RETIREMENT FALLACIES

Posted on May 15, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

I actually didn’t retire until I was 68 – that is, I didn’t apply for Social Security until that time. I continued to work until I turned 74. We decided it was time to downsize and moved into a house half the size of what we had. It’s funny how much stuff you accumulate over 24 years of living in the same place. It’s even funnier when you think you can’t part with some of those things. If you want a less complicated life, you do so and soon realize that your hoarding days continue even after you’ve gotten rid of all the excess baggage.

I stayed retired for a year and almost died of boredom. I found a theatre that was reaching out to all areas of the population and that included senior citizens. I began a time of visiting nursing homes and doing improvisation with some of the memory care patients. I also began teaching active seniors some of the basics of acting. This evolved into a separate entity which continues to grow. Three of us seniors got together and established an outlet for our creativity, by collaborating and writing a series of episodes regarding aging. There’s a ton of humor in the aging process which we share by laughing at ourselves.

When I was young, I thought retirement meant a life of ease – time to kick back and relax – a time to do some of the things you could never do when you were working. In my case, working is a necessary commodity and probably will be until I die. Not only does it provide a small supplement to Social Security Income, but it keeps my mind active and keeps me from vegetating on the couch.

Your mindset may change once you’ve retired. You might realize you didn’t plan well enough for this time. Your checkbook balance doesn’t match your desire to see the world or travel to exotic places. Your body is wearing out and you’re no longer capable of the things you once accomplished with ease. Keeping a positive attitude will give you the stamina necessary to get up each morning with purpose. Maintaining a good sense of humor will also help. Instead of dwelling on your aging, think of the alternative – kicking the bucket.

The fellow in the meme attached to this post, still has a certain amount of mischief in his being. Although it isn’t up to us beyond the age of 70 to enrage those younger than us, it makes for a good laugh once in a while. Life doesn’t end until God decides it’s the right time for us to come to our eternal home. While we’re still living, we can be sure that He’s going to remain with us through our time here and beyond.

“Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4

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NO MORE HIDING

Posted on May 14, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER ©


When days become diluted with the busyness of living,

It messes with our vision, as if closing all the blinds,

Our thoughts become polluted, our lives are unforgiving,

Our heads become befuddled, and shadows fill our minds.

The light that sweeps the darkness from our confusing state,

Cannot by coins be purchased, will not be found by hiding,

It’s light that comes from Heaven and it leads us to its gate,

We see that light in Jesus and His precious love abiding.

His Word is our connection, His promises are true,

He carries us through sadness, pain and loss,

His life He laid down gladly, He died for me and you,

There is no more confusion, just focus on the cross.

Psalm 119:130 “The unfolding of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.”

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FRIDAY FEARS FRACTURED

Posted on May 14, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” -Yoda

At last the mask mandated has been lifted for those of us who have been fully vaccinated. There is finally something to be excited about,, but wait! Masks have been a part of our culture for over a year now. They keep us from inhaling someone else’s germs – enclose our own germs behind a barrier of cloth which becomes saturated wih saliva, snot and other creepy crud – protect those most vulnerable to Corona 19 – and save grandma. In a way, I believe that masking was important, but created more fear than was necessary.

I for one have hated wearing a mask. Not because of vanity, but because of inability to breathe when wearing one. I’ve delayed going to church services because of the mandate. My trips to the grocery store to replenish supplies have been short and sweet, because the minute I don one of those crazy face coverings, I begin to cough and the whole world thinks I have Covid. In spite of it, I purchased many types of masks, trying to find the right one or one which matched most of my clothes.

I admit, I’ve enjoyed this past time of isolation. Since I’m more of an introvert than my husband, it’s been a time of reprieve for me. I’ve been able to catch up on all my favorite mystery shows. I’ve been lax in getting my housework done, because no one came to visit anyway. I’ve learned how to teach classes via Zoom. Creativity has been bubbling over because of having to be so or die of boredom.

There were advantages to wearing the mask other than the obvious ones. You only had to make up half your face. The abundance of choices grew from the familiar blue medical mask to creative offerings in bright patterns and colors. You could even get color coordinated masks. You didn’t have to brush your teeth, which would be great if you had just eaten a bowl of spinach. If you didn’t bother putting any makeup on, you could be completely unrecognizable from those you know who might be out shopping too.

On the other hand, I miss seeing people’s faces – being able to discern if they are happy or sad. There’s nothing like a smile to make you feel good – even one filled with empty spaces.So join with me today in shedding the mask – flashing your pearly whites – breathing again – and having hope again.

Posted in corona virus, fear | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

SIDE EFFECTS OF COVID-19

Posted on May 13, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Have you noticed how defensive people have become lately? You can see it everywhere. Not only has the crime rate risen during this time, but births have decreased when you’d think this time of isolation would only create more new life. I personally have felt the world closing in at times – kind of like being trapped in an elevator or locked in a room all by yourself with no way out. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. We’ve been like caged animals for more than a year.

Everyone seems more than a little on edge. Communicating electronically has gotten old for many. E-mails often become so convoluted you can’t begin to understand them. Folks are shaming folks for not getting vaccinated or not wearing a mask, or not going to church. The idea of caring for each other physically, spiritually and emotionally has taken a back seat to our own desires and needs. We’ve become hypersensitive also. Words that were used before, now have a negative connotation. We therefore must be extremely careful in what we say and write. People are disregarding the law on the roads as they kick the speedometer up to 70 mph or more. Folks seem more focused on themselves making those around them invisible.

We’ve also been expected to be tolerant of things that we may disagree with. It’s almost like we’re being reinvented by our circumstances. We’ve experienced mandates that change on a weekly basis. Confusion reigns at times. Some might call that adaptation. I’m convinced that it’s all a matter of creating fear and hopelessness in our communities. Further division will only come of it.

Dear, God, You know the perils we experience day in and day out. You are with us through these dangerous times. You know the reasons for what’s going on and you have already mapped out the solutions. I place my trust in you to fix our world, but I also believe it’s up to us to take the first steps – reaching out to help each other – building and encouraging those who are troubled – giving the gift of the Gospel to those who will listen – praying – focusing on the good things that have come from the pandemic. You are our Deliverer, our Mighty Fortress, our King and God. You will show us the way. I praise you and ask that you keep us all safe. Amen!

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THE CHOSEN – SEASON TWO EPISODE 4

Posted on May 13, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

There are times when actions can speak much louder than words. I watched the 4th episode of “The Chosen” last night and found this to be true. The first several minutes held no dialogue whatsoever, but the story of two brothers became apparent through the action. It began with a young boy named Jesse falling from a tree and becoming paralyzed because of it. This boy and his younger brother, Simon went separate ways in time, but began their relationship in the usual way. They were true friends and established that by knuckle bumping before going to sleep at night. Everything in those first few minutes is amazing story telling without the use of words.

I love the way this show brings out relationships and lessons for us in a sometimes humorous way as well as giving us insight into characters that we don’t read much about in the Bible. They’re bringing the truth of the Gospel to life in a lovely, personal way.

Simon becomes involved with the Zealots – a group of Jews who strictly followed the law. Jesse gave up on life because of his disability and waited at a pagan spring to be healed, but was never fast enough to be first. We see Jesse’s faith being put to the test each day, his desire to be healed, his becoming completely crushed eventually. Then Jesus meets Jesse and every thing changes. The helpless, hopeless man leaps for joy as he carries his mat off with him, completely healed by Jesus. His brother, Simon is overjoyed at seeing his brother walking again.

We all have the ability to become part of these stories and develop a closer relationship with God as we read the Bible. Putting ourselves in some of these characters’ sandals, helps us learn the many lessons God is giving us through them. “The Chosen” is well written, consistent with scripture, adds current happenings to help us relate to the times that might seem completely foreign to us. I believe anything that gets us back into the Word of God is for our benefit.

Critics may find fault with these presentations, but I happen to love watching them, because they encourage me and make me eager to learn more about the days when God became human, our brother, our teacher, our leader, our Savior and our God. He is our only hope in all circumstances.

You can view all episodes of The Chosen on YouTube. Check it out. You won’t regret the time well spent.

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HOW CAN I SERVE?

Posted on May 12, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

A servant is defined by the dictionary as a person who performs duties for others, especially a person employed in a house on domestic duties or as a personal attendant. Some synonyms for the word are
attendant · retainer · domestic help  while more negative words also are listed lackey · flunkey · minion .

Over time the word SERVANT indicates someone being held in bondage as a slave. What do you think of when you hear that word?

In our current time there’s still a negative connection with “serving” of being held in captivity with no hope of ever being able to live independently. Each day we’re told what to do. Wear a mask. Socially distance yourself. Wash your hands. Do it for the elderly. In a way, we’ve become servants to our leadership in Washington. We become servants to this new way of life, because we’re guilted into thinking it’s our responsibiliy to do so. We also try to follow God’s commandment of loving our neighbor and doing good for others – not only because God says we should, but because it’s good advice. We get mixed messages about serving others as meaning being beholding to them. It’s difficult to sacrifice our own time, talents and gifts.

Jesus told his disciples that giving of ourselves shows our obedience and love for Him. The things we do for others don’t incarcerate us. They liberate us and help those around us. Instead of thinking of these words – serving or servanthood or slave – in a negative way, it’s time to consider them as a necessity as well as an obligaion for all of us. God wants us to love one another as He first loved us. By doing so, we’re unlocking the shackles that hold us captive..

How can I serve today? Look to the Bible first, because in that guide for living I will find the answers. Then put those thoughts into practice. Serving is a reflection of our love for what God first did for us. Start today, by asking yourself, how can I serve the Lord today?

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A KAELI ROSE IN BLOOM

Posted on May 11, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
A MOTHER’S DAY GIFT FROM MY GRANDDAUGHTER, KAELI

The next few weeks I plan to honor my amazing granddaughter, Kaeli. She will be graduating from high school in less than a month, so each week I’m going to focus on this young woman and share how much she means to our family.

Kaeli was a precocious child – like her mother. She was born with a full head of dark brown hair, perfectly formed by God Himself, with divine design. Personality began to ooze out of her in those earliest years. She had no fear, was tough on the outside, but had an interior that was incredibly soft. She still possesses those attributes. She has a strong will, which will help her to face the world and hopefully continue to make the right choices in her life.

At the age of three she made her debut on the stage in one of Grandma Kathy’s plays. She continued on that path throughout her life. The experience nurtured he ability to solve problems, work with others, and communicate confidently. In her high school years she continued a path in theatre by performing as a mentor with special needs kids. That led her to be compassionate, patient and giving of her time and talent. Through those years she developed a calling to perhaps pursue special education as a career. Of course there are other thoughts for the future, but she has some goals to ponder.

Kaeli became a child of God when she was baptized as an infant and confirmed in her faith a few years ago. She loves being with little ones, caring for them and teaching them. As you can tell, I’m extremely proud of her. When your grandchildren turn into teen agers, they don’t seem to need their grandparents as much as they once did, but Kaeli still maintains a great relationship with us and her paternal grandmother. Being an only child, she learned early to play by herself, create by herself, make decisions by herself and that independence will give her strength to face the future with confidence.

A new path awaits as she will enter college this fall. Adventures that she never dreamed of will happen. She will again be faced with choices, but we pray that she will never forget that God is at her side through all her life challenges. We love you, Kaeli. The fun is just about to start.

“The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove
is heard in our land,” Song of Solomon 2:12

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BE STILL & KNOW THAT HE IS GOD – GALLERY

Posted on May 10, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

I come to you, Lord, without one plea,

My heart weighs heavy inside of me,

I’ve naught to offer for what you’ve done,

I am not worthy of your dear Son,

But He forgives me and loves me still,

He bore the cross to do Your will.

He is the One unblemished lamb,

Who took our place – no longer damned.

The pangs of hell no longer hold us,

Our Jesus did it all, just as He told us.

He lifts me up when I begin to fall,

I give to him my heart, my soul, my all,

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CUTTING THROUGH THE MUCK & MIRE

Posted on May 10, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

You would think this old woman would’ve learned all the important lessons by this time in life. I am one stubborn lady and sometimes it takes a few bumps and bruises to remind me of some very simple rules that lay the groundwork for getting a job done. It’s been a wonderful spring here in Lake Woebegone. We aren’t always blessed with long stretches of weather that allows you to work outside with out melting into the ground. Having come off a rather chilly winter, the current temperatures ranging from 50 – 70 degrees are a welcome delight.

For the past four days, I’ve been outside more than in the house. Taking advantage of these random days of spring, I decided to dig into some yard work. Usually that means I will suffer in a few days with allergies and breathing issues. I wasn’t disappoined. By yesterday afternoon the pollen had invaded my respiratory system. That wasn’t the worst of it however. In my enthusaism to prune some suckers from the base of the crab tree, I stumbled over a ladder that had been left hidden among the invading brush. In doing so, I managed to bruise my leg and arm and a huge portion of my pride. It wasn’t serious, but another wake up call to remind me of my aging body and stubborn mind. I tend to push ahead too often without clearing the path leading to the problem.

When you get to be my age, and are blessed to have your spouse close at hand to witness the mishap, you are bound to get a lesson in removing barriers before moving forward. Unfortunately I am one who tends to try and get as much done as I can when I’m feeling well and the weather is cooperating. So I often overlook the things that are in the way. This could be interpreted as being careless, lazy, stubborn or impatient.

We all face obstacles in our lives and it’s usually on a daily basis. How do we cut through the difficulties or barriers that cause us to stumble? We can press on with zeal and fall flat on our face as I most often do. We could plan things out before beginning the task. We could ask for help. We could hope for some divine intervention, but the truth is there are things we must face daily, that require common sense and a willingness to learn in the process.

Today I will stay inside for most of the day. Not because I’m incapable of getting outside again. Not because I don’t love being in my garden. Not because I’m stubborn, impatient or foolish. It will be to take some time off to reevaluate my next steps. And that’s OK too.

God overlooks my failures. He doesn’t see the muck and mire that lays at my feet. He sees His Son, Jesus when He looks at my heart. Because of Jesus, I will have someone to lean on. Because of Him, I have been released from my sin. Because of Him, I can still break down barriers. I just have to find them before I try to push my way through. God is always with us and will open doors we never thought we could open by ourselves. The door to His kingdom awaits and I know He’ll be there to welcome me when He’s ready for me.

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A STRONG WOMAN

Posted on May 9, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Most mothers don’t feel strong at the end of the day. They’ve spent the last hours finding and serving nutritious meals for the family. Her children have scheduled duties and she works around their schedules in order to accomodate them. She gives her time, talents, love, care and encouragement as they grow into adults. She watches their progress and prays for them daily. Many mothers now are multi-taskers. They not only care for their families, but hold jobs outside the home. There is little time to spend on herself but she does this willingly because she’s a mother.

We often take our mothers for granted. We don’t always appreciate the little things they’ve done to make us into the people we’ve become. What we considered pushing and prodding was only for our benefit in the long run.

We are not merely clones of our parents. We’re individuals who are an extension of them. We share the same DNA, many of the same physical features and often the same values. I was blessed to have a wonderful mother, but not all have been so lucky. Memories are made by mothers along with tradition, good manners, positive thoughts, rules for living, morality, faith and love. They are also the epitome of strength.

To all of the mothers out there, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY and may God bless this day for you as well of all the days of your life.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:28-29

Posted in Art & inspiration from Kathy Boecher, Mother's day, strength | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

FORGOTTEN LUNCHES AND LOST SOCKS

Posted on May 8, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

As the mother of three adult children and the grandmother of three adult children, you wouldn’t think I’d be thinking about forgotten lunches and lost socks. The truth is, these things have haunted me for most of my existence. Now there are only two of us living under the same roof. I don’t have to pack lunches, but I still have nightmares about forgetting to do so and being laden with guilt because of it. Apparently guilt is something we have difficulty overcoming as adults. What could we have done better? Did I give good advice or lead them down another rabbt hole. Did I instill a strong work ethic or did I take it too far? Did I sacrifice, give in to keep the peace, or did I just give up at times? A mother’s mind takes you down those roads quite often.

Socks don’t seem to get separated as often as they did when all those additional feet were being clad, but that’s been taken care of with the innovative thinking of young people who now wear one of each. Why didn’t I think of that? A whole new fashion statement was born out of lost socks.

Being a mother is so much more than worrying abut these petty things, but I bring them up to illustrate that once you become a mother, you never, ever stop being one. I still wake up in the middle of the night worrying about each one of them. When I don’t hear from them in a while, I wonder if they’re sick or going through some difficult times. I’m not the kind of mom who needs to be involved in her childen’s lives, but they are still a physical part of your being until you no longer inhabit this earth. I wonder if that issue ever goes away. Will I still be concerned about them in heaven, or will I finally have learned to cast my cares on the Lord in all things? Guess I’ll have to wait to find the answer to that and all of the questions I had while living.

The role of the mother has changed within my lifetime. I was born in a time when women had very few options in life. She could get married, have children, maybe get a job when they left the nest, but usually they consisted of secretarial work, teaching or becoming a nurse. Today the sky is the limit for women. Many are the bread winners of the family. Most are extremely overworked and under appreciated. As for me, I think one of my greatest accomplishments has been to be a mother. On the flip side, you never stop being one. It is one of the greatest gifts God has given to women.

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. It’s also Lost Sock Memorial Day. Both of these days are reminders for me of what life was as a mom and how important the little things were and continue to be. So Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms out there. Think of what you have to look forward to when your mothering days are done. Ah, but they never are done.

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MOTHER’S DAY CHUCKLES

Posted on May 8, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
Posted in Mother's day | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS, BUT …

Posted on May 7, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

“You can choose your friends but you sho’ can’t choose your family, an’ they’re still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge ‘em or not, and it makes you look right silly when you don’t.”  Harper Lee

Most of us wouldn’t trade the family we have.  Not only are we committed to them by the bond of blood, but we’ve kind of grown used to each other over time.  Whether yours is functional, dysfunctional or just plain weird, you don’t have a choice when in comes to your relatives.

You start out as two people joining as one.  From there it just gets better or crazier, depending on your point of view.  We can become tightly bonded or go our separate ways, but there is just something total different between lifelong friends and family members.

The choices made for friends can change the way we think, improve the way we want to be and may even alter the way we live – but family is what really defines who we are.  We spend a lifetime with our mate – if we’re lucky – and at least 18-20 years with each of our children during their growing up – again, if we’re lucky.  During those short years we can influence what they believe in, how they communicate, behavior, prejudice, how they solve problems, what they will become.

Not a long time when you think about it. How much can you cram into that offspring in 18 short years?  Most of your time is spent correcting, disciplining, and simply getting through each day.  If you choose to have a family, you first need to know that it’s not always going to be a picnic.  There will be days when you simply want to turn in your parenting badge.  There will be times when you become overwhelmed, distraught, frightened, worried, overbearing – the beat goes on.

Once you’ve made the decision, however, you’re committed or should be.  LOL!  Just kidding.  Actually having a family is one of our greatest accomplishments as a couple.  We traveled the parenting road with three children – each unique in personalities, weaknesses, strengths and dreams – but together we learned to work as a team, rely on each other in times of trouble and grow up together.  Having the Lord as the head of our house was the glue that really sealed us together.

Our children are now facing many of the same things we did as young parents.  I don’t envy them, trying to get through these tumultuous times, but every generation has trouble.  When God is your guide, you can overcome anything.  With God all things are possible – even raising a family.

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LEADER OF THE PACK

Posted on May 7, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

  • My mother, Louise Fosterling – Keene – Marty

My mother passed away several years ago, but if there was something she passed along to her daughters, their daughters and future daughtrs it was a steely backbone, a great sense of humor, the ability to persevere in times of difficulty and true grit. In other words, she was a woman of spunk.

She passed that down to her two daughters.

  • Kathy Keene Boecher – daughter number one
  • Carol Keene Bloom daughter number two
  • Granddaughter number one – Amy Boecher Pentti
  • Granddaughter number two – Joy Boecher Oquist
  • Granddaughter Kristen Bloom Murray
  • Granddaughter Jenny Bloom Marshall
Great Granddaughter Kaeli Oquist

The leader of our pack is now in heaven and I can’t wait until we are all rejoined there again. This amazing woman gave us many gifts over time. She instilled courage, integrity, faith, hope and love. She endowed us with strong wills which have gotten us into trouble some times, but have helped us to succeed in others. I remember a line from the “Mary Tyler Moore Show,” when Lou Grant said to her, “You’ve got spunk.” That would also apply to our maternal leader. She had no idea what would come after her, but she would be happy to know that we all have a little of that spunk in us too.

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DISCIPLINARIAN, ENCOURAGER, TEACHER, GIVER, UNSELFISH AND BRAVE

Posted on May 6, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Since It’s Throw Back Thursday I’ve decided to post one of my older pieces, from May 9th, 2014. I sure have been doing this blogging thing for a long time.

There are many moms who don’t find much to celebrate on this holiday – those who keep the home fires burning while their husbands are serving their country in far off places – moms who raise their families while dad’s job requires him to travel – moms who have lost a child through miscarriage, illness or tragedy – mothers with special needs children – those with children that have turned to a life of crime or addiction. 

When we give birth. we’re giving life to another human being.  That comes with tremendous responsibility, energy and dedication.  We aren’t always going to be the perfect “Leave it to Beaver” mother.  There are days when our home looks like a tornado went through it.  There are times when we just can’t settle another dispute between siblings or we just don’t have time to get out of our sweats and put on some makeup.  We may feel unappreciated, misunderstood, frustrated or unable to do it all. There are moments when we just plain get tired of the job, but we go on.

Motherhood is one of the most under-rated professions known to mankind.  Moms are purveyors of comfort, deliverers of love and encouragement, merchants of morality and learning, solicitors of peace and understanding.  They are the vessel of God’s handiwork.  Mother’s need a pat on the back each and every day of the year.

So once a year we honor mothers. We spend money on cards and flowers. We share time with them. We let them know they are important to us. The other 364 days we tend to forget to place her in the highest of esteem or let her know how much we love her. My mom passed away several years ago, but I still think of her often. I’m also reminded of her last years of life and being able to spend some actual quality time with her. I will treasure that time forever.

Psalm 139:13, “For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.”

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THE OUTDOOR ARTIST

Posted on May 5, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The sun can be unrelenting as it beats on your back,

Placing shadows on canvas where they don’t actually belong,

The sweat of your brow bleeds into your eyes,

A clumsy onlooker tips over your water or bumps your arm,

You long to move your immovable legs,

Your hands begin to cramp,

The brush seems to either glide effortlessly,

Or has to be guided with pain staking strokes,

Each minute in a competition can be a complete rush,

Or a total wipeout,

You continue,

For a full day and then another and another,

Until finally you’ve completed three works of art,

Was it worth it?

Is life worth it?

We each struggle daily to achieve,

We encounter road blocks, difficulties, unknowns,

But with each hour, each minute, each second,

We continue on,

We strive,

We work,

We gain satisfaction or disappointment,

But we go on,

To make art,

To do whatever we do,

Because it is worth it.

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

THINGS I WISH I HADN’T SAID AS A MOM

Posted on May 5, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

When it comes to Mother’s Day, I have a lot of regrets as to how I raised my children, but at the same time I thank God for helping me through the process. There were things I wish I had not said or done, but that’s all over and done. Now they have adult children of their own and most likely have used many of the same idioms on them. It seems like a passing of the gauntlet in a way – reaching from one generation to the next. All ten of the phrases listed in the attached image have been used in my lifetime. In honor of Mother’s Day, I have a few more:

  • Clean your plate. Don’t you know there are children starving in China? For one thing, this would be totally politically incorrect today. Also how would my cleaning my plate help anyone who was starving – especially if I cleaned it?
  • Money doesn’t grow on trees – Apparently my third child never figured that one out. She thought all we had to do was write a check and today, writing a check is pretty much obsolete.
  • I’m going to pull over right now and let you walk the rest of the way home – They didn’t seem to be phased by this either, especially when we were nearing the driveway. Today this would be interpreted as child abuse.
  • Someday you’ll have a child just like you – divine retribution. Chances are this will happen. It seems we continue spawn clones over the centuries..
  • KNOCK IT OFF – This one seems to be timeless and has absolutely no value at all.
  • Don’t sit on cement. You’ll get piles. – this isn’t used much anymore. I suppose most people don’t know piles is another word for hemorrhoids, but I don’t recall ever sitting on the sidewalk, because I though piles was something completely different. I had visions of piles of something growing out of the cement and into my body. Oh the imagery.
  • Go ask your father – This one only brings confusion, because dad has already told them to ask mom. It also leads to deception when the child says, “She/he said it was OK.”
  • If I told you once I’ve told you a thousand times – Really? I wasn’t keeping count, but now that you mention it, it could be more like a hundred thousand times.
  • If your friend jumped off a bridge, would you? This is a touchy one today. Kids have a ton more emotional issues in this age of technology, you might become an accomplice to murder. Not saying that kids are more depressed these days, but statistics might prove me wrong and that isn’t funny. In other words, I would definitely avoid using this phrase ever.
  • Sticks and stones will break your bones, but names will never hurt you – Who thought that one up? I wondered how my mom would’ve felt to be called “fatty boom boom” or “lame brain” Names do hurt often more than sticks and stones, but they hurt too. Life ain’t easy. Just pick yourself up, brush yourself off and start all over again.

I’m sure there are many more of those phrases and I’d love to hear some of them from you. The think is, our words can shape young minds. They can encourage, inspire and convey love, but they can also belittle, humiliate and actually give kids the wrong idea. Just as in our relationships with others, our conversations with our kids have to be meaningful and well thought out. Most of the time, we act in the moment and that can create some problems in the future. The beat will go on and you can count on your children, grandchildren and all future generations will rely on some of the above statements to make a point. It’s called parenting.

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GOD IS MY SUPER HERO

Posted on May 4, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER ©

Do we place upon a pedestal the heroes of our time?
We sometimes make them idols. Do we think they are divine?
When they show that they are human, they quickly tumble down.
They lose that place of honor and they no more wear a crown.

They thought they were invincible – that they could do no wrong.
They took the road most traveled on – they sang out their own sweet song.
The accolades enticed them. Their greed did overcome.
They tested all the limits. To their pride they would succumb.

There is just one super hero that answers our every need,
It is Jesus, Christ our Savior. For our souls His wounds did bleed.
He gave His life to save our own – from our sin He set us free.
He conquered death to give us life, now and through eternity.

The superstars and champions may give everyone a thrill,
The Son of God outshines them all. Our every need He will fill.
So look to Him for lasting peace. The victory he has won.
He is our true redeemer God- Role Model and Number One!

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

WHO IS YOUR SUPER HERO?

Posted on May 4, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Well from the image I’ve chosen this morning, it would seem there are more heroes than there are those in need of them. Add to this photograph – moms & dads, police officers & fire fighters, doctors & nurses and the average guy on the street who hides his cape under his shirt. It seems we’re all in search of someone or something to get us through each day. We often place our trust in those ideals, in hopes of finding answers to our problems and those who will fight our battles for us.

In a few days, we’ll be celebrating Mother’s Day – a day which honors those who have given birth, adopted a child or raised a family that may or may not have been hers. We place these women on a pedestal and honor them for their perseverance, their dignity, their encouragement and for standing up for us.

It seems we all want someone to fight in our place. To stand up for us. To have our back. Some search for those astounding heroes in their circle of friends, their clique or gang. Some seek out heroes in their leaders or spiritual guides. Some look to themselves for heroic deeds to be done. The fact is there is really only one true hero and He is available to all of us, with no questions asked. He is not a genie that pops out of a lamp at our command. He isn’t one who will give us every desire of our heart. He isn’t going to make life easier for us. He created us with a free will. We are His masterpiece, even when we don’t feel like it. He is always available and ready to listen to our prayers.

Of course we should always take responsibiity for our own actions, but isn’t it great to know that we have the most super Hero ever? He created us in His image. He gave us a manual for living through His Holy Word. He had a plan for our lives before we were ever born. He came to our world to save us from our sins and give us a promise of eternal life. He opened the curtain of darkness that separated us from Him. He lives. He is real. He walks with us each day and gives us rest when we’re weary. He loves us with a love we can’t begin to understand. He is the only perfect Super Hero. And He doesn’t need a phone booth to do His work.

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FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE

Posted on May 3, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Mondays are kind of like the recurring Ground Hog Day movie.   We go through life, thinking this is as good as it gets – go to bed and repeat the same from day to day.  Mondays have a way of squeaking back with a vengeance, week after week after week. The day itself has taken on a rather negative connotation. We’ve just come off a weekend of recreation and rest and it’s time to face the real world again.  You may have over extended yourself, your body aches, you’ve over-indulged, you haven’t accomplished nearly all the things you set out to do.

Maybe you’re stuck in a job that has no spark for you.  The only reason you continue there is because it’s a paycheck and you’d rather not go through the rigorous interviewing process again.

Maybe you’ve just graduated and you’re in that interviewing process.  You’ve sent out at least a million resumes, only to discover they are now on file somewhere in cyberspace.  You may be “retired” and have to work to supplement your Social Security income.  Whatever you have been required to do during the week, can be a drain on us or it can be a spark to ignite us.  It’s really up to us to determine which way it will go.

Weekends are a time of regeneration, refreshment, renewal and sometimes even restoration.  The work week can be brutal even if you love your job.  That’s why it’s called work.  Eventually the weekend ends and you have to drag yourself out of bed and start a new day.

Maybe we need to change our perspective.  Maybe we need to challenge ourselves to making Mondays a day of new beginnings, fresh starts and opportunities.  Having a negative attitude about one particular day is going to set the tone for the rest of them. Wouldn’t it be better to use that day as a starting point, rather than just another manic Monday?  Welcome this day, because it might be the beginning of a fabulous week.

Posted in Inspiration | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments