TINY TUESDAY BLESSINGS

Posted on June 6, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

It’s Tuesday – just another day of the week – a day to finish what you didn’t get done on Monday or to transfer all that stuff to Wednesday and just be glad you made it through another night. Whatever you think of Tuesday – or any day, for that matter – when you get up into the senior years, every day is a bonus. Unfortunately, we often get so wrapped up in the tasks we place upon our shoulders, that we forget how blessed we are to still be able to accomplish a few of them,

On Mondays we make a to-do list. Methodically we scratch item off the list. Tuesday might be a good day to make another list of the things we did get done and what a blessing each of those things were to us. So here’s my Tuesday list of Monday blessings.

  • I woke up and thanked God for another day of life.
  • I wrote my blog.
  • I gave my husband a kiss.
  • I stubbed my toe on my walker so decided that was enough of that.
  • I used my cane instead.
  • I was able to do my grocery shopping on my own.
  • I did a load of wash.
  • I watched the construction crew tear down part of a fence.
  • I saw the feral cats playing together.
  • I saw my flowers come to life after they got a good drink from the hose.
  • I saw the results of a beautiful, painting commission my husband is working on.
  • I thought about dusting the furniture – but realized it was going to need it again tomorrow, so I didn’t.
  • I caught up on my emails.
  • I listened to another funny story from my husband, which I’ve heard a hundred times before.
  • I laughed again.
  • I felt good, even though I didn’t accomplish most of the things on the list. So, I made my Tuesday list.

Here’s my list for today:

  • Thank God for another day.
  • Enjoy time writing with friends.
  • Make a list for tomorrow.
  • Make dinner for my granddaughter.

OK, a lot doesn’t go on in my life, but those little things mean a lot to me. Maybe if we spent as much energy on the important, little things, our lives would be so much better.

HAPPY TUESDAY!!!!!!!

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MONDAY MUSINGS

Posted on June 5, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

It’s Monday again. The only reason I know that is because yesterday was Sunday and the third Sunday in a row, we’ve been able to attend church in person. Getting the week started has always depended on that event. Physically attending church and watching it on a device are definitely different. Part of the experience of worship is a time to fellowship with others who share your faith. It can be an opportunity to encourage and be encouraged – to share your physical, mental and spiritual struggles – to praise, thank and honor God in his house. When you sit in front of a screen in your pajamas, with a cup of coffee and a Danish, it just isn’t the same as singing praise to God with others in a sanctuary designed for that.

There is a lot to be said for corporal worship. The sound of many voices, singing in harmony or not, still inspires me. Even though my body is reaching the end of its run, I love to watch the little children as they listen intently during the children’s message. My heart applies the truth of the Word of God and sets me on track for the rest of the week. Unfortunately, life often gets in the way and pushes me back to Friday – longing for that fellowship time.

God knew it wasn’t good for man to be alone – that he would need a helper, a comforter, an encourager. So, He created woman out of the man’s rib. How significant is that? The ribs are designed to protect the heart and other vital organs. He didn’t stop there. Mankind reproduced and populated large communities and eventually covered almost the entire world. Even when mankind fell into sin, God gave everyone a way out.

The fellowship shouldn’t end on Sunday but continue throughout the week. The pandemic isolated the world for three years and we saw the result of that. We became guarded, closed in and lost the ability to communicate face to face – the human touch of a hug or handshake – the lack of inclusion, camaraderie and togetherness. I pray that we never become creatures of our environment, but still realize that God is with us all the time. We don’t have to worship in a church. We can do so anywhere. His Word can be shared on a daily basis within our homes. We can see His beauty in creation and praise Him there. We can sit around a campfire, toasting marshmallows and enjoying the closeness of friends and family. The truth is, God is with us, in us and among us always. He has promised never to leave us and He always keeps His promises.

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!

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WHEN WORDS AREN’T ENOUGH

Posted on June 4, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

When the words you speak don’t cut it, when the pen can’t write them down,

When you depend on other things to repair the thoughts you’ve sown,

When your attempts to make things right, seem hopeless and unseemly,

Returning to the truth can give you peace of mind extremely.

The pen can fill a page with words, that offer consolation,

Yet nothing but the human touch can seal your affirmation,

A hug, a kiss, a soft caress, will heal all disputation.

Put words aside just for today, give in to love’s narration.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God, love, words | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

SENIOR ROAD TRIP ADDENDUM

Posted on June 3, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Yesterday’s post was about taking a vacation after you’ve retired. I’d like to add just a few thoughts about the generation gap. The thing about being a slave to your phone has to do with missing out on the essence, adventure and beauty of a road trip. I know our kids have been raised on technology, but I would suggest that when traveling, cell phones should be left home. Not only does this allow for a different view of the world, but it also calls on the brain to work. Soaking in the landscape – breathing the mountain air – watching for landmarks and monuments of days long past – all lead to an invigoration of the senses.

A few years back, my husband traveled with our daughter, husband and two sons through the western states. Everything from Mt. Rushmore to the Grand Canyon and other unbelievable places. Paul hoped they’d be able to take some pictures of Mt. Rushmore, but when the passed by it the next morning, it was fogged in. They did come to a stop though and the fog slowly lifted. They finally were able to see a portion of George Washington’s nose. One grandson thought it strange that Ronald Regan wasn’t up there, but how could he tell if he was? My point is this. We become so conditioned and controlled by our devices, we often fail to see the magnificence of God’s vast array of color, variable landscapes, amazing animals and so much more, because we are buried in social media.

I must admit, when we traveled in our van several years ago with our kids, there was a TV available for them to watch movies. It helped during the boring parts of the trips, but Paul wanted them to experience the journey rather than anything else.

Today, we have difficulty getting in the car to do weekly shopping chores. After a few minutes behind a cart and trying to reach things on the top shelf, our out of shape bodies are screaming at us. Yesterday I got out of the car first as Paul parked the car. I saw him come in, but he didn’t see me. He hurriedly pushed ahead to find me, and my voice didn’t reach his ears, so he set out in search of me. I tried to catch him, but he was too far away for me to make contact. It was one of the fastest shopping trips we’ve taken in some time. We also were exhausted by the time we got home. Isn’t the aging process fun?

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SMALL TOWN SUMMER DAYS

Posted on June 3, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

Oh, those lazy days of summer, leave me wanting better things,

When days are long and nights are warm, with all that nature brings,

A quiet street has come to life, as morn drifts into view,

The bakery sends off scents of heaven, inviting and tempting you,

The work starts very early, as merchants sell their wares,

The coffee shop is open now, the barber fills his chairs,

As bikers ride and hikers trod, the morning light sets in,

Some old men gather on a bench, and tall tales soon begin,

Folks still enjoy togetherness, they’re blissfully secure,

In friendship and simple acts of kindness sweet and pure.

Since I live in Minnesota, those days remain far off,

I wonder if I’ll make it through, this time without a cough.

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THE SENIOR ROAD TRIP

Posted on June 2, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Taking a vacation when retired is kind of a misnomer. I mean to take a vacation when you’re on a “vacation” every day seems repetitive at the least. We’ve opted to take short trips rather than the average drive to another state. We discovered that we like each other a lot more that way. The act of retirement changes your life in many ways, but the most difficult to navigate is being together – alone – all the time – repeating the same stories – becoming impatient – breathing the same air – finishing each other’s sentences – living life every moment simultaneously. Because of extenuating circumstances anything over ten miles becomes problematic. There is the need for a rest stop. the conundrum of getting hungry at different times. The necessity for a nap – which is best done while not driving. There is also the issue of conversation. When you’re hard of hearing and the radio is blasting out western music, it can be a real problem communicating. Miscommunication has been the source of most of our spats lately. Yet I keep putting off getting expensive hearing aids because most of my friends have them and still can’t hear. But I digress.

On one trip out west, we ended up in Estes Park, Colorado. The scenery was magnificent. There was wildlife everywhere and I’m not talking about the people. There were real live animals at every turn. I had no idea I was about to experience mountain sickness. I’ve been in the mountains before, but this was different. The altitude was more intense, I guess. We drove into a campground with our pick-up truck with a small camper top. I decided it was time for me to go to bed, so I crawled into the camper and started to change my clothes. All of a sudden, the already small area seemed to close in on me. I was experiencing claustrophobia, I thought. It turned out to be mountain sickness and claustrophobia. If felt like my head was detaching from my body. I let out with a blood curdling scream. “Get me out of here,” I shouted. “I can’t stand it anymore. Somebody, please help me.” Eventually i was able to free myself from my creepy prison and make my way to the restroom. When I returned, there was a large crowd gathered around our truck. It turned out the custodian for the campground was parked right next to our vehicle. He was responding to my cries for help. Others from different sites were also there to see what was going on.

There are many other tales that seem to grow in size and become embellished with time, but you wouldn’t believe them if I told you. My point is, traveling when you’re retired can be fun, a series of mishaps or another story for your blog. I must admit, the scenery was beautiful. The fresh air was wonderful. The beauty of God’s creation was definitely everywhere. When we look out our window, we can also see some amazing views. Flowers we planted 7 years ago are flourishing. Birds are starting to visit our feeders and build nests. The antics of the feral cats is always a floor show to behold. Beauty can be found even in the road construction going on in our backyard. It’s amazing to watch things beginning to take shape and what it takes to do so. I’m a homebody. My husband still loves the wilderness. He has had to make some changes to his lifestyle, so hiking is no longer an option. My weary body has given way to using a walker, but I’m trying to figure out how to turn it into a garden tool. We still have each other. We’re not dead yet and life is good. The next journey is going to be even better.

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THE STAYCATION

Posted on June 1, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

I’m retired. Woo hoo!! Most of my friends have good retirement funds – financial plans that paid off – money in the mattress – stocks and bonds – all sorts of resources including Social Security benefits which have become our main source of income. In other words – my friends often take trips to various places like Japan, The Dominican Republic – Greenland – Europe. Some opt to take trips right here in the USA. There are many wonderful options right in our own backyard. My backyard is now a construction site, so a drive to Nowthen is probably the closest place we can go to escape. Nowthen is a little suburb of Minneapolis which was undoubtedly named by a Norwegian. When my friends talk about their trips to wherever, I always chime in with my destination of South Minneapolis, which is also unlikely because of other road construction preventing travel within our city’s infrastructure.

A while back, someone came up with the idea of a “Staycation.” This means you skip all the travel arrangements, expensive camping gear, luxury hotels, airline tickets, dining out and the like. You stay home. I’m not sure if this idea came up before or after the pandemic, but for some of us, it’s the best idea yet. Your gas budget stays intact. You don’t hear the question, “Are we there yet?” You spend a little bit more for food than you normally would. You can watch the Travel Channel to get away to those remote places you’d never see otherwise. You can order Chinese, Italian, Greek, Mexican, Mediterranean, German food and have it Door Dashed to your front door without having to lift a finger. You can take trips to local museums, parks, art galleries or theatres to liven it up a little. Board games might be a final resort for boredom – or a good game of cards. My point is you don’t have to spend a lot on a vacation to have fun.

Personal bonding time happens during the course of a staycation. You get to know each other through this experience and have a whole week or two to do it. You might find out that your family is really special, unique, praiseworthy, intelligent and fun. By the end of the first couple of days, you may choose otherwise, but hang in there. It will get better. By the end of the week, you may still be talking to each other. You may even discover a whole new side of yourself that’s been hiding under a pile of work for the past year. Don’t discount this option. It might be what you need to bring new life back into your family. Have a happy Staycation!

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A ROAD TRIP ADVENTURE

Posted on May 31, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”
― Mark Twain

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just a once in a while road tripper, vacations require a certain amount of preparation. In the days of covered wagons, it was a daily task. The chore of setting up and breaking camp was almost as cumbersome as the roads they traveled. Talk about road construction – there weren’t any roads to reconstruct. Can you imagine what it was like in those early days of our country’s history? Each day a new adventure. Each moment filled with terror of being attacked by animals, disease or hostile tribes. Each second consisted of sore muscles, dirty clothes, smelly bodies, same old, same old diet and never knowing what was to come at the next turn. Today we have it made with modern transportation, adequate temporary housing, continental breakfasts and a GPS to guide your adventure.

The last road trip we took was five years ago when we attended our grandson’s graduation in South Carolina. I vowed at that time, never again! My road warrior husband has always been a good driver, obeying all the rules, but even he was an exposed, raw nerve by the time we reached our destination. Me, with my hearing problems and he with his ever-constant conversation (he should’ve been a travel guide,) made for some interesting discussions. Picture yourself, sandwiched between two semis on either side of your vehicle, along with one in front and one behind.  You’re traveling without any view of scenery at between 70 and 80 MPH, wondering who would be tagged for the speeding violation if you were stopped.

When you eventually break free of the semi-sandwich, your tensions release and you drive in earnest for at least ten hours each day.  At first the highway seems great, as you pack on the miles. It seems you’ll make your destination with time to spare.  Thank God, I wasn’t driving, or we’d still be in St. Paul, probably at the police station or a mental institution. It’s funny how folks are always telling you to travel when you retire. They never mention the difficulties of sitting in one position for 3 hours – or having to wait twenty minutes for a rest stop. They never tell you about getting on each other’s nerves – having different hunger times – the spats – the differences of opinion – not to mention the inability to communicate. It must’ve been the epitome of stress to have to ride in a covered wagon for miles and miles.

My traveling days have probably come to an end. We still take our weekly road trips, which consist of a ten-mile drive to a remote area with nature all around. A road less traveled is nice, because no one else on the road knows how to drive.

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SUMMER VACATION – FAMILY STYLE

Posted on May 30, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Summer vacations – ah, the days of swimming at the lake, long walks, lazy days, fun times with family. I remember one family vacation in particular when our two oldest were in high school and our youngest just entering her tweens. We looked forward to that trip and planned it for months. It”s always important to choose a place that everyone will agree on. Our happy place is out west. Our kids grew up following their dad through nature on trail hikes. They enjoyed cross country skiing. Our youngest would be carried in a papoose like device on my husband’s back. I love the outdoors too, but much prefer sleeping in a bed rather than on the hard ground inside of a bag. We resembled the Clark Griswold family as we loaded up the car with everything but the kitchen sink. That might have been in there too, for all I know. The trip began by making our way out of the crowded city to miles and miles of prairie. The cries of “are we there yet,” permeated the inside of our vehicle. We tried to fill the empty space with camp songs, old spiritual songs, television theme songs – you name it, we sang it.

Eventually the landscape began to change. The flatlands of Minnesota and North Dakoka gave way to the beginnings of the National Park system. I never realized there was another “Badlands,” in North Dakota. Teddy Roosevelt National Park was a surprise in its beauty and majesty. Animals of various types would crossroads without a care and mountain sheep could be seen traversing across the crags and bluffs. For the most part the trip was a beautiful feast for the eyes. Not to mention the peaks and valleys we experienced emotionally.

Traveling for two weeks in a van with five people who love to do different things, eventually turned into a monumental quest to make it to the coast. At that point – when the sun looked like it had taken a vacation of its own – we began to get on each other’s nerves. No matter what we tried, we were turning into a bunch of crabby people who weren’t getting along much. 

Sometimes the things we plan for in life don’t always turn out the way we want. Our expectations are high in the beginning, then we fall prey to disappointment. Our natural tendency is to feel sorry for ourselves and try to plan things that won’t discourage us. As with most things in life, we like to maintain control over our path.  By doing so, were setting ourselves up for disappointment. When we do that, we become discouraged – we cave to disappointment – we even lose hope.

Still, even in the roughest of times – or the hiccups of every day – God tells us not to be discouraged. He has wonderful things in store for us. The truth is, we aren’t going to have smooth sailing in this world, but our future life in eternity will be a breeze!

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WAIT – WHAT ARE WE REMEMBERING?

Posted on May 29, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

What does Memorial Day mean to you? For most folks, it indicates the beginning of summer. It may be a family holiday – a trip to the lake – waterskiing and picnics. It could mean a chance to get away from the hum drum and reality of the everyday to PARTY! The celebration of Memorial Day began in 1865, after the end of the Civil War – one of the costliest of wars our country has ever been involved in. 620,000 lives were spent in the service of this conflict. The day was established sometime later, as people would honor their dead service members by decorating their graves. It was referred to as Decoration Day. After WWI, our nation honored all soldiers who gave their lives in service to their country. The day in May was chosen because flowers would be in bloom and available for adorning the graves. Flags are flown at half-staff, but only until noon – at which the time it would be raised to honor all soldiers who died in combat. The official time of remembrance is at 3 PM across the country.

Somehow, time changes the way we celebrate – the way we thank and honor those who served in this sacrificial way. Today is just another day off for many. It is a day for fantastic holiday sales. It’s a chance to plant your garden – take on a task that requires some physical endurance. Most of the time, it’s just another day to celebrate. Maybe we need to think about this. Maybe we’ve lost sight of the cost of war. Our lives in this country are taken for granted. We enjoy freedoms beyond the wildest dreams of other lands. Have we forgotten how to honor her, because we expect so much from her? America has always been a land of opportunity. People still believe she is the best place to live. Even though there have been flaws in her system over time, she remains our country, and many lives were spent to defend her.

The picture of the poppies, associated with Memorial Day, is reminiscent of a poem written in 1915, by Canadian officer and surgeon, John McCrae. As he gazed upon the field of Flanders and observed a beautiful field of the lovely, red flowers, growing up among those who shed their blood in defense of their country.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE GIVEN THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE IN SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY

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HOIST THE MAINSAIL

Posted on May 28, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Spring has sprung and summer in the midwest is bound to be tomorrow. We’ve been having a pretty good entrance into the season we all look forward to in Minnesota. I recall summers on the lake and sailing regattas on Saturdays. The beautiful white sails would fill with air and race to the finish line in a succession of billowing synthetic fabric. The above painting was painted by Paul, on the river at Hudson, WI, where sailing is in full bloom right now.

A fresh, crisp morning,

The sun barely peaking over the eastern horizon,

Boats being readied,

Sails hoisted,

The chatter of excited voices,

The race is about to begin,

Early summer days,

Filled with billowing, white sails,

Memories of a younger life,

When caution was thrown to the wind,

Now our days grow shorter,

Our time is running out,

The wind has been knocked out of us,

Yet we continue to sail.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Inspiration, Nature, purpose, seasons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

ANOTHER WEEK ENDS

Posted on May 27, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRAION FROM KATHY BOECHER©

Dear, Holy God,

You have safely brought me through another week.  I began with anxious thoughts. You were there to give me rest.  I failed to accomplish everything I intended to do, but you helped me realize that it wasn’t as important as I thought it should be.

As I waited for answers on what to do next, what would happen tomorrow, how would I be able to handle difficult decisions – health issues – those whom I love going through tough things – You were there right beside me.  You never left me, even though I often forgot to turn to you for comfort.

Why do I try so hard to figure things out for myself when I know that you’ve got it all under control?  Why do I find it difficult to let go and let you do what you have already planned for my life? Maybe it’s because of my weakness or maybe it’s so that I will realize how much I really need you in everything I do.

Thanks and praise to you for answered prayers – for giving hope and allowing me to look forward again – for not giving up on me – for strength when I thought there was none to be had.  Thank you, dear heavenly Father for your constant attention to every detail of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray.

AMEN!

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TECHNOLOGY 105

Posted on May 26, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Today, I’m looking ahead to the future and can only speculate on what the world will be like. Ever since man was created, there has been this passion to compete with God – to be a creator, divine, perfect in every way. We’ve seen an uptick in this idea in the past fifty years or so. As time grabs hold of us, we become more aware of the mistakes of the past and feel a need to improve, alter, correct or even reshape mankind. It is apparent in the current craze to change a person’s gender. Why can’t we simply accept the way God created us? Is it because we think we know better than God? Is it because we want to control things? The matter of life or death of a fetus has under the hand of man’s opinion for some time now. Eventually, the aging adult will be able to choose life or death for themself if they feel like it. Why do we have this incessant desire to be in control of everything?

Technology is allowing all kinds of changes in our world. What will the future look like? We’re just on the cusp of artificial intelligence with robotics and tools like Alexa, smart TVs and phones. We can turn on our home security from thousands of miles away. We can start the shower before we step into it, and it will be just the right temperature. We can turn on the lights, the faucets, have our meals prepared for us, choose the right wine to go with it and feed the dog while we’re at it, without ever having to move a muscle. Why do we feel it necessary to tap into artificial when we already have access to God-given intelligence?

I have visions of how mankind may evolve over the next hundred years. Heads will grow larger, because of all the information that’s being fed into our brains. Eyeballs will change. Our hands will look a lot different too. Long fingers will replace short, stubby and thick knuckles. The tip of those fingers will undoubtedly be larger because of all the overuse of them. Backs will hunch over as spines become victims of scrolliosis. Our hearing will be totally useless, because of the use of permanent earbuds. As robots take care of our every need, we will also become fat, unfit versions of Jabba the Hutt. We will become totally reliant on our artificial intelligence and have no need for the ability to think. Hmmm. What an interesting picture. Communication between us will cease to exist. We will become isolated and lonely. Anxiety will be at an all-time high.

So, enough of this gloomy picture. Some of these things are already happening. Last night, my husband and I went to get a pizza. It was before the rush hour, so we can usually get good service as well as good food. As I looked around at the people that were seated, I couldn’t help noticing that 90% of them were glued to their phones. Who knows? They may have been texting each other. Another example occurred many years ago when my husband was outdoors painting. A fellow stopped to admire his work and Paul replied that it’s always good to get into God’s creation to get the full effect of its beauty. The fellow laughed and said, “I don’t believe in God. The Internet is my God.” How sad that society has replaced God with a man inspired entity.

There are some humorous situations and problems we all face when dealing with this trend.
With progress comes change. With change, the devil jumps in a takes a foothold. If we are to be honest with ourselves, change can also be good, but we need to stay on top of it and do all things in accordance with God’s wisdom and knowledge. He will never change. I hope that you will bear with me as I keep repeating this thought. In a world of constant change, it’s good to know that our God is consistent.

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TECHNOLOGY 104

Posted on May 25, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

At this time of year, we’re attending graduations, watching our children go on to the next step of their education or to fly on their own merit. “Live up to your potential; don’t give up; set goals; be all that you can be.”  Good advice to give our children, right?  Even before they’re born, we start thinking about their futures and what they will be when they grow up.  Let me tell you from experience, growing up is over-rated.

I always found that no matter what toys we got for our children, they got more enjoyment playing with the box it came in.  The things we give our children usually are a result of what we think they want.  It’s really fun to see them use their imaginations to create something out of nothing. Remember that parenting requires a great deal of responsibility. We must not shirk that duty or look for substitutes for our love. Buying them what they want rather than what they need is one of those things we feel necessary to obtain their love and honor.

When I was a kid, we’d cut paper dolls out of the Sears catalog and dress them with pictures of clothing from the same book.  We’d make mud pies and feed them to the dog.  We’d set up a lemonade stand or hang a sheet across the clothesline and use it as a makeshift stage to perform shows for the neighbors. We used old boxes to create forts or communities to share with our friends. We ate outdoors. We didn’t always wash our hands. We played until the sun went down and returned home dirty and sunburned.

My children grew up on Sesame Street and video games, but they always found adventure outdoors.  One of them found great delight in scaring me to death with a 6-foot snake or a variety of other critters.  We were constantly bandaging scuffs and bruises from their journey into the unknown. Kids today aren’t much different, but our world is.  We’ve evolved into a society that fears for their children’s safety – not only in their own neighborhoods, but also in their schools.  Therefore, we try our best to protect them.  To compensate we provide safe things for them to do within the confines of our homes.  However, the world always sneaks its way into children’s minds even when we think they are safe.

We still must have open communications with our kids.  It’s probably the most important time for us to establish our relationship with them.  It’s also a great time for them to develop their imagination, creativity and communication skills. My thinking may be old fashioned, but I still believe God places children in our lives for a purpose.  The most important being that we’re responsible for letting them know about their Savior.  Can we accomplish that by putting them in touch with technology from the minute they can sit up and use motor skills to operate a computer?   Knowing what you believe in is extremely important to them.  You are their heroes. Technology should never take your place as a parent.

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:7

Posted in aging, Family, parenting, technology, Technology and Kids | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

TECHNOLOGY 103

Posted on May 24, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Hi, my name is Kathy and I’m a technoholic.  I never thought I would have to admit this.  I Thought I could keep it hidden from the rest of the world, but the truth has finally hit me.  I’ve decided to come clean and bring everything out in the open. They say confession is good for the soul, so here goes.

I grew up in a time when technology was just getting off the ground.  I went through vinyl records, 45’s, 8 tracks, cassettes and CDs.  Every new phase brought a new kind of excitement.  My youth was spent in front of a console radio that expelled a green light upon which I focused and became hypnotized as I listened to Inner Sanctum and the Shadow.  Howdy Doody was my after-school friend as I raced home to watch his antics on our brand new 10-inch television.  Before eating supper, we’d tune in to Kukla, Fran and Ollie – a show filled with puppet shenanigans designed to keep us fastened to the box as mom made our meal. Each year became a new adventure as my addiction to technology festered.  I couldn’t get enough of it.

When I entered my teens, I felt proud because I had the only portable radio to take to the beach.  Later that would turn into a boom box.  Eventually it would be replaced with other devices.  When the internet was born, I thought I had reached the peak.  Everything was there instantly.  No need for a Thesaurus or Dictionary.  It was right there.  Time passed and came the Ipad, Smart Phone and Smart TV.  I can’t imagine it getting any better than this, but there’s always a need for more, isn’t there?

I haven’t even begun to dive into the games, although I had a brief affair with Packman in the 1980s. I never thought I would be replacing personal communication with texting, but it was the final step.  I now realize that I’ve run the gamut, and nothing will ever satisfy the desire for more technology.  Every day is a battle. I’m getting old and have become a chair potato. My knees are creaking, by back is aching and my backside is getting bigger and bigger from being fastened to that chair. I’m ready to quit.  But I can’t, I have to write my blog for today!!

Posted in addiction, Humor, parenting, technology, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

TECHNOLOGY 102

Posted on May 23, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

The word, “illiterate,” is an adjective used to describe someone who is unable to read or write. It can also mean uncultured or ignorant of various subjects or activities. I never thought of myself in those terms until technology came into being. Don’t get me wrong. I would be lost without my computer. My phone has become an extra appendage which goes with me everywhere. However, I am not in tune with all the mechanics of this wonderful new invention. So, in that respect I could be called illiterate. It used to be that illiterate meant you couldn’t read or write. Now we don’t even need to read and write. However, if we don’t read or write, we can’t use it?

I use the Internet to do research, but how can I be sure that what I find is true or just someone’s opinion? If I was independently wealthy, I could self-publish all my writings, but who would read them? I could set up a website or pay someone to do so, but that would require cataloging everything I’ve produced over the years, and it would take more time than I have left. Technology is like a cancer. It wheedles it’s way into our brain cells, invades our thinking, our mentality, our theology, our daily life, work, habits and everything else that affects our living. Unfortunately, there is no cure for it and the more you use it, the more it spreads.

Technology has opened many new doors to our minds. We can watch church online. We can get a degree online. We can train our children, pets, spouses, neighbors and friends online. We can create a beautiful picture of who WE are to the world through social media, while in the shadows, our lives may truly be falling apart. Who are we trying to impress? It has also made a clear path for Satan to move into young and old minds with all sorts of evil. As with any innovation there will always be choices. Someone needs to monitor what we’re looking at – but wait, they’re probably already doing that. In 1949, George Orwell published a book titled, “1984.” It was a science fiction evaluation of what would happen in the future. The book investigated how minds could be manipulated to accept various truth and facts. 1984 has come and gone, and just look at how the world has changed since then.

Like I said, I don’t consider myself illiterate. I’m just a creature of habit – a reader – a writer – someone who still writes in cursive – who knows that in spite of all the changes in history and the last hundred years, our God still remains the same.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s episode of Technology 103.

Posted in acting, God, morality, responsibility, technology, Technology and Kids | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

TECHNOLOGY 101

Posted on May 22, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

This week, I’m tackling the subject of technology. In just another month I’ll be celebrating my 81st birthday and let me tell you about all the changes of seen in my lifetime. That might take another 80 years to do. I’ve always had difficulty with change. As a kid, I had to adjust to many moves and changes, even though my family was solid and cared about staying together. My sister will attest to the fact that we slept in the same bed for a number of years, but often in a different living area. We started out on the top floor of a four-story apartment building. There are many memories attached to that particular apartment – like the ice man who delivered a block of ice which turned into an ice cube by the time he got to our place. There was the delivery of our very first television set with a 10″ screen in a huge console and the delivery guy that almost lost it by the time he arrived. My sister threw my pet turtle from that 4th floor and actually thought it would survive.

Every few years we’d move to another apartment in that building, but instead of moving up, we moved down. Eventually, we made our dwelling place in a basement apartment which was designated for the caretaker of the building – my dad. We made several more moves over the course of my childhood. Maybe that’s why I hate the thought of moving again. That dislike for change has definitely affected the way I feel about it. Today, we have 45″ and up “smart” TVs which have built in computers. Everything is supposedly smart, but to me it required a total remake of the way I live. I was trained to use a keyboard when in high school. I’m grateful they haven’t changed that, because I can still type like a whiz. Today you don’t even need to type. You can talk to your computer, and it will type for you. In many cases, Siri and other artificial intelligence gadgets have become our only means of communication.

Nowadays we live in a world controlled by the world wide web. The internet has replaced the encyclopedia – the library – over the fence conversation – coffee klatches – family, friends and other relationships – live entertainment venues and pretty much everything pertaining to life as we once knew it. I suppose if someone really wanted to destroy us, all they’d need to do would be turn off the power for more than a day. Everyone would go nuts. One of the advantages of this new lifestyle is that we can always turn it off or unplug it. I know people who find it hard to leave their devices and I fear I have become one of them at times. Our memories start to wane as we get older. We depend on these gadgets to stir them up again. I guess I’ll just have to learn to accept change, although I know that the real Creator of the Universe is still in control of all of it – and He never changes.

Stay tuned for more on the subject as we look at technical support.

Posted in aging, America, change, Family, technology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

HAPPY SUNDAY

Posted on May 21, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

It’s Sunday again. Seems like the weeks pass by like minutes these past few years. One day runs into another, but Sunday is special in so many ways. Especially today. We are going to church. We haven’t attended in quite a while – even though we have been communing at home as shut-ins and watching online services. This will be the last Sunday with our current pastor, who recently took another call. The call will not require him to move his residence, do he and his wife will still be in the area. He will be serving a huge congregation and will also be able to transition into retirement when the time is right. To say we will miss him is an understatement. We have grown together as shepherd and sheep – brothers and sisters, family- friends and have had the pleasure of his knowledge and wisdom for many years.

Saying goodbye will not be easy, but we know that it is for the best. God’s divine calling always serves His purpose and is for our good. It will be somewhat of a rebuilding process for our church, but we are confident that God will lead that too.

Sundays are like new beginnings also. We’re starting a new week, another seven days of living, opportunities and time to share God’s grace with others. I often wonder why we’re still walking on this earth, but God apparently isn’t done with us yet – or perhaps we need more tweaking. As we look ahead to each new day, each new week, every new year – let’s never forget about the love that God showers on us every day. Approach those new times as adventures – part of a journey – and most definitely a gift of God.

HAPPY SUNDAY!

Posted in aging, change, Christian living, Optimism | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

TO THE CABIN

Posted on May 21, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

The week has dragged on far too long, it’s time to get away,

You pack the car and sing a song when Friday comes your way.

You fight the traffic and the heat, you long for the serene.

You need a place to hide away, a different kind of scene,

When you arrive at the front door, you can’t believe your eyes,

The mice now live within your space, it’s not a real surprise,

The fence has seen its better days, the roof is leaking too,

Mosquitos fill the air at night, to get a taste of you,

The rooms are small and crowded, you think it holds such peace,

A place where you can get some rest, your troubles to release,

A cabin in the woods is great, a tent will also do,

Get further from the noise of life and touch the morning dew,

A sleeping bag under the stars will fill the space within,

But I prefer my bed at home or at nice clean inn.

Posted in America, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, creation, Nature, summer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

FIRST BLOOMS OF SPRING

Posted on May 20, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

Wallowing in the quietness of God’s beautiful creation,

Breathing in the scent of flowers and freshly mowed grass,

Observing wispy cloud formations, trying to make something of them,

Lost in the peace of the stillness.  Like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole,

Surrounded by the unknown, but enjoying the ride,

Every second an adventure – each thought full yet empty,

A noisy plane soars through its flight path, a pesky mosquito seeks an opening,

The sounds of a lawn mower, a power saw, a child laughing,

An occasional passing car with radio blaring heavy bass tones,

Penetrates the moment, bringing you back,

Back to reality.  

The stillness has been shattered, but only temporarily.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, Nature, seasons, summer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments