AS YOU WISH . . .

Posted on February 15, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Most little girls dream of being a princess.  They hope that someone will rescue her from all her trouble and sadness – someone who will wrap his arms around her and protect, love and honor her.  As we grow older, we soon discover that real princes are hard to come by, but if we’re blessed, God matches us with just the right man to be our prince. Even then, our “prince” may not fulfill our dreams. It doesn’t take long to realize they aren’t perfect. They are not super-heroes. They aren’t always attentive or don’t always respond how we want them to. On the flip side, we aren’t always the princess they expected either.

Even those with royal titles don’t have it made.  Sure, they have all their physical tended to  They have servants, wealth and power, but they must follow all the rules without question and present themselves as perfect at all times. The one thing that guarantees a royal title is that woman’s father is a king. When we think about our dads, we don’t always think of them as perfect, but our heavenly Father is the One who made our royalty possible.  He paid the complete ransom for our perfection.  Jesus didn’t have to leave His royal throne behind and become a child born into poverty. His kingdom includes all the heavenly realms and everything in the entire universe, but He did so because of His great love for us.

Reality is not beautiful.  It’s not covered with gems and royal garb.  We often have to be crushed before we can see the glory of the true wealth we’ve possessed right from the beginning of our existence. My dream of being a princess didn’t always take the path I would’ve intended for it, but I know that I have a crown waiting for me in heaven – one purchased with the life, death and resurrection of my heavenly prince. Since His love ensures my royalty, I know that I am truly a princess.

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

FOR GOD SO LOVES YOU . . .

Posted on February 14, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

I love you with all my heart! I’d do anything for you! You are the most important person in my life! These are phrases that will be written or said today as we honor those we love. Shouldn’t every day be such a day? It doesn’t even have to involve dinner, wine, flowers or chocolate. The fact that many people don’t bother to tell the most important ones in their lives how much they love them shows a severe crack in relationships.

If God decided to show us His love just one day a year, things could be pretty hopeless for all of us. When Jesus walked the earth, He was the perfect example of love. He showed us how to give love and how to receive it when He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. (John 13:34) His love for us is the perfect valentine. Thank you, Jesus for your unconditional and undeserved love! God’s love endures FOREVER!

Posted in aging, America, ENDURING LOVE, Jesus, valentines day | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

HEART OF MY HEART

Posted on February 13, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Love is not limited to one day. It is part of what Valentine’s Day should be, but like most everything in this country we’ve commercialized a word into a day filled with sentimental cards, boxes of chocolates, flowers, special dinners, all designed to make someone feel “loved.” God’s love doesn’t have any strings attached, because His love is perfect. He loves every person who has ever lived, those who are alive and those who have passed on. His love is unconditional, full of mercy and grace, free of charge, incomprehensible. He loved all of us as His own children and made the necessary sacrifice to win our hearts, minds and souls. Before Valentine’s Day, start thanking Him for the greatest, most beautiful gift any one can receive. It’s life everlasting through Jesus, Christ. Thank you, Lord for that most precious Valentine.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 ESV

Posted in Heaven, Jesus, love, valentines day | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE

Posted on February 11, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Who knew I would be chosen by you?
Who knew that our lives would blend into one
With separate physical bodies, but tied together for a lifetime?
Who knew you would become a man of integrity, a husband, a dad?
You would spend life finding solutions for others through your work.
You find the best in people and let them shine in this world.
You find beauty in God’s creation and make beautiful art to capture it.
You made a great life for me and our family.
You never gave up when life threw lemons at you.
You always looked to God for direction and answers.
Who knew that the young man I fell in love with in my youth
Would grow old with me – share my life – put me first – love me?
Who decided before we even knew each other that you were meant for me?
God knew!

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, ENDURING LOVE | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

POLITICALLY CORRECT

Posted on February 10, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

One of the world’s greatest evangelists, Billy Graham, once said, “Our society strives to avoid any possibility of offending anyone, except God.”  Not only did Mr. Graham have experience as a preacher, but he was a counselor to many presidents over the years and I think he knew a thing or two.

Our nation has become so politically correct that we have almost become numb to the evil that is insidiously wheedling its way into the fiber of our existence.  It seems that nothing shocks anymore.  We are exposed to corruption, scandal, violence, immorality, tolerance for just about any beliefs and behavior.  We have been led into believing that anything goes and we need to be open to every opinion, action and belief except the One who created the World.

We as a nation have put God on the back burner.  To many He simply doesn’t exist because He isn’t visible and there is nothing tangible to prove His existence.  To some, they have made other things or beliefs into gods.  Unfortunately, the God upon which our nation was founded, can’t even be spoken about in the political arena, the legal system, public schools, the entertainment business or sporting events without criticism – however, there seems to be an insistence that we tolerate every other god out there.

As Christians, we have been pushed aside and often are being persecuted for our beliefs.  It’s really time for us to take a stand.  Of course we can’t do that alone, because the ways of the world seem to be gaining more and more strength each day.

Lord, I know that you can conquer any evil that inhabits this planet.  We, as your people, need to be strong and courageous again in our faith.  Help us to stand up for you and your precepts.  Give us the perseverance to uphold your truths.  Even if we face ridicule or death, help us continue to keep you alive in a society that doesn’t seem to need you anymore.  Your will be done.  Amen.

Posted in aging, America, Bullying, change, confidence | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

POLITICS AS USUAL

Posted on February 8, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

No need to elaborate on Mark Twain’s quote, but we have just witnessed another State of the Union Address. President Biden appeared the most presidential we have seen for some time. The Peanut Gallery of Congressmen and women didn’t fail to amuse or tickle our funny bones. It wasn’t the Grammys, but I didn’t watch that either. After his opening remarks, we decided to switch channels to watch a movie called “The Grass Harp.” It was by far a wonderful story filled with love, memories, unfulfilled dreams and a cast of great actors. It took the edge off what would’ve been another review of another president and all those who support and don’t support him.

I know it’s important to stay informed, but when you live as long as I have, it’s just more of the same. I was born in 1942, during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. I was too young to know about politics, so it didn’t matter much to me who was or wasn’t the leader of the free world. Over my lifetime, I have seen fifteen men hold the office of president. There were the very charming and charismatic. There were military men with years of leadership experience. There were those who knew about world events and had traveled to those places. There were the meek, the weak, the powerful, the womanizers, those in the realm of business, the young and old. Quite a conglomeration of personalities, style, moxie and power. The first African American was also among them.

Every four years we put someone on that pedestal and hope that our needs will be fulfilled. Unfortunately, these people are just like the rest of us and yet far different at the same time. When President Trump gave his State of the Union Address, the Speaker of the House blatantly tore up her copy of his speech. Last night, was the scene of heckling, booing, and grown-ups acting like children. What has become of us as a nation? Do we resort to name calling, insults and backstabbing to settle our differences? What it boils down to is our insatiable desire to be better than each other.

I won’t go any further, or I’ll be accused of a posting a political rant. It just seems we’re never satisfied, no matter who is in office, and just think, it won’t be long before the next presidential election is on us. Praise our Almighty God, that He is in control – even in times of chaos and confusion.

Posted in aging, America, politics, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

STORMS A COMIN’

Posted on February 7, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Standing alone in a storm as wind tears through the trees is not only frightening but lacks wisdom. Our bodies grow tense, the adrenaline flows, and all our emotions can explode into crushing fear. The sea rages as waves crash against each other. Tree branches entangle and caress one another. A shot of electricity fills the sky as rumbles from the voice of God test your eardrums to make sure you’re paying attention.  Clouds open and heavenly water hits the exposed skin of the earth.  It swallows each drop with a thirst indescribable. The pores open and accept their satisfying drink. Your own skin is pounded by the tempestuous wind – hammered by the force of God’s tears – twisted by the unknown and unrelenting.

When pursued by the storms of life we react the same way. We tense up, we grow anxious, we lose faith, we may even  give up. This is the time to turn to the Creator of the Universe. He alone controls the depth of the seas, the heights of the mountains, the volume of precipitation, the devastation that comes with a wind that is sent to clear out the remnants of what once was good, but now has withered and died.

PRAY! Talk to Him again. There is  an open line of communication. We’re no longer bound by the wall established when man thought he knew better than God. Life changed then, but has once again been reversed. We have been restored, refreshed and renewed by the living water of Jesus, the true Son of God – true God and true Man.

Our storm has been calmed. Our life has returned. Our hope for a future has been re-established.

Posted in aging, anxiety, fear, storms | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

GROWING OLD, FADING FAST

Posted on February 6, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

No, this photograph is not me, although I’ve been known to wear a clown nose. I’ve also worn a fake nose and glasses while driving through a McDonald’s Drive-thru. When I found this photo on the internet, I couldn’t help but relate. I’m afraid I am a hopeless comic. I’ve dreamed of doing stand-up comedy but am afraid I’d have to sit down. But seriously folks, I did get a chance to fulfill that item from my bucket list last year. It was part of of a performance by the theatre group I belong to called “Jewels of deNial.” This group gets together once a week to brainstorm ideas from our past and turn them into a comedic radio shows, which we then take to senior centers throughout our area. It’s kind of like sitting around the campfire telling stories and laughing. Sometimes those stories get embellished and lead to more laughter.

As most of you know, my philosophy is that we can get through almost every situation if we look for the funny in it. That doesn’t mean we go around laughing at everything, but it does raise some eyebrows and cause snide remarks from those who don’t get the joke. The idea of laughing at everything isn’t always the best way to chase away the blues, but it sure beats sitting around feeling sad all the time. God did not create us to be anxious or depressed. So, I’ll finish today’s post with a poem.

ORIGINAL POETRY by KATHY BOECHER©

There are days when I wonder if I will survive,

And then I thank God, because I’m alive,

My hearing is failing, my body is sagging,

My breathing is short and my memory is lagging,

My senses have weakened with time and much use,

My teeth are most missing and some of them loose,

My muscles are dwindling, my skin is now dry,

I’m easily saddened and often do cry,

My eyes still may glisten, but often can’t see,

Do you that’s all that will be left of me,

When I float off this coil of decay and dark sin,

Will my Savior be waiting to welcome me in,

I know that He will for He said that He would,

He promised salvation and life that is good,

Though I wait and I wait for that day to arrive,

I still thank the Lord that He’s kept me alive.

Posted in aging, America, humor, Poetry by Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

FREE FALLING

Posted on February 5, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

WATERCOLOR OF YELLOWSTONE FALLS BY PAUL BOECHER – POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

A plethora of color weaving in and out of the sun-drenched water,

Tumbling over rocks and dead branches in its path,

Energy exuberant, light amazing, threads of crimson, indigo, gold,

Dancing, churning, forcing, pushing through the mountain path,

A tapestry of technicolor, an astonishing dream cloak of many colors.

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

THIS OLD HOUSE

Posted on February 4, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

WATERCOLOR ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

A house is just a dwelling place, a place to sleep and eat,

A set of rooms to roam about, to gather and to greet,

Each filled with lath and plaster, with paint and other things,

It soon becomes inhabited and that’s when life begins,

The walls could tell us stories of who these people were,

By things they said, the hugs and joys and words that would occur,

Of broken hearts, of emptiness, of loss and loneliness,

Of joyfulness and goals achieved, of peace and happiness,

It’s just a simple shelter made of brick or wood or stone,

But when a family lives there, it soon becomes a home.

Posted in aging, Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, Chrstian daily devotions, Encouragement | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

IT’S JUST A SENIOR MOMENT ….

Posted on February 3, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

The majority of my posts this week have dealt with aging. I’ve tried to interject some humor into the whole thing, but there isn’t really anything funny about growing old. Our bodies have passed the expiration date, our senses have taken leave of their senses – our faces resemble the lines on a crumpled-up road map – our brains seem to be on vacation. Did I say there was nothing funny about aging? All of the prior statements are really quite hilarious.

There are days when I wake up thinking of all things I might accomplish and get so tired just thinking about them, I decide to go back to sleep. I might wake up feeling like an empty vessel with nothing left to give. Do you ever have days like that? Thirty years ago, I was entering middle age. It’s been downhill ever since. \I’ve had the last several years to ponder what will happen next. Will I still serve a purpose? Will my body agree with that purpose? Will I be able to get out of bed? These are real questions I put to myself every day. It’s a dilemma we’ve all been facing from adolescence on. As hormones rage and life presents new ideas, adventures and looking forward, we’re just getting started on the aging journey. With the onset of the seventies, thoughts no longer dwell on the future, but more on the past. As we enter the golden years, all of those earlier hopes and dreams feel like unfinished business. Speaking of which, I’m 80 years old and don’t have a living will, a will for my demise, or the will to write either of them. I don’t have a prepaid funeral, but because my husband’s father was a funeral director, I do have a place to be buried. There are many things yet to do before God calls me home, but the one thing needful is the undeserved love of my LORD and Savior, Jesus.

So, is there anything good about growing old? Yes, there is! We’re getting one step closer to our heavenly home. We can still contribute to society with our opinions and wisdom. We can reach out to young people who are just beginning their journey and encourage them to press on. We can relax a lot. and sleep a lot. Those are the extra benefits that come with aging. There are many, many more. How do you feel about getting old? For me, it doesn’t matter what each day brings. God has this and He knows what’s best for all of us.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6

Posted in aging, America, Faith, God, Humor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on IT’S JUST A SENIOR MOMENT ….

THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AND . . .

Posted on February 2, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

February is the shortest month of the year, so we tend to pack as much stuff into it as we can. Right off the bat, we have Groundhog Day on February 2nd – a day, which has for over a hundred years become the worshipping of a rodent. The poor thing has been disturbed from his winter slumber to see or not to see his shadow. The Super Bowl game continues to be played in February. We sit back and enjoy the gladiators tear each other apart on this day, like they once did in Rome. We gather for parties to celebrate this activity and become part of the event – especially when “our” team wins. Back in the 1960s, a group of British musicians, with bowl styled haircuts, arrived in New York to meet a crowd of swooning teenagers. In mid-February, we have Valentine’s Day, which provides the candy and flower industry with the bulk of their yearly profits. Do you see a pattern here? February is packed with idols.

March will come soon enough. We can probably expect another six weeks of winter, because we live in Minnesota. In fact, we can probably expect another 3 months of it. The Super Bowl will produce an outstanding contest and some funny commercials, but the day after, will be just like any other day for most of us. Some new rock icon will undoubtedly come on the scene and capture the hearts of unsuspecting teenagers, but they too will fall by the wayside in time. As far as Valentine’s Day is concerned, I believe that day should extend throughout the year.

We as a nation have changed some over the years, but it’s interesting how we have a tendency to turn to things of this world for enjoyment or comfort. We have no problem putting these events or people on a pedestal, but it seems so difficult for some to believe in the One true God. Maybe it seems too simple minded to some or they want something tangible. The Old Testament Israelites had a habit of doing that too. God wants us to enjoy our lives. He doesn’t want us to suffer. His love is shown in so many ways and still we rely on worldly things to give us pleasure. Instead, turn your worship to the One who created all things. He is the only One who gives life meaning and purpose. He is the One who never changes. He is in control.

LORD, I ask you to continue to be the hope of my life. You are the only awesome God – the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Let me always place my trust in you. Amen!

Posted in aging, America, ground hog day | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

DO YOU FEEL SAFE AT HOME?

Posted on February 1, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Every year, as a senior citizen having a wellness check, you’re asked, “Do you feel safe at home?” I guess I never thought about it until I was asked. Up until then I felt pretty safe no matter where I was. Now, after being asked over and over again, I’m beginning to wonder. I’ve taken to being more cautious walking through a house full of roadblocks. I try to avoid falling by staying away from anything that would cause that – like stairs, slippery sidewalks, not eating expired food and things like that. I’ve also taken to watching out the window of my house at what I used to think as a safe neighborhood and wonder if I’m living in the middle of a drug cartel – a house of ill repute or one slowly becoming a refuge for homeless folks.

What happened to those days when we didn’t think about locking our doors? Why do we have to worry about being swindled online or through some scam phone call? Does getting old mean you naturally start worrying about things like that – or are we being brainwashed into thinking that aging is the first step into a nursing home or a mental institution? Aging used to be an accomplishment. The elderly used to hold a place of respect and honor. We were supposed to become sage adults with great wisdom. Now, if you can remember four words that were spoken to you at the beginning of your medical exam, you’re suddenly a genius. If not, look out. You’re on the road to memory loss. As far as feeling safe, most of the time, we seem to be invisible, so we shouldn’t fear anything.

This journey through life should not depend on our feeling safe, or needing hearing aids, new hips, knees or teeth. It should be a time of rest and retirement, but that I don’t think it usually works out that way. Instead we are constantly talking about medical issues, what pills we take or how many bowel movements we have. Like I said earlier this week, aging is overrated.

“I’m at an age when my back goes out more than I do.” Phyllis Diller

Posted in aging, humor | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

OLD HORSES

Posted on January 31, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Aging is my topic for the week and to tell you the truth, the whole thing is getting me depressed. An old adage says, “They shoot old horses, don’t they?” As I searched for an image for this post, all I could find were pictures of sickly old horses and that depressed me even more. Instead, I opted for the antique rocking horse. That doesn’t mean I consider myself an antique, but by all rights, all things over the age 50 are deemed as such.

In ancient times, people lived well into their 300’s.  God’s reason was for man to be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth. I am eternally grateful that the world has filled up and there is no need to be fruitful and multiply anymore. I can’t imagine myself changing diapers at age 245 or sending my kids off to college at 263. The average life expectancy for women in America is 81. That means I’ve got about 4 months left, but who’s counting? So where am I going with all this?  I think we need a lot of years to get our act together.  For some of us, it takes longer to figure that out than others.

Old age comes with its plusses and minuses.  As for the benefits – you can get a senior discount at most places you shop or eat.  People offer you a seat if you look tired or weakly enough.  They may even let you go ahead of them in line.  You may get faster service at the clinic than you do from a store clerk.  The world has had the pleasure of your company for a long time, so you are now labeled as “wise” rather than impetuous.

On the negative side – you leave the room on a quest and forget what it was by the time you get there.  You’re tagged as “hot,” but it’s not because of the way you look. You finally get your act together and realize your body is falling apart. You can still laugh at your circumstances, but your smile is full of empty spaces.  When you get down on your knees to pick something up, you better think of more than one thing to do while you’re down there. Take advantage of the little things in life, because now you aren’t sure which pill is for what. Your life consists of MRIs, Cat Scans, Biopsies, and constant trips to the bathroom, not to mention a datebook that’s filled with doctor appointments.

We all know we’re getting older. That leads us to only one truth – we’re going to die.  So, we need to spend each second of life, trusting that God is going to use us for His purpose.  We can also be confident that life doesn’t end for those who believe in God.  He has a whole new blueprint etched out for us on the other side of eternity. While we wait for that second chance, remember that old age is inevitable if we live long enough. Is that “wise” or what? Eleanor Roosevelt out it this way.

“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”

Posted in aging, America, change, courage, encouragment, Humor | Tagged , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

GROWING OLD IS OVERRATED

Posted on January 30, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

“You know you’re old when someone compliments you on your alligator shoes, and you’re barefoot.”

Phyllis Diller

My weekly planner looks like I’ve become very popular lately. There’s an appointment for almost every day of the week, and my doc assures me that all my numbers are normal. Well, “normal” takes on a whole new meaning when you get on the “Specialist” train. It starts with one thing, which leads to another and eventually, like a much-desired dance card, your planner is full. I’ve seen the orthopedic surgeon, who administered a cortisone shot. Today, I get my Dexa scan, which for an 80-year-old woman, looks pretty good. Eye exam is scheduled for the next week and Urologist for a follow-up after that. Isn’t it funny how when you call the urologist’s office, they always tell you to hold?

Aging is a state of mind – I keep telling myself. Anyone without a sense of humor shouldn’t even consider it. My husband and I have been together since we were thirteen years old. We managed to stay married for almost 59 years and if it weren’t for our ability to laugh, we would’ve given uo a long time ago. We decided to grow old together, which we soon discovered, we have no control over. In fact, there’s not much we have control over anymore, including our bladders.

I keep storing up more material for our senior radio show. Growing old is funny just by itself. I don’t need to add much to the situations, like closed captioning, misinterpretation of unheard words spoken by my husband, and silly questions that have nothing to do with anything. Memory is failing, and the moments we do remember happened two generations ago. Therefore, they have no relevance in today’s world. So, I continue to laugh. People may think I have a screw loose and they could be right. Although, according to my medical team, I’m going to live for a long time. Watch out world.

PSALM 37:25 ESV – “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread.”

Posted in aging, anxiety, change, Family, God, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

MY HIDING PLACE

Posted on January 29, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Deep within the tallest pines, with dark night’s haze enshrouded,

A hidden place encased in webs of silver threads beclouded,

A quiet sanctuary, a place to run and hide,

A place to lick the wounds of hurt and safely stay inside,

Away from life’s diversions, a cave to call your own,

Where you can hide your troubles and bury them alone,

A place like that does not exist when you believe in God,

For He will never leave you, no matter where you trod,

He’s by your side through all your pain, through joy and suffering too,

He knows you need His presence to help you see it through,

You simply can’t escape Him, He’s in the air you breathe,

Give in to His protection, His blessings He’ll bequeath.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Inspiration, rest, sanctuary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

WARMTH IN WINTER

Posted on January 28, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

Shortened days – lack of sunlight,
Fields are white and streets now glazed,
In the icy silence of a stolen breath,
Through wild anticipation of lost moments soon remembered,
Anxiously we wait for one who promised He would come.

In a manger – in a stable – gently laid upon the hay,
His return will be in glory, as a king he will arrive,
Through his power and his wisdom, he will judge and cast away,
All the evil and deception of the one whose only drive,
Is to make an interruption in the path we’ve chosen.

Light in darkness – sweet redemption – all my sins He melts away,
He brings life from deep depression – cradling in His arms each day.
In darkest hours I make confession of my guilt – I bare it all,
He forgives and grants me healing – He is there to take the fall,
I know He will always catch His dear children.

Frozen landscapes soon are hidden. Only pastures green remain,
He will lead me by still waters ’til He comes to earth again,
No fear of death will e’er surround me. I know it cannot sting me now,
I’ve given him my one possession – to Him my life I do endow,
Take me, oh Lord and use me to thaw hearts to find your gentle warmth.

Posted in aging, anxiety, Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

FIRST RESPONSE OR LAST RESORT?

Posted on January 27, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

Worry seems to be part of our human nature. It’s interesting to me that animals don’t seem to carry that trait, and what a blessing for them. I mean, they have to find a warm place to sleep when it gets cold. They need to find food when they’re hungry. If the climate changes, they adapt to a new way of life. Still, not one of them has to worry about those things. They just do what needs to be done. As part of the human race, I tend to be a worrier. As a mother, that makes me twice the worrier. As a woman, I feel an extra measure of worry is built into our DNA. However, Jesus told His followers not to worry about anything. Come to Him and lay your burdens on His shoulders.

Sounds easy – right? It should be easy as pie to turn our worries over to someone else, but it doesn’t naturally work that way. Instead, we try to find a solution on our own. Maybe that comes from having a free will and a mind of our own, but we have a resource that gives us permission to let it go. Surrender is never easy, however. Our pride gets in the way. Our determination and wherewithal tell us that we should be able to handle whatever life throws at us, without help from anyone else.

When the Creator of all things invites us to turn things over to Him, He gives us a blessing beyond our wildest imagination. No, that doesn’t mean He’s a genie in a bottle, ready to endow us with whatever we wish, but what He gives is far greater than anything we want. Since He is the One who made each and every creature (including us) it’s a pretty good sign that He will deliver.

Waiting until all else fails to pray, is not the answer. Going to God immediately with your concerns, your troubles, your decisions, whatever – will open doors you may never have dreamed of. Prayer can also be answered in dramatic ways with instant results. Most of the time, that doesn’t happen. We don’t have the wisdom or foresight to look into the future. God does. In fact, He has already planned the course for our lives. There may be prayers that go unanswered, because God knew they were not the right thing for you. There are prayers that come back with a giant “NO!” or a “MAYBE LATER.” Just remember that God loves you and wants only what’s best for you. He has complete control over the course of our lives and when the answer is, “YES!” you will have the comfort and peace of knowing it.

We don’t possess the ability to hear God’s voice or to know exactly what He wants for us, but the peace that comes with His plans are always for our benefit. He encourages us to pray. He speaks to us daily through His Holy Word. We can see evidence of His existence in the majesty of creation. He loves us more than we know. He is always with us. He laid down His life for all. Don’t wait until nothing else works. PRAY NOW!

 “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” 1 John 5:14 ESV

Posted in aging, anxiety, art by Paul T. Boecher, God, prayer, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

NOW I LAY ME, DOWN TO SLEEP . . .

Posted on January 26, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

When I was a child, I was taught to pray – Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.  If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord, my soul to take. Amen!  After this simple prayer I would ask God’s blessings on all my family members, the pets, grandmas, grandpas and aunts and uncles.  I might also include someone that I had a problem with that day. Things have changed since those innocent days of youth.

Now my prayer list is getting so long, I often fall asleep before I’ve completed all the of them. The older you get, the more folks you need to pray for. There are those with serious illnesses, those who need God in their life to make it complete, those who have strayed from Him, those who feel life isn’t worth living anymore. There are the aged, the young adults starting their families, the teens who face unheard of stress and temptation and the children who are depending on good examples in their lives. God invites us to talk to Him and it is good to go to Him with our troubles, but we should also go to Him when things are going well and give Him the thanks He deserves.

Dear, Lord, it’s a privilege to come to you in prayer.  Your Son made that possible, by shedding His blood for me, a sinner.  Thank you for giving us an open line to you at any time of the day or night. Even my inadequate words are interpreted, through your Holy Spirit, in the right way. You control every inch of my existence.  Amen!

Posted in aging, Children, praise, prayer | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

SOLITUDE

Posted on January 26, 2023 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©


In solitude we sometimes find ourselves – we need some time alone,

A quiet place where life stands still – an instant safety zone,

Where waters blue surround us, where peace is everywhere,

Where you can hear the voice of God, in quiet, thoughtful prayer,

He may not give us answers that we would like to hear,

But in the sweet serenity, He holds us ever near,

The beauty of those moments, renew – refresh – restore,

So we can handle all the things the world may have in store,

Within that peaceful time with God, our eyes will never close,

New life is ours when we believe our every need He knows,

He has designed what’s best for us, He knows our every need

He proved it when He gave to us, His Son to intercede,

Though we may need to sort things out, we never walk alone,

God has a plan for all of us to reach His heavenly throne.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Faith, God, isolation, prayer | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments