WINTER IS ON ITS WAY

Posted on November 2, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The sun trickles through still slightly skeletal branches, giving way to glistening dew drops and a fantastic diamond like glow.  It rises to full height and dispenses all its light and beauty for all to see. The days are growing shorter, yet the darkness hides the dirt of yesterday.  Each hour is packed with promise of new life. Each minute fills our hearts with hope.

 

Even as the days grow shorter, clouds hover up above,

The light replaced by darkened nights, remains in God’s sweet love,

The light of His sweet presence lives, and it will never die,

Because the One true source of life, faced death and heard our cry,

The Son defeated Satan’s lure, our future is insured,

He promised us eternity, from sin our hearts are cured.

 

 

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WALLY’S FRYDADDY FRIDAY DIET FUNNY

Posted on November 1, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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WALLY, I KNOW YOU’RE ON A DIET, BUT HAVE YOU TAKEN IT TOO SERIOUSLY AND LEFT US FOREVER?  MISS YOU MAN!

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FEEL GOOD MESSAGE

Posted on November 1, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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I COULDN’T FIND A YODA MEME FOR THIS, BUT I’M THINKING ABOUT YOU AND JAMES AND THE ENTIRE FAMILY AND WANTED TO SEND MY WISHES TO THE SHERIFF FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY.  YODA MIGHT SAY, “WELL, YOU MUST BE, WITH DOCTORS GOOD AND THINGS GETTING BETTER, THEY WILL.  YES, HMMMMMMM!”

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DEAR, CHILD OF MINE

Posted on November 1, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Dear, child of mine:

It’s been a while since I checked in with you, but you already know I’m here for you all the time.  There are so many memories I have of you.  I remember how those nine months waiting to be born weighed on those who love you so much.  I saw the way your body was formed from a simple uniting of two tiny entities.  You basically grew ifrom them into a perfect baby.

I was there when you took your first steps and said your first words.  I showed how to respect others, how to show and receive love, how to trust and have faith.  You also learned how to really communicate with me.

You are no longer a child, but I love you more than ever.  Even when you were a teenager and there were so many conflicts, arguments and difference of opinions.  You turned away from me for a short time, until you finally realized I wasn’t going to let you get away.  I will wrap my arms around you and tuck you tightly and ever close to me. You are my child, my friend, my responsibility, my treasure and worth dying for.

Now that you’re an adult, you’ve made many choices. Some of them were good and some not, but you remembered what you were taught you as a child.  You can always walk with Jesus and call on His name at any time.  Having that knowledge will see you through just about anything.

You still have moments of doubt, fear, anger and even depression.  I know, because I’ve seen it.  I’ve suffered through those things right along with you.  Life is hard.  We are in a constant state of transition, questioning and wondering about the world around us.  Disappointments come and go.  Decisions aren’t always the right ones.  Making mistakes and learning from them are often the times when you grow the most.  Your wisdom and strength come not from yourself, but the One who made you.  The One who loves you with a kind of love you can’t begin to understand.

You are at the mid-point of living.  You have learned many things and realized that the mistakes you’ve made have all been forgiven.  In His mercy and love for you, Jesus died to take your sins to the cross.  When He rose back to life, He guaranteed a place for you in heaven.  I can’t wait to see you there.

When things happen that make you wonder what your purpose in this life might be, remember that you were knit together for a reason.  You were taking shape and the plan for your life was already mapped out for you.  The blueprint that would shape your life was there even before you were born.  You have been loved from the beginning.  Your worth is immeasurable.  Whatever that plan includes, you can be sure that it will be good.

So here we are, having a conversation and I’m doing all the talking.  I guess it’s pretty much always been that way, hasn’t it.  I hold you in great regard, my child.  You now have a life of your own, but I want you to hang tight to the light that shines brightly within you.  I will always be with you.  I will answer your requests.  I will love you forever, even after death.  I’d love to hear your voice again.  Let’s get together again soon!

Love,

GOD

 

 

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HAPPY AUTHORS DAY

Posted on November 1, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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To all of you writers out there, Happy National Authors Day.  In 1928, Nellie Verne Burt McPherson decided to bring up the idea of having a day dedicated to American Authors to her Illinois book club.  Nellie had spent her life as a teacher and follower of literature, particularly American authors.  It took twenty years, but in 1949 the U.S. Department of Commerce officially made it an official holiday.

Those of us who write are also probably avid readers.  I remember spending most of my childhood buried in books about the young sleuth, Nancy Drew.  I traveled through the halls of a hospital with Cherry Ames, student nurse.  Each of those characters enlivened interest in opportunities for young women. I loved the Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn as they played and caused trouble on the Mississippi River.  Thoughts of different times in our history were spurred by books like the Scarlet Letter, the Catcher in the Rye, To Kill A Mockingbird and the tales of Edgar Allen Poe.  

As I think of all the authors who influence our way of thinking – who take us to other places – provide an escape from the humdrum, it seems a great idea to honor the authors of our country.  Most of them struggled with problems of their own, which they worked through in their writing – in a way it was cathartic and is for those of us who write today.  We can muddle through writing a daily blog, keep a journal, put a story of fiction down o paper and stir the imagination of those who read it.

As I think about my own writing journey, I am realizing that it’s a difficult one.  A part of the heart and soul is buried in the works we create for others is also being engraved in minds that are longing for change, escape or way to pass the time.  We depend on writers to give us the daily news, to shape thinking, to give opinions, to entertain us to show us how other’s lives are led.

An author is also subject to rejection.  When the author’s opinion is the thread that weaves the story, they may also create opposition for the masses and maybe insurrection.  So we must choose our words wisely.  We have a responsibility to say what we mean, but not to create riots or mob mentality.

So if you’re a writer, keep writing.  You may never get your epic published.  You may pay a lot of money to self publish.  You might even be recognized by a reknown publisher.  Whatever level you’re at, remember that you are an important part of society.  Your thoughts have value. Your talent to find just the right words is necessary.  Your perseverance is vital.  If you are an author, don’t give up.

“Tomorrow is another day,” Margaret Mitchell 

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HIGH ANXIETY

Posted on October 31, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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There are so many things that cause us to be afraid and anxious.  It could be a health issue.  It might be a family problem or work is causing you to stress out.  We, as human beings like to be in charge of our lives.  We often forget that there is an easy solution to all our fears and concerns.  We try every avenue to fix things, but we forget that God is in charge.  He is the only One who we should turn to in times like this.

Yesterday, I had a pre-op exam for my upcoming surgery to remove two stones from my kidneys.  Tomorrow I will have a Cat Scan  on my lungs, to look at some little nodules that appeared a couple years ago.  Both of those things cause me to worry some.  As we age, every little thing turns into something else.  However, after years of living within this body, I’ve learned that there is absolutely nothing I can do to control what happens to it.  Sure, I can learn to eat right, get some exercise, have a positive attitude, but the healing of body and soul truly comes from God Himself.

Our prayer list becomes longer as we grow older, yet there are so many prayers lately for little ones too.  Illness comes to them as well.  Whenever our children are sick, we feel helpless.  We’re so concerned for their welfare, that we forget that they are God’s children too and He will see them through these interruptions in life.

Prayers for healing extend to the state of our nation as well.  We’ve gotten ourselves so mixed up over time. We place our merit in what we accomplish, how we look and what we possess, that we forget that life doesn’t revolve around us.  We’re merely part of the larger picture. Politics has turned into a side show of those vying for first place.  All the stops have been pulled, allowing this upside down world to wonder what the truth is anymore.

Now, more than ever, we need to turn our concerns over to the only One who can restore, reform and rescue us.  God has promised through His Word that He’s got this.  Trust in that fact even when you feel there is no hope.

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WE SHALL RISE

Posted on October 31, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

On these chilly days of autumn, our thoughts often turn to the impending winter months.  In Minnesota, they normally start about this time and stay with us until April.  Half of the year is filled with dark skies, icy temperatures, heavy coats, mittens and ear muffs.  We venture out as little as possible at our age, but still there is something magical about the contrasts of light and dark.  We know it will come to an end. We look forward to warmer days.  We complain about the weather, but still the icicles on the eaves, the snow on the ground, the crisp, fresh air are part of the reason we live here.  The seasons God presents to us are amazing and we know that eventually we’ll enjoy the full beauty of paradise.

In the heart of the forest, what is it you see,
The death of the bush or the loss of each tree,
They die for a while, and rise up again,
Spring pushes each bud, giving life deep within.

Our days undefiled and sins now washed clean,
The pure life of Jesus, will help us convene,
The darkness of winter can leave deep remorse,
We wander away and relinquish our course.

The coldest of days will be warmed through the night,
Our Savior will comfort and holds each one tight,
He won’t let us go, if we trust in His Word,
Our souls are renewed and our steps undeterred.

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THE KINGDOM OURS REMAINETH

Posted on October 31, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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The Christian church is under attack, just as it always has been. The Word of God is  challenged daily and rewritten for man’s advantage. When God inspired His human scribes to pen the words He wanted the world to know, He promised that they are His words – not those of sinful men.

“Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21

God’s words are hard to swallow sometimes. They might even seem old fashioned and foolish to some, but they are the divine utterances of our holy, living God. Today the Bible is assumed to be just another book with some ideas for good living; some perceptions by a group of narrow minded folks who have nothing else to boast about. Isn’t it funny how the Bible remains a best seller? There must be a need for reading what it has to say.

Over time and with the help of the devil and his legions of followers, the Word has been corrupted as much as the church. It’s time to defend it once more. We need to make sure it remains the same today as it was when it was first placed in man’s hands. We must use the entire book, not just bits and pieces of it. If we don’t, we don’t get the whole message. God is very clear in what He has to say to us. Let us arm ourselves with the truth He has given us. This is a battle we can win.

Luther suffered from depression for a long time.  He tried to live up to doing the good deeds the church required to get into heaven.  When He at last discovered that God had already paid the price for his salvation, his eyes were opened to the joy of the Gospel.  He wrote many hymns of praise to God.  “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” remains the battle hymn of the Reformation.

“The Word they still shall let remain, nor any thanks have for it;

He’s by our side upon the plain with His good gifts and Spirit.

And take they our life, goods, fame, child and wife,

Let these all be gone, they yet have nothing won;

the Kingdom ours remaineth.”

Martin Luther

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PREDATOR OR PREY

Posted on October 29, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This great, majestic predator stands stately on his nest,

His eyes are fixed on his next meal, he craves the very best,

He spreads his seven foot wingspan, and soars the cloudy skies,

He swoops and dives with greatest ease, his hunger never dies.

 

His life will last for many years, due to God’s provision,

Yet days will come when eyes grow dim, blotting out his vision,

When clouds of discontentment fill, lands once undivided,

Raging like a firestorm by hate and fear ignited.

 

This giant bird of prey will weep o’er lands that he called home,

Fall victim to the rage of man, through shadows he will roam,

Eventually he’ll fly away and look for clearer skies,

Where love endures forevermore and hatred surely dies.

 

 

 

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SPOOKY TIME OF THE YEAR

Posted on October 28, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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I just finished stage managing “Sleepy Hollow, the Musical.”  The title itself gives way to things that go bump in the night, yet there is the relief of turning this scary tale into a fun filled musical.  Halloween happens this week and as Anoka, MN is the first city in the world to actually celebrate this holiday as a time of festivity, there have been parades, costumes and decorations galore for the past month or so.  Tours of haunted houses in the area are held prior to the holiday.  I seem to be inundated with spooks.

The next show I stage manage is Arthur Miller’s, “The Crucible.”  That doesn’t happen until January of 2020, so I have a little time to recover from all this scary stuff.  In the meantime, I’m doing some research on the history of the Salem witch trials which between 1692 and 1693. At the time of that writing, the United States was on its own witch hunt of sorts for communists in the famous McCarthy hearings of the 20th century.

So as you see, all this spooky stuff has been playing out in my mind lately.  I do believe that Satan is alive and continues to use his wiles to cause people to stray from the truth.  He messes with minds and creates doubts, tries desperately to lure us from God’s path, and join him in his misery.  I am also confident, that Jesus’ death and resurrection defeated the devil a long time ago, so his power is limited.

Still there has always been an interest in the occult, in fortune telling, devil worship, witchcraft and evil.  As long as we live on this side of eternity, we will see Satan’s minions working hard to steal hearts.

This is also a time when we celebrate the Protestant Reformation.  About a hundred years prior to the witch trials in Massachusetts, the church of Rome was under scrutiny for selling indulgences as a vehicle to buy the way to heaven.  The church was corrupt.  People were being misled.  Several voiced their opinions and were chastised and went to trial for their “heresy.”  The result of breaking from that corruption, created many sects and denominations.

America’s history is filled with a lot of spooky stuff, but it isn’t limited to the past.  Superstition is still practiced.  There are still covens, witches and warlocks.  There is a whole group that focuses on the walking dead.  Evil is in our schools, our churches, our communities, but has become acceptable by all who choose to be tolerant of all kinds of behavior.

Even though our world is filled with evil, we have the promise of salvation.  Now more than ever, we need the truth of God’s Word – another reformation of sorts.  Martin Luther wrote many hymns in his life, but the one that remains as the battle hymn of the Reformation is just as necessary as it was then. This verse, in particular should calm our fears of all the evil that infests the world.

From “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” by Martin Luther:

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us;
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

 

 

 

 

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YOU’RE OLD, GET OVER IT!

Posted on October 27, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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The idea of growing old never occurred to me until I became part of the silver haired generation. It still doesn’t hold much interest. In fact I’m trying to avoid it completely. Age isn’t particularly where anyone in our society wants to be. Youth is everything, right?

We’re fed with the notion that we can achieve higher cheekbones, supple skin, bodies that never sag. We’re told that once you get old your life is over. NOT! For one thing, you have earned the right to express your opinion and not really care if anyone listens to you or not. You can do anything you want as long as you can pull your aching body out of bed. Your mind is filled with so much information, but you often shut down or repeat the same things over and over.

Unfortunately, our society is so focused on youth that they have forgotten or dismissed old age. It’s one of those things we don’t talk about much until we become old ourselves.
I am in my seventies and I don’t really consider myself old. I still get out of bed at 6 AM. I continue to work. I put my make up on each morning, fix my hair and get dressed. I can still tie my shoes, but it’s harder to reach them. I have acquired a lot of knowledge over the years, but I often forget it. I don’t look as good as I used to, but I can still see a sparkle in my eyes. I love to listen to the rain falling on the roof, but can’t always hear it.

My body sags, my face is wrinkled, my senses have become dull, but I don’t consider myself one of those old fogies I remember from my youth. I know that God has a plan for me and some day, all you young whippersnappers are going to be walking in my shoes.

1 Timothy 5:1-2 “Do not rebuke an older man, but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity”

Every living human being has value in this world – from the very young to the very old. Let’s never forget our place in the scheme of things. Getting older is just bringing us that much closer to heaven.

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LIFE REPEATS ITSELF

Posted on October 27, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Art by Paul T. Boecher©”Ospreys”

The circle of life is a process of waiting patiently, learning, growing and learning some more and finally death. When new life occurs in the animal kingdom it can be simply the propagation of a species, but I believe that every life God puts into existence has a purpose – even the tiniest of creatures. The nest, made of scavenged items, provides shelter for this new life, but God holds each one in the protection and power of His hand.

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GOD’S WORD IS OUR GREAT HERITAGE

Posted on October 27, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

You give a priceless treasure – a gift with love unmeasured.

It spans the days of time and gives with love sublime.

You walk within its pages.  You travel still through ages.

Your passion lies therein, how you have wiped out sin.

Your love cannot be hidden – each page shows how you’ve given

Your greatest gift to me.  Your Word will set me free.

 

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WHEN YOU CAN LONGER REMAIN QUIET

Posted on October 26, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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It was the time of the European Renaissance.  King Henry VIII would distance himself from the Catholic church in order to divorce his first wife and marry his mistress.  The church was in the throes of corruption and was selling indulgences to bulk up their treasury.  Unsuspecting people paid the price to buy their way into heaven. New inventions were created, including the printing press.  Minds were being changed as wekk,

With change we almost always see an increase in fraudulence and deceit.  Philosophies, progress, pride,  knowledge and growth will likely lead to dishonesty, anger, hatred, false teaching and lies.

It’s like that today as we see corruption all around us.  When someone stirs the pot and tries to root out the evil, they face a lot of controversy.  Martin Luther was a man like that.

When he was old enough to attend college, his father (a wealthy man) insisted that he study law.  Less than six weeks into his studies, Martin decided to become a monk.  It is said that he was in a serious thunderstorm and feared for his life. It was that storm that convinced him to follow a different path.  He became a monk in the Order of the Hermits of St. Augustine.  The order was strict and he lived in, what we would consider today, a cell without heat and a mundane life which allowed for no interaction.  He was devoted to his daily work.  He began each day at 2 AM with prayer and repentance.  One of his priest often complained about Luther and his endless confessions. It seemed he felt completely unworthy of Christ’s love and salvation.

When he posted the 95 theses on the door of the church at Wittenburg, he had no intention of stirring things up.  His ideas were in response to the selling of indulgences and the corrupt philosophies being sold along with them.

This man of God’s Word struggled constantly with his inability to rid himself of sin.  He felt his works were never enough to appease a jealous God.  No amount of self-abuse, deprivation, or good works would take away his guilt.

Today we’re faced with similar problems. Only this time the truth has been corrupted in order to conform to the desires and lifestyles of a divided populace. Anything goes and the minute you speak against it, you’re accused of being intolerant.

When Martin stumbled across the following Bible verse, he could no longer be silent.

Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God”(ESV)

Today something new gnaws away at our churches in America. When we remain silent, we’re accepting the lies as truth. When our church is being attacked from all sides and seen as purveyors of gloom and doom, rather than a place of sanctuary – we need to hold to God’s truths.  When the devil is allowed to invade God’s house, we need to speak up.

We must be fearlessly vocal. When we remain silent, we’re as much as saying we accept the lies as truth. Holding to God’s Word takes courage. Some call it being stubborn –  others believe in following God and His plans for us.

Luther defended the pure teachings of the Bible and a reformation began. When we stand up for the truth of God, we cannot do otherwise.

“Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.” Plato

 

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REFORMATION DAY FUNNIES

Posted on October 26, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ANOTHER OPENING NIGHT

Posted on October 25, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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I’ve never stopped to think about how many of these openings I’ve experienced. Especially in these ancient years of mine.  You’d think it would end somewhere, but it’s really true what they say about the arts get into your bloodstream and become a part of who we are. That has been the case for me anyway.

As a child, I became the self-appointed director of all things theatrical in my neighborhood.  I guess it started when our relatives would get together and required some entertainment from the young’ns.   By the time we had gone through this ritual on several occasions, my cousins and sister all hated me and I was to be avoided at all costs.

My grade school year brought many opportunities to perform on stage. Mom enrolled me in tap, ballet and baton twirling classes, certain that I’d wind up on Broadway someday.  Much to her chagrin I never could stand on my toes nor get the hang of step, shuffle, ball, change.  My talents with the baton had to be given up when I managed to break a window with that dangerous silver stick.

In high school I participated in every production possible – never getting the lead, mind you.  I think I was reserved for comic relief.  When I continued my education, my thoughts turned more to writing and I had visions of being a journalist or winning the Nobel Prize for literature. Instead, I wrote scripts for the local public television station’s puppet shows.  I also wrote some promotions for the same show.

In my years as a mother and housewife, I took on the task of starting a program in drama for my kid’s high school.  This was a new private school with limited funds, so my time was volunteered for 13 years, but grew to be the necessary training I needed to start my own theatre company.  For over 40 years and hundreds of opening nights, the drama was beginning to run through my veins.

Last night, as I acted as stage manager for a musical version of “Sleepy Hollow,” I thought to myself, “the excitement keeps coming.”  Sixteen adult and teen performers nailed it with their character development, dances and music.  I got to basically sit backstage and make sure all the scene transitions went the way they should.  It doesn’t get any better than this.  Here I am in my 77th year and the excitement is just as apparent as that first show I ever directed.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to continue to work at what I love!

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WALLY’S FRYDADDY FRIDAY FRYLESS FUNNY

Posted on October 25, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on October 25, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER

Posted on October 23, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Each day of our lives has been mapped out according to a divine plan – God has it all figured out – He’s got our back – He’s got our future in the palm of His hand. We naturally want to be in charge. It started shortly after man decided that he was smarter than God and the whole relationship went bad.

Despite that crack in a perfect union, God still loves us and provided a way to mend it. He loves us even though we continue to laugh in His face –

Do things that totally offend Him –

Defy everything that we know is right –

Live silently in a world that seems to be crumbling under our feet.

As His followers, it’s our duty to stand up for what’s right. We may think there’s nothing we can do – and the truth is, there isn’t. God is in control when things are ugly and when things are running smoothly, but He also has expectations of us. He doesn’t want us to sit idly by as morality is kicked into the gutter,

Life has no value,

Evil is acceptable

And those in control have been corrupted by greed and self-love.

It may be a cop out to say, “I’ll pray about that,” but don’t underestimate the power of corporate prayer. When the time is right, God will act.

He’s also given us the intelligence, voice and handbook to defend what we know to be right and according to His will. With a world that seems to have run amok, we should not only be appalled by what’s happening, we should find a way to act on it.

Have faith that He will give you the right words and arm you with His strength to accomplish His work. The time is now – while we still can.

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A MAN OF GOD

Posted on October 22, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Originally posted 2/21/17

We all remember the Bible stories about David and his rise to power. As a young teenager, he killed the great giant, Goliath, with a single stone and slingshot. He had many occasions to take the life of King Saul, but knew that wasn’t what God had in His plan – so he resisted. He came to power, danced in the streets of Jerusalem, lusted after the wife of one of his trusted soldiers, committed adultery, and still he was a man after God’s own heart.

What exactly does it mean to be attached to such a label? Does it mean that God loved David more than others? Does it mean he was above transgression because of that love? I believe that to be a man after God’s own heart, indicates David’s need for God in his life. It was something of utmost importance to him.

This singer of beautifully crafted psalms, who could soothe the troubled soul, was also a ferocious warrior who fought valiantly for his country and got right in the trenches with his men, even when he became king.

David was a human being – not some marble icon created by Michelangelo. He had the same faults as any other man. He was a sinner, like all of us. He was confronted by God, through His prophet, and repented. He suffered the loss of his first born – yes, God forgave David, but there were consequences to his actions.

As we look back at our lives and think of how we will be remembered by others – one of the first thing we hope for is acceptance by our peers. We also think of family members and those we love and how they will be taken care of when we’re no longer there.

David was about 70 when he died. He spent almost a year, hanging on to life, probably losing some of his memory as we do when we age. He had to be reminded of his promise to have his son, Solomon, follow him as king. His last memories undoubtedly included many of the same thoughts we experience when we die, but his final wishes for the continuance of God’s kingdom didn’t die with him. He was in constant pursuit of that relationship with his heavenly Father.

God had a plan for David’s life – just as He does for us. We can be confident, just as David was, that our lives won’t end at death. This is just the beginning of a new page in the adventure of those who are after God’s own heart..

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