THE JEWELS OF DE NIAL

Posted on August 16, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
Left to right bottom row – Pearl played by Kathy (me), Ruby/Christine, and Opal/June – back row Gail our sound effects person and Todd, the auctioneer and plumbing salesman

For the next three days we will rehearse our next episode of Jewels of deNial. This is the show I’ve been collaborating on with my senior acting and prolific writers. This show is about the theatre I work at, which was once a children’s theatre and now has classes for all ages. The restrooms have created an unforeseen problem. All the toilets are designed for children and with the addition of 55+ actors, we have to replace them. Our group, which spans three decades, has a lot of ideas how to solve the issue. We’re going to have an auction to raise money to raise the toilets.

I’ve been blessed to be part of this project for almost two years. We’ve written a few episodes – recorded three of them and will present “The Auction” this weekend to a live audience. There’s nothing like live theatre. You never know for sure how your work will be received. There’s an energy that flows from stage to audience and back to the stage, which can’t be described. It’s almost magical. I never get tired of the feeling. Undoubtedly I will spend the remaining years of my life involved with theatre in some form or another. It’s really true what they say about it getting into your blood.

During the course of the collaboration, we’ve been sharing from our own life experiences. You know the stories the keep getting bigger with the telling. They become more and more hilarious as they’re repeated and often go further than reality, but isn’t that what creativity allows us to do.

Life in its final chapters can be a series of visits to the doctor – becoming addicted to the TV – with limited physical and mental activity. The lack of exercise for our minds and bodies, soon gives way to death. What fun to be able to live life to the fullest right up until the last breath.

Posted in aging, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Summer Memories

Posted on August 15, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

We’re two thirds of the way through summer and this time of year always brings memories of family travels. At the start of these adventures our kids were still quite young, so everything was exciting – like looking at the largest ball of string, or stopping for an ice cream cone. As years progressed, their interests changed. Travel meant giving up the video games they normally played on their Nintendo.


In the old days we would sing silly camp songs like “Comin’ Round the Mountain,” “B-I-N-G-O Was His Name,” “Old McDonald Had a Farm,” and the like. Eventually those songs were no longer fun. Instead they were replaced with earphones and their own kind of music. I persisted in getting a song started, but never got much attention, especially when I began singing theme songs from TV shows.


During those years, in spite of each new distraction, we continued to enjoy the scenery. We would stop and look around, eat our lunch at a wayside, breathe in fresh air and talk to each other. All the stops were necessary because with two teenagers and one tween the air wasn’t always fresh. Not only that, but the car was beginning to fill with empty potato chip bags, orange and banana peelings and half devoured bottles of water. During those stops, we’d often stretch our legs and take a little walk to explore some of the beautiful countryside.


Family vacations can be disastrous or filled with laughter and fond memories. Our first camping experience in Yellowstone was one example. We set up the tent, got all of our food on the table, began cooking over an open fire, enjoyed the fresh air (again) and noticed signs which said, “Beware of bears in the area.” I have never been an adventurous soul, so the thought of having bears sleeping right next to our tent and possibly devouring our food and maybe us, was not an option. I believe I slept with my eyes and ears open. My children and husband sawed enough wood to keep our fire burning for days. Not referring to actual wood here.
The next morning we noticed signs of bear being in the area. The rubbed off fur on a tree right next to our tent was proof. I slept in the van for the rest of the trip.

Occasionally we’d treat ourselves to a night in a motel, with real beds and pillows, indoor plumbing and a continental breakfast. There was no wildlife in the vicinity, other than the partiers who stayed up all night making noise.

Making these excursions can be most rewarding. You have a captive audience for a few hundred miles at a time (usually) so you can actually talk to each other. Some of the most memorable conversations are held in a car where the passengers are locked into their seat belts and they can’t escape from a moving vehicle.

Think of the family vacation as a chance to build memories, to bond with your children, to make them look forward to the next one and find things to do that will appeal to everyone without breaking the bank.


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WALKING IN DANGER

Posted on August 15, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

The news of the day seems hopeless, darkness will consume the light,

Our fears can often destroy us, making stars escape the night,

And even in those darkest hours, our fears will be held at bay,

Our God is there to protect us, bringing us to the next day.

We may think that life has no purpose, we want to see it all end,

But God has planned our redemption, our Jesus, His Son, He’d send,

To give us hope everlasting, to shake off our every fear,

He promised to bear each burden, to His word He will adhere.

When fears seem to overwhelm you, trust in the light of the earth

His arms extended to greet you, He bestows you with new birth,

Just call on His intervention, He’ll come to your heart today,

His light will swallow the darkness and take your fears away.

Posted in Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

IT’S GARAGE SALE DAY

Posted on August 14, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Five years ago, we downsized after 24 years of living in the same house to one half the size.  It was a time of purging – release – letting go and giving up.  I believe I had about five garage sales that year.  Whatever we didn’t sell, we donated to the local thrift stores and finally hired a truck to pick up the things that we couldn’t get rid of any other way.  

My husband had crates of stored art work and equipment along with many items he just couldn’t let go of.  He has a sentimental heart and loves to hang onto things that have a personal memory.  I’m more of an organizer and tend to toss without thinking, even though I found it difficult to give up thirty years of costumes from my children’s theatre.

To get to my point of this post today.  Since we moved in our little 1875 farm house, we’ve been to many garage sales – rummage sales – liquidation & downsizing sales and yard sales.  No matter what you call it, it comes down to getting rid of things we no longer need to carry as excess baggage.  Are you toting an extra load today?  I’m not talking about physical things, but more about the emotional heaviness we place on ourselves.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just simply snap our fingers and get rid of it?  Our burdens can lead to so many more difficult problems – like depression, anger, anxiety, fear, loss, grief.  Compounded all these elements add a lot of weight to the already stifling encumbrance.  It’s really much easier than snapping your fingers.  Jesus invites us to cast our burdens on Him.  He will carry them for us.  Sounds like a pretty easy way out.  When we create the mess, we often want to fix it ourselves.  In other words, we get in the way of His doing what He does best.  We need to let Him.

So, we continue to collect old stuff – nostalgic and inspirational things from another time.  It’s not like we need any of it.  In fact our backyard sometimes looks like an ongoing yard sale. These items give us interesting things to look at while we’re outdoors.  They are a collection of art objects in a way and often fodder for a painting or two.  Sometimes we need to clean up the clutter though and get rid of some of those things that occupy so much of our time and effort.  

Today is Garage Sale Day. The weather is perfect for it.  There’s really nothing I’m in great need of, but the pull of a garage sale is always there for me.  I usually find something to add to the mess. When it becomes to overwhelming, I ask for help.

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WHAT IF YOU CAN’T WAIT?

Posted on August 12, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

In a world that’s filled with instant mashed potatoes, instant rice, instant news, instant results and instant madness its hard to wait. In the famous infomercials where they tell you, “But wait, there’s more,” it’s usually followed by a buy one, get one free offer, or more. We’re assured that they are assured that we will like the product so much that we will be willing to wait for it. So much so, that we will wait for two or more of said product.

I’m not considered a very patient person. As years progress, I find myself not wanting to wait for anything anymore. I don’t have that much time left after all. Oh, I know what you’re thinking. We’re all going to die someday and I’ll probably live another twenty years (heaven help us) or more. I know I could get hit by a car today and maybe go straight to heaven, but I’ve waited for 79 years for that blessing and I’m glad I’m still looking forward to it. When we are forced to wait, the waiting seems almost unbearable. We don’t like timelines, especially when it interferes with the plans we’ve already made and sealed in blood. The interrupted trips, because of the infernal virus, come to mind. Kids can’t wait for summer vacation – going back to school – getting out of school again – waiting for a home cooked meal – waiting for the cookies in the oven – waiting for report cards to come out. We all have an agenda when it comes to waiting.

Lately we’ve been asked to do a lot of waiting. Maybe that’s a good thing. When we have a lot of time to consider the repercussions or blessings that might ensue, it makes the decisions easier to make. When we wait for a test result – a “yes” to a proposal of marriage – an acceptance of an offer on a house – time seems a little more imperative. The answer will often dictate our future.

God wants us to wait for Jesus’ second coming. We have no idea when that will occur. Even Jesus’ human side can’t answer that question. But all the signs around us are pointing to the end of the world as we know it. Why can’t it just be over with so we can experience paradise right now?

Winnie the Pooh was a wise little bear. He once said,

“Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known.” He also said, “Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”

There is a reason for all things under the sun. God is the only One who knows what the reason is. Yet in His infinite knowledge He allows us to be refined through the process and gives us the truth that ultimately we all win in the end. We can be assured of that. But wait! Nope, that’s all there is to it.

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TAKE AND DRINK

Posted on August 12, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
WATERCOLOR SKETCH BY PAUL BOECHER – WORDS BY KATHY BOECHER

The interlacing vines hold substantial fruit.

It is a wonder the grapes cling so tightly to the vine.

As Jesus told His followers, He is the vine and we are the branches.

Today, let’s consider feeding the thirsty with the first fruits of His offering to us.

He lifts us up from the depths of hell.

He refreshes us with the water of His Word.

He holds us ever so tight.

He crushed temptation.

He suffered pain and anguish.

He gave His blood.

He died and was buried in a secure tomb.

His lifeless body continued to do battle even in the grave.

He defeated the devil.

He rose from death.

He will come again to take away all sadness.

Drink the fruit of His salvation.

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BUT ALL MY FRIENDS ARE DOING IT . . .

Posted on August 11, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

“When the whole world is running towards a cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind.” C. S. Lewis

I’ll bet you thought this was going to be a post about us becoming a herd of sheep. It isn’t really, though I probably will write that one someday. Today I’m thinking about the foolish things that were said to us as children and we continued to perpetuate to ours and they to theirs. It’s kind of a right of passage. “Eat your vegetables. Don’t you know that children are starving in China?” When I heard that as a child, I often wondered how my eating my vegetables was going to benefit some starving kid in China. Or how about this one? “Eat your spinach, it will grow hair on your chest.” Why would I even want to grow hair on my chest?

When we’re parents, we often say dumb things. We repeat what we heard as children. We speak without thinking and often leave a negative memory in the mind of those we’re talking to. For example: “Don’t step on a crack, you’ll break your mother’s back.” So now we are laying the blame on our children for his mom’s backaches.

When I was a child, I heard that sitting on cement would give you piles. I couldn’t imagine what that meant. Piles of what? Would I be glued to the cement and it would climb all the way to heaven? Later I discovered that piles was another name for hemorrhoids. Another falsehood came when I was told that cracking my knuckles would later cause arthritis. I’m still wondering about that one.

Currently our words and actions are on display for everyone to judge. So we must be extra careful about how we use them. Instead of worrying about walking on cracks in the pavement, we’re being led to believe that we must walk on eggs and not say anything that could be misinterpreted. However some of those old sayings have some merit. The book of Proverbs is full of them. Thinking before we speak doesn’t always happen when you’re on Twitter or Facebook. We tend to respond in the moment and that’s when we get into trouble.

But is some of our individuality being challenged when we must be like everyone else? Maybe it’s best to just keep quiet and say nothing. Well, like I said, that’s a whole different post which I will someday write. Oh, maybe I just did.

Posted in parenting, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

MAKING A LIST AND CHECKING IT TWICE

Posted on August 10, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Since another school year is about to begin, I thought it might be a good idea to get organized. First I’ll write a “to do list.” I used to be really good at that until the “to do list” became too overwhelming. So I started making mental notes instead. When you reach your 70s, it’s not a good idea to rely on memory, so I’m thinking about revisiting the list idea. OK, here’s my list:

  1. Get out of bed, put my teeth in and brush the few I have left.
  2. Don’t look in the mirror until you can bear the reflection.
  3. Write devotion for the day.
  4. Get dressed.
  5. Think of all the things I have to do today.
  6. Go back to bed.

Albert Einstein once said, “Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” I guess you could say I’m waiting for my opportunity.

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GET OVER YOURSELF

Posted on August 9, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

The image I’m showing today has nothing to do with the topic of this post. I just had to chuckle and share it with you, because I sometimes need reminders of the important things in life. Laughter is always beneficial to our well being, unless we’re the ones being laughed at. I have always believed that making a joke about something or laughing at my own stupid mistakes helps me to get over myself. I guess you could call that humbling oneself, but more often it causes more attention to be drawn to myself.

Most of us today have become hermits. Some because of fear – some by necessity – some because of a permanent phobia called COVID19. Lately, this dreadful disease is in the news again. Sometimes change is necessary for our well being, but I think it’s basically good for helping us move on and beyond. Our world is in a constant change of flux – and I’m not talking about acid reflux – although that can be a real problem too. We tend to resist change. Most of us like order. We like the structure of worshiping a certain way. We feel cheated if we don’t see familiarity in the things we do. We are creatures of habit and even though God has changed our hearts – He never changes. We can trust his consistency to lead us through any of the changes that come our way.

We should be used to those alterations by the time we reach our senior years, but often we are so deeply seated in tradition, we refuse to change. We might even ignore the good that will come from change. We defend our right to continue as usual. We get angry and even fight change, because it doesn’t blend with our way of thinking. Sometimes, we simply avoid the situation that’s undergoing change and refuse to be part of it. We might make excuses for not changing or worse yet avoid the situation altogether.

It seems that the older I get, the stronger my stubborn attitudes get. I think I know better. I refuse to try something new, because the old way of doing things always worked for me in the past. I’m even fearful that change is going to effect the way I think about my God, my worship, my pride. There’s that word – “pride.” One of those words that used to have a different meaning, but has now transcended all of my former thinking. Pride used to mean the feeling we get when we can accomplish something that might’ve been inconceivable before.

So, can you teach an old dog new tricks? I think you can. I’m an old dog and I don’t feel I will ever stop learning. We should never become so set in our ways, that we refuse to change. Who knows, it may even be for the better?

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FIRST FRUITS

Posted on August 9, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
Water color paintings at Parley Lake Winery, by Paul Boecher

“Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.“

Every day is a blessing from God. We have another chance – a time to try again – an opportunity to share what we have with others. The simplicity of water color paint has many obstacles to overcome. The artist needs to learn to control the flow of the paint, otherwise the paint will take over. What we exhibit through our talents are like that too. If we try to do things alone, we are more likely to make mistakes. We need the Master Artist to shape, form and mold us. When we put ourselves first, we’re setting ourselves up for failure. With God beside us, we can make a masterpiece.

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DISABLED BY OUR FEARS

Posted on August 8, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

The simplicity of Yoda’s words should be made into a plaque and hung in a conspicuous place in our homes. Fear has the ability to disable – to cripple – and crush us, if we let it. I’ve gotten hooked on the old television series, “Monk,” in which the protagonist is in this state of existence. His phobias are many. He’s afraid of germs, afraid of heights, afraid of flying, fears anything that’s out of order (OCD,) afraid of not finding his wife’s murderer. His fears are cause for him to see a psychiatrist, as often happens when people experience fear of any kind. When the fears outnumber the positive things in life, it becomes a curse. Even in his state of constant fear, Monk is able to put pieces together to solve an unsolvable crime. He refers to his talent as a blessing, but also a curse.

His case is extreme by most standards, but can you imagine what it would be like to be controlled by your fears? We all have them. I have lots of them. I fear heights, I’m claustrophobic, I am afraid of dying from drowning. I’ve even had visions of drowning as the Titanic went under and so did I. Some might call that premonition of a past life. I think it’s something I’ve dreamed up in the recesses of my creative mind.

At times it seems that our entire nation is being controlled by fear. Right now we’re wondering if the pandemic will ever end. We’re afraid to get vaccinated or we’ve been sold a bill of goods that makes us think the cure will be worse than the cause. We have a government that is ruled by a wealthy, aging group of Senators who seem destined to keep their jobs forever. Doing those jobs is something else again. An aristocracy, not unlike the government that ruled our first colonies from England, has insidiously grown into more of the same. Our leaders can’t be trusted. Our media is beyond our trust. The general population has opted for the easy way out and no longer puts its trust in law enforcement. We fear death, depression, mental illness, anxious moments, fear of failure and so much more, Some are even afraid of living and choose to end it. Who do we trust? For many, the answer is that we can only trust ourselves. For some of us, we’ve learned that trust in God is the only answer.

Our fears can capture us and like Monk, we can be enslaved by them. So what is the solution to this madness? Who do you trust when everything is closing in on you? Where do you go when life seems impossible? Is there any place, person or thing that can relieve your fears or allow you to live with them? I think we might be surprised to know that we aren’t alone in our fears. I would venture to say, everyone has given in to one or another of the fears that plague us. The fact is that not all of us will be disabled by them if we trust in the only One who can be trusted. God is our Shield – our Protection – our Champion – Our Leader – our Shepherd – our Comfort and our promise of life everlasting. He alone can wash away our fears and He did so when He gave up His earthly life and died. But it didn’t end there. He rose and overcame death on the third day after His crucifixion. He returned in a glorified body, with only the remnants of scars left by the nails that held Him and the sword that pierced His side.

So join me today, outside of the dark side. We are no longer slaves to darkness. Jesus has made it possible to see our fears, repent of them and lay them at the foot of the cross. When you flee from those fears, you will be able see the Light and place your trust in the One True God.

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9/11/2001

Posted on August 7, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

On our watch list for last night – the movie, “D.C. 911 Time of Crisis.” We’re coming up on the 20th anniversary of this horrific event and hadn’t seen this flick, so decided to take a look. It was well worth the two hours. This was an unbelievable, incredulous and organized planned attack on our own United States by terrorists. This movie guides us through the day of the attacks and the days that followed. Filled with compelling performances and well defined characters, I found it to be sensitive to the issues at hand.

When we reach 9.11.2021, twenty years will have passed since that paralyzing event. I recall the resurgence of patriotism and anger that ensued towards the perpetrators. So when did all the love of country and taking a strong hand against our enemies get swept into the closet, never to be recalled except once a year when names are read and bells toll? Most of the young people in America today weren’t even born yet. Many were too young to know what was going on. Many of the patriots have since died in defense of their country.

As I watched the events unfold on the screen, I couldn’t help but recall some of the things that were going through my head on that day. We had just finished breakfast and were looking out on a beautiful autumn day. The skies were exceptionally clear and blue. There wasn’t a cloud anywhere. We had the morning news on the TV when the first plane crashed into the tower. It was like watching a movie – something surreal and outlandish. The blue skies on that screen were quickly filled with flames and clouds of black smoke. We soon realized that it was actually happening – right in the hub of America, NYC. With each of these attacks, it seemed more and more unexplainable. Who was doing this? Why were they crashing into buildings using planes as the accelerant? As days went on and facts came forth on the perpetrators, it became apparent that we were dealing with a mob of terrorists intent on destroying the core of our nation. My first thought was to purchase a flag and fly it proudly outside our house. There were none to be found. Everyone else had the same idea, People attended special church services to ask for God’s intervention – to pray – to hug each other – to hold tightly to the faith that had sustained them for years. Suddenly the freedoms we held so close to our hearts had been singed by the power of evil. Fear set in. We didn’t feel safe anymore. Going to the store or walking outside was a fearful experience. In a way the terrorists had already won the battle. In their effort to destroy lives and infrastructure, they managed to take away a piece of our freedom.

I wonder what would happen if that event were to occur today, rather than 20 years ago. Would we still be filled with a patriotic spirit? Have we grown so distrustful of our government that we don’t even believe they have our best interests at heart? As God has shown us in so many eras, His timing is always perfect. Such a time as this – is now being reserved for physical well being, fighting a virus, wearing a mask, taking on a battle against a disease rather than a weapon of mass destruction. Still it isn’t much different is it?

I pray that our country will again gain the trust of its people. When we are united we are so much stronger. When we have the same goals, yet fight among ourselves, we are self-defeating. Maybe it’s time to return to God and build our relationship with Him again. Maybe when we do that, the love of country will be rekindled as well.

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WATERCOLOR MEMORIES

Posted on August 6, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

“Let us not forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other arts will follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization.”  Daniel Webster

I’d like to add to Daniel Webster’s quote. God is the Creator of all things, therefore civilization is ultimately under His protection.

We took our weekly drive yesterday afternoon and couldn’t help noticing the bounty of sweet corn still in the fields, waiting to be harvested. There’s still a haze covering the heavenly expanse, but life continues to exist in the parched ground below. Some farmers are facing drought conditions, while other more affluent farmers have access to irrigation systems. No matter what the weather, no matter how much we fuss or fret over it, God is still present in His creation.

Paul is finishing up a camp with seniors 55+. They’ve been focusing on watercolor art, which is new for some of them. The goal of all of Paul’s classes and workshops is to have his students realize it’s never too late to start something new – to explore your inner talents – to expand your horizons – and in the process make some new and lasting friendships. One week and his mission has been accomplished. Since my husband is known for his gift of gab as well as his gift for art, it’s easy for him to communicate those very things to his students.

In a way he’s a farmer. He plants the seeds, nurtures them as they grow, tends to the weeds that get in the way of their growth and provides tools for them as well. Both of us have always felt this way about our talents. They are indeed gifts from God and a means whereby we can magnify His name. Even as we are aging and withering, like many of the crops this year, there is still life in us. As long as that exists, we have an obligation to share our knowledge and blessings with others. God makes the difference in the sowing of the seeds.. He is the Master Gardener and will bring life when it looks like there’s none to be found. We are merely the caretakers of His creation.

Thank a farmer today. They are the backbone of our nation – even when it looks like there’s no hope for a fruitful harvest. They take chances every day in their occupation so that we can reap the benefits. Many of the difficult tasks connected with farming have been replaced by machines, but the willingness to risk everything is still alive and well.

Posted in aging, art & inspiration from the Boechers | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

ANGER HAS A SHORT FUSE

Posted on August 5, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Who can forget the trouble Wylie Coyote got into as he pursued the infamous Road Runner. It all began with a stick of dynamite and a short fuse. The same was true for dear, sweet Elmer Fudd. He also was known to run to Acme’s arsenal for ammunition to blow up Bugs Bunny’s rabbit hole. In both cases, the short fuse backfired and often blew up one of the instigators in the process, but never fear. They always reappeared in the next scene – fully restored and back to their nefarious tricks.

Anytime we succumb to anger, we’re in fact lighting a very short fuse. Without thinking, we say and do things that we ordinarily wouldn’t say or do. The insidious emotion of anger has a way of doing that to even the most sane among us. Sometimes we don’t even need to be motivated by anger. A wrong word – an empty phrase – a thoughtless act can have the same result. Anger, in my opinion, is usually associated with a bomb exploding. There’s no thought process, just action. Once the fuse is lit, the action has been set in motion and if the fuse is short, it will explode before we have the chance to snuff it out.

In the world today, we’re seeing more and more short fuses. Part of that conundrum is caused by misunderstanding. Some is because of the not thinking before doing part. Sometimes we simply are letting off steam and someone gets in the way. With all the madness of the world, we are inundated with negativity and the fuse simply gets shorter and shorter. Therefore, before we even light the fuse, we all need to take a trip to the only arsenal that will deliver us from evil action. That source is the Word of God and it never fails to eliminate the negative things we face each day.

  • Proverbs 14:29 “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.’
  • Ephesians 4:26-27 “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger and give no opportunity to the devil.”
  • James 1:26 “ If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”
  • Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Let’s put Acme’s Arsenal out of business. The short fuse is useless against the Word of God.

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

WHERE RIVERS UNITE

Posted on August 5, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©


We live in a small town right on the Mississippi River, as it joins the Rum River at a place called Peninsula Point. The mighty Mississipi cuts a path right through the middle of our great country, it receives flowage from lakes and other tributaries along the way, ending in the Gulf of Mexico.

If only the river could talk. It would tell tales we couldn’t begin to write – of determination and industry; natives lining the shores; explorers, voyageurs and lumber passing down from town to town. There are stories of paddle boats, kayakers, fishermen and sailors. There are the dark tales of the lowest of living creatures, lurking in the shadows, stumbling with drunken footsteps, looking to end a life. There are the tales of redemption as one is baptized in the water, or ashes of a departed loved one are tossed on its surface.

For those who love to paint, it becomes great fodder for creativity. For young and old lovers, it’s a place for a rendezvous. For children it turns into a playground, where they may learn to fish for the first time.  For those without a home, it becomes a temporary refuge.

In it all, God flows with it, carrying all of men’s stories in His hands.

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DO WE REALLY CARE?

Posted on August 4, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

We often ask, “How are you?” We may even sound sincere.
The problem is our listening skills. We sometimes never hear.
We’re so much in a hurry. We think we’re being nice,
But if it meant you’d help someone, five minutes would suffice.

It doesn’t take that long to ask if things are going well.
They may be really suffering – going through their private hell.
It’s up to us to give them hope – a friend to lean upon.
Someone to tell them they are loved, by God’s own precious Son.

So when you ask “how are you?” prepare to stay a while
And don’t forget to listen and greet them with a smile.
Your love and understanding will go the extra mile
So show you really care for them. Through every single trial.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, compassion | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

THERE’S NOTHING BUT GOOD NEWS

Posted on August 4, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Some of you may know that I have absented myself from the news world for about three months now. The idea of ignorance being blissful is really quite true, and even though there are those who believe it’s important to stay informed, I need a vacation from it. I suggest having a day dedicated to reporting only GOOD NEWS! Unfortunately, I think the media might find it difficult to switch off the negative for even twelve hours. What is it that drives this insatiable hunger for negativity? Weren’t we once people that had a positive attitude? Before the internet there was no such thing as instant news. Whoops, I’ll take it back. I think when the troops became imbedded with news media during the Viet Nam War, is more likely to be the beginning of it all. Maybe even before that, during the McCarthy hearings that set a witch hunt on fire in the depths of politics, entertainment and even the average guy was accused of being a Communist. Taking it way back, the news of a revolution occurring in our country didn’t take long to spread around the world.

Well enough of my digression. The fact is we all need some good news and we need it right now. For example, someone made a fortune sewing masks for the COVID19 pandemic. The spreading of the Gospel has reached far and wide because of online church services and outreach ministry via Zoom. New ways of doing things were discovered and people started looking within their own homes for entertainment and social bonding.

We don’t have to search far for good news and wouldn’t we feel so much better if that old enemy would pack his bags and go back to hell where he comes from? We could again laugh at silly things without repercussions of being insensitive or politically incorrect. We could find humor in the absurd, like the old time prat falls or pies in the face. We could delight in sharing recipes, gardening tips, make our own clothes, but for most, that sounds too much like work.

How about funny animal antics – cats playing patty cake and dogs chasing their tails? How about the adorable babies diving into a blue frosted birthday cake and the resulting mess? Maybe we want to talk about the silly mistakes we make on a daily basis – like getting into the wrong car after visiting the ATM – or directing someone to follow that car, only to discover the car is parked. There are a million opportunities for us to laugh at ourselves and there’s really nothing wrong with that. In my opinion, we’re just getting too darn serious about everything.

A six year old boy helps his aging neighbor by cutting the grass for him. The aging neighbor rewards him with a glass of lemonade and some cookies. A young man helps an elderly person across the street and she rewards him with a purse to the back of his head. Ok maybe that’s no so funny, but you get the idea. I remember watching “Howdy Doody” as a child and couldn’t wait until Clarabelle, the clown would squirt someone with a bottle of seltzer water. Maybe that should become part of the daily news.

All I’m asking for is just one day of good news. Is that too much to hope for.?

Posted in America | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

WHO IS THE PARENT?

Posted on August 3, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
Sweet old lady on the internet

When I was doing the parenting thing, I was often flying by the seat of my pants. Whoever thought up that phrase and what does it mean exactly? I couldn’t just let that one go by without a little research. In the early days of aviation there weren’t many visible aids to help one fly other than the pilot’s own vision. He was actually setting a course without any guidebook or manual. I guess that says it all, when it comes to parenting. We can read and study all about the art of parenting before becoming one, but nothing is better than real life experience to wake up the sleeping parent in anyone. The parenting role never changes. Once you become one, you are one for life.

As your children grow and start new lives on their own, they may be gone, but certainly not forgotten. Their safety, their freedom from problems and worry, their joys and sorrows still remain a part of you. Sometimes, as we age, we become more of a part of them than they wish us to be. Both of our moms came back into our lives when they needed a place to live and be cared for, but weren’t quite ready for a nursing home.

It’s not easy to become your parent’s parent. For one thing, it’s like raising another child and the parent you remembered when you were growing up, is no longer the same. Now you’re doing the reprimanding; the encouraging; the guiding. Instead of them giving you advice or counsel, you’re the one doling out those things. Most of us want to watch their parents grow old gracefully and without a sense of responsibility. We want them to stay active – to enjoy their remaining years – to live life to the fullest. Life tends to get in the way and even good intentions get in the way.

We can easily play the “AGE” card and lay all kinds of guilt on our children, but they truly don’t owe us a thing. If we have done the parenting thing as we should, we should be grateful they turned out as good as they did with only a couple decades of our influence. I’m not saying we should abandon our parents when they grow old. God is very specific about the role they play in our lives.

Personally I want to be remembered for the fun times during those formative years. There was a time when I drove my kids through the drive-thru at McDonald’s with a fake nose and glasses, just to get a reaction from the cashier. Just recently I went through the drive-thru with my granddaughter – made the payment at one window and drove off without getting her food. (We didn’t get too far away before I was hysterically reminded.) Which of those two events do you think will be remembered?

We can make life miserable for our kids or remind them that we are fallible and we make mistakes, but we can also share our love for God and give them a lifetime filled with One who will be with them though out eternity.

Posted in aging, parenting | Tagged , , , | 15 Comments

HE DIED FOR ME

Posted on August 2, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

When bruised and injured we do fall, before our Father’s throne

And look upon the lamb once slain for all sins to atone,

Our pain is nothing next to His, our wounds are all but naught.

The blood He shed, His torturous death were all with insult fraught,

But still the Son of God went forth in dignity and strength,

He took our place and bore the cross until His dying breath,

Three days went by. He shunned the grave and rose to life again.

He did this so I too could claim a life in heaven with Him.

Sweet Jesus you have walked the road that I deserved to go.

You did this oh so willingly and You knew just what to do,

So when I’m feeling battered and pulled in many ways,

Remind me of the walk you took and please accept the praise.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on HE DIED FOR ME

FRESH AIR?

Posted on August 2, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

The image in this post shows the pollution that comes from forest fires, spreading insidiously across the skies and infiltrating the fresh air to the east of it. This is what’s going on in our firmament here in Minnesota and has been for the last couple weeks. Add to that the lack of rain and you have air quality which leaves a lot to be desired.

Those of us with breathing issues are reaching for their rescue inhalers more frequently. Even those who have healthy lungs are having trouble. The clean air of outdoors has been clouded, polluted and engulfed with rancid, poisonous air. Wouldn’t it be great to fly like the birds to the space above the clouds where the cleanest, purest air exists?  The image of eagles soaring to extended heights – almost to heaven itself, can be beautifully exhilarating.  However, we don’t possess wings and our bodies aren’t made to fly.

There is a way to escape the ugly cloud that hangs over our nation right now and that’s to reach for God’s Word.  In those pages, you will find relief of all kind.  There are stories of people just like us, who faced difficult situations – who overcame the odds – who ran away, but came back – kings and servants – rich and poor -all equal in God’s eyes. When we obtain the freedom of forgiveness through baptism, the Lord’s Supper and His Holy Word, we too can reach heights we never thought possible.  The highest being a home waiting for us in eternity.

The world is full of pollution of all kinds.  Our own nation has drifted from God for the last few decades.  Morality has plummeted to new lows.  Signs of end times are everywhere.  We need to know that so much of what’s happening today has to do with our lack of faith in God.  We are not promised perfection once we become Christians. In fact, many times that’s when we face the most difficult challenges.

I pray for our nation.  I pray for our future generations.  I pray for all those who have lost track of God’s Word and I pray for myself, a sinner, washed clean by my Savior, Jesus.  What a breath of fresh air if we all just look heavenward.

Posted in Inspiration | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment