HEAT WAVE

Posted on August 2, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

When temperatures hit the 90s and the dew point is over sixty, we Minnesotans have a remedy for that. The Land of Ten Thousand Lakes beckons to those in search of refreshment from the summer sun and the disgusting sweat it causes. You have your choice of swimming holes here. Some choose to go to the cabin and spend the summer with the flies and mosquitos, while others choose a backyard pool and the luxury of air-conditioning. Stepping on pebbles and hot sand can be magic to some, while a sun umbrella, sunscreen and a mint julep appeal to others. Whatever your choice, you have a lot of options in my state.

For me, the city girl, I prefer staying at home in a nicely air-conditioned house. With allergies and asthma, it makes more sense for me to do this, but my husband was born to be at the lake. Maybe it’s because he spent much of his youth at his grandparents’ summer home. He developed a beautiful tan and muscles as he crewed on sail boats of the wealthy neighbors. He loved tooling around in his little fishing boat with a motor and enjoyed all the water sports available to him. The adventurer in him surfaced at an early age. I, on the other hand, disliked the idea of jumping in a lake or river filled with fish and other assorted creatures. I preferred the local swimming pool, but rarely went in the water, because I felt like a blimp in a swimsuit.

Years have passed since our early youth, but we seem to have gotten used to some of our old habits. I’m still pretty much a homebody and Paul would prefer to be outside in a natural setting. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. I simply can’t breathe when I’m in it. So, we make compromises. After almost 58 years of marriage, you learn to do that. When the air is fresh, and the temp is below 80, I agree to partake of the natural beauty. When the temp goes above that, I stay inside, while he warms up outside. Part of compromise is deciding what works for all involved parties.


As this is the height of our summer season, I will probably spend most of the month indoors or inside of an air-conditioned car. Paul will most likely be outside enjoying the sound of birds chirping or jackhammers pounding, while I sip my mint julep. I can still enjoy the wildlife by looking out the window. Our neighborhood is full of it. So go jump in the lake – or NOT,,

Posted in Humor, summer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

PENQUINS TAKE FLIGHT

Posted on August 1, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
CAST Of “BEAUTY & THE BEAST” – PERFORMED BY THE PENGUINS OF NORTHERN STARZ PERFORMING ARTS CENTER THIS PAST WEEKEND

Paul and I had the privilege of attending this wonderful show yesterday with our son, daughter & family. We have been limited in our venturing out this year, so it was an extra special treat. Our granddaughter has served as a mentor in this program since it began five years ago. This is a nationwide program, but the only one in Minnesota at this time. It is designed to give children with special needs an opportunity to spread their wings and fly. The Penguin Project is designed to teach these special kids that they are capable of more than they think they can do. They can fly, unlike real penguins, when given the opportunity to do so. Each child is assigned a mentor to work with during the rehearsal process and they work hand in hand to accomplish that flight. Soar the do, as they reach for the stars and heights, they never dreamed possible.

The tale as old as time – a story of love, compassion, looking beyond the outer shell and into the heart was amazing. I can’t think of another word to describe it, because it truly was. Kids who might never have had a chance to experience an on-stage performance, were delightful to watch in costumes that matched all the splendor of the lighting and scenery. Dedicated staff continue to believe in this project and will for many years to come. Tears welled in my eyes as my heart overflowed with emotional response. Each of the mentors appeared onstage with their penguin. Most of them hid behind them or appeared to be part of the scenery, because they were simply there to assist if necessary. The relationships that develop from this program are awesome too. Friendships that will last forever. I am proud to say that being involved in the Penguin Project has stirred my granddaughter’s desire to go into special education.

I am so proud of this little theatre. It’s kind of like the mouse that roared. It is a non-profit organization. In its short existence, it has become a wonderful source for all ages (even old ones like me) to enjoy theatre, perform, volunteer, build community, learn, teach and be a part of the performing arts. We all need to spread our wings at some point in this lifetime. Thank you, Northern Starz Center for Performing Arts for making it possible for so many.

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”
― Leonardo da Vinci

Posted in acting, compassion, special needs | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE?

Posted on July 29, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

There are days, when we really have to look hard for things that make us feel good about ourselves, our lives, our futures or our past.  Those are the hardest days to get through, because we often find ourselves dwelling on the negative.  Add to that all the surrounding adverse news, political rhetoric and aches and pains of aging and you have a formula for total depression.  Who wants to live like that?  Wallowing in self-pity and hopelessness certainly isn’t my idea of a good time.

