A REVOLUTIONARY IDEA . . .

Posted on July 1, 2026 by atimetoshare.me
Group of Civil War soldiers posing at a fort construction site with tools and a flag

With the 250th birthday of America coming in just a few days, we’ll hear many stories about the American Revolution. There are many recognizable names – like John Adams and his wife Abigail – George & Martha Washington – Benjamin Franklin – and on and on. These people were most notable, but we often forget about those who put their lives on the line to forge a new country founded to fulfill the American dream.

Those unsung heroes were many. Most of them were ordinary citizens trying to make a go of life in this newly settled land. There were blacksmiths, carpenters, farmers, statesmen, printers, artisans of all kinds. Most of them had come to America to start a new life. The common men and women who actually built this country are often set aside in history as we focus on the celebrities of the day.

Those who fought in battles – those who suffered the loss of family members – those left fatherless – those who gave their lives will not be honored in history books or during the upcoming celebration of the founding of America. Most of them were like most of us. They were struggling to make a living. Children were forced to work for little or no wages. Women were delegated to the kitchen, giving birth and nursing the sick back to health, but there were many heroes among them.

As we look back at those early settlers and the sacrifices they made, it’s humbling yet fills our hearts with pride at what they accomplished. Patriotism was at an all-time high. Love of country and neighbors wasn’t perfect, but a far sight better than it is today. What will it take to rekindle that fire? It isn’t the wars fought. It isn’t those in public office who made a difference. It isn’t the political rhetoric of this age – racism, sexual equality – inclusion – differences in opinion – anger or hatred.

Today the United States of America remain a nation filled with common men and women. Those unsung heroes that continue to love this country and are willing to give their lives to protect it. The voice of the people will never die, unless we forget who we are and how we got here.

God has graciously endowed our country with so much. The talents of the people, the gifts they share, the ideas, the solutions, the basic things of life all make up the body of our nation. We have differences – yes indeed. We are not a nation under God any longer. We have strayed from the Creator of the universe, but He hasn’t left us. He reigns forever and ever.

God bless America once again and give her another 250 years of history to build and enjoy until we reach our perfect home in heaven.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!

Posted in 4th of July, America, patriotism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

BRING OUT THE EAR PLUGS . . .

Posted on June 30, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

Soon it will be time to get out the fireworks, set your lawn chair alongside the road and wait for the parade to pass by. The Fourth of July is just a few days off. This year we celebrate 250 years of flag waving and patriotism. It seems only yesterday that we’d decorate our bicycles with red, white and blue crepe paper and wear the colors. Our hearts would swell with pride when the flag was displayed.

I know that God has been a part of our country since its inception. The nation was not founded upon one specific religion, but God certainly is mentioned a lot in the early historical documents   Christian men signed the Declaration of Independence which begins with this sentence penned by Thomas Jefferson:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

This set the precedent for the “American Dream.” It nurtured the notion that success comes from hard work, the sweat of the brow and tears of disappointment – but it also contains the notion of never giving up. Somehow, over America’s short history, that dream has turned into a nightmare.   We are a nation of many people – from many nations –from different governments, different cultures, different backgrounds – but with the same hopes for a new start in the land that offers so much to so many.

Things have changed over time. We’ve become less patriotic. We seek our own desires. We are not always united. We don’t respect our flag like we used to. A resurge in those areas is much needed if we are to continue as a nation for another 250 years.

We all crave freedom. We want the comfort of not living in fear. We desire the security of protection. We long for the hope of peace and contentment. We need to rekindle the pride that our founders had when they signed that amazing document. Our nation is worth so much to us as Americans. There is no other country on earth that allows so much freedom.

As we approach this National Day of Celebration, we should do as John Adams suggested many years ago.

“…It ought to be commemorated as a day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bell, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other…”

The signers of that document set a precedent that has lived for a long time. Those who have fought for our country have shed their blood for her. She is worth the fight. Thank God for allowing us to flourish and may He continue to bless our nation and restore our honor for her.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR THE COUNTRY I LIVE IN. KEEP HER SAFE FROM DISSENT, TYRANNY AND DESTRUCTION. WE CALL ON YOUR NAME TO LEAD US. AMEN!

Posted in 4th of July, America, freedom | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

WHEN FEAR TAKES HOLD . . .

Posted on June 29, 2026 by atimetoshare.me
Elderly woman sitting on a wooden bench in an autumn garden, holding a cane, with a table beside her holding documents, a photo, and a basket of vegetables

“This world of ours… must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect.”  Dwight D. Eisenhower

As we grow older the things we worried about when we were younger seem insignificant. We wonder why we put so much stock in the little things. When we’re in the autumn of our existence, we can see where God stepped in and made things right again. Throughout those long-ago years, we were able to make it through, but time is winding down now. Fear is debilitating and really serves no purpose other than getting our adrenaline going again.

When I was a young woman of 21, I was working as a cashier and assistant manager for a finance company. The world was crazy at that time – much like today.  There were riots in the streets, discontent, hatred and assassinations occurring almost weekly. The sixties were years of revolution, resistance, anger and rage.  Police were laying their lives on the line daily.  Drugs were infiltrating society at a much faster rate than ever before.  More and more women were entering the work force and demanding equal pay for equal jobs.  They had declared their own war for women’s rights.

During that time, I was preparing for my wedding.  In spite of all the turmoil going on around me, I wasn’t afraid, because I knew that my life was headed in the right direction.  Then one day, two men in ski masks entered the building.  They told me to open the cash drawers and everyone else to sit down on the floor and cover their heads.

My short 21 years flashed before me like a lightning bolt.  As I tried to open one of the cash drawers, the key jammed and it was impossible to do so.  I was told to hit the floor.  In that fraction of a second, I had no choice but to oblige the two thugs.  A lot of shuffling around and then silence as the thieves left the building.

I’m now an old woman in my 80s anticipating what lies ahead for me. I am confident that God is preparing a perfect place for me in heaven. My body is experiencing all the signs of aging, so I’m looking forward to a new one. I spent a lifetime with the love of my life. When he died, part of me died too. Now my fears include getting to the bathroom in time – falling down – forgetting stuff and becoming dependent on others for things I used to be able to do.

Why do we wait until fear sets in to fold our hands?  Why must we try so hard to figure out solutions to our situations, rather than ask the Creator of the universe for help?  We’re all faced with fears throughout our lives – some small and some not so much.  If we go to the Lord in prayer, He will give us comfort.  He has also promised to answer prayers in His own way and time, so we should put our complete trust in His words and promises.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!

Posted in aging, fear, prayer, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

HIS PLAN – NOT MINE . . .

Posted on June 28, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The painting I’m sharing today shows a road filled with missed directions, detours and roadblocks. Much like the beginning of every day. No matter what we do, we seem to come up with one obstruction after another.

Each day brings good intentions, but it isn’t long before all of our noble hopes take a hit and reality sets in. You stumble out of bed – stub your toe on the nightstand – limp to the bathroom – freak out as you look at the reflection in the mirror – attempt to cover the circles under your eyes – brush the five remaining teeth in your mouth – sit down to write inspiring words only to draw a complete blank.

You might be a young parent and have every intention of potty training your two year old, cleaning up the dishes from last night’s dinner, sorting the socks that never match. Seems like these things shouldn’t be that difficult until the washing machine breaks down, another child has a fever and you have run out of coffee.

If you’re fortunate to have a job, you shower only to find that the dog’s shampoo has replaced your soap on a rope and you have an important client to meet for lunch. You miss your bus – it’s raining – you don’t have an umbrella and no one told you that your red tie would bleed onto your white shirt. When you finally meet that client and offer to pay the tab all you have in your wallet is Monopoly money.

We are people who like to think of ourselves as self-sufficient. We are goal oriented and often push the limits to achieve success. We forget that no matter how hard we try, we aren’t in control of the inconveniences that plague our lives from time to time. If this is your life, or if your circumstances are even more bleak and hopeless, there is relief. If your mistakes have put you into dire financial straits; if your addictions have captured your brain; if you are a member of the military and haven’t seen your family other than on Skype; if you have experienced the loss of a loved one – a broken relationship – a terminal disease; if you don’t feel worthy to approach the throne of God – think again.

God loves us so much that he gave up everything so that we could have it all. Instead of waiting, begin your conversation with Him today. Start by saying, “I’m sorry.” He loves to hear those words. He is the mastermind behind all of mankind’s daily planner. He will guide you and be at your side through all of it.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!

Posted in art & inspiration from the Boechers, God's plans, responsibility | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

OPEN THE DOOR . . .

Posted on June 27, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This watercolor painting of Paul’s carries a different mood than you normally see. Usually, his work is very upbeat and inspirational. We all have times when things aren’t going well. We struggle – we try to cope – we search for answers – but often everything seems to get tangled up. The image is of a tree with many twists and turns. The feeling I get when I look at it, is that there is someone who can untangle the mess of everyday living. When we turn to our Father, God, He will be right there waiting for us. His door is never locked and He will never turn you away.

His life was a mess. He was tattered and torn, still he slowly approached the door.

He had lost every hope. He was broken and worn. Yet he felt there had to be more,

With all of his might, with his life now exposed, he trembled within and without,

His right hand now raised, with fist tightly closed, he knocked for someone to come out.

His hand shook in fear as he heard a voice speak; “What do you want, my son?

His heart beat so fast and his courage grew weak. He stuttered, “I shouldn’t have come.”

Before he could leave, he listened once more to the comfort he gained from the voice,

“Confess and have faith, I’ll open the door, it’s up to you now – it’s your choice.”

The words seemed too easy. There had to be more, but still he couldn’t resist.

Unworthy to speak to this merciful man, he finally checked off his list.

“The path I’ve been on took me into despair, I don’t deserve anything good,

The folks that I’ve hurt, they no longer care. I’m alone and misunderstood.”

“I’ve nowhere to turn, I need to confess. I simply must empty my heart.

Please let me come in. I’m in so much distress. My life could use a new start.” 

The door slowly opened, with hands stretched out wide. Wounds still remaining there,

And then he invited the poor soul inside and released him from all of his care.

“My child, I’ve been waiting for you to come home. Now stay right beside me today.

For now and forever you’ll never more roam. In my house is a room – please stay,”

With tears in his eyes, the man fell to his knees, he knew he was where he should be,

For once he was blind, but now he could see. With this man he finally felt free.

“Now don’t be afraid, just listen to me, I’ve something important to say,

Your road has been hard – I’ve been there, you see, but you have returned today.

I have heard your request, I know all your needs. All you had to do was come back.

I love you, my son, I’ve erased your misdeeds. Your soul is no longer black.”

God loves everyone and he wants every soul to dwell in heaven some day,

Simply seek, knock and ask – He will open the door and wash all our sins away,

Praise God for salvation and serve others too. He wants you to share this good news,

Go and love one another, lay your troubles on Him, you really have nothing to lose.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY. FOR KEEPING THE DOOR OPEN FOR ME TO COME TO YOU IN TIMES OF TRIAL AND WORRY. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THERE.

Posted in anxiety, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, prayer | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

ON THE WATERFRONT . . .

Posted on June 26, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The colors of summer are abundantly showing themselves. Yellows, reds, shades of purple, blue and white dance through the garden. Sprinkles of light promenade across fresh lakes and rivers, creating ripples in their wake. The skies quickly change from brilliant cerulean blue to darkest ebony when a storm rears its head. God’s creation is filled with wonder. Take time today to enjoy some of it. Whether it be from the view of your car window, or the hiking trails carved through a pine scented forest. He speaks to us through the things He has made for our enjoyment. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. Have a blessed weekend.

Reflections of a summer day, the range of many hues,

The gentle breeze on mirrored lakes, the reds, yellows and blues,

The sailboats take their daily cruise, the colors quickly change,

While God remains in heavenly skies, the seasons to arrange.

From hot and steamy summer air to cool, refreshing fall,

From there a blanket of pure white, will entertain us all,

Again in spring new life awakes as birds come back to sing,

The seasons are a plethora of blessings God will bring, 

And so as one is put to bed another soon will dawn,

The richness of creation sings its richest autumn song,

And though things change through out our lives, consistent He remains,

With light and life He fills our souls and takes away the stains

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!

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

SOFT MORNING HAZE . . .

Posted on June 25, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

This beautiful image depicts the softness of dew in a vast valley, surrounded by foothills and mountains. You have to look hard to see the mountains, but you know they’re there. They surround you with a fortress of pines, which stand like an army to protect you. God is there. God is everywhere. He wraps His strong arms around you. He heals you when you are hurting physically and emotionally. He guides you through the darkness of life and leads you safely home. Aging is hard, especially when you’re coming into your final walk on earth. It’s so much easier when you don’t have to do it alone. God will never leave you. You can count on that. Even until your final breath, He is there to bring you to your final place in His kingdom.

Shades of grey, crimson and yellow dot the landscape with a magical mist,

Covering a multitude of sins,

I wonder if this is how we look to God?

Covered with a veil of repentance and grief over past sins,

Shrouded in a haze of uncertainty,

God looks at us and sees only His Son and what He has accomplished,

We no longer carry the undistinguishable, the hidden, the burden,

It has all been washed away in the blood of the lamb,

No longer are we seeped in darkness, no longer in fear,

God has forgiven the world through His own Son, Jesus,

Let His love shine through us and bring that light to others.

As I sit here this morning, watching the clouds melt away, the sun is beginning to peek through the haze. They soon will dissipate and we will be blessed with another beautiful day.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!

Posted in aging, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God's plans, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

COMPLETE DARKNESS . . .

Posted on June 24, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

His hand reached for the oil lamp in the blackness. He was enveloped in the deepest darkness he had ever experienced. He strained to see even a tiny glimpse of light – just a faint whisper – nothing. He groped, but still the blindness which had overcome him, left him relying only on his other senses, and even they were hidden in the sullen gloominess.

He knew his way around, but here in this pitch-black abyss he felt so alone – so lost. Maybe if he could just reach the door and open it, a tiny sliver of light might steal its way into his humble home.

Finally, he felt the latch and opened the heavy wooden door. On the other side, darkness, obliquity – only the stench of death from the last days lingered in the dank air. He beheld the ebony sky which was starless and empty.

When would this end? When would his eyes be free to view his surroundings? He didn’t deserve this punishment. It was the king who wouldn’t relent. Why couldn’t he swallow his pride just this one time?

“So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived.”  Exodus 10:22-23

To live for three days in complete darkness must have been daunting to say the least. The panic when the lights go out for a few minutes and minds shut down after an hour or more is almost life threatening. Computers stop working. We freak out. We rarely experience complete or total darkness. Can you imagine the fear? Can you acknowledge your faith faltering – your courage waning or your hope dissolving into the murkiness? We’re lost without light.

When Jesus entered the world the first time, it was a dark place.  Corruption permeated government. The religious leaders were preaching false doctrine. Crimes of sexual immorality ran rampant.  Violence was a way of life and fear of starvation was an every day occurrence for the poor.  Are we headed in the same direction today?

John 8:12. “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

When Jesus comes again, will we be ready for Him or will we have succumbed to darkness.  Now, more than ever, we need His glorious light to wash away the darkness.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE WITHIN AND THROUGH ME.

Posted in anxiety, God, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

PRELUDE TO AMERICA’S BIRTHDAY

Posted on June 23, 2026 by atimetoshare.me
13-star flag background, soldiers from major wars

POETRY & INSPIRATION BY KATHY BOECHER

No matter how you feel about our country and what’s going on right now, I believe there will always be hope for her future when we put our faith in God. He has promised to be with us in all circumstances. He will never leave us. He has the power to change the world. He is in control. We are a nation of mixed blood. All the combined DNA holds information, opinions, how we react, and every other element that affects us. We’re also endowed by God with a conscience – that inner voice that shows us the difference between wrong and right. It is the quiet voice of God that leads us, defines us and uses us for His glory. When our nation is at a crossroads – when we hear of wars and rumors of wars – when it seems that all is lost – He is our refuge and strength. I wrote the following poem right after our country was attacked by terrorists on 9/11. As we try to make sense of what’s going on right now, we should be turning to the One who controls everything. He alone is our source of strength. He will provide a way. He will hear our prayers.

Hidden in the ashes, trampled by the steel,
Lay the sons and daughters of that day,
In the years that follow, our hearts may never heal,
We mourn their loss – We try to deal – We turn to God and pray.

Freedom was taken, terror stole our soul,
But America was built for more than this,
Strong hearts united, with a mutual goal,
Rebuilding, renewing, restoring the mess.

This day is not forgotten. It’s seared upon our souls,
We put our faith in God’s eternal care,
We trust in His salvation, we know he mends the holes,
That come from the destruction in the air.

Our hearts must stay united, no matter how we feel.
We look beyond the prejudice and fears.
Our only hope is Jesus. He is the one who heals.
He erases all our sorrows and wipes away our tears.

As we look forward to our nation’s 250th anniversary, we must remember that we are one nation, under God. Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects of her history, it’s imperative that we look back at her beginnings. We can’t erase the dark times, but we can create a renewed sense of patriotism and love of our country by honoring her as her original founders did. The above poem was written after the terrorist attack on 9/11. We cannot and should never forget.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY – FOR ALLOWING ME TO LIVE IN A COUNTRY THAT STILL HOLDS YOUR TRUTHS THROUGH YOUR WORD. HELP US TO RESTORE OUR PATRIOTISM.

Posted in America, patriotism, Poetry by Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

PARENTING FACTS . . .

Posted on June 22, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

We’ve just celebrated fathers and only a month ago we honored moms. Today, I’d like to talk about the effect parents have on their children. What we do – our kids will imitate. This may be the beginning of learning for them. We are their examples. What they see, is what they often do. I have a few examples of this from my past. As I look back, so many years ago, to those child rearing days, I often wonder how I ever survived. For most parents, this is a challenging part of life that will reap great rewards with the help of God.

Many years ago, my husband and four-year-old son came home after a successful day of fishing.  Paul caught a record-breaking fish, and our son caught a smaller one, but it was just as important to him.  Every time someone visited, Paul would take the fish out of the freezer for his friends to see.  Soon our son was showing his catch of the day to his buddies.  Unfortunately, he was too little to reach the freezer, so he stored it in his toy box. It didn’t take long to realize the fish was now decomposing.  It wasn’t funny at the time but showed me how our children so want to be like us.

When the same son was playing soccer at the age of 8 or so, he was fortunate to have a coach from South America.  All the boys adored this fellow and wanted to be just like him.  As the coach began his training, he wanted the boys do everything he did – following his every move.  The demonstration began and the boys were right on it.  Especially when the coach swallowed a gnat and began to cough.  The whole team began to cough as well.

When we moved into a new house, I was putting up pictures on the wall.  My, then five year old daughter, proceeded to pound nails into her bedroom wall to display her Barbie clothes.

Children learn by example. We all do. The best way to learn is to do. Often those examples aren’t always good. We have to rely on God to lead us in every aspect of our lives – including teaching our children. This is shown through how we treat others – how we take responsibility for our actions – how we say we’re sorry for our mistakes – how we demonstrate kindness and love. They learn our bad habits too, so we need to be constantly aware of what we’re teaching them.

They watch us.  They learn.  I’ll bet there are hundreds of stories out there of how your kids followed the leader when growing up.  Please feel free to share them.  We all need a good laugh.  It’s Monday and maybe some humor would lighten things up a little.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and even when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 ESV

Posted in Family, God, parenting | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY . . .

Posted on June 21, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Another holiday spent without the father of my children. My heart aches that he has been taken from us, but I am sure where his new home is. He is walking and talking with the Father of all of us. As with every holiday since his passing, I am reminded of the life of this amazing man – his accomplishments in the business world as well as the arts community. The Peregrine Falcon in the painting I’ve chosen today reminds me of the kind of father he was. He was strong in his faith – he was physically strong – he knew how to provide and he was constantly coming up with ideas to teach. He loved his family more than himself. He taught his kids the basics of life, but he gave them a much greater gift – which they now pass on to their own families. He introduced them to God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit at a very young age. He disciplined when it was necessary but felt bad after doing so. His heart was filled with love, but he earned the respect of his family.

Father’s Day is a bittersweet day for me, because I no longer have my earthly father or my father-in=law. My husband has joined them in heaven. I still have two sons-in-law who possess many of the same gifts and qualities that were engrained in my daughters’ character by their dad.

So, Happy Father’s Day, to all the dads out there. You are the cornerstone of the family – the one who guides, leads, instills values, provides for and loves those he has fathered. Thank you for being there for your children.

Thank you, Father God, for always being there in every minute, hour and day. You can be counted on for comfort, peace and eternal life. You are the greatest dad of all.

Posted in art & inspiration from the Boechers, Family, Father's Day, parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

THE END OF SPRING . . .

Posted on June 20, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

Today is the last day of spring, so I thought I’d post a few of my watercolor flowers as a send off to the coming season. God has blessed us with four distinct seasons. Each one has its own beauty, challenges and glory. Thank you, Jesus, for giving us each day to look forward to and each breath you give us to enjoy your bounty.

A misty, early morning dawns, among the bales of hay,

New life appears and spreads its wings to welcome in the day,

The atmosphere with crystal glow is dusting every bale,

With morning mist and precious dew, with love it does avail,

A tranquil breeze, a breath from God, exhales as it inspires,

Awakening every living thing, each flower He attires,

With beauty far beyond our view, with colors never seen,

He gives new life to everything and gives it pure and clean,

A drowsy doe arises and sees the waiting feast,

That lingers in the misty morn, to soothe the savage beast,

A bounty there beyond her scope, to last her for the day,

There’s more than she can handle, but that won’t get in her way,

A damp and misty early morn, among the bales of hay,

Where living things will wander and in its bounty play.

Posted in aging, Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, seasons | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

I’M NOT A TREE . . .

Posted on June 19, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

There’s something about a tree.  When it grows old it has gained great stature.  It has reached towards heaven and branched out in many directions.  The circles on its trunk indicate how many years it has endured.  People on the other hand, usually lose their height as they age.  They bend differently than they did 40 years ago.  They aren’t as resilient and the circles around their girth indicate that they’ve overindulged for too long. I refuse to let my age get the best of me.  Instead of feeling old I’ve decided to consider myself a huge barrel of wisdom and knowledge.  I’ve accumulated years of both, along with experience and the scars to prove it.

I used to think 84 was ancient.  That was when I was about twelve.  With each passing year, I’ve discovered that anything older than me was over the hill.  Now in the golden years of life, 125 is looking old and I feel like a young whippersnapper.

I remember growing up in a classroom that still used black chalk boards.  I had a teacher of ample size who always wore black.  When she approached that chalk board, I imagined she must’ve been at least 60.  She’d apply the chalk and create a sentence and erase the same all in one sweep.  Her black dress was apparently smudged with white in conspicuous places when she turned around.  That woman was undoubtedly more like thirty, but to me she looked almost twice that age.

I guess you’re as old as you feel and there are plenty of times when I feel like Methuselah, but I certainly wouldn’t want to live as long as he did.  Today the eighties are considered the new sixties.  Aging doesn’t have to indicate the end of living.  In fact, in this stage of life, you have more time to think about things like the beauty of God’s creation – the joy of watching your children and grandchildren succeed – the comfort in knowing that this is not the end of life, but much more like the beginning.

So happy birthday to me.  I don’t have one foot in the grave yet.  I’m not a tree.  I am a child of God and life is good.  He allowed me this day as a gift.  I can’t wait to meet him personally to thank Him for it.

Posted in aging, art & inspiration from the Boechers, Life, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 23 Comments

WHAT MAKES A MASTERPIECE?

Posted on June 18, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

“If in my youth I had realized that the sustaining splendour of beauty of with which I was in love would one day flood back into my heart, there to ignite a flame that would torture me without end, how gladly would I have put out the light in my eyes.” Michelangelo

TODAY IS TBT SO HERE’S ONE FROM SEVEN YEARS AGO. ART BY PAUL BOECHER.

When you’re in the prime of life, you’ve probably come close to achieving masterpiece status.  Your body is in pretty good condition.  Your life is on the right track.  Your finances are in decent shape.  Your relationships have been established and if you’re fortunate, you’ve come to grips with who God is and the plan He has for your life.

When you go beyond those years, things start to fall apart.  Your aging body requires more help to get out of bed..  Your memory fails and so do many of your senses.  You are probably close to or in retirement.  Your finances have shrunk and that small nest egg you had is dwindling by the second.  Your friends are passing you by on the way to heaven.  Your goals have all been achieved and you may even begin to wonder why you’re still here.

God has a purpose for each and every one of us – regardless of our physical age.  He created each one with unique talents, abilities, strengths, dreams and more. We are not merely cloned, cookie cutter pressed out and sent through an assembly line.  Finding out what those qualities are sometimes takes a long time to figure out.

When we reach these elder years, we have more time.  We can use that time to wallow in self-pity or put it to positive energy instead.  If we’re still capable of working, we should.  If we find ourselves on a track to nowhere, we should fill our lives with something that can still be useful.  We can’t give up simply because our bodies are aging.

I really believe that the older generation has so much to offer this world.  Our years of life experience can’t be measured by college degrees.  We have attained a lifetime of treasure which can be shared with those younger than us.  We’ve suffered through many of the things those younger ones are suffering right now.  We can be of more service than we realize when it comes to encouraging others.

Putting things in perspective – we only have a short time left to make a difference in this world.  Every waking moment should be spent in giving back in one way or another.  God’s work is always good and you are one of His masterpieces.

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FATHERHOOD REQUIREMENTS . . .

Posted on June 17, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

Today’s post is on the serious side, so I thought I’d include a funny image. This one might be a little outdated because many dads don’t even wear ties anymore. Dads have a lot of things on their plate. Not only do they have a ton of responsibilities, but they might also find the following list a bit impossible. There are many experts on fatherhood and the best ways to approach the job, but God gives us all the answers in His Word. Parenting is mentioned countless times in the Bible, and the requirements are clearly spelled out.

  • Spiritual Leader – A dad should be an example for his family’s spiritual path.   It isn’t just a suggestion, it’s an obligation.  Proverbs 4 is explicit about a father’s responsibility to instruct his children in the ways of God.  Take the time to read it today.
  • Family Authority – Fathers have been relegated to a lower position lately, but according to God’s book, the father is to be the head of the house.  This does not mean he should rule his family with an iron fist but love them above all things and defend them with his very life.
  • Disciplinarian – This doesn’t mean a dad has carte blanche permission to whip his children into submission.  It does mean that a loving father will always administer discipline to guide and teach them.  A whole post can be devoted to this one.
  • Good Role Model – The world view of a great dad is one who is a child’s buddy – his benefactor – his yes-man.  God wants dad to set a good example by trusting his Heavenly Father to get him through the difficulties of life.  That is setting the stage for the way the child will approach life.
  • Compassionate – Sharing in your child’s losses, weaknesses, burdens and challenges is one of the best ways to express your love.  When your child is sick, you sit with them. When they are hurt by the words of others, you comfort them.  When they need your protection, you are there for them.
  • Prepare for the Unexpected – When you are trying to shave in the morning, expect to be joined by all your children and the pets in the bathroom.  When you leave for work, plan for the entourage to follow you out the door and into the car.  When you arrive home, expect to give answers to questions that have already been presented to mom for approval without knowing what her answers were.  When you tuck them in at night, expect a long litany of reasons why they shouldn’t go to bed.  You get the picture – right?
  • Protector – In a child’s eyes, a dad is a super-hero.  He can defeat the monsters under his bed – destroy the giant spider on the wall – leap tall buildings with a single bound.  Of course in reality dads are human and their power source comes from a place different than from within.  Let them know that you are willing to do anything for them, but sometimes even you don’t have all the answers.
  • Provider – There are many men who have fathered children and then walked away from them.  It doesn’t take a lot of brains to create a life, but it requires tons of self-sacrifice to be a father.  There may be times when you can’t find a job.  Your income doesn’t meet your budget needs, but to provide for your children doesn’t always mean monetary things.  The blessings you shower on them come in many forms – love, encouragement, advice, knowledge, confidence can be even more beneficial than things. They will go much further in the long run.
  • Counselor – By the time we become parents, we have a little life experience under our belts – at least enough to know that we’ve made some foolish mistakes.  We can’t teach our children how to avoid doing the same things, but we can give them the tools they need to make the right choices.
  • Encourager – We all want our children to succeed, but they don’t always reach your expectations.  It is the responsibility of a good father to help his children find what they are good at and then encourage them to pursue it with gusto.  We can’t live our own lives through our children.  They are unique individuals with their own amazing gifts.  A father can help them discover those gifts and give them the courage to pursue their dreams.

The benefits you reap as a father are countless. The requirements are not a walk in the park. They need to be addressed before the decision is made to have children, remembering that there is nothing in the world like parenting a child. It’s one of the many blessings God bestows on us.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY. THANK YOU FOR PLACING RESPONSIBLE FATHERS IN OUR LIVES. WE WOULDN’T BE HERE WITHOUT THEM.

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MY DAD . . .

Posted on June 16, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

My dad lived through the depression.  He was the father figure in a fatherless home.  He was a hard worker from the get go.  He spent his grown up years working in a factory and tending bar to make ends meet for his family.  He died when he was only 62 years old from a long struggle with lung cancer.  He was a diligent church goer with a wonderful tenor voice.  He made sure his children also went to church and got a Christian education.  He was my hero at times, my champion at others and my example through his life.

Sounds like a great dad.  He was.  Yet he wasn’t a superhero nor a champion.  He often drank too much.  He seemed happiest when he’d had his fill.  He made mistakes – big, serious, mistakes which affected all of us.  He was a sinner, like every man, woman and child on the planet.  Yet, even on his death bed, when he toughed it out through chemotherapy, he knew that his sins were forgiven.  He had not yet forgiven himself for his mistakes.  Isn’t this where we often fall short?  We accept God’s forgiveness, yet we can’t let go of our own guilt.

When dad passed away, I’m not sure if he had let go, but God gave me a sign that dad was in heaven.  I’m not one to rely on these things as always being from God, but this one gave me great comfort.  As my sister and I were on our way to Milwaukee from Minneapolis to see our dad for the last time, I noticed a single cloud in the persistently, clear, blue sky.  It looked exactly like a dove ascending into the highest point of heaven.  When we got to the hospital, dad had already died, but we discovered it was almost the same moment that I’d viewed that cloud in the sky.

It’s been a long time since I last saw my dad.  I miss him.  I wish he could’ve seen our children grow into responsible adults with children of their own.  I wish he could’ve seen that his insistence on our going to church would pay off.  I wish I could see him again – and I know I will, because I know I’m going to heaven and I know he’s there too.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY BEFORE I SEE MY DAD AGAIN. UNTIL THEN, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY IN HEAVEN, DAD.

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WHAT MAKES A GOOD FATHER?

Posted on June 15, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

I don’t know the people in this photograph, but I’m happy to say that my husband had the joy of meeting his great grandson before passing away. I’ve been blessed for the past 19 months to be part of that little fellow’s early development. Being a father is going to be the focus of my posts this week. We may have spanned five generations in my lifetime, but it takes a certain kind of man to carry on the role of father. Today, I’d like to address some of those qualifications. No, this isn’t a resume’ that is required becoming a dad. It’s just a few suggestions to help along the journey.

In my lifetime, I’ve been witness to several dads. I’ll tell you some things about them this week, but none would be nominated for “Father of the Year.” Opinions about fathers have changed over the past 50 to 60 years. No longer do we see the “Father Knows Best,” model. He was the dad who dressed in a business suit and tie to go to work each day. His wife stayed home and monitored the children, but dad always seemed to have the last word. The working world also included the factory employees, farmer, auto mechanics and others who would often come home with dirt all over them. They still had time to spend with their kids and help the work through problems. The workplace has changed. The parenting roles have changed, but the institution of parenting still requires a lot of work.

Parenting is a partnership, just like marriage.   When even the smallest portion of the job is taken away or lacks respect, the job loses value – and whether you believe it or not, parenting is a full-time occupation. Your children rely on you for their safety, comfort, love, tender touch, compassion. Not to mention the basics like food and shelter. They need you to teach them how to be purveyors of those attributes as well. Dads are teachers, leaders, role models, answerers, givers of wisdom and advice. They love their children more than themselves.

As we move forward to Father’s Day, let’s remember how our heavenly Father cares for us, His children. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for our salvation. His love has no strings attached. He gives us great parenting advice in the Bible. He will welcome anyone who comes to Him for forgiveness and a new life. He looks at His children’s forgiven hearts rather than their sin. He walks with them and guides them throughout their lives. He continues to pursue those who have strayed from Him. He corrects, disciplines and protects His children in this world and the next. That’s a tough act to follow, but it gives us a little insight into what God expects from earthly dads. He gives us the tools to complete the task, and He will give you the ability to use them.

In Psalm 103:13 we have a good job description for fathers.

“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.”

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RAISE THE FLAG . . .

Posted on June 14, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

Originally posted 06/14/2018

A country’s flag is a symbol of what that country stands for and believes.  The American flag is no exception.  With its stripes, we’re reminded of the thirteen original colonies which fought for her independence from a tyrannical country across the sea.  We see representation of the fifty states which make up the United States of America in the white stars on a field of blue.

Walmart claims that they sold around 115,000 American flags on September 11, 2001, as compared to 6,400 flags on the same date in 2000.  I remember that being one of my first thoughts after the terrorist attack of 9/11.  I felt compelled to buy a flag and display it in support of my country – but there were none to be found.  For that one day in my memory, the flag was a hot commodity.

Flags have been placed at half-staff to honor those who have died.  We raise the flag to honor our heroes.  We fly the flag as a show of support for our nation.  We salute the flag to show how much we love our country.  Flags have been used to drape coffins.  They then are folded and handed to the closest next of kin.  We place flags on graves of fallen soldiers.  A flag was placed on the moon when the Americans landed there so many years ago.  The Star-Spangled Banner was written during war time, by Francis Scott Key, and is referred to as waving over the land of the free and the home of the brave.

On the other hand, flags have been spat upon, used in demonstrations against the policies of our country.  They’ve been burned, torn and destroyed as a show of protest.  Over time, our flag has been abused and scorned.

It’s time to restore our love of country again.  We were founded on the values of those who worshipped the One True God.  We need to be strong in defending her to the death.  In spite of mistakes made, corruption, the power of the devil and fake news, we still live in the greatest country around – where we have the right to stand up for our flag.

HAPPY FLAG DAY! 

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HE LEADETH ME . . .

Posted on June 14, 2026 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This weekend has proven the glory of God through His control of the weather. He sent much needed rain to areas that were beginning to show signs of draught. He sent winds to dry the surface after the rain, so the land could then be worked. He sent refreshment with just the breath of His mouth and the power of His hand. We can and do try to replicate His glory, but there is no other that can imitate His strength. We can strive to create intelligence through science and technology, but there is no other that can take His place. Look at the signs all around us. He alone has a perfect plan for every individual that walks the surface of the earth. He will lead us in everything we do.

Within the mountain’s early dawn, His majesty is seen,

The skies fill up with brilliance, and glorious golden sheen,

His breath is seen in morning mist, His voice through eagles’ song,

His power displays in sunlit rays, He shines the whole day long,

His love for us unspoken, but seen in every rock,

He leads us like a shepherd protects his wandering flock,

I am so weak and fragile, like many a stubborn sheep,

My trust oft wanes, my fears o’er take, I toss through dream filled sleep,

My tears won’t stop, my faith grows weak, I stumble all the way,

But He’s right there, surrounding me, protecting me each day,

I’ll never grow to understand His unconditional love,

But thank Him that He grants it from His throne high up above,

My God, you are my fortress, my strength when I am weak,

You carry me through deserts, you lead me when you speak,

Through pastures green and waters clean, fulfilling every need,

You fill my heart with gratitude; my soul your Word does feed.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY

Posted in aging, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Blessings, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

LESSONS FROM NATURE

Posted on June 13, 2026 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

A seed drops,

It burrows and nestles into rich soil,

It springs forth with new life,

Fragile branches at first,

Growing strong with each passing day,

Expanding, stretching, embracing the sky,

Reaching for the face of its Creator,

It bends and twists in the storms of life,

It blossoms and thrives in good times,

It grows stronger in bad times,

It withers, it shrivels, it dies,

But it doesn’t end there,

The circle of life continues,

Watch, observe, delight in God’s hand in it.

The ability to observe is inherent in all of us unless our eyes have been blinded from birth, but even then, God gives us four other senses to allow us to breathe in everything in our existence.  We may not be able to see the brilliant colors, the majestic mass of a tree, the vastness of the heavens or the beauty of a sea or landscape, the power of an eagle, but He blesses us with other ways to “see”.

Every artist, whether a writer, painter, sculptor, actor, musician or dancer must observe everything in life in order to portray it in a believable, convincing way.  Studying every idiosyncrasy, examining each detail, with all the senses God has given us, allows our interpretation to be expressed in unique and wonderful ways.

Praise the Lord for the special attention He has paid to every detail of this life.  He calms the storms, He makes things grow and develop, He provides for every living thing, He gives life, He provides for eternity.  With Him, our salvation has been assured and life everlasting waits for those who believe in Him.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!

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