I’M A GREAT GRANDMOTHER

Posted on May 6, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Disclaimer – This is not a real baby, nor am I really a great grandmother so far.

The following post was written five years ago when my granddaughter was just starting high school and they had a program designed to help young women learn about parenting. The program included a robotic doll that responded with crying when hungry or whatever might be bothering it at the moment. I’m reposting it today for those who have not yet enjoyed the bliss of parenting. It is not meant to discourage or deter anyone. It’s just funny.

Originally posted in September of 2017.

As of yesterday, I am now the proud great grandmother of a baby.  I don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl.  I wasn’t there for the blessed event.  My husband transported granddaughter and her new child home from school yesterday, so I haven’t even had a chance to get a good look at him or her.

Of course I’m kidding. The child is simply a fake baby, provided by the school, to teach teens how to care for a child – how to be responsible for another human being – how to think twice about having one.  The interactive program is designed to teach teens parenting skills; inform them of possible dangers and how to handle them; to prepare them for early childhood and health occupations.

I wonder if this is a fair evaluation for these young people.  Are they really getting a clear picture of what this whole parenting thing is about?  They aren’t going through an actual pregnancy, complete with morning sickness, cravings and size distortion.  They aren’t experiencing emotional highs and lows associated with pregnancy.  They are not sporting stretch marks and varicose veins.  They don’t have to endure hours of contractions and water breaking.  They don’t have to go through a birthing process.  They simply get handed a baby and are told to take care of it.

In a way, I guess that’s what happens.  Getting pregnant is the easy part.  Going through a pregnancy is an inconvenience, but you know it will end.  The hard part comes when you’re handed the baby, take it home and go through the process of parenting.  There is no handbook or owner’s manual.  You’re on your own.  There are no two children exactly alike, so each experience is different.

We struggle through the yuck of changing diapers, cleaning spit up off our clothes, cuddling, comforting and nurturing, but the real parenting part has just begun.  Now the parent is responsible for another life.  Now they must find a way to provide for them.  Now they must decide how to discipline and teach them.  Now they’re embarking on a roller coaster ride that has so many twists and turns, they probably never would’ve boarded it in the first place.

Perhaps when they startĀ giving out “terrible two” fake kids, or adolescents, there might be a little more truth to the whole situation.

Posted in Mother's day, parenting | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

FAMOUS LAST MOM WORDS

Posted on May 5, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

There is something about the language we use as mothers. I think it begins as a form of tradition. I’m talking about the “clean your room” phrase for one. Then there’s the one about not making silly faces or your face will stay that way. How about the one that says don’t do that or you’ll poke your eye out? When you get right down to it, things we say as parents are often re-runs of what our parents once said to us.

The thing about telling your kids to clean their room – along with all the other familiar phrases – is most often a waste of energy as well as the words we speak. Chances are, there will be a hundred distractions along the way. Such as the Barbie dolls with one limb missing and hair that has been permanently destroyed. There are the Lego blocks which beckon a child to build something in the midst of the rest of the mess. They might find a piece of clothing that hasn’t fit for three years and hope that it will. Or how about the half-consumed package of Oreo cookies? Maybe they’re still edible. Asking a child to clean his room is like inviting them to take a walk down memory lane.

As moms, we often say things that make no sense at all – especially to our children. When we hope to keep them from danger and say, “Don’t touch,” or “NO!” the words have no value unless the child learns through the actual experience. Actions do speak louder than words, but we as parents often feel we must set out warning signs along the way.

How often has a mother said, “Eat your vegetables. Children are starving all over the world.” I’ve never quite understood how eating all my vegetables is going to help someone who is starving in another part of the world. Here’s another one that comes from the Victorian Age if not the Stone Age. Children should be seen and not heard.” Kids are notorious for making noise and if they didn’t, we’d wonder if something was wrong with them. “Close the door. Were you born in a barn?” OK, the answer to that seems pretty obvious if you’re a cow or a horse, but I don’t know too many kids that were born in a barn, except for the Savior of the World.

There are so many instances in the life of a parent when we revert to what was said to us as children. It’s almost like carrying on a ritual from our past. Parenting isn’t easy. If it was, we’d see more children running around. However, it can be the most rewarding experience you will ever have. Thank God, there are still those out there that want that blessing bestowed on them.

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WEDNESDAY WISDOM – SUPER HERO MOM

Posted on May 4, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Fortunately,Ā I was young when I had my children.Ā  Ā As weĀ age our patience runs out – our energy wanes – our tolerance is pretty much dead – and our thoughts can’t keep up with the speed of technology, much less children. ThereĀ were times I wanted to give up.Ā  I often felt guilty- unworthy – unorganized –Ā unqualified – unappreciated – inept.Ā  I love my children, but there were days when I just wanted to run away.

We expect motherhood to be the most beautiful thing we ever do as women.Ā  We think our children will be well mannered, smart, beautiful and perfect.Ā  We expect every dayĀ to be smooth sailing. Our expectations soon turn into disappointments. There will be dishes in the sink – unmatched socks in the laundry basket – oatmeal on the walls – not enough time in the day to get everything done – times when you think the bathroom is your only sanctuary, untilĀ they find your hiding place, bring the dog and join you.

There will be nights when you pace the floor with a colicky childĀ –Ā cool down a feverĀ – remake their bed. As they grow older you willĀ wonder why they’reĀ late and what they might be up to.Ā  You may never sleep again. There are millions of other moms going through the same thing.Ā  Remind yourself why you had a child in the first place.Ā  Think about the end product and maybe that will help you cope with the here and now.

The responsibilities of raising children are huge.Ā  Add to that a job outside the home, community commitments, church activities, grocery shopping, laundry, housekeeping, etc. There is the joy you’ll experience in seeing them create a house out of a box – transform your pots and pans into musical instruments – or create a valentine just for you. Think about the thank you hugs and the I love you that comes when least expected.Ā  Think of their feeling of accomplishment as they tie their shoes or show their siblings how to.Ā  The small things become the important when you’re a mom.

Motherhood isn’t for sissies, but it’s the most important job you will ever have as a woman.Ā  Start each day praying for them and for yourself.Ā  It is a tough job, but with God’s help you can do it!!

Posted in Family, Mother's day, motherhood, parenting | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments

FROM WORRIER TO WARRIOR

Posted on May 3, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

I’d consider myself a worrier. It may have something to do with being a fixer as well. In my growing up years, I felt a responsibility for my baby sister. I took it on myself to tell her what to do and how to behave. I’m certain that she wasn’t crazy about my running interference in her life. In fact, she still recalls the mean things I did to her when we were growing up, but she loves me anyway. I don’t know why I felt it necessary to be her parent, because we had a mom and dad that wanted the best for both of us. I guess I’m just a natural born worrier.

That trait carried through to my life as a wife and mother. Again, I was always trying to fix things. When we become parents, our expectations change. We have been entrusted with this new life for a number of years and the last thing we want to do is mess it up. We are human beings so messing up seems to be common for most of us. When you become a mother, you also become a worrier. It seems totally natural to me. We take precautions to keep our kids safe – to teach them how to do things – demonstrate our love for them – guide them through the difficulties of life and give them a moral base for their own lives. This is the point when we become warriors.

In defending them like a mother bear protects her cubs, we are demonstrating a deeper love than worry can bring. We are showing our kids that we care about their safety, their relationships and their future social skills. However, we can’t take on all the giants that our children face. We must also teach them that they can defend themselves – not always physically, but through communication and understanding. Achieving that goal requires us to don the armor of God. It’s not an easy task to be a parent, but so worth it. There will be many battles along the way. There will be misunderstandings, words spoken in anger and things we can’t take back once they are said. There will be positive times when we applaud their accomplishments, praise their intelligence and show unconditional love. Even those times can be challenging if we don’t have a strong foundation to build on.

We become warriors rather than worriers when we place our cares on our Savior, Jesus. He can carry them and bury them with all the rest of our sins. The Bible gives so many examples of parenting – good and bad, so that can be a source for how to and how not to be one. No matter what you face as a parent, always remember that you have a partner in the process. God has promised to walk with us in every step of our lives. He will not let go of us when we turn things over to Him. He loves it when we come to Him as prayer warriors – parents – grandparents – brothers and sisters and all our relationships in life. He is the Father of all mankind and will love us with a far greater love than we can expect from anyone else.

Where will you start today? Are you going to become a worrier or a warrior? We have a champion already in Jesus. He battled the devil and won. Our salvation is assured. So why worry? Jesus is the answer to all our cares in this world. He even spoke to His disciples about this very thing.

“Peace I leave with you;Ā my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.Ā Let not your hearts be troubled, neitherĀ let them be afraid.” John 14:27

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MOTHER’S DAY THOUGHTS

Posted on May 2, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

In a few days, it will be Mother’s Day Not a day goes by that I don’t think of this amazing woman. She helped to define and shape me throughout my life. She gave me confidence to be proud of who I was, even when I didn’t feel worthy. She gave me hope for the future. She disciplined, when necessary, but rarely laid a hand on me. The only time I recall a spanking from her was when she chased me through the house with a hairbrush to achieve the deed, only to have the brush break at the first blow – resulting in both of us laughing heartily.

Mom became a widow at the age of 59. She was a beautiful woman, with personality to match. She remarried and settled in Florida for a number of years until her second husband passed away. It was at that point that she began to feel the effects of aging and chronic back pain. Through many years of doctoring and the use of prescription drugs to decrease the pain, she became dependent on the drugs which were designed to help her. She became disoriented and unable to live on her. My sister attended to all the expenses and time involved in moving her. When she came to Minnesota, to live with Paul & me, she was 79. She resisted – she fought – she denied needing care – she finally gave in and stayed with us for a year until she got healthy again. She then moved to an independent living apartment and lived there for another seven years.

I am now the age she was when she came to live with us. It’s hard taking the place of the parent you called mom. It’s like reversing roles in a way, but I treasure that time I had with her. There were many trips to the ER – a few hospital stays – lots of doctor appointments – daily visits at first to make sure she was doing well. It’s tough to watch your parents grow older and more dependent upon you. As I look forward to my 80th birthday, I think about the day we celebrated her 80th. It was such a blessing to surround this woman with love on her special day. All of our children and grandchildren were on hand to sing Happy Birthday to Grandma Lou.

My hearing is failing. My body is showing signs of age, but I am forever grateful to the woman who carried me for nine months in her womb and throughout her time on earth. She was and remains, my mom. I know she is pain free now and enjoying the blessings of heaven, but she also holds a most special place in my heart.

The vision of your loveliness is etched within my heart,

My memories imprinted there, I don’t know where to start,

I know that I was loved by you, with an unending love,

You proved it in a million ways, when push turned into shove,

You looked beyond theĀ cares of life, youĀ leaped among the stars,

You dreamed the wildest dreams for me, you washed away all scars,

You were my special hero – the one I looked up to,

Leading meĀ by example,Ā showing me what to do,

The difficult years of childhood, you made seem like a breeze,

Because of your enduring love, and every tender squeeze,

Though you have long since departed, my heart remembers still,

TheĀ true,Ā unconditional love, my waiting heart did fill,

I miss you every day, sweet mom, your smile I miss so much,

Your kindness and your gentleness, your sweet endearing touch,

I know my own days are numbered, God’s timeline won’t erase,

But we will meet again someday, in his own heavenly place.

Posted in Mother's day, motherhood, Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

PRAYERS FOR UKRAINE

Posted on April 28, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
“Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” Ā 
Ronald Reagan
Ā 

I cannot begin to imagine what the Ukrainians are dealing with in their country. The United States seems oblivious to the wars that rage around us and seem eager to send money and arms, but not really providing any kind of peace for those going through the battle. We have our own battleground right here in the USA as crime spins out of control and it seems that the devil is having a field day. Our urgency to overcome two years of isolation has caused depression, thoughts of suicide and mental issues. That in itself is a war of sorts. Children are killing other children for no reason. The family has been torn apart. Our basic rights have been put into question. We see a battle for wealth, status, and fame every single day. However, our battles could easily be won if we return to your ways. We must begin to care about each other again.

We’re all in a spiritual battle. Some feel they can control their circumstances by themselves. Some try finding solace in a bottle or the drug of the day. Some escape to the internet as a means of forgetting about the world and all its troubles. When we put on the armor of God, we can stand firm in any battle we encounter.

Dear, Father, God,

You have shown us that your love for us is beyond our comprehension. You loved us so much, you gave the ultimate sacrifice for us. We can now stand firm in the knowledge that you will be at our side as we face the evils of this world. I pray for the people of Ukraine. They are displaced, fearful for their lives and long for a return to normalcy. When placed in such circumstances, we grow weak in our faith. Help us and those being ravaged by war put on the armor you provide to protect us all. May your Spirit fill the hearts of those who are losing heart. May you enliven all of us to care for one another – to love – to grieve for – to show compassion to – to depend on you to lead everyone in the right path. Help them and us to stand firm in our faith and call on you in every trouble. We often wait until there is no other choice available to us, but you are with us all the time. You have promised to protect us through the trials of life.

Thank you for sending Jesus to take our place on the battlefield raging within us. Help us to return to you and know that you have already planned a solution for all wars and rumors of them. I put my trust in you to deliver the people of Ukraine from the ravages of war. Keep all of us strong in our faith. Hear the prayers of your people, dear God. In Jesus holy name I pray. Amen!

Posted in America, armor of God, prayer | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

WEDNESDAY WISDOM

Posted on April 27, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

I guess you could say I was a child that grew up on “screen time.” My screen was an 8″ black and white TV, upon which I spent Saturday mornings wallowing in Looney Toons cartoons. I would then spend the rest of that Saturday at the movie theatre, watching technicolor movies with fabulous choreography and music. Today screen time is more apparent as kids walk around with a screen attached to their hand. However, you might say I was breaking ground for today’s generation.

One of my favorite cartoon characters was Sylvester, the cat. That poor creature spent his entire existence trying to consume Tweety Bird, but never accomplished the deed. Either Granny would whack him on the head with her broom, or his conscience (good or bad) would lead him into temptation or drive him away from it. Maybe this is how I was introduced to my own conscience. It’s an inner voice that’s built into us at our conception. Or as Victor Hugo once said, “Conscience is God present in man.” He also said, “The sewer is the conscience of the city.” Either way our conscience can often determine what our actions will be.

If you were Sylvester, your ultimate goal would be to eat a canary. Your good conscience would fight for Tweety and fill you in on all the bad that would occur if you succeeded in your goal. Your bad conscience would tell you to hang the consequences and go for instant gratification. It used to be that Sylvester’s good conscience won out. Today – not so much.

For me, my screen time has switched to looking out our window to feast my eyes on nature and the wildlife that surrounds me. The playful squirrels that eat our bird food while dangling from the bird feeder by one foot are amazing. The feral cats abound. I’m sure someone is feeding them, because they all look extremely healthy. The birds try to make a stab at the seed but must be satisfied with the remnants scattered on the ground. Since it is spring and everything is coming alive again, the view is most enjoyable. However, there is the ugly side of life too. The apparent passing of drugs on the street or human trafficking and a visual police presence. To top it off feral cats are mating on a catarondack chair. They should get a room!

So how does conscience play into all this? I guess what I’m wondering is whether the conscience has become so numbed by public opinion, a WOKEsociety, political correctness or is the world actually devolving into something I don’t recognize anymore? Good is now evil and evil is acceptable as good. Maybe we’re all living in a world of Looney Tunes.

Posted in aging, America, God, humor | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON

Posted on April 26, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could hit the pause button and stop the world for a while?Ā  Some daysĀ are more chaotic than others, but right now we all need to slow down and take a deep breath.

We’re faced with news of terror in the world by an evil group of radicals that are intent on conquering the infidels.Ā  War is waging in far off countries and there is nothing we can do about it, except offer our prayers. Our city streets are cluttered with crime and violence that never ends.Ā Even our own neighborhoods and country roads are infested with violence. Our homes are nothing like the Father Knows Best or Leave it to Beaver of old.Ā  Now single parents raise children and fight to survive, often causing children to grow up much faster than they should. They are left to raise themselves basically and don’t know how to deal with the pressures of life.

There is no longer a middle class.  You’re either rich or poor.  Entitlement has all but eliminated the desire to fulfill the American Dream.  Government has invaded every area of our lives beginning at our birth (and conception) to our death. Political correctness has become so much a part of our vocabulary that there’s bound to be something that will offend.  God has all but been eliminated from our conversation as a nation.  Peace is something you must obtain by taking a pill or meditating.

Hit the pause button.Ā  Stop – listen to the beautiful message from God.Ā  He has given us a Savior – a Redeemer – a Comforter – a King.Ā  Jesus is exactly what we need right now and always will be.Ā  He lived a perfect life, but still had human flesh.Ā  He lived in poverty but had a loving family and was schooled in God’s Word.Ā  He learned a trade, got hungry and tired, but still was God and King of the universe.Ā  He suffered humiliation and pitiful scars, so that we could be heirs of His kingdom.Ā  He conquered death and lives and reigns on the throne of God.

Life doesn’t have to fill our hearts with frustration, fear, anxiety, pain.Ā  We have the most perfect peace through the promise that He will return again to judge the world.Ā 

Come quickly, Lord, Jesus, Amen!

Posted in anxiety, compassion, war | Tagged , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

SILENT, BUT DEADLY

Posted on April 25, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

I am part of the ā€œSilent Generationā€ or more commonly known as a Traditionalist – or those born from 1923-1945. We all have our pluses and minuses, but many of us old timers seem to think that the Newbies are on the road to destruction. I have to admit Iā€™m one of those old Fuddy Duddys myself at times.

I grew up in an age of discovery which brought us the first automatic washing machine, the first television set and beautiful gas guzzling cars. It was a time when war was in the past, but still held the threat of possible nuclear actions. We had regular air raid drills when I was in school, where everyone would hide under their desk and cover their heads. I’m not sure how that would’ve saved us from anything, but we did it. Everyone knew all the words to the National Anthem; Coke was something you drank from a bottle; recycling meant taking that bottle back for a two cents refund.

Our entertainment consisted of going to a movie on Saturday and spending the entire day watching the same movie over and over for a quarter. I grew up with Shirley Temple and Judy Garland and experienced some of the most fabulous musicals ever to hit the screen. Of course in those days, movies weren’t rated.  They didn’t have to be.  They were melodramatic, over acted and delightfully unlike reality.  Today everything is about reality.  Who wants to be entertained by things that happen every day.  BORING!

Disposable bottles, diapers and phones were unheard of. Fast food was a sandwich we made ourselves. Our ā€œsocial mediaā€ was getting together at a friendā€™s house to talk. or actually physically playing outdoors until it was time for lunch and supper.  We also communicated face to face, without the use of technology.  I remember calling each other on a tin can with a string.  Don’t ask.

NowĀ us old fogies struggle with technology, and we live much longer than our predecessors. We see the mistakes that are being made in our government, in the raising of children, in education and in society as a whole. Because we’re living longer, we worry that we won’t have enough money to make it through the month.Ā  We skimp on prescriptions so we can eat.Ā  Our minds are still functioning, but our bodies are screaming for us to slow down.Ā  The aged do not get the respect they deserve either.Ā  Whatever happened to the fourth commandment? Oh, my, I sound like an old woman. Wait – I AM!

In my opinion, we should be like our forefathers and die young. Then we wouldnā€™t have so much time to sit around and complain about the younger generation.Ā  In the meantime, letā€™s find the good in our world while there’s stillĀ someĀ left.Ā  The more we focus on the negative thinking of the media, the internet, the world – we become crabby, stodgy, old folks.Ā  As long as we’re living longer, we should make the most of the rest of our lives.

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LIFE STORMS

Posted on April 24, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

PHOTO FROM PINTEREST – STORMS IN MINNESOTA TWO YEARS AGO

We’ve been in a short duration of what is to come in Minnesota. Storms pop up suddenly and often without warning. The skies can be brilliant blue with a faint whisper of clouds and immediately become filled with darkness and ominous cumulus formations above. Usually this leads to the month of tornadoes and extreme changes in temperature – which we’ve already experienced in April. In a way it’s like the patterns that fill our lives day by day. We can have bright sunshine and joy one day and be overrun with darkness and depression the next. We never know what will happen next. We can endure those storms by thanking God for placing these challenges in our walk. There will be storms – but they don’t have to defeat us.

Thank you, dear keeper of my soul, for giving me another day. Thanks for giving me opportunities to share your love with others. Thanks for your forgiveness each and every moment for things I have done and things I am about to do. Thank you for providing my sustenance for each day. Thanks for giving me a loving spouse and family. Thank you for allowing me the strength and endurance to carry me through. Thank you for loving me. Amen!

Posted in aging, America, storms | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

MAKE ROOM FOR LAUGHTER

Posted on April 23, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Itā€™s not easy to find humor in the events of today, but I think itā€™s mandatory. Laughter has always been good medicine. Even the Bible talks about how important it is for us.

Proverbs 17:22 says, ā€œA joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.ā€

That in itself is a good reason to laugh. Who wants dried up bones? I believe that God infused laughter into our humanity so that we wouldnā€™t lose hope. If we can find humor in an otherwise depressing situation, things donā€™t seem quite so bad anymore. One of the reasons I married my husband was that he had a great smile and he made me laugh. He had to ā€“ he married me. Our world is filled with so much bad news; itā€™s time to start laughing again. It may seem impossible to find anything to laugh about, but it is still a good remedy for a heavy heart.

This funny quote makes me laugh, because I’ve experienced it.

ā€œI am thankful for laughter except when milk comes out of my nose.ā€
– Woody Allen

Ella Wilcox said it in her poem ā€œSolitude.

“Laugh, and the world laughs with you;

Weep, and you weep alone;

For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth;

It has trouble enough of its own.”

If you are feeling down today, look up. But be careful – there may be a low flying flock of geese overhead. Happy Saturday!

Posted in anxiety, depression, Humor, joy | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

COUNTING YOUR STEPS

Posted on April 21, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

No, I don’t have a Fitbit, but I recently discovered that I can see how many steps I take by going to an app on my phone. The first day, I felt really hopeless when only 250 steps showed up on the app. The fact that I didn’t carry my phone with me wherever I went might have had something to do with it. So, I decided to keep it in my pocket throughout the day. I was amazed when I reached 2000 steps. I thought maybe it had to do with the fact that my legs are short, and I need to take more steps to accomodate for that. Feeling a bit cocky, I told someone about my achievement, and they were eager to share the fact that they were up to 50,000 . To an old lady like me, them’s fighting words. I guess you could say I have a competitive spirit, even though I don’t demonstrate it often.

I’ve been doing the step counting for about a month now and I feel good about it. I’m more aware of getting the exercise I need, even it requires me to tap my feet more often, or dance while holding on to the countertop, or running in place for a minute or so. My trips to the mailbox also help, along with taking out the trash and getting from the house into the car, etc. I really rack up the steps on grocery shopping day. So, what if I’m hanging onto a grocery cart? My feet are moving. I walk into the store unassisted. I grab a cart and proceed through the aisles at a rapid pace, because this is definitely not my favorite thing to do anymore. I pack my own groceries. I wheel them to the car and place them in the trunk and unload them when I get home. On those days I’m doing over 5000 steps. I’m not very consistent, but I am moving and at almost 80 years old, that ain’t bad.

Aging robs us of many things, but if we put our mind to it, we can accomplish the seemingly impossible. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. If this helps you to be conscious of staying healthy, it’s a good thing. We might even slow down the process some.

Posted in aging, America | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

WHAT’S IT LIKE BEHIND YOUR FRONT DOOR?

Posted on April 21, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

I think we all go through times when we’re living in the middle of a huge mess. Maybe you didn’t have time to do the dishes. There are magazines from twenty years ago stacked in a corner. Your bed is unmade, the laundry is stacking up and you’ve forgotten to make lunches for your kids to take to school. It’s times like these when someone invariably shows up at your front door. Will you invite them in? Will you step outside to talk to them? Will you hope that if you don’t answer the door they will leave, thinking you aren’t home? We don’t like people to see the chaos we’ve created in our own lives. However, in the midst of all that chaos, there are many lessons to be learned and taught.

Dad has been working two jobs so that mom can stay at home with the kids. He’s exhausted most of the time, but when he comes home and finds them all asleep, he doesn’t fail to kiss them goodnight and tuck a surprise under the pillow. It might be as simple as a penny or a stick of gum, but it’s a memory that will live with those children for a long time.

Mom has been working overtime as well. Not only does she have a house to take care of, but there are places to transport the young ones, grocery shopping, lawn work, vet visits, medical emergencies or a discussion with a schoolteacher about a poor grade. She is also required to maintain the family budget, provide nutritional meals, make sure everyone is healthy and maybe even have a few minutes to herself. When it’s time for the day to end and the housework is still undone, she has time to talk to the children about their day – their grades – their fears – and give lots of hugs and positive thoughts. I doubt they will even realize the dishes are still in the sink, but they won’t forget her desire to care for their needs before her own.

We all would love to have the perfect home – with no dust bunnies under the bed – with everything in its proper place – no chaos or confusion – the ideal setting for a family. Or is it? The messes will always be there, but the relationships won’t. Take time to focus on how you can best help your family and the little things that they’ll remember forever.

Posted in parenting | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

WHERE CAN I GO TO HIDE?

Posted on April 20, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHERĀ©

A hiding place where no one knows or sees or hears the truth,

A place where you can tuck away the trespasses of youth,

When hearts submit to God’s sweet call to come and be with Him,

Those sins will soon be washed away, and we can dwell within,

For God is our true shelter, He loves us as we are,

When hidden in His sacrifice, we won’t stray very far,

Our sins have been forgiven, Our path has been made clear,

The Lord of Heaven saved us, with His own Son, most dear.

Don’t try to hide from Jesus, He’ll never let you go,

He loves and understands you, He dwelt with men you know,

He knows our every problem, He feels our every pain,

But through His gift of passion, His loss was for our gain.

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CITY SCAPES

Posted on April 20, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

City within a darkened world, has beauty all its own,

The wires that lace throughout the space, the litter lying there,

The sounds of box cars hooking up, a place where crime is sown,

Where homeless search the garbage cans, to find a snack to share.

Where vagrants sleep while raccoons watch, to find their own sweet snack,

To dine on others leftovers, seems common to them both,

The train rails screech as cars are joined, they thunder and they crack,

The large abandoned buildings stand, as sentries without growth.

Still skies above are clear and bright, above the scene they dance,

They fill with clouds of discontent, soon darkness falls again,

Some stay awake throughout the night just waiting for a chance,

To try again to start their life and jump a moving train.

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HAPPY EVER AFTER

Posted on April 19, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
Vector version of my own calligraphy

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER – ARE THERE HAPPILY EVER AFTERS?

If every day held fairy tales and happily ever afters,
Our lives would soon grow boring. We’d be hanging from the rafters.
So, God gives us all challenges through every single day
To know that He’s beside us, in each and every way.

Those tests can often leave us feeling lost and all alone,
But if we just rely on Him, He’ll take us safely home.
Where happily ever afters are the menu for each day –
Where peace and full contentment keep us longing for to stay.

So, as we trod this blackened road of pain and great despair,
We can be sure that Jesus knows and tends to every care.
So, trust that He’ll be with you. You will never walk alone.
He came to pay for all our wrongs from His great heavenly throne.

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BECAUSE HE LIVES, SO DO WE!

Posted on April 18, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHERĀ©

What will remain when we are gone, what memories will stay,

How will the world remember us when we are far away,

The treasures that we leave behind are often just a breath,

A moment in this world of ours leads to eventual death.

 

Yet when we leave a piece of us, an act, a thought, a dream,

Some words of true encouragement, are more than what they seem,

When we can look outside ourselves and touch another soul,

Our lives will be sufficient then to reach our final goal.

 

When opening up our hearts in love,  our motives will be true,

Our tears and laughter will be shared in everything we do,

To live in true humility is not an easy task,

But when we do, we will be blessed with afterglow that lasts.

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WAITING FOR THE SON

Posted on April 17, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

His bruised and smitten body lay quiet in the grave,
He gave His precious blood for me and all the world to save,
There are no words to thank Him, to give love in return,
God’s promise is fulfilled, within my heart does burn,
The words are ever etched within this heart of mine,
My sins have been forgiven, by God’s own Son divine,
I wait for Easter morning, with confidence and hope,
To see Him resurrected gives me a way to cope.
Sweet Jesus waiting there. Your love will never fail,
I put my faith in You. No other can prevail.

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EASTER MEMORIES

Posted on April 17, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

I recall the times when we would get all dolled up for Easter. Even the term, “dolled up,” is kind of telling. We put on our best. We wore brand, new clothes, shoes, hats, gloves and other adornments to celebrate the resurrection of the King. Like most traditions, those days often pale in comparison to the perfect message of Easter. No matter how we come to church, no matter where or how we worship, we are all coming to praise Jesus for His gift of eternal life and freedom from the guilt of sin.

Resurrection Day is the most glorious day of the church calendar, but it’s also imprinted on the hearts of everyone who believes in God’s amazing grace and love for the entire world. The hosannas and alleluias will fill the air. The timpani will sound, the trumpets will blare, there will be beautiful flowers on the altar and songs of praise will ring out all over our world. The “noise” of Easter can’t hold a candle to the peace that it gives us. Jesus went uncomplaining forth – He suffered on a cross – He spoke to His followers and even forgave those who were putting him to death. He breathed His last and died – yes, He died. On the third day, He overcame death. He came back to life in a glorified body, with only the scars on his hands, feet and side. Those remained as proof that He indeed is the Messiah. The suffering was over. Jesus, Christ was risen – risen indeed!

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, ā€œFear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” Revelation 1:17-18

EASTER BLESSINGS TO ALL OF MY BLOGGING FRIENDS. MAY THE LOVE OF GOD REMAIN IN YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND GIVE YOU ETERNAL PEACE!

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A DAY OF UNREST

Posted on April 16, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

It was the Sabbath day – a day dedicated to rest and meditation. Jesus’ body had been interred in the tomb of a rich man. Time would not allow for preparing the body for burial, because the Sabbath required no work of any kind.

It was a fact that Jesus lay dead in that grave, but the leaders of the Sanhedrin wanted to make sure that the body wasn’t stolen by His followers – which would create even more of an uproar. They remembered that Jesus spoke of rising from the dead. If His body disappeared, it would open a whole new can of worms. They went to Pilate and asked that extra security be placed at the tomb so this wouldn’t happen.

Where were Jesus’ followers? We know that John took Mary, the mother of Jesus to his home, but what about the rest of them. Peter, after his denial of Jesus, must’ve felt great remorse and went into hiding fearing for his own life. Judas, the betrayer had already committed suicide. What about the rest of them? Surely, they must’ve recalled the words of the Messiah as they sat at the last supper together.

“Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mournĀ while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has painĀ because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.Ā Ā So with you: Now is your time of grief,Ā but I will see you againĀ and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 15:20-22

Those words were spoken only two days before. They were uttered by Jesus to give his disciples hope and peace of mind for the events that would follow. I imagine all they had in mind was grief at the loss of the One they called, Messiah. They were confused, frightened, anxious, depressed, really afraid for their own lives. Aren’t we much like them in that way? When our faith is challenged – when ugly things happen in our lives – when there seems to be no future – our first inclination is to run away. Our God is omniscient, which means “all knowing.” We can’t hide from Him. We cannot run away from Him.

As we ponder the happenings of Holy Week, let’s remember that our fears and anxieties will soon come to an end. As Jesus foretold – “I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” A new day is coming. The day of Resurrection. Don’t let anything take away the wonderful joy of that message.

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