front of the TV set. Recently we watched a movie called, “Vantage Point,” with Dennis Quaid as a bodyguard for the president of the United States. As the film progressed, it became apparent that the president was in actuality being portrayed by a stand in for the Commander in Chief. It was an interesting concept. The fact that so much is being revealed about A.I. got me to thinking. I’m certain many conspiracy theories are out there about such possibilities. Artificial Intelligence has been around for a while, but the idea that a doppelganger of a famous person could be recreated to duplicate another kind of blew me away. I started thinking about other things in the world these days, being invented to duplicate life so perfectly that you can’t tell the difference between real and imaginary.

My crazy mind started to reach back into history. What if President Lincoln or John Kennedy had access to such a thing? What if all the important people in the world were able to put themselves on display in their own image, but not a real entity. I thought about the terracotta army created by the first emperor of China. A complete replica of real soldiers was unearthed to reveal what looked like a fierce infantry of armed men. In World War II, an imaginary group of soldiers and tanks duped the Germans into believing they were seeing the real thing. Do you suppose we’re heading in that direction? Maybe someday wars will be fought with such man-made armies. Eventually there may be no need for humanity at all. Heaven help us.

I know there is some good in creating a life-like image of an important person for their protection, but I wonder how much longer man will try to imitate God and His superhuman abilities. From the Garden of Eden all the way to present day, we see how humanity is not satisfied with what God has so brilliantly created and given to them. They think they can determine how long a person should live, whether a fetus should be aborted, if a mechanical version of themselves can replace the God given gifts of life. We may think that we know as much as God does. We may think ourselves capable of matching His power and strength. We might even think of ourselves as all-knowing or as omnipotence, but no amount of artificial intelligence will ever be able to replicate what God has masterfully created. After all, the term AI means artificial intelligence and holds no real intelligence at all. Who knows where it can lead and the harm it can cause if one of them goes rogue.

Posted in creation, God, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

NOT EVERYONE CAN BE A DAD . . .

Posted on June 15, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Fathers come in all sizes, shapes, colors and different temperaments and personalities. Fathering a child is the easy part. Becoming a dad is entirely different. To earn that title, you will be required to discipline with love – teach without belittling – demonstrate by example – be on hand and involved in your child’s life – support them financially, spiritually, emotionally and physically – be willing to put yourself at the bottom of the heap yet be on top when it comes to guidance and leadership. Not an easy task for any man, but a “superhero” dad is that kind of father.

Did you know that George Washington never fathered children of his own. He raised two of his wife’s children from her first marriage. He also received the title of “Father of his country,” and was a leader of armies, politicians, a floundering new independent nation and has his image on the dollar bill. I imagine he came from a long line of fathers. We don’t really hear much about them, except for the incident with cutting down the cherry tree.

Fathers in George’s day were viewed as stern disciplinarians. Today, they’re viewed as their children’s buddies or besties. George’s shoes must’ve been difficult to fill. He played a huge part in the formation of a country. Yet, he was a human being, just like you and me. When men are placed in the public eye, they’re expected to act a certain way. Today, men in high places are subject to slander, exposition, falsehoods and downright lies.

There is a common thread that runs through time, even though things change. Fathers have a huge responsibility to be involved in their child’s life. Some of them can’t handle the obligation and dedication expected of them. Like most things worth living for, becoming a parent requires a lot of sacrifice, pain and hard work. God is there to guide them He has written a manual on parenting that advises, teaches, supplies answers to the question – how does a father become a dad? That manual for all aspects of living is God’s Word, the Bible. The Father of all creation knows what He’s talking about. He knows about sacrifice. He is filled with unconditional love and will answer when you call on Him. Living under His direction, those who love their children will inherit the kingdom of heaven. That gift will carry on from generation to generation. Then you will know what it is to be a dad.

Posted in aging, Father's Day, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

THE AGE OF INNOCENCE . . .

Posted on June 14, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

When we look into the face of a newborn, all we see is sweetness and innocence. The angelic countenance of an infant could not possibly be imperfect in any way. As they grow into toddlers, we wonder who replaced our darling child with the corrupted little imp we now see before us. That dear child was born with a sinful nature, just like the rest us. They don’t have to be taught to be disrespectful. No one shows them how to raise the roof to get attention. Their ability to show their bad sides is inborn. 

We, as parents, need to teach our children to love and care for others. They must learn how to look up to those who know more than they do. Kids as well as adults need direction in their lives. We need boundaries and limits. We need rules. We need guidance.  God knew that when He established the Ten Commandments.  The first three of them are in regard to our relationship with God and the rest have to do with how we relate with others.

In modern times, we have all but forgotten those commands.  We might look at them as suggestions for how to live, but not really necessary.  We have become accustomed to adjusting the rules to fit our own needs.  The world is not perfect, and we need God and His Holy Word to guide our lives. So do our children. We can teach our kids to respect others, but if we don’t become an example, they will soon see right through it.  We can teach our children manners, but if we aren’t polite or kind, we become hypocrites in our behavior.  Kids are smarter than we give them credit for.  They usually follow their parents’ example. Their set of rules for living can quickly be altered by the world.  The job of a parent is not to be a friend, but a leader – an example – and one who loves enough to discipline.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4.

Our innocence was lost when man sinned against God, but it was regained when He sent His only begotten Son to take on the load of sin – suffer humiliation and abuse – die on a cross – rise again from death to show us that life doesn’t end when we breathe our last. About ten years ago, I wrote the following poem which deals with the power of God working in our children through our parenting of them.

INNOCENCE

Our lives begin in innocence, we are too young to know.
But even in those fledgling years, we choose the way we go.
Our minds are bright our will is strong.
We think we know what’s right and wrong.
Our very hearts grow black with sin, our souls drift to and fro.

We can’t escape the grip of sin. It grows within our heart.
It’s like a cancer moving in and tearing souls apart.
There’s not a thing that we can do.
Our fate is sealed, our death is too.
Our path is filled with darkness, we have no place to start.

Our God showed love omnipotent. He sent His own dear Son.
To pay the price for my misdeeds – salvation He has won.
There’s not a word that I can say,
For burdens lifted every day.
My soul was purchased with His blood, the work has all been done.

How can I thank you, my dear Lord, for everything you gave,
So, I will too in heaven live. My soul from sin is saved.
I give my heart and soul to you.
There’s nothing else for me to do.
I’ll praise your name forevermore – my sin is washed away.

Posted in Father's Day, parenting, Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

21st CENTURY DAD . . .

Posted on June 13, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Down through the ages, fatherhood has had its ups and downs. Fred Flintstone had a foot powered car to cart his kids around. During the Renaissance, Leonardo daVinci had to live up to his dad’s expectations so he invented things, painted and sculpted things, looked at life outside the box. Robert Young was the perfect dad in the 1950’s because everyone knew that he knew best about everything. Bill Cosby portrayed the dad who had a humorous view of life and made us laugh. Today, dads have grown up on things like technology, the Internet, cell phones, social media, selfies and all things electronic. One thing that dads have in common has nothing to do with the time in which they lived, but how they lived as a dad.

Communication has changed a lot in the last 80 years. In my early upbringing, I knew dad was the head of the house. My mom and my sister knew that too. Dad was a blue-collar worker, working the night shift in a factory. We had limited time to interact and usually it was at the dinner table when we did. Dad was always cranky, because he had just come out of a deep sleep. Usually, he didn’t have much to say, but his fatherly advice was more than often peppered with sarcasm. We still ate together at the same table, with no distractions, other than a judgmental glare from time to time.

When my husband and I started our family, I vowed that we would have at least one meal at the dinner table. That didn’t always work, because of the endless basketball, cheerleading, soccer games, etc., meant we’d eat on the run. Those dinner table discussions were usually met with limited time and a rush to get out the door.

In the 21st Century, families have drastically changed. There are very few occasions when we actually sit down and talk while we eat. Fancy China and crystal have been replaced with paper plates and plastic cups. Communication is relegated to texts, GIFs, memes and selfies. I’ve actually seen kids in restaurants communicating via phone while in the same room. Breaking through the electronics can be a hopeless cause and talking face to face is almost impossible unless you use Face Time.

My point is, that we’ve lost the art of conversation. Maybe if we were to assign even a few minutes to actually gathering and talking about events that occurred during the day, or having a brief Bible study, would get us back into the habit of using our voices again. I know that God is always in charge and even when it seems we aren’t getting through to our children, God is watching over them. He loves it when we talk to Him. Our prayers are the most effective conversation we can have. In the meantime, I suggest families carve out a specific time, just to talk to each other.

Posted in aging, Father's Day, parenting, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

FATHER’S DAY QUOTES . . .

Posted on June 12, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

There are many funny things that people say about fathers. Why is it when we look for a card to represent our deepest feelings towards this man that had a huge part in our life, we tend to find one that will make him laugh? Being a father is probably one of the most misunderstood job a man will ever undertake. He is part of a partnership which requires constant attention, due diligence, love, dedication, wisdom, and yes – laughter. As we grow older, our obligations become less, but the benefits of fatherhood will remain until your dying day. The older we get, the more important the job becomes. So here are a few sayings from some famous fathers that will tickle your funny bone.

  • “We wondered why when a child laughed, he belonged to Daddy, and when he had a sagging diaper that smelled like a landfill, ‘He wants his mother.’” —Erma Bombeck
  • “When I was a kid, I said to my father one afternoon, ‘Daddy, will you take me to the zoo?’ He answered, ‘If the zoo wants you, let them come and get you.’” —Jerry Lewis
  •  “To be a successful father, there’s one absolute rule: When you have a kid, don’t look at it for the first two years.” —Ernest Hemingway
  • “Having a 2-year-old is like having a blender without a lid.” —Jerry Seinfeld
  • “Having children is like living in a frat house. Nobody sleeps, everything’s broken and there’s a lot of throwing up.” —Ray Romano

Well, all isn’t fun and games as we know. Fatherhood requires a lifetime of understanding, patience, compassion, discipline and so much more. When we look at the natural progression of life, there’s no one more important than the person who will mentor, guide, advise, counsel or have your back than a dad. Even during the years that you think they don’t know much – through the years when they see that your knowledge is immeasurable – until the final days of life’s journey, when they become the parent and we become a child again. With that in mind, here’s another quote from a song lyric by Keith Urban. Eventually we see how much they’ve contributed to who we are.

“And I only hope when I have my own family that every day, I see a little more of my father in me.” – Keith Urban

Posted in aging, Family, parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

ARE YOU A PERFECT DAD?

Posted on June 11, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Part of being a good father is all the funny things they have to tell their children – like the ones you see in the image I’ve chosen for today. How many times have you used phrases like, “I had to walk a mile to school every day – in a blizzard – with plastic bread bags inside my boots – with the wind in my face.” or “You have no idea how good you have it.” The things we say to our children can have a fierce effect on them as they begin their own families. It seems history often repeats itself and we find ourselves saying the same silly things.

As far as discipline is concerned, when I was a child (I really dislike that phrase as well.) spankings weren’t considered child abuse, but my dad never laid a hand on me. The piercing glare in his eyes was like a double-edged sword. Those looks were more painful than any spanking. His sharp words were also hurtful, but in the long run they held more clout than anything. I now realize that those looks and words were intended for my good, but at the time I didn’t think so.

Despite the fact that he wasn’t the “Father Knows Best” dad that all kids wanted their dads to be, he did the best he could.  Living with three females couldn’t have been easy for him. Getting time in our one-bathroom apartment, was an accomplishment in itself. At the least he must’ve felt outnumbered, but he knew how to stand his ground. I know he loved us, even though he didn’t often say it.  He would brag about us when we weren’t present, because he didn’t want us to get big heads. 

I learned some valuable life lessons from him even though I didn’t realize it at the time.  I learned to work hard for the things I wanted in life.  In fact, I learned to do more than was expected.  I also found that life isn’t always easy and that we have to take the good with the bad.  I discovered that I should never underestimate myself or my abilities.  He taught me to dream.

My dad was only 61 years old when he died.  Before his death I wrote him a letter to express my love for him.  Here is an excerpt from that letter:

“When I was growing up there were times I couldn’t understand you.  I often thought you didn’t know a thing.  When I became a parent, I realized that you were one of the wisest men I’ve ever known.  You shaped my life into something I can be proud of.  Our children are with us for such a short time and we’re never sure if we’ve done all we could for them.  You did your job, Dad.  I hope you know that and because of it I will love you forever.”

Being a perfect dad is impossible, just like it’s impossible to be all that God wants us to be.  We can try to meet the requirements, but we always fall short.  The beauty of God’s Fatherly love is that He looks beyond our imperfections and loves us anyway.

Posted in Father's Day, parenting, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

THE APPLE DOESN’T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE . . .

Posted on June 10, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

This is Father’s Day week. A time in which we celebrate dads and how important they are to the family unit. I’ll be sharing several posts about this person whose dignity has suffered greatly over the last decades.

The family unit has changed radically over time.  Often children have more than two parents.  Many times, there is only one parent laying the groundwork.  In any case, the children are getting mixed messages on how they should behave. Fathers have taken on a different look in the 21st century.  They used to be the spiritual leaders, sole bread winners, and most importantly, it’s up to the parent/s to be the role model for their children.  Unfortunately, kids don’t come with an instruction manual and often parenting is a matter of learning as you go.  There should be a chain of command within the family. According to the Bible, God is the overseer – the mentor – the One in charge and the One we go to first for advice. The father is next. He carries out God’s plan for the family. The wife is the husband’s partner. Together they determine how the family should live. They lead by example, and they show respect and honor to those who come next.

Here are things that we should be talking with our children about as soon as they can understand.

  • God is the head of the family, and He should be shown the respect He deserves.
  • Modesty – Children will imitate what you wear, by the way, because you are their hero.
  • Teach them to show respect to parents, self and others.
  • Manners should be reintroduced into the curriculum for child rearing.
  • Children should learn what is inappropriate behavior from others, including words and touch.
  • Talk about sexual immorality.
  • Encourage your children to vocalize their fears, their uncomfortable feelings, their misconceptions, their ability to trust.
  • Keep the lines of communication open all the time – I’m talking face to face. Build that relationship early on.
  • Be available, encourage, give them the tools they need to deal with social issues
  • LISTEN!

Here are some Bible passages that might help.

1 Peter 3:3-4 talks about modesty.  Phillipians 2:3 refers to respect.  Regarding sexual immorality refer to 1 Corinthians 6:18.  Exodus 20:12 and Romans 12:12 talks about honoring others. The Bible is a great manual for living

In the 18 or so years of their lives, we are responsible as parents to guide, instruct and love our children.  Their first hero is their parent.  We are setting the bar.  Are you living up to your responsibility?

Posted in America, Family | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

GETTING DOWN & DIRTY

Posted on June 8, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

When I was little, I had a close attachment with dirt.  I loved making mud pies. I enjoyed digging for worms.  There was something about squishing your fingers through the moist soil in search of buried treasure or who knows what.  I believe I also consumed a certain amount of it during my childhood and continue to do so to this day.

In my 50s, I decided to tackle the hill in our front yard.  We’d just moved into our old “old” house a few years before and the chore of cutting the grass on a 90-degree angle with a power mower almost landed my poor hubby in the middle of the street. I’m the kind of person who likes to tackle a bad situation and try to make something better of it, so I took it upon myself, one Mother’s Day, to terrace the front yard with a spade, shovel, garden gloves and a lot of sweat.

Year after year another level appeared. I became obsessed with finding larger rocks to keep the hill from caving in. My biceps actually were visible, and muscles showed up where I never knew they existed. I added many perennials on the way down and always felt the watchful eye of my neighbors as I traversed the hill. I almost imagined them looking out their windows and holding up score signs from one to ten. If nothing else, I kept them entertained.

After 20 years the hill became self-sustaining and didn’t require a lot of work, other than the ever-present weeds that had the longest roots I’ve ever seen. Three years ago, the department of transportation began a huge construction project on the road that faces our current address. In the process, a huge retaining wall was placed between us and the road. Now their work is done, but mine is just beginning. Some of the plants have been destroyed, but every day a new flower pops up. This week has been perfect weather for getting dirty again. I started to pull deeply embedded weeds from around the good stuff. I felt a sense of accomplishment having the cooler air and sun beating down on me as I tackled the job.

Sin can be like those invasive, troublesome weeds that move into our space and take over.  They’re as tenacious as the devil himself, but we all know what happened to him.  If we let the weeds of sin go on living within us, we’ll never be happy, we’ll always feel depressed, lonely, angry or bitter.  If we sincerely repent daily of our sin, we can be sure that the Master Gardener has already paid for our transgressions.  He forgave the world once for all. His forgiveness has released us from the pangs of death and results of sin, only by what He did for everyone.

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JUST PASSING THROUGH

Posted on June 7, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

What is the world to me? This is a question we may tend to ask as we come to the end of our journey here on earth. We’ve traveled through roads unknown. We’ve wandered through deserts that parch the tongue and lead to disaster. We’ve struggled through battles with others – trying to patch things up, but never quite getting there. We’ve met those going through the same journey – also traveling on roads that seem endless. Where does it all lead? When will the struggles end? Will we ever reach our final destination?

The years seem almost endless. Some of our goals have been accomplished, while others never see the light of day. During all the days, hours, minutes, years and decades we run the race with no finish line in sight. So why were we born? Why do we continue? What is our purpose? Why must we go through these times of struggle? Why does God allow some of us to live so long, while other lives are cut short?

Shakespeare said, “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”

Jesus told his followers, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:1-3 ESV

We’re all strangers in a world filled with confusion and chaos. We may be going through the motions of living, but with Jesus, our lives have value and purpose. Heaven is our true home when we place our trust and faith in Him. He has already prepared our place there for us.

So many times we turn away a stranger. we push them out and never let them in.

Yet one so small lay in a lowly manger, so He could touch our  stone-like hearts of sin.

He came in poverty to wash away our sins. He lived that way so  we’d have wealth unknown.

When we push Him out you know the devil wins.  We simply cannot get through life alone.

So open up your heart to Him today.  Our Jesus wants to make His home right there.

He loves us even when we turn away.  He cares for us and answers every prayer.

KATHY BOECHER©

Posted in aging, Heaven, Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

INDIANA OR LOUISIANA . . .

Posted on June 6, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

I always thought it would be exciting to be an archaeologist. The idea of wearing an Indiana Jones hat might have had something to do with it. My husband has one of those hats and at one time resembled a young Harrison Ford. In fact, when he worked as an interpretive naturalist, some of the children he guided through nature would refer to him as such. One thought he was Indiana’s father. Another referred to him as Louisiana Jones. He still owns the hat, and even though he is now 82, he’s still my hero.

The truth is, being an archaeologist can’t be nearly as romantic as it seems. I wonder what will be said about our society when scientists start digging up our past. Surely, they will see that we were very wasteful. They will encounter mountains of disposable items such as diapers, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, etc. Not to mention the vast amount of electronic equipment. There will be caches of cell phones, computers, I-pads, I-phones, Eye-patches, fax machines, printers and so on; all of which became extinct within a matter of months. The treasures they uncover will include fake jewelry, rusted out luxury cars, maybe a few pick-up trucks and one or two economy cars. There will be mountains of batteries to operate all those things as well. Huge sporting venues will be revealed, just like the ones that amused the Romans so many years ago. There will be an assortment of houses of worship too. A society is measured by what it leaves behind. I wonder what will be determined about ours. An old idiom says it best, “You’ll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse. What a clear picture that we can’t take our stuff with us when we die.

Dear God, remind me of where the true treasure lies. There is no true value in things of this world. Our richest gift is in your hands. You give it to us without any strings attached. You took the sting out of the word “death” and gave us the promise of eternal life. Thank you for this blessing that gives us promise of a future with you. Amen!

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WAR IN BLACK & WHITE

Posted on June 5, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“Into the Jaws of Death” Photographed by Robert F. Sargent

Today in history marks the day on which Dwight D. Eisenhower decided to push ahead with plans for the D-Day invasion of World War II. According to reports from meteorologists the weather would finally be favorable. He addressed the troops with these words – ” “You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you.” It turned out that the weather didn’t cooperate. Many of the strategically planned operations didn’t go as planned either.

The invasion from the sea came a day later. On June 6, 1944, the allied forces would land at the beach of Normandy. A plan that was devised over two years prior would at last come to fruition. The photographic image, taken by Robert F. Sargent, is what these brave warriors faced as they landed and poured out of their crafts with guns ready. Many were running to their death. Can you imagine what was running through their minds as they faced that day?

A couple years before the Normandy invasion, a plan had been hatched to deceive the Germans. Radio broadcasts of plans to attacks other beaches along the Atlantic Coast were falsely reported. Fake armaments were placed at various locations. Double agents were fed false information for almost a year before the actual invasion occurred. It would be the largest amphibious raid in history. Air attacks, paratroopers and infantry were all involved, but the most familiar image comes from that photograph.

The atrocities of Nazi Germany are widely known.  Some people claim today that the Holocaust was a myth.  How can that possibly be true, when we have film documentation?  How can those stories lose their validity when there are still living survivors with memories of concentration camps and gas chambers? We should never forget or try to erase those images from our minds or our history books.  They are reminders of the inhumanity of those who would stop at nothing to obtain power.

Wars continue to wage in countries across the globe. They will go on until Jesus returns to judge the world. In these battles, many heroes are born. Memories of famous generals down to the young, inexperienced soldiers come to mind. In the end, no one really wins in these worldly wars. The film footage and photographs of this time were black and white, which suits the whole idea of war in a way.  Cut and dried – black and white – winners and losers with a huge dash of political intervention. 

A different battle rages in the hearts of men. No matter where you’re from, what the political climate dictates or whether you are a pacifist or combatant, there is a war going on between us and the devil. Guess what? Jesus won that war when He rose from a bloody death and guarded and sealed grave. The victory is ours through His life, death and resurrection.

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LONG AGO AND FAR AWAY

Posted on June 4, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

“Four days will quickly steep themselves in nights;
Four nights will quickly dream away the time.”   William Shakespeare

As time goes by, we tend to dwell on the past. We have fond memories of a time when we fell in love, time when goals were met, when we raised a family, faced new challenges and yes, even the bad things that turned into good. God has blessed me with the ability to delete many of the bad memories from my data bank. Unfortunately, they sometimes resurface, and I realize why I wanted to forget them in the first place.

Over the last decade, there have been numerous changes in my life. Ten years ago, I was still actively working with a group of theatre students. By the time I was 75 it was time to retire. I lasted for a year before getting bored of doing nothing, so became involved with a performing arts group. Since then, I continue to create and enjoy life. We downsized when I retired. For almost eight years we’ve been living in an old (1875) farmhouse which is half the size of our previous home. Now it’s time for another change. Someone once told me that retirement was a time to relax and enjoy life, but it seems that the challenges will probably continue until I take my last breath.

I’ve learned that retirement really means that life slows down, but the metamorphous continues. Letting go of things, places, jobs and time is difficult.  Aging is tough.  It’s not for the faint of heart.  Raging through time for me has turned into endless sleep.  I’m tired.  I’m really, really tired. It’s difficult to go from full blast to slow burn, but I’m trying. During the time of building a cocoon, we often build a protective wall around ourselves.  Now it’s time to cast off that wrapping and begin to realize our true potential.

Aging doesn’t have to be the end of life. It can be a beautiful transformation if we allow it to happen.

PSALM 71:18 ESV “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.”

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TGIM. . .

Posted on June 3, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

We don’t usually relish the idea of another Monday coming around. Especially when you’re still active in the workplace. Mondays have earned the term “manic,” because no one likes returning to the mundane = the routine – the boredom, etc. Today happens to be Thank God it’s Monday Day. I’m not sure who makes up these special days of the year, but this one has a lot going for it. Even though many suicides occur on Monday = in spite of the fact that we’ve just come off of two days of rest and relaxation – the return to a job that doesn’t stimulate, excite or fulfill – Mondays don’t have to be a call to be depressed or despondent. Think of Mondays as a new, fresh start. This first day after the weekend should stir your imagination, allow a new outlook and positive thoughts about the week ahead.

Monday can be the first day of the rest of your life if you let it. You can ask God to erase all the mistakes of last week and the weekend and start over. If you were blessed to attend church yesterday, you have an advantage, because God has promised to be with you in all circumstances – even the tough ones.

Did you know that YouTube was created on a Monday in 2005? Think of all the hours of entertainment that has provided for the past 19 years. Or maybe not. In 1936. Jesse Owens won the first gold medal at the Berlin Olympics. He also proved that sports can easily win over politics and racism. The Beatles an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on a Monday in 1964, creating their “new” kind of music. Instead of looking at Monday as a day of doom, think of it as a do-over day. Sometimes the hardest door to open is our own. We often need a push on the backside to get started, but looking at what’s on the other side of that door will open a whole new adventure.

“The best way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” —Walt Disney

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SPRINGTIME BOUNTY . . .

Posted on June 2, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Today is the beginning of National Garden Week. I’ve included some photographs of the blooms that have made their way into my garden this season. The beauty of having a garden is like waking up to a new surprise every day. We’ve been blessed with just the right amount of rain to provide for those thirsty blooms. When we move to the next chapter of our journey, this is one of the things I’ll miss the most.

When spring arrives, we are recovering from a long case of cabin fever. The new awakening of life is everywhere. It’s like a resurrection of sorts. What appeared to be void of life is now abounding in it. The grass is greener. The trees have reached the point of a thriving canopy to shade and protect the newly mown grass. The weeds even have a say in the whole process. It seems they never take a break. Still, even those dandelions and wildflowers possess a glory of their own. Purples, blues and yellows are interspersed with the treasured plantings of years past. Kind of like our lives, they are infiltrated with the weeds of sin. Only God can remove those nasty nemeses – those villains of the garden – those demons of destruction. Soon they can choke the good plants and take away their lives. Thankfully, God sent His only Son to take on our burden of sin and make resurrection possible not only for Him, but for all who believe in Him.

Thank you, sweet Jesus, for giving us the beauty of your creation. You are the Master Gardener of our lives. You take away the ugliness of sin and the weeds that infest our souls. You provide nourishment, patience yet immediate results and love for us that can only come from you. You make beauty out of that which is flawed. You make it pure again. Help us to flourish under your watchful eyes. Give us the right words to encourage others. Lead us into your heavenly home – where there are NO weeds! In Jesus name, Amen!

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TIME MARCHES ON . . .

Posted on May 31, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Today is the last day of May and the last day of this week. I’ve enjoyed searching through history with you to examine some of the historical highlights of this month. This image of Big Ben reminds us that this is also the day in 1859 when this tower and its bell were installed. The clock claims to keep perfect time. It has stood the test of time. Truly God is in charge of time as much as He controls the weather, the days of the year and all things pertaining to His creation.

When I think about time, I can’t help but wonder when time on earth will end for me. As I grow older, I long for the end of the old and the beginning of a new life in heaven. We cannot manage the number the days of our existence – only God knows when they will end. Time continues to tick away as life goes on. There will always be wars, rumors of wars, changes in climate (due to our mishandling of what we’ve been put in charge of,) concern and struggle during times of peril, storms and unexplainable disasters. Man’s corruption, hatred and anxiety will remain. Our landscapes will change, filling up with dwellings for a growing population. National Parks will hopefully preserve some of the natural places where we can escape to find relief from the problems we face each day. Change is a result of those sands of time sifting to the other side of the hourglass. Whether that change is good or bad depends on what God has pre-determined for us.

The only thing that remains the same is our Creator God – His precious Son, Jesus – and the Holy Spirit that lives within the hearts of men. That should be enough for us to have confidence as we move forward in time. Here are some quotes regarding this fleeting excursion called life.

  • “Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” Bil Keane
  • “Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia.” Charles Schulz
  • “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” Robert H. Schuller
  • “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 ESV
  • “Every day is a blessing from God and an opportunity to share it with others.” Kathy Boecher

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NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN

Posted on May 30, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

Events in history on May 30th

1431 Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for heresy

1498 Christopher Columbus made his third journey to America

1539 deSoto brought 10 ships that landed in Florida

1806 Andrew Jackson fought a duel with and killed Charles Dickenson who claimed that Jackson’s wife was a bigamist

1842 John Francis attempted assassination of Queen Victoria of England

1922 the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC

1967 Evel Knievel jumps his motorcycle over 16 cars

This is just a sampling of historical events that occurred over the last centuries. As I scrolled through the History Channel’s website, I was not surprised at the variety of humanity and situations faced over time. All its flaws haven’t changed much over time. I guess you could say, as King Solomon did thousands of years ago, that there is nothing new under the sun.

As we read books, go to movies or plays or study human behavior it’s easy to see a commonality in all the events that happen over time. We run the same gamut as those who inhabited the world so many years ago. The gamut may not be packaged in the same way, but we’re truly not any different today than we were after God’s people fell into sin.

The same story is being replayed over and over again. Much like the film “Groundhog Day,” we become victims of our circumstances, we struggle, we muddle through and do the same on the next day. The story of Romeo & Juliet has been rewritten ad infinitum. Do we really learn from our mistakes? Just as those circumstances should be leading us to better choices, we continue to fall in the same patterns that our ancestors did. History does repeat itself, not because we are reruns of past lives, but because we live in a world of darkness.

Evil will continue until we die. Sin is not erased as long as we live, but we have been forgiven when we confess our sins to God and walk on His path. As I grow older, I realize that our own history will teach us, if we let it, but only with an unchanging God can we have hope for a perfect future in paradise with Him. While we travel this life, there will continue to be wars, acts of inhumanity, evil, illness, hatred, those who would cause us harm, but Jesus became human flesh. He walked the earth for 33 years. He experienced the human life, even though He was God. He loved us so much, that He died for us – not because we deserved it, but because we’re loved by Him. He rose from the dead and ascended into His heavenly realm, where is preparing a place for us.

Posted in aging, art & inspiration from the Boechers, history, sin, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

MY HOME STATE – WISCONSIN

Posted on May 29, 2024 by atimetoshare.me

On May 29, 1848, Wisconsin became the 30th state of the Union. It would be another 100 years before I’d be born. This beautiful state is known for its charming farmsteads – almost 6200 dairy farms dotting the hilly landscape – cheese and other dairy products – the Green Bay Packers – General Douglas MacArthur, Vince Lombardi, Harry Houdini and Frank Lloyd Wright. It is referred to as the “Badger State,” not because of an abundance of badgers, but because there were many tin miners in Wisconsin in those early years, burrowing through the ground in search of this particular metal. The city I was born in, Milwaukee, was well known for its production of beer, which I never gained a taste for. My father, on the other hand, enjoyed it immensely. Wisconsin, prior to the Civil War, was an important stop for the underground railroad, leading runaway slaves to freedom in Canada.

We all probably have a strong connection with our home state. I know we still root for the home teams. We remain staunch fans of the Green Bay Packers and recall the glory days under the coaching of Vince Lombardi. We continue to love cheese, ice cream and other dairy products. We both have fond memories of farm life, even though neither of us ever actually lived on a farm, we had opportunities in our young lives to spend time at them. I recall my grandmother milking cows by hand and squirting a bit of it in direction of the family cat as he waited with his mouth wide open.

I lived in Wisconsin until 1973. I was thirty-one years old, a stay-at-home mom with three children and a husband that built a career in the advertising business. The move to Minnesota was caused by a job change. In all our almost 60-year marriage we’ve made many new friends along the way. Most of those friends were found in the various churches we attended – a good church family is almost as good as blood relatives.

We rarely get back to Wisconsin now. The last time was seven years ago to celebrate a 90th birthday. As we drove through the lush countryside – filled with amazing acreage and a captivating wrinkle in time – a whole backdrop of a lifetime ensued. I have been blessed to live in two mid-western states. I enjoyed the best of city life as well as life on a farm. Values were established through family, friends and church. All of these elements led to a complete and blessed existence.

Wherever we live in this world, we have the opportunity to share the blessings that God has given us through His Son, Jesus. We are the recipients of His grace, and our mission is to share that good news with others.

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” Ephesians 4:25 ESV

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