We have a natural tendency to accentuate the negative rather than doing the opposite. Something suspicious shows up on an MRI and we assume we have cancer, before it’s even diagnosed. We plant the seeds of that notion in our brains and there is no room for positive thinking. A loved one has an illness that seems to never find a solution. How do you remain positive in those situations? A mass shooting occurs, and we immediately blame the weapon rather than the perpetrator. Or children die and we wonder where God is. The economy has taken a dive and all your investments are taking a hit. Why is this happening? We blame God. We blame others. We blame things. How can we remain positive during times like this?

There will be struggles every day, but there will also be little glimmers of hope. Take those moments and dwell on them rather than looking at the yuck. Eventually they will outshine our negative thinking. God has a plan for every life He’s placed on this planet. He is consistently in control. Our troubles are nothing to Him. He can slay any of the dragons that tempt us or depress us. He has already conquered the devil, who is now serving an eternal sentence in the depths of hell. God loves us and wants the very best for us and all we need do is trust in His omnipotence. Being positive doesn’t mean we don’t care about the challenges. It doesn’t mean we will magically feel better or look at our struggles as tests of strength. Instead, we are focusing on what God has already done for us. His love endures forever.

Posted in aging, anxiety, depression, hope | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

LIVING IN THE MOMENT

Posted on July 28, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
Hudson, Wisconsin – Sailing School for children

I love my state, because you don’t have to go far from home to find some lovely body of water and amazing forests, not to mention the many parks which are the destination for hikers and campers.

Yesterday, Paul and I took one of our short road trips to Hudson, Wisconsin. It’s about a 45-minute drive from our house. It’s a quaint little river town along the St. Croix River. We’ve been there on other occasions, but yesterday was an exceptional weather day, so we decided to go there together. Usually, Paul would be going by himself, because this time of year is just not good for my asthma and allergies. He is entered in a plein air competition which covers the months of June, July and August. Each artist must paint two paintings of one of the local landmarks, a scene on the river or a house with a history. Actually, they can choose what they paint, but it must be within ten miles of the city.

We found a lovely spot right on the river. A class was in session with wannabe sailors from ages five and up. Each was learning to sail in a small boat as they were guided by a larger boat and told what to do. We got there to see them maneuvering in a circle as if they were in their own little regatta. Eventually it was time to stop and bring their boats back to shore. Paul began painting the scene before they landed, but I got a glimpse of each one as they docked. What a delight to see these precious little ones learning this skill at such a young age. I’m sure they will all be successful sailors someday. The experience got me thinking about how we often don’t see the ordinary as anything but ordinary. When we take the time to enjoy the moment, it becomes a memory worth hanging on to. The children were eager to see Paul’s painting and struck up a conversation with him. They asked him questions and, of course, Paul was eager to share his own past experiences serving as crew for some C Class boats many years ago.

We finished our adventure by sharing a fish fry. The air was dry and even a little chilly. The skies were brilliant blue, and the water shimmered like diamonds. We’ve had some struggles this year with health issues and changes in our work situations, but this one day made up for any worries we were experiencing before we arrived. God doesn’t waste a thing when it comes to His creation. The setting was gorgeous, the company was fantastic, and God was there with us, making sure that we remember He is the most consistent part of our lives.

Take time to live in the moment when you can. You will find great joy in it.

“I am installed in a fairylike place. I do not know where to poke my head; everything is superb, and I would like to do everything, so I use up and squander lots of color, for there are trials to be made.” Claude Monet

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” Maya Angelou

Posted in anxiety, God, trials | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

HUMP DAY HUMOR

Posted on July 27, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Wednesdays have been labeled, “Hump Day” since the 1950s. The middle day of the work week gives the employee hope for an end of it, and the promise of a weekend filled with rest and recreation. Unfortunately, the weekend is also filled with household chores and often backbreaking hard work. So, what’s funny about hump day? Put a camel to work and you have the answer. Add a laughing child and you have the recipe for a chuckle or two.

Our world is too full of pain, trials, misunderstandings, hatred, fear and every other negative you can imagine.  So much energy is spent on tragedy that there’s barely any time for a good belly laugh.  When we get mired in the humdrum of everyday living, no amount of botox is going to lift that face.

