OUR WEEK IN REVIEW – LOOKING BACK & FORWARD

Posted on July 15, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

I’ve decided to keep track of some of the lessons we’re learning as we enter this challenging part of our life’s journey together. Some of you may get tired of hearing our story. Some may learn along with us. Some might even benefit. God has a plan for each of us. He wrote the blueprint before we ever came into being. He knew the number of our days. He knew who we’d fall in love with, how many children we’d have, how relationships would be formed, how challenges would crush us at times, but through it all, He also knew that we are His children, and He loves us with an unconditional love. I plan to list some of the highlights and lowlights of this expedition and some of the emotions that surface as we walk through them. Bear with me. I’m still in the learning process myself.

For the past two years, my husband Paul has been undergoing serious health issues. One thing leads to another and eventually his last hospital visit revealed several things. He had a small stroke. He has an aneurysm. He has a heart valve that needs replacing. He was anemic and needed three transfusions of blood. He is also dealing with scar tissue from treatment of prostate cancer twelve years ago. In a cat scan of his upper body, a mass was found in his chest. The mass was biopsied two weeks ago and found to be cancer. Last week felt like a barrage of new information, unwanted diagnoses and confusion, tears and prayers.

  • Sunday – We went to church to give thanks, praise and honor our God. Some of the hymns we sang brought a tear or two to my eyes. The message was uplifting and showed the importance of our knowing both the law and Gospel of God. We were joined in fellowship with other believers, who hugged us, listened to us and cried with us. Having a good support system is vital in these situations. Took some photos of my garden. Trying to find beauty in the chaos.
  • Monday – I spent the morning rehearsing with my Jewels of deNial for a performance we had scheduled for Wednesday evening. Time was filled with laughter and some tears. Again, another wonderful support group that keeps me laughing.
  • Tuesday – We spent close to two hours at the oncologist’s office. The first hour was spent filling out forms. These were so repetitive and frustrating for Paul to do alone, so we finally found a system that allowed me to ask and write down the answers while he gave them to me. When we finally got in to see the doctor – who is amazing btw – we were already worn out. She explained all the potential options for treatment of this new cancer. She was very thorough, understanding and compassionate. I couldn’t hear everything she said, because of my hearing issues. My cane kept falling down as we sat there. Paul immediately bonded with her because she’s from Germany. His German heritage is from the same area of the world. By the time we left her office and went back out to finish the forms, both of us were mentally exhausted. I felt more confused than before we met.
  • Wednesday – An appointment was set for Paul to get a Dexa scan. We had to travel to another town to get it. We got slightly diverted, but it turned out to be a lovely drive through some forested areas. The scan took about fifteen minutes, but the trip there and back took almost two hours. During these drives we’re discovering more and more about each other. We’ve been married almost 59 years, but I keep learning new things about this man that I love with all my heart. In the evening, I performed along with my Jewels for a huge crowd. They laughed a lot and it made me happy to make them smile.
  • Thursday – Met with Genetic counselor. This was all new to us as well. It is designed to give you and your family some information for their own health records. In other words it’s basically checking your DNA and determining possible illnesses that could be hereditary. What I learned from that experience is that we know how old our ancestors were when they died, but we certainly didn’t know much about what caused their death. I do know that in my grandparents lifetime, diseases carried a certain stigma and they never wanted to reveal them. The whole process could also affect future generations from getting life insurance, because of their hereditary markers. So that we decided against doing that.
  • Friday – Our heads were swimming with new information – old information and information overload, so we decided it was time for another road trip. Our car is getting lots of use lately. Our time together in that car is precious. We’re sharing our feelings, but I’m praying that the right decisions will be made. When someone has so many things wrong with them, the health care becomes very complicated.
  • Saturday – Today, I’ve been up since five o’clock. I slept well. the skies are again filled with Canadian smoke. Not sure what today will bring, but I’m confident that God is with us.
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WHERE THE GREEN GRASS GROWS . . .

Posted on July 14, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

“All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.  

Proverbs 20:1 ESV 

Last night the sounds of thunder crashing and hail falling could be heard outside our window. For a while there, I thought I was going to have to go outside and do a rain dance, but God knew that would not be a pretty sight, so he sent refreshing rain instead. We have not had rain in abundance for several weeks now. Farmers are definitely concerned about their crops. The birds and critters living outside are searching for a place to take a bath or get a refreshing drink. We sometimes feel like we’re living in a desert – alone – with no sight of water – no oasis to refresh – no cool contentment from the heat. Rain is like a balm for withering spirits, for parched emotions and dehydrated souls. In the summer, rain is a welcome relief, especially for our lawns as they’ve all gone back into dormancy.

As I look out at the yard this morning, life has been restored. Leaves that were becoming brown from baking in the sun were now refreshed and alive. As I look out at the expanse, I can’t help but think about God’s timeless tending of His creation. When it seems everything you care about is coming to an end – when you feel dried out and worthless – when your body won’t respond to simple things like getting out of bed or brushing your teeth – when you want to crawl deeper into the hole you’ve created for yourself – that’s when God comes in. He will not give us more than we can handle. When it comes to that point, He provides a way out. He sends the refreshing rain for you to dance in. He gives hope, strength, healing and power to press on. Like the grass, we are precious to HIm.

Thank and praise Him for His wonderful gifts. Trust in HIs unfailing love. Today is a new day. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow will be even better.

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WHY I LOVE MY JOB

Posted on July 13, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

The Jewels of deNial performing “Side Window,” at Lord of Life Church in Ramsey for the Ramsey Lions – Viva Howard, Barb Hynes-Tomczyk, Christine Tauer, Kathy Boecher. Dee Moore1

When I was a little girl, I felt it my obligation to entertain. We would often have performances for relatives at family reunions and would even set up a stage in the backyard for neighborhood shows. My middle grandson was compelled to make people laugh. He intended to do that as his job in the future. He also aspired to being a Walmart greeter, but eventually realized that wasn’t his true calling. My neighbors and relatives weren’t always thrilled to be in my “shows,” but that didn’t deter me. I pushed and prodded. I promised them homemade cookies. I bribed them with all sorts of rewards, and it did become my career later in life. I wanted to be a brain surgeon at one point. I longed to be a teacher, a writer, a comedian and was able to do most of those things within my lifetime. The brain surgeon thing kind of fell by the wayside.

I retired six years ago, but didn’t really. The urge to make people laugh, to forget their problems for a little while, to brighten their day was always a goal for me. Last night, the theatre troupe I belong to, had a scheduled performance for the Lions Club. With all the challenges we’ve been dealing with personally, I felt torn about performing. I had obligations that were tugging me in several directions, but my darling husband encouraged me to go on with the show. He reminded me why I do this job. It’s to bring a little sunshine to someone else’s life for a moment. I felt guilty. I felt conflicted. Would I be able to do this without succumbing to a pail full of tears? The time came. I went. The show brought lots of laughs from the audience, and I felt good about that. I am so fortunate to be able to continue doing the things I love to do. I’m blessed to have a wonderful spouse who encourages me every day. We have amazing friends and extended family who care about us. My own family is so much more than I ever dreamed they could be. Not only are they a great support for us, but they believe in God and His will for our lives.

So, as people look at my blog posts each day, they probably wonder what is going on with this woman. Why is she putting herself out there in front of an audience when she should be spending time with her husband? How can she even think about herself at a time like this? I suppose I’d ask the same questions. If I were to say it wasn’t a matter of pride or glory, there would be questions too. This is one of my jobs – to make people laugh – to show them there is another side to living than just feeling sad all the time – to lift them out of the pits and by so doing, I’m lifting myself out as well.

I love my husband with all my heart. He has been my best friend forever. He is going through a decision making process regarding his health – his future treatment and his eventual entrance into heaven. We both know that he’s going there and that I will join him at some point. Maybe I’ll even get there first. Who knows? I’m confident that God knows, and He is directing everything we do here on earth.

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CRUSHED BUT NOT BROKEN

Posted on July 12, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

When we’re going through a difficult patch in our lives, we try to manage the outcome ourselves. We look at how we can choose a different direction – how we react to a change in our health – or a challenge that seems insurmountable. You would think that by going through so many different roadblocks and detours, we are being crushed along the way, How do we move forward, when we know we may not live to see what’s next? How do we push forward, when it seems that there is no reason to fight anymore? How do we overcome those obstacles without losing our minds, crying ourselves to sleep or giving up?

The Bible is filled with stories like those mentioned above. The tale of Job and his battle with life and death situations is meant to give us an example of how to turn our cares over to God. This guy had everything a man could want. He had a large family, a good wife, material things, land, cattle, money. He continued to serve God throughout his life, but then things started to go sour. He lost everything all at once. No more kids, no land, no cattle, no money and he was sick to top it off. Certainly God doesn’t want us to go through trials. He intended for our lives to be perfect. He is not responsible for our troubles. Those were created a long time ago in a beautiful garden called Eden. Through all his trials, Job listened to his friends spout off reasons for the pain he was going through. They even suggested that he had done something to displease God. Through it all, Job remained faithful to God, but more importantly, God remained with him through it all. He never left Job. He continued to send His angels to minister to him. After the testing was over, Job was restored beyond what he had before. All the pieces were falling into place.

Our earthly troubles may seem meaningless compared to Job’s, but are they? We struggle through a lifetime of ups and downs. Our hearts break. Our bodies grow weary with age. Our minds become clouded with too much information. We get sick. We face death. Yet through it all, God is there. He is with us always. That is comfort we can count on, even when it all seems hopeless. He never changes, in spite of all the changes we encounter. He remains faithful, constant, ever present, eternal and loving. All we need do is turn to Him for answers. He has our lives in His hands. He will never let us go.

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THINE IS THE POWER . . .

Posted on July 11, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

ART BY PAUL T. BOECHER

Paul and I recently sorted through some pictures we’ve stored over on our phones. We came upon this painting that Paul did a while back. He sent it to me to share on my blog today. I don’t have a poem to go with it yet, but I thought it so beautiful and significant to the power of God that I wanted all of you to see and enjoy it.

Paul has an amazing gift for capturing light in the moment. He has painted many lovely works of art outdoors. I know I’ve seen this work before, but somehow, it’s hiding somewhere in our upstairs area with many others, away from our view. So often we hide some of the most wonderful talents and gifts that God gives us. We may do so, not to show off or gain praise for ourselves. We may not feel that we’ve done our best. The special abilities that God gives us are meant to be shared with others. Every gift from Him provides us with something we can give away. That’s a true blessing that we don’t often give thanks for.

We are given an average lifetime of 70-80 years. In the scheme of things, we are not using those gifts as we should. Why hide them in storage? Why put them in a box where no one can see them? Why do we limit ourselves when God has given us so much to share? In that life span, we waste more time than we use. Time is also a gift, so put your time and talent together and you have a recipe for an amazing life. It isn’t going to guarantee a perfect life, but one that is filled with experiences that will perfect you for eternity. Let your light shine. It could make a huge difference in the life of another person.

Posted in aging, art by Paul T. Boecher, God's will, light | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

EVERLASTING LOVE . . .

Posted on July 10, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Most of us don’t go into a relationship thinking it’s a temporary arrangement.  We think of a long term, from here to eternity, everlasting kind of love. The kind of love that has no end. It sounds very romantic and almost ethereal, because every relationship here on earth is often peppered with self-absorption, salted with selfishness, and seasoned with negativity and often times problems. Petty disagreements can lead to all out fights and eventually separation.

God doesn’t think like us mere mortals.  He’s God.  His perception of us is much different than ours. He knows all about us and He wants us to be happy.  His love will never end, because of those emotions.  It isn’t because of our perfect behavior, the amount of money we give to the church or charity, the volunteer hours we’re stacking up in order to feel good about ourselves.  It’s because of God’s perfect love – a love we will never be able to replicate.  Our good deeds are nothing but filthy rags to Him.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if other relationships were like that?  If people would open their hearts and hands to those they cherish the most – To put them first – To be willing to make sacrifices – To forgive, forget, to love perfectly.  It would even be better if we were that way with our friendships, our co-workers, the waitress who serves us, the teller at the bank.  Think of how things would change if we could only love with the unconditional love God offers us every day.

Our last few years have made things more difficult. We’ve cocooned for a long time now and have forgotten how to be kind to each other. We’ve gotten used to isolation. I supposed some prisoners eventually submit to their way of life after a time. We can sit and complain about it, or we can do something to make it change.  Maybe today is the best day to start. Use words like compassion, kindness, encouragement, hope, faith, love, friendship in your vocabulary. Share the love that Jesus poured out for you on the cross. Let others know that they have that same gift available to them.

Life is too short to spend alone. We need each other and the best way to achieve that perfection is to be the first one to start the conversation.

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FINDING TRUE PEACE

Posted on July 9, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER ©

When life engulfs you with anger and rage – when you struggle with fear and temptation,

Turn to the book of our God’s written page – He will heal you and give you salvation.

Though your days seem relentless, your nights never end – your hope is in Jesus, your brother and friend.

He’ll give you His peace with a love overflowing – your burdens He’ll carry for you,

A peace that’s eternal, no tears, no regrets – He’s paid the full debt that was due.

So, look heavenward, leave the world far behind, and focus on Jesus the King,

His arms are wide open – He hears every prayer – and surely His peace He will bring.

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

SOMETIMES IT’S GOOD TO BE ALONE

Posted on July 8, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Being alone is not always a bad thing. When we’re alone, we often tend to feel lonely – apart from others – let down – fearful – confused. Those same emotions can cover us when we’re in a room filled with people. There are days when we need time alone. We need to process, to sort through, to categorize our lives. We need to talk to God – one on one. We need those private times to cry, to laugh, to grieve, to wait, to think. I remember when my grandma would go out to the woods and sit by herself for an hour or so and do exactly that. She was a strong woman, with a great faith, but her life was filled with tragedy after tragedy. She muddled through those difficulties, but she also found it necessary to be alone for a while to regroup. Those moments gave her the strength and courage to push on. It also gave her a time to check in with her Creator who was right there with her all the way.

We can’t stay in that aloneness forever. We all need to have people in our lives too. Some of us need the company of others and the conversations more than others. I’m one of those who prefer the aloneness time. Maybe that’s why I write. It gives me an opportunity to step away from the crowd and enter my own cubicle for a moment. I can pour my liquid prayers out on a page of words much better than I can do so in person.

If you feel guilty asking for alone time, don’t. Remember we are never, ever really alone. God is with us all the way – from our conception to our death and beyond. He will never leave us. He will always provide the answers you need. He is in charge of all your troubles, worries and pain. He will give you a way out of situations that you thought were impossible.

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SAVING OUR TEARS

Posted on July 8, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

When we are sad, when hearts are breaking,

We need to be wrapped in the protection of God’s holy wings,

Each pinion gently lays over us – cuddling and nurturing,

The softness and strength are overwhelming,

He breathes His presence upon us and gives new life,

He speaks and we are comforted,

His touch is gentle yet full of amazing power,

His steadfastness feeds us – nourishes our souls – guards us from all evil,

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

His compassion is equal to His might,

We will never be alone as long as He is with us,

Whether in hopeless moments or times of joy,

Lord, be in our hearts, minds and understanding.

Be with us in life so that we will know you fully when we meet you after death.

The practice of collecting tears in a bottle is called lachrymatory and has been practiced since around 1,000 BCE.

Posted in anxiety, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, depression, Faith | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

THE LORD IS MY ROCK . . .

Posted on July 7, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

My husband has carried a small rock in his pocket for as long as I’ve known him. It isn’t a lucky charm. It has nothing to do with superstition. It has no magical qualities. It’s just a small rock. I asked him once why he kept a stone in his pocket and he told me it was a reminder for him, to always know that God was with him. I’d often come across this little stone while doing the laundry. He may have forgotten to remove it, but I think it was still there as a reminder for me as well.

The rock made its way to another country recently. Paul gave it to a young man in our congregation who recently was deployed to Iraq. He would be separated from his young family for a time, so it went into the fellow’s pocket for a while. When the man returned from his appointment, he returned the rock to Paul. He also gave him a medal he had purchased while there as a thank you for his gift. The rock didn’t keep the guy safe, but the connection to which it was drawn did.

As I think about the little rock and where it’s been and what it’s endured, I can’t help but thank God for giving him to me for such a long and wonderful life. As we begin another journey together, I know that God still has things for both of us to do while we continue the road we’re traveling. I am confident that God is our rock – our salvation – our hope – our savior. His love is so much stronger than any material thing we can put in our hands or save in a pocket. His love endures forever.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me such a wonderful, God-fearing man to share this life with. He has a faith that can move mountains, because you are the force behind him. His faith has sustained him from one trial to the next and has never faltered. Guide us through the next few years as you have in the past. I know you will never leave us. I trust in your unfailing love. Amen!

“ROCK IN MY POCKET,” POETRY KATHY BOECHER©

I carry in my pocket, a simple roughhewn rock,

It serves as a reminder of Jesus’ earthly walk,

He trudged o’er rocks and pebbles, His sandals filled with sand,

He kept on walking forward with mercy in his hand.

He spoke to simple people, from every walk of life,

He healed them from their sickness and took away their strife,

Providing food and water, He gave them so much more,

He gave them life eternal and opened heaven’s door,

This little rock I carry, reminds me of my Lord,

My rock and my salvation, whose love lasts evermore.

Posted in aging, Faith, Inspiration, marriage, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

Posted on July 6, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

“We all face storms in life. Some are more difficult than others, but we all go through trials and tribulation. That’s why we have the gift of faith.” Joyce Meyer

Every step we take on this journey called life has been mapped out for us by the Creator of the universe. There will be twists and turns throughout the trip. We run into roadblocks and detours all the way. Yet, if we lose that wonderful gift from the Holy spirit – faith – our travels are pointless. With each deviation from that which was originally intended for man, we can either stray and fail or continue and live.

It’s taken me a lifetime to finally realize that letting God carry me through the times when I can no longer walk, is the only way to live. That doesn’t mean the expedition is going to be clear sailing all the way. In fact, it seems the more difficult the trek, the closer we come to our Maker. Our final surrender to Him, comes when our time of grace on this planet ends. We can then meet Him face to face in paradise and enjoy all that He has prepared for us.

Lord, help me to trust in you completely. I know that by doing so, you will lead the way in life here on earth and also in eternity. Give me strength to run the race, knowing that you are the One who knows what’s best for me and those I love. Amen!

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TRUSTING GOD ALONE

Posted on July 5, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

It’s been hot all week. In Minnesota anything more than a couple of days in the 90’s is considered a heat wave. We have extremes here in the Tundra, but it always amazes me how God provides for all of His creation even when the weather is unbearable. The birds can still find water to refresh themselves, and food to sustain them. The animals are given the ability to find places to rest and hide during extreme temperatures. If God takes care of these creatures by giving them what they need, how much more will He look after the ones He created in His image.

When I was teaching drama to young students, one of the exercises we did was a blind walk. We’d join hands and follow the leader with eyes closed. Only the one leading the group would be able to see. The rest had to rely on the sound of their voice and their other senses to “see” their way. I know many of them were peeking, but those that followed the directions and depended on the one leading, felt what it’s like to surrender to someone else – to let go – to trust.

There are days when I think there will be no end to the waiting, or no relief from fear or anger. I try to figure things out myself and don’t rely on the only One who can take care of me. He has a master plan – He knows before we do – He’s guiding us with love and provision.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for providing for all my needs in good times and bad, in fair or inclement weather. I know that I can count on you to provide for me and give me the true rest that comes only from your loving hands. When my heart is troubled, you are there. When things are going well, you are there. When I need you the most, you are there. I can count on you and you alone. Amen!

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THE GREAT EXPERIMENT – AMERICA

Posted on July 4, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

George Washington referred to the United States as a “grand experiment” on January 9, 1790. It was an experiment, that’s for sure, but the results changed government, people’s rights, their points of view and their ability to be free of oppression. As we look at the achievements of America after over the past 200 years, we can honestly say that we have become much more than most people ever expected. What began as a cry for liberty exploded into a full blown frenzy – a revolution – lives lost in battle – great cost throughout those years – growth beyond compare.

I can’t imagine what George Washington was thinking as he took his oath of office those many years ago, and what he might wonder about the many changes in this country today. The thought of international rail travel, moving mountains to create them and a population that erupted from 2.5 million in 1776. In two and a half centuries the US has grown to 130 times its size and now stands as the third most populous country in the world. People from all over the world come to America in search of the American dream. Technology has blossomed from the use of kerosine lanterns to solar energy. George wouldn’t recognize our country anymore. Not to mention all the changes in technology, values, growth, wars, loss of life, he would be amazed at the size of our dwellings and business places. I wonder what he would think of today’s fashion trends.

