FILLING AN EMPTY CANVAS

Posted on July 4, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER ©

An empty canvas, white and pure, transforms before your eyes,

Through brush strokes and through patience a painting does arise,

Our lives are like that canvas, we start out fresh and new,

We stumble down the path we take, we see our troubles through,

But nothing that we say or do can fill our life with splendor,

The only One who can do that is our Christ, our own Defender,

We’re born into a sinful world, our souls need reparation,

But Jesus came into the world to win for us salvation,

The masterpiece is almost done, the Master’s almost finished,

Our life is drawing to its end, our last breath oft diminished,

But hope remains for all of us if only we believe,

That Jesus shed His blood for us so with Him we could live.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

ARE WE A CHRISTIAN NATION?

Posted on July 3, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

A few years back, our then president made a statement that enraged many. He said that America was no longer a Christian nation. Since I’m a Christian, I felt a little miffed by the thought that we were no longer considered Christian. When you get right down to it, God isn’t available just for the United States. He loves the entire world. He loved us all so much that he sent His only Son to pay the price for our freedom from sin.

The founders were wise in establishing a separation of church and state. This allowed all faiths to come to America knowing they would have the freedom to worship as they pleased. That there would be no repercussions for doing so. When we say we are a Christian nation or a Jewish nation, an Atheist nation or a Muslim nation, we’re making our country like an exclusive country club with closed doors to those deemed unsuitable.

As we look back at our history we can see how those original references to God and Christian morality have been eroded and corrupted.  Still we maintain the ability to go to worship where ever we choose.  We can keep big government away from interference in areas that separate us in the first place.

I know there are many who might disagree with me, but I don’t feel I’m the only one entitled to God’s grace.  I’m not entitled at all.  In fact I’m unworthy to even enter His presence.  The gift of grace is just that – a gift.  It was given without any strings attached.  My responsibility is grounded in the fact that I should be so overjoyed with the gift that I want others to know all about it too. If there were limitations on my ability to do that, my God would not be any the less powerful.  He is able to get His Word out there without my intervention.  It’s with His help that we can be used as instruments to do His will.

So as we celebrate our freedom, let’s not forget to thank God for our country.  It isn’t perfect, but God instituted government to create order out of chaos, so we must remain respectful of it.  That doesn’t happen when we tear down monuments or turn our backs on the flag.  Patriotism is something that should live in our hearts for all time.

Posted in church, freedom, patriotism | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

LAND OF THE FREE

Posted on July 2, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Ronald Reagan

During this time of social unrest, global rumblings, world politics and a stage filled with actors that seem to have no direction, I often wonder what kind of legacy have we created for the children of the future.

These little ones are getting a distorted picture of what our world can be. They’re exposed daily to tragedy, hopelessness and fear. They cannot even attend school without going through secured doors. The norm of their existence is peppered with negative news, bullying techniques on both sides, fear mongering, hatred and a social media that defines them.

Children are the future. They are the ones who will lead us some day. They need to know the cost of freedom. They need to be reminded that this place is worth preserving and that God is always at the helm.

I am genuinely concerned for my grandchildren and their children. As monuments are removed and destroyed; as art depicting battles from the past are eliminated from our public buildings; as words are revised and rewritten pertaining to the blood shed for the freedom we enjoy; as history is eliminated from the classroom – future generations will never understand what the cost was.

National pride has almost become extinct. The word “pride” has now taken on a totally new meaning. Now we opt for self-gratification, instant everything and a country that will bend easily to our own agenda, rather than one that serves all.

What do we tell these young people as they come out of colleges and high schools? How do we excite them for a future of success and accomplishment, when there seems nothing to be proud of anymore” We owe it to them to re-instill a love of country. America is worth the fight. Those of us who lived through several battles over the years, will attest to the fact. There are scars. There are still open wounds. Lives have been spent out of love for her, and the freedoms we hold dear are worth the battle.

We need to rekindle the flames of patriotism. We need to pray for our leaders. We must ask God to intercede so that there is something left for future generations to hand on to their children. Don’t turn your back on the flag. Don’t bend a knee in protest against the very nation that paid dearly for your right to do so. Don’t give up on America, because God never gave up on us.

There is hope for the future. God has provided for our eternal life with Him in heaven. In the time we have remaining, as parents and grandparents, we need to leave a United States for future generations. This means, putting aside our own interests and joining together as one nation, under God.

Posted in 4th of July, America | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

WE THE PEOPLE …

Posted on July 1, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Three documents comprise the founding of our nation – The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and the Bill of Rights.  The Declaration relates a list of differences between the United States and Great Britain and expresses the reasons for separation.  The Constitution describes the workings of this newly founded country, establishing a framework for the government of the people.  The Bill of Rights includes the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. It defines citizens’ and states’ rights in relation to the Government.  These documents laid the ground work and have proven to be timeless in essence and consistency over the years.

Of course amendments have since been made, but the base – the foundation – remains the same.  We the people refers to all the citizens of the United States – those born here or those who have entered using the legal system to do so.  Why do we place so much emphasis on these ancient documents?  Do we still revere them as we once did?  I hope there are still those in this country who appreciate the many lives spent in defense of them.  I pray that patriotism is not dead.  I know that no matter what happens, God has made it possible for me to enjoy the freedoms America has to offer and that there is a perfect life awaiting me after this one.

Protestors and activists will remain to stir the pot.  They will cite all kinds of changes that need to be made to accommodate current trends and orientations.  The beauty of this country is that it was designed to look after “we, the people.”  Not only the rich or elite.  Not just the homeless and poverty stricken.  Not the average Joe, trying to make ends meet.  Every single person living here has the same rights according to these documents.  We are free in so many ways, and freedom is precious.  When we remain in slavery or shackled to our own fears of success, we’re not truly enjoying what our founders chose to include in their papers.

We can look at these documents as dated pieces of parchment which no longer apply.  We can pooh-pooh them and even laugh at their simplicity, but there again those words were designed to reach everyone.  As true Americans, we have the right to call our leaders out if they go against the Constitution.  We can expect them to work for us, rather than us working so that they can prosper.  We can demand, in fact, that these public servants are accountable to each of us, because we are their employers.  

When we think about Independence Day, let’s remember that there is a cost to anything of value.  In this case, our founding fathers knew that there needed to be checks and balances to protect us from a growing government with plans of their own.  This is what they were trying to change on that July morning in 1776.  

Enjoy the Fourth of July with celebration and excitement, because of the freedoms we enjoy, because of our founders and their ageless wisdom.  Pray for our nation.  May God bless America!

 

 

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

MY HEAD IS IN THE CLOUD(S)

Posted on June 30, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

I promised to be back and here I am again. Unfortunately, you can’t get rid of me unless something of great magnitude occurs – like the breakdown of a computer. Who knew? I’m sure there are many who didn’t miss me for the last few days, but to those who did, thanks for being such loyal readers and commenters.

This old broad has an affinity to doing things a certain way and when things get in the way of that, I kind of lose it. I’m truly an old school writer. I love using flowery words and filling the page with imagery. I also enjoy laughter and do so whenever I can, but being without your writing instrument is near to cutting off an arm or leg. You become totally useless. I took a long time to give up my manual typewriter. I still like the idea of using a rotary phone. I enjoy the simple things in life and computers are not simple things.

I’ve had this machine for about seven years now. My last one bit the dust at about five years of life. These things come with a planned obsolescence clause. I found a man who knows everything about these necessities and he added two more years of life into my current computer. Like I said, change is difficult for me, especially when I get used to something and comfortable with it. So when I locked myself out of my writing tool, I had no choice but to return to the same professional with my problem. “We have to wipe it out completely and start over,” he said. It will cost $150 and you can have it by tomorrow.” To me $150 bucks requires several hours of work or cutting down on the groceries for a while. I refuse to go buy a new one, because I’d be paying it off until it fell apart or I do – which ever comes first. So to make a long story short, I went for the $150 fix.

Now, after changing all my passwords (a normally four hour project for me,) I’m ready to dig in again. I now have a brand new computer with all the updates I need and passwords which are now in a notebook just for them. I’ll probably have to get one of those safe deposit boxes from the bank, but I’m sure I’d be there every day, because I never remember my passwords.

Oh for the good old days, when all we had to worry about was changing a typewriter ribbon and using white out to correct our mistakes. Of course our hands became black with ink and we might get high on the white out, but at least we knew our work wouldn’t come to a complete standstill. Hooray for technology. It corrects our mistakes and creates new ones. It gives us almost perfect copy, unless we forget to proofread. It saves us time, unless we need to take it in for repair. Technology is great, but give me an old Smith Corona manual typewriter. At least I could still read the keys on the keyboard. My computer is like brand new and it’s fortunate that I still know how to type without looking at the keys.

https://www.facebook.com/public/Kathy-Boecher

Posted in Humor, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

SAIL AWAY

Posted on June 30, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

“Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth.
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”

1 Chronicles 16:32-34

These are the days of summer.

When God’s tears pour from heaven replenishing the streams, rivers and seas,

When the sun spreads its warmth over the land and seeds emerge into life.

These are the days of renewal, restoration, redemption of tired, aging bodies,

Getting another shot at life.

 

These are the days – the final days for some,

The beginning of new adventures for others,

Whether we walk in the shadow of death,

Or cast all our cares to the wind,

We will all come to an end some day.

 

From the beginning of life to the end of it, these are the days,

God will always be in His heaven, yet constantly involved in the things of this earth,

He created it for His purpose and loves it entirely and passionately,

So much so that He gave the greatest sacrifice one can give for another,

He alone can calm the seas, make straight our paths, deliver us from sin.

 

He is the pilot of our ship and will always put us first,

He will walk with us through the perils we face each day,

He leads us through difficulties as well as our successes,

He loves with no strings attached – only that we love Him back,

These are the days, the time of grace, a gift from God to us. 

 

 

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

I’LL BE BACK

Posted on June 28, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

My computer is disabled for a couple days, but I shall return, whether you like it or not🥸🥸

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

READY FOR A RAIN DANCE

Posted on June 26, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

“Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall”
― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

We, along with the many other states, have been experiencing some extremely dry weather. The lush green of spring has gone dormant as the lack of moisture leads to the beginning of a drought in some areas. Some may say this is another means of God trying to get our attention and return to Him – casting off the ways of the sinful world and renewing our faith in His will. I don’t think God works that way. Or are the days of the ten plagues returning with a vengance?  This pattern will soon be broken and the rain will fall to nourish the fields of grain and corn. They will reach their stems to the heavens and praise God for the refreshment. They will bury their roots deeply into the ground and their fruit will come forth and replenish the earth. In the meantime, we can thank God for keeping us free of deadly winds, damaging storms and flooding the streets on which we live.

We all have a time in our lives when the storms of every day living engulf us and cause us to fall into a deep state of depression.  I’m not talking about the weather here. There are days when we coast along through life easily.  Other times we’re overcome by difficulty, but as Longfellow so aptly said, “into each life some rain must fall.” Can you imagine life without the nourishment of rain?  If we didn’t have it, we’d soon shrivel up and die. When the storms seem like they’ll never end – when one thing after another continues to pound heavily on us – when we become drenched with the weight of it – it’s hard to be positive.  We fall deeper and deeper into the pit of self-pity and anxiety. When we remember that God has His hand on the sun, which continues to shine behind the clouds, we have something to hope for.  He controls every aspect of the weather. His tears over our condition have washed us and made us clean for ever. Don’t let the tempests of the world overtake your thinking. The day is coming soon when there will be no more droughts or floods – when we will live triumphantly in a perfect paradise where ever day is blissful. The storms will come and go, but they also serve a purpose. Until the work is fully completed, kick off your shoes and dance confidentally knowing you are ready for the ride.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on READY FOR A RAIN DANCE

RAISING CHILDREN CAN BE RISKY

Posted on June 25, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

I have vivid childhood memories. Some of them have been delected from my memory bank, but there are some that stand out more than others. There were the years living in a four story apartment building on the top floor. The iceman would start out his journey to our apartment with a large chunk of ice and arrive with a small cube. Mother would carry the groceries up those four floors and I recall her making several trips to the grocery store so she could spread out the trips up and down the stairs. I remember spending summers at the farm of my maternal grandparents – making mudpies and feeding them to the dog, dressing the same dog in baby clothes and putting him in a toy high chair. We were not allowed to have dogs in the city apartment, so I took every advantage while I was at the farm.

My husband was also a city kid. He lived above the family funeral business, so had to maintain a fairly quiet childhood, but he made up for it when he spent his summers at his paternal grandparent’s summer house on the lake. There was a farm nearby where he learned to pitch hay and lead a horse to water. He remembers time on the lake as well and recalls when he was a young lad learning to swim. His mother donned him in a wool swimming suit. Can you even imagine wearing wool in the water. It would act as a sponge and soak up half the lake in just a minute. Add to that the fact that he was required to wear a life preserver jacket. After a few weeks of paddling around in the water with all these encumbrances, he decided one day to jump in without the life preserver. His father immediately called to him to put on his life jacket. As Paul got up on the pier, he accidentally kicked the jacket into the water and it immediately sank to the bottom of the lake. Wearing those woolen trunks and a useless life jacket accounted for his ability to learn to swim like a fish.

When we become parents we soon realize that it’s a risky business. You never know what each day will bring, but you can be sure it will be an adventure or a disaster. How you look at it is all important. There will be days that go smoothly and you really feel confident that you’re making a difference in your child’s life. Other days will bring disappointment, frustration, lack of communication and much more. One of the joys of being a grandparent is that you can enjoy the parenting without the responsiblity of the day to day stuff. It’s kind of too bad we can’t be grandparents first so we could get more joy out of the process, but then we wouldn’t be learning anything or teaching much. The one gift you can give your child, your grandchildren or even great grandchildren, is a love their heavenly Father – who forgives and loves unconditionally. He is the Father of all creation and has years of experience in dealing with the human race.

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

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

THE ROCK OF MY SALVATION

Posted on June 25, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The waters part, the seas prevail,
The excess pours into streams of rushing refreshment,
Tumbling over granite, forging a new path,
We bathe in the cleanliness of it,
All our darkness is washed away,
In the sound of it, we hear God’s voice,
The taste cools the palate and brings relief,
Senses are aroused,
We are in direct communication with the Creator,
Storms rage, obstacles stand in the way,
My God is not moved,
His consistency remains,
We are at times crushed like hammered glass,
Still the peace emanating from His omnipotent voice calms,
Even in the raging which surrounds,
We come to Him confident that He will still the waters,
He can calm the storm,
He will provide a safe path,
He will lead us through His Word,
He will protect with His power and majesty,
Praise to God,
My Rock and my Salvation.

The surface of the highest peak,
The strength of granite can’t compete.
The hardest rock, the toughest stone,
Can’t take the place of God alone,
His power is much greater than,
The self-contained of any man,
He lives in every space of life,
He carries me through pain and strife,
My God is greater than my fears,
He cleanses me through all my tears,
He lifts me to the highest height,
He stays with me both day and night,
He is my strong foundation,
As He pours out salvation.

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

THE BATTLE IS AT HAND

Posted on June 24, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

After kissing my husband good morning, he related that he woke up with the lyrics to “Onward Christian Soldiers,” running through his brain.  I asked him if he’d checked the news recently and wondered if we were at war. We chuckled at the possibility, since we rarely tune into the news anymore, except to check on weather conditions.  In our blindness, war could be declared and we would never know. 

Then it was time for our morning devotional.  We’re using David Kitz’s “Psalms 365 – Volume Two, for this time together and guess what the title of the message was?  “They did not believe in God or trust in His deliverace.”  This message from Psalm 78:17-22 references the Israelites and their rebellious ways.  These were the same guys who were led out of bondage by Moses and guided by a pillar of fire and a pillar of cloud.  The sea had been parted by God’s finger and yet they foolishly strayed from Him.  Our first inclination is to wonder why their faith was so weak when they had God right there physically in their midst.

So David’s devotion and my husband, Paul’s waking thoughts coincided and I thought maybe I should write about God as our Commander in Chief – the general who expects us to follow His orders without question.

When young men and women enter the armed services, they take an oath to that end in the Oath of Enlistment:

I, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

As followers of God, we are also taking a similar oath to follow His orders or commandments as part of our relationship with Him. We are submitting to His authority by doing so. Unfortunately, we often fall short f doing His will. We tend to stray, just like the Israeliites were often tempted to do. Because we can’t perfectly submit, God provided someone who would take our place – someone who would lay down His life for us. That obedient soldier was Jesus.

We are so blessed to have someone who stands up for us daily, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t continue to follow orders. As soldiers of the cross, we must be even more diligent. With Jesus’ help that’s possible. With Him leading the way, we can be assured of victory. for He has already won the war.

Posted in America | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

WHERE LIES YOUR TREASURE?

Posted on June 23, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

 

Almost five years ago, we downsized our house of 24 years and an accumulation of over 50. We painstakingly waded through things that we considered eventual treasures and got rid of many of them. We moved into a renovated 1885 house so were able to use the antiques we managed to save. So we’re now working on “furnishing” our yard. This requires us to go scavanging at garage and estate sales or use many of the online ways of buying junk. It is true that one man’s trash is another’s treasure.

As you’ve seen photos of some of the things we’ve done, you’ve seen unusual things turn up. There’s the baby bed that served my husband and his sister in the 1940’s-50’s. There are old bikes, urns, pottery, rebuilt adirondack chairs, wagons, kitchen chairs, signs, old decaying wicker furniture and carts along with various things we put plants into. Our house sits on two city lots. Paul purchased a spacious shed which he uses for one of his painting spaces. His artistic eye has created various art locations – things that artists like to paint. I in turn have refurbished and repainted some of those old things. Our team effort has raised many comments. “Hmmm, interesting,” “Ecclectic,” “Busy,” “Cluttered,” Looks like a museum,” “It’s like walking through a piece of history.”

Last week I found an old wooden sled that appears in good working condition. I plan to stain it and paint a little rosebud on it (reminiscent of “Citizen Kane.) We have an old pair of ice skates from the early 1900s and some snow shoes which will create an interesting corner somewhere out there. It’s fun to create little areas in which people can see something different each time they come to visit. This will eventually serve as our entertainment area, since we don’t have nearly as much room inside.

There are many little seating areas too. Within the addition of some original sculptures and paintings made for the outdoors, people can converse in fun spots. Paul even designed a new form of croquet. Instead of making it through the hoops, he created it so that people hit the ball to one seating area – sit down and talk for a while – get up and hit the ball to the next sitting area. I imagine the game would catch on for other senior citizens who would like to remain active, but need a little rest in between

So what’s my purpose in this days post? I’m not really sure if there is one, but I thought it might be fun to share some of the things we do when we age. Life can be downsized and brought right back to what it was now that outdoor yard sales are being held. We’ve found many items for little money. Soon we will have to downsize our outside space.

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

BESIDE STILL WATERS

Posted on June 23, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

You lead me to the waters still, you fill my soul and quench my thirst,

You guide me through the paths unknown, you’re with me at my best and worst,

In valleys green you watch my steps, and carry me when I can’t walk,

You treasure me in every way, you’re there to speak when I can’t talk.

 

If water carries me away, I’ll live to fight another day,

With confidence I know full well, you’ll never leave me when I stray,

You love me with a love unknown, my heart is filled with you alone,

And when I die my comfort is that you have crushed my heart of stone.

 

As this life ebbs and death appears, I know that I am not yet done,

You have prepared a place for me, a perfect room above the sun,

Where I will live eternally in peace and love forever more,

The gate to Heaven opens wide and you will guide me through the door.

 

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

RETURNING TO NORMAL

Posted on June 22, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

We all seem to be eager to return to life as we once knew it. I can’t help wondering if we’re rushing too quickly back into it. Personally, I like alone time, yet part of me yearns to be with those I enjoy spending time with. I had low points during the pandemic, as did many others. I was fortunate in that I never fell into complete times of depression, but Iexperienced loneliness, sadness, frustration, fear of becoming sick and other emotions which hindered me in various ways. Still in all of it, I tried to maintain a positive outlook and see the benefits of this time of isolation. It got me thinking about the things that really matter and those I care about the most.

There were many positives that came from that time. We saw a return to family life – even though many considered it too much. Priorities changed too. We longed to gather, but were held back from attending church, coffee time, small group meetings, visits from friends and all of that became intense over time. However, our need to be involved took on a new meaning. We began to find other ways of communicating even though it lacked physical touch or interaction. We learned about forms of technology that would open our doors again and allow us to shop, worship, teach and learn because of it.

So now in this huge rush to return to life as it was, it is really time to look back and see if we learned any valuable lessons during this time. Did you? We discovered that we had more time to spend on daily devotions, home Bible study, conversations between the two of us that had gone by the wayside in the busyness of every day living. We learned that we didn’t have to go to the doctor every six months. In fact the entire time we were probably more healthy than we ever were because of our imprisonment. We ventured into online church services that were offered and were edifyed by them.

Over the past month, the numbers have dropped. People are getting vaccinated. Suddenly it’s like night has turned into day in an instant. We seem to have no fear. We walk into stores without masks. We dine in at restaurants that are still struggling to maintain staff. We are gathering at church, attending graduations, weddings, funerals and other events with no apparent concern for possible new strains or resurgance of another pandemic. I’m not suggesting that we continue to separate ourselves from the world, but I am asking that we don’t jump right into the same kind of careless, selfish behavior that was going on before this all began. If we’ve learned anything during this time it should be how important we are to each other. The value we place on relationships is so important. Instead of becoming angry and hateful, we need to reevaluate what this pandemic has done to us and what we can glean from it in a positive way. Above all, we should thank and praise God for getting through this time and providing another day.

Posted in corona virus | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

WISDOM REVISITED

Posted on June 22, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Have you ever looked at a word and it just doesn’t seem right? I did that this morning as I looked at the word, “WISDOM.” For some reason it looked weird. I’ve seen this word a billion times. I’ve written about it many times. I’ve typed it into a poem or post on several occasions, but as I looked at the word today it seemed strange to me. Maybe it’s because I’m growing old and things aren’t always what they appear to be. Maybe it’s a lapse in memory. It could be that the word itself is difficult to understand, because man has been searching for it for centuries. As I kept looking at the formation of letters it occurred to me to look it up in the dictionary. Here’s the definition – “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.”

When we’re in our teen years, we tend to think we’re the only ones who know anything, but there is some merit in age. As young adults, we’re often too busy making a living to be very wise.  Our focus is on things that require little or no wisdom.  When we reach our golden years, we’ve gathered a lifetime of knowledge, but often we still lack real wisdom. Old people have had the benefit of years of experience which they can share with those who are just starting their journey, but even then, perfect wisdom doesn’t come from education, experience or living.

When Solomon pondered over the age old issue of wisdom,  he came to the conclusion that there was nothing new under the sun.  Everything that was had already been experienced by man.  We are simply living in a revolving door of sorts, going around and around, making the same foolish mistakes, trying to live life by ourselves, attempting to be the masters of our very existence.  Jesus shows us, through His own life, that this place is just a stopping off point for us.  We’re simply passing through and our true existence is beyond the grave.  In the meantime, the things we learn in life will prepare us for the perfection of paradise.

The wisest man to walk the face of the earth, didn’t live beyond 33 years of life, yet He possessed the wisdom of God, because He is God.  He taught us how to love one another unconditionally.  He demonstrated how to serve one another.  He mapped out a plan for getting His Word spread to all nations.  He served as an example of what unselfishness is all about.  He fulfilled God’s promise to the world by giving His life for others. His wisdom is beyond our human comprehension.

Knowledge often comes from experience. Experience comes from living. Life comes from God.  Jesus is God and He is the source of all wisdom.

Posted in God's will | Tagged , , | Comments Off on WISDOM REVISITED

MONDAY MINDSET

Posted on June 21, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

It’s Monday . . . again. The Mondays seem to come faster and faster as we trudge through our journey here on earth. As we age, time in general goes rapidly, unlike the days of our youth when it seemed like an eternity for each day to pass. Last week, I lived through another birthday. I didn’t die. In fact, I’m not dead yet! Life goes on for this old bird and a new week is at the door. Summer is now in place, even though we’ve been living it for the last month. With each new Monday, we’re at the edge of a new beginning no matter what our age. We compartmentalize our week, set up a litany of things necessary to get done, we make appointments for new things to do, we go through the motions of living without really thinking too much about where we’re going to be next week at this same time.

This Monday I plan to start a yoga program. My doctor recommended this form of exercise for me, to improve my balance. I always knew I was a little off kilter, but now the truth is known. So I plan to search for a video that will allow me to venture into this new way of daily activity, without falling flat on my face in front of an audience of many other aging folks.

I’m also going to resume my weekly coffee meeting with my friends from church. This is one of the special times that went by the wayside during the pandemic. We worshipped in the sanctuary yesterday. Things are slowly getting back to normal, but what is normal? People are traveling again. They’re hugging. Tears of joy are falling as a sign of renewed gatheriing turns into an emotional experience I can’t help wondering how this is going to play out in future months. Will there be another surge of COVID19 or will there be a new strain? Will we sink back into a state of isolation? Will we finally meet our maker? I don’t knw the answers to these questions, but I have confidence that God is in control of the whole thing and He has a purpose for all of it.

So, make this Monday a fresh canvas where you can spread your own colors and create a masterpiece. Your state of mind on Monday will set up the mood for the rest of the week. It is the first day of a new week -t he first day of summer – the first day of the rest of your life. Happy Monday!

Posted in aging, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

FEAR LESS

Posted on June 21, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER ©

We were blessed with a gentle rain for the past day and night. It was a much needed refreshment for grass that has turned brown, trees and shrubs sapped by thirst and flowers that seem to be dying. With that much needed quenching, the Lord again has provided for the lilies of the fields. He will also provide for us. Even though we walk through the shadow of death, the Lord is with us.

Shepherds fending off their sleep, while they tended all their sheep.

Suddenly were startled by the hosts of angels in the sky.

“Do not fear,” was said to them – “We bring good news and peace to men.”

They followed God’s bright star above – and came to see their God of love.

In lowly manger there He lay, upon a scratchy mound of hay.

This King of glory promised long, had come to earth to right our wrong.

Again we wait for Him to come to take us to our heavenly home.

May we be ready for that day, pressing on where angels pray.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , | Comments Off on FEAR LESS

I AM A PARADOX

Posted on June 19, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

PARADOX: noun a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

Here it is another birthday for me. At this stage of life, I feel blessed to have lived so long. On the other hand, my mind is still telling me that I’m twenty one and have the energy to accomplish great things. That is my mind. My body has another opinion altogether. I rise each day with thanksgiving for another opportuniity to share the love Jesus has shown me with those I meet. On not so good days, I wonder why I’m still inhabiting this body. On yet another hand, I am blessed to be sharing my growing old years with a man I’ve known most of my life. We can still laugh at our infirmities. We chuckle at some of our failings. We encourage each other with words of compassion, but don’t take life too seriously. In a way, I guess being a paradox just shows the many different facets of our exstence.

When I think about the life I’ve lived and the years that passed through time,

The memories flood my empty mind, overflowing thoughts sublime,

I shuffle around this mortal coil and wonder why I’m still here,

I struggle throughout the aging signs and meet yet another year.

Will days continue to capture me within this dismal planet.

Or will my breath soon be extinguished – not be taken for granted,

The light at the end of the tunnel will be waiting just for me,

Eternity will soon be calling and at last I will be free.

My days on this earth are numbered, God knows how many remain,

I’m trusting in His intervention to lead me to His domain,

Instead of viewing my sinful heart, the Lord will see only One,

The sacrifice made with precious blood of His one and only Son.

Birthdays will come and go with little fanfare these days, but we can be sure of one thing. When we die, we will live forever. That too is a paradox – one that makes no sense, but also gives complete understanding of the love of God.

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

FATHER’S DAY FUNNIES

Posted on June 18, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
  • “For Father’s Day, I’m giving my dad an hour of free tech support.”
Posted in Father's Day | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

TO THE DADS OF OUR GRANDCHILDREN

Posted on June 18, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

When our daughters chose the man each would spend the rest of their lives with, they brought with them a whole additional set of baggage, which includes another entire family.  We’ve been blessed with two sons in  law and they are as different as the two women they married, but they are perfect for each of them.

Our first born decided to marry her husband after only a few weeks of dating.  It was a match that suited both of them.  They were both quiet, contemplative, compassionate and followed all the rules.  Since our family is known to be rather outgoing, I was almost afraid we scared him away with our bold and sometimes over confident behavior.  He managed to grow used to us and has proven to be a wonderful dad to our two grandsons and husband to our daughter.

Our third child was more of a free spirit, yet one with solid values and a good Christian base.  The man she chose is funny, hard working, dedicated to his family, willing to help others and did I mention funny.  The blend of their two personalities has created a lovely young woman of eighteen who shares the same strong will as her parents. We call her granddaughter.  This marriage took a little longer to happen, but it has weathered the test of time.

We always hoped that our children would find the same kind of happiness we’ve experienced in our marriage.  They’ve grown up realizing the importance of having a strong male role model along with a faith in God that will sustain them through all trials and obstacles along the way.  We are truly blessed to have these men in our lives.  Each of them has strong family ties.  They have fantastic work ethics.  They love their wives and children.  They are available to help us when they can.  They have become so much a part of our family that we don’t think of them of in-laws.

I’d like to thank God for giving our daughters husbands that fill the bill completely.  They have accepted our family as theirs.  They’ve inherited us along with our daughters.  They know that they are deeply loved and appreciated by us.  Happy Father’s Day to our two additional sons.

Posted in Father's Day | Tagged , , | 4 Comments