If you’re going through a financial crisis, feelings of depression, hopelessness, health issues – the last thing you’re going to do is laugh about it.  God doesn’t want us to be downhearted.  He loves us and wants to see our joy, even in times of trouble. Just how do you do that?  First of all, it’s a great idea to start hanging out with positive people – folks who share your faith and know what God has done for them.  Then try to get your mind off of your own problems by doing something useful, productive, creative or just plain fun.  It doesn’t hurt if it benefits someone else either.

Laughter has proven to be good medicine throughout the ages.  Doctors realize the benefits too.  Sometimes you have to search for the humor in things. While working with a friend, my husband expressed concern that his fellow worker was wearing flip flops.  The guy assured him they were steel toed so not to worry.  That set the tone for the work to be done.

There are times when we have to take things seriously, but there is never a time when we should lose our sense of humor.  By maintaining it, we can wash the muck off the windshield of life and get a much better perspective – and we can have fun while doing it.

Posted in Humor, work | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

WHAT’S YOUR REALITY?

Posted on July 25, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

I think it’s time for a reality show that actually shows normal people, living ordinary lives, going through difficulties, joys, fun times, death, pain, grief. Thus it would be the life of moi and probably a lot of other people out there. Most of us like to think we’re living in the real world, but are we and what exactly is the real world anyway?

If you measure yourself by social media standards, the perfect family has parents that look like they came off the cover of a fashion magazine. The kids are meticulously dressed and well behaved. The dog is a purebred and the house they live in is more of the same kind of perfection. The meals they eat are never fails. Their car or cars are the newest on the block.

The truth is that this so-called “reality” is probably laced with huge credit card debt, a dysfunctional family that rarely communicates except by text and most of their meals are consumed at fast food restaurants. Our lives aren’t Pinterest perfect. We suffer – we get frustrated – we lose our temper – we experience all sorts of things that people don’t want to know about, but who wants to see real reality? We instead look for the glamourous, the intelligent, the perfect, the outwardly successful to mold our own identity and usually wind up sadly unsuccessful.

So how does one get through life with those kinds of expectations? Living within our means – setting a moral base for our children – putting away technology and talking together – eat meals together whenever possible – communicate as you drive to sporting events or other activities. In other words, be a family. Watching others and trying to imitate them is as old as time, but we are not all alike. Look to God’s reality for an example. His Word tells us to love each other as we love ourselves. We should encourage each other through our prayers and help. We should be willing to lay down our lives for our friends. When we’re part of God’s family, we’re no longer like those in the world. His spirit now lives in us and we are forever changed.

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LEAN ON HIM!

Posted on July 24, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

When those we love are hurting physically or emotionally, it’s hard to sit back and do nothing. We want to fix things and make them better. Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible for us to do that. We often find it difficult to turn things over to God, because we believe we can handle it ourselves.

God has given us a solution for any problem that comes our way. He has taken on all our problems through Jesus’ death on the cross. In that single most important act of kindness Jesus took away the sin of the world. This is great news for aching hearts. When we are loaded with baggage that causes us to doubt God’s presence, He has promised to take that load from us. He tells those who are burdened and heavy laden to come to Him, and He will provide rest. When things seem hopeless and like God isn’t listening, take it to the Lord in prayer.

Posted in confidence, Faith, prayer | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

BIG GOD, LITTLE ME

Posted on July 23, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

I stand in Your presence my God. Your strength surpasses the skies,

I can’t comprehend an ant such as me could possibly gaze in Your eyes,

I’m created in Your image, yet sin has caused a great distance,

To wheedle its way to my soul, to break my very existence.

When it seems the world is crashing, when the troubles will not subside,

You care for a worm such as me, and with me You’ll always abide,

I don’t understand Your passion, or Your love for this sin filled heart,

Your love is unconditional, You’ve bestowed me with a fresh start.

However can I repay You, for all that You’ve given to me,

You loved me, a lowly sinner, by giving Your Son I’m now free,

The darkness of night will not haunt, the state of the world holds no fear,

In your presence I’m forgiven, in Your arms You hold me near.

Posted in anxiety, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, fear | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

YOU ARE VALUED

Posted on July 22, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

In this final installment about self-worth, it’s important for us to look at Satan and his lies. He would have us believe that we are not worthy of God’s attention. He sneaks into our soul and creates doubt and fear. He whispers in our ear that we are unworthy to stand in the presence of God. He tempts us by making us feel that we have no value to God. He makes us believe that we’re not good enough – that we don’t do enough good works – that we will never measure up to God’s expectations., We have the weapon that Jesus used when He was tempted by the devil in the wilderness. Before His ministry even began, Jesus spent 40 days in fasting and prayer to prepare himself for His earthly mission. He was weak from lack of food and water. He was exhausted both physically and emotionally. It was the perfect time for His humanity to be tested and the devil wasted no time in taking advantage of the situation. He even quoted the scriptures to capture the mind of Jesus. Jesus came right back at Him, using the Holy Word of God as His defense.

We have that same tool available to us as we face each day. Jesus was fully man, but He was also fully God – another of those difficult tenets to understand. Yet, He made sure that the Word of God was inspired into the minds and pens of men through the Holy Spirit, so that we’d have it available to us in the same way.

When you’re struggling with your identity, self-worth and your value, turn to the Bible for assurance that you are precious to God. Jesus overcame the temptation of the devil by using scripture. We can do so as well. Jesus also conquered the devil and all his minions when He suffered and died on our behalf – He then rose from the dead and gave us access to eternal life with Him. As soon as we let go of that gift, we are giving in to Satan’s lies. He has nothing of value to offer us. He simply wants to win our souls away from God so that he’s not alone in his misery. Look instead to the One who gave His life for YOU. He has a place prepared in heaven, just for YOU. YOU matter to those YOU meet during your life, but more importantly, YOU matter to the King of Creation who has made us heirs to eternal life. Never forget that YOU are loved by GOD.

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Posted in confidence, Jesus, SELF ESTEEM | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

IN THE IMAGE OF GOD

Posted on July 21, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
Our relationship with God will define our relationship with others. We were in fact created in His image.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27

When man and woman were created by God, they were made in the image of God. Therefore, they had a free will – the ability to choose – to use their intellect to make wise choices or bad ones. How they used those gifts, turned their relationship with God into a vast expanse. The fellowship they shared was cracked and broken. They needed a Savior to rescue them and future generations. When the Bible tells us that we were created in the image of God, He says, “Let US make man . . .” In that singular word, God is defining the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We can’t begin to comprehend three persons in one being, but God is just that. His character, His personality, His image is amazing and without flaw. You and I were created in that image. Our inherited sin and the sins we continue to do, have made the divide grow even bigger. Since the fall of man, God has fulfilled His promise to us, by sending His only Son to become one of us – to experience life as we know it – to be our Brother and our Master – to shepherd us through the highs and lows of living. When He suffered and died a humiliating, undeserved death, He carried all of our sins to the cross and ultimately to the grave. When He overcame death by rising from the tomb and showing Himself to many, He proved His divine nature. We are redeemed children of God, because of God’s great love for us.

To be placed in that position is a gift none of us deserves, but there is no greater love than that of our God. He loves us so much. He buried our sins by giving His own life for us. Another one of those impossible things to believe. However, He even provided for our faith in Him, by sending His Holy Spirit to breathe it into us. He gave us His Holy Words in the Bible – inspired by that same Spirit. I can’t understand how this came to be, but I do understand His amazing grace and how it has brought my sin filled soul back into fellowship with Him. We all have that gift available to us. It’s free. It’s not dependent on our good works and it is a perfect example of unconditional love.

Dear God, You have given us the gift of life, even when we don’t deserve it. Death no longer has dominion over us. We can be assured of our future after death, because of your great love for your creation. Help us to thank you for that gift by reaching out to others. Help us to serve you in any way we can. Our good deeds won’t save us, but they will demonstrate the love you first showed to us. Help us to remember how much you love us and teach us how to return that love. Amen!

Posted in God's plans, God's promises, grace, SELF ESTEEM | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY YOURSELF?

Posted on July 20, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

In continuing this series on self-esteem, there’s something to address that most of us don’t think about when it comes to our value. As Christians, we’re expected to live with humility – not focusing on the good things we do – placing others before ourselves. So, when it comes time to write a resume’ for a job or a short bio on what we’ve achieved, we become stymied. Not because we don’t have things in our lives to be proud of, but because we don’t want to appear as if we’re boasting.

The church I grew up with was one that scared the bejeebers out of me. Our elderly pastor would rise the steps to the pulpit of our beautiful, Gothic architectural designed church. With each step, I could feel my heart begin to pound, because I knew the words he had planned for the day, were designed just for me. By the time he started talking, I knew I was destined to an eternity in hell. The final sentence would carry the quiet proclamation that by the grace of God I was saved. I rarely heard that part of the sermon, so most of my early life was spent feeling like I didn’t have a chance for salvation. Unfortunately, those early events in life can actually shape our relationship with our Heavenly Father. It took years before I realized what grace was all about. I needed God’s unconditional love, because I didn’t think I was worthy of anything.

Is it wrong to toot our own horn? Should we be quiet about our accomplishments? The world tells us to use our successes to produce more success. In the Broadway show, “How to Succeed in Business Without Trying,” the hero of the story made his way to the top by doing just that. It doesn’t take much skill to lie about yourself. It certainly seems to be the way to hit the top of the ladder but is that really how we want to live?

God has created each life to be unique and special. Each of us has a purpose. Each of us is part of the body of Christ. When one piece of that giant puzzle leaves the body, it doesn’t function the way it should. We’re all part of something greater than us, which makes us necessary. If you think you’re not important remember that fact. The things you’ve accomplished will continue to be blessed by God, when you realize that He’s the One responsible for those achievements. Don’t forget to thank Him for that.

I am but a speck – a dot – an insignificant piece of the puzzle.
My presence on this planet is nothing in comparison to others.
I will be remembered for no great accomplishments in the world’s eyes –
no wondrous deeds of charity towards my fellow man.
My life, though inconsequential, holds value beyond compare.
My riches consist of God’s everlasting love – Jesus’ forgiveness and the presence of the Holy Spirit within my heart. I would say I have it all.

Kathy Boecher

Posted in God, humility, SELF ESTEEM | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

HOW DID I GET LIKE THIS?

Posted on July 19, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

The child in me was already forming information about myself before I even knew who I was or how I fit into this world. Many times, we blame our current situation on those who influenced us as children. When you’re growing up, it’s hard to differentiate the truth from what is expected of you and how you react to others. In the early days of Freud and his followers, the family had the most influence on a child’s behavior and how it carried through to adulthood. All the negative vibes that come from family members can affect our behavior, but we are individuals as well. We have a singular mind and a unique path to follow. If we allow our circumstances to swallow us up and spit us out, we are giving in to those outside influences. It really doesn’t have to be that way.

As we grow into teenagers, our world is often controlled by others. We want to be like them. We want to fit in and often make stupid mistakes because of it. If we don’t fit the current pattern, we become subject to bullying, name calling and teasing. This can lead us down a path of no return if we allow it to. Or we can rise above it and look deep inside ourselves to find our true self. We then can use that to help those who are the victims of bullying, hate, and rage. Jesus was a perfect example of the perfect friend. He didn’t ignore the underdog. He lifted people up with His words. He encouraged and gave hope to the hopeless. These years of growing up can be brutal to a person’s self-esteem, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

When we reach adulthood, we are in a war against all kinds of temptations. We strive for success. We struggle to climb the ladder. We want to be like our neighbors. We look for material things to satisfy ourselves and often those things become the center of our lives. Instead of focusing on the One who provides those things, we tend to follow the crowd. We might step on another’s toes to get to the top. Our desire for more can leave us not appreciating the things we already have. We can give in to the call of the world, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

As we grow old, we see things that we didn’t see when we were younger. We realize that we can’t do what we once did. Our minds still feel like they’re 25 and our bodies are crying out to us to slow down. Physically we are becoming limited. Notice, I didn’t say useless. As long as there is breath in us, we have the capability to live. We may succumb to our withering bodies, but we still have purpose on this planet. We could let the negativity drown our creativity, our wisdom and our health, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

When I was going through a time of questioning my value and felt unworthy, a friend referred me to Psalm 139. The entire Psalm is designed to show us what our true value is. When you have time, read the entire chapter. The fact that we have been known by God, even before our conception is mind boggling, but so comforting. He has been with us all the way in our journey. He will never leave us. He loved us before we loved Him. His love has no strings attached. That alone should give you a reason to like yourself.

PSALM 139:13-15 “For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
    my soul knows it very well.  My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.”

Posted in confidence, God, SELF ESTEEM | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOUR WORTH

Posted on July 18, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

There are so many times in life that we feel inadequate or unintelligent. I could tell you that everyone goes through these feelings, but that isn’t going to solve the problem of a poor self-image. I guess time will heal some of the old wounds from our youth, and we’ll overcome them, allowing us to continue to pursue our dreams. When our goals are beyond our capability, we often set ourselves up for failure. When our own expectations exceed our abilities, we also set ourselves up for a fall. Each time we try, and fail is like adding another scar or wound that won’t easily heal. Eventually those scars become constant reminders of fails in our journey and drive us deeper into depression.

When we compare ourselves to others, the same thing happens. We’re setting our goals outside of our abilities and that doesn’t always lead to success. If we consider ourselves as unique individuals, we have a much better chance of living up to our expectations. Think of it this way – God, the Creator of all things made you. You are not like everyone else. You have been specifically designed with talents, abilities, characteristics which will bring something very unique to the table. You have so much to offer. The things within you have no limit when you accept that fact. God doesn’t make mistakes. People do.

This week, I’m taking a look at self-worth. For many, many years I struggled with this issue. I never felt up to par in whatever I tried to achieve. I considered myself a insignificant worker ant in the colony. I could do the grunt work, but never felt capable enough to do the creative, the intellectual or the spiritual work God had built into me. For a long time, my self-worth was at a low point. Until I realized how much God truly loves me, I wasn’t capable of loving myself.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Posted in confidence, God's plans, SELF ESTEEM | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS TIME

Posted on July 17, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

The Book of Esther does not mention the name of God within its pages, but He is apparent throughout the entire story. It is a story of patience – waiting for God’s will to be accomplished – and faith that His will is going to be done. Several years ago, I wrote a musical play based on this amazing account of a woman who had her patience tested, who was placed in a beauty contest of sorts – spent a year in the harem of the king while her own people were living in slavery outside the palace. She was born for that particular time and God had great plans for her life. Read this amazing story when you can. It’s a beautiful testament to waiting for God, being patient in your waiting and trusting that His will is going to be done.

These are the lyrics I wrote for the song “Waiting,” with music written by Sarah Siegler those many years ago. I have often had to remind myself of the words. We all have a reason to be alive when we are. God will use us to continue His story.

My God, you have placed me here for a reason.

I don’t know what it is.

I wish I knew your plan for me.

I know I should be patient,

But my mind is filled with fear.

I sit and wait and wonder why.

Why have you chosen ME to be in this place?

Am I the one who must make sure that your work is done?

I know that with you I can do anything.

I will always trust in you.

You are the God of my people.

Just help me to understand what you would have me do.

It’s hard to wait, Lord.  It’s so hard to wait.

I give to you my all.

Use me as you will.

I trust in your direction for my life.

I know I am your instrument

And you will guide my way.

Even when the world is closing in on us, we can rest assured that God has plans for each of us to accomplish during our lifetime. This is your time!

Posted in Faith, God, patience, Poetry by Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

MOTHERHOOD REALITY

Posted on July 16, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Mother’s Day has come and gone, but I’m concerned about how much parenting has changed over my lifetime. I’ve seen women go through a time of total submission to complete domination in the course of only some fifty years. They are now doing more jobs than ever before. Not only are they taking care of the family’s physical needs, social involvement, building character, but also things like putting food on the table with money they’re earning at high paying jobs. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I’m concerned that with all the changes over time, we’re also seeing alterations to the family unit. There are reasons for those changes. Change is sometimes good. Change can also cause confusion and stress.

Being a mom is a life-changing, life-long and life-giving experience. It doesn’t end with the labor in the delivery room. The work just begins there. Moms soon find they are no longer the center of their own universe. Once that new life enters yours, you become totally committed to it. A mother often puts her child first. A mother’s love is unconditional. It can be inspiring. She can cause mountains to move with her encouragement. She can take pride in a job well done. She can leap tall buildings in a single bound. Wait – wrong super-hero. Anyone would want the job, right? What you don’t always hear about may have you thinking twice before entering into this facet of life.

Moms must be available 24/7. Your life will now consist of changing diapers and wiping little bottoms. You will be expected to listen to every word they have to say and every demand they make. You will transport them to every sporting event, concert, dance recital, or drama class until they are old enough to drive themselves. Then you will pray incessantly until they return home. You will cry every time they get hurt. You will defend them if anyone says a negative thing about them. You will give up and clean their rooms after you’ve asked them to do it at least a hundred times. You will support them, encourage them, believe in them.

You will get angry with them. You will be discouraged with their behavior. You will wait your turn to use the bathroom only to be joined by them during that precious quiet time, because they want to be with you. You will read to them, sing to them, teach them, praise them, thank them, be proud of them even when they don’t succeed. You will discipline them even when you don’t want to. You will set rules for them even when they don’t want them.

What are the benefits? You will see sparkles in their eyes when they understand things. You will get goose bumps when they score their first goal. You’ll watch a life develop and become more than you ever dreamed it would. You will melt when they put their arms around you and say, “I love you, mom.” You will be proud, joyful, amazed and extremely gratified for a job well done. You will be thankful for the blessed opportunity to help create a life and watch it grow into an adult who may go through the same satisfying experience. You will always love them, and they will love you back – because you are a mom.

I’m not suggesting that women return to the status they held many years ago. I truly believe that God created men and women to be equal – to be helpers and companions – to trust in God to keep the family together. Single parent families can still produce good results, but there needs to be a balance when it comes to raising children. Therefore, it isn’t intended to be a one-person job. When God instituted marriage, he created one man and one woman to produce children – thus the first family. When God is at the head, everything else falls into place.

Posted in Family, parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on MOTHERHOOD REALITY

ARTIST’S SKETCH BOOK

Posted on July 15, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Sitting by the open seaside, gazing at the sky above,

Reaching for the clouds in heaven, dreaming of a perfect love,

Dreaming, waiting, hoping longing for a glimpse of heaven’s door,

You can’t find it on this planet, if you see it, you’ll want more.

Take a walk beside the waters, cherish every breath you take,

Look around and live each moment like it were for heaven’s sake,

Lay your cares upon a park bench, drift to places yet unseen,

Close your eyes and you will see it passing through your vivid dreams.

Start each day with optimism, don’t give up and don’t delay,

Every day’s a new beginning, count your blessings come what may,

You’ve been placed here for a purpose, even when you’re old and gray,

Don’t resist God’s intervention, He will guide you every day.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, hope, Optimism | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

THROW BACK THURSDAY

Posted on July 14, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Almost six years ago, we were in the throes of looking for a new house. Time was running out and we felt like we’d never find our next dwelling place. Memories of another time, when our world caved in. It was 24 years prior to that. Paul’s business suffered from the recession of 1990, and he was forced to close his doors and declare bankruptcy. We lost everything, except for our faith that God would provide. He indeed did. He found a house through a friend of ours. It was, what I called our restoration house. We lived there for many years, and it helped us to rebuild and start over. God is so good.

So, six years ago, we bought the house in the above picture. It was the last house we looked at before our time was up. Paul literally fell to his knees when he saw it. It is a charming old farmhouse. Nothing like what we planned for. We wanted a house in the country and this one is in the center of town, next to a busy highway. We didn’t want stairs and this one is a two story. We wanted two bathrooms and this one has only one – which is nowhere near the bedroom. Still the house was convenient to everything and for a couple years seemed to be the ideal place for us. We were close to church, close to our daughter and her family, near shopping centers and in an active arts community.

When the pandemic came, we were isolated for a while and muddled through the next two and a half years. When life returned to a semi-normal state, we again ventured out, but saw an extreme change in people. They had grown bitter, angry, hateful at times, introverted and so much more. Being in solitary confinement can do that to a person. As time progresses, life is getting back on track, but our sweet little neighborhood has turned into a noisy one, with all kinds of difficult issues. The highway next to us is under construction and part of our backyard will eventually be removed. A homeless girl was taken in by our neighbor. Since then, there has been suspicious activity at that house and the one across the street from us. Our little farm on the highway has either suffered the effects of the pandemic, or we have become narrow minded and old. We used to love looking out our side window at the wildlife and birds. We still do, but the wildlife doesn’t include birds and critters anymore.

I did get a good medical report yesterday, however, and I am good to go for another six months. God is still good and always will be. He has always been the consistent in our lives.

