THE APPLE DOESN’T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE

Posted on November 7, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Yesterday morning was filled with a time of waiting while listening to reverberations of Claire de Lune as I was placed on hold.  This seems to be the story of my life lately as I try to rearrange my schedule to fit that of my doctor.  It took most of the morning to get through at least fifty renditions of Claire de Lune.

The afternoon was even more exciting.  My husband went to the tire store to get new tires before all the heavy snow sets in.  I was off on my own travels to the local Walmart to pick up a container of Biofreeze, which we seem to be going through by the case lately.  I also picked up some ice melt since winter is on its way and we must be prepared.  I never realized how much ice melt weighed before.  Anyway, our paths went different ways, but we weren’t more than a couple blocks apart.

As I got out of my car and sucked in a deep breath of 20 degree wind, I felt I was missing something, but I continued on my quest.  Once in the store I tried to remember if there was anything else I needed so I wouldn’t have to go outside again.  I made quick work of it, but as I returned to my car and reached in my purse for my keys and checked all my pockets, I realized exactly what I had missed when I left the car.  My keys were laying on the passenger seat in view of the entire world.  I made my way back to the store, laden with my Biofreeze and ice melt.  Fortunately I had my phone so I called hubby for assistance.

His car had just gone into the bay to have new tires put on, aligned, balanced and all the things they do to new tires.  He would not be able to get to me for another hour and a half.  There was another key, which opens the car door at home.  I had no key for my house.  He said to call our daughter.  I did, but wasn’t able to reach her so I left a message.

In this time of emptiness, I had no knowledge that she was experiencing her own comedy.  She and her husband had taken the week off and were loading some bricks into their trailer.  It was a great deal – only $50 for at least $300 worth of bricks. Unfortunately the load was too heavy for the tires  and one blew out.  So she was standing outside as he changed the tire.  Their daughter needed to be to work at 4, but they were close enough that she could walk.

When she returned my call, we had a good laugh about it.  It seems the apple doesn’t fall far from this tree.  I sometimes feel like I’m living in an episode of “I Love Lucy.”  It wasn’t long before she pulled up and rescued me.  She got the keys to our house from Paul, drove me home and back to my car so I could drive myself home.

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WHAT A TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE

Posted on November 7, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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The familiar phrase, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to decieve,” is often attributed to William Shakespeare.  The author and composer of so many flowery words, with a beautifully rhythmic pace, in fact did not pen those words.  I personally believe many of the words attributed to the prolific playwright were stolen from the Bible, but that’s just my opinion.

The truth is this nugget written to be spoken in an epic poem, but not one conceived by Willie.  The author was Sir Walter Scott – the work, “Marmion.” The poem is referring to a love triangle and the way things get so muddled when we lie ourselves out of them.

Isn’t it interesting that one poet would be given the glory for the line of another poet – a lie in fact?  Things get distorted over time and eventually become truth if spread far enough.  I guess it’s kind of like manure.  A lie starts out small, but in time the spreading of it can grow into a giant field of untruths.

Well, maybe that’s not the right analogy, but we are in this kind of situation today.  Three years ago a man was elected president.  The opposing side couldn’t fathom how a bumbling idiot  could possibly have won.  They set up a plan, right from the start, called the Resistance.  This plan was hell bent on impeaching the newly elected president and hasn’t given up since. Some might say they have every right to unseat this man.  He isn’t a politician, but a businessman.  He uses foul language, social media, has a checkered past and has been called a buffoon, a clown, a joke and the devil himself.

He’s been the brunt of every late night talk show.  He’s been mocked, laughed at and set up as a puppet president, rather than one who cares about America.  However, something happened once he took the oath of office.  A lot of things happened in fact.  The economy has never been better.  The job market has increased.  We are again seen by the world as a force to be reckoned with.  This president has spent more time negotiating with foreign countries than I can recall any other president doing.  He doesn’t accept a paycheck for the hours he spends each day at his job.   He can’t possibly sleep much, because of his busy schedule.

When the smoke clears and the truth is revealed, we’re going to see a lot of heads rolling.  Corruption and lies have been the cornerstone of our government for many years.  It’s time to untangle the web.

 

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HISTORY REPEATING/LEARNING FROM THE PAST

Posted on November 6, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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On this day, November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected president by a landslide, electoral vote. He was not the popular vote winner.  He went on to lead our country at a time when living was slower, easier and we had a congress which hasn’t changed much over the many years since.

Being a rather lanky, unusual looking fellow – wearing a stovepipe hat which added another foot to his height – he was a bit comical to the average man.  However his timely stories hit a nerve with the people.  They could relate to Lincoln’s desire to save the nation from the Civil War.  This young man, with little political experience, seemed the perfect, untarnished, politician fit for the job.

At the same time, another man was gaining material for his future writings, by spending time in Missouri, on the river which would provide fodder for those adventurous tales.  He also was a man who related well to the populace.  He had a keen sense of humor and had plenty to say about our government and especially the congress.  Many of his most popular quotes refer to that.

Here are a few:

  • “That’s the difference between governments and individuals. Governments don’t care, individuals do.”
  • “Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason.”
  • “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.”
  • “Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress; but I repeat myself.”

Abraham Lincoln could also turn a phrase.  Here are some of his gems:

  • “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.
  • “Ballots are the rightful and peaceful successors to bullets.
  • “Don’t interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties
  • .”No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar

The words of these men bore similar threads.  They both lived in a time of a much simpler way.  We don’t always think of the treacherous, ominous cloud that hung over our country then. Soon after Lincoln’s inauguration, the Civil War broke out and lasted through most of his time in office.  This fellow who loved America and felt responsible for her.  He knew that blood would be shed over a way of life that had up until then consumed America – slavery.

Twain had his opinions, but he held our government responsible for inactivity and not doing their jobs.  In Lincoln’s time, men would be fired for their lack of getting things done.  Instead of holding our elected officials accountable for their laziness, we allow this to continue more than 150 years later.  We seem to lack the intelligence to know how to deal with this issue.  When employees are not doing what they were elected to do, or are not administering their oath of office, it’s time to send out a lot of pink slips.  No employer would stand still for what continues to be the soup du jour of government.

Here’s a quote I’d like to leave you with today.  It comes from a book which has been a  best seller for centuries and will go on for years to come:

  • “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”  Jesus, Christ

God instituted government. He gave us a handbook by which we can lead our lives.  He will always deliver those who trust in Him.  We must remain vigilant as more and more corruption rears its ugly head, yet we should even pray for those who might cause harm to our country – within our borders or outside of them.  We cannot allow our basic tenets to be squashed, nor stand silent as our Constitution is dismembered. These beliefs and have endured for over 200 years and are still pertinent to what is going on right now.

 

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MORE GOOD NEWS

Posted on November 5, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Who would think that two little stones in the kidney could cause so much trouble?  One Cat Scan revealed the little buggers a few weeks ago.  Prior to that I was nursing a knee that had been Cat Scanned also.  My knees proved to be better than the average 77 year old, but I was given a shot of cortisone to relieve the pain. which it didn’t.  In the meantime, I took a tumble on the stage I was managing and fell on my knees.  You’d think I spent a lot of time on those joints.  Come to think of it, I do.

The show went much better, but I was covered with bruises on both of my legs, along with two little stones which were now rolling around and causing severe pain.  A visit to the urologist determined they had to be blasted.  So surgery was scheduled.

In the pre-op exam, my amazing doctor was reminded of another Cat Scan two years ago, which indicated some nodules on my lungs that we were going to rechecked after a year, but forgot to do.  So another Cat Scan on my lungs happened last week, Friday.  By end of the day, the report had been submitted and I got the good news that everything was normal. There was no growth or change in the nodules, so I am good to go for my procedure next week.

I am one of those people who cannot tolerate contrast dye, thus the Cat Scans.  Can you imagine how many cats it takes to scan a body so many times?  I can attest to the fact that there are a lot of them.  Maybe even more than hang out in our neighborhood.  Come to think of it, I could probably conduct my own Cat Scans

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CREATOR OF ALL

Posted on November 5, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Genesis 3:21 “So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”

Man has tried to replicate the complexity of God’s creation for centuries. They say we are a result of a big bang and yet each cell, each ligament and tendon, each nerve, muscle and drop of blood is so intricately crafted by One with knowledge way beyond our comprehension. Each day scientists marvel at the defining characteristics of our DNA, our fingerprints – each one unique but all having a basic connection. God continues to know what He’s doing and He always will. It is good.

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GETTING THE BUGS OUT

Posted on November 4, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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For all my 77 years of living, I’ve been under the misconception that Daylight Savings Times was suggested by one of our founding fathers.  Ben Franklin actually made a suggestion similar to this when he was living in Paris, but never thought it would fly in the United States of America.

Actually, an entyomologyst from the nineteenth century, named George Vernon Hudson presented the idea to the Royal Society of New Zealand.  At first he was the laughing stock of New Zealand, but eventually his idea caught on.  George spent most of his days at his job with the Wellington Post Office.  However, what he most loved, was collecting bugs.   His suggestion to spring forward in the spring, would allow him more sunlight to pursue his hobby.  It also was helpful to those who wished to get more time to get their crops in or do other chores that required daylight.  Way to go George!  He did have one of the largest collections of insects, so I guess his idea worked out good – for him.

I, for one, have great difficulty with changing the clocks in the spring and fall.  The months seem to be stretching further apart, and eventually the change may eventually even things out some day.  Still in the meantime, we go through this ritual twice a year.  Fortunately computers and cell phones change automatically, but what about the wind up kitchen clock that requires a step ladder to reach?  What about the clocks in our cars – on the refrigerator, microwave and stove?  You need to be a mechanical engineer to change them.

What about all the cows that are used to being milked at 5 AM, having to wait an extra hour because we want to sleep a little longer?  What about the pets?  They have their feeding schedule disrupted twice a year.  When ever man gets in the way of God’s natural order of things, we’re faced with a whole new set of problems.

I used to spend time trying to figure out what happens to that extra hour.  Where does it go?  Maybe they could use it in congress to start another rant against Trump.  It must be his fault, after all.  Maybe the congress might accomplish something with an hour, but I digress.

Now the time changes in November. I recall when it was mid September.  It changes again in March, when it used to be in May sometime.  Like most things that serve no logical purpose anymore, I suggest we get rid of it entirely, but of course that would take an act of congress and we know how that would end up.

So for the next six months of Minnesota darkness, we will maybe see the sun for a couple hours a day until March when it really doesn’t matter anymore.

 

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SATURDAY PRAYER

Posted on November 2, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Every day of the week is important.  When we think about how long it took God to create the world, the universe, the seas and air and all things within them, it is not only unbelievable, but astonishing.  Our Creator thought of every detail from the beauty of birth to the expanses of land which would provide for that same life.  As we end our week of hard work, problems, health concerns, loss, depression and sometimes hopelessness, let’s take time to talk to Him and thank Him for all the blessings he has bestowed on us as well.  All things – good and bad – have been blessed and used for His purpose, to strengthen and prepare us for coming days.

Dear, God, this has been quite a week.  I’ve had news of friends facing life changing events.  I’ve been concerned about my own health, but I know that everything is in your hands and you hold me with your presence.  I’ve also received news which fills my heart with joy.  No matter if its seriousness or happiness, you are in control of all of it.  I, therefore give thanks to you in all things. Continue to shine your light on us and give us the knowledge that, because of you, we will inherit the perfection of eternal life.  Great is your name, Jehovah.  All my praise, thanksgiving and honor don’t even come close to the power of your majesty.  Bless the rest of my week, the rest of may days and my future with you.  Amen!

 

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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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