THINK SPRING . . .

Posted on March 4, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

If we were to be distracted by every bit of news that comes our way; if our minds drift to thoughts of depression and anxiety; if our hope runs out; where do we turn. It’s easy for us to say that God has this, but we need to be involved in what He has. We need to pray – to communicate with the One who created the earth and all within the universe – to thank, praise and ask. I recall the picture of Jesus, knocking at the door. This image should stir positive thoughts for all of us. Jesus invites us to seek Him out. He tells us to pray incessantly. He wants to hear from us. He also promises that the door will always be opened. We will not be turned away.

This past week has been fraught with thoughts of nuclear war – destruction, death, fear, feelings of hopelessness. As I open my computer each morning to begin writing my blog, my eyes are quickly drawn to the horrors going on in this world. My head is swimming with what will happen to this planet in the next decade. I see headlines dealing with human trafficking, fraud, corruption, drug dependency, addictions of many kinds, people taking their own lives because they simply don’t want to be here anymore. Friends and family face difficult health issues, friends are involved in lifechanging relationships. Mental illness is at an all-time high. Children are fearful of attending schools and parents fear sending them. There is darkness everywhere. How do we step back into light when there seems to be none?

Still, there is always a glimmer of light. Darkness cannot survive when there is even the smallest speck of light. Think of the glory of God and how He shines upon each life on this planet. He is always available to us. We are not capable of changing the evil that erupts in so many areas of life, but we can rely on the One in charge to bring the light back into our dismal darkness.

Looking out my window today, I see a few small patches of remaining snow. There are also remnants of fallen leaves from last autumn and branches that have dried and purged themselves from their base. I could look at this scene as one of work that needs to be done to get it back to where it was before. I could wallow in self-pity at the thought of it. I could also look forward to the new growth that will soon spring through the ugliness and bring along with it – new life. A positive attitude takes a lot of positive thinking. In Christ alone, we have that truth engraved into our hearts. The power of God works through His Holy Spirit who is much more powerful than the ugliness of the evil one.

The watercolor painting of beautiful spring flowers reminds me that Paul has already experienced the true light of paradise. In this world there will be trouble. Remember that Jesus is not of this world. His light will endure through anything. Believe!

Posted in art & inspiration from the Boechers, Daily devotion, Encouragement, Faith, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A HOMESPUN, SEAMLESS ROBE FOR A KING . . .

Posted on March 4, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

My name is Hannah. My family has survived because our men are shepherds and the women spin the wool from the sheep. We then weave it into cloth, thus providing clothing for sale in the marketplace. It’s not an easy task. For one thing, the wool smells bad. We must first wash it in the river to get the stink off of it. Then we spin – a laborious task which takes much time and perseverance. It seems to take an eternity to spin enough thread for one garment. Once the thread is spun, it’s placed on the loom. Strings of thread are attached to the loom and the shuttle feeds other thread through in the opposite direction. A tool called a comb tightens the cloth together, so it is extremely resistant to the elements. Spinning a piece of cloth that has no seams is quite unusual and very time consuming.

Once the cloth is woven, it can be dyed, depending on the customer. If they are wealthy they can afford to purchase dyed fabric of purple, blue or red. The dyes for those colors are extremely expensive. Most dyes are made from herbs and natural items – like berries, flowers and other sources from the earth.

We’d carry the finished products to market to sell. This year I brought one of those special garments in hopes of selling it. It was the week of Passover. The sales had to be enough to sustain us for the long year ahead. Passover is one of the major festivals for the Hebrew people. Many come to celebrate and purchase things to take back home. The city was buzzing with activity. I was especially proud of the seamless, tightly woven robe of crimson. Maybe a prince would pass by and purchase I’m pretty good at selling. All I had to do was convince someone that the color was the result of a special dye made from murex sea snails when in actuality, the dye was made from the roots of the madder plant. I was stretching the truth, but someone might see the hidden value in this piece of work.

One of the Roman centurions approached my tent. I started my sales pitch. I showed him the crimson tunic. He bought it with very little hesitation. He paid a good price, and we were both satisfied with the transaction. I wondered what he would do with a garment of that sort. He was physically much too big to wear it himself. He certainly could afford richer fabric, but I said nothing.

I discovered later that the robe was going to be used by the leaders of the Sanhedrin. Apparently, there was a man named Jesus who was preaching contrary to their beliefs. They planned to make an example of this so-called zealot. This innocent man would stand trial, be beaten and tortured. Since the people were claiming Jesus was a king, a crown of razor-sharp thorns was placed on his head and a homespun, seamless robe would be placed on his bloodied body to mock Him. Once the garment was sold, I never heard another thing about it. I don’t know where it wound up, but I know that whoever it was intended for was a true prince – one who was willing to sacrifice His own life for the sins of all people.

Life goes on in my world. I continued to spin wool into thread and make garments to sell. I will die someday, but I believe that Jesus is more than a mere prince. He is the Son of God who died and rose again for my eternal life. That’s the best deal ever and it didn’t cost a cent.

Psalm 22:18 “they divide my garments among them,
    and for my clothing they cast lots.”

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THE NETS ARE FULL . . .

Posted on March 3, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ETHAN, THE FISHERMAN

My name is Ethan. I live in the city of Galilee, and I make my living from the beautiful waters of the sea outside my humble home. When the sun rises each day, I begin my work. After just a short respite of sleep, I prepare for another day of fishing. Sleep is often sacrificed for fishing during the evening hours. Most of my neighbors are fishermen too. We come home to rest briefly, restock our supplies and gather some clean, dry clothes and a meager lunch. Most of our meals come directly from the sea. The weather is a big factor. If it’s a stormy day, chances are we won’t set our nets. When the sea is calm is the best time for us to set sail for another day of work. You can imagine what we smell like when we return home. Our clothing is covered with fish blood, sweat and the aroma of fresh sea air.

My skin has been tanned by the sun, but years of fishing has caused it to dry and wrinkle. Tiny lines are beginning to form around my eyes from straining them against the reflections on the water. Some days are better than others. Being a man of the sea requires diligence and perseverance. Not to mention a great deal of patience. Those attributes equip us for the many hours of work we put in.

We work anywhere from ten to twelve hours a day. We’re considered low class citizens because of our raucous lifestyle and bad language. We’re tough under pressure. We have to be. There are times when windstorms could cause our boats to capsize. Strong arms are a requirement for the trade. My temper sometimes gets the best of me. I often put my foot in my mouth and say the wrong thing. Some consider me to be outspoken, but most of them just ignore me.

A man who came from Galilee has been making a name for Himself and has gained quite a following. He performs miraculous deeds. He speaks with authority about His mission. I don’t understand exactly what He’s talking about, but I do know that He seems to be a great fisherman. I can relate to that. He sailed with some of His friends one day. You know how fish stories go. They sometimes exaggerate the truth, but I was a witness to this one. As they put their nets into the water, hordes of fish jumped into them. It was as if the sea had spit out every one of its best fish. There were so many, they had to call on others to help them carry the fish to shore. I’d never seen anything like it. Was it a miracle? I’m not sure, but it sure seemed so. I will never see another catch like I did that day.

A few of my fellow fishermen decided to follow the man. His “mission” was made clear to them. This man named Jesus told them that they would now become fishers of men. A few of them went with Him. Maybe I should have joined them. Perhaps my life would be different if I followed that call. There are times when I wonder why I’m here. What’s my purpose? I try to plan my life the way I think it should go, but that doesn’t seem to work. I lack the faith that those other fishermen had in the man they chose to follow. I wonder what ever happened to them.

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SOOTHING THE SAVAGE BEAST . . .

Posted on March 2, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The news of this past weekend has everyone on edge. We need something to soothe our souls and give us comfort. Instead of blaming, shaming, getting angrier, losing it, falling apart or giving up, I’m starting the week with a small gallery of watercolor paintings by Paul and a short poem by me. Our hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. Remember that God is in control, no matter how we mess things up.

His hand can change a simple brook into a raging ocean,

His arm extends across the sea and with His voice it opens,

He fills the waters with abundance of living things,

He feeds the creatures with the food He brings,

He takes a seed – it furrows in the ground,

With water fresh the seed will soon abound,

With life and food to nourish and enjoy,

He does this with the power He does employ,

With beauty that delights and satisfies,

With love He opens up the skies,

He pours His light on those below,

He shelters them so they will know,

That God is in His heaven and all is well,

For He has rescued us from living hell.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY TO PROCLAIM YOUR VICTORY OVER DEATH. THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS WITH OTHERS AND REMIND US THAT YOU HAVE CONTROL OVER ALL THINGS!

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God's promises, God's will | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

WALK IN MY SHOES . . .

Posted on March 2, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

SAUL, THE MAKER OF SANDALS & BOOTS

My name is Saul. I was named for one of Israel’s early kings. I make shoes and boots, but most often sandals. Since I live in an arid part of the world it’s a vital occupation. Sandals are needed to keep the feet cool and to sift the sand away from those same feet. I like to refer to myself as an artisan, because the work I do is more of a craft. Each shoe must be designed to fit perfectly. I start by measuring and making a pattern to follow. These specially crafted shoes will support the weight of the one wearing them. They need to be comfortable yet ready for action. I come from a long line of shoemakers. For as long as I remember, I’ve watched my father, my grandfather and those before them, make one of a kind footwear. We tan the hide ourselves to form leather which is the main ingredient of the shoe. We add things like reeds and other plant material that will withstand the elements.

I remember my grandfather talking about my people’s exodus from Egypt and the shoes that never wore out in the forty years they were used. God did this to show them His provision. The clothing they traveled in never wore out either. Can you imagine wearing the same shoes and clothes for forty years? God provided food for them too. How great He is. He cares for His people in so many ways. The shoes I make are designed to last for a long time, but 40 years?

Since feet are partially exposed, the sand will sift through. The outside air keeps the feet dry. Unfortunately, for the wearer, sandals had to be replaced often. People traveled almost everywhere by foot. Feet would often become blistered or skin would dry out so much it bled. It’s my job to make sure I used the best leather hides I could find – skins that would hold up under the pressure of rocky terrain as well as sand, pebbles and other debris.

The removing of sandals upon entering a home or business is common. We look at it as a practice of humility. Usually our shoes take a beating, but our feet do too. Being exposed to the elements wherever we go, means those sandals will have to be replaced. I fill orders for the Roman soldiers. Their sandals require a lot more attention. The soles must be thick enough to withstand hours of marching. The straps not only supported the feet, but ankles and legs as well. Different animal hides are used for that purpose.

Jesus, the promised Messiah, began His ministry during a time of oppression in Jerusalem. It seems my people have always undergone slavery of one kind or another. We pray daily for our Savior King to arrive. Many don’t recognize Him for who He is. Most expect another David or Solomon to come on a white stallion to conquer our enemies. Jesus is just like any other man. Yet He is filled with the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. He can heal people of their illnesses and cast out demons. All the words spoken of Him since the beginning of time, have been fulfilled by His doing. He speaks about a life after death – a place where no more sorrow exists. He has become quite popular with His words and deeds. The people are eager for someone to rescue them. I believe that Jesus is that Savior.

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MY GOD & KING

Posted on March 1, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

You are my only King, sweet Jesus, meek and small.

You came in deep humility to help me to stand tall.

You lift me up, dear, Lord – you lead me in your way

And now I praise your holy name on this your holy day.

Prepare my heart for you. Make me your servant, Lord.

Give confidence to this old heart and teach me through your Word.

You give new life to me. You wash me white as snow.

Now let me sing your praises, Lord. So all the world will know.

These are uncertain times for all of humanity. God knows that we need Hiis presence in our lives and it becomes more apparent with each beat of the clock and every passing day. When it looks like there is nothing positive – nothing hopeful – nothing relevant – nothing meaningful, we must turn back to Him and His plan for our future. He has promised to care for His people. He did so by eliminating sin through the pure blood of His own Son. He wants only good for us. He will provide in His time and place. The time is ripe. Trust in His divine majesty and power. He will come again in such a time a this.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR YOUR LIFE, PAIN, SUFFERING, CRUCIFIXION, DEATH AND RESURRECTION. THROUGH ALL OF THIS, YOU GIVE US HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. AMEN!

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God's plans, Jesus, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on MY GOD & KING

FULFILLED PROPHESY . . .

Posted on February 28, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

As I’ve indicated when I started this series, there is very little that we know about Jesus as a child. We do know He was devoted to His family and worked alongside His stepfather, Joseph. We know that He was not like any other child, because of His divinity. We can read the story of Him as a child of twelve at the temple in Jerusalem, teaching the leaders of the church. He was well acquainted with the Old Testament, since He took part in writing it.

The Word of God has a lot to say about the Messiah. In the Old Testament. There are over 300 prophesies written about Him and what He would do – how He would live and die – those He’d associate with – His mission and more. Here are just a few:

  • Isaiah 53:1, 3* – “Who has believed our message? To whom will the Lord reveal His saving power? He was despised and rejected – a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on Him and looked the other way when He went by. He was despised, and we did not care.”
  • Isaiah 53:7-8 – “He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet He never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, He did not open His mouth. From prison and trial they led Him away to His death.”
  • Psalm 22:14-16* – “My life is poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within Me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of My mouth. You have laid Me in the dust and left Me for dead. My enemies surround Me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on Me. They have pierced My hands and feet.”

There are many more prophesies that He fulfilled during His lifetime. The most important being that He gave His life for the redemption of all people. He was the unblemished lamb of Old Testament law – the final sacrifice that would take away the sins of the world. He rose from a horrific death to life in a restored body and sits at the right hand of His Father in heaven. Because of Him, we are guaranteed the same new life.

The man He became, says a lot about His upbringing and character. He was friendly and knew how to communicate to the common man. I imagine He had an amazing speaking voice; gentle and kind, yet loud enough to reach the ears of thousands. He honored His earthly parents as well as His heavenly Father. He had a servant attitude up to the point of laying down His life for the world and their sins. He knew about fishing, carpentry, agriculture, walking on water, calming a storm and being useful in His community. He was able to heal people and raise them from the dead. He was generous, spoke the truth, knew what was in people’s hearts and minds and enjoyed being with them. He was also determined in His mission for mankind, which required a great amount of focus.  He was angry with the corruption of God’s Word and wasted no words in stating His displeasure.  He prayed fervently for His people.  He loved and continues to love everyone.

Jesus was a man, but He was also God. This is a most amazing concept and difficult to understand, but because of man’s fall into sin, our connection to the mind of God had been broken. Someday it will all make perfect sense to us. What we need to know about Jesus, is that He loved us so much that He died for us. He rose again, on the third day. We can be sure that He conquered death. Because of that, we’ll also rise.

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HOMESTEAD . . .

Posted on February 28, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

I’m not sure where this building was located – if it was a home – a business – a landmark, but it is an interesting watercolor with many brilliant hues and very inviting. I especially love the sky. Paul had a knack for creating Stephen Spielberg skies. If you enjoy his movies, you’ll see what I mean. This sky in this painting is devoid of clouds, but the variation of color indicates some wispiness. Watercolor painting allows for the paint to take over at times. I think it does with this painting.

A cobblestone path, surrounded by trees
Leads up to a house constructed of mortar and brick,
With shutters for shade, preventing a freeze,
The doors were not locked, its light was a lone candlestick,
A fire to cook on and warmth to provide,
When the days danced through autumn and trees lost their splendor,
More wood would be needed for warmth inside,
They never complained though their bodies grew worn and tender,
A plain, simple house, with acres to till,
A place to call home, with labor that required hours,
A long time ago the time oft stood still,
But springtime allowed them to smell freshly cut flowers,
They looked to the earth to provide them with food,
They planted the seeds and waited for God’s nourishment,
They harvested crops, gave thanks for the good,
They never gave up or gave in to discouragement.
That old fashioned life is all but forgot,
We depend upon others to provide for our needs,
God takes a back seat, but gone He is not,
We think we control and rely on our deeds,
Our deeds do not save, our works are outcomes,
Of hearts that are thankful for all that Jesus has done,
He set our souls free, our sin he becomes,
When He died on a cross, our victory o’er death He won.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Family, nostalgia | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

A BUMPER CROP . . .

Posted on February 27, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ILAN, THE GARDENER

When we approach the final days of life, our mind tends to wonder what it was all for. We aren’t the same as we once were. We experience physical pain and have endured emotional loss along the way. Our spiritual growth is also coming to an end as we near heaven’s holy entrance. We’ve been weeded, broken, replanted, grafted, and pruned. From the point of view of an old gardener, named Ilan (which is the Hebrew word for tree) we learn what he discovered as he finished up his duties in the Garden of Gethsemane.

I don’t know how much longer I can continue on this way. My back is breaking from the constant bending. Why do I put myself through this day after day? My knees are worn out from the years of trudging the olive grove. My skin is shriveled and leathery from the afternoon sun. I’m eighty years old. I should be resting at the seaside, but here I stay. This garden has seen many an invader – not just the tenacious weeds that swirl in and out, sapping life from the beautiful plants. My country has been under siege for years and years. When Moses led my people out of bondage, they thought things would get better, but they just became slaves of a different sort.

Now I’m all alone. My family has moved on. My wife died two years ago. For over fifty years she took care of me. She massaged my back after a long day of hard work. She attended my broken and sun burned skin with herbs and oil. I miss her tender touch. I often wonder why the Lord continues to let me remain in these troubling times. I long to go to heaven but know there must be a reason for me to remain behind. I’ll continue at my work until that day comes, even though my hands now resemble the distorted trunks of the olive trees I tend.

The sun had finally dropped into the horizon as I gathered the tools of my trade and packed them into the cart. The road home seemed to get longer and longer each day. That night I decided to sleep under the stars and save myself the anguish of stumbling home to an empty house. The garden was a place of refuge for many. No one would notice an old man sleeping under an olive tree. A man named Jesus had used the garden as a place to meditate and pray. I’d heard Him preach over the last couple years. He had words that brought comfort and that I could relate to. He spoke often of planting seeds and reaping a good harvest. He obviously knew a lot about gardening. He even called Himself the vine. It seemed to me that He must’ve spent his younger years helping His family with the chores in the garden. Many of His stories were related to agriculture.

His voice was strong yet held a peaceful calm that gave a person hope for a better life. He often talked about those of us who were going through trials and physical problems. It was if He had experienced the same issues. He wasn’t here to talk about revolution or wars. All He wanted was to fulfill His Father’s plan for salvation. I wasn’t sure exactly what that meant, but I felt relief when He spoke about eternal life.

The stars sparkled overhead. The smell of fresh fruit from the olive trees and grape vines filled the air. The aches and pains of the day began to melt into sleep. My wife would be worried, but she knew that I didn’t have the stamina I once had. Then I remembered, she was no longer waiting at home. As my eyes began to close, I remembered an ancient Psalm I had learned as a young boy.

“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord.” Psalm 37:39

I fell asleep knowing that there was nothing I could do to obtain salvation. It would have to come from the Lord alone. Was Jesus the One who would accomplish that?

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THE WAY . . .

Posted on February 26, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

As we walk through this season of Lent, let’s never lose sight of the great cost it took to purchase our salvation. Jesus took on human form and came to earth to live as our brother. He experienced all the same things we do, yet He never gave in to sin. He suffered and died so that we could receive the inheritance waiting for us in heaven. Thank you, Jesus for another day!

You walked the path of life for me – You suffered for my loss.
You sacrificed your own dear Son, upon an ugly cross.
You did this for a worm like me. You gave to me your best.
Now I can walk that road to you and in your arms find rest.
I don’t deserve this precious gift. I don’t deserve your love.
I’ve spat upon this Son of yours who came from Heaven above.
I’ve scorned Him as did men of old. The scourge I laid on Him.
The nails that pinned Him to the tree, were placed there with my sin.
The story didn’t end that day. It just began, you see.
For Jesus, Christ, the Son of God, returned to life for me.
The flesh that once was bruised for all, once broken is now whole.
He conquered death – He rose again – He saved my dying soul.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Jesus, Lent | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

MARCUS, A ROMAN PRISON GUARD . . .

Posted on February 26, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

I am a soldier, first and foremost. I serve Rome as part of the military, but my main job is to make sure that the prisoners remain alive until they come to trial. Most of them are thieves. Some have committed serious crimes, like murder, treason or worse. Rome doesn’t have time or space for the scum that try to stir rebellion in the streets. They spread their own ideas in hopes of gaining a following and then you never see them again. Many times, the leaders of the Jewish religious community quickly dispose of the troublemakers. The church has great influence you see. They might even include passing of bribes or payment for information regarding those who could cause problems for them. It wasn’t a perfect system, but it seemed to work. The only good thing about my experience as a jailer was being able to leave the prison and go home at the end of the day. The souls I left behind would have to remain and wallow in their misery.

You would not believe the horrors I experience each day. The prison cells are nothing like the jails of your time. These had been used and reused for many years. They weren’t sanitized or even slightly cleaned. The sweat, blood, tears and other bodily fluids of the prisoners remained as each new one came in. The stench was overwhelming. Since they were confined to their cells, you can’t begin to imagine what I was exposed to. It would’ve been easier to endure the battlefield.

As I walked through the city streets one late afternoon, I noticed one of my fellow soldiers, kneeling at the feet of a common man. It certainly looked strange. Usually, the general population would cower at the feet of law enforcement. There was a strong presence of the military in the city streets. Rome insisted on it. I watched and listened as the soldier begged for help from this man. I’d seen this commoner before. He was one of those who had been inciting the crowds. He spoke to the desperate soldier, saying he would come to his house and heal the servant. The soldier rose to his feet and took the stranger’s hand. He said he was convinced his servant was already healed simply by this man’s command.

I later discovered that the man was named Jesus. Jesus admired the soldier’s faith and healed his servant without any physical intervention. Just a simple word and a miracle occurred. I thought about those suffering back in the jail. My heart suddenly ached for them and the chains that held them. It was something I’d never experienced. I heard Jesus words many times after that. He spoke about compassion and loving our enemies. I had been taught from an early age, to fight those who cause trouble, not to love them. The chains that held me captive were finally released. I realized that this was not just another religious fanatic. It changed the way I felt about my job, my family, my own life. I was no longer a prisoner to those things. My own bonds were set free, by the Messiah who had come to save everyone.

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GIVE UP YOUR RICHES . . .

Posted on February 25, 2026 by atimetoshare.me
GIVE UP YOUR RICHES . . .
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TOUCHED BY SOFTNESS . . .

Posted on February 24, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The path is sparse and destitute, with danger all around,
I know I’m never all alone. Your arm will me surround,
The wind declares your glory, the sun will guide my ways,
My tongue is parched, my voice is weak, too weak to sing your praise.

In darkness some relief may come, but still the fear of death,
Lurks everywhere the shadows fall, with every waking breath,
I call the righteous name of God to take away my stress,
To lead me to refreshing springs, and feel His fond caress.

He turns mountains into valleys, the dry land becomes wet,
Resurrecting His great bounty, He will never forget,
The fear of death seems to linger, He waits here with me still,
His love brings cool refreshment, as a life giving thrill.

To You, my Redeemer, my God, You take me from death’s door,
You renew me and set me free, You raise me and much more,
You crush those who stand in the way of blessings that you give,
You gave your own begotten Son, so all of us could live.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God's will, Uncategorized, Winter | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

TAX MAN . . .

Posted on February 24, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

My name is Levi. My occupation has me right on the same level as prostitutes and traitors. In the eyes of my fellow Jews, I am nothing more than someone who sells his soul to the devil. I’m a tax collector. I’m good with numbers. I know how to calculate and keep good records, but because of my job, am considered an outcast by those of my own faith. The reputation has resulted from what some of my fellow tax collectors have done to deceive their friends, acquaintances and even relatives. When they compute the Roman tax, they pad the bill just enough to make it lucrative for themselves. I am an honest man. I wouldn’t think of cheating anyone, yet they look at me with a holier than thou attitude. They’ve judged me without even knowing me.

I sit at my place in the market and collect taxes. Even though my job is thankless, I like to think I’m making an honest living. As I sit and wait for each person to come forward and pay what is due, I often catch a glimpse of this fellow, Jesus. He has made His way through the streets of Jerusalem, preaching and teaching a new form of religion. He speaks about compassion and love for our neighbors. Even though most of the crowd is out for themselves, He seems to find good in everyone. He once shared a story about a tax collector and a Pharisee. Jesus made it clear that the Pharisee was all show and no action when he prayed. His prayer was that God would credit him with all the good he was doing for his people. He counted his own works as payment for the bad he had done. The tax collector in the story prayed humbly, asking for God’s forgiveness, knowing that he would be forgiven. His faith in God to forgive without merit led to a positive answer.

Jesus’ parable made me stop and think. His words made sense and yet were so full of grace. I wondered how one like me could possibly inherit the kingdom He spoke of. I’d often looked at God as a fearsome judge, but Jesus was referring to Him as a loving father. I became a follower. I even invited Jesus and His friends to join me at my house for dinner. Well, you can imagine the uproar that created. Now Jesus was being accused of being a blasphemer by associating with the lowest of the low.

I gave up my job. I followed Jesus. I walked with Him and His disciples and never turned back. I realized that He was the promised Messiah who came to save the world.

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PURVEYOR OF OILS & HERBS . . .

Posted on February 23, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

In Jesus’ time, there was little regard for women. The traditions and laws of the Jews were extremely hard on them. They were allowed to be in the Outer Court of the temple, so they could see and hear what was happening in the world. They would often listen to various teachers who came to speak. Still, they were considered second class citizens and often harshly judged. When Jesus came on the scene, that changed. The story today is applicable to women of today who feel oppressed or unworthy. To Jesus, we all have value.

My name is Martha. My father is a purveyor of aromatic herbs and oils. I often go with him to the marketplace where we sell his wares. It was another hot day in Jerusalem. We’d traveled for days in the heat to get there in time for our biggest sale day of the year. The Passover brought customers from many towns near and far. I hoped the ointments and oils would survive the intense weather.

As we set out our wares, my eyes remained focused on the beautiful brass gate that led into the area. It glowed in the morning sun. As the sun drifted across the rooftops, it looked like a city of gold. This was the temple built by Herod when Solomon’s temple had undergone destruction over many oppressing armies. It wasn’t nearly as beautiful as the original – which had been designed by God Himself. My father scolded me for daydreaming. He pointed me to the work at hand. I spread a woolen rug across our display table and gently placed the small tubs of fine spices we had to offer. The aroma was intoxicating. Then came the ointments for healing. These Hebrew men would be in need of healing for their parched skin from days in the desert. The oils would keep insects from attacking hair and beards. We were there to provide a service to these people and as my father would say, “The income from this week will provide for a whole year.”

As I dusted the desert sand off the containers, my ears were opened to all sorts of conversations. There was the political talk of the day. People were tired of being oppressed by the Romans, but it seemed to be a way of life for the Jews. Being enslaved as a nation was common to them. There was talk of a king who would come soon to defeat the Romans. Giddy laughter exploded from children as they played in the streets. Women gathered and chattered about the latest engagement or newborn child. Apparently, there was a man named Jesus, who was stirring up the crowds. He could’ve been accused of insurrection or treason. Still, He was allowed to speak. His name was Jesus. He arrived in the city. followed by his inner circle of men, and a huge crowd.

Jesus was just an ordinary man. In fact, He wasn’t much to look at, but He exhibited great strength. He seemed angry that there were so many merchants making use of the temple grounds to sell their products. For us, the herbs had to be grown and collected, then pressed into oil. It was a difficult, time-consuming ordeal, but those herbs and oils were necessary to alleviate the results of illness and the ravages of desert living. Many of our products were used in the burial process. When he came to our display, Jesus turned His eyes to me. It was as if He was saying He would have need of these things. He then moved on.

I will never forget the look in His eyes as He approached our table. He had a compassion I’d never before seen. He displayed confidence and purpose. It looked as though He had a great mission ahead of Him. As He passed us. I could tell He was a king, but not the kind that was expected. He was a righteous king – a kind king – a forgiving king – a king who wanted to dwell with His people – a king who would die for them – even me.

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THE SINLESS SON OF GOD . . .

Posted on February 22, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Today is the first Sunday of Lent. We’ll hear about the temptation of Christ after He had fasted for 40 days in the desert. The fact that He never succumbed to the lure of Satan proves that He is sinless. We can rejoice in that because He is the unblemished Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world.

You beckon me before your throne.  I have no plea to give.

My sins are far too many.  I don’t deserve to live,

But still you call to me.  You tell me it’s all right,

You promise that you’ve carried me from darkness into light.

You gave your only Son to wash away my sin,

I don’t deserve this love that you have placed so deep within,

My soul is cleansed and free.  You’ve done that with your love.

I now can look into your eyes when we meet up above.

How can I thank you, Lord, for all you’ve done for me,

I once was lost, but now am found.  You set my spirit free.

I praise your Holy name, my brother and my friend,

For giving me perfection and life without an end.

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RELIGION IN THE TIME OF JESUS . . .

Posted on February 21, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

I went to a Lutheran high school many years ago. One of the subjects was “Classical Culture,” which dealt with religion and culture before and after Christianity. The Greeks and Romans had countless gods and goddesses. It seems as though there was at least one for every aspect of living – from agriculture to family to eating, drinking and being merry. Each god had a purpose. It must’ve been hard to keep track of all of them. As shown in the above photograph, these gods were made of stone, unlike the living, breathing triune God, Jehovah. Their images were all over the place reminding people who they should worship.  Many felt if they led a good life, the benefits would follow.

Because the Jews moved around so much and were often held in captivity, they were influenced by various other religions. They also had various sects within their own religion. Both Mary and Joseph were from the lineage of King David.  They followed the laws of the Old Testament and devoutly studied the scriptures each day.  They would have insisted on that within their family.  The command to raise a child in the way he should go was a way of life for them.  The Word was necessary for the spiritual growth of each member of the family.  The head of the house would lead the family in this process.

The Pharisees were the upper class, wealthy part of Jewish society.  They were considered Separatists.  The name Pharisee comes from the Hebrew word, persahin which means, separate.  This particular sect was educated in the law of Moses and deemed it necessary to follow it to perfection, yet they sometimes manipulated it to suit their own personal needs.  During Jesus’ ministry, the Pharisees felt threatened, because His words held great authority. The Pharisees were losing control.  The plot to get rid of Jesus began soon after He gained popularity with the people.

The Essenes resided near the Dead Sea.  They were not materialistic so weren’t wealthy.  Their position on the Law was to keep it perfectly.  They were considered isolationists.  The historian, Josephus, described Essenes as strict observers of the Sabbath. They also followed every dietary law and would do so even under threat of death. They are not mentioned in scripture by name.  They believed in the immortality of the soul, following the law to the letter and remained celibate.

The Scribes were not really a sect, but an occupation.  Since these men were skilled in reading and writing, they were able to teach others from the Scriptures.  They could also write down the events of the time and keep a history of the church.  They were prosperous, because of their knowledge. They would be first and foremost a Rabbi (teacher,) but they also served as arbitrators within the community.

The Sadducees were the intellectuals, philosophers, the deep thinkers. They probably came into being during the Greek occupation of Israel.  Bits and pieces of Grecian culture began to infiltrate their thinking.  They were obedient to the Torah, but like the Pharisees, they manipulated the law to their advantage.  They were part of the elite element of society.  John, the Baptist, referred to both the Sadducees and Pharisees as a brood of vipers.  Jesus also addressed them as hypocrites and a wicked and adulterous generation. Both groups had turned their belief system into a money-making business rather than a place where the true God would be worshipped.

The Zealots were considered nationalist militants.  They were against Roman rule, because they believed that God was their only king.  They acted as armed insurgents in defense of the temple.  They were referred to as rebels, bandits, activists and troublemakers, but they eventually overthrew Roman rule and provided sovereignty for Israel. One of Jesus’ disciples, Simon, was a zealot before following Jesus.

The Jews were waiting for a Messiah – a Savior – a king would make their lives easier. They had been promised this by God; through the covenant He made with them long before. Christians believe that the Messiah came to earth to dwell among us – to pitch His tent with us – to walk in the sandals of the average person.  He wasn’t what the Jews wanted, but many followed Him, because of His message of peace.  Jesus would teach, lead, work alongside, look inside of people’s hearts and offer them forgiveness of all their sins.  He died to make that happen and rose again to show His authority as King of Kings.  We now wait for His return.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY! WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR SECOND COMING!

–

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WHAT’S NEXT?

Posted on February 21, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

I found this watercolor, hidden away in a box. It’s always a surprise to find another one I’ve never seen before. In a way, it’s sad to find these works inside of a box when they should be viewed and enjoyed by others. I am proud of my husband’s artwork. He created a lasting legacy through it. I can almost feel his presence when I look at each one. The things we leave behind may have no value to some, but this is a treasure that will remind me that he’s now enjoying all the benefits of heaven. Soon we’ll be together again.

What started as a single seed reclining in the earth,

Is now a giant masterpiece with monetary worth,

The time it took to grow this tree encompassed many years,

It suffered many bruises and witnessed many tears,

Some of its limbs were withered, while others brandished life,

Its trunk was strong as iron, yet endured all kinds of strife,

As winds defiled and bent its frame, it seemed that he was lost,

Its roots exposed, its spine now bent from cold and bitter frost,

Still, it survived and grew some more and pierced right through the clouds,

Its life went on and does today, evading death’s dark shrouds,

We like that tree continue through life’s discouraging path,

We place our hope in worldly things and we receive God’s wrath,

But when we put our hope in Him our life will never end,

And it will be much greater than our minds can comprehend,

The growth that we experience throughout our earthly days,

Will never reach comparison to what His love purveys,

We lift our eyes to heaven and know what waits beyond,

To see the face of Jesus and know He will respond.

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OVADYA – A SLAVE . . .

Posted on February 20, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

Slavery has been around for centuries. For most, it means putting yourself aside and taking care of others. Some might consider it an occupation, but for most of us, we’ve been purchased like cattle to do the menial tasks that most prefer not to do. Imagine, standing on an auction block, waiting for the highest bid. It is not only humiliating, but it pushes your self-worth into the ground. Think of it this way – you are someone of little value – you are on call at all times – you have no life to call your own. Your very existence is reliant on someone else to feed and clothe you, in exchange for what you can do for them. Many great cities were built by slaves. I guess that’s where the word manpower comes from. The machines of your time have taken the place of most of those jobs, but slavery continues to flourish – in many ways.

My name is Ovadya. I was born into slavery. My mother gave birth to me, knowing that I my life would be one of service. My father would never have his own land to work. He would forever be a victim of his circumstances, just as I am. I’m not complaining. I have a decent place to live and food to eat, I’m just at the lowest rung on the ladder of humanity. Many are forced into slavery after being released from prison. Especially those strong enough to survive.

I’m one of the lucky ones. I was purchased by a wealthy family. My job is to wash the feet of my master, his family and any guests that come and go throughout the day. Washing feet in my part of the world is necessary because of the kind of shoes we wear, and the dirt filled roads we must cross to get from one place to another. You can imagine the things that get between your toes. I’m talking about the metropolis of Jerusalem, where people throw their garbage out the windows and onto the streets. Where animals roam freely and are left to their own natural use for the roads. Jerusalem was lined with rocky terrain and sand from the desert. Dirt was often caked to the feet of those I cared for. There’s plenty to do in the home of a rich man, with very little time for myself. I feel fortunate to have a good place to live and food to eat. My master is one of the good ones, but many slaves are treated poorly.

A young man came to the city this week. At first, I thought he was just another religious fanatic trying to change the world. This isn’t an unusual occurrence. The political and religious climates are always active. This man’s words are different though. He gives hope to the desperate and hopeless. His words strike a chord. He relates to everyone he speaks to. He says that HIs mission is to take away the bondage of sin that we all carry. It’s as though He’s speaking directly to me. He gives me comfort that this world is not my final resting place. I can’t help but notice His willingness to reach out to help others without expecting anything in return. He knows my heart. He has experienced everything I’ve lived. He knows the pain and anguish this life and yet he gives me hope for a better future – one that sets me free.

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:34-36 ESV

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SHE GRABBED A MIRACLE . . .

Posted on February 19, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

For twelve years I’d been labeled as unclean. Entering the temple courts was forbidden. Anyone I touched would also become unclean. The Levitical laws were clear about uncleanness. I was an outcast, just like those with other infirmities. The blind, the lame, the deaf, the lepers and me. I tried everything to rid myself of this horrible malady. I spent my entire fortune on cures, but nothing worked. The issue of blood had tormented me for all those years, and instead of getting better, I was becoming worse. I was now at the end of my rope. I felt life slipping away, yet I knew that God still had a plan for me. I’d heard about a man from Nazareth. A man who was doing miraculous things – healing the sick and restoring those with disabilities. Maybe He could help me.

The streets were crowded with those who wanted to get a look at this man. They filled the streets and begged for healing or to hear more about His kingdom. People waited for so long for the promised Messiah. Could this possibly be the one? I pushed my way through the crowd – infecting others with my unclean body. At last, I got down on my hands and knees to reach Him. I knew if I could just touch his clothing I might be relieved of the horrible disease that had plagued me for the greater part of my life.

He was on His way to heal the daughter of one of the synagogue leaders.
The crowd continued to push. I was one of them. I forced my way closer and finally found my way to Him. I grabbed the hem of His garment and suddenly realized that the bleeding had stopped and I felt alive again.

Jesus stopped suddenly and said, “Who touched my garments?” At those words, I became terrified. I trembled in fear. I had stolen a miracle from this healer of many. My heart pounded heavily, my hands shook, but I had to admit my guilt. I came to Him and confessed that I was the one. He looked at me with compassion and love and said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your disease.”

At that moment, the synagogue leader, Jairus, came to tell Jesus that his daughter was dead. This little girl of twelve years old could’ve been healed by Jesus, but instead He stopped to heal me. I felt the guilt of my past coming back to haunt me. I followed the crowd to Jairus’ home. There was weeping and wailing as those inside grieved for the little girl. Jesus reprimanded them. “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” He then took the child’s hand and said, “Little girl I say to you, arise.” Her family watched in amazement as she got up and was alive again.

My disease has been healed. That little girl was brought back to life. The man who made it happen was a carpenter’s son, with the power of God in Him. He told me that my faith healed me. Likely he told the girl’s parents that their faith caused the healing, but it was His voice – His power – His divinity – His love and compassion that gave both of us new life.

The uncleanness of sin was also removed on the day that our Savior gave His life for the forgiveness of all our transgressions. Thank you, Jesus, for another day.

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