Posted in aging, Family, God | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

WELLNESS CHECK

Posted on July 13, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

I am at the age where a “wellness check” is filed with questions like, “do you feel safe at home?” or “look at these three words and I’ll ask you to remember them at the end of the exam.” I will have my blood drawn and the numbers will be checked to see if I’m on the right dosage of medication. I do feel safe at home, except when I’m asked to think about it. I can’t remember what I went into another room for when I get there, so I wonder if I’ll remember those three words. I will discuss my knee which is making it difficult for me to walk. I will ask for a prescription for a handicapped sticker, so I won’t have to walk so far from the parking lot to wherever I’m going. I will admit to having trouble hearing, if I can’t hear what the doc has to say to me. Another six-month exam and I’ll be good to go for another six-month exam.

The joys of aging are limitless. I’ve spoken about the many challenges we face as we grow older, but truth be told, the only reason I go to the doctor twice a year is because I really like my doctor and like to see her twice a year to catch up on things.

When you get older, the little things become big. Like whether or not you have a bowel movement each day. Can you get out of bed without groaning? Can you eat what you used to? Are your arms going to get anymore wrinkled than they already are? Will gravity continue to play tricks with your body? If I had known what I know now, I would’ve opted out long ago. I have discovered that living doesn’t end when we get older. We can still continue doing so, if we don’t fall into the trap of feeling useless. We will have a purpose for every minute left for us, as long as we keep our minds active and useful to others. We can use the wisdom we’ve gained over the years to encourage those who have old age to look forward to.

So, off I go for my semi-annual medical exam. I’ll say a little prayer that everything is still functioning the way it should. I’ll feel good when I discover that it is. I’ll come home refreshed by my conversation with my doc and two hours later, I’ll start worrying about another ache or pain. Such is the life of me.

Posted in aging, America, purpose | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

WHENEVER YOU FEEL ALONE . . .

Posted on July 12, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

I guess it’s OK to have a bad day, but I hate it when I’m the one having it. I know that things will be better tomorrow, but while I’m experiencing self-doubt, worry, fear, sadness or anxiety, I feel like I’m in the pits and it would be better to be just left alone.

That’s one of the times I need to get in touch with my Savior again. He has promised to take away all my sorrow. He has suffered every human ailment and emotion known to man, but He has taken it even further. He laid down His life as the final sacrifice to atone for all my sins. When I think about that, my measly problems don’t seem so important anymore. I know that there will be days that aren’t perfect. I know I’m not going to be a cheerful, fun-loving person all the time, but I also know that even though moments like that are normal, I have a friend who will lift me up again. There is no greater friend than Jesus.

When you feel alone, know that Jesus is right beside you. He conquered death. He took our sins away. He gives us hope for another day here on earth and the promise of eternity with Him. So, live today, filled with anticipation knowing that you’re in His caring hands.

Posted in aging, anticipation, anxiety | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

IN THE GARDEN

Posted on July 11, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

PHOTOS FROM OUR GARDEN

When we started our humble garden at the house we bought almost six years ago, I had lamented the fact that it lacked the beautiful garden we left at our old house. So, we began building some new ones. As those six years have sapped much of our energy, we sometimes wonder why we ever did so, but as you can see, the results were lovely this year. It takes time to create a garden. You want to make sure the weeds don’t get in the way and choke out the good plants. You strive to keep up with them, but sometimes they wheedle their way in, no matter how hard you try.

Our lives are like a garden sometimes. We plod along, grow, mature and get burdened and entangled by the weeds of living. The negative emotions creep in like Creeping Charlie and tug at your heart and soul. The events of the day can strangle the life out of you and turn you into nothing but a withered mess. The things within our own neighborhoods, which lead us into wondering and straying from the truth are also ways we can be tempted into a bad place. Corruption abounds in all areas of our garden of life. We can try to get rid of those weeds, but they always return to haunt us and bring us down.

We do have a perfect solution to the problem. It’s not anything we can do by ourselves. Our God has provided the right amount of the necessary elements to produce a life that is filled with beauty. He loves us with more love than we deserve. He looks at our battered condition, our weathered souls and the weeds that have overtaken us through our sin, but He doesn’t see them anymore. All He can see is Jesus and the work He completed on our behalf. I look forward to the day when I meet Him face to face – to walk through His perfect garden – to live forever, because of what God’s Son did so unselfishly for me. He died for all of us, you know. He did so as the Master Gardener of our souls.

Posted in Daily inspiration and devotions, Salvation, sin, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments