CLOSED CAPTIONING MISHAPS

Posted on September 3, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

I started using the closed captioning feature on our TV set because of my hearing loss. Since my husband doesn’t suffer from the same malady, it seems the perfect solution. Reading the captions can take something away from the performance, because of the time it takes to read them. Fortunately there is a plus side to this. Some of the captions are more entertaining than what’s taking place in the action.

For example on one news report a while back, the reporter was talking about a politician who had been on the job for only six months before resigning. The caption read, “She was on the John for six months.” I imagined that if she had been on the John for six months, she more than likely got fired.

As you may know, I love watching old mystery television series. On a recent English performance of a Miss Marple series called, “A Body in the Library,” the word body took on a whole new meaning. At one point there was a potty in the library. At another, the potty was in the diaper. I never did find out how the potty got there or who it was, because I was laughing so hard at the misinterpretation of the closed captions. Can you imagine being the person responsible for writing the closed captions? Especially when the performers have a heavy English dialect or some foreign influence to their speech. It would be understandable to exchange “body” with “potty” because of the way the word is spoken. I can picture the interpreter trying to figure out as they go, what is being said. Of course it’s probably done by computers, undoubtedly use\ing phonetics to repeat the word on the screen. There might even be a real person in there trying to come up with more entertaining entertainment, especially if things are getting boring and need to be kick started. It would be fun to find out who actually does this job and how it’s done. In the meantime I can only imagine.

The fact that I’m losing my hearing is not only frustrating, but causes me to realize that I’m not a spring chicken anymore. My doctor suggested the loss was caused by years of working with young children. The high pitch of their voices played a number on my ear drums. Again, I will not let my age get in the way of my sense of humor. I can still laugh about some of my own interpretations of what someone says to me. My husband is used to my infirmity and has always been very kind about it, but it has to be frustrating for him as well. Hearing aids are not an option for a number of reasons. The fact they are so expensive, leads the list, but I’ve also seen people who wear them struggle to sift through outside noise as well as the voice they’re trying to hear. So instead, I will watch my TV shows with closed captioning and laugh at the most inopportune time. I will mistake what someone says to me for something else and laugh about that too. I think I’ll be OK as long as what I laugh at isn’t inappropriate.

Of course if I’m watching the news, I will probably just turn it off. Some things are better left unheard.

Posted in aging | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD

Posted on September 2, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

1 Samuel 17:47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

As our world swirls around us in a sea of turmoil, it’s difficult not to get depressed or troubled over it. Even knowing that God is in control isn’t always enough for those of us who have seen the destruction of mankind and his wars. Our memories serve a purpose. They allow us to ponder over the entire situation before action is taken. In the heat of attack upon our own nation, however, we tend to think differently about responding without action. On December 7, 1941 suicide bombers attacked an American naval port in Hawaii, causing the US to enter into WWII. On September 11, 2001, we were stunned to see planes crashing into buildings and fields within our borders and thousands of lives lost. When we’re under attack by an enemy and see the resulting carnage right under our noses, we react immediately. Our reactions are based on revenge, but also in defense of our country.

War is never a final solution to any problem. Usually it leads to more of them and eventually to a lot of rebuilding, restoration, endless meetings by governments trying to come to a settlement, and trillions of dollars spent over time. There is always going to be collateral damage.

We are fighting a much greater battle than with any Taliban or ISIS soldier. Our war is a constant, daily combat with the devil. He has been let loose to do his dastardly work among us. How do we respond? Do we take up arms against him and his minions? Do we fight with every ounce of strength in our body? Do we give our lives to save others from his control? The devil is an unseen enemy, but one we will have to confront in our lives. Yes, and even those who feel they are “right” with the Lord are going to meet this enemy with strength beyond our own ability.

The battle has already been waged, fought and won by Jesus, Christ, the Savior of the World. When He laid down His life for us, He was carrying the weight of every sin ever committed. He suffered the bite of the scourge, the spit of an angry crowd, the humiliation and scorn of a common criminal. Yet He had never committed a sin. As His body rested in the tomb on the day after His horrible crucifixion, He was putting the devil in chains – leashing him, but still allowing him life until the day of final judgment. Jesus’ victory over death is our guarantee of a release from the grave and life everlasting. The battle is won and it belongs to the Lord.

We can fight our earthly battles with fervor, resolve, patriotism, whatever, but we can never win our own salvation. Jesus is our champion, our soldier, our victor over death. With that in mind we can face any enemy or situation that Satan throws our way.

Posted in America | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

REDEEMED FROZEN HEARTS

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

Light in darkness – sweet redemption – all my sins He melts away,
He brings life from deep depression – cradling in His arms each day,
In darkest hours I make confession of my guilt. I bare it all,
He forgives and grants me healing. He is there to take the fall,

Frozen landscapes soon are hidden. Only pastures green remain,
He will lead me by still waters ’til He comes to earth again,
No fear of death will e’er surround me. I know it cannot sting me now,
I’ve given him my one possession – it is my life I do endow,

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

THE FRONTIER ARTIST

Posted on August 31, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
PAUL T. BOECHER – 1800s FRONTIER ARTIST

The man in the picture is my husband, Paul.  You’ve seen much of his art on my site,, along with my poetry.  Not only is he an accomplished artist and sculptor, he’s a teacher, a naturalist, a business man, an evangelizer, a true cowboy without a horse, a devoted husband, father and grandfather.  He’s done many different things in his 79 years.  One of his favorite things to do was to re-enact a frontier artist from the early days of the settling of our country.

In those years, so long ago, there were no smart phones, no computers or internet and no cameras.  To let people know what lay beyond the average person’s eye, artists were commissioned to go along on expeditions to paint what was discovered along the way.  Can you imagine experiencing great mountain ranges or the bubbling paint pots and geysers of Yellowstone for the first time?  Can you picture camping close to Native American villages and visiting unknown cultures?  The raging waters of wide and perilous rivers, the uncharted terrain, the stories, the people – all of it was being experienced by these early explorers as they traveled across the land.

Paul has always said he was born in the wrong century. He likes every opportunity to witness God’s magnificent handiwork.  Nature has been sort of a sanctuary for him, having been born and raised in the inner city of Milwaukee and residing on the second floor of the family business – a funeral home.

Those early explorers didn’t carry bottled water or have air conditioned homes to return to at night.  They slept on the floor of the plains – got their water from a nearby stream and hunted for their food.  Times have changed, but I don’t think the American spirit has died.  It’s just getting used to all the comforts afforded it in the past couple hundred year.

As we look ahead to this weekend and the ending of summer, let’s not forget those who built this great country of ours.  We honor our veterans and those currently serving, but let’s remember those who forged ahead, without fear, to discover just what a gift this land is.  Thank God for America.  We still honor our flag.  We still hold to the truth of the Constitution.  We can travel across the vast horizons and behold the glory and majesty of our land –  freely. 

As vehicles get packed for a weekend of camping, summer fun, recreation and travel across this great nation, let’s keep in mind those early explorers as well.  They had no idea what they’d face the next day, but they were compelled to see what lay ahead.  God still has great plans for our land.  I’m sure of it. 

Posted in America | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

WHEN THE WALLS COME TUMBLING DOWN

Posted on August 30, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

With all that’s going on in our world right now, I had hoped to write a post with encouraging words about how God has this all in the palm of His hand and we’re going to get through it. Those words don’t mean much when you have to greet a son or daughter at the airport as their flag draped coffin is lowered from the plane. It doesn’t mean much when the winds of a hurricane reach 175 mph and destroy everything in its path. When we’re close to being in another war – when our lives are being controlled by a virus – when all hope seems to be turning sour – those words don’t carry much clout.

We all go through trials and it may seem that God is no where to be found. Has He deserted us? Is He punishing us for bad choices and behavior? Are we getting our comeuppance? Why does God allow these trials if He’s a righteous God? Why does He create weather that destroys and insurmountable events that crush our spirit? Well, God isn’t like that. If I were to receive what is coming to me, I would’ve been living on the street, dumpster diving, begging for a crust of bread. If I were to get what I deserved, I could count on no future – no hope – no salvation.

God is a God who forgives our sins, because He loves us. He is patient – kind – selfless – caring and more than tolerant of the sin that infests our world. He has the power to wipe out the entire human race, but instead His plan includes the greatest love story ever told. Many would think and say that there is no God and that if there was, He has forsaken us. Yet the truth is that His intention was that we live in paradise with Him and enjoy all the benefits of His kingdom. His love has no strings attached. We are unable to work our way to salvation. Even so, He laid out a plan for our redemption that relied on the greatest sacrifice ever.

His plans are always good and the results are always amazing. We may not see it when we’re struggling through the mess we’re living in, but it’s all part of a plan He drew up at the time of Creation. Through God, we have hope for a future. We have a promise that we know will never be broken. We have life eternal waiting for us. In the meantime, this simple message needs to be shared with others. We have an obligation to share this good news so that they will have hope even when it seems like there’s none.

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

HEAR OUR PRAYER, OH, LORD!

Posted on August 29, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

A golden sun is shining outside my window pane,

The sky is blue, the grass is green yet it’s just not the same,

The beauty that surrounds us can swiftly blow away,

In just one second life can pass into another day.

The winds will rage and seas will crash, while floods turn life to death

Man’s resentment towards his brother, can snuff out any breath,

In fear our journey is shrouded, we try to find our way,

But only God can set us right and by our side will stay.

Whenever we remain troubled, when nothing will suffice,

It’s  time to turn our thoughts to Him for wisdom and advice,

Danger and  death invade our minds, but He has conquered both,

 He guides us through the worst of times, renewing faith and growth.

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

FOLLOWING IN OUR TRACKS

Posted on August 28, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
WATERCOLOR WITH LINER BRUSH & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER ©

Thinking of all the tracks we lay while stumbling through each day,

It soon becomes apparent that those lines get in the way,

We struggle through each obstacle, we rarely look behind,

But in those trials and roadblocks, great lessons we can find.

The imprint that we surely make will be another’s road,

It will be simpler then for them to carry every load,

Our history may not be grand, but we can leave a mark,

With memories of days gone by and dreams we thought to spark.

The future generations can then follow in our way,

With lessons laid and roads now clear, they make it through each day,

Our stumbling and our failings will certainly leave a scar.

But through our own shortcomings we can guide them to a star.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on FOLLOWING IN OUR TRACKS

DO YOU REMEMBER?

Posted on August 28, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

This photograph, reminiscent of the iconic flag raising at Iwo Jima, depicts a story of courage under fire like we’ve never seen before. On 09/11/2001 our nation was ravaged by a group of those intent on destroying our existence. Twenty years later, we’re still under the cloud of that fateful day. What have we learned from watching disaster unfold on our television sets, knowing that lives were being shatter within our own borders? That day will be honored again in two weeks. Has anything really changed? Twenty years can erase a lot of bad memories, but we must never let the images of that day be erased from our history.

In twenty years why did we lose respect for our government? Why did we see an unfolding of corruption within law enforcement? Where has our trust in humanity gone? Most of those in their young adult lives today, never knew the spirit of patriotism that boiled in the hearts of Americans when this attack occurred. As babies and young children, they were oblivious to the feelings of betrayal, hatred and loss. In twenty years, we tried to protect those children from this kind of hurt. We provided ways for them to live life to the fullest. To shield them from unrest. To protect them from those same feelings. In doing so, we may have created a generation that doesn’t know how to react to crisis. A generation that takes all our freedoms for granted. A generation that feels entitled to everything the government owes them.

As time went by, old wounds were soon forgotten. Things returned to normal – or did they? Focus on internal affairs began to fester. Who caused these issues? Who did this to us? Forgetting that we have many enemies in the world and within our own borders, we became obsessed with blaming others for all the bad that was happening around us. We forgot that God was still in control. We now face that same enemy. The same people bent on destroying our nation are coming out of the woodwork and if we let them, they will succeed . . . again. Our prayers for America, for our leaders, for our fellow man and woman are vital. We should turn our hearts to the only One who can create order in confusion and bring reason and understanding in situations that make no sense at all.

Dear, Father, God,

You alone are in control of this planet and every part of the universe. In spite of our hard headedness, our weakness and our foolishness, You’ve always been there for us. We ask that you watch over our country – our United States of America – and be with us as we face our enemies. We have gone astray. We’ve not placed our trust in You. We often give up before we even start, but you still love us. You promise to be with us and we know that you always keep your promises. Help us remember that you also created our enemies – that we’re told to care about them as You did when you offered salvation to all people. Bring back a love for our country. Lift us out of the quagmire of hate, blame, fear, hate and deception. Show us the right way to go. You are our fortress, our rock, our hope for the future and will always be faithful to us, even when we forget to serve you first. Deliver us from those who hate us and would destroy us. Give us understanding and discernment. Send Your Holy Spirit to ignite a new fire in the hearts of Americans to defend what so many have died for. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!

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

I’M MAD AND SO AM

Posted on August 27, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

The pot is being stirred again. Not by those who love this country, but by those who would love to see her fail and be overtaken by our enemies.  In the last several years we’ve experienced a malady much more powerful than COVID.  We play the “blame game”, because we don’t want to be the cause of anything that might result from our reckless behavior.  People who used to be known for their radiant smiles, now have down turned lips and sad eyes.  The wearing of masks has taken care of that.  Who wants to look at a sad face anyway?

The blame game is played by all of us when we don’t take responsibility for our own actions.  When we choose to think that our ideas are the only valid ones – when we can’t look beyond our own guilt – when lemons aren’t turned into lemonade, but handed to us raw so we can taste the bitterness – we have no one else to blame, but ourselves.  Those of us who truly love America and want to see it the way it used to be are frankly getting tired of all the bullying and negative thinking that’s invaded our nation.  This insidious tool is making us a nation of mad people. “I’m mad – you’re mad – we’re all mad here.”  We all need to share in the blame and actually mean it.

There is so much anger festering right now.  I’m sure the Israelites experience much the same when they wandered in the wilderness for forty years.  We, however, aren’t used to being patient.  We want things done instantly.  Two years is a lifetime to us.  The road rage that’s occurring, the ability to smile through adversity, the power of positive reinforcement, the lifting up of our fellow man, have all been lost because we’ve been inconvenience.

When a leader takes responsibility for a botched up event, he needs to be respected, but when he’s saying the words and not acting on them, how can we respect?  When a friend says something unkind about you and your beliefs and you sit back and take it, you’re showing kindness, but you’re opinion of that person has changed.  When our children are being indoctrinated about historical events – when patriotism is a myth and an antique of a misguided nation – when blood is shed to protect our freedoms – when tolerance leads to the ridiculous – when we can’t even be civil to one another – when we are bullied into getting a shot to protect everyone else – when we shame someone into believing they are the problem – that’s the time for all of us to wake up and stop blaming each other for all the bad that’s going on in the world.

Satan was defeated when Jesus suffered on a cross, died and rose from death. Yet God in His mercy has allowed him to prowl the earth creating more death and destruction.  He knows his time is running out so he’s pushing hard right now.  We must remember that God still controls Satan.  He still loves us beyond measure.  He wants us to love Him back and serve him while we’re here on earth.  He is giving us this time of grace to let others know that hope is not lost.  He is using you and me for this purpose.  He will deliver us from evil, but we must return to Him and ask Him to.

A war within is beginning to stir.  The thought of another Civil War is even whispered about.  We have so many differences that divide us, I wonder if we really are a United States of America.  Yet God is consistent in all that He does.  He never changes.  His Word is truth and we can count on His help when we simply get down on our knees and pray.

Psalm 24:1-10 1The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; 2for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. 3Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. 5They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior. 6Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. 7Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 8Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. 10Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty- he is the King of glory.

Posted in America, war | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

IN A WORLD . . .

Posted on August 26, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
PENCIL SKETCH FOR SET DESIGN BY PAUL BOECHER – POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER ©

The air chokes with death and the smells of it.
Deep in the bowels of the earth, the demons dance for joy,
Hatred, twisted minds,
Overtly wounded souls disperse the winds of time,
Testing of integrity,
Questioning,
Doubting,
Past sins,
Guilt,
Repentance,
Reputations at risk,
Life is filled with this,
The ugliness of sin and the greatest liar ever,
Breath is snuffed out like a waning candle,
In an instant and without warning,
This is our reality,
Yet within that reality is small glimmer of hope,
A tiny fracture of light in the distance,
A light that gains strength as you draw near it,
A brilliance that never dies,
Hope remains in tact,
It is our God,
Who never changes,
Though the world is slowly being devoured by evil,
Though it seems impossible to understand,
Though nothing is sacred anymore,
Though Satan seems to have the upper hand,
Even when life takes a back seat to death,
We must hang on to that glowing ember,
It is the only beacon in a blackened world,
For without it we will be swallowed up,
Trust in God, not man.

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

THE SILENCING OF A NATION

Posted on August 26, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

My dear blogging friend, Julie Cook – cookiecrumbstoliveby.wordpress.com – has a beautiful site which often expresses her disappointment with what’s happening in our country. Unfortunately, it seems when we have an opinion these days, it’s often seen as stirring the pot or creating more dissension. We still have the right to freedom of speech in the United States. By producing a blog, we’re also placing ourselves on a soap box and may or may not reach someone or open their eyes to the things that are really happening around us. We have a responsibility to choose our words carefully. I have been known to get up on my platform from time to time and have been trying to get off of it, because it doesn’t seem to make any difference except for getting something off my chest – which, by the way, is OK too.

When our founders laid out the Constitution and the Bill of Rights for all Americans, I’m sure they didn’t realize the depth to which political correctness would take us. It truly has descended into a totally different realm in the past few years. I’m almost afraid to say anything. The words we use today are under constant scrutiny and subject to disdain in some way or another. As part of the older generation, I’ve never seen anything like it. As a writer, I’ve had to edit beyond comprehension in order to satisfy those who might criticize. Still aren’t these rights to voice opinion still available to all Americans? It seems we’re going from one extreme to another. When a boulder must be removed from a campus, because it once was black, that in my opinion is nonsense. When we can’t use certain words that might make someone else feel uncomfortable, but when there is no problem with discussing gender neutrality, promiscuity, pornography, sex trafficking, rape, murder, incest, child abuse or drugs, there’s something amiss.

There are things that offend me too. I still should be able to speak my mind about those things, but I choose not to – or at least try to keep it to a minimum. I don’t care what happens in someone’s bedroom. I don’t need to change my standards because someone is offended by them. I still believe that God is in control of the rotation of the earth and the number of stars in the sky. He is almighty and my only hope for salvation, and if I express that, I’m deemed a threat to society.

The image I’ve chosen today reveals the truth about what happens when we try to silence all thinking except the popular opinions of the day. We’re better than that. We’re a country different, unique and built on Judeo/Christian values. Those values are under attack. We ALL have the right to speak.

Posted in politics | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT AGING

Posted on August 25, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Since I qualify as an aging adult, I feel I might be able to shed some light on the truth of aging vs. the myths connected with them. There are many of both. The truth is that our bodies ae disintegrating. We don’t have the flexibility of youth nor the stamina. Our knees are screaming for relief and falling down occurs not because we’re clumsy and addled, but because those joints happen to give out from time to time. Our skin is drying out. Isn’t it interesting that the commercials for creams to prevent aging are being used on women under 21?

One common myth that many young people consider as truth is that all old people think about is dying and going to heaven. I guess it’s partly true if you believe that this is not our eternal home. I happen to be one of them, so I’m looking forward to heaven, but I’m not going to stop living while I inhabit the earth. God doesn’t want me to do that either.

As we age, our conversations change. Our opinions on politics and the condition of the world may not be popular, but often make a lot of common sense – of which there may not be a lot of anyway. Instead of talking about how many miles we’ve walked, we tend to discuss our bathroom habits. We talk about our aches and pains more often than we should. We dwell on unimportant things and make them into life shattering issues. Part of this is because we have more time on our hands. There is a solution to that too. Do something! Get involved in a health club, a senior activity center, a volunteer position where you can encourage others. Just because we have more time to think about ourselves, we don’t have to. Being with others, helping them in some way, (even a word of encouragement or wisdom) bringing them lunch or better yet take them out to lunch. Meet your friends for coffee and conversation. Take up a new hobby. Investigate classes for art, weaving, theatre, writing or any of the activities you never had time for before.

Our bodies will expire someday, just like the salad dressing in the refrigerator. We don’t know when that day will be, but while we’re here we can make a difference. Don’t ask us to be an activist, although I know a few seniors who are still very voracious in that area. Don’t expect us to give up watching “Jeopardy,” or playing cards. We deserve those tiny pleasures. As young adults, look ahead to what it will be like for you. Would you want to be cooped up in a nursing home just waiting to die? We can be vital until our dying breath. Let us be. Encourage us to be. Sometimes we forget what our motivation is in life. I believe that we all serve an active purpose for living. We can change minds, we can listen and give advice, we have a lifetime of experience we can share that might make someone else’s journey a little easier.

We’re all in this together is a much overused term today, but it’s true. If we can find a common denominator, we can move mountains. We can change the course of history, help others, and most importantly – LIVE!

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

STEADY EDDIE

Posted on August 24, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

So who exactly is Steady Eddy and what can we learn from him? You might consider the tortoise in Aesop’s fable about his race against the rabbit. Obviously the hare is designed for speed but his pride in his abilities gets in the way of his winning because he takes his talent for granted and knows he has the race sewn up.

The Tortoise, on the other hand, takes his time, follows the map, isn’t distracted by outside influences and knows he has to work hard to win.

Do you know any Steady Eddies? Maybe you can relate to his strategy much more than the show off of a rabbit who gives way to multiple distractions and loses the race.

I think we all have both personalities within us. Maybe we’ve worked out to ready ourselves. We get enough rest and take care of ourselves physically and mentally. If we’re like the Hare we don’t need to work on ego, because he considers himself a winner before the race begins.

Steady Eddie is reliable, responsible, ambitious at a steady pace, conscientious and at times rather boring, but he’s known to get a job done with great integrity.

The Hare is flashy, charismatic, charming, physically ready, but often overconfident.

Which one are you? Are you only one or a combination of both?

Posted in confidence, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

MEMORIES OF SUMMER HEAT

Posted on August 24, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

A light haze kissed the surface of the steamy water as we set sail that morning.  Sea gulls hung in the air searching for their breakfast.  It seemed too hot to venture out on the boat that morning, but it felt like the only relief from the summer heat.  The wake licked the sides of our craft as it cut stealthily through the mist.  The sun grew hotter and there was no break from the 103 degree temperatures.  We made our way back to the dock and spent the rest of the day dangling our toes into the sultriness of the lake.  In the meantime, we find respite in total emersion into those steamy waters.   

Tomorrow is another day.

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

HOW CAN GOD USE ME?

Posted on August 23, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

It seems that once or twice a year, I wonder why I’m still writing this blog.   The truth is, I often wonder if I’m writing it for the right purpose.  As soon as I see my ratings drop, I can’t help thinking that I’m being selfish in continuing.   I’ve been blogging for about 7 years.  It was an offshoot of some inspirational quotes I was posting on Facebook, along with a creative desire to write.  In a way, I was keeping a journal of my daily living and finding something in each day that might help someone else to get through theirs. 

I started writing when I first learned how to actually form sentences and wrote my first full length musical play when I was twelve.  I thought it was phenomenal.  It was the story of a prince who becomes a member of the working class. He falls in love with a commoner and we all know the end of that story.  It consisted of songs, magnificent costumes, a cast of hundreds and words that went on and on.  I was so proud of myself as I turned it in to be graded by my eighth grade teacher.  He took one look at the size of the manuscript and said, “This is much more than I asked for and definitely not something we could do in our classroom.”  I was crushed.  In fact I didn’t write another thing for a couple years. 

When I got over myself, I let the muse loose and started to write again.  I’ve written over a hundred plays and skits, three unfinished novels, many children’s stories, a memoir, articles, a screenplay or two, commercials and dabbled in poetry.  I’m not saying this to impress anyone.  The only things I ever published were my memoir, “Stages,” which was self published and an article for Chicken Soup For the Soul.  I have a fear of rejection, so most of my work is stuffed away in a loose leaf binder or on a memory stick.  

In writing a blog, I saw an opportunity to share my love for my Savior with others – to show them that if God was interested in me and my failures, he certainly would listen to them and give them answers, comfort, guidance or all of the above.  I’m not a qualified teacher of God’s Word.  My words are often clumsy and not well thought out in advance.  When I’ve written without editing, I immediately pick up on mistakes once the piece has been published.  Some times I express my political views, while other times I address things like parenting, aging, humor, entertainment and art.

So this weekend, I decided to take a vacation from blogging indefinitely.  When we went to church and enjoyed some fellowship with others after the service, my husband relayed the information about my blog to one of our members.  We talked a lot about how important it is for us to share the things that are “really” going on in our lives with fellow believers, so that we can lift each other up and encourage one another in all those trials.  Maybe this is what God wants me to do. 

As Paul and I talked yesterday about growing older and not being able to physically serve in the church as we did when we were younger, I suggested that our time of serving might be over, but our time of grace was still available.  That thought stuck with me through the day, and I realize that this blog needs to continue – not for my glory, but so that God can be magnified and others will see how He can change lives.

So, you’re stuck with me.  I may not be around for another seven years, but I guess you’ll be seeing me – Kathy Boecher at atimetoshare.me for a little longer.

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WHERE IS OUR REFUGE?

Posted on August 22, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

We’re living in an era of extremes.. Temperatures our rising, tempers are too. We’re experiencing drought conditions in some parts of the country while others are surrounded by floods. We hear our president give words of reassurance regarding the situation in Afghanistan and at the same time we see mobs in the streets and a Taliban unit of special forces, loaded with arms from the United States. What are we to think? Does God even hear our voices anymore?

When times of extreme testing occur, it’s natural for us to want someone to blame and it would seem God is the perfect recipient. He controls the wind, the seas and skies and the very weather that surrounds us. He is often accused of the storms that happen to each one of us as we trudge through every day. Why do we attack the only One who can bring us relief?

Our headlines are filled with gloom and doom. People are raging at one another to get vaccinated. Those who don’t should assume the blame of killing off their neighbors, Blame God, blame your friends and family. Blame the media. Blame science. Actually the only ones we have to blame for this state of affairs is US! You and me and all the citizens of the world could be living in paradise today, but man fell into temptation and thus we are still paying for his foolish mistake. Once sin entered the world everything became tarnished and difficult. God tells us that we’ll endure hardships in this life. He doesn’t cause them, but allows them to happen to strengthen us. All the bad things of life can be blamed on Satan, but it’s really mankind that fell from God’s perfect world. Satan was first to do that however and he’s been shoving his way through minds, emotions, fears, anger, hatred, anxiety, hopelessness and despair since the creation of man. He continues to hammer away at us through temptation, but also by turning us from the relationship we have with God and into his snare of hell.

God even had a solution for that. He sent His Son to destroy Satan. Because Jesus was sacrificed on a brutal cross, suffered for our sins, was scorned, humiliated and spat upon, He alone was the sin bearer for the entire population of the world. When he lay lifeless in the grave, His Spirit was doing battle with the evil one and finally crushed him, so that he has no power over us anymore. When Jesus returned to life and showed his risen body to many after the resurrection, He also show us that we will rise again after death. Our sins have been paid for and we will become a part of God’s heavenly paradise.

I can’t imagine the pain that people are going through right now, but I know that God went through much more to bring us eternal life. When we place the burdens of life on His shoulders, we are in an active relationship with Him. I’m not saying the pain will disappear or that the anxiety will lessen, but you will be able to get through it with God’s precious gift to us. Instead of looking at the worst case scenario, we need to look for the positives even in the darkness that surrounds us. He will sustain us. He will carry our load. He will bring us safely to heaven and give us a special place in his heavenly realm.

GOD IS DEFINITELY OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH – A GREAT HELP IN ALL TIMES OF TROUBLE OR WORRY. HE IS THE ROCK OF OUR SALVATION!

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THE GOLDEN DAYS OF OLD

Posted on August 22, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

With every passing morning, through every dawning light,
Time flits from here to there each day, and withers into night,
If it would just stand still again, like golden days of yore,
We might enjoy the little things, that make us love life more.

The quiet times with family, the reading of a book,
The smell of cookies baking, the singing of a brook,
The moments of our precious lives that bind us close together
The sounds of peace, the voice of God, the kindness of the weather.

These things sound simple, but they’re not, they simply breathe new life,
Reminding us of days gone by, erasing fears and strife,
The old things bring new life to us, they simply can’t be shattered,
We learn from past mistakes, you see and that’s what really mattered.

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ON A TREACHEROUS SEA

Posted on August 21, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

The raging waters swirl and churn, a storm within me starts to burn,

The sea erupts with power unknown, I know I can’t face this alone,

Each wave explodes with God’s soft voice, it seems to me I have no choice,

My prayers are altered by the wind, will He hear me repent my sin?

The storm grows stronger with each beat, will I succumb and know defeat,

The devil sucks me to the sea, taking my breath and drowning me,

I suffocate under his hand, I’m dying now, I cannot stand,

A voice cries out to hang on tight, my Savior, God has won the fight.

The sea grows calm the sun returns, new life abounds and in me burns,

No storm, no wars, no fear of waves, can lead me to an early grave,

He stands with me in every plight, He’s with me through the day and night,

He never leaves and never fails, to lift the wind and fill our sails.

Posted in Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

WHEN YOU THINK IT CAN’T GET ANY WORSE

Posted on August 20, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

The world is going to hell in a handbasket.  It can’t get any worse than it is.   When is this going to end?  Those are the kinds of comments I’m hearing a lot these days.  It seems we are on the verge of the end of one problem and the next day another issue arises that tops it.  We’re in a constant state of getting worse by the second.  Frankly, I’m tired of hearing all the bad stuff that’s going on in our world.  I’m sick of the hype on vaccinations and the shaming that accompanies it.  I have had enough about our leadership, our media, our immorality, our disgusting behavior, our selfishness and our shortcomings.

It’s time for a shot in the arm.  (No pun intended.)  We all need a dose of positive thinking and even when things seem like they can’t get worse, they probably will, and we must learn to live with it.  We are not going to change the outcome of what spews from a media that can’t be trusted.  We can’t fight city hall.  We can’t put our heads in the ground like an ostrich, but  we can turn to God before He becomes a last resort.

The many men and women who put their lives on the line – the brave individuals who stood up against persecution – those who gave their lives in defense of what they believed to be honorable – who shed blood for an idea – gave up everything in the face of destruction – the uncelebrated heroes of the faith who stood against what appeared to be the worst event in their lives – still received the kingdom of God.  

Things are going to get worse.  It’s like Murphy’s Law. When we think it can’t get any worse, it does.  We have good days and we have bad ones, but we are never going to have perfect days as long as we live on this planet.  We do, however, have the promise of eternal life and even if when we’re called to breathe our last, we can be sure that God is with us through it all.

That may seem small consolation to some, but it’s the best news anyone can possess.  It’s truth in its purest form.  The words of comfort come to us from God, the Creator of heaven and earth – the One who knew you before your conception – the One who sacrificed everything to give you the best – the One who loves you with no conditions or strings.  His words are written down in the Bible for our benefit.  They give us hope for a future here on earth and in heaven. 

When it looks like every new challenge is insurmountable, you can count on His Word to you.  Trust in God.  Do not run away from Him.  He is the only solution to the mess we’ve created for ourselves on this planet.  Instead of playing the blame game, ask for forgiveness and pray for your enemies.  Their eternal life was also bought and paid for by God.  Pray that their minds are opened to His great mercy.

 

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NATURAL PLACES

Posted on August 19, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
YELLOWSTONE FALLS, ACRYLIC PAINTING BY PAUL BOECHER

ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

When life seems overwhelming and the hope for peace has drifted,

We struggle with the discontent and pray for burdens lifted,

But our days on earth are numbered, our time is soon gone by,

We fill our hours with wrong pursuits and then we simply die.

But when you travel with the Lord, your outlook quickly changes,

The goals you set, the plans you make, He often rearranges,

We have no clue to what’s ahead, but in His master plan,

We know what He’s prepared for us can’t be achieved by man.

His blueprint for our path is often filled with  worldly strife,

We struggle on and trust in Him throughout our earthly life,

Our dreams are often shattered, we wonder where is God,

We fail to trust,  we oft give up, when through this life we plod.

But when it all is over, when breath departs our frame,

In confidence we rest in Him who took away our shame,

The shelter of that valley soon brings great calm and rest,

To be with all the saints of God, the brightest and the best.

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