HEY, ANGEL OF THE LORD

Posted on December 17, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

If you’ve ever read, “The Best Christmas Pageant, Ever!” by Barbara Robinson, you’ll remember how the nativity was portrayed by the five Herdman children –  the worst kids in town.  The only reason they came to Sunday School was for the snacks.

Gladys, the youngest, wanted to play the part of the Angel of the Lord, because she figured it was the best part.  After all – out of nowhere – there she was in the middle of everything – Shazam!  Kind of like a super hero with magical powers.

It makes me wonder who was the Angel of the Lord anyway?  How do you refer to this angel?  Do you simply call her “Angel of the Lord.”  Do you greet her by saying, “How’s it going, Angel of the Lord?”

As this story unfolds we see a little family who has been deserted by their father and their mother works two jobs to keep them alive.  They are well known by the welfare department as well as the police and fire departments.  This tight knit group of hooligans is bound together tightly and the Christmas story is new to them, but it kind of fits their lifestyle.

Jesus was born in a difficult time – in poverty – in a time in history filled with sin and corruption.  His little family was cast aside by relatives, who thought Mary and Joseph had betrayed their premarital vows of chastity.  They had no money, no one to turn to and yet they faithfully carried out the work God.

There are many families who struggle through life like that today..  They try to make ends meet.  They sometimes take the wrong path in life and get in trouble, but we know that Jesus didn’t come into this world to save the good guys.  Actually there’s no such thing.  We all share that commonality of inherited sin. In the midst of family trouble, there is hope.  We know that even though we have sinful, guilty hearts, Jesus became a human to take our place – to be the final sacrifice for sin.  We all have been gifted with that.  No matter what our plight in this life, we’ve been given a life assurance policy from the Son of God.

Angels don’t speak to us today like they did before the Bible was actually written, but if they did, you can bet we’d sit up and take notice.  Still I wonder what it would be like to talk to the Angel of the Lord.  Someday, I’ll get the chance.

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WALKING IN THE LIGHT

Posted on December 16, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

The above painting is not one of Paul’s. I found it on the Internet, but it beautifully expresses how Jesus invites us to walk with Him in the light. He is the light of the world.

There is no way that darkness can overtake light completely.  Sure it can move in and start to consume what light is there, but there will always remain a tiny spark.  On the other hand, when light is inserted into darkness, the darkness disappears entirely.

When Jesus referred to Himself as the Light of the World, He wasn’t just speaking metaphorically.  His words spoke volumes about who He is.  He came into a world filled with darkness and continues to consume that murkiness through His Holy Word.

When the ugliness of this world overtakes us – when we face difficult times that draw us into the blackness of hopelessness – when our hearts become tarnished with the evil of this world – when we succumb to depression – all the light seems to be sapped out of us.  Still a small glimmer within the recesses of our souls cannot be snuffed out unless we have so hardened our hearts against it.

Let that light grow again.  Return to the Lord, who is the source of all light.  Let His light shine in you in all that you do.  Light will always trump darkness.  It already has!

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SHINING BRIGHT

Posted on December 15, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

A light streams through resistant clouds.  It brings a glimpse of heaven.

As once in darkness bathed in shrouds, it’s filled with hope once given.

The light came forth in darkness, so many years ago.

And shone upon the Son of God, in humble manger low.

He could have come in glory, with angels at His side,

but humility is what He chose, when with us He’d abide.

Oh, sweet and loving Jesus.  You came to give us life.

You promised to be with us in all our earthly strife.

You walked alone to Calvary and hung upon a tree –

You suffered pain and shed your blood.  You did it all for me.

How can I thank you, Jesus, for bringing me Your light?

Use me and let me praise you, through all Your Holy Might!

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OUR CHRISTMAS CARD TO YOU

Posted on December 15, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A light dusting of powdered sugar snow glistens in the light coming from an old country church.  The streets are empty now after the hustle and bustle within this tiny town.  On this holy of holiest nights, people find their way into a building they haven’t visited in quite a while.    Lights and music pour from every window.

A homeless man huddles in the darkness. Dare he enter the sanctuary? He isn’t dressed in the festive clothes of those inside. His body stinks – hair uncombed – fragrance of cheap wine. He believes this is no place for someone like him on Christmas Eve – especially the house of God. Of course there are many inside that most likely reserve their church going to this one evening a year. A young, single mother wonders if she will fit in. Many of those dressed in their finest, think more of their appearance than the reason for being there.

In a world of darkness and gloom, is there room for the Son of God?  Will He even be noticed?  The Light of the World lay quietly in a manger, yet he beckons each and everyone – inside and out – to come and see this gift from God. Jesus, Christ was born for all.  He died for all.  He remains with us always.  He wants us to come to His house and worship Him.  Not just today, but throughout the year.  What a privilege.  Come, let us worship the King.  Let us kneel down to the Lord of our salvation.

He didn’t come in glory on that first Christmas Day.
His palace was a lowly place. His bed was made of hay.
His servants were the angels, the shepherds came to pray.
The Magi came from far away their richest gifts they did lay.
He will return to judge the world, in glory beyond measure,
His promises will be fulfilled. He is our greatest treasure.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY BLOGGING FRIENDS FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

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THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Posted on December 14, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Our lives on earth are temporal – a whisper hushed and still,

We’re placed here by the Father’s hand and through His mighty will,

He guides us through the depths of pain, He takes our hand and leads,

He washes all our sin away and cares for all our needs,

When faced with darkness, fear and loss, He lifts us in His arms,

Protecting us from Satan’s wiles, his misery and charms,

When life becomes to hard to bear, He takes our cares away,

He gives us hope, He shelters us, to see another day,

So turn to Him upon this day, when all seems lost and gone,

Rejoice in His unending love, replenished every dawn

And when that final day arrives and death knocks at the door,

Our tears will never overpass, the glory that’s in store.

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GOING HOME

Posted on December 13, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

We have all experienced one of the most interesting, challenging, life changing years in our history. Not only have we been cut off from our families and friends, we’ve been asked to honor this holiday season by being kind to our fellow men and staying away from them. This goes against the grain of many, but isn’t it what Christmas represents?

When Jesus gave up His throne in heaven, He didn’t ask why. He did so with a willing heart and a forgiving spirit. He was more than eager to make the ultimate sacrifice because of His love for humanity.

Men have marveled for centuries over the bounty of beautiful places within our borders.  The mountain men of old, explorers, adventurers, men of industry all had a part in the development of our National Parks, but God was the Originator, Designer and Craftsman, Creator of all of it.  How anyone cannot see that it took one of superior intelligence, wisdom, genius, engineering and artistic ability to put it in place? Imagine how amazing it was before sin came into play.

John Muir spent the greater part of his life exploring the wilderness.  Raised in a strict religious family, with a preacher father that demanded him to memorize the entire Bible, may have led him to look for a different lifestyle.  Maybe it was a rebellious spirit that drove him to the great outdoors.  Besides I think God can even use a rebellious spirit to bring us the truth. 

Listening to the voice of God as it roars in a raging waterfall, hearing the birds chirping the dawn of a new day, standing on the edge of a deep canyon or mountain and feeling God’s presence in the wind, rain and sunshine – these are all things that bring us closer to Him.

Now, here comes the “but” to the whole “making nature your house of worship” ideology.  I get it that we live in an ugly world and to escape to natural places is healing, but it’s just a temporary fix.  Hugging a tree isn’t going to wash away our sins, unless that tree is the cross.  Dipping our toes in an icy stream won’t bring support and encouragement from fellow Christians.  We still have to face the day to day drudgery of living. 

We are currently worshipping in a completely new way. We have been somewhat restricted from attending our houses of worship, but it is just for a little while. If we had a forty year time in the wilderness ahead of us, would we moan and groan even more? Of course we would.

We can find a place to worship anywhere.  The quietest prayers are always heard.  The smallest closet can be as effective as a huge tabernacle.  Peaceful moments in nature can salve an injured spirit, but the true healing comes from God’s own words to us in the Bible. Open it. Read it. Ear mark the pages and make notes in the margins. Ransack it. It is food for life, no matter how it’s served.

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OVER THE MEADOW

Posted on December 12, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER

Over the meadow and through the woods, through wind and sleet and snow,

We’d bundle up tight, fill up the car and off to Wisconsin we’d go,

The roads were quite slippery, the vision unclear, but still we scurried along,

For Christmas was near and soon we would join in merriment and song.

There’s nothing like a car filled to the brim with kids, two parents and dog,

The eight hour drive would turn into ten when we encountered the fog,

Perseverance prevailed, we made it at last – to arms opened up wide,

Each hug filled us all with great happiness so we soon forgot the ride.

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END OF ANOTHER WEEK

Posted on December 12, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Lord,  Your name is above all others. Your kingdom includes me and all who believe in You.  I honor you and stand in awe of your holiness.  I don’t deserve to be in Your presence.  You say a word and Your will is done.  You open the heavens and the rains and snow fall.  You speak and the sun rises to meet each day.  You control all of creation and see that everything runs in accordance with Your wisdom.

Your loving hands have once again embraced and protected me this week.  You’ve shielded me when I needed to fend off the evil thoughts of daily existence.  You’ve been the armor I need to keep the penetrating arrows of sin at bay. You’ve restored my health and even when I wonder if my last breath is drawing near, You continue to sustain me.

You provide all I need to stay alive and be prepared for death.  As each day passes and my concerns shift to the cares of this world, I turn to You and You are there.  You have given me the talents and gifts to survive, but you also provide me with the luxury of your Holy Word and guide for my life.

Help me forgive those that cause so much harm in this world.  As heinous as their crimes may seem, I’m really no different.  I’ve fallen short and deserve your punishment, but still You look beyond my sin and at the face of the One who has redeemed me.

I know temptation is everywhere, but I also realize that you have the power to lead me from it.  Keep me from evil thoughts, words and deeds and always in the protection of Your mighty wings.

I pray this with confidence that Your Son has given me the victory through His death and resurrection and that Your Spirit lives within me so I can share this glorious news with others.

AMEN!

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OH, CHRISTMAS TREE!

Posted on December 11, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Poor Charlie Brown. His search for the perfect Christmas tree often left a lot to be desired, but his spirit for the season never waivered. When I think about my own childhood, I recall always waiting until the last minute for my dad to bring home the last tree on the lot, because he could get a deal on it. The smell of evergreen didn’t exactly permeate our home and the few remaining branches on that skeleton of its former self resembled Charlie’s tree. It would be up to me and my sister to turn it into something worthwhile to look at.

Dad would sit in his chair, with his watchful eye focused on each ornament we placed. He was extremely critical from his vantage point. “Put more tinsel over there,” he’d shout. “It needs more lights on the top.” It always amazed me that it turned into something beautiful in the end. There’s something magical about Christmas and trimming the tree is one of them.

When our own family was old enough to hike into the woods, we’d bundle everyone up and pile into the car on our quest for the perfect tree. My husband the artist also had a critical eye and wanted only the best for his family. So we searched – and searched – and searched some more. By the time the perfect specimen was located, everyone but our fearless leader had icicles hanging from their noses. I must admit, the tree was always amazing. The scent of those pine branches, brought a little of the outdoors into our living room. The dog even examined it to see if it was a suitable tree, but didn’t seem to mind that there was a tree inside the house.

Eventually the tree cutting became more of a chore than fun. Our annual tradition gave way to an artificial tree. Still the idea of braving the elements didn’t much appeal to any of us, except our own personal Paul Bunyan.

Over the years, we have replaced the artificial tree a few times. We’ve placed the last one outside for our birds to enjoy and now have a little Charlie Brown tree. Traditions change over time, but the true message of the season never does. Jesus was born and laid in a manger, hewn from a tree. He worked as a carpenter alongside His stepdad, creating pieces of furniture out of trees. Eventually, He carried the cross beams of his execution which were made from the wood of a tree.

If we think about it, the whole reason for His coming to earth as true man/true God, was because of a tree.

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on December 11, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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SPIRITS OF CHRISTMAS – PART III

Posted on December 10, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

“The Phantom slowly, gravely, silently, approached. When it came near him, Scrooge bent down upon his knee; for in the very air through which this Spirit moved it seemed to scatter gloom and mystery. It was shrouded in a deep black garment, which concealed its head, its face, its form, and left nothing of it visible save one outstretched hand.  It thrilled Scrooge with a vague uncertain horror, to know that behind the mask there were eyes staring at him.” 

In the story of Scrooge and his transformation, we come to the end of his dream, where he is met by the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Be.  It is what we will all face at one point or another in our lives – that moment when death grips us with its infallible strength.  Any choice or hope of clinging to the life we once had is now gone.

We always seem to imagine the end of life as being filled with darkness – the Grim Reaper reaching out to carry us to the grave and the end.  Scrooge is reminded through his journey of the fragility of life as he witnesses the illness which is overtaking Tiny Tim.  He looks death in the eye as he’s pointed to his own gravestone.  It’s the end of our being – so we’ve been told.  The world would like us to believe that there is no more, once you die, but we are assured that life goes on even beyond death. 

This is the time where we see the effect of Scrooge’s dream.  In his former state, he was nothing but a miserly, crabby, unhappy and dying man, but he’s been given a second chance.  It’s not his time to die.  Like us, when we feel our lives are over, you can bet that God still has stuff for us to do.  We can’t determine our own demise.  We can’t decide where we will be in ten years.

What would you do, if you were given an extension on your life, just at the moment you thought that it would soon end?  Would you rejoice, as Scrooge did, at the news that he was still alive?  Would you try to amend your old ways and redeem yourself?  Would you spend all your fortune on helping the poor or doing good for others, or would you squander every last cent on your own pleasure?  Scrooge managed to do all of that, because he had the opportunity to meet death at his grave site.

As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, who paid the price of our redemption completely, let’s stop and take a breath.  Remember what a great gift salvation is for us.  Share that blessed gift with others – don’t hoard it for yourself and those you love. The world needs to know that God loves them more than they can imagine.

“Then I saw the sinful buried, who used to go in and out of the holy place. They are soon forgotten in the city where they did this. This also is for nothing. Because a sinful act is not punished in a hurry, so the hearts of the sons of men are given completely over to sin.  Even though a sinner does sinful things a hundred times and lives a long time, still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, and let others know they fear God.             ECCLESIASTES 8:10-12

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LITTLE TREASURES

Posted on December 9, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ART & INSPIRATION by PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

When we moved into our new “old” house four years ago, these little treasures went undiscovered for two Christmases. Paul had meticulously carved chunks of wood into these special Santas and I have enjoyed displaying them over the years. We no longer have a lovely mantel like we did in our old home, but still, the thought of their being lost in the move was hard to handle.

In the Summer of 2019, before anyone heard of COVID19, Paul discovered an unopened box in the garage attic. There, nestled among tissue paper, were the Santas none the worse for wear. We were able to display them last year and have decided to keep them on permanent display in our house.

Of course we don’t believe in Santa Claus, but we do love what he represents – the spirit of Christmas. This year, more than ever, we need more of that spirit. It doesn’t come packages in ribbons and bows, but the true spirit was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.

Let’s never lose track of that amazing message. Never let it get lost in transition or in any other way. Keep it alive throughout the year and make it readily accessible.

“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosover believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

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SPIRITS OF CHRISTMAS – PART II

Posted on December 9, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
Kenneth Moore_Scrooge_1970

The second ghost to appear to Scrooge, is the Ghost of Christmas Present.  He’s dressed in green, fur lined robes and a candle lit crown of holly and ivy rests on his head.  His purpose is to further point out the sins of Scrooge and lead him to repentance.

As with most stories of old, the protagonist and antagonist are clearly depicted.  We might look at Scrooge as the villain, but he’s really the hero of this story, because he changes his life around, during this evening of dreams and ghostly presentation. Learning the true meaning of Christmas and Christian charity.

This ghost, like the first, takes him on a journey of his current surroundings – showing him the affluent celebrating the holiday with their Figgie Pudding and enormous table of treats, while the poor celebrate, with their meager gifts in poorly heated and lit homes. There was no middle class – just the haves and have-nots.  All around the city, he’s observing celebration and joy, yet he feels completely separated from it.  When they visit the Cratchit house, Scrooge notices Tiny Tim’s crutch standing near the fireplace and suddenly realizes the magnitude of this family’s suffering.  His heart is beginning to melt like the icicles which have collected upon the roof.  He wonders if the boy will live. He’s actually concerned for his welfare.  This poor family seems to possess as much as those who have the luxury of spending a fortune on their Christmas meal.  They have not been blessed with wealth, but they have the true love of family and being connected.

The spirit then shows Scrooge two emaciated children, hiding under his robe.  The boy is named Ignorance and the girl named Want.  This part of the story depicts the social message as the ghost declares to Scrooge, “Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased.”  Once again, Scrooge’s conscience is put to the test.

I think the message of this portion of the story is that Christmas is not about our giving, but of the greatest gift ever.  Even those who didn’t have much to share, were willing to do so.  The true joy of Christmas is sharing in the greatest gift to all humanity – the birth of our Savior.

The Ghost of Christmas past will live one more day – the future takes over – we think of our own repentance.  We see our sinful selves and how we’re being devoured by sin.  Our hearts are laid bare before God.  Since the wages of sin are death, we feel complete loss until we realize that God has actually taken it on Himself to solve the problem.

He did this by sending His own flesh and blood to live with us and experience all the things we do, but remained sinless.  Through Jesus, we are sure of heaven and all its blessings.  Even the Scrooges among us have been saved.

STAY TUNED FOR PART THREE – THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS YET TO BE.

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SPIRITS OF CHRISTMAS – PART ONE

Posted on December 8, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

It seems that some of the world’s greatest literature includes a ghost or two.  In Shakespeare’s work, the protagonist is often confronted with ghosts.  Spirits are sometime seen as evil or forces from the devil.  Some might be portenders of future events.  Some ghosts fill our dreams, our thoughts and our imaginations.

In the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, as told by Charles Dickens, ghosts lead this wealthy man through the past, present and future and help him see the mistakes he’s made – the state of the world outside his own and how he can change the course of his life. He is first confronted by the ghost of his dead business partner, warning him of what lies ahead if he continues on the same path Marley forged in life.

The ghost of Christmas past is met next.  How many times, especially during the holidays, do we dwell on past Christmases?  We may have adopted several traditions over the years and become disappointed when they are glazed over by something else.  We may look at those old memories and wonder why we can’t have it like it was way back when.  The truth is, time marches on.  New traditions are formed.  New ways of celebrating the birth of Christ happen.  Just as generation after generation has difficulty understanding the new one, we all tend to think that nothing can take the place of what once was.

Scrooge is swept away by the Ghost of Christmas Past to the early years of his life – years filled with ambition, climbing the ladder of success and experiencing loss of those he loved.  In his quest for success he became shrewd and miserly, but lost out on the important things that could’ve changed the outcome of his life.  His goals became obsessive and his dreams took a back seat.

Scrooge witnessed the replaying of his young life – his falling in love – the celebration of Christmas at the Fezziwig’s home and all the joy surrounding it.  Then reality set in.  His youthful heart became calloused with ambition and in the process overlooked the true joy of living.

We can’t go back and change what was.  It would be lovely if we could, but then what would we learn from those difficult choices and mistakes?  Our past is over and done, but it is still a part of us.  Changing the focal point of our living is what makes the future brighter.  As Christmas draws near, let’s not forget what it’s all about.  A little child was born in poverty.  His life had been predetermined by God, His Father.  He would only live 33 years, but He’d change the course of the salvation of man’s soul for eternity.

All the festivities, the special food, the gifts are nice reminders of our joy at this time of year, but the true satisfaction comes from knowing that our redemption was paid for by that little baby – God with us.

Scrooge was cut to the core by his visit to the past. Surely his mind was reeling over what could have been.  We all go through thoughts like that.  The thing that makes stories into classics is how they remain pertinent at any time in our lives.

“Spirit!” said Scrooge in a broken voice, “remove me from this place.”
“I told you these were shadows of the things that have been,” said the Ghost. “That they are what they are, do not blame me!” Charles Dickens – “A Christmas Carol“

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MAKE A STRAIGHT PATH . . .

Posted on December 7, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Life is but a breath in the scheme of things.

We take our first inhalation of air and begin a journey.

So far we’ve been safely enshrouded within our mother’s womb –

Protected from the elements, encased in a familiar space of our own.

We go through the motions of living day by day – learning, trying,

building, creating, thinking, working, striving, winning, losing, dreaming.

Each day passes slowly at first as we wait endlessly to pass through those early years .

When we finally get there, the days begin to proceed at a much faster pace.

Still we push forward, sometimes gasping for air – sometimes choking on it –

and rarely taking time to enjoy the moment.

When we reach the final act, time has no bearing at all.

It speeds by like the wind and carries us to our final destination.

We rest in the safety of our Savior’s arms and

The glory of His loving touch.

Come, Lord, Jesus – come quickly!

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I MISS THE FELLOWSHIP

Posted on December 6, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

2 Corinthians 13:11

It’s Sunday. We will again tune into our church’s electronic service and worship our God. We’ll sing hymns and hear the Word – we’ll listen to the message and be inspired, but something will be missing.

Our Sundays have changed since the pandemic hit us ten months ago. Churches began to go with the flow and offer services on line. Now we can even choose which service or services to attend. We can sit in the comfort of our own homes, sip on a cup of coffee, relax in our pajamas and not think about starting up the car in freezing temperatures.

We became accustomed to this form of worship, because we didn’t have a choice. Our government shut down our churches because of a germ. We comply for the benefit of our fellow man and ourselves so that the virus will not spread. The germ could be found in church as well as any other gathering place. The fact that singing in church could also spread germs sealed the deal.

So, here it is, the second Sunday in Advent. Our hearts and minds should be focused on the coming of our Savior, King, Jesus. Our voices should be raised in melodious anthems sung by choirs and congregations. Those songs are designed to be sung in groups of more than one or two. It isn’t the same this Christmas season. Nothing is the same.

I truly miss the fellowship of Christian worship. We can still enjoy the Word of God where ever we are, but being together, encouraging one another, hugging, smiles, and tears are still missing. My heart is sad because of it, but then I’m reminded of the very first Christmas when Jesus was born.

He came to this earth in the presence of his mother, Mary and her betrothed husband, Joseph. They had no place to stay, because the town of Bethlehem was filled with visitors and the inn was full. Instead of the royal welcome He should’ve received, Jesus was born in a holding place for animals. His bed was their feeding trough. Certainly the angels in heaven rejoiced at this wondrous event. Shepherds were frightened as they tended their sheep when that heavenly choir brought them the news that the Messiah was born, but it wasn’t a usual royal birth.

Last year I spent Christmas Eve in a hospital bed. It was a most unusual Christmas, but God was with me in that room. The huge window next to my bed revealed a misty, midnight sky. Eventually a star appeared. Even in the silence and aloneness of that moment, I was reminded that all my fears – all my hopes and dreams – all my sadness was outshone by that little star.

Like the first Christmas, when the star led the shepherds to Jesus, I was permitted a glimpse of what it must’ve been like.

We will gather together in fellowship again. It may be a while, so in the meantime, we should continue to lift each other up in prayer. We should share time with them online. We shouldn’t let that flame go out. God’s love will never die. We must work hard to keep ours alive.

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INTERNATIONAL NINJA DAY

Posted on December 5, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

I always thought it would be cool to be a Ninja – to have the agility, the elasticity to glide over roof tops, leap stealthily from house to house with the greatest of ease. I suppose it may have to do with my childhood fascination with the circus and the aerial performers flying through he air. Who would’ve thought there was an actual day that celebrates Ninjas?

Of course my days of that kind of adventure are long gone. I have discovered that my knees, even though they ache all the time, were x-rayed and found to be the knees of a young woman. I should by all rights be able to be a Ninja, but something in the back of my head encourages me to stay safely on the ground.

Now, with everyone masking up, the whole world has gone Ninja. Masks used to be reserved for super heroes, bandits and phantoms of the opera. Now everyone is wearing them. It’s been interesting to watch how Americans have taken the disposable mask to a whole new level. We now have masks with an extension of our own face painted on them so we don’t look like we’re wearing one. There are masks with our favorite football teams, flannel plaids, designer type masks and an assortment of creative ideas. Leave it to us to make lemonade out of lemons, but I digress.

However it isn’t really a digression. Ninjas have been around since the ancient of days. They invented masks, I think. I wonder if they would’ve had the same effect if they snuck up on someone while wearing a smiley face mask?

So today, when you put on your COVID19 protection, think of yourself as a Ninja and you will be in good company. You can even yell “Haiii Yah!” without being embarassed.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL NINJA DAY!

Posted in America, Humor | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

CHRISTMAS MOVIE QUOTE QUIZ

Posted on December 5, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

As you know, I’m a movie buff. I love watching musicals even though it makes no sense to start singing for no reason. I can sit and watch the old classics all day. There’s something about Christmas movies that strike a nerve – especially those with tons of nostalgia mixed in. Hallmark movies, even though filled with much the same story line and happy endings, we need a little bit of happy right now. The holiday season this year won’t be the same as Christmases past, but it will certainly be memorable.

Here are a few quotes from Christmas movies. See how many you can guess. Some will jump right out at you, while others take a little more thought.

“No one should be alone on Christmas.” 

“We plunged into the cornucopia quivering with desire and the ecstasy of unbridled avarice.”

 “Keep the change, you filthy animal.” 

“You put on the suit, you’re the big guy.” 

“It’s a one-year membership in the jelly-of-the-month club.”

 “I wish I had a million dollars…hot dog!” 

 “Christmas isn’t just a day. It’s a frame of mind.”

“I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love.” 

“I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”

“You have such a pretty face, you should be on a Christmas card.”

Here are the movies they’re connected to. Can you guess them all?

A CHRISTMAS STORY

ELF

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION

CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE

THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS

THE SANTA CLAUS

HOME ALONE

Just for fun, you might want to add who said the line.

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A LOWLY CHILD

Posted on December 4, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

A child just turned a woman, became the chosen one,

To hold the Son of God within – to be her firstborn Son,

An ordinary child was she – a lowly servant girl,

Extraordinary things would happen, for her and all the world,

Through Mary’s contemplation of this exalted state,

She knew that God was faithful, and she would simply wait,

She trusted every word she heard through Gabriel’s angel voice,

A message from Jehovah, God, had blessed her with this choice,

Her faith remained, yet she was scared, what would her family say,

She thought of her intended groom, and her own wedding day,

But still within that quiet night, acceptance filled her soul,

Though fear remained she trusted God, to use her for His goal.

To bring to man forgiveness from every single sin.

Fulfill His word of promise and make all clean within.

Oh for a faith like Mary had, to trust without a doubt,

That she would be the vessel for what God would carry out,

He uses those like you and me, to work His glorious will,

We’re all just ordinary folks, but He can use us still,

The Holy Spirit will be there, igniting flames of trust,

Within the hearts and souls of men, for He is good and just.

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on December 4, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments