9/11/2001

Posted on August 7, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in America | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

WATERCOLOR MEMORIES

Posted on August 6, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ANGER HAS A SHORT FUSE

Posted on August 5, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHERE RIVERS UNITE

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


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

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

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

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

Posted in art & inspiration from the Boechers | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

DO WE REALLY CARE?

Posted on August 4, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

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

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

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

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

THERE’S NOTHING BUT GOOD NEWS

Posted on August 4, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in America | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

WHO IS THE PARENT?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HE DIED FOR ME

Posted on August 2, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on HE DIED FOR ME

FRESH AIR?

Posted on August 2, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

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

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

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

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

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

Posted in Inspiration | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

STANDING UP FOR JESUS

Posted on August 1, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Each and every time the Children of Israel walked away from God, they also strayed from His blessings.  When they returned to Him, God richly showered His love on them just as the prodigal son’s father did for him.

We may walk out on God from time to time, thinking we can go it alone – that we can handle things.  We may even turn our backs on Him when other beliefs and lifestyles sound more appealing.

God never stops loving us even when we’re stubborn, indignant, foolish, proud or even blatantly against Him.  He waits patiently for us to return. When the prodigal son returned to his father in humility and broken, the father lavished his love and all of the best of his wealth upon him.  The same is even more true for our heavenly Father.

Are you ready to defend your faith?  Would you be able to even if your life depended on it?  Today men, women and children are being put into that very position as they face persecution as it hasn’t been seen in many years.  We are blessed in our country to still have the right to worship as we please, but would we be able to defend our Lord if that weren’t the case?

Dear Father, you are my rock and fortress.  I tend to sway when confronted with difficult decisions and life changing issues.  I know that you can defeat any of my enemies, but I don’t always have the strength to stand up for you.  Please send your Spirit into my heart and let Him work to increase my faith and give me the words to defend you in every aspect of my life.  Amen!

Posted in perseverence | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

RETREAT

Posted on August 1, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

We search in vain for a place that’s empty of confusion,

All the trappings of the world bring no relief,

The noise of life overtakes us.

We run to the mountains for serenity,

We hide in the meadow near a quiet stream,

We escape from the pack to be alone,

But the sound of a jackhammer penetrates the silence,

The voices of anger rage around us,

The tempest of fear stirs within us,

True peace can only be obtained through the Son of God,

The Prince of Peace.

 Psalm 4:8

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

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

IN SEARCH OF THE SUN

Posted on July 31, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

The hot and humid sun has set, upon a field of gold,

Within that field a wondrous sight, a blessing to behold,

The sky releases golden rays upon that golden field,

And filled it with a treasure chest of bounty soon revealed,

When morning light arises there, it greets the day with power,

Reflected light from God’s own hand, the beautiful sunflower.

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

UGH, GRR, ARGH, @$%#&*

Posted on July 31, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Excuse me while I have another meltdown.  I don’t know if the heat is getting to me or the air quality caused by the Canadian fires.  I have freed myself from the big news outlets.  I tune in for weather reports, but even those have been cause for a mental breakdown these past few weeks.  Yesterday I lapsed into world and local news and today I’m feeling quite depressed.  For those of us in our senior years of living, anything regarding our health is of major interest, but like most Americans today, I’m tired of all this talk of masking again.  Personally I hated wearing a mask, because of my breathing disorder.  I never felt good while wearing one.  In fact I’d often have great difficulty breathing and begin to have coughing fits.  However, I wore a mask when I’d do my grocery shopping and watched church online.  I also stayed home.

Now everyone is saying we should mask up again.  It’s our patriotic duty to do so.  I had both vaccinations for this dreaded disease.  I followed orders from our commander in chief.  Now I’m told that I may be a carrier of this deadly virus because of it.  At the time of getting the shots, I was guilted into doing so, because I want to be good neighbor and citizen.  There are plans to mask our children when they return to school in the fall.  Has anyone even looked at the possibility that this might have to do with massive gathering events which are taking place across our country?  When we were in isolation for a year and a half, I felt healthier than I ever did.  We jumped from not gathering to immensely crowded situations in a matter of weeks after vaccinations were administered.  What did we expect to happen?

Once those shots were administered, everyone felt a sense of relief and security because they felt they were protected.  We have become such a herd of sheep when it comes to our own health and that of others in our community.  Unfortunately, along with COVID, we have been in a steady decline of not trusting those who govern us.  It makes for a huge powder keg waiting to explode.  

When a disease is used for political gain, something has to be done.  It’s obvious to me that prior to the last election, everything was blamed on Trump.  Now everything is being blamed on COVID19.  It should all blow over after the midterm election next year.  (I say that with a slight hint of sarcasm.)  I expect the mask mandates to take place in a week or so.  Then we’ll talk again about washing hands, social distancing and another quarantine.

I will not be watching the news again for a while.  If we happen to go to war, or fall off the face of the planet, I hope someone will let me know.  Instead, I will be turning to my Bible for instructions on how to live.

 

 

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

LAND, SKY, WATER ELEMENTS OF LIFE

Posted on July 30, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER © – COLLECTION FROM AN ART RETREAT

A few years ago, my husband went on an art retreat.  Each day the artists would gather their gear and head out into nature to paint en plein aire.  They had a theme for each day – they would choose a location where they could focus on some of the elements of nature.  One day they searched for land, another was devoted to water, one more was focused on sky.  On the final day they would combine all the elements into one painting.  They would complete one painting a day and were required to paint on window shades. The results are shown above.

The elements of God’s perfect creation give us a means whereby our physical needs are met, we can face our emotional cares, and we’re provided a spiritual connection to our Creator.  As we go through life, let’s never forget that connection.  Any time we want to tune into God, He’s right there – available at a moment’s notice.  He’s not like a genie in a magic lamp, ready to grant our every wish.  He is our Creator – the One and Only God – who treasures us enough to sacrifice everything for us. 

 

There was nothing but an empty expanse – the deepest darkest place ever.

Water lay upon the surface, but there was no life within it.

The canopy above held thunderous clouds but they too were hidden in the ink filled sky.

There was an unspeakable tenebrosity – nothingness – empty – lost,

The Lord spoke, “Let there be light!” and there was light.  

A light that exploded across the horizon and filled the air with warmth –

With nourishment for life yet to come – 

With release from the grip of eternal blackness,

With respite for the coming creation of those who would fill the earth,

Out of that obscurity came light, a light that would never be extinguished,

He knew even then that mankind would choose disobedience,

And still He provided a way – a guide – a light to open a  path on earth,

A brilliant luminosity that would also lead to the gates of heaven,

He is the light of the world!

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on LAND, SKY, WATER ELEMENTS OF LIFE

TIME TO WASH THE WINDOWS

Posted on July 29, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Matthew 7:3-4 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, let me take the speck out of your eye when there is the log in your own eye.

This morning, as I look out at another hazy sky, I can’t help but notice the need to get out the vinegar and a micro-fiber cloth to clean all the grime from the windows. It seems an unending job, but a necessary one. When our vision is clouded it’s hard to get a true picture of what lies on the other side. With the weather we’ve experiences lately, we’ve been watering our gardens on a semi-daily basis. Since the spray of water always reaches those windows, it also carries dirt to them. Like I said, it’s an endless job. Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth the time and effort to clean them, but if I don’t, everything on the outside is out of focus and dull.

There are times in our lives when things are out of focus. We may think we’re on the right path, but something interferes with our journey. We can use maps and Siri to get us where we need to go, but those obstacles still get in the way.

When you’re struggling, you can trust that God is going to give you true vision. He alone offers a clean view of the future. He alone has already created the map for you. He knew what would happen before you ever came into being. With Him, the slate has been washed clean and when He looks at our forgiven hearts, all He can see is His Son and the perfect sacrifice He made to make us completely redeemed.

Posted in Inspiration | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

ALL BY MYSELF

Posted on July 29, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

In a quiet, peaceful corner where the trees hold in the air,

In a place of isolation – to release your every care,

A spot to lift your heart and pray, to thank God for His mercy,

To call on Him in times of need, to still all controversy.

This quiet place lives in your heart, you never have to leave it,

Just open up your mouth and pray, through love He will receive it,

For when you pray He sees His Son who died and rose to save you,

The battle’s fought, the victory won, your sins no more enslave you.

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

A BALANCING ACT

Posted on July 28, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

We’re all under pressure at times. We all need someone to share our burdens with, even those who spend a lifetime trying to encourage others. When the added stress of the outside world enters in, we’ve got a recipe for depression, anxiety, feelings of failure and many other mental health issues. There may be times when we simply need to step back and say, “no.” That word itself is a negative and our world wants to believe that everything should have a positive outcome or a win. I’m thinking about the events that led up to yesterday as an amazing athlete decided to say, “no.” The mental stress and pressure was too much for her and she chose to step down from a possible gold medal.

Are we guilty of setting our young people up for this kind of anguish? I’m not sure where the blame lies, but it seems as though our kids don’t really have much time to be kids anymore. When they enter school, the competition begins. Prior to that, it was all about them and now there are others to contend with. Encouraged or pushed to excel has become the norm in this age of the GOAT. When I first heard that term, I thought it was in reference to the sheep and goats mentioned in the Bible. Then I realized that it was an acronym for The Greatest of all Time. Why on earth would we want to put that kind of stress on our children? Well to some folks, competition builds character and winning is everything. While others believe that God is the Greatest of all Time and He has already mapped out our successes and failures.

In the past 20 years we’ve seen an increase in teen suicide. We hear about kids being prescribed anti-depressants so they can cope. At the same time, those kids are being influenced by an ever growing reliance on the internet and social media, rather than actual face to face communication. Do you think they may be connected? They also receive many mixed messages about self-image, sexual preference, gender identity, racism, religion and everything they have thus far believed is being challenged. Who wouldn’t be stressed? It stresses me out to even think about what our youth have on their plates right now.

Some think that clearing the mind of outside influences works, but I’ve tried to escape the daily news and yet unless I become a hermit, that’s not going to happen. Meditation or getting in touch with our inner whatever just exacerbates the problem. We may not like what we discover about ourselves and how is that going to help anyone? The world has many solutions for us.  We can try to free our minds with prescription drugs, but then we become reliant on the substance.  We can nourish a hobby that keeps our mind occupied with other things.  We might talk to a psychiatrist or counselor.  As a last resort, we can turn to the only manual for living that contains an answer for every situation – the Word of God – but why should that be a last resort?

God tells us to come to Him when our hearts are troubled.  He wants us to rely on Him for comfort, peace and encouragement.  He fills our every need.  His Word discloses this fact throughout the Old and New Testaments. His love for us endures forever, so we can be confident that He will never forsake us – even when our hearts are hurting.

If you have been encouraged by someone today, thank them and pray for them too.  We all need God’s comforting arms wrapped around us – even those whose hearts are overflowing with encouragement.

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SANDS OF TIME

Posted on July 28, 2021 by atimetoshare.me


ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Time pulls us away from the beauty around us.
We’re in a race to beat the clock.
Each day becomes a battlefield between our time here ,
And hope of eternity somewhere else.
Our days are numbered.
The seconds drop like sand in an hour glass,
Swiftly,
Instantly,
Vicariously,
Tumbling through life at an expeditious rate.
So fast that we don’t bother to enjoy what’s in the moment.
Laughter, tears, times of peace and contentment,
Desire, goals, birth and death,
Run right past us at lightening speed,
As we spend ourselves on the marathon of existence.
We need to slow down,
Enjoy the world we live in now,
Even though it’s not perfect, there is much to enjoy.
We have been afforded these years as a time of grace,
A time to be refined and perfected for the next place.
God is still in control of our future and,
He has something amazing planned for each of us,
When we take His hand and follow Him.
As we wait, be assured that He has our best interests in mind.

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PLAY BY PLAY

Posted on July 27, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Heat is in the danger zone this week in Lake Woebegone. So what does one do when they can’t go outside without dying of heart failure? Television – old movies – old tv shows or THE OLYMPICS. I’ve been tuning in off and on this week, and much like the NFL or NBA or any of the other sporting events, we have a team of “experts” telling us if these amazing athletes are going to fulfill their duty to God and country and bring home a medal for the good old USA.

I am glad this event is finally happening. I’m sad about there not being an audience to cheer these athletes on. I’m sad that the support of their home country is clouded by unpatriotic behavior. I’m also sad that all the things back home are being injected into the world and showing us in a different light this year. We’ve all been subject to a world pandemic. We know what it’s like to have those things we prize taken away for a while. We understand the frustration of everyone involved. Yet so often, when our ambition is put on hold (for our own good) we feel cheated and need to blame someone or something.

What’s happening in our country right now is a decline in patriotism, to the point of disdain. How we appear to other nations is important in the scheme of things. What do we look like to our neighbors in the world? We’re all faced with challenges each day. We’re running a race to get to the finish line and win the prize, but often the prize is what’s pushing us. Jesus knew what His mission would be when He entered human flesh and became one of us. He knew He had to suffer and die on our behalf. He was the perfect, unblemished lamb called for in Old Testament. He overcame death and won the prize – not for Himself, but for the entire population of humanity. He didn’t have to take on our baggage, but He did, because He loves us. His humility, compassion and love should be an example for all of us.

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Are you a winner? If you believe that Jesus is your Redeemer, you definitely are.

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THE MASTER GARDENER

Posted on July 26, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

Today I’m posting one of my paintings.  I love flowers, especially those planted in my garden.  In looking at them, you cannot deny the existence of a divine Creator. He not only nurtures the flowers of the fields, but us as well.

You are the Master Gardener, you tend to all my needs,
With water you refresh me.  With love you plant the seeds.
You take away the grip of ugliness and sin,
You’ve given me a second chance – a new life to begin.
When all the weeds infest me and choke away my life,
You lead me on to heaven – away from all this strife.
I thank you, Heavenly Father, for all your love and care,
Now help me to proclaim you for all the world to share.
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