MONDAY TO DO LIST

Posted on August 10, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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I grew up thinking that Mondays were like getting a fresh start. Now I don’t even know what day it is.  One of my biggest issues with our six month incarceration is a lack of memory on who I am, where I am, what am I going to do next and what time it is.  I know I’m not alone in this.

If you are in the work force you have an edge.  You’re generally on a prescribed schedule.  You look forward to the weekends.  The days on either side of those weekends,, often get lost when you’re retired.  Having a schedule keeps us grounded.  It helps define what we’re going to do with each day.  If you work from home, you must discipline yourself to a whole new set of rules in order stay on top of it.

When you’re old, time is taking you one day closer to death.  Isn’t something to look forward to?  I guess when you know you’re life won’t really end in death, but life eternal in Paradise, it isn’t such a bad thought.  Still, while we are inhabitants of planet earth, we need to have a plan.

God has already made a blueprint which includes all the elements surrounding our days.  He knows what’s best for us and provides for us.  Yet he wants us to have order each day.  He wants us to succeed in our goals. He wants us to prosper.  He also wants us to depend on Him for achieving those things.

So, because of that relationship, it’s good for us to plan  I’ve compiled a to do list that might accompany the list of planned events.  I’m sure you can think of others to add to it.

  • Find time to listen to someone.  Get to know them and show them that you’re interested in them.
  • Look for the best in others, even if you don’t always agree.  Try to understand why someone cut you off on the highway, rather than assuming he’s a jerk.
  • Share something – a good book, a funny joke,  smile, your time.
  • Tell someone why you love Jesus and how much He loves the world.
  • Turn over the tough stuff to God.
  • Spend time reading God’s message to you through His Word.
  • Put others needs before your own.
  • Remember that God is with you.  When things get really difficult, He will be there to carry you.
  • Do your best, know that you can do even better, try, don’t give up.
  • Pray.

It’s Monday.  The start of a new week can be filled with great joy and optimism or filled with depression and fatalism, depending on your mindset.  I think God wants us to find joy in the little things.  Let’s start today.

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WOULDN’T IT BE NICE?

Posted on August 10, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could simply erase the events of the past?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Mondays indicated a new start – a fresh beginning?

If all the world could take one minute, one second to take a deep breath and say goodbye to yesterday – if all our troubles would melt like lemon drops and streets would be paved with gold – is it all simply a dream or can it actually happen?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if hatred was a word in the Dictionary which had become obsolete?

If only there was a place to which we could escape and find complete peace –

No anger, no strife, no conflict, no uncontrollable rage –

Where everyone was of the same mind,

Without fear of retaliation –  hopelessness – depression?

When we’re children, we believe in the unbelievable.  Our faith sustains us for a while, until we become a citizen of the world.  That childlike faith becomes tarnished by what we see, what we hear and what goes on around us.  By the time we reach our adult years, many hearts have turned black and hopeless by the noise.

Our innocence has been sapped by terror.  We’ve become hardened to the change occurring around us. We are numbed by it.  When this happens, we’ve become victims of the tenacity of evil and terrorism.  We have succumbed to its original intention – to take away our freedom of thought, words and deeds.

Wouldn’t it be nice if Jesus came to earth today, to judge the world?  He will come again and when He does, the trumpets will sound.  The angels will sing with glorious praises to the King.  Heaven will open to all believers and they will finally have peace.  At last it will be more than nice.

 

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SATURDAY CHUCKLES

Posted on August 8, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

We all need a good laugh, especially those who have lived a long time and are still pushing on.  If we can’t laugh at ourselves and the world around us, we would surely be crushed by all of it.

 

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SUNFLOWER PAINTINGS

Posted on August 7, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

I wasn’t able to go along, due to my asthma.  It seems harder to breathe these days.  I did manage to paint at home however and came up with the painting at the top.  Longing for the days when the air is clean and fresh and no asthma triggers are out there.  The rest of Paul’s small group of plein aire painters did a great job.

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MY LITTLE CORNER OF THE WORLD

Posted on August 7, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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A hiding place – a temporary refuge from the daily grind –

From the madness of the world and the noise of angry voices.

My heart sometimes breaks at all that’s happening in my world and then something wonderful happens to remind me that none of it will last.  It’s a brief interlude which flows like a miniscule whisper in comparison to the breath of God.

I, like many others, have been going through ups and downs during this pandemic.  I understand now what manic depression must be like, when I go from one extreme to another in a fraction of a second.  I seem to be lost at times and wonder what will happen next and the next minute I find hope in God’s plan for this world.

Where is your little corner?  Do  you have a place where you can go to flee the cries of resistance and discontent?  We all have our alone places – those defense mechanisms, – a bullwark of sorts –  where we can simply squash the sounds of hatred, bullying, fear mongering, racism, lies and vibrations that fly through the air and into our ears.

My maternal grandmother would sit on a log in the woods to get away from the pain of losing one of her children.  I can almost envision her screaming her laments to God.  My husband finds his quiet place in the beauty of God’s creation.  He can soak up contentment, when all the world is closing in on him, by breathing in the fresh air and observing animals and birds in their own habitat. During one of the most difficult times in his life, he kept a journal which reads much like the Psalms.

Some find peace in the midst of the noise.  They seem to believe that more noise will smother the other, just like a junkie or alcoholic seeking solace from just one more hit.  I used to retreat to reading books.  Now I fall asleep doing so.  I’m not sure if it’s because my attention span is wavering or if my real peace comes from sleep. We can stuff our ears with cotton, wear headphones and listen to music that drowns out the craziness.  We can stay away from the media.  We can avoid going out in public.  Still the cacophony, the discord, the pandemonium will seep through the barricades and make itself known once more.

We wonder if our own voice has any merit.  We even think that our words aren’t heard.  We fade into a corner of our own making and shield ourselves from the negativity, but there is really only one source of peace and that comes through God’s Word.  It is our little corner of the world, because within its pages we find complete and utter sanctuary.  We can also be assured that our voice will be heard by the author of that book.

“If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, be patient.
It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.” —

Winnie the Pooh

 

 

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Julie’s Friday Funny

Posted on August 7, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

I may have posted this before, but it’s still funny.

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SONSHINE

Posted on August 6, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

Paul is taking his plein air painting group to a sunflower field to paint today.  One of my favorite flowers to paint – not only because of their beauty, glory and delicious color, but because you can’t really mess up a painting of these fancy flowers.  I declined going with the group, because of my continuous allergies, so maybe I’ll have to paint one at the house today.

As darkness fills the streets this day,

Think of the price it cost to pay,

For freedom to express your dreams,

To voice our thoughts without extremes,

To thank the ones who fought so hard,

Who came back wounded, hurt and scarred,

They sacrificed the greater good,

Their place in battle strongly stood,

They let their light so strongly burn,

Remember what for us they earned,

The freedom to defend our cause,

The peace we’ve gained through death and loss,

Reflections of the Son of God,

Their actions let us now applaud.

 

 

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I MISS THE HUGS

Posted on August 6, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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It used to be that hugs were natural.  Now we must be careful not to send the wrong message.  Social distancing has made it impossible to show affection, to encourage or show concern with an embrace.  We’ should be conscious of how others feel, especially when it comes to children or vulnerable individuals.  On the other hand, I think we all inwardly crave hugs from time to time.

I come from a long line of huggers.  Most of my aunts and uncles had no problem with planting a big one on us.  Part of it was a show of love.  Part was because we hadn’t seen each other for a while.  Mostly it was because it was how we were raised.  Being part of the theatre community, it’s also quite natural for me to hug fellow cast members, directors and colleagues.  The same is true of fellow believers in Christ. We become part of an extended family.  Add to that, our separation from each other, due to the pandemic.

It’s really sad in a way, because we all need reassurance from time to time.  We’re slowly losing some of our means of communicating by not being able to hug.  Part of that has been inflicted upon us as a means to protect us.  Part is caused by society as a whole.

I’m all for being conscious of others’ feelings.  I certainly wouldn’t want to create any insecurity in another individual with an unwanted hug.  It’s hard for us old fogies to give up what once was a sincere demonstration of caring, rather than a sinister or thoughtless deed.  Now we must wait for someone else to initiate the hug.  If that’s the case, we’ll soon be longing for them and no hugs will happen.  What a sad thought.

Lord, I ask that you end this period of isolation soon.  Whether it be through a new vaccine, a sure way to cure any disease or simply so that we don’t lose our ability to communicate true friendship to those we care about.  Only you can bring us the answers.  I pray for you intercession and constant presence in all situations, in the name of our Savior, Jesus.  Amen!

 

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NATURAL DIVERSION

Posted on August 5, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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My friend Julie has been posting some amazing pictures of baby bunnies in her garden.  Maybe this lockdown has caused us to look out our windows or into the depths of our own backyards to divert us from all the ugly in life.

I’ve been watching the squirrels who have just recently discovered a way into our bird feeders.  One of them is particularly agile.  He’s found a way to balance from the shepherd hook to the feeder and empty the seeds to the ground for all his buddies to enjoy, while he takes in several of his own.

I remembered trying different remedies in the past, like greasing the pole with Pam. It was fun watching the squirrels almost reach the top only to slide down. OK, so I’m easily amused.

I also recalled a time about 30 years ago, when I was getting extra perturbed with these little squirrel thieves invading our feeder.  In doing so, they were costing us a fortune in bird seed and discouraging the birds from enjoying their meal.

I’m really not a violent person and I don’t hunt or have never used a firearm, but this event really got my dander up.  Paul had a pellet gun in the bedroom closet.  I retrieved it, read the instructions on the box, loaded it and readied myself for battle.  One squirrel was noticeably brazen in his attempts, so I aimed the gun and was ready to fire, when my finger got caught in the spring mechanism and pinched it into a nice little blood blister.

I went forward.  I stayed the course.  I tried again.  The squirrel was stunned.  His arms reached out as he apparently took his last breath.  He then  made a very dramatic swan dive and fell to the ground.  I was devastated.  I’d never killed a living thing outside of an ant or two.  Guilt began to consume me.  I thought I might be able to revive the poor thing and as I neared his lifeless body, he suddenly came back to life and ran into the woods.  My guilt left me like a cat out of you know where.

That night, as I tried to get to sleep, thoughts of attempting to kill that little critter entered my brain.   I fell into a deep sleep only to come up with a doozy of a dream.  There I sat, on top of the bird feeder with my hands and feet bound.  Below me were hundreds of little squirrels surrounding me with pellet guns.  Divine retribution, I guess.

 

 

 

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A SUDDEN SURGE

Posted on August 4, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Have you ever just opened up the floodgates and let the tears fall where they may? You may have no logical reason for doing so, but with things as they are in our world right now, I seem to be prone to mild amounts of falling saline from my eyes.

We write positive thoughts, we pray with hope, we try to cover up the noise of the world, but somehow it continues to make its way into the deepest parts of our souls.  We can cover our sadness with a mask, but that is merely hiding what’s going on within.  We can live in our solitude and accept it or we can venture out with the courage of a mouse approaching a piece of cheese in a trap.  We know that dangers lurks at every corner, but we’re willing to take the chance.

It seems that no amount of hiding under a rock is going to keep us from the clutches of this nasty virus.  Even when we follow all the rules, there’s a chance of being exposed. Those of us with normally positive attitudes, have fallen into the rabbit hole called depression.

Tears are a natural way to wash some of our sadness away.  They can also be a product of extreme joy and laughter.  When I think about tears, I can’t help but be reminded of Mary, the mother of our Savior.  Her tears must’ve been constant when her Son endured the cross – when His smitten body was removed and place in a tomb – when she believed she would never see Him again.  Oh, what joy when she saw His resurrected body.  That moment of ecstasy gave way to tears of joy in just a few short days.

Life is filled with ups and downs.  This period of waiting is like being tucked away in the wilderness for a time.  In every wilderness written about in the Bible, there were always lessons to be learned through the wandering.  I pray that even though our hearts may be heavy right now, there will be a new day.  God will provide an answer – an end  – a vaccine – a different way of living.  The lessons we learn through all this seem unknown right now, but God never fails.  He never lies.  His promises are sure.  His will is going to be done.  Have faith, cry if you have to and know that God is in control.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

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THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS

Posted on August 4, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

What are your thoughts when you see a trail of trains cars, unmoved, contained?  Is someone living in there?  Is there any hope within?

When we lived in the city, there were so many of those container cars.  In fact, when not in use, they would be stacked in piles of four or more, to await being pulled into use again.  It was kind of like looking at a huge city of vacant apartment buildings.  Maybe they were.

Some folks are buying used container cars and repurposing them into places to live.  I imagine them to be inhabited at times by the homeless, wayfarer, the hobo, the runaway.  Imagine how it feels to live tucked away in a steel box just to stay warm for the night.  Imagine what goes through the mind as you hear spray paint cans and disruptive voices surrounding you on all sides.

Think of the possibilities.  One or more of these inhabitants is running away from something.  The average Joe wouldn’t think of doing this, but those without ties, without responsibility, without money or food wouldn’t think twice.  When your plan is to escape; when you can no longer cope; when you’re- in a bad state emotionally, financially or spiritually – you need more than a box to survive.

There was a time in my life when the thought of living this way, was almost an actuality.  Our world had caved in and there was nothing left. We’d lost our home, vehicles, bank accounts, income and our retirement.  During those dark times, we imagined living in the streets or riding the rails.  We were ready though.  Our lives of putting our faith in God’s direction is what kept us afloat.

As we left bankruptcy court with only a few dollars in our pocket, we knew that He had a plan for us.  He provided an “angel” who sold us a house on a land contract, so we didn’t have to go through a credit report to achieve home ownership.  We also had a number of good friends who prayed for us and provided encouragement.

My long time as a volunteer drama coach led to a job teaching children – working with a children’s theater and eventually starting my own children’s theater.  My husband began wood sculpting for many other “angels” and that led to the start of his fine arts business.

There are times when we feel hopeless and helpless. Those are usually the moments we turn to God.  When things are going well, we tend to coast and take our blessings for granted.  I believe that these tests are all part of God’s greater plan for us.  Trusting in His unchanging love and His beautiful blueprint for our lives will allow us to get through the tough times – but don’t forget to praise Him when things are going well for you.

My legacy doesn’t matter. It isn’t important that I be remembered. It’s important that when I stand before the Lord, he says, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ I want to finish strong.”   James Dobson

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NEVER ALONE

Posted on August 3, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

I’ve decided to pick up my paintbrush again.  I haven’t done any painting for over a year and maybe I can release some of the tension by doing so.  My husband is the artist, the teacher, the encourager.  He inspires me to continue.  So here’s my latest painting,  conceived mostly from my memories of my grandparents’ farm.  The peacefulness of that place reminds me of the way I feel under God’s protection.  The world holds no promise, but in Him, I know that my future is secure.

I need to be wrapped in the protection of God’s holy wings.

Each pinion gently lays over me – cuddling and nurturing.

The softness and strength are overwhelming.

He breathes His presence upon me and gives me life.

He speaks and I am comforted.

His touch is gentle yet full of power and strength.

His steadfastness feeds me – nourishes my soul – guards me from all evil.

His love for me is unfailing.  A love so great that it’s indescribable.

His tenderness is equal to His might.

I will never be alone as long as He is with me.

Be in my heart – my mind – my understanding.

Be with me in life so that I will know you fully when I meet you after death.

 

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GOD FILLS ME UP

Posted on August 2, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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“Memories light the corners of my mind; misty water colored memories of the way we were.”

The words to this Barbara Streisand song tell a very true story. We all have wonderful memories that we keep tucked in the recesses of our mind. They remind us of the good times; the times we laughed and cried until we couldn’t stop; those days when life was simpler, easier and untarnished by the shroud of darkness.  They all seem so long ago.

Sometimes we choose to forget those recollections.  I tend to do that.  My memory is still intact, but I seem to be able to erase some of the bad stuff. When people remind me of those times, they’ve been deleted like a computer when it crashes. I think it’s a self-preservation attribute that God places in us to protect us from the pain of recalling. On the other hand, those past memories can become baggage that we carry for with us forever.

We need not wallow in  times of distress, but rather we should take the lessons we learn and move on.  I truly believe that everything that comes our way has already been ordained by God. He alone can wash away our wrongdoings.  He alone can bring us out of the depths of despair.  He alone will bring something good out of the bad.

It would seem He has His work cut out for Him right now.  The world is a mess, but this isn’t the first time.  Over and over again, our mistakes – our words – our feelings and our fears can eat away at us and bring us back into that dreaded pit.

It doesn’t have to be that way. When God sent His perfect Son to live among us, He gave us the most perfect gift.  He alone can give us hope for the future.  He alone can fill broken hearts and empty arms.  He alone will welcome us into heaven.  When He took away our sin, He took all the bad memories too. In His eyes, we are washed clean and the evil in our hearts since birth is also forgotten; even the things that we keep hidden from others.

Praise, thanks and honor to the one who loves us unconditionally.  Through Him we are works in progress on our way to paradise.

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YOU CANNOT HIDE

Posted on August 1, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

When life gets tough we sometimes feel we have to run away.
We look at things much differently with every passing day.
It seems much too complicated to stay and go the course.
We submit to selfish thinking, we give up to remorse.

This force can pull us far away. It steals us from all hope,
It leads us to a web of fear where we can’t start to cope.
It lures us in – devours us – and spits us out again –
It doesn’t care about us when our souls it might obtain.

To fight these difficult feelings which leave us all alone,
We have to change these hearts of ours, that now have turned to stone.
“Come follow me,” our Savior says, “come walk with me today.”
“I’ll take your hand and lead you home, I’ll help you to find your way.”

You can’t escape the woes of life ’til death is at your door,
But when you trust in Jesus, Christ, He’ll give you so much more.
Stop running from the Prince of Peace, instead run to His arms.
He’s waiting patiently to help and rid you of life’s charms.

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SATURDAY PRAYER

Posted on August 1, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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Dear, Lord,

I just read an article about a summer sleep away camp in Georgia.  More than 3/4 of the camp attendees and staffers contracted the Covid19 virus.  With statistics like that, I can’t help but be concerned for children returning to school this fall.  You know the numbers, Lord.  You know the cure for this disease.  You know how frustrated our teachers, our elected officials and students are.  You also know that when we first went into lockdown, children were immediately isolated from the outside and have been kept so for several months.  That probably prevented them from getting the disease.

I know that we’re supposed to carry all our burdens to you, Lord.  With all that’s happened in our country lately, it seems the only to do.  Conspiracy theories run rampant. Even the staunchest of us have become fearful and frustrated.  Depression is taking over along with this dreaded virus.  Add to that all the loss of businesses, a stagnant economy and unemployment and there are many who have lost all hope.

During a “normal” summer there are bound to be peaceful protests, but the streets have turned red with blood,  Hatred is blossoming like an invasive weed.  Division exists everywhere.

I know that this is a temporary setback, but I often fall victim to the false news.  I buy into the lies and fear grabs hold of my emotions.  I also know that you control all things.  There is a plan in all this chaos.  Only you know what that plan involves and how it has been woven together before our very existence.  There will always be anger, hate, hopelessness.  Fear and dread can easily overtake us. We are feeble when it comes to change and weak when put to the test.

Watch over my country and the world.  We are facing things we’ve never seen in our lifetime.  Each of these events could force our hand and make us give up.  They can also unite us for the first time in a long time.  Help us set aside our petty differences and place our trust in your unconditional love.  You know the past, the present and the future.  I will continue to pray in earnest and have faith that you will hear my prayer.  Amen!

 

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MAKE ‘EM LAUGH

Posted on July 31, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

Ever since watching the movie, “Singing in the Rain,” I have great joy when I can make someone laugh.  Maybe I should’ve become a standup comic.  Is 78 too old to start a new career?  The only problem I can foresee is being able to stand up.

I saw that movie, I was about ten years old – a very, impressionable, easily influenced child.  I wanted to dance like Donald and do pratfalls until the cows came home.  Gene Kelly told a complete story with his dance as he caressed the umbrella, splashed in the puddles and related how he was feeling via some fancy footwork.

Somehow, we’ve forgotten how to laugh lately.  Of course I guess we don’t have a lot of reason to chuckle in our current situation.  Six months of isolation, having to wear a mask, spacing ourselves six feet apart does that to a person. Watching law and order give way to violence and hatred makes us wonder who we have become.   Add to that a political situation that’s made us wonder what continent we live on.  There seems to be no end in sight and even the most easy going are now becoming basket cases.  Has everything become so bad that we can’t have fun anymore?

The best way to get over that hump is to change something that’s within our power.  Let God take care of all that other junk.  We need to  change our attitude.  Compromise doesn’t come easy for many of us, but maybe we need to learn to bend.  Anger and frustration about who our leaders are and who’s telling the truth is tough too, because we’ve grown to believe that we can’t trust anyone. Changing a lifetime of bad habits doesn’t come easy.

I’d be a rich woman if I knew he answers.  I know that when I’m feeling sad, angry, frightened, lonely and frustrated, a good belly laugh makes me feel better.  Even if it’s just temporary, it makes the unbearable  bearable.

I’m currently collaborating on a series of short plays that will eventually be produced either on stage or via the internet.  The subject matter isn’t funny at all, but the things the things that result from it are hilarious.  We’re talking about growing old.  We have one woman in her 80’s, one in her 70s (me) and one in her 60’s.  The topics of each episode pertains to things we face as we age.  They include health issues, planning for death,  loneliness, writing a will, living in a world of technology when you still write words in cursive.  Sounds like a laugh a minute, right?

What I’m learning – and believe me, we all continue to learn until we die – is that a sense of humor is vital.  We’ve seen such a change, because the world has become overly conscious of not wanting to offend anyone. We shouldn’t speak without thinking, but we need to lighten up a bit and be willing to laugh at ourselves.  Those negative emotions do nothing to give us a feeling of well being.

So, I’m 78 and I can go through the McDonald’s drive thru with a fake nose and glasses as my mask.   I can laugh when I have difficulty getting out of a chair or while reading closed captioning knowing the words are  incorrect.  I can laugh when a man’s toupee’ falls into his soup or a woman has trouble keeping her knee brace in place  and opts for suspenders.  Life is what we make it.  So laugh, darn you, laugh.

 

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on July 31, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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IS A MANDATE THE SAME AS A LAW?

Posted on July 30, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

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I’m so confused.  Is a mandate the same as a law?  When I looked up the differences between the two, I was met with lots of legal gobbledegook – words that added to the confusion.  I would never have made a good lawyer, having to wade through tons of legalese and wordy phrases that simply complicate my thinking.

The way I read it, which is certainly not based on any fact or knowledge, is that a mandate is not enforceable as a law, because it has not been voted upon by the elected officials.  However, mandates for the general well being of the population are necessary.  Since we haven’t been living in normal times, we’re having to learn new things every day.

So if we don’t wear a mask for whatever logical reason, we aren’t breaking any written law, but if we don’t wear a mask, we’re also placing others in jeopardy, which just ain’t right.  However, if we are protesting and our voices need to be heard, we don’t necessarily have to wear a mask.  If we don’t wear one, however, we are making a point and isn’t that what peaceful protest is all about?

I guess my thinking is that we use common sense in the case of masks.  I will wear one because it’s mandated that I do.  However, if I pass out while wearing one, who is responsible?  Or more to the point, who can I blame?  Maybe this will encourage people to cocoon once more.  Who is going to willingly wear a mask?  Wouldn’t it just be easier to stay home and have all your meals delivered.

Yesterday I purchased a package of cloth masks.  It was a five pack and reasonably priced.  When I put one on it barely reached from ear to ear.  In fact, instead of a training bra, I had acquired a set of training masks.  Maybe I’ll sew two of them together to get the right fit.

The problem is, we’re facing this thing with new information on a daily basis.  We’ve not seen a pandemic like this before.  We don’t know how to treat it.  We’re isolating ourselves (by mandate) and in the process unable to build any immunities to it.  Doctors aren’t sure what the protocol is because it changes from day to day.  I feel OK about grocery shopping, but I still fear going to church and singing my lungs out.  I’ve found technology fills the need to worship, but it just isn’t the same.

So getting back to my original question.  A law is something which must be voted on by the legislative branch of our government – the voice of the people.  A mandate is issued by a governor or president for the benefit and safety of the population.  Did I get that right?  Maybe some lawyer out there can explain it better than I.

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WHAT’S ON YOUR WINDOW SHADES?

Posted on July 30, 2020 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

My husband, Paul, is a plein air artist.  He paints most everything outdoors.  Once he asked permission to paint a barn and the caretaker of the building said he would need to speak to the owner, since he had no idea what color the barn should be painted.  Since then he tries to communicate his mission with more clarity.

These four paintings are the result of a painting retreat he went on about five years ago.  Each artist was given subject matter  for the day.  They were to do one painting a day – of  sky – the next day water – the next day trees and on the final day they could choose their own subject.  R he challenge was to paint their interpretations on window shades.  At the end of the day, they would gather and discuss art and other things.

One of his fellow artists noted that Paul painted with such speed and flair.  He said that my husband’s paint brush worked faster than his mind.  I suppose this comes from his many years in the advertising business.  He would have to come up with concepts to present on the spot with his clients.  I call him the idea man, because he’s able to visualize things with such great clarity and then bring them to life through his art.

One of these paintings made its way into the home of a fellow artist.  The rest are rolled up and ready to go at a moments notice. Like most of the art we create, it never sees the light of day.  I find this to be true with my writing as well.  We create because it’s born in us to do so.  We all have ways of expressing ourselves and hopefully those thoughts come through in our daily lives.  Like all of the arts, it’s more about the process than the finished product.  We continue to make art, because we must.

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OUR REDEMPTION IS FREE

Posted on July 29, 2020 by atimetoshare.me
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We’ve all been slaves to something or other in this life.  The greatest burden we carry is is our long list of wrong doings towards others.  There is nothing that strips us of our freedom more than forgetting what the price is for our redemption.

In the story of Les Miserables, we see a victim of “the system” escape from his bondage by his own strength and initiative.  He becomes a fugitive and is continually hunted down by a zealous keeper of the law.  Written by Victor Hugo, a French author who lived during the Romantic Period of writing.  Many of his works touch on the subject of slavery, freedom, redemption and the injustices of this world.

As we continue in our own sort of incarceration, through this bloody lockdown and stagnant economy – as we feel the weight of not being able to touch others physically or carry on conversations in small groups or sing our songs of praise without wearing a mask – we naturally feel oppressed.  It has only been half a year, but it seems like forever.  Imagine what it would be like to be imprisoned for a lifetime for stealing a loaf of bread.

Our freedom is a precious gift, which has been paid for by the blood of many who fought to win it.  Our spiritual freedom is so much more.  Jesus, the Son of God, endured a horrific death, shame, hatred and injustice so that we could enjoy the splendor of His kingdom.  He didn’t have to do this.  We certainly didn’t deserve such a gift.  We can never repay what He’s done, but we can live as free people, because our sin has been taken to the cross.

When we choose to become slaves to sin and go back to ways that held us before, we’re rejecting the most precious gift ever given.  Redemption is ours when we choose it.  When we choose to reject it, we again become slaves to sin.

“Our natural, inalienable rights are now considered to be a dispensation from government, and freedom has never been so fragile, so close to slipping from our grasp as it is at this moment.”
― Ronald Reagan

 

 

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