I believe that there is still a remnant of people who continue to place our country in high esteem. During these summer holidays honoring her, we should look back, not only at the progress, but the cost. Many lives were lost during that Revolutionary War. Lives continued to be spent as a result of the wars our nation has endured. The morality of the 1700s is non-existent today. Unity has suffered greatly over time. Even our own governing factions can’t seem to agree on much. Still, in spite of all the ugliness that infiltrates a country over time, we still have the right to stand for what we believe in. We can worship as we choose. We have freedoms that other nations will never know. I am proud of my American heritage. I love this land and will always hold her in high esteem. I know that God will heal her, if we ask Him to.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Posted in 4th of July, America, Chrisian daily devotions, DAILY CHRISTIAN DEVOTION, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

AMERICA – THE BEAUTIFUL

Posted on July 4, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©


Where is God?
Look around you at the churning of the deep, blue waters,
Reflecting and refracting the rays from the sun,
Feel His presence in the wind that drives those waves,
Take in the vast array of color, texture, brilliance, harmony,
Enjoy the sounds of silence,
The peace that comes on a hot summer day as your boat cuts through the water,
See His magnificence in each refreshing drop of water,
Experience the warmth of His loving caress as He carries you across that water,
Powerful soldiers of wood and foliage protect and shade you,
His hand touches the sky and makes clouds appear,
They dance through the vast expanse,
Changing,
Building,
Fading,
Returning again,
They form into angelic images and as quickly turn into menacing power,
He’s in the storms,
He watches,
Protects,
Guides,
Sees you through,
If you wonder where God is,
Simply look around,
He’s everywhere.
 
 
 

Though our nation is no longer just a Christian Nation, but one of a variety of faiths, those who still hold the values of the Judaeo/Christian founders of our nation still exist. If we return to those original concepts, God will bless our nation again. He will endure forever.

Posted in 4th of July, America, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

SHROUDED IN MYSTERY

Posted on July 3, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

The image I’ve chosen for today’s post is almost an exact replica of what I’m viewing outside my window this morning. The words that are attached to it, are indicative of what I’m feeling this morning. When you’re waiting for news that will change your life and of those around you, you can become engulfed in a fog – a dimly lit sky – that closes in on you. We pray for inner strength to get through these times. We ask why. We wonder what the next step will be. We cry. We hold tight to each other for strength. We rely on friends and family. We say we trust in God, but then question His purpose. We cry some more.

Comfort comes for a little while, but that fog closes in again the next day and the next. Life is so precious to us. We hang onto it without realizing something much better is waiting beyond. Words of comfort are given. “Trust in the Lord. Lay your burdens upon Him. Don’t give up. Be strong. You are loved.” All of those words often become second nature when we don’t know what to say to someone longing for the courage to endure. These are well intentioned words, of course. They are common phrases, designed to help, and they do for a while. Then truth reveals itself and more words are needed.

As I walk this journey with the love of my life, I can’t imagine not having him in it. I know that life is fragile. I know that aging is a signal for the end of it. I realize that God has a perfect place waiting for us beyond the grave and still I feel this emptiness in the pit of my stomach when I try to wrap my brain around it all. My strength falters so I must rely on God’s. I pray that He will guide us through this part of our journey together and help us to grow even tighter because of it.

Posted in aging, ENDURING LOVE, Faith, God's plans | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

SUNDAY PRAYER

Posted on July 2, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

DEAR. SWEET, JESUS, Thank you for another day. Amen!

Posted in aging, Faith, prayer | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

THE COST OF FREEDOM

Posted on July 2, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER ©

What is the price of liberty? Where lies the victor’s prize?
Is it in bodies laying still, beneath the cold, dark skies?
The cost to win our freedom cannot be seen in life,
But in the brave hearts smitten to take away our strife.

Our Savior did this willingly when tortured on the tree.
He gave His life and rose again so we could be set free.
No human life could do this. It had to be from God.
So we could see His love for us both here and far abroad.

His word He gave to teach us all the things we need to know,
His life He gave to save us from the pain that lies below.
So lift your voice to Jesus. His love will never die.
He purchased us for paradise. He’ll care for us on high.

Posted in 4th of July, America, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, freedom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS . . .

Posted on June 30, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
 In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust;
I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?

All day they twist my words; All their thoughts are against me for evil. They gather together,
They hide, they mark my steps, when they lie in wait for my life. Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God!

You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book?
When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back; this I know, because God is for me.  In God (I will praise His word), in the Lord (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust;
I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Psalm 56:3-11

When fear overtakes me, I often forget that I’m safe in my Savior’s arms. The words of others, the fear of failure, the fright of bad dreams that wake me in the night – the dread of having to give someone bad news, the terror that comes when I face death or health issues.

All of these things make me tremble and feel helpless. When I’m haunted by fear, I know I can take comfort in the psalmist’s words. God fears nothing. He is almighty. His strength will give us the ability to deal with not only our fears, but everything that comes our way. All we have to do is ask Him. May God drive away all my fears and anxieties through His holy Son, Jesus. Like the Good Shepherd, who cares for each and every one of His sheep, He will lift me up in His arms, hold me tightly and lead me to eternity with Him.

Posted in aging, anxiety, fear, Good shepherd | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

ONE NATION UNDER GOD . . .

Posted on June 29, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

I realize the fourth of July doesn’t come around until next Tuesday, but this is holiday that holds the key to the foundation of our country. In just over two hundred years, we might not recognize the America of 1776. Change is good, but not always for the better. I pray that our nation would return to its founding fathers for inspiration. Without them, there would be no United States of America.

ONE NATION UNDER GOD

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

One nation under God,” is what our founders said,
But something happened on the way. They now say God is dead.
I know our God lives on. He stands at heaven’s gate.
And He will bring our nation back from greed, and lies and hate.

Under our power alone, we cannot run the race.
He sent His dear Son, Jesus, to die and take our place.
Because He is our God, He’ll never let us stray.
He holds our hands and leads us into His holy way.

When we turn back to God, His arms are open wide.
He doesn’t look at our mistakes, instead He looks inside.
So let’s get back to basics and remember who we are.
Our God’s not dead. He lives and reigns in hearts both near and far.

What is the price of liberty? Where lies the victor’s prize?
Is it in bodies lying still or in a winner’s eyes?
The cost paid for our freedom cannot be seen in life,
But in the brave hearts smitten to take away our strife.

Our Savior did this willingly when tortured on the tree.
He gave His life and rose again so we could be set free.
No human life could do this. It had to be from God.
So we could see His love for us, both here and far abroad.

His word He gave to teach us the things we need to know,
His life He gave to save us from the pain that lies below.
So lift your voice to Jesus. His love will never die.
He brings us into paradise to live with Him on high.

Posted in 4th of July, America, freedom, Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on ONE NATION UNDER GOD . . .

SHARING YOUR STORY

Posted on June 28, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Often when we share things going on in our lives, our words are unwanted or ignored. When we’re suffering through some sort of difficulty, whether it be financial, emotional, dealing with illness, a broken relationship, people don’t necessarily want to hear about it. When someone asks, “How are you,” and you lay your whole life before them, you will most likely lose your audience. Jesus spent His time on earth, telling stories – parables, they were called. Each of those stories had a purpose. When we share a story of a trial we’re dealing with, it just might help someone else in their journey.

We have a reason for our existence. A few years back I wrote a book called “Stages.” It dealt with the seven stages of life and included a memoir of sorts. It’s no longer in print, but that isn’t why I wrote the book. I had no thoughts of becoming a best-selling author. I only wished to leave a bit of history behind for my children and grandchildren. I started writing my blog 12 years ago as a way to share my experiences with others so they would know that there is a way to get through our earthly struggles. Relying on God, rather than myself, has added to my life’s purpose. In the past two years, my posts have turned to the aging process, relying on God and death. If that doesn’t sound like a thrilling story, let me assure you, it isn’t. I do believe that everything that happens to us in life, is for a reason. God created us to not only serve Him, but to help others in any way we can. Our own experiences, our trials, our battles, our successes can give hope to others who may be going through a similar situation.

Every second of each life is filled with opportunities to share them. Whether you write those stories in a journal, share them on a blog site, share over coffee, or simply keep a daily diary, you are sharing advice that might give someone else hope in an otherwise hopeless situation. God saw that it was not good for man to be alone, so He created a helper for him. Throughout history, we find that we need each other to help us get through the storms of life. We may not always get that help from each other, but we can depend on God’s intervention in all things.

 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Posted in aging, change, Faith, storms | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments