NOVEMBER SKY

Posted on November 3, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

There is nothing like getting out in nature to clear away the cobwebs and dust of every day living.  Problems that are left behind are soon forgotten as you traverse through God’s beautiful creation.  I’m beginning to understand why my husband is such an outdoor nut.  Each week we get in the car and find a new destination.  The ride is usually no longer than a couple hours, but it’s enough to rejuvenate and exhilarate the senses. 

Yesterday’s journey took us on a longer trip.  We spent about five hours exploring the final remnants of Autumn.   The skies at this time of year are amazing.  Clouds filter the sun and rays bounce carelessly along the horizon.  Splashes of color still remain.  Fields have been plowed, but a trace of what once was still exists.  A patchwork of green, gold and browns now replace the fields of corn, soybeans and wheat.  The bronze and deep crimson oaks are now in sight and a few brilliant aspens are still hanging on – most leaving a carpet of brilliance below their branches.  The chillier temperatures create tiny shards of crystal, refracting a rainbow of color into the clouds.  It bounces off the water and dances in ripples across the expanse.  When you need to get away from the world and all the chaos and disorder, get in the car and take a drive.

Thank you, Lord, for the seasons – for the beauty of your creation – for the gift of life here and eternal life,  If this world is even a small fraction of a glimpse of eternity – I can’t wait.  Amen!

 

Posted in creation | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

SIT & WAIT

Posted on November 2, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Back in  2014, I wrote a musical play based on the story of Esther from the Bible.  This beautiful book reads like a fairy tale, where a lovely young woman is chosen to sit beside the ruler of the most powerful nation of the time. She is selected for her beauty by the King. She has already been chosen by God to fulfill His plan for His people. During this story, we never hear God’s name mentioned, but it is apparent that He has been woven carefully and meticulously throughout the text.  God has a plan for all of us.  Right now it would not seem so, with all the chaos going on around us, but even in our darkest hours, He is right there with us and will deliver us into a better place eventually.  The love story in Esther is not only between a man and woman, but between us and our God.

These are the lyrics I wrote for the song “WAITING” from the musical version of Esther’s story, “SUCH A TIME AS THIS,” with music by Sarah Siegler.  I think the words are indicative of the times that we try to wait and understand God.  We will never fully comprehend His wisdom, but everything He does is for a purpose.

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.

I’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.

Posted in armor of God, patience | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN

Posted on November 1, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

  Our morning devotion had to do with Psalm 121:1-2

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
  My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.”

After a night of neighborhood noise and Halloween haunting, we finally went to sleely,pnly to awake to an ambulance approaching the door of our neighbor who just returned from the hospital two days ago.  Immediately after reading the words to this Psalm, we looked out our window and saw a red sun rising on the horizon, creating a silhouette of black trees against a crimson sky.  Tears began to flow as I thought about the mountains we continue to climb even at our age.  

I found the above painting by my husband, Paul Boecher and some poetry to add to it for today’s post.  It seems there is a constant range of mountains ahead of us, even as we come to the end of our days.  We’re struggling with old age issues, unable to manage things we used to take for granted – trying to stifle the creative juices and take it easy – losing ourselves in memories of what used to be and will not be again. Sitting on the precipice of 80 is much like standing on a tightrope and hoping you can maintain yourself through the journey ahead.  You’d think the mountain climbing would be over now, but it isn’t.  True comfort and peace is not to be attained upon this earth.  It’s guaranteed us when we pass from terra firma, but in the meantime, we continue to climb with each dying breath.

Clinging tightly to the lifeline that has sustained us through the years, we look to the Word of God.  We know this life is only temporary and it soon will pass.  Eventually the gates of heaven will open wide and we’ll be ushered into perfection.  Until then, we continue to climb towards that goal.

TRUE PEACE BY KATHY BOECHER

We search in vain for a place empty of confusion,

All the trappings of the world bring no relief,

The noise of life overtakes us.

We run to the mountains for serenity,

We hide in the meadow near a quiet stream,

We sail away from the pack to be alone,

But the sound of a jackhammer penetrates the silence,

The voices of anger rage around us,

The tempest of fear stirs within us,

True peace can only be obtained in the Son of God,

The Prince of Peace.

We search in vain for a place empty of confusion,

All the trappings of the world bring no relief,

The noise of life overtakes us.

We run to the mountains for serenity,

We hide in the meadow near a quiet stream,

We steal away from the pack to be alone,

But the sound of a jackhammer penetrates the silence,

The voices of anger rage around us,

The tempest of fear stirs within us,

True peace can only be obtained in the Son of God,

The Prince of Peace.

 

Posted in aging, Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, peace | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

MARTIN LUTHER MEMES – REFORMATION STYLE

Posted on October 31, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

IS REFORM NECESSARY?

Posted on October 31, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
The Christian church is under attack today, just as it always has been. The Word of God is being challenged daily and rewritten for man’s advantage. When God inspired His human scribes to pen the words He wanted them to pen, He promised that they are His words – not those of sinful men. The words are hard to swallow sometimes. They might even seem old fashioned and foolish to some, but they are the divine utterances of our holy, living God.
 
Today the Bible is assumed to be just another book with some ideas for good living; some perceptions by a group of narrow minded folks who have nothing else to boast about. Isn’t it funny how the Bible remains a best seller? There must be a need for reading what it has to say. Over time and with the help of the devil and his legions of followers, the Word has been corrupted as much as has the church. It’s time to defend it once more. We need to make sure it remains the same today as it was when it was first placed in man’s hands. We must use the entire book, not just bits and pieces of it. If we don’t, we don’t get the whole message. God is very clear in what He has to say to us.
 
Let us arm ourselves with the truth He has given us. This is a battle we can win, because God has this.
 
“The Word they still shall let remain, nor any thanks have for it;
He’s by our side upon the plain with His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life, goods, fame, child and wife,
Let these all be gone, they yet have nothing won;
the Kingdom our remaineth.”
 
Martin Luther  “A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD.”

Posted in Bible, reformation | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

HALLOWEEN IN MY HOME TOWN

Posted on October 30, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Since I live in the Halloween Capitol of the World, I’m required to celebrate this day.  I’m not a believer in ghosts and goblins, even though the city of Anoka is known to have several of them residing within some of the older buildings.  They make a big deal about Halloween here in my home town.  There are at least three parades along with pumpkin tossing, bobbing for apples, hayrides and costume parties of all sorts.  Funny thing is, when I went to purchase some fall decorations, I was lucky to find some.  Most of them have been shelved for the year and are now replaced with Christmas decorations.  I suppose Valentine’s Day stuff will be showing up on Black Friday.

This year I imagine there will be tons of little monsters roaming the streets, looking for a free handout.  Like their parents are going to love the dental bills that will resilt in a few months.  Usually we only get a handful of children knocking on our door.  There are many churches now offering Trunk or Treat events to replace the problems that seemed to occur before.  Now folks decorate their cars, get in costume and pass out candy in a safe environment.  It may not get them into the church, but bribery has worked before.

I know all about costumes. I used to make lots of them as a director of childrens’ plays.  I had accumulated quite a collection of wigs, hats, shoes, apparel from different time periods.  Up until a couple of years ago, I had retained most of them.  Over the past five years, I’ve managed to get rid of most of them, but just when I give a bunch of stuff away, people begin to request costumes from me.  Maybe they’ll get the hint eventually.

Last year we faced unusual circumstances when it came time for Trick or Treat.  A new spook showed up in our country and it set the nation into fits of fear and isolation.  The threat remains, but somehow, people are tired of being restricted and are gathering in huge groups again  I pray that it won’t create future problems, but there comes a time when we must set our fears aside.  God doesn’t want us to be afraid.  He promises us peace from all the cares of this world.  Still those evil creatures that carry gloom and doom on their shoulders find it hard to give up.  They delight when we’re down in the dumps.  They rejoice when we give in to fear.  Don’t let them win.  

And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo, his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

Martin Luther, “A Mighty Fortress is our God”

Posted in America, holidays | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

HALLOWEEN BLOOD TEST

Posted on October 29, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

A few years ago, I was scheduled to have a blood test at my clinic.  It was the day before Halloween so I wasn’t too surprised to see the staff dressed in costume, but I had a little scare when the phlebotomist came in to take my blood.  She was dressed in vampire garb and I had second thoughts about staying there.  Halloween is like that.  It can scare the bejeebers out of you, or unleash a creative spark.  From that experience, I decided to have fun with it and wrote the following poem.


My day started out on a rather weird note.
I was met at the lab by a girl in black coat.
There was blood on her hands and her hair was a flutter.
She rolled up my sleeve. Not a word could I mutter.

I could tell she had recently had a brief taste,
And I knew that my blood test would not go to waste.
She then drew my blood with her knife in its sheath.
She smiled and said thank you with vampire teeth.

I think she was hoping for more to show up,
As she added my specimen into a large cup.
But I have to admit that she did make me nervous.
I suppose she’ll get fired for poor customer service.

Since that unusal experience, blood tests were put on hold for a whole year and I was surprised to find I wasn’t in as bad of shape as I thought I was.

Posted in corona virus, Humor, Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

RENAISSANCE MAN

Posted on October 28, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

The late Middle ages was a time of political intrigue and turmoil – much like the atmosphere today.  Yet within this turmoil, a new world was slowly taking shape.  For centuries, the common people were governed by the ruling class.  Democracy was non existent.  The church played an important part in all of this, because of its extreme involvement in the lives of the people of that time.  Truly, the only thing they had to hang on to in times of distress, was their religion.  The religion of the day had become corrupted over time, by the church itself and its many “fund raising” activities.

The people were being sold a false sense of security when they purchased “indulgences” which would guarantee a shorter time in purgatory for those who had passed on.  The very rich would find their salvation in buying relics from the church.  In other words, they were buying their families a way into heaven.

In Rome, artists like Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Raphael were focused on realism and employed the use of scientific study in anatomy to create works that would live on in time forever.  Architectural design included mathematical calculations and study of ancient building techniques to create newer and better edifices.  Da Vinci experimented with different types of mechanical devices. He chronicled his studies in medical dissection, water flow, movement and aerodynamics – all of which laid the groundwork for future study in those areas. The use of both the analytical and creative sides of the brain were being put into use.  The world was coming back to life after a deluge of disease and death caused by the Black Plague.

There was an awakening in exploration and discovery with the expeditions of men like Columbus and scientists like Galileo and Copernicus, who went on to prove that the earth revolved around the sun and was part of a much larger universe.  Falling off the edge of the earth was no longer an option.

In England, a man was putting words together as had never been done before.  “What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god!” William Shakespeare – Hamlet.

In that same place, Henry the VIII was in the midst of his own fight with the church.  His battle had to do with divorce, which is what he needed in order to marry the woman he loved or lusted after – Anne Boleyn.  This led to a reformation and the establishment of the Church of England, which he would preside over instead of the pope.

In Germany, a man named Martin Luther struggled daily with the weight of his sin.  His conscience would not leave him alone.  No matter what he sacrificed, no matter how much he prayed or beat himself – his sin remained.  He knew that God was righteous and that’s what scared him.  During his lifetime he suffered with various physical ailments, including kidney stones, (another reason I can relate to this guy) constipation, bouts of depression and anxiety.  He was just a man – like you and me, but he changed the way the world thought and how they related to a righteous God.

This time period included the invention of the printing press as well – the tool of the day to get the word out – much like the Twitter of the Reformation.  We have even more sophisticated tools available today to spread the truth of God’s Word. So when you put it all together, the timing was perfect for a reformation.  

It’s time for another reformation – a revival of what once was – a return to the God of our fathers – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  The truth of the matter lies in God’s Word and the honesty of it.  We can believe completely in the Bible, because it is the inspired Word of God and God does not lie..  The Old Testament shows us our sinful nature and the New Testament shows us God’s plan for our salvation – a Savior, Jesus, Christ.

We’re still coming out of a plague.  Staying isolated has given us new ideas, inventions, a new Renaissance spirit.  We need to look at where the church is going and if God’s truth is still evident in its teachings.  New technology makes it easier for us to study online.  Eventually the fellowship will return, but the main thing is that we don’t let the church and the purity of the Bible go into isolation too.  It’s time to get out the hammer and nails.  Let’s do this!

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in reformation | Tagged , , , | 21 Comments

IT’S JUST ANOTHER HUMP DAY

Posted on October 27, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Apparently the origin of Hump Day occurred while a group of office workers were standing around the water cooler.  Being the middle of the work week, Wednesday was tantamount to getting over the hump of said work week.  Others allude to the fact that it was associated with WWII, when allied troops were forced to fly over the Himalayan mountains on bombing runs against the Japanese at Burma.  Getting “over the hump” was often like a suicide mission in itself because the Japanese pilots would be waiting and ready for the attack.

Our work week begins usually on Monday.  When we get to mid-week we are half way to the end of the week.  We probably don’t do our best work on Monday, because we’ve had two days to rest and recharge.  Maybe we’re in the groove by Tuesday, but it almost takes until the middle of the week to work up to capacity and accomplish something. At that point most people are looking forward to the end of the week.  Instead of getting the work completely done, we start planning for the weekend – again.

Looking at the days of Creation, Wednesday would’ve been the 4th day by today’s calendar.  Up until that point God created day and night – the atmosphere, outer  space and everything above the earth – He divided the water and created land masses which contained vegetation and all things that sprang from seeds to fill the earth.  On the 4th day He made the stars, planets and all things that fill the universe, including the sun and moon which work to track time according to Gods divine plan.

He could’ve rested on that day, but there was still more to do. The rest of Creation meant making inhabitants to fill the land, air and seas.  Birds, fish and other sea creatures were made upon this day.  They did not evolve.  They were created. On the next day He made the beasts and creatures that creep across the earth.  He also created man and gave him dominion over all living things, and He made woman to be a help mate suitable for him. Everything was perfect.  There was peace – no killing – no predatory instinct.  On the seventh day God rested.

He took a breather on the seventh day, which He didn’t really need, because He’s God.  He used that day to look at what He’d accomplished in His Creation and knew that it was good. When we reach mid-week and our thoughts turn towards the weekend, it might be a good idea to look back at the work we’ve accomplished so far and see if we can acknowledge that it was good…

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

DEATH HAS NO POWER OVER ME

Posted on October 26, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
POETRY & INSPIRATION FROM KATHY BOECHER

Death seems to be surrounding us lately. With the influx of new COVID cases, even those who are vaccinated are not immune to the last breath of life as we know it. My thoughts have turned to this subject of dying much more than I want them to. How do we overcome the fear of death and the emptiness that it causes within us? With all that is happening around us, it would be easy to raise our hands in despair. The world fills our minds with thoughts of gloom and doom every day. So how do we manage to make it through each day without walking around with a cloud over our head?

God has given us the hope of eternal life. Our future home is assured. There will be no mortgage payments, no worry about maintenance, no fear, no tears, just eternal peace. That isn’t pie in the sky mentality, its true. Our hope is built on Christ alone, who came and paid the price of the ransom that held us captive. Our sins have been forgiven once and for all. We can place our faith in the promise of eternity with Him once we breathe that last breath.

When death approaches our front door, it seems a dreadful thought,
But just imagine what’s in store. With Angels we’ll be brought.
The gates of heaven opened wide, the throne of God we’ll see.
Our Savior at the Father’s side, a room for you and me.

Our bonds are freed – the chains are gone. The ransom has been paid.
No hopeless tears – a brand new dawn – no more to be dismayed.
A paradise awaits us beyond this murky life.
No pain or sorrow will there be – a perfect holy life.

So set your eyes on Jesus. Don’t ever let Him go.
He is our own Redeemer. His blood for us did flow.
I love you, dear Lord, Jesus. You’re all in all to me,
and when death comes I’ll tremble not, for you have died for me.

Posted in death, Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

INTERNATIONAL ARTIST DAY

Posted on October 25, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

  • KATHY BOECHER, PERFORMER,PLAYWRIGHT & AUTHOR
  • PAUL BOECHER, FINE ARTIST, SCULPTER, REENACTOR

From the beginning of time, art has been a source of enjoyment, means of expression and part of humanity’s soul.  The painting artist may swing his brush through the air and create a masterpiece or nothing more than color on canvas, but whatever the results, it has impact.  A dancer spins flawlessly across a stage, caressing every note of music with each step.  A musician masters the use of an instrument and notes pour from the center of his heart.  An actor delivers a soliloquy and embraces the attention of his audience – both moving or inciting them  The sculptor takes a piece of wood or stone and carves life into the lifeless.  The poet weaves stories into beautiful verses, yet often they are never seen.  For a moment, an artist becomes recognized, but it isn’t usually until after his demise that his talent is monetarily realized.  Thus the term – starving artist.

In ancient days, the art scrawled on walls of caves, became a means of communication.  As time progressed, pottery was crafted for practical purposes.  Again the clock ticked away and art became more a means of expression. During the European Renaissance, art became a way to edify God.  The church was the greatest patron of the arts as they decorated their sanctuaries with amazing sculptures and frescos depicting the life of the saints, Jesus, Mary and God.

Moving on to modern times, art flowed as abstract artists set a new style in motion.  Impressionists also flourished.  In the early years of our own country, artists traveled with explorers to chronicle their discoveries – this was before photography, which is an art in its own right.

Art wears a different face down through the ages.  Plays and movies tend to follow the times and interests of the masses.  Sometimes they are an escape to a fantastical place or an unknown world.  Music can also reflect the times, yet often everything seems to repeat itself at some point.  What goes around often comes around, with a different spin to it.

As we celebrate this special day, honoring artists, I intend to hug one and he will hug me back.  Starving artists we remain, not because we like being poor, but because art is a part of who we are.

Posted in art, Daily inspiration and devotions | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

I HAVEN’T GOT A CLUE!

Posted on October 22, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

There are days like that, when I simply don’t have a clue.  I don’t understand why the world is rotating the way it is.  I can’t begin to understand the workings of our nation’s leadership and Washington, DC is just a dot on the map.  It seems like law enforcement has been hogtied and vigilante justice is now ruling our streets.  I guess I’m getting old, because the things I used to hold in high esteem are now the low man on the totem pole and life as I knew it is completely upside down.  The ideals of Christianity are being tossed aside in favor of a live and let live attitude, which allows for tolerance of any kind of behavior. 

OK, I am old.  I never thought I’d get this old.  Many of my aunts and uncles died at an early age.  My father was only 62 when he passed.  Some lived to nearly 100 years.  I guess there’s no limit to longevity in this day of modern medicine and concentration on the physical prowess of youth.  Still, as our bodies age, I think our mind takes a back seat and just wonders what we’re still doing here.  What kind of contribution can an old lady like me make to the world?  Does anything I’ve learned over the last eight decades of living have any worth?  Can I share my wisdom and make a difference?  Will my voice still be heard or am I wasting valuable oxygen?  How can I make a difference in a world that I don’t understand?  Again, I have to answer, “I don’t have a clue.”

The only place to find a clue that makes any sense for me is in God’s Word. I am convinced in my heart and mind, that God will not forsake me.  He will always be at my side, even when I can’t make any sense of things.  His love, His kindness, His compassion, His empathy, His consistency, His peace and mercy endure forever, so I need not worry about the menial problems that each day might bring.  I do not have the ability to change the world, but He does.  

“So even to old age and gray hairs,
    O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
    your power to all those to come.”  Psalm 71:18 ESV

So, I ask that God would give me the ability to share His love with the next generation, so that it continues on and on and that will be my legacy.  I can’t think of a better gift to leave behind.  

 

 

Posted in aging, America | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

HOW DO WE SHOW COMPASSION?

Posted on October 21, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Upon the stage of every day, the cast is set in stone.

God uses each and every one, to lead us to His throne.

He calls upon the villain and the understudy too.

To fill the roles He’s planned for us. He knows what we must do.

His direction is perfection. He doesn’t miss a cue.

He even did the final act – alone – for me and you.

I thank you, great Jehovah, for loving me so much –

For giving your compassion with such a heavenly touch.

I don’t deserve His pardon. My works don’t mean a thing,

But through His Hero, Jesus, Christ, He’s made my spirit sing.

The story has unfolded. The truth lays at our feet.

The happily ever after comes when we our Savior meet.

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

Love and compassion are emotions we must work hard at.  Unlike God, we cannot see into the hearts, souls and minds of those we meet as we journey though life.  Jesus, being God as well as man, had the ability to read a person’s thoughts, know their wants and needs and act upon them with sincere compassion.  Our goal as followers of Christ is to imitate Him in our dealings, in our relationships and in reaching out to others.  God has already arranged the characters in His story – not as an all powerful puppet master, but as a loving Father cares for His children.

Each day, our prayers should include asking God to bestow pure compassion in our hearts so that we can understand where others are coming from.  We can never achieve the unconditional love that He possesses, but He will gives us a sampling of it if we ask Him.  This doesn’t mean we should be tolerant of all kinds of activity, or worry about political correctness to the extreme. Sometimes in our attempts to be helpful, we believe that we must give in, before the lines of communication are open.

God has established a rule book for us to follow.  He laid it all ot at the beginning of time.  Our obedience will never be perfect.  We continue to hold the inherited original sin of our first parents. Our compassion will always be lacking. Our love for others and our emathy as well as sympathy cannot be pure without first having the love of God imprinted on our hearts.  It is then that the balance occurs.  The true blending of love and compassion will not be perfect as long as we live, but we can and should strive to be more like our Savior every day.  We know the outcome.  The end of this story is sealed and complete.  Once we reach the other side of life, we’re assured of eternal peace – the true love and compassion of our Savior will be ours too.

Posted in eternal life, Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN HOMELESS?

Posted on October 20, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

I have never been homeless, have you?  I came close a couple times.  When I was just a child, I threatened to run away a number of times, but that doesn’t really count, because I always came home.  I was fortunate.  The National Conference of State Legislatures has this to say about youth homelessness in the United States.

“Each year, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness, of which 700,000 are unaccompanied minors, meaning they are not part of a family or accompanied by a parent or guardian. On any given night, approximately 41,000 unaccompanied youth ages 13-25 experience homelessness.”

These statistics are more than staggering for a country that is supposed to provide for the needs of the poor with many social programs available for them.  It used to be that the church would look after those suffering from poverty.  Being poor is not something we plan to be.  Yet so many of our fellow Americans are sleeping on park benches, being devoured by health issues, addiction and so much more.  They’re overlooked or looked down upon by the rich and seem to be too much to handle for the church.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this whole situation lately, because I live in a communty that has a swelling number of homeless and destitute, who are doing whatever they need to in order to stay alive.  Most often those things include using and selling drugs, selling their bodies for sex and taking any \job just to get a meal. 

Most of us have nice warm beds to tumble into each night.  We don’t lack for a hot meal.  Our bellies are usually adequately filled.  There was a time in my life when I wondered if I might be one of those homeless millions, living out of dumpsters and hiding under bridges to keep the elements from killing me.  We were living the good life.  We had more than enough.  My husband had built a successful business and several employees were partaking in the benefits.  We purchased a newly built home on the advice of our accountant.  He told us it would be a wise write off for tax purposes. For about two years everything continuued to prosper and then it all fell apart.  Within only a few months, the economy fell apart.  There was no need for my husband’s business anymore.  We were forced into bankruptcy court and our  new home went into foreclosure.  For a short time there, we had no idea what we were going to do.  Visions of panhandling on the side of the road became plausible.  Being at the height of his career, my husband was now over qualified for every job he applied for.  Until the right job came along, he drove a delivery truck and I cleaned toilets.

Those jobs provided just enough income for us to get by.  Finding housing was another thing all together.  Because of our past history, buying a house was impossible and we would have to scrape just to get by if we rented.  Still we didn’t give up.  Our prayers have always been a result of our relationship with God.  He was the only One who could help us.  Sometimes we have to hit the pits before we can rise out of them.  This could’ve been the end for us, but we remained hopeful in the Lord and as usual He came through for us.  

We all need to become aware of the needs of those struggling to survive the pangs of poverty in our communities.  I’m not sure what we can do, but just reaching out to someone is probably a good first step.  Letting them know that God loves them, even though they feel unloved.  Giving them a purpose for living and helping in even the smallest ways can begin the healing.  Leading them to find employment or offering a meal.  What may seem meaningless to us, can mean everything to them.  Our Savior, Jesus had a lot to say about the poor and our obligation to help them.  He was Himself without a permanent residence during His ministry.  It all begins with us and our willingness to care for others as we would want to be cared for in like circumstances. 

 

Posted in Encouragement, love | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

IF I ONLY KNEW THEN, WHAT I KNOW NOW

Posted on October 19, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

 

It’s too bad raising kids doesn’t come with a set of instructions.  Many books have been written on the subject and most think they have all the answers, but each case is different and so is every child.  There’s no” one size fits all” when it comes to being a parent.  You almost have to take each moment as it comes and simply do the best you can.

If I knew then all the things I know now, I’m sure I would’ve done a better job of parenting.  Unfortunately years of experience often come with the cost of an aging body and a lack of energy, so I’m sure this is why the female body is designed to have children when they’re younger, if for nothing else than to be able to keep up with them. Can you imagine Sarah’s first thoughts when she finally became pregnant at the age of 90?

Learning through experience can often be best.  We learn through our mistakes – take things as they come – sometimes give up and feel like total failures – blame ourselves – make more mistakes – are way too hard on ourselves – did I mention giving up?

Like anything we experience in life, placing it in God’s hands will make the road less difficult.  The Bible is filled with great information on how to love as God loves us.   Pray every day for your children.  Enjoy the ride – there is joy in the little things – even the oatmeal on the ceiling,  your spray painted dog and gum in the hair.  Trust that God is with you in the journey.  The end result will amaze you.  Not only will you wind up with a great kid, but you’ll discover you didn’t do such a bad job after all.

Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments

LIKE SANDS THROUGH THE HOUR GLASS

Posted on October 18, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Deja vous all over again. As I happened to be scrolling through the smart TV to find some interesting entertainment to fill my empty mind, I happened upon an old favorite of mine. It was the continuing soap opera I watched as a young mom, more than fifty years ago. It’s still on the tube! There are even some of the same characters I remember. Don’t these actors ever die? Oh yes, I remember, they do, but the return eventually as a new character or a ghost from the past. Anyway those days of raising a family, yet finding a half hour a day to tune into “Days of Our Lives,” was almost a necessary escape for me. I didn’t bother to tune in to the current version, because I was afraid they were still on the same storyline, but it did get me thinking about the sands of time and how quickly they pass.

An old hour glass collects dust on the mantle piece. Occasionally a curious child will decide to turn it over and watch the sand slowly sift from one area to another. Each grain takes its place in familiar surroundings, yet never knowing where it will end up. We start each day with those sands set in place. We plan for how the day will progress. We get interrupted along the way, with various nuisances or change of plans, but we continue to pour ourselves into the day – grain by grain – slowly yet effortlessly falling into place – only to be returned from where we came, and do it all over again the next day. We try to fill the spaces that were interfered with the day before. We go through the motions. We don’t always stop to think that we’re making any kind of profound impact on the world, yet each of our movements has been mapped out by God in advance. Our purpose is His. Our will gets in the way of that purpose many times. We think we can force our opinions on others. We believe we must do something to obtain our salvation. We try to manage the unmanageable ourselves. We go outside our boundaries and fall away from the path that was positioned for us before our conception.

Unlike the old soap opera, which depended on repeat viewers, there doesn’t have to be drama in every moment we live. Sometimes we can gain contentment just by enjoying a sunrise or sunset. We might take a few moments in quiet conversation with our Creator. We can plan our days, but almost always count on interruptions. The interruptions might be life changing, or simply going through the motions, but each of those moments is valuable. As we start a new week, we’re faced with all kinds of options. For many right now, the options aren’t great. We still face a pandemic. Our leadership and economy are in question. Crime is rising and getting closer and closer to home. Homelessness and addiction is up. Suicide is becoming much too commonplace. The next episode doesn’t look promising, if we continue to bury our heads in the sand. The ups and downs of living can quickly turn mundane and hopeless if we allow them to.

Today is a new beginning. Get rid of the baggage that’s clouding your thinking and your optimism. Look at this day as the start of a new adventure – a new opportunity – a blessing from God. As we go through each hour, remember that you have the King of Creation looking out for you. His love is unconditional – everlasting – perfect. He loves us beyond comprehension even though we don’t deserve it. With that thought in mind, every day can be a fresh start – a new story – an optimistic outlook – freedom and peace of mind, because He has numbered all the days of our lives.

Posted in aging, America | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP

Posted on October 17, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

 

Sunlight trickles through slightly skeletal branches,

Giving way to glistening dew drops,,

Like a scattering of diamonds across the open expanse,

As the sun rises to full height, it dispenses all its light and beauty for our pleasure,

Each night grows a little longer, removing the dirt of yesterday,

Each hour is packed with promise of new life,

Each minute fills our hearts with hope,

Each second we’re restored,

Renewed,

Revived,

Redeemed,

As the Son rose from the dead, we are assured the same things,

Cleansing from our sins,

Promise of eternal life,

Even in the darkness of night,

There is hope in Christ, Jesus.

IN HIS MERCY, HE HEARS OUR PRAYERS!

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

CARRY ON

Posted on October 15, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

It was the time of the European Renaissance.  King Henry VIII would distance himself from the Catholic church in order to divorce his first wife and marry his mistress.  The church was in the throes of corruption and was selling indulgences to bulk up their treasury.  Unsuspecting people paid the price to buy their way into heaven. New inventions were created, including the printing press.  Minds were being changed as well,

With change we almost always see an increase in fraudulence and deceit.  Philosophies, progress, pride,  knowledge and growth will likely lead to dishonesty, anger, hatred, false teaching and lies.  It’s like that today as we see corruption all around us.  When someone stirs the pot and tries to root out the evil, they face a lot of controversy.  Martin Luther was a man like that.

When he was old enough to attend college, his father insisted that he study law.  Less than six weeks into his studies, Martin decided to become a monk.  It is said that he was in a serious thunderstorm and feared for his life. It was that storm that convinced him to follow a different path.  He became a monk in the Order of the Hermits of St. Augustine.  The order was strict and he lived in a cell without heat and a mundane life which allowed for no interaction.  He was devoted to his daily work.  He began each day at 2 AM with prayer and repentance.  One of his priests often complained about Luther and his endless confessions. It seemed he felt completely unworthy of Christ’s love and salvation.

When he posted the 95 theses on the door of the church at Wittenburg, he had no intention of stirring things up.  His ideas were in response to the selling of indulgences and the corrupt philosophies being sold along with them.  This man of God’s Word struggled constantly with his inability to rid himself of sin.  He felt his works were never enough to appease a jealous God.  No amount of self-abuse, deprivation, or good works would take away his guilt.

Today we’re faced with similar problems. Only this time the truth has been corrupted in order to conform to the desires and lifestyles of a divided populace. Anything goes and the minute you speak against it, you’re accused of being intolerant.  When Martin stumbled across the following Bible verse, he could no longer be silent.

Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God”(ESV)

Today something new gnaws away at our churches in America. When we remain silent, we’re accepting the lies as truth. When our church is being attacked from all sides and seen as purveyors of gloom and doom, rather than a place of sanctuary – we need to hold to God’s truths.  When the devil is allowed to invade God’s house, we need to speak up.  We must be fearlessly vocal when defending the Bible.. When we remain silent, we’re as much as saying we accept the lies as truth. Holding to God’s Word takes courage. Some call it being stubborn –  others believe in following God and His plans for us.

Luther defended the pure teachings of the Bible and a reformation began. When we stand up for the truth of God, we cannot do otherwise.

“Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.” Plato

 

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

WHEN THERE ARE NO WORDS

Posted on October 14, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

COVID has captured another of our friends and he is now in the presence of God.  As we try to make sense of the darkness of this disease, it’s hard to imagine how it affects so many of us.  Words seem pointless for they can’t begin to bring healing in the time of grief.  Even the confidence we have in life after death for those who believe in God, there is and will always be an empty place at the dinner table – not having that special person to travel with through life – the joys and memories to be shared of years of committment to each other.  For the Christian, there’s the ocnfidence and hope of a new and perfect life beyond the grave.  We long for that place as we trudge through the darkness of this one, but the sting of death is still very real.

Time may take away the pain that we experience at first, but the loss of someone dear never really goes away.  It has been branded into our heart,  Eventually the good memories will take the place of reality, but in the meantime, we’re often left alone in our mourning.  Those who grieve with the bereaved may not have the words of comfort they need at the moment.  Nothing seems to console or give peace, unless you know that this ending leads to a whole new beginning.

God’s Word is filled with words of comfort.  They sustain us when well intentioned words from friends and family fail.  

JOB 19:25-27 

“For I know that my Redeemer lives,
    and at the last he will stand upon the earth
 And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
    yet in my flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see for myself,
    and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
    My heart faints within me!”

Posted in ENDURING LOVE, life after death | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments

WORDS OF TRUTH

Posted on October 13, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

 

Aslan says,

“though the Witch knew the Deep Magic, there is a magic deeper still which she did not know.  Her knowledge goes back only to the dawn of time.  But if she could have looked a little further back…she would have read…a different incantation.  She would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor’s stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backwards …“

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe, by C.S. Lewis was written as a child’s tale of redemption.  Even though it was filled with fantastical characters and mythology, Lewis managed to interweave his faith into the story.  Of course this is simply a story.  The one that it’s derived from is true.

A willing victim did lay down His life for humanity.  He took the place of all of us when He was sacrificed on the cross.  Jesus conquered death – even a brutal death without cause, without blame, without protest.  He did it because it was the only way.

Today we can rest in the afterglow of Easter.  The sacrificial days of Lent are done .  The difficult days of the Passion are over.  The tomb has been found empty and the Savior has risen indeed.  The battle is over.  The victory has been won.  End of story?  Not yet.

Now what do we do with this wonderful gift?  God has blessed us with eternal life.  The worse thing we can do is hide it within our own sheltered little lives.  It’s too great a gift not to share.  When Jesus made that final sacrifice, He wasn’t doing so for just a select few. He came for all sinners – the Hitlers, the Charles Mansons, the Judases, the most sinful of all – YOU and ME.  His death would have meant nothing otherwise.

His resurrection assures us that we will reap the benefits of His holy kingdom when we pass from this earth into heaven.  He’s made that possible because of His great love for His creation.  Now that this wonderful news has been given to us, our hearts should be so filled with joy, that we cannot contain it.  Spread the Gospel!  Share it with everyone.  We all need it.  It is our life – our connection to our loving God – our salvation – our freedom.

Today we can be sure that heaven is real – that God is real – that He died once for all and that salvation is truth and it’s ours.  

CHRIST IS RISEN – HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Posted in America, Bible | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments