UNDER THE SUN

Posted on September 13, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

SHORT STORY BY KATHY BOECHER

The 1970s were supposed to be a golden era, because of all the changes and developments that occurred during that time.  The challenges of that decade were countless.  There was the war in Viet Nam, which caused violent protests and dodgers of the draft.  Women were burning their bras to indicate their displeasure with women’s rights at the time.  The president of the United States, Richard Nixon was forced to resign because of the Watergate scandal. He was replaced by Gerald Ford, his vice president.  He was followed by Jimmy Carter – a peanut farmer from Georgia. 

The television show, “Happy Days” introduced us to greaser, the Fonz, and clean cut Richie Cunninham. Disco music became popular as John Travolta twisted and turned to the delight of young women, in his bell bottom pants.  Music was evolving from Glam rock to Progressive Rock to Punk Rock.  Eventually country western music made itself known.  Neil Diamond dazzled us with “Sweet Caroline,” and “Forever in Blue Jeans.” (By the way, for the longest time I thought the song was titled, “For Reverend Blue Jeans.” ) Jim Jones, cult leader of the People’s Temple in Guyana, led his followers to their death in a planned murder/suicide.  The movie “Star Wars” made its debut and established a following that continues through this day.

A golden era?  Well, it was a time of innovation and discovery, but also a time which devolved into matters that might change the world in a difficult way.  Although what goes around comes around, so they say.

Every decade has its problems.  Today is no different.  The generation gap has widened. Elderly people no longer command respect. Entitlement is running rampant throughout our generations.  The morality of our society has dwindled to anything goes as long as no one gets hurt.  Even the lack of respect for life has taken a hit. 

I was a mom during this decade, with three children aged 14, 12 and 6.  I love each one the same but quickly discovered how one generation changes in a nano second.  Those changes can lead to huge problems when it comes to raising a family.  They still exist today in the 21st century – much like King Solomon who ruled after King David over Israel.  In reading his book, Ecclesiastes, we discover that life doesn’t really change much.  It just comes in different packaging.  None of his wealth, belongings, long list of wives and concubines and everything a man could desire, he came to see that none of it mattered in the scheme of things.

Our lives are short.  We have a limited amount of time to live it and most of us don’t come close to being able to afford everything we want or need.  We do, however have the Word of God.  This timeless book gives us insight on how to manage in this world with guidance from the One who created it.  There is nothing new under the sun.

Posted in change, Uncategorized, wisdom, writing | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

WATERS FALLING

Posted on September 13, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER@

This watercolor pencil drawing draws us into the Yellowstone valley and the magnificent falls that has become so familiar in Paul’s art. I have never been able to master the art of water falling over rocks and crashing to the end of its destination. It takes great skill to do this. The detail in this piece of art amazes me.

Raging ice turns into water,

Crashing,

Rolling over jagged rock,

Bubbling and steaming,

As it falls to still waters below,

The finger of God,

Pushing it ever forward,

Cutting through granite,

With only His touch,

As in days of old,

When waters poured down from the sky,

Pushing up from the ground,

Flooding the entire earth,

Only a few survivors,

But enough to begin again,

In that flood,

God spilled His tears,

Over a fallen world,

But didn’t give up on it,

He provided a way out,

Carving new channels,

Scenic bluffs,

Canyons and pathways,

Filling the old,

with new,

Renewal,

Restoration,

Revival,

Rebirth,

A new covenant,

Never again would the world,

Be destroyed by water.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, seasons, wisdom | Tagged , , | Comments Off on WATERS FALLING

NOT A FREAKY, FUNNY FRIDAY . . .

Posted on September 12, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

I usually write about some of the funny things that have occurred in my lifetime, but it just doesn’t seem right to do so this week. It has been a month filled with tragedy, hatred, terrorism, minds out of control and generally the darkness that already lives in our world today. We’ve only completed two weeks so far in September, but in that short time we have had two mass shootings in Minneapolis alone. On September 2nd, police were on the scene of the first mass shooting just across the street from Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. One was declared dead and 6 injured. An arrest has been made. Just one day later another attack was underway at Annunciation Catholic Church where 2 children were killed and 17 were injured. These incidents were not connected but occurred within 24 hours of each other. There have been stories of stabbings, shootings and strangulation in our state this month as well.

As we look at our world today, it’s easy to place blame on the government and the laws of the land. It also becomes a time to look at mental health issues and drug abuse. This is not the Minneapolis we moved to in 1973. Crimes of all kinds are happening every day. It seems like the devil is on the rampage and God has taken a back seat. Many claim that God is the villain in all this. This week our country was hit with the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who has been spreading his opinions on gender, race and politics to younger conservatives. This apparently hit a nerve of the assassin who fired just one shot to kill a man who offended him.

We are not even halfway through this short month and the memories of 09/11/2001 are fresh in our minds. A whole generation has passed and has no memory of it.

In 1847, Johnny Mercer wrote the lyrics for “The Falling Leaves.”
The song has been sung by many, including Nat King Cole. These poignant words about love lost is haunting yet beautiful.

The falling leaves drift by my window. The falling leaves are red and gold. I see your lips; the summer kisses – the sunburned hands I used to hold. Since you went away the days go long and soon I’ll hear old winter’s song. But I’ll miss you most of all, my darling, When autumn leaves start to fall.

I found the drawing of this oak leaf in one of Paul’s sketchbooks. It reminds me so much of this season. The detailed veins running through the leaf are indicative of life coming to a close. It also demonstrates to me that life goes on even after death. That leaf will become mulch to nourish the earth and produce more of its own kind. The lyrics to the song are perfect for the treasured life I had with my husband for so long. One of his favorite phrases when things seemed impossible to handle was, “God has this!”

Those of us left behind have a responsibility to get back in touch with our Creator. He’s been aware of all the ugliness going on in our world. He isn’t the one responsible for it. We have strayed from Him and the consequences are evident in what we are witness to today.

Dear, Father God, we come to you in deepest humility and sadness.
We realize that you are in control of the world and all that is in it. Help us to get back into your Word – to place our trust in your wisdom – to let others know there is hope in the future. You have provided for a new paradise where none of this will concern us anymore. Give us the courage to stand up for you, even when it causes offense to some. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Savior, our Champion, our brother and our King. Amen!

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God, terrorism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

THOSE DARKEST DAYS . . .

Posted on September 11, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This piece of art shows how darkness can shroud our vision – when the ugliest of humanity steps into our lives and destroys those we love and lose because of their actions. Feeling separated from God can result in those evil acts. Some may even blame Him.

There are days when we feel lost, as if in a dark forest, longing for escape. Some days remind us of emotions exposed and fill our thoughts with depression. Today is one of those days. Acts of terror in any shape or form, make us angry. They are times we’d rather forget, but we must remember the good along with the bad.

Looking back over the past 24 years since 09/11/2011 stirs a multitude of dark moments followed by a surge in pulling together in acts of bravery and patriotism. We said we’d never forget and most of us won’t. There is a whole generation who grew up never realizing how this would affect us and ultimately change our world.

It was an amazingly beautiful day, with skies of cloudless blue and fresh clean air reminding us of the glory of the change in seasons. Suddenly planes crashed into buildings right before our eyes on the television screens. Each attack stunned us and looked like a movie unfolding rather than an actual event. Many asked where God was during this time. Many were enraged and that rage evolved for many years to come. In the midst of all of it, God was there. Lives were lost. Multiple funerals were held. Families were torn apart. Years couldn’t mend the hearts of so many. but God was still there.

Today we struggle as lives are needlessly spent by those who have never experienced the love of God. He is always there for us. To lead us through the bad times and the good.

Times of turmoil and confusion, peace may seem aloof or gone,

Yet the Lord of all creation, stills the waters and the storm,

He will calm the rumbling seas, He can give relief from pain,

He can help you through all trouble, making loss become your gain,

Put your trust in His compassion. Put your faith in Him alone,

He provides for your salvation and will take you safely home.

Posted in 9/11, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

A FOGGY MORNING . . .

Posted on September 10, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

My posts are shorter this week because I have the pleasure of being with my great grandson while his mom serves an internship with developmentally challenged children. She is also working part time on weekends and taking online classes and has to fit in homework somewhere in there. She plans to graduate in December. This means getting up a little earlier each morning while it’s still a bit dark. This morning is filled with a dense fog advisory, so I found this watercolor from Paul to accompany my words.

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,

No!  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.

THANK YOU JESUS FOR ANOTHER DAY!

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, change, wisdom | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on A FOGGY MORNING . . .

DAYS TO COME . . .

Posted on September 9, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Today’s art by Paul is a watercolor pencil drawing. These wild areas were special favorites of the artist. I also have a fondness for this time of year, when things begin to go into a metamorphic state. All leading to wondrous colors that only God can create. It also signals more change to come as the days of summer fade into the past. Change is good, for the most part. We should look forward to it rather than looking at it as difficult. I pray that these coming days bring delight to everyone who can experience the abundance of God’s artistry.

A sweet hint of inspiration and light upon the bay,

The quiet indication of sights we see each day,

A lonely craft cuts through the waves, the sky with clouds entwines,

The trees turn red and yellow now, as part God’s design,

A placid lake, a peaceful scene, pastoral in its wake,

The sky is filled with majesty, a back seat it will take,

Encased with skeletal remains of empty, withered branches,

The trees give way to loneliness, a change of circumstances,

Soon snow will fill these longing arms, with life to come once more,

The deadly grip of winter’s hold, we simply can’t ignore,

Yet with each season life returns, vitality restored,

Life will go on eternally, to places unexplored.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, change, seasons | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER . . .

Posted on September 8, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & ENCOURAGEMENT BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

“70 is the new 50” was undoubtedly coined by someone in their 70s. Growing old means you are now one of those blue haired church ladies. It means you have achieved a lifetime of memories – good and bad. When you’re in your 70s you should have matured like a fine wine, but chances are you have already gone sour.

The pull of gravity has taken its toll. Everything from the top down has sagged or grown wider. You believe that you’ve shrunk over the years, and everything has fallen down around your hips.  Your mind tells you that you can still do what you did in your twenties while your body can’t wait to turn in at 8 PM each night. You go in search of something only to forget what it was when you get there. You can remember the names of the kids you went to school with, but now you may forget the names of your grandchildren.  You may beknown to call one of them by the dog’s name.

You spend more time in a doctor’s office than your mother did. In fact, you have become your mother! You thought you would be retired and sitting on the beach in Maui, but instead you continue plugging along trying to get by on your Social Security check each month. The thought of changing anything in your life becomes monumental so you refuse to consider it. Your hearing fails along with most of your other senses. You’ve lost your youthful glow. You’re so much crabbier, because you don’t have to prove anything anymore. You’ve been there and done that.

Actually, I remember my fifties, and they were a few of the worst years of my life. Now I’m in my eighties and I feel a lot better than I did back then.   Age has its advantages.   I feel so distinguished!

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16.

Posted in aging, art & inspiration from the Boechers, Christian devotions, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

BLISSFUL SUNDAY MORNING

Posted on September 7, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The sun breaks through a brilliant, blue sky, devoid of clouds. The air is dry, yet there is something phenomenal about the Sunday morning dew. The birds begin their concert as animals waken and browse their surroundings with sleep filled eyes. The gentle breeze, the quietness, the peace that comes with a day of rest. So often we choose to fill that day with extra activities when all we really need to do is enjoy the moment, breathe in the stillness, get closer to God by attending His sanctuary.

A sanctuary that is filled with His creation, no matter where it is.  He is available to you anywhere. Walk with Him today and every day.  He has masterpieces to share with you that you will never forget. He has life giving water that will completely satisfy your thirst. He offers freedom that you’ve never experienced. He gives it to all of us without any strings attached. Yet He will never let you go.

ENJOY YOUR SABBATH!

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

FLY AWAY HOME . . .

Posted on September 6, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The colored pencil sketch was done on the spot at the location shown. Paul always carried his sketchbook, either in his pocket or the glove box of the car. Like a camera, it was a necessary tool for his work. Someone once approached him as he was drawing and asked why he didn’t just take a picture. He said his camera was in the pencil. His knowledge of birds and wildlife were also built into his brain. We can learn so much from the creatures in God’s creation. How to work together to survive. How to not fear, but push on, even when it seems there’s no way out. How to communicate. How to share. How to evade predators. Humans are much different even though we think we’re superior. We often lose track of where we’re going. We don’t always solve problems together. We rely on technology for way too much. We give in to the masses when it seems we’re the underdog. Instead of placing our faith in our Creator, we try to one-up Him. What will you be today?

A family hatched a few months back, they now are set to fly,

The little one, the only son, would only live to die,

Survival of the fittest the remaining two pushed on,

Their home was not enough for them, there’s still work to be done,

To live in space too small for them, would never let them grow,

Respect is not therein you see, it’s one for one you know,

The birds that fly high over us, are not like us at all,

They live a different set of rules, they follow nature’s call,

But we are so much more than they, we should know how to act,

In harmony and peacefulness, let civil laws impact,

At least that’s what’s been planned for us, instead of take we give,

We push ahead before the pack, we choose the way we live,

Instead of working together, we separate and flee,

There is no real communion in trials that we bear,

What God intends for His people, is to live in peace and love,

He spared no cost when He gave us, His own Son from above,

We’ll never grow to understand or know what to expect,

Until the Son of God returns demanding our respect,

And on that day He’ll ask us if we know the reason why,

He shed His blood for all the world so they would never die,

Because of His pure, sinless self and for His love for all,

He paid for our redemption even though we fall,

There’s nothing in return He needs, His promises are true,

Have faith in His eternal love for everyone of you.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, change, Christian Devotions and Reflection, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments Off on FLY AWAY HOME . . .

FREAKY FRIDAY FUNNY . . .

Posted on September 5, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

TODAY’S FUNNY HAS TO DO WITH A TRUE EVENT THAT HAPPENED ALMOST 61 YEARS AGO, MY POST FROM EARLIER GOT ME THINKING ABOUT THIS.

It was the perfect setting for a honeymoon. It was late in September and leaves were beginning their descent, spinning and twirling to the ground. Those that remained fastened to trees had turned brilliant oranges, crimson and rust. The skies were clear with only a few scant whispers of clouds dotting here and there. Two had become one the week before. This couple had vowed to love each other through thick and thin, sickness and health and you know all the rest of that stuff. They were coming to the end of their vacation and made a stop at her grandmother’s farm. They did this on the condition that he would take some time to hunt deer. It was the middle of the bow season in Wisconsin.

Instead of staying with Grandma, she decided to tag along on his adventure. I mean, they’d only been married a few days ago and this togetherness thing was becoming a habit. He reluctantly agreed. It was late afternoon when they arrived at a swampy area of the acreage. His intuition and nose for this sort of thing made her wonder how he could know just where those creatures were hiding. It must’ve been a man thing. When they got to the destination, she remained in the car, saying she’d rather not take a tramp in the woods. To which he replied, “Who are you calling a tramp.” And off he went in search of a big buck as she sat in the car, munching on Cheetos and candy bars. She opened a romance novel she’d started before the wedding. Oh, if things were only that easy, she thought.

After about an hour, she closed the book, scanned her watch and looked at the sky. Those wispy clouds had darkened and increased in size. She became a little concerned that her hunter man had not returned. She began to imagine him being eaten by a bear or drowning in a sea of quicksand. Her first inclination was to beep the horn. There was no response. This was a time when there were no cell phones – no pagers – so the horn seemed the most likely instrument to rouse him from the woods – if he was still able to do so.

After about ten minutes of compulsive beeping, he finally emerged from the forest. His face was red. She saw a look on it that she’d never seen before. It wasn’t anger. It was more like rage. He asked her if she was okay and she said she was worried about him. That sent him one step higher up on the rage scale. He put his gear in the trunk, slammed it down and entered the car. There was a moment of utter silence. Not a word was spoken for at least ten minutes.

“I had my eyes set on a huge buck. I had just pulled back to make the perfect shot and guess what? The horn beeped and he ran away!!!!!

“But, honey,” she said, “You made it back to the car before the storm hit.”

THIS COULD’VE BEEN THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF WHAT ACTUALLY TURNED INTO A BLESSED MARRIAGE, WHICH ALMOST DIDN’T MAKE IT THROUGH THE FIRST WEEK. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THAT WAS THE ONLY TIME SHE EVER WENT ON A HUNTING EXPEDITION.

Posted in Family, Humor, marriage | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

DEER (DEAR) HUNTING . . .

Posted on September 5, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The whitetail deer in this painting stands unsuspecting of things to come. The mating season will soon begin. You can tell because these magnificent forest dwellers are moving around much more. The poem I’ve added was written in 2017 when my husband was still an active hunter. He preferred the bow and arrow because of the challenge it presented. It wasn’t one of those fancy high-powered bows but a simple traditional object which he learned to shoot as a young boy. I really think the hunting was more of an escape into Gods creation. He would often speak of sitting or standing so still that the birds would land on his shoulder. Not sure if that’s true or not, but it makes for a good story. Eventually he would hear the crunch of hooves making their way through the acorns and he knew he would soon witness one of them. The last few years of his life, he realized that he wouldn’t be able to partake of that dream any longer. He did, however, create a great legacy of beautiful art displaying his love for this special time of year.

It’s the time of the year when folks go and hunt deer,

When they bond and have fun from the dawn of the sun.

As I sit here at home, by myself all alone,

I bask in the peace as my thoughts now increase,

Looking inward and seeing the core of my being,

Alone in my thoughts as time now allots,

There’s solace in small things – the joy that a voice brings,

The siren that wails or the screeching of wheels,

Amplified sounds grab my inner attention,

And the peace now gives way to creative invention,

In days long gone by, when youth still had a hold,

I could fill all those moments, but now I’ve grown old,

I sit quietly thinking of the things I could do,

But I never seem ready to quite follow through,

Instead I will wait with my thoughts full of him,

Thoughts tempered with silence without and within.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, grief, Nature, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

SEPTEMBER’S SONG . . .

Posted on September 4, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This painting was done on gray paper. It gives the scene a look of mystery and the unknown. Every day can be like that. If you’re one who sees a glass as half empty rather than half full, you may think that September is the end of summer rather than the beginning of a new adventure. There are still weekend road trips – strolls in a county park – visiting a sunflower field – picking apples or choosing a pumpkin at a farmer’s market. Yes, the days are getting shorter so make the most of them. Autumn is the perfect time of year because it’s happening right now. Trees are shedding their foliage. Squirrels and deer are chomping on acorns. Birds are getting ready for the great migration. There is still an abundance of beauty.

I guess when we get older, time becomes more important. We aren’t sure how much of it we have left. We try to make the most of every day and if we let it, we can easily get discouraged. It takes courage to get out of bed. You need to be brave to get dressed and get motivated. You need to muster every ounce of energy to push yourself out the door and into living. Because time is short for us, we seem to want to pack as much as we can into every day. So don’t waste a minute. Live!

Every day is a gift from God that only He can give,

He beckons us to walk with Him to look at life and live.

The glorious signs of autumn fill the air with his breath,

He’s in the wind and everywhere even unto our death.

Get out and enjoy the treasure He’s blessed you with today,

A pallet of many colors awaits you on the way.

THANK YOU, JESUS FOR ANOTHER DAY!

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, change, seasons | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

WHAT SHALL I DO TODAY?

Posted on September 3, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Do you ever wake up and wonder if today would be a repeat of yesterday and the day before? Kind of like Bill Murray in “Groundhog Day.” Our lives become so routine and structured that there doesn’t seem to be room for anything else. I have days like that. As I get older, I have more of them. We become almost mechanical in our movements, in our relationships and the tasks that lay ahead. You begin to feel like a robot. You question your value. You wonder if God still has a plan for your life. One of my favorite Psalms is 139. It proves to each of us, no matter where we are, who we are and what point it is in our journey, we have been created by God for a reason. Take a moment to read it today.

God knows you, inside and out.

He knew what you would be like before you were even born.

He knows where you are at any given moment.

You can’t hide from Him.

To Him, you are a masterpiece, not a mistake.

He watches over you with a protecting love that no one else can give.

He made sure that you would survive in a dark world,

By sending a perfect substitute to be your champion.

He can turn unspeakable deeds into workable solutions.

He fights for you.

You are His child.

He is the perfect Father.

He has already planned your future, and it will be perfect.

He won’t leave you, even when it seems like He isn’t there.

Trust in His amazing love and grace.

He will show you how valuable you are.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, depression, Encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

DREAM WORKS . . . A SHORT STORY

Posted on September 2, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

I have been known to have vivid dreams that can either make me laugh or drive me crazy. One has recurred for many years now. If I were Joseph, from the Old Testament, I might be able to make sense of it. There are many experts out there who believe that our dreams have meaning. They can help solve life situations. They can work through daily tasks and help us organize thoughts. If your name was Freud, you would probably blame your parents for these dreams. My short story today is fiction, but the dream isn’t. I hope you enjoy

A single ray of light poured through the drapes as Mary sat on the edge of her bed. It seemed to dance around head as she thought about the night before when complete darkness surrounded her.  She was getting used to being by herself during the nighttime hours, but lately her dreams had begun to haunt her.  She felt anxious about falling asleep and enduring yet another dark vision – afraid that she would wake in a cold sweat and trembling with fear.

Those who were no longer in her life, especially those dear to her, would surface in those dreams. It never took Mary long to fall asleep. It was only seconds after she hit the pillow.  Still, she was troubled thinking where last night’s dream left off.  Would it continue this next night as if an extended episode latching on to the previous illusion?  Would the characters change?  Would the situation mature as it went on?  Would the dream never end? Dreams can cause us great distress when they aren’t connected.  We feel disjointed or as if we were hanging on by a thread.

Mary would often wake when one of these dreams hit a high point, or convicted her in some way.  She would try to interpret them as soothsayers might have done centuries ago. How do you make sense of something that swiftly blends into something else?  Locations are muddied by the intensity.  It was as if she was running from one thing in her brain to another, without stopping to enjoy the moment.

This recently widowed woman had not had time to grieve as she expected she would. The one she lost was more than a partner.  He was an extension of her.  Together they raised three children.  Family meant a great deal to both of them.  Grandchildren came and were nurtured by her and her husband.  They always knew how to manipulate grandma and grandpa.  They suffered financial hardship, success, loss and laughed with and at each other. 

His long illness was perhaps her grieving time as she watched him become someone she didn’t recognize.  The vigor and enthusiasm he had a corner on, was slowly diminishing with the invasion of a disease that could not be stopped.  She put up with his criticisms of her.  She tolerated the inconvenience of countless doctor visits. She did these things because of their bond not because she was required to.  She became his primary caregiver until it became necessary to get outside help.  Each day, she thanked Jesus for another day.  There were times when she wasn’t sure what to pray for – healing or heaven.

After pondering all of this, Mary decided to give in and fall asleep. It took just seconds, and she was a young woman again, with three school aged children in tow.  She had dreamed this same dream over and over for many years – even into her old age when these same children were grown and had children of their own. Out of the depths of her darkest thoughts came the familiar haunting.

Did she remember to pack school lunches for her children?

Posted in aging, Dreams, short stories | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

SEPTEMBER STROLL IN THE WOODS . . .

Posted on September 2, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

School buses will roll this morning. Children will be photographed for the first day back to school. Sounds of laughter as old friendships are rekindled. New beginnings occur at this time of the year. New experiences, new friends, new challenges, new colors in the landscape, the crunch of acorns beneath your feet. Autumn is my favorite season of the year for many reasons. My husband and I were married in September and remained so for 60 years. My great grandson was born in this month. My honeymoon was spent visiting the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and enjoying the changes in the view. Change has always been a part of my existence. I’m sure most of my readers have experienced alterations to their lives over time. We live, we love, we grow, we nurture, we experience success and loss, we grieve, we are overcome with joy . . . and then we die. Death has no sting for those who believe in God and His amazing gift of salvation. His plan is beyond our comprehension, yet He made the final sacrifice Himself when His only Son hung on a rugged cross. That ended in death, but resurrection followed right on the heels of that event. Jesus came back to life so that we would also. Our death has been overcome and we receive the victory.

Give thanks to the Lord for His creation,
In His hands all things came into existence,
The trees perfectly designed and crafted to bring shade, comfort, and shelter,
The seas in all their majesty, blown into place by His breath,
Abundant with life, food for our stomachs and beauty to behold,
The sky is filled with the voice and color of His paintbrush,
A glimmering sunset, a rainbow of promise, clouds to gather the tears of man,
The secret places are His also, He formed great mountains from formless clay,
He carved the crevices from steely granite, penciled in the lines,
Washed the canvas with water, tweaked, punched, chiseled,
He created every living thing,
Formed from nothing into intricately executed works of art,
Giving the first man a likeness of Himself,
And the first woman taken from the ribs of the man,
To forever be a part of him,
God is the Creator of all things,
Let us praise Him and thank Him for His wondrous gifts,
And remind us that He created us to be the caretakers of His creation.

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SEPTEMBER THOUGHTS . . .

Posted on September 1, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This watercolor tells the story about the winding down of summer. The canoe presses on as bright colors begin to replace the many shades of green. A person guiding the boat is enjoying the view while another is perched on a cliff doing the same. There is so much to see in autumn. It’s also September 1st – Labor Day – the beginning of the school year – new challenges and adventures and the turning of the calendar eight times since the loss of my precious Paul. As I look back at the year so far, I wonder how I’ve been able to walk this road. Each month has brought another “first” to my mind. Each brings a few tears – not of sadness – only joy. Everyone grieves differently. The memories remain. This month brings thoughts of change, discovery, adventure, love and US. Knowing that Paul is free from pain and continuing to do God’s work in heaven has been my greatest comfort. I look forward to the day we will be reunited.

The sands of time embraced me and I suddenly was old,

My heart still longs for paradise, along the winding road,

It will be like nothing I’ve ever experienced in this lifetime,

It will take my breath away,

Yet I my lungs will be filled with fresh air,

There will be no tears,

No pain,

No anxiety,

No fear,

No temptation,

No want,

Only perfection,

The weathered and leathered skin will again be supple and firm,

The aching joints will regain their strength and last forever,

The brittle bones will be replaced with new,

My mind will be clear,

Any disease that has infected my body will be eliminated,

I will appear guiltless before my Judge,

What an awe inspiring adventure awaits me!

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GOODBYE SUMMER . . .

Posted on August 31, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The last days of summer are bittersweet. We look at the past three months and see the bounty of God’s provision. We’ve been blessed with rain and sunshine in pretty equal amounts, leading to a good harvest. The leaves begin to fall as if waving goodbye to another season. Soon the brilliant colors of summer will change to earth tones, which point us back to the circle of life. Seeds fall as birds carry them and replant them.

This past week has been difficult in our city, with yet another school shooting and the loss of innocent young lives. We wonder why this has become such a common occurrence. We shout for change – for new laws – for prayer. Words don’t seem to carry much weight at a time like this. Days will pass and soon this will become another statistic, and nothing will change. Lockdowns will become as normal as the air raid drills of my childhood. Mental illness will be addressed. We struggle to find answers, but there are none.

Each seed brings forth new life,

Designed and created by God Himself,

Clothing this delicate life with armor to endure the elements,

There is a season for all things under heaven.

The seed burrows deep inside the earth,

Hiding itself from the winter cold,

In spring, new life appears from dead earth,

Trees fill with buds of green and once withered branches come alive,

Producing a shady canopy to protect from the heat of the summer sun,

In autumn the seeds once again make their way to the ground,

Completing the bountiful circle of life,

If He cares for the least of these,

Imagine His love for us.

Dear Lord, we are a troubled people. Our nation is hurting from the evil events that occur on a regular basis. Even when we can’t explain or don’t understand, you are there with each human life – holding our hands, guiding, healing, directing, arranging, lifting us up with the encouragement of your Word. We need you so much. You are the only solution to the problems that are becoming much to frequent. Let us never forget your love for us. We commit ourselves to you and your wisdom, knowing that you have this. Amen!

Posted in armor of God, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, seasons, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

YOU’VE GOT TO LAUGH . . .

Posted on August 30, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

Yesterday was Friday. I was unable to get my Freaky, Friday Funny post in because of other commitments along with a lack of anything really funny that I could relate to. So, here a day late and dollar short is my Friday Funny.

“The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.”  Mark Twain

It seems to me that we’ve developed a new kind of humor which really isn’t all that funny.  We used to be content to laugh at a clown spraying seltzer water over everyone or getting a pie thrown in his face.  We’d fall down laughing when someone slipped on a banana peel.

Lately, we’ve become more sophisticated in our humor.  We still laugh at others’ misfortunes, but it seems magnified.  Now we’ve completely excluded ourselves from the picture, focusing only on the other guy – a type of bullying – attempting to make ourselves appear superior.

In the process, we’ve lost our happy faces.  Take a look at people you meet every day.  The store cashier who methodically asks you how your day is going, without really caring.  The bank teller who feels bothered by the fact that she/he has to take care of your business.  Even what used to be considered an in-your-face person – the automobile salesperson – has lost his chutzpah.

Everyone has become so serious and in the process they lose their joy.  Are we simply going through the motions, because we don’t want to offend anyone?  Are we so inundated with screen time, that we’ve forgotten how to enjoy life?  It starts by laughing again at silly things – foolishness that tickles our funny bone.

It’s still hilarious seeing a kid running around with his underwear on his head, or for that matter an adult doing the same thing. Kids, however, have a real knack for humor, even when they don’t intend to be funny.  For example, my granddaughter recently recalled, “It was so fun when you’d come to babysit me and we’d watch “Shrek” over and over.  Those were the good old days.”  She was 12 when she said it. When she was 5 or so, she created her own Christmas card for me.  Inside, she wrote these words, “You are the best grandma I have (on my mother’s side.)

Laughter is one of the most spontaneous emotions we have.  It comes when least expected.  You can’t control it. I have friends who burst into loud, spontaneous laughter and don’t care if someone looks at them like they’re weird.  They laugh because they genuinely enjoy life.

Our world is far too serious.  If we trudge through each day with a frown on our face, we’re not going to attract a lot of friends.  That “happy” emoji on your computer isn’t going to brighten your day or anyone else’s like a face-to-face smile will.  A great accomplishment in a child’s development is when he smiles for the first time.  It’s part of who we are.  God didn’t create humanity to live in despair and sadness.

When we laugh, we release endorphins which make us feel good.  We actually feel better.  Life is so gratifying when we experience a good old fashioned belly laugh!

fun

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FIELDS OF WAVING GRAIN . . .

Posted on August 30, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Another summer is coming to a close. That means the end of vacation time for many. It also indicates the beginning of the school year. Not only that but it’s a time for thoughts of harvesting and bringing in the sheaves. The oil pastel today shows a field ripe for garnering. The hue of the golden wheat is almost a foreshadowing of a totally new season. With all the ugliness in our world today, we must look at the good that’s out there. There are still those who live by the land. There are those willing to make sacrifices for their livelihood. There are those who continue to carry faith in their hearts for a loving God, who won’t let them down. Our hope must remain. Our determination comes from our Creator. Our lives depend on Him.

Sounds from the railroad tracks penetrate the stillness of night,

The hoisting of cars to be transported the next morning,

Leaves a lasting impression,

Labor never ends on the railroad,

A force which forged our nation from one end to the other,

The great workhorse for society and industry,

For almost two centuries, she has carved her way across this land,

Through mountains, over rivers, into cities and across the plains,

Linking us as a nation,

Building a country,

As with the immigrant workers who laid the tracks,

Each American serves a greater purpose when part of a team,

God established work at the beginning of time,

It is part of who we are,

We need to work,

We thrive on being useful,

When work becomes laborious and painful,

When we become frustrated and anxious.

When we want out,

Remember that this gift from God, only became that way because of one thing,

SIN,

Through that one act of disobedience, we now work by the sweat of the brow,

Cutting through the weeds of life,

Using each physical and mental ability,

Often breaking our backs or spirits because of it,

SIN,

Makes our work burdensome,

But God gives us freedom from our sin,

He gave up everything so that,

We could receive the adoption into His kingdom,

So we could inherit paradise in eternity,

Where we will continue to work,

Without the curse of sin.

SALVATION!

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THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT . . .

Posted on August 29, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

In the early 70’s, Flip Wilson coined the phrase, “The devil made me do it,” and created the character, Geraldine, who often said, “What you see is what you get.”  His popularity grew at a time when racism was running rampant, but he was gaining ground in the entertainment business as one of the first African Americans to break the race barrier by eventually hosting his own television show.

Everyone identified with his words about the devil.  It’s not easy taking responsibility for our actions, especially when we’re guilty as charged.  It’s much simpler to blame it on someone else, or  at least bring attention to their shortcomings.

The very first human beings proved this.  Adam blamed his wife – Eve blamed the devil and the devil blamed God, by creating doubt and desire in their minds.  So it was the devil’s fault all along.  Even though it may be an easy out for us, we’re still responsible for our own actions.  God gave us a free will when He created us.  We can choose to do right or wrong and many times we make the wrong choice.

When the buck stops at us, what do we do?  We own up to our mistakes, ask for forgiveness and move on.  The same is true when we sin against our God.  We confess our sin, ask for His cleansing, receive His gift of absolution and move on and strive not to make the same mistakes.

It’s true – the devil is responsible for sin.  God grants our forgiveness.  It’s up to us to repent and dig deeper into His Word for ways to live according to His will.  The Bible will nourish us through this process, giving us the knowledge that even though we’re sinners, we’ve been bought back at a supreme price.

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