THE WHOLE STORY IS INCONCEIVABLE

Posted on December 19, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

I might be the only one who has made this comparison, but the entire Biblical Christmas story reminds me of the word Vizzini kept repeating over and over in “The Princess Bride.”  It is more than inconceivable, it’s unbelievable, miraculous and often turns people off when it comes to believing the reality of God’s greatest gift to us.

The tale of the angels delivering messages to human beings – signs appearing in dreams – angelic voices announcing the birth of the Savior of the world to lowly shepherds in the fields.  All of those things seem unbelievable to our world today.  Skeptics will be all over this story, because it’s beyond our comprehension – super natural – unbelievable and definitely inconceivable.  Instead we look for other reasons to celebrate Christmas.  We look to material gifts – being kind to each other – sharing our wealth or giving something up so someone else can experience joy at this time of year.  At the same time, the holiday itself will pass and people will go right back to their normal behavior.  We’ll see tempers flair, depression set in, hopelessmess filling empty hearts and cupboards.  The homeless will remain homeless.  The addicts will return to their means of numbing their lives.  The broken relationships will crack even further.  All the hopes and dreams of all the earth, will again be usurped by war, rumor of wars, dissent, dirty politics and nothing changes.

How about we look at these miracles of Christmas as not only rich blessings bestowed on us by God, the Father, but granted with unconditional love and grace?  You may have no gifts under the tree.  There may be no tree at all.  Your credit card debt is through the roof.  Your family can’t gather because of a plague that has crippled many.  A loved one will not be in attendance.  You’ve lost your job.  You have no hope for the future.

The truth of the inconceivable is that it really is the perfect setting for this event. It was the perfect time as well.  God chose to take on human flesh (Inconceivable,) to be born of a virgin (are you kidding me?)  He would have no place to rest his head.  (Impossible.) He would be called a man of sorrows.  (Unbelievable.) He would miraculously heal the deaf, blind and lame. (Remarkable.) He would attend to the needs of the poor, the needy, the shunned and the scum of society. (Beyond belief.) He would take on the life of a servant to others, even though He was the King of all of it. (Impressive!)  He would be praised as the Messiah and one week later be sent to His death and crucifixion. He suffered a torturous death. (An innocent unblemished lamb.)  He rose from death on the third day and conquered death and sin.  (Amazing!) Because of this great gift – of God coming to live among us – to live a sinless life – to gife His life for us – we will become heirs of eternal life in heaven.  (Astounding!)

None of these facts make sense to our logical minds.  Especially when we can’t see the so-called blessings everyone is talking about.  But we didn’t deserve any of this.  It just proves more and more how much God loves us.  He was willing to give up everything for our salvation. The blessings we reap from that are also hard to fathom.  We sometimes have to search for them, but they are there.

Sure the Bible is filled with stories that seem impossible, but those “stories” are truth, because they were written by God Himself.  He took ordinary people, from typical walks of life and did extraordinary things through them.  The blessing of Christmas is inconceivable.  It’s also the greatest gift we can receive in this life.  Don’t take it for granted!

MERRY INCONCEIVABLE CHRISTMAS!

 

 

Posted in Christmas, Messiah | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

CHRISTMAS PAST

Posted on December 17, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Oh what a lovely painting, filled with memories, nostalgia, days gone by and nothing but love.  Carolers huddled together singing the songs of the season – warming each other with each verse.  A house filled with good food, gifts, a decorated tree and family.  All of these things capture Christmas days of long ago.  Today we gather in different ways, but the gathering is almost always focused on the little boy in the manger who left His heavenly throne to become one of us – to take our burdens and guilt away so that we could inherit His kingdom.

What is your fondest memory of Christmas  Having lived a very full life, I have several of them.  Like my dad waiting to purchase the last tree on the lot, so he could get a good deal.  Despite the fact that there were only a few branches left, we managed to decorate that sparse evergreen with enough ornaments, lights and tinsel to make it acceptable. There was always the big cardboard box that arrived a couple weeks before Christmas, from our grandparents.  The anticipation of opeing that box seemed endless, but when we finally did, there were treasures awaiting inside.

When we started our own family, I can’t help remembering our first Christmas with our almost two year firstborn daughter.  Paul had spent the preceding four weeks building and crafting a beautiful dapple grey rocking horse for our little one.  Right up until Christmas Eve, he was putting the finishing touches on it.  Our little girl woke the next morning with a bad cold.  She looked like a little glazed donut, but she was so excited to meet her new friend.

There was the Christmas after our third child was born.  Our five year old son was so enamored with his baby sister and was very cognizant of all the beautiful Christmas hymns being sung about the baby, Jesus.  It became aparent to him that one song in particular was meant exclusively for our baby girl, named Joy, as the lyrics stated, “Joy, full of cord.”  

There were the many celebrations when we had substantial income and when we were barely getting by.  The times we didn’t know if there would be any gifts.  Through all those times the focus wasn’t on the gifts, but the real gift that came so long ago in Bethlehem.

For many this time of year causes great depression, because of lost loved ones, unrequited love, separation, illness, no jobs, desperation and so much more.  Our emotions often become heightened during this time, because we feel cheated in some way.  No matter what difficulties you may be going through right now, no matter what condition your mental, spiritual or physical health is in, remember this.  Jesus could’ve zapped every one of our sins away in an instant – without going through what He did – but He chose to show the world His unconditional love, by humbling Himself, living in poverty and suffering a torturous death.  The best part is, He didn’t stay dead.  He came back to life.  Just as we will when we die.  You can count on it.

Matthew 1:23 ESV  “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel” (Which means, God with us.)

 

Posted in Christmas | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS

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

Days of yore may long be gone, but memories linger on,

Of Christmases of yesterday, of years that since have gone,

My youth no longer dwells in me, though memories stay strong,

Of times we spent together with caroling and songs,

Of fresh baked cookies, still warm unto the touch,

Of chocolate and marshmallows, and eating way too much,

The fondest recollection is the time of peace and joy,

When into church we’d enter and greet a baby boy,

Who softly in a manger lay, so sweet and of good cheer,

A gift that I remember with a fondness pure and clear,

That little child reminds us all of God’s enduring love,

As we prepare for heaven and our real home up above.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Christmas | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

ANOTHER COLLEGE GRAD

Posted on December 16, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
This is Josh’s high school graduation picture. Today he graduates from college.

Today is another big day in our family. Our second grandson, Josh, wll be graduating from Clemson Universiy in South Carolina. He will be entering the real world of business and advertising soon and eventually be ready for the next adventure. It’s always good to know your children and grandchildren are in a good place – not only on their journey to success, but also in their walk with God. We have been truly blessed by all three of our children and three grandchildren.

Josh was the second son born to our first daughter. They were far enough apart in age, for Josh to follow his big brother, Jordan around like a little puppy. Often he’d express his opinion, but end it with a, “Right, Jordan?” for his approval. His growing up years were spent in exploration and discovery – as most boys do. He spent time trying different athletic endeavors like tennis, soccor and track – deciding to follow his brother’s footsteps with cross country. His comedic energy was often incorporated into one of Grandma’s productions and he seemed to enjoy being on stage. He also enjoyed art and science. Grandpa would spend hours taking both boys on hikes and pointing out things in nature as well as teaching them how to transfer those images into a sketch book.

As grandparents it’s easy for us to see they have actually become caring adults, with important goals and dreams – to witness their growth in their faith as well as their scholastic knowlege. We like to think of them as offshoots of ourselves and hopefully we had a speck of influence on what they became.

Congratulations, Josh. You are ready to face the future with excitement, hope, knowlege and assurance that you are also a child of God. May He continue to bless every step you take. We love you,

Grandma & Grandpa

Posted in Graduation | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT?

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

This time of year often turns into a competition of buying the “best” gift or at least thinking we are.  Many beautifully wrapped packages appear beneath the tree, with anticipation running high and hopes building.  Unfortunately the focus of this most amazing season has taken a back seat to materialism and even though it’s meant as a means of sharing our love with someone, we have a gift that surpasses commercial items – toys, electronics, jewelry.  It is a gift that lasts a lifetime and beyond.  It’s one that can’t be returned.  It is given with no strings attached and it’s worth so much more than silver or gold.

Having been incapacitated for over a month, my gifts this Christmas will consist of many I.O.U.s,  I know those who know and love me, will understand, but I still have a wondrous gift I can share, even though I’m not the originator of the gift.  The greatest gift is Jesus, who left His life of power, honor and glory – was born to a virgin by the Holy Spirit – led a perfect life without sin – and gave His life so that we could become heirs of eternal life.  He then overcame the clutches of death and rose to life again and He will come again.  Oh, come Immanuel!

The merriment of Christmas, brings smiles to everyone,
But often we forget the joy of God’s own precious Son.
The packages are opened. The paper now is torn.
The ribbons lay upon the floor, expectation has been worn.
The wonderment of Christmas is over in a day,
But Christ, the Savior of the World, our sins for us did pay.

He walked among His people. He chose to do God’s will –
A perfect life He lived for us and took death’s bitter pill.
When all the joy of Christmas is packed and stored away,
The Light He came to bring us will live in us each day –
A light that can’t be hidden no matter how we try –
This light will last forever and we will never die.

Posted in Advent, America, Christmas, Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD

Posted on December 14, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

What are your first thoughts when you hear the word, “angel?”  The word alone has so many connotations. It stirs the mind into thinking of something supernatural – something ethereal – beautiful – terrorizing – fearful yet comforting.  My thoughts go to my personal guardian angel, who has to have earned his/her wings at least a thousand times over.  I also am reminded of the many angels among us – people who look and seem just like us – who have had a powerful impact on our lives – an intervention, so to speak.

The angels of the Bible are referred to as messengers, warriors, helpers, guides and helpers through the difficult times of life, but can you imagine actually meeting one – face to face?  It must’ve been frightening for Mary to stand before the angel, Gabriel, as he transmitted the message of her miraculous birth to come.  Joseph had misgivings about marrying Mary because of her supposed indescretions, but the angel showed up to assure him that this was all part of God’s divine plan for salvation.  When the angels came en masse to the shepherds in the fields, what do you suppose those lowly herders thought?  They had to be frightened.  They’d heard the promise of a Messiah for years.  Why were they frightened when they knew this was coming?  I think I would be.

The angels were more than busy during that very first Christmas.  They continue to act in our lives, mostly unaware to us.  They aren’t all cute, little cherubs like the ones you see on glittery Christmas cards.  We never know for sure when we’re meeting up with one, but I am confident that they exist.

As we get nearer the celebration of birthday of Jesus, take time to meditate on the glory that was being exhibited by God during that time.  Jesus didn’t come as a warrior king.  He wasn’t born into wealth or prosperity.  He was just a little boy – but He was also true God. How could that even be possible?  How could any of this make any sense?  We have no idea what God is capable of.  He can take the least extraordinary and turn it into to most amazing with just one word.  On that holy night, when Jesus’ birth was being announced by angels, miracles were occurring right and left.  He came in deep humility, but he was being escorted by God’s entire army.

There are still angels among us.  I’m sure of it.  They come at the most unexpected times, in our greatest need and often at our lowest point.  They know how to praise God.  We can learn a lot from them.

 

Posted in angels, Christmas | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE

Posted on December 12, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

This is a rerun of a post I wrote last year at this time, but I feel it deserves a second glance. It’s one of the most inspirational stories I seen lately about the true meaning of Christmas.

I discovered a sweet Christmas movie last week which was released in 2013. Since it’s a Max Lucado production, I thought it worth the watch. This lovely tale of Christmas tradition, superstition, Advent and light intermingled with the struggles of a new pastor who has been going through the death of his wife and child, was filled with many wonderful messages of hope.

The town was steeped in tradition. In fact a Christmas candle was the source of an annual ritual. Many years before, the candle maker was witness to a Christmas angel who appeared in his shop and lit one of the candles. That candle would allow whoever lit it and prayed to receive a miracle in their lives. The story continued for years until it became part of the Christmas season that everyone looked forward to.

In this particular year, the Christmas angel appeared again and chose a candle to light. The candlemaker and his wife witnessed this and in their eagerness to hang tightly to the miracle candle, all of them fell to the floor. The one containing the “miracle” slipped under a piece of furniture and remained undiscovered until it was needed.

The candlemaker and his wife didn’t know what to do. So they distributed candles to all those who were in need a miracle that year, with the stipulation that they not tell anyone that they had received the special candle. Requests for the candle were placed at the candle shop.

The new pastor tried to put a stop to this tradition, because it took away from the true meaning of Christmas – the true Light of the World, Jesus. He asked the candlemaker for a chance to see the requests made by the townspeople and proceeded to try and fill their needs on his own, by doing good deeds for their benefit. His selfless act did not go unnoticed, but that wasn’t really the point of the story.

The beauty of this tale was that the candle wasn’t the necessary element for a miracle. In fact, the act of praying was. Remember that the tradition arose when the angel gave the instruction to light the candle and pray. In the end, many miracles occurred.

The story got me to thinking about the many miracles that have occurred in my own life. They didn’t happen because I deserved them. They didn’t arrive in the form of monetary or physical means. Most of them were imprinted on my heart as a memory of what a great God I have in times of want, need, hopelessness, fear and especially during this most special time of the year.

Miracles are gifts from God. They are a result of our prayers, yes, but they also are undeserved gifts. God uses miracles to draw us closer to Him – to inspire us, encourage us and help us and through them to help others.

The most significant miracle at Christmas time, was God’s gift to the world of His own precious Son – conceived in the womb of a virgin, by the Holy Spirit – born a man, yet also God – an ordinary baby who would become the Messiah promised by the ancient prophets. That little baby would grow up and become the hope of the world. Because of Him and the light He brought with Him, we can approach God, the Father with confidence that our sins have been forgiven. That’s the best miracle of all.

Posted in Chistmas | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE

THE VIEW FROM MY COUCH

Posted on December 11, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

 “I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.”

John F. Kennedy

For the past few weeks, I’ve been in isolation at home as many of you have experienced over the past two years.  I was extremely fortunate to be able to stay home and my case of COVID19 was relatively mild, but during that time, I lost my appetite – 12 pounds – and even thought this might be my last Christmas.  We had the prayers and encouragement of friends and those who brought gifts of food and cards.  My husband is a great encourager, nurse and even ventured out to shop for our groceries and necessities during this time.  It’s never easy being a caretaker, so I truly hope he knows how much I appreciate him.

During this time of doing nothing much except sleeping, I was also given a gift of time to take a close look at a small sampling of the above art work that my husband, the artist has produced over his career. These pieces grace the living room and dining room of our little 1875 farmhouse. When we put a piece of art up on the wall, we rarely look at it with fresh eyes.  Since I was allowed this quiet time, I took full advantage of opening my eyes to view the intrinsic beauty of each one.  As light infiltrated through the windows – passed through the sheer curtains – bounced off and ref of a stained glass window – refracted light from all around – I began to see the deeply rooted attention to detail.  To some, a piece of impressionistic art can appear fuzzy or undefined, but there are so many tiny details hidden in the canvas.  It’s almost like looking at a large tapestry and watching the threads being woven into place.  Tiny secrets are hidden everywhere.  We just need to take the time to look for them and enjoy the moment.

Each brush stroke the artist lays down has a purpose.  Some huge globs of paint are placed in certain areas to draw attention to them, while contrasting colors bring new things to the viewers eye.  There is a rhythm to behold – a natural heartbeat to bring the canvas to life.  Every artist who truly loves what he does, has a different way of expressing that passion.  Some require music to stir the images.  Some prefer the quietness of the moment.

Each day as I looked at each of these paintings, I gained a broader respect for the artist who painted them. Art has changed over time. Before photography, everything was sketched or painted.  When the Internet entered our world, Photo Shop became a new art form.  There are still those who prefer a brush, a palette and an empty canvas.  There are those who need to feel the cool clay flow between their fingers, or the hammer and chisels work to carve through stone or wood.  There will always be a need for art in some form or another.  I believe that each of us has the capactity to produce art too.  For some, it’s built into them when they’re created.  God knows what we all need and when we need it. 

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

ALONE, BUT NOT

Posted on December 9, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Though fears assail and haunt me, my Jesus will be there,

He knows my every weakness, He feels my every care,

Through valleys dark He leads me, He’s always at my side,

To waters still He guides me, refreshment He’ll provide,

Wherever life should lead me, my soul is in His hand,

He never will desert me, on this great hope I stand,

Through triumph and defeat, He knows just how I feel,

He gives me so much hope when at His cross I kneel.

Our time on earth is short, our days are numbered here,

But with His precious love,  eternity is near.

Dear Jesus, be with me as through this life I go,

Help me to share your love, with those who need to know.

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

THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

Posted on December 7, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

The story, “The Gift of the Magi,” by O. Henry is a lovely story of a young couple living in a small apartment in New York.  The story was published in 1905.  It tells of how both of them made sacrifices so that they could buy the perfect gift for their spouse.  The wife decided to sell her hair so she could purchase a platinum watch fob for her husband’s pocket watch.  He in turn, sold his watch so that he could buy some beautiful combs to adorn his wife’s hair.  Obviously their thoughtful gifts became useless, but because of their sacrificial giving, their love endured in spite of it.

Ironic isn’t it.  We sometimes think we’re buying just the right thing, but it doesn’t always turn out that way.  The fact that both of these people made sacrifices to purchase something special for their significant others is really the point of the story.  When we buy those gifts with the complete focus being on the other person, we’re giving part of ourselves to them.  

In the Biblical version of the wise men coming to Bethlehem to pay homage to the new king, we may get the wrong idea about those guys.  In the song, “We Three Kings of Orient Are,” we’re told that they were kings.  Truth – they were more likely astrologers who viewed the Christmas star and realized something extraordinary was taking place.  They were also more likely from Babylon than the Orient, because it was the site of the practice of astrology.  We don’t know how many there were.  There could’ve been three or thirty three.

The O. Henry version of “The Gifts of the Magi,” is like many stories of sacrifice that pop up at this time of the year. There was “The Juggler of God,” and “The Little Drummer Boy” which in like manner show gifts of the givers being gifts of their selves. 

We don’t know all of gifts the Magi brought to Bethlehem, but apparently they were very expensive. We’re told of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The gold was probably used to allow Mary and Joseph to flee from Bethlehem to Egypt so Jesus wouldn’t be murdered with all the newly born children of that area. Gold is also a gift befitting a King, which Jesus is.  The gift of frankincense was a fragrant resin used in worshiping God.  We know Jesus is also God with us.  The gift of myrrh was at the time used in burial preparation, which would indicate the final sacrifice Jesus would give for all of us.  We’re also told that Mary held these things in her heart, and thought about them often, so they were not only memorable and expensive, she knew that her Son was worth all of them.

When we give gifts at this time of year, we may hope that our gift has special meaning for the person receiving it. We may be trying to make an impression. We might even look at our gifts as sacrifices because they come at great cost to us. The greatest gift of Christmas was offered in the form of a little baby – a child born in poverty – a seemingly insignificant gift, but one which would prosper the entire world and give it everlasting peace.

Jesus is our Christmas present. We all need to start remembering that. Our gifts pale in comparison. The greatest gift one can give for another is his life. This little child became Immanuel (God with us) so that we would someday become heirs of His kingdom.

 

 

Posted in Christmas | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Posted on December 6, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

 

I think the reason the story of Scrooge remains such a classic is because we can all relate to it. When the ghost takes him on his journey through time, we see a young boy growing up in the streets of London without a strong family unit. His father was bitter against the lad because of the loss of his wife while giving birth to him.

As he grew up and became obsessed with work and less involved socially, the only love he knew refused to marry him because of it. Missed opportunities – emotional highs and lows – disappointment – being left out – seem to be heightened at this time of year. All of the negative events in Scrooge’s life took place during the Christmas season.

Sometimes it’s like that for us too. We work twice as hard to make ends meet. Our focus becomes so narrow that the joy of Christmas is often lost in our own needs and desires. Many people get depressed during the holidays. In his story, Scrooge simply snuffed the ghost out with its hat, but it’s not always that easy to get rid of the things that bring us down.

When he meets the final ghost of the trilogy, he sees the future and what life holds for Tiny Tim and his family.  He is witness to his own death as well.  How many of us get the opportunity to view our own headstone?  The future is bleak in that respect, for we will all die.  It is a fact of nature, but Scrooge has only been dreaming so he has a second chance. His redemption is still available to him as it is to each of us.  God gives all of us the best Christmas gift ever by endowing us with our salvation through the child, Jesus, born on that most special day.

Psalm 34:18  “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Dear Savior, help all those whose hearts are heavy at this time of year. Allow us to realize that you love them with the greatest love ever known and you invite them into your arms each day. Thank you also for Christmases past, present and future. They can teach us so much about ourselves and lead us back to you.  Amen!

Posted in Advent, aging, America | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

SUBMISSION

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

A child just turned a woman, became the chosen one,

To hold the Son of God within – to be her firstborn Son,

She wasn’t someone special – a lowly servant girl,

But God had special plans for her and also for the world.

Through Mary’s contemplation of this exalted state,

She knew that God would come to earth to wipe away all hate.

To bring to man forgiveness from every single sin.

Fulfill His word of promise and make us clean within.

With joy her heart subitted to this unusual birth,

She knew that God had finally come to rescue all the earth,

She bowed in humble honor of the One who held her heart,

Gave way to all the mockery that life would now impart.

She did so with a childlike faith in God’s almighty will,

She did so without question, as His breath within her filled.

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

THE FINAL PAGE

Posted on December 3, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Rippled sand forming a gigantic canvas reaching across the horizon.

Arid, barren, scorched and without life.

A seemingly insignificant expanse, devoid of moisture.

Enclosed by the sun, the wind and all the elements,

Segments of a pattern that once was woven into a beautiful tapestry.

Now empty of that magnificence, yet still a glimmer of life remains.

I stand at the edge of this expanse.

It is the next chapter in my journey of living.

Another adventure awaits on the other side.

A beauty beyond man’s creation,

Beyond human comprehension,

Outside the limits of my understanding.

The desert is like a wilderness – another trudge through the emptiness of joy.

Yet there is always hope.  There is always optimism.  God sees to that as He walks with me.

His footprints are beside mine imprinted in the carpet of sand. 

When it becomes too hard for me to handle alone, my footprints disappear.

Through the most difficult of life’s pages, He carries me.

I am redeemed.

Posted in Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

THE ARSENAL OF THE OPPRESSOR – EGO

Posted on November 17, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

In my early childhood, I was the first grandchild, so I had it made – at least I thought I did.  I was a sweet little girl, with curls of golden blond.  I learned how to tap dance and do ballet when I as just a tyke.  My mother was smitten with the movies and especially Shirley Temple.  She was convinced that I would someday become a star or at least Miss America. Time changed all that.  More children were added to our circle of family members and I became the low man on the totem pole, while the others had their moments in the limelight.  As I grew into a teenager, I became the chubby kid.  I wasn’t cute anymore when my first pimple appeared.  I didn’t feel good about myself.  It began to eat away at me and continued for many years after.  Still I was fortunate to have a loving family that cared about me and my future, but those feelings of self worth somehow got lost in the mix.  I continued to believe that I would never amount to anything worth while.

Many children grow up thinking they can’t do anything right in their parents’ eyes.  Many carry that baggage into adolescence and beyond.  As we attend church, we hear words like “serving others,” “don’t be proud,” You’re no better than anyone else.”  Though these words hold some truth, they can also serve as weapon by our greatest enemy.  Satan wants us to believe we’re worth more than we think we are.  He wants us to believe we deserve the best things in life.  He also uses those thoughts to boost our ego and make narcissists out of us.

The simple truth is that we are valuable to God.  He considers us His own children.  He knew what we would be before we were even conceived.  He had a blueprint established for our life.  He wants us to succeed – not because of what we personally can do, but because He loves us with a love far greater than that of our parents.  His love holds no strings.  Even in our sinful state, He loves us unconditionally.

As I mentioned earlier, my self esteem suffered for many years.  I still have trouble with it at times.  I think part of the reason for that is because I never felt worthy of forgiveness – of a place in heaven – of a relationship with God.  A friend directed me to Psalm 139 when I was going through a particularly rough patch.  It has become one of my favorietes, with time, because it is the perfect explanation of God’s love for us.  If you have the chance to read it today, do so.

Satan will use our ego to get to us in many ways.  He will make us think we deserve better.  He will promise us things he can’t deliver and make us believe we can gain those things on our own.  When He tried to tempt Jesus in the desert, he even used Holy Scripture to tempt the Son of God.  Our God is so much more powerful than the devil,  We can’t let him deceive us into thinking otherwise.  God always wins.

Today we need to think about our own arsenal of weapons to use against our enemy.  Jesus gave us the perfect example during His own temptation.  He used the Word of God – the Bible – to substantiate the truth of His power.  Turn to it today for positive reinforcement. It will change how you feel about yourself and your place on earth and in the heavenly realms.

Posted in devil, Inspiration, SELF ESTEEM, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

THE ARSENAL OF THE OPPRESSOR – BITTERNESS

Posted on November 16, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

This week my posts have to do with ways we can find ourselves under the thumb of the evil one – the real oppressor, the devil. Many may conclude that our greatest enemy today is our own government – the news media – the Internet – addiction – Covid – and any number of issues that inhabit our planet.  The true oppressor is the one who is in direct conflict with all that is good and perfect – our heavenly Father, God, who has power over all things, including our enemy.

Today I’d like to discuss bitterness as one of tools in the devil’s arsenal.  Bitterness is often described as a foul taste, resulting from eating the wrong thing.  It can also be a term used for a feeling left within us after we’ve been wounded physically, emotionally or spiritually.  Both meanings are a reaction to being fed something acidic, resentful, foul or harmful.  Yesterday I talked about the results of bullying, but bitterness goes one step further down the path of negativity.  There is a breaking point for most of us.  Bitterness goes beyond that.  It’s a feeling that stays with you and affects the way you deal with all things in your life.  You in fact can easily become a slave to bitterness  It will fester like an open wound and never heal unless you release it.   

When you’re constantly being fed a diet of bitterness, you in fact become what you eat.  Your attitude towards others changes.  Your relationships are shallow.  Your thoughts turn inward.  Focusing on yourself becomes a way of life.  How do you remove the bitter taste – the after taste that clings to the roof of your mouth?  It would be nice if you could just gargle that taste away, but by the time it has turned into a bitter spirit, it takes much more than mouth wash.

There is a way to eliminate bitterness from our lives and it’s so easy, yet many prefer to wallow in their acrimony .  The Bible has this to say about this malady.

Ephesians 4:31-32  ESV   “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

By forgiving others as we have been forgiven, the scars caused by bitterness will be erased.  Putting others first is what our Savior, Jesus did.  He left His throne of glory and honor. He humbled Himself and became a servant.  He sacrificed everything to purchase our redemption.  The least we can do in gratitude for that precious gift, is to thank Him and than follow His lead by forgiving others.

Posted in devil, Inspiration, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

THE ARSENAL OF THE OPPRESSOR

Posted on November 15, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

A few years back on a cold October afternoon, my husband was teaching an after school art class in a school cafeteria.  He had set up his “classroom” with individual stations for his students.  He did this in advance of the class so they would be able to dig in as soon as they arrived.  There was a fifteen minute gap before the class began, and some eager young teachers came into the room to post their anti-bullying posters on the walls/ They dumped all their materials on the only table being used at the moment – the one my husband had set up for his class.  He kindly told them that he had a class that would be starting shortly and asked if they could move their materials to another table.  They responded by saying he was bullying them.  They were dead serious in their response.  This is just a small example of how people have become bullies without even acknowledging it.

The month of October is devoted to stomping out the use of humiliation, shame and adding guilt to behavior towards one another.  There is a huge movement going on right now about showing tolerance, kindness and fompassion toards one another, while many continue to be the recipient of intolerable behavior.  The epidemic we’ve been dealing with for the past couple years has created a new kind of shield that most of us are beginning to wear.  It has nothing to do with masks or vaccinations, but the right to make a choice regarding our own health without stepping on anyone else’s toes.  There has been a huge campaign to shame people if they aren’t abiding by the mandates of the land.  People are being ridiculed – scolded – and guilted into thinking they are un-American if they don’t do what they’re told to do.  In a way the bullying has gone viral.

Our most vulnerable are under attack not only because of the COVID issue, but for ridiculous reasons that result from wanting to be noticed or having a will to being mean to each other.  Kindness is a lost art for some people and they prefer to be the center of attention by humiliating someone else.  This is not limited to children.  It moves quickly into the workplace as people feel that climbing the ladder of success requires stepping on people along the way.  As we age, the bullying continues.  You would think that people’s feelings wouldn’t get hurt after so many years of living, but they are considered to be vulnerable as well and sometimes even more so, because of their limitations. 

From birth to death we’re exposed to this kind of behavior.  Some folks can handle it better than others. As we age, some of those things are no longer important to us.  Either we’ve learned to live with them or we begin to tolerate the behavior because we’re not as sensitive to it anymore.  However, I believe that my generation suffers from being bullied as much as our youngest ones do. Maybe I’m being too simplistic about this, but if everyone treated each other as if they would like to be treated, it sure would eliminate a lot of problems in our world.  I believe our Savior, Jesus talked about that many times during His ministry on earth.

Maybe we need to start by getting back to the basics of human communication – face to face conversations – problem solving through team work – getting rid of pride and need to be the best – compassion towards one another – love.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”  Phillipians 2:3

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in aging, Bullying, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

STAND TALL

Posted on November 13, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

“Dress for action like a man; I will question you and you make it known to me.  Will you even put me in the wrong?  Will you condemn me that you may be in the right?  Have you an arm like God, and can you thunder with a voice like his?”

To say the least, Job had to go through hell in order to find heaven.  He was consistent in his faith, but he had his moments –  just as we would under lesser circumstances.  Job went from prince to pauper in a matter of days.  His life of means was virtually crushed and he lost it all.

We worry and fret over things which we have no control over.  We  panic when the word COVID is mentioned.  We run in fear when we think our country is in the throes of terrorism.  We get upset if our internet service is down.  We spend a great portion of our lives trying to go it alone and  forget the One whose hand is in every aspect of them.

At the end of Job’s journey, he has been beaten by his losses – in great physical, mental and spiritual need – and has endured the advice of his “friends.  They tell Job that he must’ve have done some great wrong to turn God away from him.  Remember, God didn’t cause Job’s misery, He allowed Satan to tempt this faithful servant of His, because He knew what the outcome would be in advance  

Each time we go through even the slightest difficulty we may confront God in the same way.  Why me?  What did I do to deserve this?  When will my misery end?  In the final chapters of this amazingly poetic book, we hear God’s response.  If you have a chance to read these chapters, do so.  I can’t begin to describe the magnificent language.  God relays to Job, in His very expository words, the way the earth was created by Him – how He is in complete control of everything that happens in life, yet we’re responsible for our own actions.  We aren’t puppets waiting to be moved by the puppet master.  He included a free will in us before we were even born.

God tells Job to stand up like a man.  Poor Job!  His body was riddled with pain and anguish. He could barely lift his head in response to his Maker. God was challenging him again, but was He?  He was trying to get Job’s attention, because Job had been wallowing in self pity for some time now and his friends weren’t helping the situation.

We all need to be snapped to attention from time to time – especially when we are at the breaking point.  Through God’s power and majesty we will come to see His enduring compassion.  He saw our useless condition and paid the full price for our redemption.  If it weren’t for that, we would have no future in His loving, mighty arms.

Lord, forgive me when I forget that you are Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent.  Your hand formed the universe and you breathed life into everything.  You can do anything – even save a worm like me.  Amen!

 

 

Posted in grace, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

A WORLD WITHOUT GOD

Posted on November 12, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Before the earth was, God was there.

He saw the darkness of the universe and all that was in it.

With only His voice, He said, “Let there be light,” and there was.

That utterance began the creation of the world.

The sky, the sea, the deserts the mountains, all shaped by His hand of perfection.

All abounding in His reflective light.

In that light alone – the Light of God Himself – there is hope/

As He spoke the words, the world responded, it came to life.

Has His voice been silenced over these several thousands of years?

Are we becoming a place of darkness again.

When the light is extinguished, there will be no hope,

Only darkness, barreness, despair, chaos and confusion.

Our days are numbered.

I want to live in God’s light.

Turn to Him with me and bathe in the glow of his majesty.

Soak in every droplet of His manifestation.

He is the light of the world and our only hope for peace.

He can bring illumination to the dark places and restore order from chaos.

He is the light of our salvation.

While the earth exists and throughout infinity, God is there.

 
 
 
 
 
Open document settings
 
Open publish panel
  • Post
 
 
 
 
 
 
Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

THANKSGIVING MONTH

Posted on November 12, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that’s been sandwiched in to fill the end of the year calendar.  We don’t always stop to give thanks for the blessings we’ve received, but maybe it’s time we did.  Last month, October, the stores were filled with pumpkins and witches.  I found it difficult to find any autumn decorations, because Christmas was already on the shelves.  Now that Thanksgiving is just around the corner, Christmas has consumed the craft stores and there are rows upon rows of ornaments, Santas, Gnomes, cheery little elves, but very little sign of Jesus, the One who we celebrate on Christmas.  So do I sound like a complaining old grandma yet? 

Maybe I am, but I so long for those special days designated for a particular reason.  Yesterday was set aside for all branches of the military and rightly so.  Today, according to the Days of the Year site, it’s Happy Hour Day along with Chicken Soup for the Soul Day.  November is known to most authors as NaNoWreMo (National Novel Writing Month.)  Our church holds Thanksgiving Day services or night before Thanksgiving services.  We used to have a Thanksgiving feast the week before the actual day, but with all the changes that COVID brought, that is no longer possible. November is also popular to hunters of the white tail deer in Wisconsin and Minnesota.  We have gotten used to celebrating Thanksgiving at our house a week or so before the actual day because of celebrations at in laws, distance between us and working around the deer hunt.  This year we’ll celebrate on Sunday of this week.

We used to have turkey, stuffing, cranberries, sweet potatoes and all the trimmings.  This year I am opting for just white meat, which is what most everyone likes.  I may throw in a leg or two.  Instead of peeling potatoes, I will serve the instant version and the stuffing will be a doctored up version of the boxed stuff.  OK, when you get to be almost an octonagarian, you can fudge a little.  The rest of the goodies will come from the kids.  Thankfully we will not be watching football games or reading the ads for black Friday sales, but we will find time to talk and laugh and laugh some more.  

My novel is still sitting on the shelf, waiting to be reworked, even though I thought it was finished last November.  The sales for Christmas were never a big deal for me anyway.  I will give thanks for our armed forces every day of the year.  I will take time to prepare a semi-sumptuous meal for my family.  After it’s all done, I will thank God for allowing me another year filled with known and unknown blessings.  Thanksgiving shouldn’t be limited to just one day.

Posted in Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

IT IS OUR CHOICE

Posted on November 11, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

We cannot change our heritage, or the color of our skin,

We can’t determine what we’ll be on the day that life begins,

When we are born our souls live too, but we’ve not yet seen our God,

Our genes are set in DNA, red is the color of blood.

 

We breathe our first and scream out loud, the sound continues to  pierce,

Our minds react to what we see, our voices become quite fierce,

As life goes on the choices made will alter our point of view,

Will our voice outweigh our choices, by thinking it’s right to do.

 

We can’t control the storms that come, the obstacles that we face,

But if we start to listen again we are setting our own pace,

We all deserve a starting point, each voice has its own merit,

But if we simply shout and scream injustice we inherit.

 

We can’t control our lot in life unless we’re willing to change,

Our ears are a great vehicle for carrying that exchange,

The choices made within our youth can lead to revolution,

Sometimes it just means giving in, or finding a solution.

 

We can control what happens next, but it involves give and take,

Underneath the surface  of hate, a quiet voice will awake,

We listen for that peaceful word, a commandment pure and true.

To place ourselves in other’s shoes and love them as God loves you.

 

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments
The Wanderer's Odyssey:

Embarking on a Journey of Discovery and Growth

The ancient eavesdropper

Nature's nuances in a nutshell

Thoughts from Mark "Hat" Rackley

Soli Deo Gloria

You Are Awesome

Inspiring New Generation

TumbleDweeeb

Emmitt Owens

JustCallMeSharon

A Delicate Balance of Highly Organized Within My Creative Disarray

Livora Gracely

Writing to remember, sharing to inspire

Jimmy Perez

Student of the Human Condition

Campus Lifestyle

Where curiosity meets opportunity

Steps of Purpose

Faith.Growth.Purpose

HEAVENLY RAINDROPS

GOD INSPIRED WORDS AND IMAGES

clydeherrin

Here are some of the things I have learned from studying the Bible

Education and Motivation by Hailu kasaye

Inspiring Minds.building Ethiopia

Glorialana Magazine

Romanticizing The World

Pilgrims Ponder

bluebird of bitterness

The opinions expressed are those of the author. You go get your own opinions.

IsabellaJoshua.com

Change Therapy

Psychotherapy, Walk and Talk Therapy, Neurodiversity, Mindfulness, Emotional Wellbeing

Midwest Mary

Finding the Extraordinary in Ordinary, Everyday Life

Writing from the Heart with Brian

Think, Laugh, & Cry Each Day