THE WONDER OF THE SEASON

Posted on November 29, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

This is the beginning of the holiday season. On December 10, the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah will start. The Christian season of Advent begins today. Both of these seasons involve light. The Menorah is lit, the Christmas lights decorate our trees and houses. It’s time to experience a special, wonderful time.

Hanukkah lasts for eight days and celebrates the re-dedication of the second temple in Jerusalem in 165 BC. Eight candles are lit to symbolize each of the eight days. Christians honor the birth of the light of the world, Jesus, His birth and the promise of the Messiah fulfilled.

When we enter this time of Christ’s birth and the wonder of the season, there is much that’s difficult to understand – angelic announcements to Mary and her betrothed husband, Joseph – a virgin birth – the King of Creation born into poverty in a lowly stable surrounded by animals – a chorus of angels singing praises to God for this amazing event as angels watched in amazement – God and man united and wrapped up in one tiny baby – a fulfillment of so many prophetic messages from the Old Testament, all pointing to the Savior of the world.

By today’s standards this is just a foolish story designed to give people hope in time of trouble. There is no truth – simply a fantasy created by men to lead the masses like sheep.

But it isn’t a fairy tale. It is truth that we can believe with the help of the Holy Spirit, who gives us faith. God created us. He loves us unconditionally, even though we don’t deserve His love. He took on human flesh to become one of us – to experience sadness, pain, anger, poverty and all that life throws at us, yet in all of it, He remained faithful to His heavenly Father. That doesn’t make sense either, does it? To top it off, he submitted to a torturous end, endured the scourge beyond the normal amount of lashes, suffered, was humiliated, spat upon and crucified. He died so that we don’t have to.

When we put reason in the equation, all of it sounds ridiculous. When we believe by faith that every word is true, we have come to understand the wonder of all of it. God’s love is immeasurable. He created a paradise for mankind and wants it for us again.

As we begin this season, let’s not forget who the light of the world truly is. He died, yet he rose from death. We will die too someday. When we place our trust in Him, our death will not be the end of the story, but the beginning of a new adventure. Let the light shine and never forget what that light represents.

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HOW OLD AM I AGAIN?

Posted on November 28, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Acting our age isn’t always possible when you enter your golden years. When you think about it, acting our age is really an impossible task at any age. When we’re born we come out kicking and screaming and when we die, we do much the same thing.

As we reach the end of our journey on this planet, it seems to get more and more difficult to get out of bed each day. With all the challenges facing everyone this year, it’s hard for any of us (no matter what our age) to roll out of the sheets and tackle a new day. Much of our ZIP has been sapped from us in the past ten months. The idea of retreating to peaceful sleep might seem like the only solution.

I’ve decided that aging doesn’t have to be an ending, but more like a fresh start. We may be coming close, but we aren’t dead yet. If we are really honest with ourselves, we might live another twenty or thirty years. I imagine I will resemble a prune if that’s the case. I’m half way there already.

I do believe that each day needs to begin with God time. Whether this be time in meditation or prayer – reflection on the important things in life – writing thoughts down in a journal, we need to meet with our Creator and set the plan for the day. More often than not we instead focus on how WE will tackle the events of every day living. Ending the day in thanksgiving for the blessings we’ve received will also give us time with God. Life in the middle should be the same.

We don’t have to go it alone. What a wonderful thought. Even though it seems that our struggles are insurmountable – our goals unattainable – our dreams unfulfilled, we have the assurance that we don’t have to face life on our own.

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THE FINAL ACT

Posted on November 28, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

 “Last scene of all…Is second childishness and mere oblivion, Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.”  AS YOU LIKE IT, Shakespeare

Every life stage is composed of its own specific pattern,

In infancy, we demand,

We scream,

We cry,

As toddlers, the screaming becomes louder,

Demanding more,

Exploration,

Discover,

Our teen years explode with hormones,

Unleashing grown up passions,

Not yet ready to act upon,

The screams are there,

For different reasons,

You move into adulthood,

Securing your future,

Praying for success,

Driving,

Pushing,

Using every ounce of energy to make it,

To succeed,

To climb the ladder,

To make a difference,

The screams become internal,

Often hidden from others,

Yet still alive,

Middle age carries us into the beginning of aging,

You reach the pinnacle of your life,

You are at the peak,

Success may or may not have touched you,

You look forward to time with family,

Friends,

Hobbies,

Your family is growing too,

They leave the nest,

Your life is transitioning,

From youthful exuberance,

To lonely days,

Your joy turns to sadness,

You have too much time to wallow in the thick of it,

Those internal screams have become,

Weakened,

Tired,

Quieter,

Yet they exist in the recesses of your heart,

You become old,

The bridge leads to your end,

To the finality of life,

To death,

The screams persist,

You fight them,

You grow anxious for heaven,

Your body changes,

No teeth,

Thinning hair,

Body weakness,

Lack of energy,

Lack of everything,

Except for the hope of heaven,

That final destination,

Without tears,

Without aging,

Without pain,

A place where we become new again,

And stay young forever,

Your screams turn into praise,

AMEN!

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AGING WITH A SIDE ORDER OF HUMILITY

Posted on November 27, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

I’m beginning to realize I have a long way to go in accepting the fact that I’m old. I’ve been fighting it for some time. I’m not afraid of the aging process or the limitations it puts on me. It’s not because I’m totally vain and don’t want to see the effects aging has on my body. I know I will never be a size 2. I will never have unwrinkled skin. I will never be able to climb mountains or jump from an airplane and go free falling.

My issues come from the fact that I’m losing some of the simple abilities, like reaching a shelf that’s too high – fear of losing my balance and falling – not being able to do simple tasks which I never thought twice about before. I think men go through this as well, when they finally realize they can’t safely drive a car anymore. It’s like losing control of things that used to define us.

Yesterday was a good example of my frustration. Paul and I celebrated Thanksgiving by first attending church online. The message was inspiring and spoke of not trying to interfere in God’s plans. I was excited to have my husband home for this holiday for the first time in many years.

The day before, I made a cheesecake from scratch. Surprisingly the result was perfect. I followed the recipe to a Tee. All of the cold ingredients were set out to reach room temperature before I started. I fumbled as I cracked the eggs and had to scoop out some random shells. The sugar has been rarely used lately and was lumpy. There were little obstacles along the way – things that never would have caused me concern when I was 65. The cake turned out perfectly. I should’ve been proud of the result, but I wasn’t. I felt I was a failure because the task was such an ordeal for me.

Simple things like finding the right cake pan, having to get down on all fours to retrieve it from the far recesses of the cupboard and then getting back to an upright position, were challenges that never used to get in my way. As I prepared our Thanksgiving feast I had trouble reaching things from high shelves, keeping up with the dishes, making sure things would be just right. The meal turned out fine, but I was feeling sorry for myself for being so incapable.

I wondered how I ever put on a Thanksgiving feast for twelve or more people. I know it may sound silly, but one of the things that has brought me down during this “time out,” is discovering my limitations. And then I thought about that earlier sermon. Even in our aging, God is in control. He walks with us through every aspect of life. He’s there when our bodies start to fail. He holds us up when we have difficulty standing tall. He never leaves us, even in our golden years. From birth unto the grave, God is always there. Even after death, He has prepared a perfect place for us.

I was glad to have my husband with me too, encouraging me to ask him for help when I need it. I have a very stubborn streak and like to be independent, so those could be considered fighting words. He couldn’t understand why I felt incapable. I couldn’t understand why he didn’t understand. It was ridiculous. It should’ve been laughable, but I shed a few tears over it.

I have since decided to heed my husband’s offer to ask for assistance. I will eat a little more humble pie and less cheesecake from now on and start learning to accept this thing called aging with more grace. I know that this world is not my final home and that gives me peace.

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on November 27, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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GIVE GOD THE GLORY

Posted on November 26, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

When we have successes in life, it’s easy to pat ourselves on the back even though the good that has been done really had nothing to do with us.  Our work here on earth is as much of a gift as our redemption.  Whatever we do, should be to the glory of the One who made it possible.

Thank you, Lord, Jesus, for all you have done for us.  May our gratitude be shown through our deeds and help us to remember that all good things come from you. Amen

1 Corinthians 10:31  “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY FRIENDS. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU!

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GOD PROVIDES

Posted on November 25, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Fields of gold rolled into a vast expanse of provision,

God abundantly cares for every living thing,

He sustains those who call upon His name,

He cares for those who don’t,

He controls our coming and our going,

He is in the rising sun at dawn and in its setting at twilight,

Each living creature is under His watchful eye,

His presence, His knowledge, His power are everywhere,

His majesty is beyond our comprehension, His wisdom incomprehensible,

He created all life with intricate design,

Each nerve and fiber having purpose,

He crafted with an artist’s hand and intelligence unknown to us,

He knows our thoughts, our needs, our hopes and goals,

He sees our imperfections and wants to make them right again,

He even provided the solution for our sinful state,

Because He loves us still.

He gives us the victory over death, by allowing us eternal life.

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NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD

Posted on November 25, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

The image today shows the first Thanksgiving and the guests preparing to dig into a great feast from the bounty of their first year in the new world. The current trend is to think of these first pilgrims as invaders, with the idea of possessing land and savagely taking it away from those who were there first. It’s apparent that the newcomers were sitting down to eat and give thanks with their new friends, the natives.

As an old lady, I was taught that we are a nation of immigrants. An immigrant is one who is currently living under difficult pressure by his government, by church, by a feeling of persecution or hardship. Some other words for immigrant – expatriate, settler, evacuee, squatter and refugee. These immigrants endured a treacherous journey to escape the life they left behind to start afresh.

That journey across the ocean was bad enough, but when they arrived in the new land, they had nothing except a strong faith in God and a will to begin a new life. They weathered a difficult winter, disease, death and hardship.

We think about our own situations today – being held under mandates that forbid us to celebrate Thanksgiving as we once did. We live in fear of getting COVID19 and possibly dying from it. We stockpile what we can, so we aren’t left with enough of the essentials, like toilet paper. We hear about friends and acquaintances who are facing the consequences of this disease. We live in a divided country at the moment. Many of our freedoms may be taken away.

Perhaps we should ponder on how good we have it in comparison to our forefathers. We have become accustomed to having much. It is part of our society now to own more than one car, live in a nice house with beautifully landscaped yards, take expensive trips. Yet there is a part of our population that still lives in poverty.

Martin Rinkart ministered to the people of Eilenburg, Germany during the Thirty Years War.  Not only was the town the site of many skirmishes, but many lives were lost due to disease and poverty – a common malady of that time. Rinkart officiated over 4000 funerals, including his wife’s, during this difficult time.  He often buried as many as 50 in a day. Are we living in times like this?

It’s hard to imagine having such a strong faith in such great sadness, but in the next twenty years,  Rinkart penned the lyrics to the hymn, “Now Thank We All Our God.”  The words resonate with gratitude even in adverse situations.

God dishes out great bounty even when everything seems hopeless and bleak.  We don’t always see the blessings, but God is good and His mercy endures forever – even when times are tough.  Especially when things look their darkest.

Now thank we all our God
with heart and hands and voices,
who wondrous things has done,
in whom his world rejoices;
who from our mothers’ arms
has blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God
through all our life be near us,
with ever joyful hearts
and blessed peace to cheer us,
to keep us in his grace,
and guide us when perplexed,
and free us from all ills
of this world in the next.

All praise and thanks to God
the Father now be given,
the Son and Spirit blest,
who reign in highest heaven
the one eternal God,
whom heaven and earth adore;
for thus it was, is now,
and shall be evermore.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  MAY GOD’S LOVE ABOUND IN YOUR LIVES.  HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.

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WHAT MATTERS IN LIFE?

Posted on November 24, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

When you’ve lived as long as I have you soon realize that things don’t last forever.  In our many years of married life, we’ve gone through several couches, mattresses, appliances and countless sheets and towels that hung on until they were merely a mass of shreds.   Things wear out – just like we do – and most of the time they fall apart before us.

Looking at my furniture I see leather that has seen better days – fabric that has torn – faded colors.  I also see permanent dents where someone special sat – all the fun family gatherings that took place – the contentment provided after a long day of hard work.  I also realize it doesn’t have a life of its own, but the events and people that used it did.

The stuff in our lives can serve a purpose, but the minute we become consumed with those things we’ve lost sight of what’s really important.  We come into this world with nothing and we leave in the same way.  Our belongings remain and are distributed among our families, donated to someone or simply thrown away, but they are of no use to us.

The only real treasure we can count on is the one promised to us by the Son of God.  When He told His followers He was going to prepare a place for them, He was painting a picture of the true paradise that awaits all of us when we put our trust in Him instead of material things

Dear Lord, you have provided for all my worldly needs.  There were times when I wondered if we’d be able to pay the bills or have enough food to eat, but you always took care of us.   You not only have nourished us physically, but you have provided eternal life for us – a life free from worry and want.  Thank you for all that you do for me.  Your mercy endures forever.  Amen!

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THANKSGIVING THOUGHT

Posted on November 24, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

November 24 I am thankful for chaos, because out of it comes order – when in the hands of the Creator of the universe. Trust in the Lord always and lean not on your own understanding.

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WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS

Posted on November 23, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

A couple of weeks ago, when it was still in the 50s, our granddaughter came over and retrieved our Christmas decorations from the attic in our garage. Both of us have resigned ourselves to not do any ladder climbing now that we’re getting older – although I know my husband still considers himself a mountain goat. I on the other hand am prone to falling down a lot, even when I’m not elevated.

I still recall days when we’d put all three of our kids in the car, bundled up in snow suits, caps, mittens, scarves and boots and go out of town to cut down a tree. Paul, the outdoors man was always game for an outing like this. He’s also an artist, so the perfect tree was his ultimate goal, and in freezing temperatures, the search became almost an obsession. We’d eventually find one, Paul and our son, Bob would cut it down and we’d head home for some hot chocolate and lots of warming up. In time, the adventure turned into a task and we gave it up. We even gave way to an artificial tree as time went on. Now we have a little two footer which requires very few ornaments. So much for tradition.

I distributed our many prized ornaments to my two daughters and soon to be daughter in law last year. So our Christmas decorating requires less work now, but we have to do it at a much slower pace. I never before would put decorations up until after Thanksgiving. This year I feel it’s mandatory. This year has been full of gloom and doom – impatience and anger – indecision and poor decision making – fear and unrest – injustice and so much more. If we ever needed a little Christmas, it’s right now.

We need to muster up those feelings of hope and promise that the Christmas season brings and if it means putting some red and green around the house, that’s what we’ll do. We’ll also start focusing on the true meaning of the season -how God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.

Thanksgiving will have its restrictions. Meals will be less elaborate. There will be no Black Friday shopping except on the internet. The huge gatherings will have limited numbers of guests. It won’t be like any Thanksgiving we’ve experienced in my lifetime, but what a time for reflection. We can put our attention on the amazing story of God’s love – the infant God/man in a lowly manger – angels singing praises to God in heaven – a bright star that led to the light of the world.

Thanksgiving is like a precursor to the Christmas season. This year we can use a lot of it.

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THANKSGIVING SPELLED OUT

Posted on November 22, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

  • T – I am thankful for TURKEY. This year I’ll be preparing a turkey dinner for two. I am so thankful to be celebrating this day with my husband. This year he is NOT hunting in Wisconsin.
  • H – I am thankful for HEAVEN – As my years draw to a close, I look more and more forward to this eventual place I will inhabit.
  • A – I am thankful for ABUNDANCE – Every day is a gift of bounty from the Lord.  In times of sadness, fear and loss or times of joy, good times and peace, I know that God has blessed my life abundantly and the best is yet to come.
  • N – I am thankful for my NATION – I live in a country in which we are free to express our opinions, worship as we please, work together to defend and preserve her.  I’m proud to be an American.
  • K – I am thankful for the KIND HEARTED– Those who protect our city streets, who tend to our illnesses, take care of those less fortunate, defend our country and do so because they want to.
  • S – I am thankful for my SAVIOR who SACRIFICED Himself for my SALVATION.
  • G – I am thankful for God’s Word, the Bible, the instruction manual for how to live.
  • I – I am thankful for ISOLATION, the time of reflection that God has given us through this pandemic – a time to put our priorities in place.
  • V – I am thankful for VICTORY OVER DEATH, won by Jesus.
  • I – I am thankful for the INDWELLING OF GOD through His Holy Spirit.
  • N – I am thankful for NORMALITY.  When I see what’s happening in our world, I wonder what normal is.  I would hope that it included morality, love, kindness, the example of Jesus as a guide, stability, honesty, value for life, service for God, lack of greed and conceit.
  • G – I am thankful for GOD – my Creator, Savior & King.
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THANKSGIVING MEMORIES

Posted on November 22, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

The day we determine to give thanks for all our blessings has often signaled the beginning of the Christmas season with thoughts of how much money we can save by going shopping the day after we fill our bellies with tasty treats and overdose on football games.

Some of my fondest memories of Thanksgiving didn’t really come from the amount of food or the obvious bounty, but the actual gathering of friends and relatives – the hugs – the conversation – the laughter. This year will be different. Yet, this is still a time for giving thanks.

Last week I asked the question, “What do we have to be thankful for?” We’ve been mandated to wear masks, to limit the number of guests we invite into our homes, order our food from outside, social distance and basically be unhappy during this time which is normally dedicated to a feeling of gratitude. Many of the population will be isolated this Thanksgiving. Many will take a chance and hope to beat the odds by having the usual feast and pray there are no repercussions. Some will take it all in stride while others will complain and fuss.

So really, in all of this what do we have to be thankful for? Many of our rights have been stripped away. Our churches will be empty. Our tables will not be as full. Our Christmas shopping will be done online. All of this will occur with a sense of the unknown laying at the end of each day. A time of year when sensitivity runs rampant, when feelings of loneliness and loss fills hearts, when the additional stress of a pandemic and an unresolved election, we find it difficult to see the good in any of it.

Still, we have the promises of our eternal God. He loves us so much that He’s provided for our salvation. There is no cost on our part. He alone is the reason we have a place reserved in heaven. We have access to the King of Creation because of His great love for us – an undeserved love which we don’t merit. This year of what seems to be a collection of challenges that would normally be insurmountable, doesn’t have to be that way. We might need this kind of wake up call to realize what’s really important to us. If that becomes the result, we have so much to be thankful for – even in the year 2020.

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THANKFUL FOR GOD’S WORD

Posted on November 21, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

When I was thirteen, I became a confirmed child of God. I’d taken all the necessary classes pertaining to the tenets of my church. I went through an examination and had to memorize several Bible passages, which made it possible to stand with other kids my same age, in white robes before the altar of God and become full members of His family. It was another way of expressing my faith, without really having experienced much of life.

One of the gifts I received was a white, leather covered Bible, with gold edged pages. I was so thrilled to have my very own special Bible. It even had my name engraved on the front, truly insuring the fact that I was a child of God. That Bible was my mainstay through my high school years. I used it in the religion classes I had daily in a Christian school. I opened it from time to time when I was confronted with a problem and didn’t know how to solve it. I turned to it during my college years too, but it eventually lost its brilliant white cover and the golden pages had been dog eared into oblivion.

Over the years I’ve had a number of Bibles. Some were purchased as a new translation came out. Some were easier to understand when not in the King James’ English. Some had footnotes describing the historical setting, the tradition, the original meaning of various words. I’ve given Bibles as gifts. I’ve used the Bible as a resource for many of my blog posts. I’ve found some new lesson in words that applied to my life in a different way from the last time I read them.

When my mother-in-law passed away, one of her prized possessions was the leather bound Bible she had made use of so many times in her life. By now it had become tattered and torn, with many notations in the empty spaces. Well into her eighties, she found so much refuge in that book. The words written there have been revised over the centuries, but the truth remains the same.

God’s Word is the greatest thing we can pass down from generation to generation. Within the pages, we have examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, with God at their side. We see typical human beings going through difficult situations and being able to endure them with God’s help. We see the greatest story of love ever told through God’s compassion for His creation – us. His undeserved kindness is woven meticulously throughout..

When I think about things that I’m thankful for, the Bible is at the top of the list, because it’s God’s way of communicating with me on a personal basis. It also gives me hope that death holds no fear for me. I have eternity in paradise to look forward to.

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WHAT DO WE HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR?

Posted on November 20, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

I consider myself to have been richly blessed with many special acquaintances on this planet. Of course my family is number one – my husband, my three children and their better halves along with their children and countless pets. I’ve also been given the friendship of classmates in school, co-workers, students and a whole big church community.

Why shouldn’t I be thankful? Why shouldn’t I be filled with gratitude? When you measure life with the number of people in it, you aren’t always being realistic. When times get tough, you often find out who your real friends are. Those who stick with you when you’re down and out – who aren’t just along for a free ride – those who genuinely care about you.

There were days when I didn’t think I had a friend in the world. I felt the pressure of my peers to be a certain way, to dress to fit the mold, to fit in. In my efforts to please everyone else, I compromised myself. I made mistakes which I would eventually regret, but at the time it seemed right.

Now as I get closer to the end of my years, I can look back and thank God for putting obstacles in my way, so that I would learn how to deal with them in the future. He allowed sadness to overtake me when loved ones passed before their time. He showed me how hard it was to live on little, yet He also showered me with earthly treasures and then brought me back to reality by letting that pass and showing me what was really important.

I think we all face times of complete emptiness, when we think we’re alone in our battles. That time can lead us to self inflicted pain, anxiety and even thoughts of the world being a better place without us. I’ve felt that way a few times over this life span of mine.

We live in a world filled with unknowns and indecision – conflict – anger, hate, division – corruption, lies, politics as usual and a pandemic that seems to be touching everyone. All of that is enough to make a normally cheerful person, feel like crawling under a rock and hiding forever.

I often feel like Solomon – chasing the wind. Both my husband and I are artists. I can still hear my dad saying, “Why don’t you get a real job?” Most folks would think we’re chasing the wind and perhaps we are. Still I feel that even though we can no longer physically enrich the world with brain or brawn, we can fill the desire for beauty and words that will encourage and inspire.

Besides that we do have an everlasting friend, who will not let us down. Who will be available 24/7. Who will provide answers when we feel lost or alone. Who will love us unconditionally and want only what’s best for us. What a friend we have in Jesus.

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IN HIS MERCY, HE HEARS MY PRAYER

Posted on November 20, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ART  & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Arms raised, reaching up to heaven,

Pleading for forgiveness, longing for deliverance,

Eyes surveying heaven’s darkest recesses,

Mind in turmoil, pain and agony,

Out of the depths I cry to you, oh, Lord.

Release me from the sin that clings to me,

The weight of those transgressions rests on His burdened shoulders,

The sting of death pierces His side,

He dies taking every sin to the grave,

Death is swallowed in victory,

My tears fall no more, except for tears of joy,

My arms rise to heaven again,

This time in grateful thanksgiving,

My deliverance has come and the darkness remains no more,

No more pain or anguish,

The agony died on a cross with my Savior,

My sins lay in ashes and are forgiven,

No more will I fear death or hell,

The price has been paid, the ransom fulfilled,

Eternal life waits and I have reason to look forward to it.

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on November 20, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
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WHAT DO WE HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR?

Posted on November 19, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

This Thanksgiving will certainly be different. Our governor has put additional restrictions on our gathering because of the recent spike in COVID19. I know this is hard for most of us, but it’s just another glitch in a year that seems to want to take away our joy. Instead of feeling sad about this, we need to take a look at the lighter side of this holiday. Is there a lighter side?

I suppose if you believe every conspiracy theory out there right now, you’re having a lot of problems with the restrictions. If, on the other hand, you are one of those who has contracted the disease or one who must serve in the front lines fighting it, you might think differently. In any event, this time of thanksgiving shouldn’t be limited to one day. Every day we need to find something to be thankful for. Can you think of 365 things?

A few years ago, my husband and I downsized from a house twice as large as the one we’re now living in. We spent 24 years in that house. One of the highlights of those 24 years was the appearance of a gang of wild turkeys who made their appearance from time to time. We called them the Johnson Street turkeys. Here’s a piece I wrote about them.

When this time of year rolls around, I can’t help but be reminded of a gang of turkeys that lived in our old neighborhood.  A group of turkeys is actually called a rafter or a gang, so the Johnson Street Turkeys were aptly named. They resembled a gang of hoodlums, strutting down the street – showing off their metallic plumage – displaying their ample size.  These birds were known to cross the street on a green light.  At least they were a law abiding gang.

Not too long ago, I saw another rafter of wild turkeys slowly making their way off the exit ramp of the highway which happens to sit right behind our house.  Had they followed me?  Did it actually take them two years to discover that I’d moved?  I know they were well liked by the folks of my old neighborhood.  A local newspaper even wrote an article about the blatantly, emboldened flock which ran after the mailman and trash trucks.

They didn’t do much damage, as you’d expect from a gang of ne’er do wells, but they ate all of my expensive cocoa mulch.   They were also known to nibble on gravel near the railroad tracks, which happened to be situated right near the local butcher shop.  My husband saw one unsuspecting bird catching some rays one day as the butcher was coming at him with a cleaver.  We never saw the results of the incident, but refused to buy poultry from that shop ever again.

Where are all the activists when it comes to this holiday of overeating?  Where are the “save the turkeys” folks with their signs of protest?  When you think of all the frozen turkeys sitting in your grocery store’s freezer case, think of all those birds who gave their lives so you could have a piece of white meat.  I may just become a vegetarian after that rant.

“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence”. Erma Bombeck

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IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS

Posted on November 18, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Give thanks to the Lord for His creation,
In His hands all things came into existence.

The trees perfectly designed and crafted to bring shade, comfort, and shelter,
The seas in all their majesty, blown into place by His breath,
Abundant with life, food for our stomachs and beauty to behold
The sky is filled with the voice and color of His paintbrush,
A glimmering sunset, a rainbow of promise, clouds to gather the tears of man.


The secret places are His also, He formed great mountains from formless clay,
He carved the crevices from steely granite, penciled in the lines,
Washed the canvas with water, tweaked, punched, chiseled,
He created every living thing,
Formed from nothing into intricately executed works of art,
Giving the first man a likeness of Himself,
And the first woman taken from the ribs of the man,
To forever be a part of him.

God is the Creator of all things,
Let us praise Him and thank Him for His wondrous gifts,
And remind us that He created us to be the caretakers of His creation.

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WHAT HAVE WE GOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR

Posted on November 18, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

There are days when we don’t feel very thankful. Instead of being grateful for 8 months of time to take a serious look at our lives – to contemplate new and ingenious ways to do things – to be alive and not yet suffering from the thing that caused us to be isolated, we have grown frustrated, angry, anxious, and impatient. So what do we have to be thankful for?

We may believe our government is trying to control everything in our lives. We may even blame our elected officials for trying to interfere with our holiday gatherings. We are feeling cheated from some of our most treasured traditions. So what do we have to be thankful for?

I’m concerned for my fellow man – the one who relies on his income from the small business he’s invested his life into. My heart aches for the kids who will not have all the memories of a senior year. I am saddened by all of the lives that have been physically affected by this disease. I want to sing in church again. I want to hug my relatives and friends. I want to laugh with them, cry with them, share with them and love them as I used to do. So what is there to be thankful for?

It seems when things are out of control, our thoughts often turn inward. We can’t help how we feel, yet this whole year has been filled with disaster after disaster and we can’t come to grips, because we have absolutely no control over it. The greatest frustration is not being able to solve a problem immediately. We’ve grown so accustomed to instant results, we can’t understand why it’s taking so long. So what is there to be thankful for?

Instead of blaming the president, the governors and others, let’s turn to the one who never disappoints. God’s timing is not always instantaneous, even though He could wipe COVID off the map with just one word. His reasoning is not like ours. Perhaps He’s allowing this time for us to reflect on what’s really important. Is it on our needs or the needs of others? Is it on our desires, our wants, our stuff? Is it all about us? So what is there to be thankful for?

And what about the addict – the homeless – those suffering with mental or terminal illness. What have they got to be thankful for? We often sit in our comfortable lives feeling sorry for ourselves, but there is an entire population of those suffering in poverty, loss and hopelessness. There is an opportunity there. One which will not only bless them, but those who reach out to them.

I woke up this morning. God has preserved my life for another day, now how can I serve Him? I may not have much money, but I have enough to live on. How can I share my abundance with others? I don’t know what tomorrow will hold, but I know that God is in control of all of it. I know that this world will crumble, but God’s kingdom will remain. I need to share that good news with someone. That’s something to be thankful for.

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