JUST BREATHE

Posted on January 7, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
This is a rerun from last year, but it’s still relevant. It’s time to take another breath.

“Take a breath and count to ten.”  We’ve all said it at one time or another.  It sometimes works with children, but what about  adults?  How do we control our anger when faced with so much of it every day?  Anger usually comes from frustration, inability to communicate what we feel and a lack of compassion for one another.

We all need to take a moment to compose ourselves, before we speak or do something we will eventually regret.  But how do we do that when everyone else is so angry?  It might work to count to ten, but anger often rears its ugly head at about five.

We, the adults, are supposed to be setting the example for future generations.  Are we doing that?  Take a look at our current division in the political arena.  Take a look at most television shows, pitting one against another.  Observe the bullying going on in the workplace.  Watch the daily news filled with road rage, murder, assault, etc.

Why can’t we live in harmony?  Where’s the compassion for one another? Why does everything have to be a competition to see who’s the best?

Take a breath.

Count to ten.

Take another breath.

Keep your mouth shut for a while.

Count to a hundred if necessary,

or a thousand.

We all need to look for some balance.  We as human beings are going to get angry.  It’s part of our sinful nature.  However, if we look at the perfect example for what human behavior should look like, all we need do is turn to Jesus, the Son of God.  In His humanity, he displayed anger.  His anger was righteous however, since His house of worship was being infested by money changers and thieves. Corruption seems to show its ugliness even in the supposedly purest of places.

Still, Jesus the man also is God.  He inherited His Father’s righteous indignation, but He also was merciful.  Mercy seems to be a word that isn’t used much today, except in a court of law.  Mercy is akin to compassion, grace, leniency, kindness or sympathy.  Those terms have given way to cold heartedness, mercilessness, inhumanity, retribution and revenge.  We’ve been exposed to a lot of those terms lately.

What if Jesus showed no mercy to His accusers and simply zapped them straight to hell?  What if He never went to the cross and took on the burden of our sin so that we wouldn’t have to?  What if He was never born?  Think of the state our world would be in today, had He not taken on human form and died for us.

Have we become so engrained with anger that our opinion is the only one that counts?  Are we so bold as to think, we’re better than others?  Are we willing to listen, to communicate, to work together to solve problems, or are we looking only to make others look bad?  The world will always be ugly.  Sin still exists, but we have been bought and paid for by the blood of our Savior. We should start reflecting His personality.

Take a breath.

He took His last breath,

So that we could breathe forever.

Posted in America | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

BLINDING LIGHT

Posted on January 6, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

I live in a part of the United States which experiences long winters – usually consisting of below zero temperatures and copious amounts of snow. Since we are currently isolating, the sting of winter isn’t quite as uncomfortable as it has been in the past. We don’t necessarily have to clean the snow off our cars, because chances are we aren’t going anywhere. We can get by with shoveling enough snow so the mailman can access our mailbox. We don’t need to bundle up in layers upon layers of clothing.

If we work outside the home, there are still those obstacles to overcome, but it seems that this pandemic has made us into a band of hermits, eager to congregate with fellow hermits and have a cup of coffee together. Our sights have been blinded by the winter of our discontent.

Light is something that is in short supply in my neck of the woods. We take Vitamin D supplements to fill that need. Days are shorter. Sunlight is lacking and we’re stuck with a huge case of cabin fever.

One thing I’ve noticed about winter is the tricks that light can play on us. Frozen crystals create snow dogs. A prism of light bounces a rainbow off the snow and reflects off frozen lakes. Trees are filled with a hoar frost that creates a mystical appearance – like being in the land of Narnia. There is beauty in light. It also can blind us at times.

When the Magi went in search of the new King, they were guided by a light in the sky. This led to all kinds of historical events, including the slaughter of the firstborn male of each household. That star of brilliance would lead them to a house where they would find the Christ and lay their gifts before Him – gifts of gold (befitting a king) – frankincense, which is used in religious rituals to indicate purity – and myrrh, which is an embalming oil. Their gifts would be pondered in Mary’s heart and would come to mind as they became apparent in Jesus’ life.

Epiphany is indicated as a season of light. Brilliant, blinding light which envelopes the entire world. When we celebrate this special day, we are witnessing the Light of the World – Jesus, our Savior and King. He has opened heaven to all of us, through the gift of His life, death and resurrection.

Dear, Lord, Jesus, You came to earth to live among us – to show us how to live and to bring the light of your salvation to mankind. Our sins put us in darkness, but you shine more brightly than any star in the heavens. Your light is perfect. May it continue to illuminate our hearts throughout this year and prepare us for your second coming. In Jesus name, I pray. AMEN!

Posted in Epiphany | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on BLINDING LIGHT

OUT OF THE DEPTHS OF HELL

Posted on January 6, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This painting is a recreation of a spot in Yellowstone National Park. Imagine what the first explorers and mountain men thought when they saw steam spewing out of the earth and putrid smells exuding from its depths. It must have given them a peek at hell.

The devil is alive and well.  He’s been here from the start.

He tried to overtake the Lord which must have broke God’s heart.

He had a place already there, but wanted more you see.

He gathered up rebellious friends to be what they could be.

His name was once the Prince of Light – the bright light of the dawn,

But when He turned away from God,  His soul was surely gone.

And now he prowls this earth below in search of company.

It’s lonely in the depths of hell.  He’ll never be set free.

When Jesus came to bear our sins, the devil cried in pain.

This lowly child would slay him and give us life again.

Upon the cross He’d suffer, He died but that’s not all.

He rose again.  He conquered death.  He gave His victory call.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

AN AGING EDIFICE

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


Right outside the city, stands a house that’s very old,
Built to fight off danger and the bitter, wintry, cold,
Each brick was placed precisely upon the cornerstone,
The mortar held them tightly, through winds so swiftly blown.

This house was built so long ago, yet firmly does she stand,
Five families came and went, while her face remained quite grand,
A little paint might dress her up, fixing could be done,
But still this aging treasure shines brightly in the sun.

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

ROAD BLOCKS

Posted on January 5, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

We used to have one of these in our garage.  I found it at a yard sale a several years ago and used it as a theater prop.  Little did I realize I’d have such a hard time disposing of it.  What do you do with a road barricade?  We’ve tried to have it recycled – put it out with the trash – sell it in a garage sale – even the junk scrappers don’t want it.  I’ve thought about setting it up alongside another group of road blocks, but that might lead to an investigation on how it got there.

A finger print and DNA analysis would point directly to me.  I’d wind up in prison for the rest of my life along with my husband who served as my accomplice in the crime.  Not to mention the fact that I have pillows and mattresses in my house that have tags removed that say, “do not remove under penalty of law.”  I’m doomed!

I think about our friend Julie who is in the process of packing up her household to move to another. We went through the same thing four years ago. It isn’t easy to go through years of accumulation and sort through what you’re going to keep, recycle or throw away. It’s really a daunting task, but like taking stock of our lives, we often have to do some housekeeping along the way.

As we dug through all the things that encumbered our lives, it became more and more apparent what pack rats we are.  We find stuff, hang on to it thinking it will be useful in the future and wind up throwing it away in the end.

There are probably lessons in this process, but when you’re in the middle of it, it’s quite overwhelming. A lifetime of junk really creates a huge pile of unnecessary baggage. We are so fortunate to have a Savior who will rescue us from all the clutter and weight of living.

Eventually we did get rid of the road barricade. I’ve forgotten what we did with it. Maybe we left it for the new owners. However, if we’re ever discovered and go to prison for possessing stolen property and tearing the tags off of prohibitive objects, we won’t have to worry about our stuff.  I’ll have everything I need right there within the confines of jail.  My husband can teach art classes, I can start a theater troupe, all our health and dental care will be covered, we’ll have three meals a day,  maybe we can get an education. We could be like another team of Paul & Silas bringing the great news of the Gospel to others. Maybe Julie will come and visit us.

Sounds like a plan!

Posted in anxiety | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

OBSTACLES OVERCOME

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

As I sit here at my window this morning, a new scene is taking place. Usually I watch the birds at the feeder or the squirrels beneath it. Occasionally there’s a feral cat or two to amuse. Today there is a group of strong young men being lifted up in the air by cherry pickers. They are taking advantage of the “warmer” Minnesota winter days to prune some trees in the area. Branches are interfering with utility lines and this seems the perfect time to undertake this activity. Not only that, it’s giving me a different view today.

As we prune away the debris of life, it’s also a good time to reflect on how that debris became obstacles which got in the way over the past year and how we overcame them.

A tree stands firmly in the ground, though ancient yet unworthy,

Its life has spanned a hundred years, its limbs cried out for mercy,

The sun has withered, burnt and scorched, the wind has taken its toll,

The snow filled skies and frosty air are God’s quality control.

In spring new life will come again as leaves bud forth in glory,

A canopy of green appears creating a new story,

In fall the tree must undergo another painful trimming,

As leaves of crimson, gold and rust upon the ground are swimming.

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

WHAT’S GOING ON IN THEIR LIFE?

Posted on January 4, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Did you ever stop to wonder what might be going on in someone else’s head? They could be a complete stranger, but their actions are speaking volumes. For example, the lady at the deli counter, who apparently doesn’t like her job and gives you the end pieces rather than the prime cut. Or the teller at the bank who seems oblivious to your concerns as she angrily counts out your cash. Then there’s the grocery worker who stuffs your groceries randomly into the bag without thought to the eggs on the bottom.

We all run into people who seem to be so self-centered in their dealings that we quickly rush to judgment. Did you ever stop to think what may have caused their behavior. Perhaps the girl in the deli was filling in for someone who was late and she really didn’t know how to do the job. Perhaps the bank teller just received word that her job was going to be terminated and she didn’t know how she’d be able to support her young family. The grocery worker didn’t have to bag your groceries, but he was only trying to be helpful. Besides, no one ever bothered to show him how to bag groceries.

We often read so much into other people’s actions, without knowing the cause. Maybe if we start approaching life with a different attitude it would make a huge difference in the way we live. Our joy is dependent on it. If we look at those around us as the enemy we’re bound to be on the defensive most of the time.

We all have a life outside of the one we try to put forward in our dealings day to day. We want to make a good impression. We want to get the job done. We want to appear responsible, helpful and caring. As soon as something happens to get in the way of that, our body language changes, our facial expression is different and our attitude quickly takes a nose dive.

This is the beginning of a new year. We’re getting back into the routine of daily living. This is the perfect time to look inward and start reaching outward. By doing so, our joy will shine through a dark situation. Our responses will be different. We will begin to live life to the full.


Posted in Christian living | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

ALIVE IN THE FUTURE, DEAD IN THE PAST

Posted on January 3, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

The things we learned as children have become shrouded in the past. We no longer need them, or do we? When we look back are we simply trying to relive our lives and maybe change some of the mistakes we made along the way? Or can we actually use those experiences to shape our future?

When Lot’s wife looked back at the smoldering cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, it was the last chance she would have.  Because she was disobedient to the command to keep her eyes focused on what lay ahead, her plight was that she became of pillar of salt.  Just like that – bam!  Why did she look back?  Was it because she was told not to or was it simply a natural instinct?  I often wonder what she was thinking in that brief moment.

When we reviewed the past year on New Years Eve, we did a lot of remembering, reminiscing, reevaluating, rethinking.  The year 2020 had gained a reputation of sorrow, grief and disappointment. It was time to start over, but what would lie ahead? Would it just be more of the same or could we possibly hope for something better?

Of course, God already has a wonderful life set in the future for those who place their confidence in Him rather than themselves.  Sometimes we have to look back to see how we messed up or what we can do to improve.  We plan – we make lists – we set resolutions for ourselves which we know, deep down, will never be kept.  We try to be optimistic and look forward rather than back, but our human nature soon gets in the way and we return to our old habits.

We should place our confidence in the future, but we need to be active as well.  We need to use the gifts God has given to us, to make things happen, yet be on the lookout for God’s intervention and prayers that are being answered in His timing.  We need to trust in His wisdom.  We must have faith that He will give us the right direction.  He’s our heavenly Father and wants only the best for His children.

If we keep looking back, we probably won’t turn into a pillar of salt, but we need to learn how to kick the devil out of our lives, shut the door on past mistakes and live for what will come tomorrow.  We also need to learn from our errors so we can be free to move ahead. For all that will happen to those who love Him has already been established by the triune God.  He knew it before we were even born.  We don’t have to figure things out alone.  We have His divine intervention in our lives every second of every day.

Dear, Lord, Jesus, my Savior and Brother,

You chose to leave your Kingdom in heaven and live a life of poverty and rejection so that I could enjoy the benefits of heaven. You are the beginning and the end of all things. I will place my trust in your direction for my life as I lay my sins at your feet, knowing that you have already forgiven all of them. Amen!

Posted in New Year | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

SATURDAY SILLINESS

Posted on January 2, 2021 by atimetoshare.me
POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

A little COVID19 song I wrote for your enjoyment and maybe a chuckle or two. To the tune of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.”

I’ll be home forever.  You can count on that.

There will be snow while candles glow and I’ll be getting fat.

With a world pandemic, my hair has grown so long,

I don’t get out without a mask. The whole thing seems so wrong.

Holidays are different. We sit six feet apart.

We cannot hug or we’ll catch the bug, it truly breaks my heart.

So I’ll be home forever. At least it looks that way.

Yes I’ll be home forever ’til vaccination day.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

HAPPY WORLD INTROVERT DAY

Posted on January 2, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

I can totally relate to this unusual day of celebration. I used to be an introvert. At least for the first thirty or so years of my life. “How can she say that,” you may ask? I’m a performer, a teacher, a writer. I put myself out there all the time. I almost feel like an AA member, admitting my past sins, when I reveal that my name is Kathy and I’m an introvert.

The year 2020 made me realize, I liked being an introvert and there really was nothing wrong with the syndrome, except for what the world imagines about those who prefer to be alone. In the ten months of a worldwide pandemic, I realized that I still enjoy being alone. I don’t crave it as I once did. I don’t run to hide within my own world anymore, but I do truly treasure moments by myself. Those moments gave way to new creative thinking and time to formulate, plan ahead and do some of things I wanted to accomplish.

I used to be a schizophrenic and so was I, but I digress.

During my time as a teacher, I was learning right alongside my students. I discovered that the stage was the perfect place to express myself. As a child, my refuge was reading and I still enjoy a good book if I can keep my eyes open long enough to finish one. I often retreated to my inner world when I started tapping out words on my typewriter. I felt that my hidden voice could be deciphered through those words.

Being an introvert isn’t a bad thing. I’ve been both introvert and extrovert through my 78 years of life and both of them are really overrated. I supposed when you don’t want to have any social interaction it becomes a problem, but I never slipped that deeply into introvertism (if that’s even a word.) Balance seems to be the answer for most folks.

When we look back in history, some of the smartest individuals were introverts.
Some of our greatest scientists, artists, writers and creative thinkers preferred to be alone. Even Jesus needed time to Himself when He grew weary of the crowds.

So today we celebrate with all the introverts out there.

HAPPY WORLD INTROVERTS DAY! Now leave me alone.

Posted in Humor | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

STUBBY RETURNS

Posted on January 1, 2021 by atimetoshare.me

Our little friend, Stubby, the squirrel disappeared for a couple weeks in December of 2020, but made a brief appearance again late in the month. Just about the time we had given up on seeing him again, he made a quick path to the bird feeder – tried to climb the pole and quickly descended and retreated to from whence he had come. I wonder if a squirrel might stick to the bird feeder pole if he stuck his tongue out on it.

Stubby is called Stubby because of the short tail he has. He’s also rather aggressive and won’t stand for being bullied.

At first we wondered if he was in a self imposed quarantine. It would’ve been about the right amount of time. Then we wondered if he might be a she and was out of the food chain because she had become the food chain to a bunch of baby squirrels.

I guess we’ll never know for sure. It’s just very reassuring to know that Stubby is still alive and kicking. He/she has provided us with lots of entertainment over the past few months and even created some ideas for a children’s book series.

Posted in Humor | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

NEW YEAR WISDOM

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

This re-post has become a mainstay to my New Year’s wishes for you.  Hope you enjoy and have a blessed New Year.

Through the cobwebs of existence – through the darkness of our strife –

Through the dankness of our witness, through the wickedness of life,

Through the deepest, darkest. pits of hell and the helplessness we feel,

Comes a single beam of light from heaven our sinful hearts to heal.

The light grows stronger as we bend to get a closer glance,

but as we reach to touch it, we’re enveloped in a trance,

It’s just within our reach we think, but no matter how we try,

We can’t escape the darkness that consumes us from all sides.

Just when we think that all is lost, relinquishing all hope,

The light erases darkness and through it we can cope,

This little light from Bethlehem became a brilliant star,

that came to earth to save the world from sin’s most deadly scar.

He came in darkness of the night, but His brilliance cannot hide.

We are redeemed by His great might.  He’s always at our side.

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

NEW BEGINNINGS

Posted on December 31, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Opening up a new year like a gift from one now passed.
Searching for solutions for mistakes that have been cast.
Trying hard to change the errors we have skewed.
Looking up with hope again. Our lives will be renewed.

We try – we fail – we try again to reach our simple goals,
But there is nothing we can do to wash our blemished souls.
There is but one clear answer to the darkness here inside.
Just look to Jesus, God’s own Son who for our sins has died.

He came to live among us – to feel the hurt we know.
He left His throne in heaven to dwell on earth below.
He died, but then He rose again to prove He conquered death.
He never leaves our aching hearts. He’s in our every breath.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on NEW BEGINNINGS

TRUST

Posted on December 30, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
WOOD SCULPTURE BY PAUL BOECHER – POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

I lift my hands in confidence that you will hear my prayer,

I wonder what you think of them as I cast all my care,

Up to the heavens where you dwell, where only you can see,

The darkness of this hopeless world, which first you made sin free.

My hands reach out and they must seem so empty in your sight,

I have no gift to offer you, for bringing me your light,

As you look down and I look up, I feel so very small,

You’ve given everything for me, you’ve given me your all.

I thank you for the love you’ve shown, through your own treasured Son,

Through His great sacrifice I live, and with you I am one,

And now I pray with faith and trust that you will hear my prayer,

The doors to heaven open wide for all the world to share.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on TRUST

WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES . . .

Posted on December 30, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Well it’s almost over – 2020 that is. We’re almost elated at the thought of saying goodbye to this year. It was like none other than most of us have experienced in our lifetime – filled with anxiety, fear, depression, insecurity, hopelessness and even death.

The pangs of ending something and beginning something new are often bittersweet, but there wasn’t really a lot one could call sweet about 2020 – or was there? Certainly it was a year of conflict within our own borders. It was a year of change in many ways. It meant giving up a lot of our freedoms and luxuries. It also was a year filled with chaos and disappointment. We could look at 2020 as a year of disaster – one we will have no problem saying goodbye to.

Yesterday, as I listened to our president elect talk about COVID19 and his mission for moving forward, I felt almost a complete lack of hope. Like the governor of my state, it’s going to require even more sacrifice in 2021. We all know that we’re living in the midst of a pandemic. We have adjusted in spite of that. We need a little encouragement right now, not a speech filled with gloom and doom. But I digress.

No matter who is running our country, we are still citizens of the greatest experiment in history – democracy. We learn from our past mistakes. We push forward in the face of disaster and adversity. We are a nation of free thinkers and entrepreneurial spirits. We are used to our freedoms and often resist when we’re told what to do. We are also a nation founded on the principles of the God of our fathers.

We can look back at 2020 as the darkest days ever or we can push ahead with hope and excitement for a new year filled with opportunities, hope and lessons learned. I choose the latter. It doesn’t matter who our leaders are really. It’s who we, the people are. If we continue as a nation under God, it’s all good.

Posted in America | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES . . .

ONLY GOD CAN

Posted on December 29, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ORIGINAL ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Who are we to think we can do what God does,

He created everything,

Forming,

Shaping,

Molding,

Crafting,

Designing,

Each intricate pattern in that creation,

Because of His love for us,

Who do we think we are,

Are we able to instill wisdom in the mind,

Control the climate,

The weather,

The wind,

The storms,

Can we create new life,

Can we discern the aging process,

Can we find a cure for death,

Only God can do that,

And He gives us life everlasting,

Through His own Son,

Because of His love for us.

(God speaking to Job)  Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars and spreads his wings toward the south?  Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up and makes his nest on high?

Job 39:26-27

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

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Posted on December 29, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

  
One of those Christmas songs that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense unless you do a little research – The Twelve Days of Christmas refers to the time between Christmas Day and Epiphany.  

I’ve always wondered what it would be like to receive these gifts and the mess you’d have to clean up after receiving them, not to mention the cacophony that would fill the rafters.

There’s a lot of speculation as to what this carol means, but one thought is that it was a way for children to remember the tenets of the church.

To me the focus should be on the partridge in the pear tree, since it’s mentioned with each additional gift. The “true love” in the song is reference to our One and Only God, who loved us so much more than we deserve.

A Partridge in a Pear Tree – Jesus Christ

Two Turtle Doves – The Old and New Testaments

Three French Hens – The three virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity

Four Calling/Collie Birds – Four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

Five Golden Rings – First five books of the Old Testament

Six Geese-a-Laying – Six days of creation before God’s rest on the seventh day

Seven Swans-a-Swimming – Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit

Eight Maids-a-Milking – Eight Beatitudes

Nine Ladies Dancing – Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit

Ten Lords-a-Leaping – Ten Commandments

Eleven Pipers Piping – Eleven faithful disciples

Twelve Drummers Drumming -Twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.

Gives the song a whole new meaning, doesn’t it?

Posted in Christmas | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

HE SAVED A WRETCH LIKE ME

Posted on December 28, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

One of the things I miss most about not attending church “in person” is singing with my fellow believers in Jesus. This time of year especially is usually filled with songs filled with joy and celebration for the birth of Jesus. One of my favorite hymns is one that shows how God looks at us now, after His Son took on human form and paid the ransom for our souls. That grace truly is amazing. I know that we will sing in church again someday, but now I’m looking forward to singing with angels even more.

“Amazing Grace,” written by Englishman, John Newton, first appeared in print in 1779.  He was a rebellious youth who became a sailor  trafficking in slavery.  The hymn has been a mainstay for funerals for many years.   Legend has it that while crossing a turbulent sea, Newton converted to Christianity. During a storm he was replaced on deck by another sailor who perished in his place.

He continued in the slave trade for 40 years after his conversion, but fought for better conditions for them.  It took him a long time to realize that true freedom for him would only come if he fought for those who were enslaved.  He was later ordained as a minister and became an abolitionist.

We are all somewhat like John Newton.  We see injustice in this world.  We tolerate it for a time.  When we see how great God’s amazing grace is, we start to realize we can no longer accept prejudice, pride, hatred and fear.  Our lives should change when we experience God’s grace.

Grace literally means undeserved love.  We’re all equal in God’s sight.  When He looks at us, He sees sinful wretches, despite what our works may show – but when He looks at us through the payment Jesus made , we are cleansed of that sin..

Not everyone accepts this grace.  Many turn away from it.  There are those that spit on it and say they don’t need it.  It took a long time for Newton to see that real changes needed to be made.  For some it takes a lifetime.  Now is the time to accept God’s gift with thanksgiving and show our gratitude by living for the One who saved us.

When we’ve been here ten thousand years…
bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise…
then when we’ve first begun.

Posted in grace | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

WINTER SNOW

Posted on December 27, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

White was my favorite color when I was just a child,

It made me think of purity, of peace and love gone wild,

The colors of the rainbow are included in white’s glow,

Shades of blue, green, yellow and red infused within the snow,

A blanket of white on the ground at early morning’s rise,

The sun yet has not arisen,  so we still close our eyes,

And when we wake to open them, we’re in for a surprise,

Whiteness of snow is everywhere, what a perfect disguise,

It covers all the dung of life, it cleans up everything,

The snow is like the purity that God alone can bring,

He washes us in His own blood, He makes us white as snow,

So we can stand before His throne, and into heaven go,

The temperatures are falling fast,  winter is surely here,

We’ll remove snow from car windows, we’ll don our winter gear,

Another six months await us, to face another storm,

The thought of going out the door, gives way to staying warm,

We huddle beneath our blankets, put on a pair of socks,

Climb back into our winter beds,  aware that winter rocks,

Especially when you’re retired, and you don’t have to work,

The dreams of staying warm instead, is just another perk.

I need to start appreciating the color white. Fresh, white snow is falling again. It has washed away all the ugliness from the backyard – all those yellow patches. It has covered the remainder of leaves that fell after the last snowfall. It glistens like a field of diamonds.  Its a good reminder of how God has washed us clean from our sins and made us perfect in His sight.

Thank you, God for WHITE!

.

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

THE WINTER OF OUR DISCONTENT

Posted on December 27, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Shakespeare said it first. Steinbeck followed with a book with the title. I kind of like the quote above, because it describes me. When I’ve gone through a time of trial, the best thing for me is to forget about it. I know that we should learn from our testing in this life, but for me, the answer seems to be to simply erase the memory from my data bank.

Who would’ve thought our entire world would have been turned upside down because of a bacteria? Who would’ve thought isolation would be the answer? Who knows whether immunities will form and the vaccines now available will control the spread of the disease?

When the calendar jumped from 2019 to 2020, who would’ve thought old wounds would be front and center again? Who would even suggest defunding the people who are hired to protect us? In a time of peril, why would tempers fester and hatred rise to an all time high? In an election year, there would be mudslinging like no other time. There would be challenge after challenge to the legality of the voting. There would be more rage as our nation divided even further because of it.

With protests raging, kids going to school at home via the Internet, politics getting darker and meaner, all of our entertainment venues were shut down, people lost their jobs and businesses collapsed. What a year!

And now we are in the midst of the winter of our discontent. Will we recover? Will we move on? Will we set aside our differences and work together as a united nation? Will the wounds of the past, become the rage of our future? Will life ever be the same again?

My ability to erase the ugliness of past events may seem like a good thing, but unfortunately in doing so many of my good memories are lost as well. So I don’t recommend this as a solution. We must learn from the past, no matter how difficult it may be.

As we come to the end of a massively difficult year, we need God now more than ever. Let us turn back a couple thousand years ago, when Jesus came to earth as a human baby. Let’s recall the 33 years He spent on this earth. Let’s remember his horrific death to redeem all of us from hell. Let’s rejoice for His resurrection and His promise that we will also rise after death and live with Him eternally.

“Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this son of York;
And all the clouds that low’r’d upon our house
In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.”

Spoken by Richard III in Shakespeare’s play Richard III

Posted in America | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment